Tumgik
#also like to think that a journalism department would just ADORE him
timingmatters · 11 months
Note
i mean this has been rehashed repeatedly at the time the episode aired, but the issue with taylor and the jonah story specifically is that she said details in that news report that she ONLY knew because chim and hen had told her in a conversation that she said was off the record. her reporting on the story generally is not the problem, her using those details is.
i'm not arguing with you that buck didn't treat her crappy, he did. they were both just terrible for each other i think. i'm just arguing this specific incident which was a breach of trust on her part.
(I went off lmao sorry its so long)
They never showed those details though. What we saw on the episode was that right as the accident was happening they got the picture of Jonah and his name identified ready to go (and it is because of chim and hen) but never further details. And Buck caught her investigating further from what chim and hen gave and only said she couldn’t run the story before catching him because it would help him run and that Bobby was taking care of it. So she promised not to because of that risk. And she kept that promise. She waited.
All Hen and Chim gave her apart from the overall suspicion of what he was doing was the Claudette incident details (because they used her footage to investigate). And it is never mentioned those details are out on the screen. The report was simply what he was being accused of, which would have been out there regardless. It was no small incident. Had Taylor not been with Buck chances are she still would have found out about it and covered like at most 12 hours after the incident. All she did was be there faster than other reporters, which gave her the advantage of not having to wait for the fire department to have time to come up with a “cured statement” for release. Which i think that’s fair. Journalism is not about releasing cured statements of companies. Which like thats such a sus wording regardless like “cured” means pretty much hiding truths and being vague. And those were Bobby’s words (him saying the chief was probably just mad they didn’t have time to come up with a cured release statement).
I absolutely adore Buck. I even loved him in s1 (a lot of people seem not to and idk why? Loved him since the pilot). But I genuinely can’t blame taylor for anything. Their relationship fell because of him. I disagree that both were crappy to each other. He wanted something from her that he wasn’t willing to give back. He wanted a partner that understands his job and passion for it and him entirely without expecting any compromise there, yet he expected to have a say on which stories Taylor could release and when, which is not his place tbh. Even then, Taylor agreed to wait until he was caught. Just that Buck had told Taylor it was dangerous to run the story if Jonah wasn’t caught, but what he really meant was that he didn’t want the story to be covered at all (because it reflected badly on a company he works for). The state is gonna fuck up, and it is journalists and people with Taylor’s job who have the duty to cover that on tv and let people know. And both us the audience AND Buck know Taylor doesn’t come from a place of wanting fame or an ego. We got to see her past and how much she values people uncovering the truth and having as much available information as they can due to her traumatic family past. And while I understand Buck realizing their conflict of interests makes their relationship impossible, i just feel like is unfair he made her sound villainous or selfish for doing it. Because it wasn’t.
Taylor forgave him cheating, basically trapping her in the apartment because of his abandonment issues (which she explicitly worded like that and then he didn’t disagree to that sentiment) and then being lied to about the girl involved. Also having used her with the Veronica thing when she was needing a friend. Taylor forgave him multiple times for him treating her genuinely bad. And the one time she didn’t even treat him badly, just went against his wishes (which again, not really because he had said while jonah was loose and she covered the story when he got caught) he says he absolutely can’t deal with her. Even when Taylor said she was willing to change and set up new boundaries (which to me she didn’t have to at all).
It just feels unfair that rather than saying they weren’t compatible it felt like Buck just blamed her. And that majority of fans of the show agree with that?? I love buddie, but I constantly see buddie edits where people treat Taylor as if she had betrayed him and purposely seeked to hurt the 118 to benefit herself when all she was doing was her job. She waited like buck wanted her to (she was gonna run the story BEFORE he had been caught and didn’t because of buck).
Just feels like the 911 fans feel a little too comfortable on hating certain female characters and excuse it by saying they like buddie. I love buddie, and want it to be canon too. But that’s no excuse to hate on certain female characters???? (Like shannon).
And i get not liking certain characters. I dont like lucy, but the online treatment is annoying. Like me as a person just starting to watch the show i read the spoilers and I genuinely thought taylor was an egocentric bitch because thats how they made her sound. I started the show and disliked her the minute she was on screen because of what i had heard of her character. I knew she would eventually cover a story of the 118 and hurt them before i started the show. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop, and eventually realized her character wasn’t bad at all.
Love Buck a lot, but the relationship didn’t end because they were crappy with each other, Taylor was just too good for him lmao
1 note · View note
elxy-x · 1 year
Text
life updates, feelings, thoughts, and growing pains.  Chapter 1
hey there. It's really been a time for me and my spiritual growth. I don’t where this path is leading me in life sometimes and it scares the shit out of me. I’ve lost a lot of people that I always thought were going to be in my life, yet here I am still going. The only constants in my life have been God, my parents and my family. But then again, I guess that’s all I ever really needed. I’m really learning how to be whole by myself. Ironic because I am dating someone named: Austin Taylor Gabriel. The name has a good ring to it. I can for sure say that from what I have seen so far I like his mentality on things and he adds to my happiness, which I absolutely adore. I still live in a lot of regrets and the guilt sometimes eats me alive a little. This is the consequence of my actions, the best I can do is learn and change for the better. I’ve been having a hard yet, easy time adjusting. I know really know that we never really get to keep anyone in our lives. If we are lucky-- we get to “keep them” at least until they pass away. Some people-- a lot of people really just come and go to teach us lessons, to brighten our days, and make a gloomy day seem like we still have a fighting chance at the perplexing thing called life. Some people grow to be your best friends and stay for life. I am learning to let go with grace, no resentment...it’s ok. Really, it is guys. I realized this is was the most whole I have ever been in my life when 2 of my best friends departed from me. The crazy part is that I was still happy deep down inside when these series of unfortunate events occurred. I can’t sit there and be upset about anything because I see people die every day at work and life is way too precious. I would be doing Mr. Rodgers an injustice or other patients that I work with. I think to myself: “if they can still smile and they are bed bound-- essentially. chained to a bed, then who the hell am I to not live my life to the fullest? I have to live my life happily and to the fullest, for God, me, and lastly to the people that can’t anymore. I am still fighting my demons every day, but it’s going really well. I am 37 days sober and I don’t really miss the alcohol which is weird. 
Chapters 1 and 1/2 
I have met a wonderful human being at a very strange time in my life. Right when I was done with relationships and trying to make things work. He goes by the name of Austin Taylor Gabriel. He is absolutely incredible. He is very caring, humble, funny, super goofy, and is always willing to try new things for me. “Hell was the journey, but it bought me heaven.”  Come to think of it now, if I would have met Austin any sooner I don’t think I would have cherished the connection as much as I do know. I went through so much shit and trials and tribulations and was about to just give up on the idea of finding someone that it made me appreciate finding someone like him. He’s very different for sure. Last weekend it was spent together with him, I danced with him in his living room ( country dancing to be exact). It was magical like I had met him before already. He’s the best buddy that I never had in a significant other. We both feel the same way. he asked me out at his house on March 2nd around 11pm or midnight. Shortly after....well you know how it goes. We had sex to Taylor Swift in the background, her folklore album to be exact. And let me tell you. That. Shit.Was. Magical. Everything about it. Also, this is the 3rd time I’ve had sex with Taylor Swift on in the background. Its my guilty pleasure. Things are easy with Austin, super easy. We think a lot alike and respect each other much. The first flower that he bought me were sunflowers, although they were rather dead lol, and he bought me journals and beautiful pens so that we could get to know each other.   He’s very supportive, is always excited to see me, and has beautiful blue, green, gray, teal colored eyes that are my favorite to look at while he is “smitten” looking at me. Austin may have just “came at the right time in life and I am very lucky” per my therapist, but honestly. I want to figure things out for me now. I want to make me happy and be there for my first. For the first time in my life, I am putting me first, learning to say no for my mental health and I'm not afraid to do so. I’ve taken so pictures with Austin at the Photo Booth where I used to all the time, I've decided that its time to make some new memories. Austin is very attentive, gives me my space, is very understanding, and is very attracted to me, haha. I met this man right after I ended things with Josh Beckham, and guys let me tell you this was a blessing in disguise. I haven’t met the new me yet, but I'm sure she would be proud of all the choices and the decisions that I have made. I was getting the bare minimum with Josh and didn’t see it becuase I was told I was being “unreasonable” too “overwhelming” and “too much”, but it was the other way around really. My last words to him were: “Please do not contact me unless you want to make things work. I want to find my husband.” I  And that’s  what I did. I focused on my own short comings, as I still am and here I am. I trust God with all my heart and I don’t know why he’s doing what yet, but I know it will all make sense later for sure. He has never let me down. I find peace now in just being alone....maybe thats why my parents just like being alone...it’s just easier. Spending time alone is one of my favorite things to as of now.  I have picked up new hobbies: running, photography, tennis and biking all coming here soon this summer! Austin will be my new jogging buddy. Cheers to new chapters. 
0 notes
Text
Tales of Ealden Cynedom: 37. The Second Chance (2/5)
37. The Second Chance (chapter 2 - I’ve Seen This Before 2/5 ) part 8. Stories of Dreams.none
In the mourning, Merriam awoke to music. Tinny, irregular reception, coming from the radio next to her. The room was painted brown, with many black art posters, and magazines of immodest woman on the dresser. More pressingly, there was music. Merriam shook that radio, banged it, and hurled it across the room. But the beast still screamed canary.
“Are you ok Merriam?” Jupiter said from the door.
“This petulant metal animal, will not stop wailing like a bard in a brothel with an untuned lute.” Merriam snapped. Jupiter walked over, and flicked the switch off.
“It’s a radio. You must still be out of it,” She sighed. “We keep Reggie’s alarm going. It makes it feel like she’s still here, and not in a literal volcano. I know she’s a mage, but I’m still worried as her mother.” Jupiter said, placing the radio back by the bed.
“I see. My daughter ran off at the age of twelve, to marry the Raven King. I’ve accepted it, and rejoiced in her immortality; But I still worry.” Merriam yawned. Jupiter, not having a single clue who Merriam actually was, shrugged in comradery.
“Daughters am I right?” Jupiter said, before seeing Merriam’s face go red.
“Odette is in so much trouble! She flew off for her father before we could talk! Wait. Oh no. She went back for Fredrick… My girl’s might rip apart time; Or herself!” Meriam catastrophized. Jupiter, having aided a Raven Prince Griminthrope, also knew Odette. She suspected it was her, when Merriam mentioned ‘lost princess.’ It gave Jupiter shivers. She saw the resemblance in Merriam’s face, and concluded her guest was being honest. Jupiter handed Meriam a white sweater dress, the knit socks, and modern underwear. Merriam put them on, and grumbled her way to the kitchen table.
Jupiter pulled the phone from the hall to the table, to call her nephew. As a Seer of history, Morgan might be able to confirm Merriam’s identity. If he did that, Merriam could get paperwork, to live anew, from the magic incidents department. Jupiter listend, while Morgan said there were few records of anyone named Merriam Craweleoth: Some in mage journals. As for the Queen during the warring period, Morgan read some on the royal ranch he was born and raised on, and the palace; That had been turned into a museum. He seemed unsure if the mage Merriam Crweleoth, and Odette’s mother, were the same person. Mundane records talked of her formally, while mage records used her full name; But some events lined up. Jupiter listened to Morgan talk in depth about it for twenty-minutes. Then he asked why she was asking. Jupiter looked Merriam up and down.
“We have a guest who says she is both those people. If I hadn’t adopted you, I’d say she was off-kilter.” Jupiter said. She then hung up.
“Master Craweleoth, I believe you may want to go to royal ranch, Saxon & Kendal, on the mainland. If not for proof of your claims, then to rest and access your situation. If Morgan is right, it might be your best bet. I don’t think he has all the records needed to vouch for you at the Magic Administration.” Jupiter recommended.
“Wait, Saxon & Kendal is still standing? There are heirs of my nephew still around? And a Seer of History happens to be one? By all odds, Merry!” Nihten chirped, nuzzling into Merriam’s sweater.
“Oh just wait. Next, I’ll find out he’s the one who reminded my daughter to resurrect me, with his familiar adorable smile? The same one Eathel and Fredrick would use on me.” Merriam mumbled, petting Nihten.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Morgan. It’s a headache having to foster him; That boy is involved in half the drama in Pepperidge. I just want a mundane life, but fell in love with an oaf in a magic forest.” Jupiter sighed, pouring Merriam coffee. “Also, regarding your girl; It sounds to me like you need an apology, not justice. Is making up for the time you lost together, best spent keeping grudges?” She continued. Nihten nodded from Merriam’s shoulder.
“Both are fair. I spent my whole life radically accepting what happened to me. I rested in piece. Now I have to do it all over again!”
“Precisely. Personally, I wish I had more second shots.”
A few days later, and Merriam was wearing her Fairy-Robes. She was once again clad in black crushed velvet and feathers. The Black ruff of plumage, about the neck, made her look like a Raven. She was wearing rouge and kohl again, and feeling more like herself. Merriam jiggled her leg, as she sat on the fiery across the isle; Deeply missing her knights. She hadn’t realized how her companions helped her mind, as much as they filled her heart. They hated boats, and it was kind of funny each time they crossed the isle. Merriam fell deeper into insecurity. On the ride, everyone around her assumed she was a regular Seer; But Merriam still feared they knew she was a mage. Feared history repeating itself, in spite of control over the clock.
Merriam then took a shuttle to the ranch. Once there, everyone assumed she was a tourist, and laughed when she asked to speak with the current King. As she walked along, Merriam saw five knights, dressed in traditional uniforms; The five of them colour coded as her knights once were.
“Hello, how can I help you? We don’t have programs today.” A tall blond man with sage eyes asked. He looked nearly like her husband. Meriam froze.
“Wait, we didn’t call for a wizard…” He continued, examining Meriam. “You know, this might sound odd, but I feel like I’ve seen you before.”
“I’m Merriam Craweleoth; I’ve come seeking... Anything regarding the Queen of Anglia during the warring period?” Merriam responded slowly, scanning her surroundings. The ranch looked as she left it before her death; From the black well, people’s attire, and the paint on the cabins. The man patted her shoulder.
“Odysseus Cynedom. I’ve never actually been addressed as King before. Bloodline titles are a little pretentious in the modern day. As for records on queens, maybe our study cabin has something of interest? Though they’re mostly replicas of the museum’s collection.” Odysseus continued. But the peach haired maiden before him, continued to look around listlessly.
“What interests you? There’s a lot of traditional stuff going on, so I always ask guests.”
“Those five colourful knights; They look my travel companions when I was Queen.”
“There’s a traditional knight’s school up at North Pointe; Top graduates are sent here as a: royal guards.” Odysseus giggled. “We hold re-enactments of me titling the top five. They’re named after plants, and I have to dress up like King Eatheltwein. Wait, Queen?”
Merriam burst forward: “My nephew! Wait, would you have documents if I said I was Aunt Merry? That’s what he called me.” Merriam chimed. Not only did she find some fine knights, but got to hear about Eatheltwein. Jupiter had the right idea. But Odysseus’s face went grey, as if he was about to feint.
“Ah. That Queen… Let me guess? Magery was a factor? What is it with wielders of time magic? Odette restored the entire ranch when I had a breakdown. For practice. Now she’s using her Beast Queen enchantments to resurrect her lost loved ones? This is why I give people hoarse therapy, and toss goats; Magery isn’t dangerous, it’s absurd. But to double check it’s really you, follow me; I think I know where I saw you.” Odysseus smiled.
Merriam followed him to the teal ‘prince’s’ cabin. He had prepared it in case Morgan, or guests, needed it. In the kitchen, upon the far wall, was a gauzy painting of Merriam and her husband dancing. She wore no makeup, and Nihten was on her head. She was wearing her favourite blue dress, and Francian pearls. Her husband’s sage tunic, was embroidered with roses and strawberries. The background was dim, and they were lit ethereally. At the bottom, it was signed by Merriam’s niece-in-law; She loved to paint. Meriam felt a little cold and empty. Now such whimsy, as that portrayed before her, felt unattainable.
“That’s it. The only thing that has your picture on it.” Odysseus gestured. Merriam stared at the perfect image of her One True Love. Captivating by the feeling of a waking dream.
“Just kidding, I have a few diaries from King Fredrick, Eatheltwein, and some other letters mentioning you by title such as: My love, The Queen, and Aunty. No hint of magery, nor a ‘Merriam Craweleoth’, however. Honestly, I wouldn’t have believe you if Odette hadn’t fixed this place.” He chuckled leaving Merriam in the room. She silently sat, enchanted by the painting. Merriam had no words; Just a subtle sadness and longing. She remembered that night well. It was before they went to Doi Veng in the Eastlands, and she accepted her trauma and gratitude. Fredrick crossed the Shadow Veil, going dark while in old age, just to go with her on a quest. He knew how much she loved adventure. That memory gave Merriam so much comfort in her later years. Now she was unsure if it filled her with joy, longing, or furry.
Meriam, got up and took warmth in seeing what had, and hadn’t, changed here. The sinks ran clean water, Eatheltwein’s ancestors adored magic, and there were still goats, ducks, pears, and knights. She felt like she was on a quest again; albeit a lonelier one. The sort where she didn’t know what the destination was. Merriam loved those ones; They contained novel experiences. Then Merriam felt sad, knowing that Eatheltwein and her knights were long gone. That her husband, who died before her, left her unable to ever love again. Merriam was trapped in a younger body, with nothing to her name. lost, she looked down at the worn floors. Only alerted by a tap on the window.
NEXT--->
<---PREVIOUS
0 notes
fallinel · 3 years
Text
I actually love the idea of Riz doing an investigative journalism track in college just because you know he'd pull some shit like idly noticing a financial discrepancy in published university budgets that snowballs into getting the dean arrested for embezzlement not even halfway into his freshman year
636 notes · View notes
mcyt-imagines · 3 years
Note
hi hi ! first off, just a tip if you'd like more requests/asks in general you should prob turn on anon since this is like the only time i've sent a non-anon ask. but anyways, i'm assuming requests are open and i'd like to ask if you would write either just ranboo fluff in general or something like the tommy confession headcanons but w ranboo :D what you've posted so far is great <3
Thank you so much for letting me know! I thought I had anon turned on already, but it’s 100% turned on now! Regarding your request I got a little carried away and wrote both some general fluff and some confession headcanons for Ranboo so this post is a little long... Hope you enjoy! :D
(It’s important to note that these headcanons are a combination of ones pertaining to his Minecraft character in the dsmp and him outside of the dsmp roleplay!)
General Ranboo Fluff
- Dreamsmp Ranboo -
The first time Ranboo cries in front of you is when you confess to him and he is so happy and relieved that you reciprocate his feelings. He even smiles through the pain of his tears as you panic to cover the skin beneath his eyes, so your hands catch his tears to stop the pain.
Ranboo likes to ask if you need any resources from time to time and once you finally give in and answer, he spends the rest of his day trying to collect as much of it as he can. This has led to a few incidents in which you came back to your shared indent in the snowy mountain to find a chest stacked full with polished stone and countless ores. You’ve scolded him but the way he responds with big puppy dog eyes wishing to “just be helpful.” Sets the butterflies caged in your chest free every damn time.
Ranboo in addition to asking you for want you want he is also very observant in noticing what you need. Any tools close to breaking? Brilliant, he’s already got three more of the same tools ready for you to grab when you need it. He also names them using the anvil to some silly super cheesy pet names.
One of his favourite things to do with you is stargaze. You both travel to the top of your snowy mountain and clear out a space free of snow to lie down and simply hold each other. Ranboo has started asking Techno (on the nights you are away) to point out the stars and tell him their corresponding stories. He happily relays all of this information to you in exaggerated detail, looking at you in awe as your expressions change with the twinkling lights above.
Ranboo almost always carries a little umbrella around with him in case it begins to rain. Most of his friends notice and all start to buy him some. He now has a full collection that line his wall just next to the door. It’s those small things that allows him to remember who his real friends are.
Ranboo LOVES having his hair played with. He will fall asleep within minutes of you beginning to tousle his hair as he rests his head in your lap. He may make soft enderman noises, but you don’t dare tell him. Content on keeping that little secret to yourself.
Ranboo has to be kinda careful around snow considering that if it melts it will hurt him. Meaning he has to sit out on any snowball fights that occur. And they occur more frequently than you would think. It usually starts with Phil throwing a rogue snowball at Techno when Phil notices him slumping his shoulders. Which means it doesn’t take long until it’s a full-blown war. You usually find yourself smack bang in the middle of it and have to dive down to avoid getting pummelled in the crossfire. Ranboo will call you over to hide behind Techno’s house. As the onslaught continues between the two. you giggle and commentate over the fierce battle together.
- Outside of Dreamsmp Ranboo - 
Ranboo enjoys watching you whenever you are focused on something. He’s incredibly observant and finds himself mimicking the small little nuances he sees you exhibit. He gets incredibly flustered whenever you notice that he’s picked up on them, but he doesn’t bother to deny it.
Ranboo finds himself staring at you a lot. He doesn’t mean to but he can’t help it. You catch him frequently, “Watching me real closely, hm?” He tries to stutter out an answer to defend himself, but you just smile and tell him it’s okay.
Ranboo finds a lot of comfort in doing ‘domestic’ activities with you. However, one of his personal favourites is when the two of you go out to get groceries together. His mum will give him a small list and he’ll try his best to dawdle around the store whilst swinging your intertwined hands to make the visit as long as possible. It makes him think of a future in which the two of you get to do this every single week and that alone warms his heart.
Ranboo always has to be near you, he doesn’t have to be physically touching you but he prefers to just be stupidly close to you. It always makes you laugh when he sits just close enough to you that you don’t touch, so now he has to do it forever.
Your laugh is one of his favourite sounds. To the point that if you giggle or laugh at something, he will just keep doing it over and over again for as long as you keep laughing at it. Which eventually leads to the both of you red-faced and gasping for air.
Ranboo is a terrible cook. But he tries so hard to follow recipes and they always flop. He also for some reason, cannot attempt cooking without making an utter mess of himself. Whether it’s spilling flour all over himself, getting egg yolk splatter somehow in his hair or just spilling copious amounts of milk on the floor so that he slips. This boy is a walking, talking kitchen DISASTER. So now he can only cook with you supervising him. Which turns out, wasn’t as much of a punishment as it should have been. As your tutelage seems to have slightly improved his cooking skills. However, now you also get flour spilt all over you as well.
Ranboo Confession Headcanons
- Realising he likes you - 
Ranboo denies he has feelings for you at first. Believing that you’re just a good friend whose company he really enjoys. But the more he focuses on your friendship the quicker he realises he would prefer if you were more to him than that.
This thought alone sends him into a little bit of a spiral for a few days. Grappling with the thought of rejection and the guilt he would feel if he ever hurt you.
He spends most of the time grappling with his feelings he continues to try and act as normal as possible around you. You finding out would be his worst nightmare.
Ranboo realises he has absolutely no history in the dating department and desperately needs some guidance. He may ask Phil on a whim who would try his best to give the poor panicked boy some words of wisdom. Ranboo takes the advice to heart immediately, promising Phil he will update him on how his feelings for you turn out.
Ranboo finds himself writing about you in one of his many journals. He finds putting words on the page seems to help clear his mind. He tries to script his confession a few times. Desperately floundering to find the right words, but he always seems to fall short. He usually ends up scribbling all over those pages until you can barely tell someone had even written on them. Hoping to somehow erase the thoughts in the process.  
He even tries drawing you a few times when he finds himself with enough spare time. He doesn’t think they’re any good though. Sure, the sketches look like you, but they don’t make him feel the way you do. When he looks at the page his chest doesn’t tighten because of your beauty, but instead because of the way you’ve made him feel. Which he comes to the sad conclusion is something he simply cannot capture in his words or his drawings. He has to show it through his actions. Not exactly his strong suit. But he’s determined to do right by you. So, he devises a plan.
- Confessing to you - 
This boy plans the whole day down to a t, he has multiple back-up plans just in case his first one falls short.
Ranboo invites you over for lunch. Arriving at his place you notice how clean it is. He spent the last few days cleaning it top to bottom.
You spend a few minutes in the house chatting. You notice Ranboo is on edge almost immediately. Shoulders a pinch too tight, his smiles a little too wide and none of them reach his eyes.
You ask what you’re going to be having for lunch and he reveals a wicker basket from his kitchen. “A picnic!” Your heart warms, “I would’ve brought something if you’d told me beforehand.” He smiles at that, “Exactly. I even cooked without you, you should be proud.” 
He shuffles on his feet a little, wishing to be praised, “We’ll see how the food tastes first, maybe then I’ll tell you how proud I am.” You tease, moving to elbow him lightly. You notice the way his face flushes as you move into his space. His mother appears from upstairs, “Are you two leaving? I could drive you, y’know!” “No thanks mom!!” He is quick to grab your hand and practically drag you out of the house and away from his all knowing mom.
The bus ride is on the longer side and you find yourself feeling brave enough to scoot a little closer to Ranboo. “Hey, is it okay if I?” You gesture between your head and his shoulder, the cute, shocked expression he sends you causes you to grin. “Uh s-sure!” 
You softly press your head against his shoulder, “Thanks, pretty comfy shoulder you got here should’ve asked you to share it sooner.” You tease, nuzzling his shoulder lightly just for a reaction. And you get one alright, his skin goes such a lovely shade of red all the way up to the tips of his ears. You giggle softly, trying your best to hold it in and failing miserably.
You even manage to fall asleep despite your own heartbeat quickening at Ranboo’s closeness. You are tapped awake by him, “Hmm?” You rub one of your eyes knowingly appearing adorable and the way he looks at you makes it all worth it. “It’s our stop soon, we gotta get up.” 
You nod and lazily stand and he follows suit. Only for the bus to brake abruptly, promptly shoving you into his chest. He wraps his arms around you quickly to steady you whilst you desperately cling to the wicker basket, “You okay?” You both mumble to each other before laughing it off and nodding. “Oh crap.” Ranboo grabs your free hand and you both scramble to get to the front of the bus to hop off. Sparks fly up your arm at the extended contact, even as you jump off the bus.
Ranboo happily leads you to a spot he had picked out earlier in the month. A soft patch of grass below a large willow tree that now sways softly in the warm breeze. You set up your carefully packaged feast with haste now that your stomachs are grumbling.
Ranboo forcefully tries to make himself relax knowing you’ve probably noticed his tense state by now. But you choose not to push him on it, taking an educated guess on why he’s so stressed.
You are quick to compliment his cooking skills when he divvies out a freshly baked quiche.  Even though you know his mom for sure did most of the work. It’s the thought that counts. You hope that may snap him out of the stupor he seems to be in. However, no such luck.
“Hey Ranboo, do you want to talk about something?” Ranboo goes into full panic mode. He did not have a plan for you asking something like this. He thought you weren’t confrontational!! You watch as his expression changes rapidly. You look away, “You don’t have to tell me, it’s okay. I just thought you might want to-“ 
He takes one of your hands in his. Why is he doing this??? This isn’t part of the plan at all! “I…” His throat goes dry. All those hours obsessing over what he was going to say to you are sent out the window when he finally meets your eyes.
“I think I like you.” He hasn’t realised he’s even said it until its waaaaaay too late. Your eyes widen, you didn’t think he’d actually admit it to you. You squeeze his hand as you watch his eyes seem to lose focus, “I like you too.” He is silent for several long moments until he starts blinking rapidly, “Huh!?” The look of utter surprise on his face causes you to burst out laughing.
“Wait, wait, wait you’re serious?” He grabs your arm as a grin slowly starts to creep onto his face. “Sure am.” And as you meet his gaze you realise that his grin actually reached his eyes, for the first time in a long while. 
“So, you gonna kiss me now or what?” You tease as his face shines a dark red. “W-well I, uh-“ His stuttering only allows for you to sneak closer and press a firm kiss to his cheek. Somehow, he grows even redder and you sigh pleasantly. “My heart definitely made the right choice with you Ranboo.”
Meanwhile Ranboo is too busy freaking out over the fact that you weren’t even meant to find out he liked you until you were stargazing together later tonight. His plans are utterly ruined! But as you squeeze his hand again to bring his thoughts back into the present, he wonders that perhaps spontaneity isn’t such a bad thing sometimes.
~My ask box is always open if you’ve got any requests or just want to vent about the dreamsmp lore!~
487 notes · View notes
Text
My Favorite Fics 2020
Alrighty. I read a decent amount of fanfiction this year (mostly thanks to Wizards Hearts/Game of Drarry), and I’m here to list out some of my very favorites. Thank you to all of the creators out there who put so much time, effort, and energy into creating beautiful stories, and here’s to lots of reading in the new year 💜 also, this is in no particular order and all rec notes are from my personal fic tracker spreadsheet (if anyone wants details on how I set up my spreadsheet, etc. please feel free to send an ask!) 💕
1) Change on the Horizon by Static_abyss / @static-abyss [Explicit, 118.6k,]
When things settle down after the war, Harry has trouble figuring out who he’s supposed to be and what’s expected of him. At the same time, Draco finds himself having to decide between what his parents want and what he wants for himself. Together, Harry and Draco embark on a journey to figure out who they are as individuals and what that means for their future together.
A canon AU drarry fic based on the relationship between Mickey and Ian from Shameless.
Hands down one of the best fics I've ever read. Ana did the most amazing job at translating Micky and Ian's relationship to Harry and Draco, although it’s definitely not necessary to know Shameless in order to enjoy the story. The writing is stunning, and I loved every single bit of this
2) I’ll Play Your Game by JayseHasNoGrace [Mature, 52.2k]
After quitting the Auror department at the ripe old age of twenty two, Harry Potter finds a nice, uneventful job in an apothecary. At least, it's uneventful until his old rival Draco Malfoy comes into the shop.
They strike up an unlikely friendship, which evolves into an increasingly convoluted scheme, which then snowballs spectacularly out of control into a tangle of lies and blurred lines.
They'd agreed to a fake relationship — in Harry's case, to get the wizarding world to take him off his 'perfect saviour' pedestal, and in Draco's case, just to be given a chance in wizarding society at all — but neither of them expected just how difficult that might really turn out to be. Especially when the stakes grow ever higher, and they both start falling for each other. Just a little bit.
FAKE DATING!!! Ugh, this was so good. I love the media aspect of it, and the way that everything comes together is just brilliant. A must-read for anyone who loves fake dating!!
3) I Can be Your Lighthouse by orpheous87 / @orpheous87 [Teen, 4k]
When Harry gets called to investigate reports of Dark magic, the last thing he expects to find is an almost unconscious Draco Malfoy. After multiple instances, he resolves to find out what's going on.
inspired by the song The Lighthouse by The Used.
So, so sweet. I love Harry's determination to figure out what's going on. This is such a lovely fic, and I enjoyed every minute of it
4) Freedom to be by Quicksilvermaid / @quicksilvermaid [Explicit, 169.5k]
Harry Potter is the Boy Who Lived.
12 years after the war, he's become the Boy Who Lived For Everyone Else. He has the perfect wife. The perfect house. The perfect job. The perfect friends.
Only nothing feels perfect.
Until one day he stumbles across a club called Release and begins a journey of self-discovery that takes him to a very different place.
This left such an impact on me, and it’s a fic I think about often. I can't even begin to explain how incredible everything about this is.
5) Dear Diary by AWickedMemory (TeddyLaCroix) [Teen, 20.4k]
// This can’t possibly go worse than the last time I kept a diary. //
After the war, Harry picks up a journal to write in… and it writes back. Luckily, it’s not a Horcrux on the other end this time.
Absolutely amazing. The relationship that develops between Harry and Draco as they write to each other was so soft and wonderful, and I would easily read 100k of this!
6) Grounds for Divorce by Tepre [Explicit, 122.2k]
Malfoy finds a coin. Harry finds a letter.
A story about histories, a story about families. A story about a lemon tree somewhere in Upper Egypt.
I loved this. It was so angsty at times, but well worth it. An absolute classic that I’m so pleased to be able to say I’ve read.
7) Nero Su Bianco by Zuzallove [Explicit, 40.5k]
September 1997. Hogwarts is under the regime of Voldemort and the Carrows. Finding himself alienated by both his friends and his supposed enemies, Draco puts quill to parchment, and writes letters. He addresses them to the only person he can think of, as Hogwarts rapidly falls into chaos and ruin: Harry Potter. He goes to great lengths to ensure the letters are never discovered, and he’s pretty certain he’s done a great job.
Until the day of his trial.
The letters were so much fun to read, even though they were heartbreaking at times. I loved Draco’s characterization in this, as well as how his relationship develops with Harry.
8) Thunder by Keyflight790 [Explicit, 21.5k]
The storm will disappear; the rain will subside; but what's left in its wake will last forever. A story of love and loss, redemption and thunder
I really loved how well Draco's addiction was written. I'm not a huge fan of past relationships, but this was done in such a beautiful way. Plus, talking to dragons!!!
9) dirtynumbangelboy by magpie_fngrl [Explicit, 39.4k]
After Harry’s unfortunate encounter with his ex, Draco Malfoy makes him a proposition. Draco wants his parents to stop matchmaking him and Harry wants to make his ex jealous. All they need to do is simply pretend they’re in love. Problem is… Draco already is.
Amazing. This has absolutely sucked me into the world of fake dating. I could ramble about this forever, to be honest. Simply incredible, and I love how snarky their relationship was. It was the epitome of a good Drarry fic.
10) just tell me when it’s alright by M0stlyVoid / @bonesliketambourines [Explicit, 23k]
Harry’s been fighting tooth and nail for any bit of normalcy he can get his hands on. He’s sick of feeling like something’s wrong with him, tired of feeling different. He thinks he’s finally gotten to the root of it, and has settled into a routine that makes him happy. Naturally, that’s when Draco Malfoy walks back into his life and upends it once again. Has Harry bitten off more than he can chew with his former rival?
YES!! I genuinely loved Harry’s clinginess. This fic was absolutely amazing, and the secret dating was lovely. Plus, bi awakening!!
11) When Hippogriffs and Pygmy Puffs Collide by oldenuf2nb [Mature, 32.7k]
Harry Potter bakes cakes, brilliantly. Draco Malfoy inks tattoos, brilliantly. Owls deliver post, including messages from clients, with an occasional lack of brilliance.
I was really surprised at how much I loved this, especially since I’ve not really read many fics with odd jobs. I absolutely adored the fact that Harry was a baker and Draco was a tattoo artist, and the characterizations were absolute perfection
12) You Send Me (Honest You Do) by firethesound [Explicit, 37k]
As far as potion accidents go in general, and deaging incidents go in particular, Draco knew this could have been so much worse. Harry only lost about ten years, and all his memories are still intact. But the sight of him looking as if he’s stepped straight out of Draco’s Hogwarts memories has dredged up a whole mess of complicated feelings Draco thought he’d buried years ago, and Draco really doesn’t know what to do with any of it.
I absolutely adored this, and I thought the de-aging aspect was done is such a tasteful way. Such a good read.
13) Highly (in)Compatible by daisymondays [Teen, 36.8k]
Draco’s been shagging The Prat Who Lived on and off for a few months when his soul mark starts to change. Draco’s had to accept a lot of adjustments to his life, but accepting that Harry Potter could be his soulmate is one step too far. It can’t be true? Can it?
I LOVED THIS! Oh man, that ending!  Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant
14) Kiss the Joy (Until the Sun Rise) by ICMezzo [Mature, 37.8k]
The Room of Requirement was severely damaged in the war, but not so much that it could not provide for one lost student and another young hero—especially when they needed each other most of all.
An amazing, beautiful, tender fic! The ROR has given them the gift of each other, and I honestly love that it's just the two of them and no other characters. An incredible and soft read
15) December Never Felt So Wrong by MaesterChill / @maesterchill [Explicit, 50k]
'Twas the month before Christmas and sixteen year old Draco Malfoy had never felt worse. His attempts to kill Dumbledore were failing and, as usual, Harry Fucking Potter was a constant thorn in his side.
All that suddenly changed when Draco woke up 15 years in the future and discovered that not only was he allegedly shagging Harry Fucking Potter, he also had thinning hair and a five year old son, and no fucking clue how he got there.
Truly brilliant, and I was laughing from the start. The combination of the aging up, Harry’s off-tune singing to Muggle songs, and soft parenthood were all things I immediately fell in love with. Will be reading again and again
16) Catch Me If I Fall by keeli_marie [Explicit, 38.2k]
When Draco Malfoy collides with Harry Potter one morning while dropping the kids off at school, things don’t go quite the way either of them would have expected.
Another absolute gem, and I'm still reeling from how amazing it was. I'm always a bit hesitant with kid fics, but this is one of the best depictions of love between Harry and Draco that I've read. I love how supportive Astoria is. Such a lovely fic  
16) Love Found by Peachpety / @peachpety [Explicit, 7.5k]
During Harry’s sixth year, Draco Malfoy joins the Order as a double-agent and continues with his task to get the Death Eaters into the castle as assigned by Voldemort. Draco succeeds with his mission the evening Harry returns from the caves with Dumbledore. The boys reunite on the Astronomy Tower and, with the Death Eater’s arrival, are forced to engage in a fight, driving Harry to come to terms with his feelings about true friendship and romantic love.
SUCH a good rewrite of the astronomy tower scene. I can’t describe how much I love the pre-existing relationship, which is a trope I typically steer clear from. And the snark!!! Such a good fucking fic
17) Taro Milk Tea with a side of Depression by Veelawings / @veelawings [Mature, 1k]
Draco sat through twenty grievous minutes of Ministry-mandated group therapy for Newly Registered Magical Beings & Creatures — then promptly stormed out.
Okay, I loved this. The play format was so cool and fit the narration so well. Absolute perfection and SO. GOOD.
18) The Dragon At The Bottom Of The Garden by Zopno [Explicit, 52.3k]
At 25 Harry Potter's life was simple; he flew, sculpted, and had the vault in the back of his mind to keep all unpleasant business. It was stable, but when Draco Malfoy literally hit him with a giant rock; all that changed.
I loved the storyline, especially Animagus bird Harry!! This was such a unique take on an Animagus and post-war fic, and I loved reading it so much   
19) Exposure by GallaPlacidia [Mature, 26.9k]
When Seamus uncovers Draco Malfoy's camboy profile, he, Harry and Ron decide to anonymously book a private show so as to humiliate him later. Fascinated by Draco's confidence, Harry keeps booking private shows under the disguise...
Self prompt: Draco is a camboy. Harry betrays him.
I can't give this enough praise. The hurt of it all was so brilliant. A new favorite for sure
20) you've got the antidote for me by Kandakicksass [Mature, 20.7k]
When Harry Potter unintentionally severs their soulbond before it can fully form, Draco Malfoy resigns himself to a slow death and decides not to burden Harry with a soulmate he's made it very clear he doesn't want.
He's never been selfless before, but for Harry, he can try.
Fuck. Like...fuck. This was so sad and angsty and perfect in all the right ways. Watching everything unfold was so painful but so worth it. Another new favorite
21) A Room Up There (And You In It) by thestarryknight [Teen, 59.2k]
When Preservationist Draco Malfoy was assigned to work on Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, he was excited to delve into the gorgeous Black family antiques. His excitement quickly ended when something in the House decided it did not like his presence one bit. Featuring a grumpy antiques lover who most certainly did not sign up for this, encounters with a vengeful apparition, and a healthy application of Christmas spirit.
Absolutely fucking fantastic. This fic reads intimacy all over, despite there being no sex. I love preservationist Draco and the way in which information about Harry unfolds. I can’t say enough how much I loved this advent fic, and Starry did such a great job
And now for three fics that I have yet to read/need to emotionally prepare myself for:
1) Modern Love by Tackytiger / @tackytigerfic [Explicit, 61.2k]
Harry Potter, of all people, knows that life isn’t always fair. And no one gets to be happy all of the time. But surely there’s something more—something better—than a rubbish Ministry job, and a lonely old house, and that feeling that everyone out there is doing a better job of living than Harry is.
And it really doesn’t seem fair that Draco Malfoy is back in Harry’s life, all of a sudden, and even though he’s wandless, and living with Muggles, and making his mother cry with his lifestyle choices, he’s happy. So what's he doing right, that Harry isn’t?
Because things don’t really change, do they? And if Harry can’t be happy, he’ll settle for a good night’s sleep, some posh antiques, and the opportunity to find out what Malfoy has been up to for all these years.
And that’s what starts it all.
2) Dragons Don't Know Paradise by  tainara_black / @teacup-tai [Explicit, 50.9k]
In 2004, when Remus spends two scary weeks in the ITU due to complications of pneumonia and his HIV condition, Sirius walks around the house like a ghost and Harry finds comfort and strength in Draco through a chat in an online LGBT forum. Harry falls for him, but Draco has a lot of secrets and, before long, will need to come clean—even if he believes that no one is able to understand a dragon.
This is a story about falling in love online and about facing the reality of death, but above all, this is a story about hope, finding love and acceptance. (Non-magical / bookshop AU, written for the 25 days of Drarry 2020)
3) Aeternus Solem by onbeinganangel / @onbeinganangel [Explicit, 36.9k]
On December 1st, Harry Potter gets sent halfway across the world to attempt to break a possibly fatal curse on an unnamed British Unspeakable — except said Unspeakable is not unnamed at all and Harry has been in love with him for over four years.
{If anyone spots any mistakes in this list, PLEASE let me know! I hope you all have a lovely New Year’s, and may 2021 be less of a dumpster on fire than its predecessor 💜}
176 notes · View notes
shes-an-oddbird · 3 years
Text
A Very long list of Season 5 Predictions/Wish List
I tried to hit as many of the characters as possible so this is really really long
The trickiest thing about this show seems to be the ever growing cast creating several stories at once and the fact that it’s a show about first responders so even characters that don’t seem like they would follow that career choice end up there and those that don’t sometimes feel out of place.
This is not to say that I don’t LOVE AND ADORE FIREFIGHTER ALBERT HAN! (but really kind of thought it came out of nowhere and yet I’m not surprised because what else were they going to do with him?)
It seems unlikely they’d assign Albert to the 118 unless Bobby requests him like he did with Eddie, but I think Bobby might have some hesitations about that. They’re already as close as family and sometimes make dangerous decisions because of it. He might feel its better for Albert to be with a different fire house or maybe Chimney would.
But he’s a regular so putting him with the 118 would be the best way to give him screen time
I personally think he’ll be assigned to the 133 since we’ve seen a bit of them this season. I’d love if there was a fun rivalry between the two firehouses (whichever one Albert ends up at.) I’ve said it before that the 118 is probably notorious at this point for the weird situations they get into. The teasing and the taunting would just be so much fun to watch. Albert talking to Chim or Buck and just being like, so the guys told me about this time…
Actually can we take a moment to appreciate that the 118 got ANOTHER firetruck destroyed and this one wasn’t even theirs. The 133 spends FIVE MINUTES with Buck and Eddie and their truck is in shambles.
On a more serious note, we might meet Chimney and Albert’s dad. I’m thinking he’s not going to be thrilled about his youngest joining the fire department and show up to talk some sense into him and scold Chimney for letting him do it.
I’m so confused about how much time has passed? How long does it take to become a firefighter? They must have some sort of plan for him because cutting out him going through training seems like a lost opportunity. It’s a story we haven’t really seen through anything but montages. Is it difficult? Would he try to quit? I’d have liked to see him making the decision in the first place.
putting the rest under here because its really a lot
We’ll also miss Eddie recovering (and Bobby too actually), which I’m a little bummed about but not devastated. It sounds like we won’t see much in the way of the effects of either shooting but can’t do anything about that now unless they flash back and have them work towards that moment on the roof.
My biggest concern with the time jump is missing literally any of Maddie’s story. I don’t know much about PPD or if its called recovery or overcoming it but I do want to see Maddie work through that and Chimney and the others supporting her.
I think her leaving the dispatch center will be temporary but it may take half or all of next season for her to return.
Maybe she’ll take over for May, if she does go off to school
Or May might continue working at Dispatch and going to school.
If she doesn’t go to school Athena is not going to be very happy with her. But maybe we could get Maddie and Josh being big siblings to May which is an underappreciated dynamic. Maybe it will help Maddie cope with how useless she’s feeling with Jee.
I’ll need to rewatch to see if they say what May wants to do but maybe she’ll study journalism or something that will keep her in the loop of the main characters the way it does Taylor.
And speaking of Taylor, she is actually a very interesting character, whether you like her (morally) or not. I think we’ll see more of her in season 5 and I genuinely think she’ll fall hard for Buck. And I think everyone needs to chill about how it’ll destroy her character.  We’ve already established that Taylor is like the female version of Buck (with a bit more sense maybe but a mirror if him non the less). If Buck is allowed to grow and want an actual relationship, is anyone really surprised they’d have Taylor go through that too.
She’s just a few steps behind, like he’s in relationship phase and she’s just coming to terms with her own feelings for him
My big concern, since they like to break Buck’s poor little heart, is that she’ll leave. She’ll get a job opportunity and pick it over Buck. I think it would be a hard decision for her but in character. Or maybe they’ll surprise us and make Buck and Taylor endgame (I know a lot of people don’t want to hear that but I could see it happening that way)
On the flip side I don’t know what’s going to happen with Eddie and Ana. I know she’s pretty much hated but its super unclear what the plan is other than that they’ll eventually break up per what Carla implied. I suspect they’ll be together for a bit of season five until Eddie figures out what’s up with what his heart wants. I don’t think Ana is some awful witch so the break up will probably be mutual or at the very least Ana won’t be surprised.
But hopefully we get more than just that as far as Eddie goes. The episodes we do get that are focused on him are really some of my favorites. They are wrapping up his moving on from Shannon arc which is cool. The trying to be a good father to Christopher will always be there, that’s something that will never change and always be a growing/learning experience.
I’d love to meet one or both of Eddie’s sisters. They don’t have to stick around long term like Albert did but to have them pop up with some crisis would be interesting and we could learn more about Eddie and the dynamic with his family which seems loving but strained.
Maybe we will see Eddie working more with Hen too. I was wondering if they’d make Eddie a full paramedic to take over for her eventually, which I decided they probably won’t do. But one episode of Buck distressed over the fact that he and Eddie wouldn’t be partners anymore would be fun drama.
The two really are just at a loss without each other and I love that. They get so pouty when they’re apart.
I don’t know what other plans they might have for Buck next season. I suspect we’ll see him worrying over Maddie and I’d kill to see him watching Jee-Yun.
I don’t know how old she’ll be because of the time jump but can you imagine Buck watching the baby and it just being an absolute disaster. So he starts calling everyone in a panic and we get firefam taking care of Baby Jee, maybe while Chim and Maddie are at a therapy session or just a weekend away for themselves.
I’m convinced the Baby would love Eddie. I think its just me projecting my desire for Eddie and Maddie to interact more. But like Hen teasing him because of course the baby loves him, all the girls love Eddie, he’s got the pretty face. Buck being super jealous that Jee likes him more. Eddie being genuinely surprised because he felt like such a failure when Chris was a baby. 
Denny, Harry and Christopher are all getting older too so there has got to be a story there with at least one, if not all of them. Harry was sidelined this season but I love that kid, he is the spawn of Athena and Michael and we already know he’s a little trouble maker. Match that with Christopher who is sassy and too smart for his own good and Denny who is clearly the good kid of the bunch. I don’t know, it’s another lost opportunity if they don’t do something with that.
They could assign Karen and Hen an older foster kid who’s maybe not such a good influence at first. Unless they opt for just younger ones, I’m not really sure how that works. But they could get one that’s not as easy as nia and they have to work for that bond.
Might be they adopt them at the end
I hope we see more of Hen’s mom and med school friends but not like a crazy amount. The cast is already too big but I love them so an occasional appearance would be welcome.
I love David and Michael too but they always seem like the hardest to work in because, as stated, they are not first responders. David is a doctor though so maybe we’ll see some interaction with him and Hen. And all the Bobby and Michael content is welcome.
I NEED A WEDDING NEXT SEASON! Just pick a pair and marry them please!!! Maddie and Chimney!!! Michael and David!!! Someone, please! Even just a proposal?! Maybe? Please?
And there will be another crossover event which is exciting because I really enjoyed the first one. I wonder if they’ll come to LA this time and what would bring them there. With the scheduling of the shows next season they won’t have to tie them together so much time frame wise. They literally could just be popping in for a visit. I’m not gonna lie when I thought about another crossover I really wanted Bobby the self-taught chef to meet Charles the actual chef but now I can’t have that and it makes me so sad.
Putting all this out there is a really good way to insure it never happens, but still, they seem like logical places to go as of the finale.
19 notes · View notes
mee-the-people · 3 years
Text
True Crime Thursday: The Disappearance of Susan Cox Powell
Happy Thursday! Today I wanted to talk about something a little different and definitely of a heavier nature. One of the topics I’m interested in is true crime, and this case is one that I haven’t been able to shake since I first heard it a few years ago. The story behind poor Susan’s December 2009 disappearance is one that is full of twists and turns and so incredibly disturbing, especially when you hear about the family that she married into back in 2001…
So before I talk some aspects of this case that stuck out to me, I want to talk about who Susan was as a person based on what I’ve read in multiple articles and listened to in podcasts and documentaries. All too often, we hear WAY too much about her husband, who many think had to do with her disappearance, Josh Powell, and his wack-ass family. (that’s the nicest way I can think to describe the Powell family, excluding Jennifer, honestly) But when hearing Susan’s story, Josh and his father Steve Powell, both textbook narcissists and massive creeps (like father, like son, I suppose) are the ones that always come to the forefront of this case and Susan, the victim, seems to fade into the background.
Before I begin my rant, I’ll talk about what I’ve read about Susan as a person based on what family and friends have said. Susan was said to be outgoing, friendly, positive, hardworking and caring. She was an excellent mother to her two boys that she had with Josh, Charlie and Braden, and when she disappeared, none of her family or friends believed that she would run away with another man (abandoning her children!), no matter how much Josh and Steve alleged this on their Find Susan Powell website. (That website seems like they care about finding Susan, but it was mostly there for Steve and Josh to tear down Susan’s character. It’s one thing to hide information about a missing person, but it’s another thing entirely to bash that person’s character…smh)
She was very devoted to her faith, the Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints, (the LDS Church) and she was also known to keep personal diaries since she was 8 to document her thoughts and feelings. As someone that enjoys writing and keeps a personal diary myself, I can relate to Susan in that way, and it makes her seem more human to me. She also loved hair and nails and went to cosmetology school around the time she met Josh in 2000. Now that we know a little about Susan in a real way rather than abstractly seeing her as a victim of domestic violence and missing person, let’s jump in to some things about her story that I haven’t been able to shake off to this day:
1. I’m not trying to put blame on anyone, especially after the fact, but it is well known that Susan used to rant about Josh and Steve with her friends. Things were so bad in the Powell household, that Josh was starving his kids. Starving! Let that sink in for a minute. The reason he did this is because he claimed that “they’re going to poop it out anyway.” Which, first of all, that’s not how food works. And second of all, I didn’t see any news articles about this case talking about JOSH starving himself for this reason…so when Susan told her friends about how Josh was STARVING Charlie and Braden to the point where she had to ask her friends to borrow some hot dogs, why didn’t her friends call the police at that point? I’m not saying her friends were bad friends, but there was definitely some negligence on their part.
2. Back in August 2011, when investigators were doing a search of Steve Powell’s house to get a hold of Susan’s journals for potential clues, the investigators were aghast to find cp (censoring because I’m not comfortable even typing that word, especially on a public space) on his laptop as well as Susan’s used sanitary products. Of course, they arrested him on voyeurism charges for being a massive creep, a peeping Tom who also happened to be obsessed with his daughter-in-law. (I don’t want to go into too much detail, because it’s too disgusting. Long story short, this guy is a piece of shit.) But it gets worse, if that’s even possible with the Powell family: In February 2012, (when Josh killed himself and his boys during a supervised visitation) Josh was found to have [that word] on his laptop; the only reason he wasn’t arrested for this was because the images on his laptop were cartoon characters and not real people… which completely blows my mind!
3. And finally, the 911 call on February 5, 2012 when the social worker, Elizabeth Griffin- Hall, told the operator about a potential dangerous situation after Josh slammed the door shut in her face. I don’t know about anyone else, but that had to be one of the worst 911 calls EVER. It’s infuriating just listening to a sample of the call, let alone the whole call. The 911 operator was so caught up on the smallest of details and claimed something like, “we cater to REAL emergencies” …as if the man who has been the ONLY suspect in the widely publicized Susan Powell case having his sons in the house without government supervision is perfectly normal and NOT potentially dangerous! What the hell?!
After Josh blew up the house, killing himself and his sons, many people were convinced that if a man could kill his own children, he has what it takes to kill his wife and the mother of his children. I think one of the most heartbreaking parts of this saga is that Charlie and Braden actually survived the hatchet blows from their father before the fire, according to autopsy results; it was the fire that killed them in the end. Two adorable, innocent lives who were loved by their mother, Jennifer, and the Cox family. Two adorable, innocent lives who will never get to experience any more birthdays, Christmases, family vacations or any first times, like first day of high school and/or college, first dates and falling in love. Cases involving children being harmed always break my heart, because they’re so innocent and some of our most vulnerable population- anyone that can take advantage of and/or harm a child are some of the sickest people out there.
Another heartbreaking aspect of this case is that back in 2008/2009, when Josh and Susan’s marriage was at rock bottom, Susan told friends and family that because Josh didn’t physically harm her, she didn’t think she was being abused. Unfortunately, Susan is not the only victim of domestic violence who thought like this. According to a statistic from the Bureau of Justice, 55% of women reported their cases of non-violent domestic violence to the police at the same rate as violent cases, which is 54%. This just goes to show that domestic violence encompasses more than just physical abuse, and it is important to be educated on the different forms of abuse.
If you or anyone you know can relate to Susan’s story, please contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or online at www.thehotline.org
And one more thing: if you have any information at all regarding the Susan Cox Powell Case, please call the West Valley City Police Department at (801) 963- 3300.
Most of the information that I have gained from the Susan Powell case is from the Cold Podcast, which I HIGHLY recommend. The investigative journalist, Dave Cawley, does an amazing job telling Susan’s story after poring through documents, journal entries, emails, police records, and the like. He tells Susan’s story with a great degree of compassion and empathy for the Cox family and Susan’s friends, who have lost a daughter, a sister, a friend. He interviews the lead detective on the case, Ellis Maxwell, throughout the podcast and takes us on a journey through never-before seen details about the case. This is my first time writing about true crime, but I hope I was able to do this (incredibly sad) case justice in what little way I could.
16 notes · View notes
ramiropalacios · 2 years
Photo
Tumblr media
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲— 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞?”
It wasn’t often that the opportunity to assist students in other departments came up— and with his reverence and adoration for education, these moments were to be seized and taken very seriously. The first question posed however nearly derailed him, but as the eldest son of a slew of troublemakers he was back on track shortly, answering with a smile. “Ramiro Palacios, but almost everyone calls me Rami. Twenty-six, last year of my journalism masters.” He paused, “Cis-male and hetero, but absolutely an ally.”
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬, 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡.”
“Quality time,” he decided after waiting patiently for the student to finish explaining the concept he already knew about. “I like to spend time with those that mean a lot to me.”
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞?”
“I’ve been blessed with a lot of things in my life, it’s hard to think of what else could possibly change it more than it already has.” He knew that this would be a frustrating answer for the student behind the clip board, so he elaborated. “The best gift I could get is probably another year at Rye, in some capacity. Everyone’s so eager to leave school, but I’m not ready to go yet.”
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮?”
“I think that the nicest thing to hear as the oldest in a big family, and as someone who teaches— is that you’re appreciated and to hear that what you’ve done matters. At the end of the day, that’s all I really want, to make some sort of difference.” Rami paused, considering intently. “I like small things. I don’t need huge gestures, that’s not really my style. Thinking to get you cup of coffee after a busy morning is sometimes the nicest thing that anyone could do for you.”
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮?”
Rami rubbed the back of his neck, humming as he considered. “Perfect weather, a bit cool in the morning so that my run isn’t too sticky— then a nice warm afternoon. Classes that go well, maybe an afternoon practice with the boys and a froyo trip before night. I like to live simply, my perfect day’s something that’s always within reach: no need for fancy trips or champagne.”
“𝐈𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰?”
He shook his head, probably too fast. “I know all the truths that I think I would ever be curious about. My family’s really superstitious about these sort of things, I don’t think it’s right to go poking around in the future or mysteries like that.”
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩?”
“I like people who are genuine, and down to earth. Is it cliche to say that I like people who are real? I feel as though after being in a place like this, or a school like this— that there’s lots of people who want to be something that they’re not, or they’re afraid to be who they really are. It’s sad to see.” He swallowed, tasting the hypocritical words as they went down.
“𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧?”
“Both, though my aunt María got it in my head when I was little that cats are demons, so they do freak me out a little bit when I get in closed quarters with them. But really, animals are great.”
“𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: “𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐦 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞…”
“My family. They’re so important to me, my entire life can fit into a four bedroom in Providence and all my potential partners have been people that I could see fitting into that craziness.” He laughed, “My mom is the most important person to me, if she doesn’t like you— we’re going to have problems.” Rami considered, “I also wish I had someone to share my passions with, even if they don’t want to do them— just to talk about them and have it be something that they appreciate, that means everything.”
“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧? 𝐁𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟?”
“I cried when we won our last championships, that was huge. I’m so proud of the boys, of everything we’ve done.” He shook his head, “I remember convincing some of those kids over the summer to apply to Rye for sports scholarships, and to have a hand in shaping them to be the athletes they are now— into being winners? That’s a privilege.” The second part was harder, and his shoulder lifted. “Probably when my short story was accepted for the New Yorker’s fiction section. That was a big moment for me.”
“𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮?”
Rami blushed, but for the sake of science, he kept his answer as truthful as he could muster. “Pretty important. I feel like,” he gestured, “We’ve all got needs, right?”
“𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲?”
His grin was stretched wide and he shifted his bag on his shoulder. “Nah, I’m never single. Married to work, remember?”
1 note · View note
moulinrouge78-blog · 3 years
Text
Sex fantasies and other surprises - Part 1
Netflix made me do it. This is my first fanfiction contribution ever posted. It’s hot and erotic because I love and live for SMUT. Enjoy.....
Tumblr media
They have been together for a year now and he couldn’t be happier. Their long distance relationship isn’t easy but works out pretty well and today wasn’t just the Friday she would come to Capeside to be with him for a long weekend but also their 1st anniversary of being Joey and Pacey the happy in love couple who make it work.
And he’s got a plan. ‚You are a lucky bastard‘ he smiled to himself standing in front of his bathroom mirror getting ready for his drive to Capeside train station where she would arrive in around an hour. The thought about his girl made him feel light headed and gave him electric shivers that went straight down his groin. He looked down and could see his dick standing In excitement. But there was no time for that, first stops where the florist by the harbour and Capeside‘s fine jewellers. One last look in the mirror to ensure he didn’t miss a smudge of shaving cream on his face and his hair sat in place before he turned around grabbing his keys and went out the door. It was barely 9am and the sun was already warm standing high in a cloudless blue sky. The air smelled of seaweed and sand coming from the dunes with the birds chirping in the trees. He went around to his Ford Explorer and looked at the beach, breathing in the fresh air.  Three years ago the Dudley‘s passed away and Pacey didn’t hesitate to buy their beach house. While the winters are long and cold just as they are around everywhere in Massachusetts he thought Capeside is the most beautiful place on earth in summer when the weather is like this. 
Pacey checked the weather forecast for weeks and this weekend was perfect. He couldn’t stop smiling all the way to the florist and greeted one of the delivery drivers once he parked his car and run over to help the man handling big buckets of Magnolia, Echinacea, Roses, Poppies, Water Lillies, Day Lillies and Pale Grass Pink Orchids. 
‚Hey Rob, let me give you a hand‚ he said taking two of the buckets from the struggling man’s arm, nodding at him. ‚Oh thank you Pacey, these flowers don’t look heavy but they certainly are and I am not getting younger‘ Rob said wiping off a thin layer of sweat he felt forming on his forehead. ‚Ah man, you are still as chirpy and not a day older than 45, are you not?‘ Pacey said with a wide grin. ‚Well add another decade to it and you are about right!‘ Rob chuckled returning a friendly smile. ‚Ohh before i forget. Your flowers are ready! Rob said. Ohh brilliant timing. That’s why I am here. Thank you! 
Ten minutes later, Pacey left the shop with his wildflower garland made of blue false indigo, bowmen‘s root and peach leaved bluebells. He asked for seasonal wild flowers and the arrangement couldn’t be prettier. 
The jewellers was just up the road, 2 traffic lights and 5 minutes away and he suddenly felt very nervous.  This was the tricky part he wanted to get right out of all things. He knew how he wanted to propose to the girl who stole his heart. It usually is Dawson’s expertise to do the fluff and romantic stuff, Pacey did lack in this department a little he thought so he took Jen with him a fortnight ago to show her the ring he selected for Joey. 
‚What do you think, Lindley?‘ he bit his lip, nervous as hell, hoping it wouldn’t be too bad. Jen stared at the open black velvet box with the tiny yellow pear shaped moissanite diamond in the platinum ring base he picked, bedded on a satin cushion. The ring wasn’t pretentious and simple despite the yellow colour of the stone. He knows Joey doesn’t like gaudy things, keeps it elegant and classy and he respected that, ok who is he kidding? he thought. Joe‘s disgust for trashy things and the want to be authentic and real was adorable and sexy as hell. A sigh escaped Jen’s mouth and than there was a long pause. ‚Uh oh, that bad, Lindley?‘ he asked suddenly his throat terribly dry, not sure if he wanted to get a response from his dear blonde friend next to him. Jen also liked being real and true at all times and usually he admired her for that but today he hopes she’s gentle on him. Jen looked at him and back down to the glass counter where Hilary the sales assistant placed the ring for them to view and her face was not showing any sort of emotion, she looked blank. ‚Listen...Jen...there is still time, I can return it and you...YOU are a women of many tastes, you can help me making the RIGHT decision!‘ He felt  frantic, his palms were sweating as he took he reaction as a sign, that this ring was a terrible pick. She finally looked up at him and her face lid up. ‚Oh my god...Pace....this is the most, beautiful ring I have ever seen. Joey truly is a lucky girl!‘ Her voice trembled a little as the emotion kicked in and she hugged him tightly ‚You did well, Witter! ‘ I wonder...‚ What’s that? He asked, breaking their embrace, looking at her happily but confused raising a brow. ‚Does this ring come in a set with earrings, if so I’ll take them!‘ Jen said with a giggle. Pacey laughed at that remark and lightly slapped her shoulder. Ouch, Witter!!! He kissed her head and logged his arm through hers leaving the shop after he paid his deposit. At the train station the clock just outside the station tower read 9:58am. Great 2 more minutes, I am not late. 
He quickly checked the arrival table on the monitor and was glad that the train was on time before he made his short way to the platform. With that he heard the chuffing sound of the fast train approaching the platform slowing down until it came to a noisy halt. Passenger‘s got off the train, restricting his view, so he tiptoed and bend his neck. It took him a few moments and he saw her. His heart pounded fast in his chest. It was only a few days ago that they been together but his body reacted like he hasn’t seen her for weeks, months or even years. She stepped off the train, holding onto a small beige hard shell travel trolley with her right hand. She wore a tie front puff sleeve midi dress in light blue with matching hairband holding her hair in a ponytail and white leather sandals with block heel. Each movement made the dress show off her long silky tanned legs. She still hasn’t spotted him, looking from left to right, a puzzled look on her face that made her mouth pout. 
Ohh those lips he thought. He could tell she didn’t bother with make up, only a little bit of mascara, a little rogue to make her cheeks glow peachy and a colourless chapstick is all she would use, she was the most beautiful girl he ever laid eyes on and he was glad she finally grown in confidence to see herself not just as a too tall woman with long limbs and feels comfortable in her skin. The tie front of her dress was open a little and he could faintly guess where her chest bone would turn into the bulge of her breasts.  His heart skipped a beat and he manoeuvred the best he could into her direction without being seen. She fumbled on the zipper of her trolley standing with her bare back to him. He reached for her waist while his other hand went to her neck placing little kisses onto the bare skin underneath her hairline.  ‘Hello gorgeous!’ ‘Mmmm’ was the only vocabulary escaping her lips. She leaned into him, eyes closed and smiling her big smile that drove him insane. 
He felt her ass rotating and grinding into his hard bulge ‘Ahhh, Pace happy to see me?’  and suddenly his khaki shorts felt way too tight. His hands holding onto her arms for stability he whispered into her ear, nibbling her lobe and finally resting his chin on her shoulder ‘Ohh Jo, you have no idea. I wouldn’t like anything more than to pull up that fabric of your dress and take you right here, right now giving by passengers a show of their life time.‘
With that he swirled her around and let her fall into his arms, looking deeply in her dark brown eyes. ‘God I missed you, Potter!’ ‘I missed you so much, my sweetheart!’ she whispered back. There it was. Just like that he was on fire. She licked her lips. Her way of saying that she is ready to be kissed. He didn’t need an Invitation to place his lips on hers. Their lips met and she opened just a little to let him in and he darted his tongue around her full mouth, stifling her moan by dancing with her tongue tip. She opened her mouth wider and he took all of her tongue, sucking on it, releasing her and sucking her tip once again, breaking free for air.
‘Let me take you home, before Doug gets send here for sexual assault in public!’ Um, yeah probably not a good idea to be stars of Capeside journal as ‘horny couple set off at train station!’ she said with an amused wink at him. They went for a quick early lunch at the ice house before heading arm in arm to the beach house. Oh my god, Pace you really went trough with it? She gestured at the outdoor shower in the garden as soon as they arrived. This is so cool. It’s not just cool but also practical in the summer after a long shift in the restaurant. Here let me show you. The shower was attached to white wooden panels with hanging baskets for toiletries, soaps, hair care, sponges and even a back rub. Two big yellow towels occupied two of the four metal hooks. The floor was made of deep blue and green mosaics and an anti slip finish. It had a long bench at the side with futon pillows where the water couldn’t reach. For privacy the shower area was secluded by it’s own 8 ft. garden fence made of thick hazel hurdle woven wattle with bushy leafy planters in front of it. The top was free but Joey noticed a handle at the side and a large panel above. ‘What’s that for?’ she wondered.
  Ohh this is for chillier evenings to keep the rain out. He turned the handle and a retractable yellow thick shade pulled out. This looks just like...
...the sail of True Love?  he finished her sentence, smiling at her. Yes, Joey it’s the same material I used for true love since it’s weather resistance and I like to feel being out of sea while having a shower outside. He smirked. I understand Pace, once a Captain always a Captain. She chuckled. I haven’t used it yet since it just got finished two days ago. But the water is on...here...step back, I’ll show you!   Joey stepped back and he turned the shower on.  Warm water splashed from the shower head. He was about to turn the shower off but Joey laid his hand on his. 
‘Leave it on Pace!’
She unfastened her sandals, slipped them off and untied her hairband. It took him a moment to register what she was doing. He closed the gate and she came towards him, started to unbutton his shirt looking him straight in his eyes. ‘I want to shower with you and feel you!’ He lost his voice and was only able to mumble ‘God Joey, this is one of my fantasies of us!’ ‘I know it’s mine, too’ she replied. She yanked his dark grey shirt off his shoulders and placed it on one of the free hooks. His chest hairs stood in anticipation as she began licking his right nipple over to his left, making them stand. His breathing was now fast and he desperately  needed her out of her dress. She suckled on his now hard nipples and he was able to free her arms from the dress, letting it slip to the floor. She stepped out off the dress and tossed it to the side, now opening the zipper of his khakis, pulling the waistband down together with his boxers. A quick ‚Ahhh‘ escaped him. He stood naked in front of her and she let out a high pitched sigh. He was so handsome, his broad shoulders and wide chest, defined long legs and his glory of dark pubic hair and big cock standing to his attention solid for her. Just looking at him sends shivers down her spine to her centre. His size used to concern her but now she just feels all tingly inside looking at him, knowing how good he feels and what electric shocks she experiences when his full length fills her. Pacey went out of his shorts, kicked off his flip flops and pulled her by the slim line of her thin thong pulling her closer with his hands freeing her from the last shed of material that was between them. She reached for his cock and held him tight, kissing his slightly open mouth. He returned the kiss, moaning in her mouth meeting her dancing tongue with his.  ‘Mmmm Joey...I love it when you are in this mood, mmm....ahhhh....don’t stop.‘ Pacey was now fully under the shower, her hands rubbing up and down his shaft, his balls hard and heavy. I need to taste you, Pace. ‚I won’t last, Jo‘
‚Than don’t, sweetheart!‘ with that she pulled his skin to expose his juicy cherry and slowly went down as much as her mouth could take, her tongue sucking on the throbbing top, licking up and down his vein, increasing the speed. Ahhh...Fuck...Jo!! His hands got lost in her now wet hair, watching her moving mouth on him. He needed to focus on something else to not burst right there and than. She felt him edging in her mouth, droplets of his salty pre-cum making her vagina quiver. Cupping his full sack, she released his length to take his hard marbles in, licking and sucking on the crinkly skin. ‘Jo, I am so close.’ This was the best foreplay. She was so wet and wanted him to shoot but couldn’t decide where she wanted it. She went fully in the warmth of the shower now. Sitting on the floor, opening her legs as wide as she could, pulling him down with her. Her vagina was on full display, her lips open to show her meaty flesh and her clit erect standing out like a flower bud. Her breath was pitchy, her eyes heavy with lust. She started moving her index and middle finger around her clit, masturbating with swift and fast movements. Jo, you are everybody’s wet dream. You are so gorgeous. He was wanking his cock hard, looking at her delicate flower, kissed her, watched her touching herself,  her nipples equally beautiful and erect. This view was all he needed and with a long ‘ahhh Jo, my sweet giiiiirllll, ahhhh...he finally exploded, his load hitting her hard on her open center. She used his juices to rub herself, hissing at the feeling that build in her. He could see her ecstasy, still panting he went down, his nose touching her soft folds so juicy and inviting like a piece of fruit. Her smell mixing with his juices, he inhaled and flickered his tongue out founding her hard clit, his fingers replacing hers, entering her slowly, not letting go off her clit to than lick up and down her slit. Ahhh, Pacey, Yes...there...yes...faster, fuck me harder.
God, what went into her? His cock hardening again, he moved her over to the soft padded bench for her to kneel on. With her ass in the air like that, her hard nipples on standing up and her breasts bouncing, he shoved his hot length in one fast thrust and she cried out ‘Yes, Pace, oh god yes, take me. Don’t hold back. I need it!’ He thrust in and out, hard and forceful, each stroke making her reach closer to the edge. Come for me baby, he said now holding onto her tits, pulling her nipples, thrusting harder like there was no tomorrow.
She was now shrieking  
Ahhh... Ohhh.... God.... yes.....yes.... Ahhhh...FUCK....I...Uhh...Ohhh...fuck....Pace....yes
He felt her walls tightening around him....she came like a tornado and with her last quiver, he pushed into her one last time, releasing his hot fluid, collapsing onto her back, trying to fetch his breath. 
She was a hot mess...giggling...after 10 minutes or so...
Pace? Yes, Jo? ‘Let’s take a shower now.’ 
With that he pulled her up, squirting the almond and milk shower gel on the sponge, starting on soaping her arms and shoulders, with a smirk on his lips he said huskily.
‘Your wish is my command, my sweet sexy kitten!’ 
And just like that her nipples lifted up again. Her not breaking his gaze responded with a wide sheepish smile
‘Ohh boy!’ To Be Continued
16 notes · View notes
darker-soft-starker · 5 years
Photo
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Starker 007 AU >>
---------------------
The painting is hideous, there are no two ways about it. 
The longer Tony stares at it trying to find a justification for the thirteen-thousand dollar price tag, the more dumbfounded he becomes. Affixed to the wall it presents like a gaudy canvas banner, a bewildering clutter of haphazard spills and splotches that might have a certain panache adorning the walls of the penthouse of the pretentious elite, but Tony can’t make sense of it. 
The gallery is lined with paintings of a similar aesthetic, abstracts that look like psychedelic blood-spatters, moody self-portraits and ten-feet-tall modernism canvas of writhing, spaghetti-lines that looks like it belongs in a first grade art class. 
Maybe Tony is a simpleton, but he has at least some taste.
A man slips beside Tony to observe the painting, head tilted up to peer at the artwork in quiet consideration. Outside the corner of his vision Tony can tell the man is stunning. Suit expertly tailored, the sharp lines of his jaw and cheekbones beautifully chiseled, milky skin brushed with a hint of gold and long, long that fingers that wrap around a perspiring glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Tony sips his whiskey, a smooth burn down his throat as his interest is piqued. He’s seen a hundred, a thousand of men just like this one - well dressed and impeccably styled - but however girt by the exquisitely woven threads he may be, the unconscious tug of the mans smile seems genuine in partner with the down-to-earth brown of his eyes. He’s beautiful but doesn’t flaunt it.
It takes only a beat for the man to notice Tony’s staring, the mellow harmonic chords of the piano lulling away in the near distance. He offers a shy smile at the attention, turning his gaze back to the painting to resume his quiet scrutiny, eyes flickering over the slapdash strokes.
Oh yes, Tony thinks. He’ll do just nicely. 
He clears his throat roughly, catching the startled gaze of the younger man, mouth falling open in quiet surprise. 
“Stark,” Tony introduces himself, holding his hand out in greeting. The man's grip is pleasingly firm when he shakes Tony’s hand after a moment's still contemplation. 
“Parker,” the man smiles, eyes crinkling adorably at the sides. “Peter Parker.”
He tries to not find himself charmed by the way the hairs of one of Peters’ eyebrows are swept skyward like he’d rubbed his face, or the way his long fingers tap at the stem of his wine glass as he sips from it, licking his bottom lip to catch a wayward drop.
“What brings you here, Mr. Parker?” Tony inquires, surreptitiously tracing temple of his glasses to activate the sensors built within them. 
His vision goes blue for a prolonged moment as the AI brings up schematics and data in a blinding stream of text and symbols. Another tap has EDITH zeroing in on the younger man, registering his heat signature in blistering oranges, his recent social media and his squeaky-clean criminal record.
PETER BENJAMIN PARKER
24 YEARS OLD 
PLACE OF RESIDENCE: QUEENS, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES. CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
CIVILIAN
A quick skim of the hurried cascade of information informs Tony that Peter was tardy eight times in high school and is now currently an engineer for Oscorp. 
That’s a shame. Tony guesses being pretty doesn’t account for taste.
“My employer is a patron of the arts,” Peter smiles. “What about you Mr. Stark? Is this business or pleasure?” He gestures with his half-empty glass to the sea of people, a motley swarm of greasy politicians, haughty high-flyers and glittering socialites.
“A smart man finds a way to do both at the same time,” Tony winks, giving the younger man a deliberately slow once over, warming the hollow patch behind his ribs when the man's cheeks bloom pink. Peters eyes drops to Tony’s lips when he licks the residue of whiskey off them, lingering there for just a moment before politely looking away. 
Play indeed. Sure, the auction for the artworks is set to begin at any moment and Tony’s mark is idling somewhere in the background - but there is always time to enjoy himself, Tony justifies as he turns in towards Peter and gives his best charm.
Potts always did drone on to him about having a proper work-life balance.
“What do you think?” Tony asks, pointing to the abstract artwork, analysing Peter as he breaks from their stare and assesses the nervous mess of brown and splintering white acrylic. 
“The Delicate Spider,” the man orates expertly, not missing a beat. “Ruth Bauer Neustadter.”
“Wow, just rolls right off your tongue there,” Tony blinks, mildly impressed. “You some kind of art aficionado or something?” 
“Nah, I just like spiders,” Peter shrugs, looking over the piece appreciatively. “What about you, Mr. Stark?”
“Me? No thank you to anything with more than four legs and whatever this is,” Tony says truthfully, lifting his hands sheepishly. “Although I couldn’t tell the difference between a Pollock or a Picasso if you paid me, so.”
Peter seems amused, the corners of his lips twitching upwards as he rocks on his feet. He’s adorable and would look far more inspired contrasted against Tony’s black silk bedsheets than any one of these works of art.  
“That’s a shame, Mr. Stark.”
“It is,” Tony concedes with a smirk. “It’s a very hard life being so uncultured.”
“I can tell. Maybe I can give you an education some time.”
Tony grins, catching Peter’s gaze. “I’d like that very much Mr. Parker.”
The spell is abruptly broken when the interface of Peters smartwatch lights up, distracting them both. He looks to Tony sheepishly after reading its contents, using his pinky to tap away at it. The wriggle of the small finger shouldn’t be charming, honestly. 
“Ah, I’m afraid I must be heading out, Mr. Stark. Auction’s starting.”
Damn.
“Don’t let me hold you,” Tony supplicates, raising his glass to him, even if he is sad to see him go.”It was a pleasure.”
He can’t help the quirk of his lips at the word, nodding politely at the other man whose smile is tinged with regret this time, and the modest sweep of his gaze over Tony’s body tells him everything he needs to know. 
Not that it matters, when a warning red flashes alarmingly over his smart-glasses. His mark is moving, which means he needs to get moving himself.
“Pleasure’s all mine, Mr. Stark.”
“Call me Tony,” he calls out when the younger man waves and moves to leave, offering a roguish smile. “Maybe we can catch up afterwards. Get a start on that education.”
A chestnut curl falls delicately over Peter’s forehead when he turns to peer back at him. “Maybe,” he nods, waving again before departing for good.
He takes only a second to leer at the generous swell of Peter’s ass and mourn the missed opportunity, sighing to himself. This is what he gets for having a bonafide actual work ethic - if he were any of his sloppy, bone-headed colleagues he’d have had his tongue buried in that ass five minutes ago. 
Nonetheless once he’s out of sight Tony taps his glasses again, following the transparent map that pinpoints where his mark is. 
He’s got a job to do.
------------
Neil McGarrett was a wealthy, eccentric billionaire. A media mogul who made his fortune from humble beginnings, starting from the sale of a single newspaper and now has his name splashed over his own cable news network. 
Decidedly right-leaning, McGarrett had an inclination of sensationalism over what some might traditionally label journalism, but it was undeniable that he was favoured by the republican voters in droves, if prime-time ratings were anything to go by.
The man regularly made headlines himself - from his sixth marriage falling apart, to his more unsavoury public affairs. Being photographed naked whilst snorting cocaine on his ten million dollar yacht every other week was commonplace. He’d been photographed dining with sex-offenders and simpering politicians and the wall street elite, caught on film talking about underage women and applauded for it by his peers.
He was a misogynist and a xenophobe and all of supporters loved him for it, dressing it up nice and pretty in what they called classic American values. 
For all of his questionable morality McGarrett was also a patron of multiple charities. He gave his time and money to various causes, was caught strolling the red carpet of many a gala and fundraiser and, sometimes, on occasion held a fundraiser - or an auction - of his own.
And that leads Tony to his current assignment, dressed to the nines and brushing shoulders with the obscenely wealthy, pretending like he knows a damn thing about art. 
McGarret had decided to generously place a portion of his infamous art collection up for auction and donate the earnings to charity - for the veterans, he had proclaimed, an endearing cause no one could fault him for - even if the charity receiving the funds was for-profit and only repurposed fifteen percent of their donations to actual veterans and its founder was vitriolically transphobic.
It only makes the reconnaissance that much more satisfying.
One of those sparkly big names that McGarret had been associated with was one Justin Hammer, a weapons developer. Whilst the two have little outward affiliation outside the sphere of the billionaire-boys-club, government intelligence suggested that their association may be something more than meets the eye.
Which led to Tony’s mission, scouring McGarrets’ Manhattan abode and gathering evidence that would confirm him as an accomplice to Hammer - the latter of whom was suspected to be selling arms to small island nations and aiming them squarely at American soil. 
Innocuous on the surface, they already knew McGarret paid for someone to disguise the transactions between the island nations and oil rich company executives, the media mogul looking to make a quick buck out of warfare and the ad space of the top rating morning program breaking news of an attack on American allies. Shockingly that top rating morning news program ran on McGarrets cable network and more of a ‘surprise’ was that McGarret owned stock in those oil companies and in Hammer Industries. 
The auction is a perfect setup for a distraction. McGarret, the mark, will be entertaining his guests, the crowd will have another focus and security will be concentrating on protecting the artworks. 
And Tony will be helping himself to some Saturday night intelligence gathering and infiltration. Perfect.
When he starts hearing the raucous bids from the ballroom it’s time for Tony to start moving.
He nods at various dignitaries, toasts to inebriated politicians as he wanders from hall to hall, politely acknowledging the lingering bedroom-eyes men and women cast upon him as he passes, Glock 26 rubbing against his lower back as his hips sway into the heart of the building. 
EDITH guides him to the third storey to a plain-looking room down the hall where McGarrets office is located and fewer people are found. The office doors are lined with the kevlar and shotguns of three men, each eyeing Tony with suspicion when he approaches with a teeth-baring grin. 
Holding his hands up in mock surrender Tony winks, incapacitating the armed guards with a flash of his palm-central gauntlets, tutting to himself as they slump to the ground in an ungraceful heap. 
Whilst he missed the old days of a good pistol-whip or an elbow to the face, there was a particular poetry to the flash and efficiency of the new tech. A certain je ne sais quoi in watching grown men crumple like a house of cards with the twitch of Tony’s fingers.
The EDITH glasses are the only development that Potts has allowed him to bring on field - which is honestly a travesty, however experimental and unregulated his tech is they’re missing out - it’s why they hired him after all.
With a grateful pat to the unmoving hip of one of the guards Tony delicately plucks the access pass from their belt and has EDITH check their vitals. 
The little red light turns green when Tony presses the pass against the reader, lock unlatching with a quiet, electronic whir.
The room is dark when Tony enters, lit dimly in a sickly yellow glow by two standing floor lamps. The blinds are drawn, slivers of pale moonlight streaking across the desk as Tony approaches it.
There’s a photo frame on the desk of McGarrett and a busty blonde with her arms around him, fingerprints all over the glass. When Tony picks it up for better inspection his fingers come away suspiciously sticky. 
Gross.
Wiping his hands on his suit Tony fishes out the USB from his pocket and leans over to place it in the processing unit of the desktop computer. The monitor awakens in a bright technicolour glow as the tech works it’s magic, hacking itself into the system and retrieving the data, storing it not only on the USB itself but transmitting it back to base wirelessly.
All Tony has to do now is wait for the download to complete, mourning to himself how frightfully boring it is when missions go this easy. 
It’s hard being efficient sometimes, he muses, wondering where McGarrett stores his scotch and if he’d notice if Tony helped himself to some.
“EDITH, how long since the download commenced?”
“Three minutes, twelve seconds, sir.”
Tony groans, already bored. Maybe he can join the afterparty and get inappropriate with one of the Victoria’s Secret models on the guest list. 
He sighs, turning to face the window - only to be surprised when someone behind him punches him in the face.
“Wha?” he manages, slumping against the desk momentarily as his vision spins, head pounding. He doesn’t have time for any reprieve however as his assailant lunges forward to attack him again - Tony barely manages to duck, aiming an elbow at the tall figure and making contact with their face.
It’s hard to be sure in the dark but the figure appears slight, but masculine and he recovers fast, charging forward to grip the lapels of Tony’s jacket in his hands. He pulls Tony forward and moves a leg upwards to knee Tony hard in the stomach.
The pain steals his breath but only riles Tony up, shooting his fist out to swiftly sock the other man in the throat, slamming his head down against the other guys skull. 
It’s enough to release his grip and Tony uses his bulk to crowd the other man against the windows, head throbbing. One hand shoots out to wrap around his attackers throat, the other reaching for his glock and pressing against the mans temple.
Even with a gun pointed at him, the man struggles against his grip, kicking his legs out ineffectually in an attempt to gain the upper hand. 
The movements shift the blinds open for enough street light to bleed in, illuminating the attackers face, young features twisted in a snarl.
“You,” Tony muses, blinking in surprise.
It’s the man from before - Peter Parker.
Except, all his previous air of innocence has all but dissipated, brown eyes cold and calculating. 
It’s a mistake to look.
Peter uses Tony’s startled pause to knock the gun away and out of Tony’s hands with surprising strength, slipping free from the chokehold with a kick to Tony’s ribs.
Goddamn that fucker is quick, Tony thinks as he stumbles back, clutching his side.
“When I said we should catch up later this isn’t exactly what I had in mind,” Tony snarks, dodging another fist to the face.
With a twist of his body he sweeps his legs out at Peter’s shins, the smaller man falling to the ground in a kneel.
“What, a little late night espionage not romantic enough for you?” Peter retorts, whipping a pistol out from his jacket and aiming it at Tony’s chest. 
Tony acts quickly, legs moving on instinct as a well placed kick flings the weapon away.
There’s a split second where Tony gets distracted because outraged pout on the man's face is adorable - it’s however shortlived, when Peter rushes at him, clocking him upside the jaw as they tumble to the ground in a heap, their weapons discarded somewhere to the side. The two wrestle for dominance, rolling over the floorboards, elbows flying as they try to one up one another.
 Tony gets another fist to his face and immediately tastes copper in his mouth. 
“On the contrary,” Tony groans, using his weight to roll over the younger man, straddling his slim waist to hold him down. “Sounds like a perfect date.”
“I don’t date thugs.”
“Well that’s just a shame, here I thought we had something,” Tony tuts patiently, pressing his thumbs against Peter’s windpipe, the younger man gasping for air as he bucks his hips upwards to try dislodge Tony. 
“So, who do you work for, Peter Parker? Hmm, you one of Hammers’ goons?”
Peter’s face goes pink, eyes bulging as his airway is cut off. He scrabbles at Tony’s wrists and tries to take another swing at him only for Tony to press down further. 
“What makes you think I work for anybody,” Peter snarks back, bucking his hips as Tony presses him further into the ground.
And, oh. That should not feel as good as it does, Tony thinks as Peter writhes underneath him. The younger mans’ back arches pleasingly as he tries to gain leverage, biting his bottom lip as he chokes.
“For one,” Tony comments, moving his hand from Peter’s throat to grip his wrists, “these little bracelets you have here are definitely off-market and two,” he tilts his head towards the open air-vent in the ceiling, “you definitely weren’t invited in here.”
Tony abruptly finds his back to the floor when, in lieu of answering and in a truly impressive feat of flexibility, Peter brings his legs up from behind Tony to wrap them around his chest.
Using the new leverage, Peter reverses their positions, using the strength of his thighs to slam Tony’s torso to the ground, his arms in a bind against his chest. On top, Peter straddles Tony’s hips, seating himself right over Tony’s groin.
Dazed, Tony tries to not be attracted to the way Peter looks when he retrieves a small dagger from his suit and holds it to his neck, the sharp tip grazing his vulnerable skin. Tony’s hips roll anyway. 
“Are you getting hard from this?” Peter hisses incredulously, holding the dagger lengthways along Tony’s throat column.
The metal is warm from Peters body when Tony swallows roughly, throat bobbing against the dagger. Goddamn he’s here to do a job.
“I refuse to take the blame for that. I mean, it’s not everyday that I get my ass kicked by someone so pretty and snarly,” Tony admits, looking skyward for some kind of means of escape. “Even if they’re a petty criminal.”
“Petty -- “, Peter cuts himself off with a growl - and god that’s hot too - reaching back into his jacket pocket to fish out a leather-bound badge, shoving it against Tony’s glasses. 
“FBI, asshole.” 
Of course he’s a fed.
Tony laughs, muscles going lax despite the weapon aimed at his throat. 
“You’ll have to do better than that, sweetheart,” Tony drawls, ease trickling down his spine as EDITH verifies the badge.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Who are you --”
“CIA Special Agent Tony Stark,” Tony talks over him, “Also referred to as TS007 - and that’s my dick you’re grinding on.”
Peter looks down at his own slow rolling hips in surprise, still pointing the dagger at Tony as he rises up on his knees to put some distance between them.
“Show me your badge so I know you’re not full of shit,” Peter demands, lips turned downward in a disbelieving frown. Tony smirks as he complies, retrieving his battered badge from his pocket and waving it aloofly in Peters’ face. 
It seems to do the trick. Peter stands to let him up, still looking at him dubiously. 
Tony grunts as he stands, back aching and head pounding, all his new wounds becoming known as the adrenaline subsides. He tries for a cocky grin but a sharp pain makes him wince at the action. He licks over a welt on his lip where it swells on one side.
He thanks Peter quietly when he retrieves both of their guns from the floor, passing Tony’s over.
“What are the suits doing here?” Tony prods, lifting his thumb to his lip to stem the blood. When it comes away wet he sticks it into his mouth, lapping at the metallic taste. 
“That’s, uh -” Peter stutters, eyes on the digit in Tony’s mouth, “ - that’s classified. What are the CIA --”
“Also classified,” Tony smirks. It’s true, but it’s also fun to watch the muscle in Peter’s jaw clench in petulant frustration. The younger man turns towards him and taps his smartwatch again, fingers flying over the interface as he types in a code at breakneck speed. 
“What division are you in?” Tony queries, siding up next to the younger man, looking surreptitiously at the USB that still appears to be downloading.
“That’s classified,” Peter mumbles, adjusting what appears to be a well-hidden earpiece with his other hand, body slumping as the fight goes out of him.
“You’re a bit young to be a field agent, aren't you?” Tony presses, EDITH catching a swarm of heat signatures outside of the room down the hall. 
Peter scoffs. “I have a particularly special skill set - and before you ask, that too is classified. ”
His irateness only makes Tony grin, reaching over the desk to switch on the desk lamp so he can see the guy better. Peters curls are in disarray, his cheek is already beginning to bruise and Tony can see where his own handprints have burst the capillaries on Peter’s pale throat. God, he’s a fucking vision.
“A man of mystery, huh? So secretive, I mean not that that’s a negative trait whatsoever, I can certainly get behind that.“
“Do you always flirt on the job?” Peter queries with a frown, but nonetheless spreads his legs slightly when Tony moves to shift between them.
“Only when I have a beauty like you in front of me, darling. You’re a real distraction, anyone ever tell you that?”
“And you’re a shameless old man,” Peter counters. “Anyone ever tell you that?”
“I already told you my policy on mixing business and pleasure,” Tony nods shamelessly, slides his hands up Peter’s thighs. “What can I say? I’m multi-talented.”
“You’re arrogant.”
“You like it.”
“I have a job to finish,” Peter parries, even as an unwilling grin stretches over his face.
The mood is broken when the heat signatures draw closer and sudden yelling is heard outside as the bodies Tony left at the door are discovered. 
Peter peers at the door confusedly, crouching slightly to plant what looks like a listening device on the underside of the desk. There’s a commotion of footsteps and raised voices, someone is yelling to hand them over an access pass.
They’re going to have to act quick.
“We’ve got guests,” Tony turns to Peter, grabbing him by the lapels of his jacket and dragging him close. “We’re going to need a diversion.”
The look he receives is unbridled bewilderment as the younger man stumbles into Tony, and for the first time he can appreciate the clean smell of sweat and copper and aftershave from the younger man. 
“What are you --” is all Peter gets out before Tony reels him in and kisses him. 
Peter’s surprised hum is swallowed by Tony’s lips and he goes rigid for just a second before he snaps into action.
Strong hands grip Tony’s hips, driving him backwards against the desk. The sharp maple edge digs painfully into his lower back as Peter presses against him, slipping his tongue into Tony’s mouth as he boxes him in. The press of Peter’s body against his feels fucking incredible when he moves, all ridged muscle as he presses them chest-to-chest, biting on Tony’s lower lip as he takes control of the kiss.
“Fuck, kid,” Tony breathes, snaking a hand down to cup Peters ass through his slacks, bringing their bodies closer together until Tony can feel that Peter too is just as hard as him. Tony gets lost in the small groan Peter breathes into his mouth, the kiss growing steadily sloppier as the voices grow louder.
The door flies open and the click of multiple guns loading breaks their lip-lock.
“Oh no, how embarrassing.” Tony gasps, pretending to act shocked as the room fills with armed men. “We’re so sorry - as you can tell we needed a room.”
“Put your hands up!” One man yells, readjusting his grip on his gun.
“Great diversion,” Peter mumbles against Tony’s lips, eyes flicking to his periphery as he slowly inches away. 
“It was worth a shot,” Tony smiles crookedly, assessing the situation. A number of armed men surround them, firearms aimed squarely at the duo. Going by their uniform they look like untrained goons, security for hire rather than any law enforcement. Perfect. Tony hates paperwork.
“You’ve got four at your six o’clock,” Peter mutters, shuffling discretely retrieve his pistol from his pocket, resting it against Tony’s thigh.
“You’ve got six,” Tony comments quietly, sliding his hand to grip his own glock in his pocket. “Not to gloat, but I think I can take out more than you, shortstack.”
“I said put your goddamn hands up!” The same man yells.
Peter looks delighted by the challenge. The two quickly shuffle so they’re back to back, facing the circle of pointed firearms. 
“Loser pays for dinner?” Peter asks.
Tony smirks, raising his gun and gauntlet at the same time Peter raises his. 
“Deal.”
887 notes · View notes
dancerlittle006 · 3 years
Text
An Engagement on the Horizon - The Many Adventures of Sammi and Race
First things first, I don’t own anything related to Disney or Newsies. Second of all, this is a continuation of my “The Many Adventures of Sammi & Race” series. You may want to read the others in the series but it’s not necessary! 
There’s some cursing and drinking in this part. 
October 6, 1921
Fall has descended on the city, the crisp air had a distinct smell to it. The fact that it was the middle of fall, in his favorite city, excited Jack more than he cared to admit to anyone. Currently he was in Central Park, on his favorite bench, a sketchpad in his hands. He had an hour of solitude before he had to go meet Kat at the diner for a rare weekday date night.  Race and Spot, god bless them, were keeping an eye on their gaggle of kids that day. 
His mind started to wander - if anyone would have told him at 39, he would’ve carved the life he currently had, he would have laughed in their face. A wife, Katherine Pulitzer, no less; four wonderful kids, who kept him on his toes, and a group of friends and family that he loved and adored. He had a job that he loved and looked forward to going to every day. Dreams do come true for gutter kids like him, he grinned. 
Stretching out on the bench he occupied, he glanced up, quickly putting pencil to paper and sketched what he saw. His tongue slipped between his lips in concentration before holding up the drawing to compare to the real-life scene.  In comparing the sketch to the cityscape, a figure stopped just outside of his eyesight. Smiling, he lowered the paper before looking at the figure. 
“John, this is a pleasant surprise.” He smiled, moving his bag off the bench, inviting the young man to join him. 
Sammi and John had been dating for the last two years, the young man making his little girl happy, which is all he could’ve asked for. She was so nervous to introduce John to the family but they quickly adopted him as one of their own. His little girl gave him a look, not unlike the looks her mother gives him, when he said that he, Race, and Spot were going to have a little talk with John. But John was tougher than he looked and was fiercely protective of Sammi. Also, it didn’t hurt that Jack still was very connected with the New York Newsies and they tended to keep an eye out for any of his or Race’s kids when they were out in the city. 
Jack watched the young man sit, a nervous energy surrounding him. “I’m sorry to interrupt but Kat mentioned you’d be here before you met with her.” 
“Is try to be here at least once or twice a week to just get away for an hour or two.” Jack grinned. “Is have a feeling this wasn’t just a casual bump in, is it? What can I do for you?” 
John looked at his girlfriend’s father with a small smile. “No, this wasn’t a casual bump-in, sir.” 
“Uh huh . . .” Jack knew something was going on. You don’t live on the streets for many years and not have every sensor go off when he looked at the man in front of him. “Does this have to do with Sammi? Did yous do something?” 
Sammi’s name seemed to knock him out of whatever resolve he had on his face. “Yes, this has to do something with Sammi and no I haven’t done anything . . . well not yet.” 
“John, you’ve been with Sammi, for what, the last 2 years?” Jack asked, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Just spit it out man.” 
Sitting up straight, John looked at Jack before sighing quietly. “I want to ask Sammi to marry me.” 
Jack faltered for a moment, the words crashing against his ears. His little girl. Well she wasn’t so little now was she? She was on the verge of turning 20 and an adult. She was studying journalism in school and worked part time at The Sun with her mother, different departments of course, but she seemed to love it. 
“Why?” Jack posed the question, looking at the young man. “You’ve been with her for the last two years. Why do yous want to marry her?” 
It was a question that Joseph Pulitzer had asked him when he asked to have Katherine’s hand in marriage. It faltered Jack but speaking straight from the heart had seemed to work. Jack had pocketed the question for the inevitable time that he would be asked about Sammi and Lizzie. 
John paused. “Why do I want to marry Sammi?” 
Jack nodded, giving him a smile. “Why do yous want to marry my daughter, John?” 
“Sir, with all due respect, Sammi is a brilliant young lady. She’s so passionate and excited about everything around her. She cares so much for those closest to her, her friends and family. She’s always up for an adventure and willing to try new things. I love her with all my heart and want to spend the rest of my life with her. There’ll never be a dull moment, that’s for sure.” John said, giving his girlfriend’s father a smile. 
Jack laughed lightly at his last comment. “Any life with Samantha will be less than dull. You have my blessing but yous need to have a discussion with her uncles, Race and Spot.” 
John’s eyes went wide, already starting to shake his head. “They’ll kill me.” 
“If they know what’s good for them, theys won’t.” Jack laughed. “They’re just as important to Sammi as Is so you will need to talk to them as well. Besides, if they haven’t killed you in the last two years, I doubt they will now.” 
Finishing up the conversation, Jack looked at his pocket watch before gathering his supplies, looking over at him. “I won’t speak a word of this to Sammi. But Is will tell Kat about this, if that’s okay?” 
“As long as she doesn’t clue Sammi in.” John grinned, standing, offering Jack his hand. “Thank you.” 
“I’ll tell her to keep it quiet.” Jack grinned. “And speak to Race and Spot. One more thing, John?” 
He paused in his motions, giving Jack a look. “Anything sir?” 
“Kat and I are much too young to be grandparents.” Jack chuckled. 
His eyes went wide at the statement. “I think Sammi and I are much too young to be parents just yet. I’m sure children will come in a few years once Sammi is established as a journalist but we’re much too young currently.” 
“Good man. Let me know if you need anything.” Jack gave him a look. “Talk to Race and Spot - you know where to find them.” 
John agreed before they parted ways. Jack shook his head at the conversation that just occurred. He knew Kat would be over the moon with the news. He just hoped she could keep it a secret. 
Walking into Jacobi’s he quickly spotted his wife sitting in their normal booth flipping through the morning’s newspaper. He made his way over to her, pressing a kiss to her cheek before slipping into the booth. “Hi love.”
“Hi yourself. How are you?” She asked, folding up the newspaper, grinning. 
Jack lacing his hands with hers, giving them a squeeze. “Is had a very interesting conversation with someone.” 
Jacobi came over and took their order, dropping off waters for them. As he left, Kat gave him a look. “And who did you have a conversation with?” 
“John.” He said, taking a sip of his water, watching Kat’s face as a smile crossed her lips. 
“And what was the conversation about?” She paused, squeezing his hand. “He stopped by The Sun earlier this morning to bring Sammi flowers. He asked about you and I told him you were spending the afternoon in the park.” 
Jack chuckled, heart swelling at the man bringing his little girl flowers. “He wants to ask Sammi to marry him.” 
An unnatural squeal escaped Kat’s mouth as Jack chuckled. A couple of eyes floated over to their table as she quickly covered her mouth. “Really?” 
Nodding, Jack put his finger to his lips, giving her a look. “Yous have to keep it quiet, Katherine. He doesn’t want Sammi to even be aware that he’s planning on asking her.”
“What did you tell him?” She asked, an excitement bouncing off of her. “You told him yes, didn’t you Jack?” 
He laughed, nodding his head. “Yes, Is told him yes. But I told him that he has to talk to Race and Spot.”
“I’m sure he was thrilled at that suggestion.” Kat laughed, thinking of her brother-in-laws. 
Pointing at her, Jack nodded. “Hes worried that they’re going to kill him.”
“Sammi won’t let them kill him. Besides, if they were going to kill him, they’d have already done it.” She said, giving him a look as he nodded. 
“Exactly what Is told him.” Jack smiled, reflecting on their conversation. “But I asked him why he wanted to marry our daughter. And his response was perfect. Is think his response was that he loved her and that life with her would never be dull.” 
Kat threw her head back and laughed loudly, shaking her head in agreement. “There’ll never be a dull moment whoever she’s around. Jack, I’m so happy. Sammi’s going to be over the moon.” 
“And she won’t know anything about it, Katherine, agreed?” He gave her a look, pointing at her. “This is the time that you have a secret like yous did when you didn’t tell me your father was Joe.” 
Huffing, Kat crossed her arms and gave him a look. “I know how to keep a secret, Jack Francis. You’ll spill before I will, dear husband.”
Leaning across the table, he quickly kissed her, grinning as he pulled back. “Is told him that you and I are much too young to be grandparents.” 
Her eyes went wide, as John’s did earlier that morning, before giggling. “What did John say to that?” 
“Hes said that he wants Sammi to be an established journalist before they have children. And he might’ve mentioned theys too young to have children.” Jack grinned, as Jacobi brought them their meals. 
Digging into their food, the conversation was minimum as they ate. Pushing away the plate, Kat leaned back into the booth with a satisfied sigh. “Are you going to give Race and Spot a heads up?” 
Raising an eyebrow, Jack looked up from his plate at his wife. “About what?” 
“John talking to them.” Kat shook her head at her husband's aloof question. 
Shrugging, Jack finished the last of his meal before pushing his plate away. “Probably not. Why deny them finding out on their own? But Is kinda want to be there for that conversation.” 
“Why?” Kat shook her head, not understanding her husband. 
Jack reached for his wallet, dropping it on the table before grinning. “Yous think Spot and Race are going to just agree to John wanting to marry Sammi? They’re going to play with John for a bit. John knows how important Sammi is to the two of them so he’ll have to do it no matter what.” 
“You’re a bit excited that they’re going to make him quake in fear since you’re such a big softie when it comes to your girls.” Kat smiled, watching Jack nod. “He’s a good man for our daughter, Jack.” 
“I know and that's why I didn’t hesitate to say yes. No matter what he said about why he wanted to marry Sammi, Is was going to say yes.” Jacobi brought over the bill as Jack gave him a few bills, including a generous tip. “Shall we head home?” 
Standing from the booth, he offered Kat his hand, helping her to her feet. The two walked hand in hand out the door and into the bright October sunshine.  
October 11, 1921
Jack had stopped by Spot and Race’s brownstone to pick up something that Tommy had left there the last time the kids were all together. He had thrown such a fit about it that Jack promised he would stop by and pick it up before he got home from school.  
They were settling down in the living room when a quick knock sounded at the door. Race and Spot traded glances with one another before Spot got up and answered the door. Race looked at Jack curious at the grin on the man’s face. “What’s goin’ on?” 
“Just waits and see.” Jack vaguely replied, grinning at Race. 
“Wes got company boys.” Spot said, as the front door shut and he walked back into the room, motioning behind him. “John stopped by.” 
Race cocked an eyebrow at seeing his niece’s boyfriend standing in his living room. “What brings yous here, John? Somethin’ wrong with Sammi? Yous do something?” 
“You Newsies all have the mindset I’m going to do something to hurt her.” John looked between Race and Jack with a shake of his head. “And that’s the farest thing I’d ever do to her.” 
Race smiled a little. “When yous live on the streets, yous start to anticipate the bad stuff. Wes like you and all but what brings you here?” 
Spot sat down next to Race, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Let the man speak, Race.” 
“I had a talk with Jack earlier this week but he said I need to talk with you two.” John said, wringing his hand in his hands to try to hide the nerves. 
Race looked over at Jack with an eyebrow raised. “Yous knew?” 
“Don’t be jumpin’ to conclusions, Racetrack.” Jack warned, taking a sip from the glass in his hand. “Listen to your husband . . . let the man speak.” 
Race nodded, motioning to the other couch for John to sit down. “Might as well make yourself comfortable if yous need to talk to us. Need somethin’ to drink?” 
John looked at the three of them, all of which had a beer bottle in their hands, before nodding curtly. “That’d be great.” 
“Don’t move.” Race said, walking into the kitchen to grab him a bottle, opening it before walking back into the living room and handing it to him. “Alright, now that wes all settled, what did yous want to talk to us about?” 
John took a deep breath before exhaling slowly. “I want to ask Sammi to marry me.” 
The air was heavy after he spoke. Race and Spot looked at one another before looking at Jack who had a big grin on his face. “Is assume this is what he talked to you about earlier this week?” 
Jack nodded, tipping back his beer bottle with a grin. “Found me in Central Park. Wes talked and I said he had to talk with you two.”
“And what did you tell him?” Spot asked, giving his brother-in-law a look. 
Jack chuckled, shaking his head. “He wouldn’t be sitting here if Is didn’t give him my blessing.” 
“She’s just a girl.” Race cried, giving Jack and Spot a look. 
Spot snorted. “A girl who would punch you, leave a bruise, if she ever heard that out of your mouth. Remember, yous taught her how to punch.” 
“She’s almost 20, Race. And John’s been around for the last 2 years.” Jack chuckled, knowing Race would have a harder time with this than he would. Jack knew his moment would come but for right now, he was having too much fun watching Race wrap his head around this. 
Race looked at the twerp that wanted to marry his niece. “Why?” 
John took a sip of his beer before looking at Race. “Why what?” 
“Why do you want to marry her?” Race asked, giving him a look, fiddling with his beer bottle. “Why Sammi?” 
John smiled, thinking back on the last two years. “She’s feisty and brilliant and keeps me on my toes. A day with her will never be dull. I love her and can’t imagine life without her.” 
“Yous treat her good?” Race looked at him, locking eyes with him.
John nodded. “Absolutely, you have my word.” 
“Spottie . . . any objections or questions?” Race looked at his husband with an unsure look. 
Spot reached over and took Race’s hand in his. “You know there’s no secrets in this family, right? Sammi tells her parents and us everything.” 
“I do know that.” John nodded, looking between Sammi’s two uncles. 
“And you know that between the Newsies and her grandfather, there’s eyes and ears on every street corner keeping an eye out for her, her siblings, and cousins, right?” Spot said, watching him for any signs of worry or distress. 
John sighed, looking at Race and Spot with a slight grin on his face. “I remember you telling me that just before I asked Sammi to be my girlfriend, officially. In those two years, has anything happened to her?” 
“Yous mean besides when she ended up in the hospital with a broken wrist?” Race raised an eyebrow as a challenge looking at John. 
“Okay, that was one time and technically that wasn’t my fault, even though she was with me.” John sighed. “I will protect her with my life. And besides, if I’m anything less than the man she deserves, she will let you know.” 
Spot looked at Race, with a nod. “He’s right. Sammi will clue us in faster than anything else.” 
Race sighed, knowing his husband was right. Race put his beer bottle on the table before lacing his hands together. He knew this day would come but nothing prepared him for it. Looking at Spot, who nodded his head, put a hand on his shoulder. “John, that girl is special. She’s feisty and brilliant and everything you said. Yous have mine and Spot’s blessing to marry her.” 
The tension in the air left as soon as the words were out of his mouth. John’s shoulders sagged in relief at Race’s words. “Thank you.” 
Race smiled at his thanks before clapping his hands together. “Now, do yous have a ring and how yous gonna ask her?” 
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a black velvet box, opening it up before presenting it to the three men in the room. Race whistled at the beauty of the ring. “It was my grandmother’s. She left it to me when she passed away, wanting me to give it to my future wife.” 
“It’s beautiful.” Spot spoke up as Jack nodded his head. 
Race nodded. “So how yous going to ask her?” 
“Haven’t really thought about it, to be honest.” John chuckled. “I was more worried about whether you’d agree or not.” 
Race threw his head back and laughed. “I was always going to say yes . . . just needed you to sweat it out a bit.” 
“How did you propose?” John asked, looking between the three men. 
“Brooklyn Bridge at sunset.” Spot spoke up, grinning at Race. “It was a surprise, he didn’t know Is gonna do it.” 
John nodded, looking over at Jack. “And you? How did you propose to Katherine?” 
“Rooftop of the Newsies Lodging House. Is took her up there one night after a walk around the city and proposed.” Jack grinned. “It was at sunset and in the summer. Wes was married four months later.” 
John smiled. “So you’re saying pick something significant to our relationship?” 
“Pretty much.” Jack shrugged. “Brooklyn Bridge was important to Race and Spot just as the rooftop of the Newsies Lodging House was important to me and Kat. Just make sure yous speak from the heart when you ask her.” 
Spot chuckled, remembering asking Race to marry him. “When are yous asking her?” 
“Thinking in the next couple of days. Too many people know now and I don’t want her to find out.” 
October 15, 1921  
The Higgins-Conlon family had joined the Kelly family for dinner, like they did most weeks. The kitchen had just been cleaned up from dinner, the four adults joined the kids outside to sit on the stoop of the house. “So where’s Ellie?” 
Spot gave Race a look before shaking his head. “Shes said that she was going to the library as she has a paper due. But Race has a different theory.” 
Kat gave her brother-in-law a look. “Race?” 
“Is think she’s got a boy.” Race gave Spot a look, while Kat chuckled. 
Jack gave them both a look. “Is thought she was seeing that one guy.” 
“Which guy?” Race asked. “There’s been multiple guys. As she told us, she has many admirers.” 
Kat shook her head, chuckling. “I mean, she’s a gorgeous girl, so it’s not surprising she has admirers.” 
“You’re not helping, Kat.” Race gave his sister-in-law a look. “Why couldn’t she have stayed 6 forever?” 
Jack nudged him, shaking his head. “Well at least your daughter isn’t getting engaged soon.” 
“John still hasn’t asked her?” Spot’s eyes went wide, looking between Kat and Jack, who shook their head, Kat putting her finger to her lips. 
“She’s out with him tonight so maybe it’ll be tonight.” Kat grinned. “But she doesn’t suspect a thing. She was talking earlier about a story she’s working on.” 
“What is she working on?” They were temporarily distracted by the screeching coming from Maisie and Lizzie as they hopscotched along the sidewalk. 
Kat thought back on her and Sammi’s hurried conversation earlier that day. “She’s writing an article on the Hebrew Orphan Asylum of New York. I think she mentioned that there’s been some rumors about some less than desirable things happening within those walls.” 
Whistling, Spot shook his head. “Is she up for the challenge of that task?”
“She says she is but she may need her uncles to check up on her in a few days.” Jack grinned, knowing they would do just that. 
An excited cry caught their attention as Maisie and Lizzie ran towards something down the sidewalk. “What’s got them so excited?” 
Looking between Lucas and Benny, the adults couldn’t say. It wasn’t until Maisie and Lizzie got closer that they saw it was John and Sammi, both had big smiles on their faces. “Well look what the cat drug in.”
“And you just happened to be out here waiting for us.” Sammi gave her father, mother, and two uncles a look. “What are you doing out here?” 
Race looked at Jack. “Enjoying the weather. What’s up with yous? Seems like she’s hiding something to me. She has that reporter voice that her mother had too many times currently going on.” 
Kat slapped his shoulder with a grin. “How was time on the town, Sammi?” 
“Good. We went to dinner before taking a walk around the city.” Sammi grinned, looking up at John like he hung the stars. 
Jack shook his head at his daughter’s nonchalant attitude. “That’s lovely, darling. Where yous dine?”
“Dad.” Sammi gently rolled her eyes at his stuffy voice, biting her lip. “If you absolutely should know, we went to Katz Delicatessen. It was really good.” 
A hush descended on the adults as they watched Sammi. She wasn’t a very good liar to her close family and friends - she had several tells, all of which Race picked up from the moment she came up with John. “Something bugging you Sammi?” 
Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Race. “What do you mean?” 
“Your tells are showing, girlie.” Race grinned. “Yous bit your lips and you’ve been messing with your hands. Just tell us what’s going on.” 
“There’s nothing going on.” She gave him a look. “Why do you three always have to be suspicious anytime I come home? At least mom isn’t giving me the third degree.” 
Kat held her hands up, giving her daughter a look. “Hey now, leave me out of it.” 
“Why can’t John and I just be happy from coming from an outing on town? Why did something have to happen?” She gave Race, Spot, and Jack a look. “Unless you know something? Hmmmm . . . . do you know something that I don’t?” 
All three started protesting loudly that they knew nothing. She tapped her toes, unlacing her hand with John’s before crossing her arms across her chest, softly staring her father and uncles down. “Well, do you have anything to say for yourselves?” 
The three grown men had a silent conversation with one another before they all shook their heads at Sammi. “There’s nothing that you don’t know that we might know. Now shall we go inside and have dessert?” 
Kat shook her head at Jack as he blatantly lied to his daughter. That would be on him but in the meantime, he did mention dessert. “Lizzie, Maisie, Lucas, Benny, come on, let’s go get dessert.” 
She pushed open the door, leading the way in, heading into the kitchen to cut the cake she had made. “Sammi, can you come help me?” 
She watched everyone find a spot in the living room as her daughter walked into the kitchen with a grin on her face. “Hi mom.” 
“Hi Sammi.” She grinned, reaching into the cupboard to get down some dessert plates. “I’m glad you and John had a good time tonight.” 
Sammi grinned before lowering her voice. “Thanks mom. Why is dad, Uncle Spot, and Uncle Race acting so weird?” 
“They’ve been weird all week.” She shook her head at her daughter. “I’m not sure what’s going on with them.” 
Putting a hand on her mom’s shoulder, she stilled her actions, Sammi gave her a look. “I think I know why they’re acting the way they are.” 
“Oh really? And why would that be?” Kat raised an eyebrow at her daughter. 
Holding up her left hand, Sammi grinned as her mom caught on. “This.” 
Kat’s hands went to her mouth as tears clouded her eyes. Of course she had been excited when Jack had told her but it was different seeing the ring on her daughter’s hand. “Oh Sammi, it’s gorgeous. Congratulations!” 
“Thanks mom. He asked tonight after dinner on our walk.” She held her hand out to admire the ring. “I couldn’t say yes fast enough.” 
Kat swallowed her emotions before turning to cut the cake. She laid the pieces on plates before giving them to Sammi to take into the living room. When she returned, she gave Kat a look. “I’m going to play with dad, Uncle Spot, and Uncle Race for a bit. Can you keep a straight face?” 
“Of course I can. I’m a reporter after all.” She grinned, finishing up plating the cake before following her daughter out of the kitchen into the living room. 
Sammi sat next to John while Kat sat next to Jack. Praises were sent Kat’s way at how delicious the cake was. 
“So what’s your next assignment, Sammi?” Race asked, giving his niece a look once the plates were cleared and put in the sink. 
Snuggling into John’s side, she grinned. “Looking into the Hebrew Orphan Asylum of New York. My editor suggested I start making some gentle pokes into the operation of the building. Apparently there’s been some rumors about some unseedy deals going on.” 
“Anything like the Refuge?” Jack asked, suddenly interested in what his daughter was digging into.
She shook her head. “Nothing to the extremes of that but some money being floated into unsavory accounts or money disappearing altogether. I start my investigations next week so we’ll see what I unearth.” 
“Just be careful when you go into that building.” Spot piped up. “People aren’t going to be eager to talk to a reporter from The Sun.” 
Sammi nodded, lacing her hand with John’s. “Hey Sammi?” 
Looking at her younger sister and cousin, both who grinned at the older girl. “What’s that on your hand?” 
She held her hand up to look, unsure what they were looking at. “What do you mean? There’s nothing on my hand.” 
“Uh huh!” They both chorused, grinning. “That’s an awfully pretty ring.” 
The gasp that came out of Jack, Spot, and Race’s mouth was loud as Sammi looked over at them. “Thank you girls. John asked me to marry him tonight and I said yes.” 
The room’s volume increased tenfold after she said her announcement. Jack and Kat motioned for them both to stand up as they were each pulled into hugs. Spot and Race grinned at one another before pulling Sammi into a hug. “Congratulations, Sammi. You and John will be very happy together.” 
Sammi’s smile grew bigger at the words that left her uncle’s mouth. As they sat back down, Sammi laced her hand with John’s hand, looking expectantly at her parents. “How did you ask, John?” 
“After dinner, we took a stroll through Central Park. Near one of the fountains, I got down on a knee and asked her to marry me.” John glanced at Sammi, before kissing the side of her head. “Thankfully she said yes right away.” 
Sammi giggled. “I was too excited to say anything but.”
“Glad you figured it out.” Race said, as Jack and Spot both glared at him. John’s eyes went wide at the words from Race. 
Sammi’s eyes went wide, looking at her uncle. “What do you mean by that? He just asked me tonight.” 
“Oh . . . no.” Race’s face dropped, as he looked around the room. “All Is meant is that I’m glad you asked her.” 
Sammi shook her head, quick to call out her uncle. “That’s not what it sounded like. What did you mean by that, Uncle Race?” 
“Just that I’m glad he asked yous and we can officially welcome him to the family.” Race tried to backpedal, realizing there were several eyes burning a hole in him. 
Sammi traded looks at John, giving her dad and uncles a look. “Nah, it sounds like you had some insider knowledge. Maybe you knew that John was going to propose?” 
“No way!” Race shook his head, denying her words. “Is had no knowledge at all. I didn’t know anything.” 
Sammi raised an eyebrow, looking at her uncle Race before turning her eyes to her dad and Uncle Spot. “Did you two know anything? And I’m going to warn you to think verrrrrryyyyy carefully about this.” 
“John came to me about a week ago in the park asking if he could marry you.” Jack rushed out, giving Spot and Race a look. “She may be my daughter but that look is her mother through and through.” 
“Spot?” He swallowed loudly at Sammi’s intense stare. 
He nodded. “About a week ago, John stopped at the house to ask us. Wes both said yes.” 
“Now that wasn’t so hard, now was it?” She grinned, all evidence of her staredown gone and she relaxed against John with a laugh.
Race shook his head, looking at Sammi. “Wait, yous knew that we knew?” 
“Uh huh . . . John told me that he asked for my dad’s blessing along with yours and Uncle Spot’s.” She grinned. “That spiral happened because you weren’t being truthful about if you knew anything or not. Just had to play with you a bit . . . as I heard you did the same to John.” 
The three men looked at John who shrugged his shoulders. “Like Jack said, that look is all her mother’s and she’s frightening when she turns that look my way. I spilled alllll of my secrets.” 
“Yous something else Sammi.” Race shook his head, leaning over and kissing her forehead. 
Sammi laughed, nodding. “I’ve learned from the best.” 
The rest of the night was spent cheering, many times, to the happiness of John and Sammi, as they would soon start their new lives together.
Feedback is always welcomed. Please let me know what you think! 
11 notes · View notes
vroenis · 3 years
Text
Part 2
This is part 1.
Can you tell how tired I was getting by the end? This is life under meds, but given the other benefits (I think?), I’ll take it for now.
When I woke up the next morning, I had a whole lot I was thinking about and it’s stuff I want to say given I said a lot, but didn’t cover this stuff. I’m still happy with part 1, I think that’s just how I write, moving from subject to subject more or less organically and it does show me to more unstructured even if there is a vague plan for how I want the piece to go.
Anyway let’s get going.
As always, mild spoilers for well, everything. If you haven’t seen this stuff and are mildly interested in watching them then ah, you may have a lot of catching up to do. I don’t think I’ll drop any real hard spoilers for anything but you never know.
Ghost In The Shell is an Outsider story
There are whole stacks of lore you could dive into with Stand Alone Complex in particular, with Motoko having been in an aircraft accident and getting her first shell (cyber-body) at a very early age, what that means, the thing with Kuze (avoiding spoilers here), and the extended cast - not that Paz, Boma and even Ishikawa get a whole lot of time anyway - but it’s not really that important.
Looking at just Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film, and even more-so his 2004 film Innocence (not really a sequel but usually regarded as such), the narratives cast the characters very much as Outsiders. In the first film, Section 9 is already at odds with the government in general and while it’s subtle, Aramaki as a department head is certainly different from his contemporaries, even if we don’t see much of it - again, so much more of this in Stand Alone Complex. Motoko’s early conversation with Togusa in the first film is probably the most telling as far as playing it loud. She speaks in pragmatic terms to why he’s there, but this is a precursor to what will ultimately transpire for herself at the conclusion of the film, something very intentionally written into the film. Batou is also an Outsider in more ways than one, not only in the role he plays in the department but in the very clear personal boundary between him and Motoko. There are boundaries between Batou and everyone and they become more apparent in the second film. Togusa is easy pickings so I’ll leave him alone, suffice to say if the film needs one, he’s the audience’s window of ignorance which is why he’s discarded so willingly half way in. He gets his time in the spotlight in Stand Alone Complex and it’s pretty amazing.
As for Motoko... I admit it is difficult separating my understanding of her character from Stand Alone Complex and attempting to just isolate what’s shown of her in the first film but I’ll try.
I mentioned the film’s centrepiece montage in my previous journal, in which we might say Motoko is the centrepiece but if so, she probably shares it with the city itself, and I feel much more is being said about the two together rather than separated simultaneously. This would be one of the first indications of Motoko’s sense of identity, of otherness, isolation, questioning. Again the scene that plays it most loud would be diving on the boat and her speech to Batou. There are other moments tho; single frames of her face, looks, movements that are lingered on, I feel like Oshii is constantly telling us about her and what she’s going to do, but more important than that, why she’s going to do it and how she feels.
Ghost in the Shell is a film about great emotion, and not like I’d know because it’s been a long time since I’ve looked into the discourse around it, but I suspect no-one really talks about it as a film about feelings.
I realise these days I talk more and more about moods and art being mood pieces. I labelled my Instagram account as being “A catalogue of moods” and I’m very fond of the use of the word in vernacular. It might seem flippant but it’s immensely empowered, especially for me as an individual when I understand my moods and can translate them into, via and thru art. I do appreciate many struggle with Oshii’s cinematic language as it can appear cold and detached and that’s fine, but it’s anything but for me - it’s immensely emotionally charged, it just appears differently to what audiences are perhaps accustomed to seeing. It’s a different language that perhaps takes time to learn, but it’s all there.
This couldn’t become more evident than in Innocence (the Ghost in the Shell 2 moniker I think was a western addendum). Batou takes centre stage and is  immediately presented as bluntly as possible as an Outsider, reaffirmed later by Aramaki who also cements Togusa’s position in limbo.
I should pause and say that within the GitS canon, I feel Togusa is definitely embraced by Section 9, so he’s not wholly an Outsider to the department, but for obvious reasons, he doesn’t fully share all of their daily or philosophical concerns - hence not wholly. He would also definitely be an Outsider to most other members of the force after joining Section 9, but unfortunately I’m not here to love Togusa, poor guy - I feel like he’s always a bit unloved. Someone write a giant essay in service to his greatness. He actually is great.
But I adore Batou in Innocence. I love his story, his struggle, his emotion. I love how present Motoko is without ever appearing on screen and then when she does, the impact she has on everything, especially with the lines she delivers, one of which I quoted to open the last journal. Batou is in many ways a shadow of what Motoko was and is/has become, just in physical form, mirroring her in a real world manifestation with the natural physical limitations that comes with.
For some reason I feel like I need to inject a comment about Batou putting the jacket/vest on Motoko’s body. I don’t know if people perceive this as an act of masculine modesty but it’s not how I read it. I did stumble on this action for years but as I began to interpret the films as Outsider stories, I realised that he does this as an act of inclusion, and that Motoko consents, permits him to and doesn’t immediately react with violence or technological recourse we know she is well capable of, indicates it’s mutual. Their inclusion isn’t just about the boundaries of the Section 9 department but extends beyond that, an inner circle that may only contain the two of them - inside which there are still boundaries between them Batou can never cross. Those boundaries become infinitely more apparent after the final events of the first film, and the second film effectively is all about how he feels about them. He is an ultimate Outsider, but so is Motoko in the state she now is in.
Section 9 is a department of stray dogs. Individuals who haven’t quite fit in where they belong, and found belonging with one another. Then, after a time, one of them moves on - at the conclusion of the first film, and then another feels an almost permanent and ultimate sense of separation - more or less the duration of the second film.
Ghost in the Shell isn’t about technology and sentience and hacking and corporations at all. It’s about loneliness and belonging and acceptance and affection. It’s about how that feels.
I’m Not Sure Why People Struggle With David Lynch Films
I need to stop talking about anime. Honestly I looked at the list at the start of the last journal and thought hell yea Sky Crawlers, Jin-Roh, Haibane Renmei and Lain let’s unpack some shit! but honestly I’ll run out of time and I should really draw from a variety of mediums and sources.
OK I’m not being facetious when I say Lynch’s films are fairly straight-forward narrative-wise. Again, it’s hard for me to position myself in a place where I’m not into the stuff I’m into and maybe that’s what gives me the cinematic language familiarity to parse them but that just sounds like wanker bullshit to me. I don’t mind if folks don’t like Lynch films, that’s fine. But they aren’t difficult.
So in the context of everything else, even on that short list on the last journal, plus how I keep trying to shift the discussion of works from the pragmatic reading of them to an emotional reading of them from a mood perspective, I feel as tho the same process can be applied to Lynch. So much about his films are about how they make you feel, or I’ll say - how they make *me* feel. It might be grandiose to assume I’m feeling the correct emotion, that these are the moods that David Lynch himself is attempting to create and evoke and thus, I am interpreting them correctly but hey - I enjoy the hell out of the films, feel I understand them and watch them over and over again so that’s all I’m basing it on.
That’s not to say there are things I dismiss as meaningless or that I don’t understand in his films, it’s just that I don’t have to parse them immediately at first watch and perhaps that’s the audience’s problem. I don’t know if reverse-diagnosis is appropriate but looking at how much hand-holding there is in other directors�� films might be just as telling. I mean I saw Nolan’s Tenet and was about the least confusing thing I’d ever seen in my life but apparently *that* confused people, and you know hey that’s fair I guess, but I mean Nolan did a whooooole lot of audience hand-holding in that film, I mean, the dialogue was terrible. There was so much unnecessary exposition, which I generally find in all of his films, so if an audience can’t follow that then OK sure, Lynch is going to be a problem.
The thing is popcorn cinema is totally OK. I watch it. I really love it, I’ve written about it before, it’s good Industry. There’s a lot of great creativity in popular cinema, I don’t at all think poorly of it and I love seeing a really well produced, Hollywood picture... but I guess if that’s all you consume, and I guess if folks’ short-format episodic media (aka series - think Netflix, HVO etc.) is more or less to the same standard, then it begins to make sense that anything outside of that isn’t going to make sense.
Long story short - Lynch films tell simple stories where the feeling of the film is as important as the narrative of the film. To understand the story, you have to understand the feeling, and vice-versa.
Surprise surprise, it turns out independent and deemed “fringe” film-makers... aka Outsiders... make films about Outsiders.
Now I wouldn’t know if any of the Marvel films thematically are about Outsiders or Outsider culture, they probably are and very loudly at that, but the reason I’ve never included one in my catalogue of moods is they all read the same way. Not only are Marvel films mostly indistinct from one other to me, they’re also mostly indistinct from much of popular culture in general. That doesn’t make them bad, some of them still have some pretty awesome stunts, visfx, even parts of the narratives, funny jokes etc. in them, but on the whole they’re not useful to me as things I deem truly valuable in the long-term.
It’s OK, I’m not at all going to lament the proliferation of Marvel films, a lot of them have been pretty cool and they keep people in work. Meow meow meow “the death of cinema” mate, sure - I find it more difficult to find the sorts of films I like but that’s always been the case. Humans will do what they do, it’s not a read on cinema, it’s about being an Outsider and what that’s all about. True, maybe weird shit like Lynch and Noe might be more difficult to make, but the weird-indie corner was also dominated by white men and that needs to change, so who knows what the future holds.
Can you detect the point at which I took my meds and started getting tired?
Ghost in the Shell // Innocence // What We Want // What We’re Left With
Growing up as an Outsider, I feel as tho the first Ghost in the Shell film carries the weight of isolation, questions of identity and belonging, ultimately of acceptance, empowerment and liberation. Then Innocence brings to bear very similar moods but states that things may not necessarily change for the better, they simply change state. I love that in both narratives, the main texts of hacking or corrupt corporations, crime etc. are the least common denominators and barely relevant to heart of the films. I think about the theme of icons in Innocence, icons operatively being the dolls throughout the film, and the final image of Togusa’s daughter’s gift. As humans we assume we’re to take the position of biological humanity as representative of sentience, taking moral priority over all other beings. Earlier in the film we think Togusa is in limbo, but  at the conclusion Motoko asks the question, or perhaps states that perhaps we’re all in limbo together.
I think that’s a significant part of what growing up as and being an Outsider is like, what it feels like. Christians have this saying about “living in the world but not of the world” (derived from a bible verse) and honestly I don’t think they know what it means because they just operate like a cult, but I think queers and folks with long term mental health conditions have a better idea. We are pushed out to the fringes of our social groups from an early age, long before we know or understand what’s different about us. Our peers and the adults around us do this to us because their social behaviours are so well hard-coded, even they may not even know precisely what’s different about us, they just do - and they’re right. We are different. And they don’t accept us.
Maybe I am starting to get a little more upset that weird/different art is becoming more difficult to fund and make, because it’s for us, for me. It speaks to me. You already have so much, and representation and inclusion is so important. I don’t just need queer cinema, I need weird cinema, I need moods. I need quiet, introspective, pensive, reflective, Outsider moods.
I still feel like an Outsider. I have a few people who understand more about me, but I don’t think I have a place, not in a real sense. I have never felt that. Art is one of the few places I feel any connection with anything, and connecting with people is a very odd thing to consider - honestly, I actually would really like to connect with people but the unique combination of being queer *and* autistic comorbid with bipolar makes it really tough, more difficult the older I get. And now all you want to do is fund Marvel movies. I can’t feed off of that.
I’m getting tired, I’m not making any sense. It’s time for bed.
4 notes · View notes
daisychvins · 3 years
Text
。・゚゚・ — introduction.
Tumblr media
introducing ... violet’s demise ! aka grayson aka her big brother she’s been wiring money to stay away in europe <33333
name: grayson swag money jeon  age: 22 turning 23 (don’t ask me about his sign that’s for liza to figure out someday <3) gender: cis male; he/him hometown: baltimore, maryland sexuality: bisexual & biromantic
listen i was feeling rlly committed to completing his stats but i’m already over it so don’t ask dont tell xx anYWAYS let’s get on to the juicy stuff hehe
i tend to ramble a lot so this intro is gonna be probably a mixture of paragraphs and bullet points and everything in between but let’s start simple. also i rlly wanna emphasize a massive DRUGS TW bc his character largely revolves around his interest in and addiction to drugs
blackmails
grayson is claiming that he's been in a rehab program for the last year and is now completely sober and reformed when he really was just using the money to party and travel throughout europe.
without his parents paying to support him now, he's had to start dealing to make ends meet and keep up appearances. it’s mostly coke, but he dabbles in harder substances depending on what his connections can get him. 
grayson dabbles with calligraphy and was notorious for forging excuse notes and parent signatures all throughout high school and even now sells forgeries for a quick buck. the most notable of these was xavi’s letter of recommendation that helped him get into yale. 
background
grayson is violet’s older brother!!1 yes, that’s right, THE big brother who’s been out of the country getting LIT (and by lit i mean he’s been traveling europe on a series of solo trips w his parents’ money and doin lots of recreational drugs)
i haven’t fully fleshed out the dynamic he has w his parents but just know it’s ,, bad ASDHFJNK basically the jeons treated their children like accessories and expected them to be their little trophies and grayson just was not having that as a kid!!! so he acted out a lot and obviously got himself into a pretty bad scene (thank u goosie) and is basically the bane of his parents existence at this point <3 yet they still try to appease him to keep him under control but that’s for the family task to work out hehehehe
despite hating his parents, he adores both of his siblings. before the drug use started, he was always a big nurturer and would have done anything for either of them......now he wouldn’t be caught dead praising violet but he loves her in secret from afar HSJDFKG
yeah basically he met goose when he was around 15 i think????? and got introduced to drugs around 16 or 17 i wanna say and by the time he graduated high school he was just....a much different person than the soft big brother he used to be. his parents sent him off to europe pretty much as soon as he turned 18 under the guise of going to school internationally, but grayson obviously knew the truth and understood that he was being sent away so he wouldn’t be his parents problem anymore. 
he basically spent the last four years galavanting europe and just....trying to enjoy it???? but it’s hard to enjoy an extended vacation when u have no family or friends on ur side anymore </3 he basically used the money to stay in hostels and worked odd jobs here and there to stay afloat and keep supplied w the...special goods....but yeah lots of drugs, alcohol, sex, and recklessness but he DID learn a couple languages??? or at least enough to get through some pretty basic conversations in most european countries so <3 guess it’s all okay then!!!! 
anyways idk what else to put here that u won’t just find out in the family task so uhhhhhh idk lmk if u need anything else i guess
present/personality
so now grayson is just vibing at yale obviously ummm he actually got super into writing after high school, especially poetry. he used to carry journals full of just random prose about his addiction and his deepest thoughts, as well as probably some lighter stuff about his love escapades or maybe goose idk...basically he used poetry as an outlet and it allowed him to really ground himself and find his place in the world even if it didnt include who he thought it would SO with that being said, grayson got into yale due to a poetry competition he was a part of. he saw some big fancy competition being advertised and on a whim decided to submit some poem about his struggles with addiction and losing his family (a v raw piece that he didn’t expect to ever see the light of day) and he actually ended up winning! it caught yale’s attention and they invited him to apply and, knowing how much it would probably disturb his little sister, grayson very smugly applied and was pretty stoked to see he got in 
because that poem gained such publicity, it was assumed that he was a survivor of addiction and was writing from a sober perspective. he didn’t want to correct anyone, so he just went with it and has basically crafted this story about his massive success and has become an advocate for addiction treatment and rehabilitation. of course, none of the companies that sponsor him or the events that host him as a motivational speaker know that he’s snorting lines in the bathroom beforehand or dealing to half the elites, but that’s between grayson, god, and the blackmailer !
basically grayson showed back up because of violet’s blackmail being exposed. he was off in europe, unable to defend himself, and with a massive vendetta against his family so he decided what better way to reenter society than by publicly outing himself as a martyr <3333 his plan is basically to bash the family name to fulfill whatever angsty coming of age arc he has in store for him to make up for the pain of being sent away .... really angsty yeah </3 rip grayson 
anyways yeah he’s a total fake. he’s been using his status as a martyr to his advantage a lot, the best example being his recruitment into the elites. he guilted them into accepting him by discussing the PR benefits of recruiting a member that struggles with addiction and how supporting addiction treatment and second chances would be such a good look for them. like he basically threatened to publicly expose them for denying him due to his troubled past and accuse them of being exclusionary so they said boop ! ur in. now the elites are proud advocates for second chances <3333
i would describe grayson as fearless, overconfident, infamous due to his condition being exposed recently, a little gloomy, he’s kind of just got this chip on his shoulder and feels like he has something to prove....he’s gotta be better than his parents, gotta stick it to them and to violet and to everyone who doubts him. he’s a grumpy guy with a massive vendetta and a need for some kind of justice. he just doesn’t know what that is yet. despite all of the bad, however, he’s genuinely a pretty good guy. he’s really goofy and a genuine person, pretty friendly with literally everyone until they give him a reason not to be. basically, unless you are a member of the jeon family he probably likes you or is at least cordial to you (unless we plot differently ofc but u know). he’s just a big lovable dummy with some sweet drug connects and a knack for poetry. he also knows calligraphy but that’s beside the point . 
idk if this is enough to describe him but yeah if u have any questions just let me know hehe
this is probably gonna make things hard but considering violet was just exposed i think that he’s pretty new to yale ???? like probably just transferred in/started this spring semester rather than being here for the entire year/a prolonged amount of time so most of our plots will likely have to be newer/center on him first showing up OR we can establish their connections from pre-europe which is also fine w me....idk i didnt rlly think this timeline through so let’s just plot and see what happens aghbfjnd anyways i included some connection ideas to help us all just in case
wanted connections
i’d say he’s the honorary dealer of the elites aghbdfjn so literally anyone who needs a plug could be a potential connection. we can obviously tweak this and customize it to each character <3
maybe someone who met grayson in europe. they could have travelled together for an extended period of time or even just a brief encounter. he was over there for four years, so the possibilities are endless. 
building off the last one, this same connection could work with a romantic interest. maybe they were romantically involved for a time in europe and fell out of touch or maybe grayson/your muse just left in the middle of the night and they never saw each other again until now and maybe there’s some unresolved feelings/one-sided longing or need for closure. it could also be that they just hooked up whenever this person was in the area and that was that, no strings attached. 
maybe someone who genuinely believes that grayson is actually sober and really admires his strength and idk maybe they’re struggling w their own issues and seek advice from him or maybe they just make it harder for him to actually do his thing bc they’re constantly around and it’s not like they can catch him strung out and acting up 
someone in the literature department or with a background in english or writing. someone he could read poetry to, or share his favorite lines with. someone who’s taken the same professors and can tell him who to watch out for or what to expect. idk i just want him to have someone to share his passions with. maybe a little crush is forming? maybe they’re just friends who share a love of fiction? idk i’m open to literally anything 
he’s sort of a motivational speaker now bc he advocates for rehabilitation resources and stuff so like maybe ur muse saw him give a presentation or participate in some kind of seminar and they called bullshit on him after the show bc they were like,,, bro i literally saw u partying w max and avery last weekend what the fuck are u on about and now they could potentially hold that blackmail over his head hehe......
exes plots are always fun we love angst in this house 
fuck it let’s bring another family member BHJFNGKM no but grayson rlly is a nurturing guy and like....definitely develops unhealthy attachments to cope w his loss of family so he’d love all the sibling-like bonds he can get to kinda numb the pain of “””””losing””””” violet 
if none of these interest you i’m literally so down for anything pls just let me know and i’m happy to brainstorm always <333333 
thank u for reading this....smooch . 
5 notes · View notes
cursebreakerfarrier · 3 years
Text
Tumblr media
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐎𝐀𝐑
Setting: The Auror Office, British Ministry of Magic, London — Sometime in the late 1800s/early 1910s / Tadhg Lives AU
Word Count: 1148
This is the sequel to the little drabble by @unfortunate-arrow in which Tadhg meets Niamh for the first time. Adelia (@that-ravenpuff-witch), Lu (@rosievixen), and Theo (@smarti-at-smogwarts) are also mentioned <3
• • •
It had been a slow day. Not that Teddy was complaining. Being an Auror was usually so chaotic and there was barely any room to breathe. But today finally gave him that chance.
Teddy was sat at his desk filling in paperwork, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up and the door of the office left open because today was also a hot one. He loved the summer, yet hated how stuffy it could get; it made hard to focus sometimes and made him want a jug full of his mother’s ice-cold lemonade.
It was also especially quiet and calm without Niamh. She was out on a case in Oxford and it was her first solo mission without Teddy, who (before she left) had to diffuse a situation ignited by their prejudicial colleagues when that news was announced. Niamh had proved herself more than worthy of being an Auror. Teddy loved watching her put her male peers in place whenever they thought they could get snarky with her. They hated being shown up by a woman, but Teddy thought they more than deserved it.
It had just gone lunch time when there came an energetic knock on the office door. Startled, Teddy looked up from his paperwork to see Tadhg wearing a broad smile on his handsome face.
“Afternoon, Ted,” he greeted cheerily.
“Afternoon,” Teddy replied in the same manner. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be working?”
“Yeah, but I thought I’d drop by whilst I had the chance. It’s quiet around here, don’t you think?”
“Makes a change! Now, don’t go cursing it for me; I’m enjoying the peace whilst it lasts.”
“Hey, I’m the cursebreaker around here. If anything I’ll make the peace better.”
“Yeah, that’s exactly what I thought when you walked into my office.”
Teddy stifled a grin, but it didn’t last long. Eventually, he burst out laughing and Tadhg joined in as he made his way over to the desk and sat down.
Both of them held serious jobs, so even a few seconds of joking around made their whole week better. They promised one another when they left Hogwarts that they’d never let their playful natures be overshadowed by professionalism.
However, Tadhg noticed something as he made himself comfortable. Teddy’s desk had several personalised decorations: journals with his initials embossed on the covers, a paperweight in the shape of a lion, and but his small collection of framed photographs was the most eye-catching. And Teddy had a new addition.
Tadhg saw the shiny golden frame and picked it up. “Ooh, this one’s new... Godric, is that Phin?”
“Sure is,” Teddy smiled. “He just graduated Hogwarts. Can you believe? That makes me feel old.”
Teddy’s youngest brother Phineas had grown into a handsome, intelligent, and talented young man. He had been Head Boy at Hogwarts, scored top marks in all of his exams, and was now on his way to becoming an Investigator for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Teddy was so impressed by how far Phineas had already gone in life and to say he was proud was a dramatic understatement.
“Didn’t you say he’s got a girlfriend now?” Tadhg then inquired.
“Yeah. A Hufflepuff girl called Claudia. She’s very sweet. My mom adores her and they’ve already baked cakes together.”
“That’s great! Looks like you’ve got yourself a future sister-in-law there.”
“Indeed. And speaking of pretty girls,” Teddy then added, reclining in his chair. “Niamh was asking about you the other day.”
Tadhg perked up at the sound of her name. “Really?”
“Yeah. She’s still amused about the fact you took off your boots and put your feet on her desk and said it’s certainly a first encounter she shan’t forget in a hurry.”
“Ah. Yes. But I swear I thought it was your desk... Glad to see I made an impression, though.”
Teddy could see the cogs whirring around inside Tadhg’s mind. He wasn’t very in-tune to his own feelings, so it was Teddy’s duty to prompt him in the right direction once he did, eventually, recognise those feelings.
“I think you should ask her out for dinner,” Teddy then said bluntly.
“I think you should keep your trap shut,” Tadhg retorted. “I don’t want her hearing you say that on the off chance she just walks in right now.”
“Would that really be such a bad thing?”
Tadhg chewed the inside of his cheek.
Perhaps it wasn’t a bad thing.
Niamh was a beautiful woman. She was witty, feisty, confident... but he didn’t want to say too much to Teddy because he worked with her, side by side everyday, and there was a possibility of things becoming awkward if certain information was leaked. Not that Teddy would intentionally so.
Teddy himself then sighed. “Come on, Tadhg. I’m your best friend and you can tell me anything. You know I’ll support you no matter what even if I call you an idiot.”
Tadhg cracked a smile. “I know.”
“Delia, Lu, and Theo all think the same; they can’t believe how oblivious you are to your own feelings. Theo mentioned to me not that long ago that if you didn’t do anything about it she’d come right over here and kick your ass into gear. Life’s too short to be just thinking about things and life is better when you just do them.”
“I love it when you spurt out philosophical nonsense like that only to become a hypocrite. Take your own advice, Ted; Adelia can’t wait forever.”
With his cheeks turning a darker shade of pink, Teddy sat up and leaned forward, lowering his voice. “This is about you, not me. If you don’t ask Niamh out, I’ll be first in the queue before Theo to kick your ass.”
Tadhg stuck out his tongue. “I’d like to see you try. Besides, I’ve got to go now, so this is my head start.”
“Is that because you think Niamh’s about to come back?”
“No, it’s because I’ve got a job to do. I can’t be the world’s greatest cursebreaker when I’m sat chatting to you.”
The boys exchanged a smile as Tadhg got to his feet. “And when I’ve left this office you’re going to be sad because you love your best friend more than anything in the world and can’t bare to be apart from him.”
Teddy snorted. “Alright, alright. Don’t make me cry; my boss is coming over in half an hour and I can’t be having a runny nose and puffy red eyes.”
They were as bad as each other when it came to sarcasm, but it was true that Teddy loved Tadhg and Tadhg loved Teddy. They loved one another enough to know that they needed to push each other to man up and ask out the women that made their hearts soar...
9 notes · View notes
throughthewwods · 3 years
Text
100 Days of Productivity . Day 67-68-ish
🐾 Been keeping up with GSD’s training walks
At first just in the mornings, I added a second in the evenings. I’ve noticed the cool air, serenity ,and stretching our legs is a good start for us both. I’m in a better mood by the time I get to my first cup of coffee.
💜 Helped Kiddo with Girl Scout stuff
Zoom has opened so many interesting doors. Pretty cool women on the forensics team of the F.B.I. had a booth to explain to the girls about how they use science to solve crimes and a female department head gave education/career track info then they offered a Q&A after in chat. We also managed to catch the Storytellers’ Workshop, which was a fun think tank for my lil writer.
💙 I Drew
Two TEDTalks about time prioritization really got me thinking about how I’ve been squandering my tidbits of time by mindlessly scrolling rather than doing something that ‘feels good’ for my self esteem. In the spirit of reconnecting with things at once brought me joy when I was younger like how I now play the Sims, bought a hamster wheel, and have started this journal, once upon a time when I was bored or had nothing better to do I would doodle randomness. I didn’t set out to draw an emotionally charged representation of my soul. I had five minutes to kill. I drew things like storks balanced on basketballs. I drew whatever nonsense popped into my head.
Tumblr media
❤️ Got everyone out of the house into the sunshine
💜 Had Kiddo’s photography printed up into a hard cover book
🐾 Introduced GSD to RB’s cats for the first time
...which... could have gone better 😅 but could have gone worse so... sun zero?
⭐️ I feel like we weekend’ed well 😊
Saturday I’m in one of those moods where I need a clone or two to be all the things I am attempting to do, but it all worked out in a haphazard way. Thanks to Pandemic Life, Kiddo is learning about DNA extraction and fingerprint collecting. I’ve decided to sit in my windowsill near sunshine, near an April breeze with my sketchbook contemplating the statistics I’m avoiding.. and this feels better to me than the autopilot I’ve slumped into. If I were chitchatting with a stranger about how I spend my time I would feel good about drawing, but not describing hours amiss in screen lull.
RB, Kiddo and I have our first warm spring outing: at the park we make conversation with geese, ducks, and chickens.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Parenting Win: Kiddo mentions eavesdropping on that TEdtalk I was watching about time prioritization and how she found it interesting.
She brings it up again later wanting me to explain how a routine can be a good, but apparently, also sometimes also a bad thing? I give kid friendly examples about how routines do help us get things done with less battery usage on our brains, but the talk pointed out our everyday routines can also be habits that don’t add to our happiness and sometimes a routine can even take us further away from what brings us happiness, so it’s important to regularly consider if how we spend our time can be tweaked to bring us more joy or builds up to more joy.
We all find a spot on the grass, shaded, yet sun-kissed.  RB and I pass a sketchbook back and forth, adding to the obscurity with each turn: squiggles become a staircase. Bricks become bubbles. There’s a fish with pants tap dancing on a UFO. 
Kiddo, Who knows everything at 10, did not follow my instructions to bring things to amuse herself. Guided by the timeless spirits of childhood, she eventually found the architectural splendor of building with sticks. I sometimes worry that over a year of being mostly comfortably indoors (The most subdued, easy-going of plagues history seen), she may have forgotten how to be bored, how to invent her own entertainment in nature, but in this moment as she builds her little hut with the utmost focus, I know she is alright. she reflects on the temporary satisfaction of her stick creation, reflecting on its impermanence. Eventually it collapses. She’s on a mission for more structurally sound branches. I guess the tail end of that architecture workshop at the STEM fair that afternoon made an impression after all?
There’s something hilarious, almost satirical, that her new favorite stuffed animal is the plague doctor plushy.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
She’s ecstatic to discover a secret garden within the bushes that will look even more impressive once the green has fully bloomed. We have to leave soon. I surprise her by shaping her fallen twigs into a smiley face for her to return to. We agree to leave it for someone else to find.
Later RB ordered us some exceptionally tasty pad Thai, colorful with crisp veggies and peanut crumbles.. Kiddo requested Movie Night, so we found something on Amazon that was one of the darkest kids movies I’ve ever watched, morbid plot only softened by cute, CGI cats. Kiddo didn’t seem to mind though. She’s just glad for the icing on the cake to an already sweet day.
Sunday RB had a touched smile that Kiddo woke him up with a good morning hug. We braved our way to RB’s house so GSD could finally meet the kitties.. It... did not go great. GSD was obnoxiously excited and whiny the entire time. The cats hid. On the bright side, GSD was curious, but not predatory, which gives me hope. When he got a little too nosy one of the cats took a swipe at his nose and he backed off rather than get angry. He did however yip a bark at both the cats, asserting his dominance. Mayhaps after being scratched he no longer found the cats so curious. GSD did love RB’s fenced backyard though. It’s a think only the fourth time in his little German Shepherd life he’s been able to frolic off leash.
There was a happy hint of our future, our blended family, our life in progress this last weekend. As GSD darted through the grass, RB and I stood in an embrace, staring beyond the field, off into the mountains. RB was able to get some adulting done while Kidfo and I lounged. There was a brief window GSD rested calmly, quietly, while we watched a mini doc on quantum entanglement, which I thought Kiddo was ignoring until she asked about how atomic bombs work. We nibble on baby carrots, crackers and brie.
GSD went back to being a jerk shortly after that, but it was quite nice for a moment there. 😆
 everyone was pretty mentally exhausted from my dog’s antics. Unsurprisingly, when we got back to my apartment it was essentially naptime. RB rested while I did some of my own adulting. Kiddo disappeared in her room to draw her submission for a T-shirt design contest. it’s cool to see her eager about the contest with a desire to put effort forth. She shows me her adorable cartoon and explains how she looked up animals that represent peace first. In the past, she was insecure about competitions of any sort. It says something about how her self-esteem has grown.
I whipped up cheeseburgers on Shibata bread for dinner, which were a hit and we had bowls of frozen strawberries drizzled in honey for dessert.. We watched a show and off to bed.. happy weekend.

2 notes · View notes