#also shes 15 and shows no signs of slowing down

[secretfanficwrite]

By Your Side

Eddie Munson x Reader

Word Count: 2.3k Warnings: Some talk about gore Request: May I request an imagine with Eddie Munson where reader girlfriend starts showing signs (Like the stuff happening to Chrissy before she died) of vecnas curse and he gets all overprotective and worried and dosent leave her side? Happy ending??

Author's Notes: My first attempt at fulfilling a request! Hope its what you were looking for :)

Your hand shook slightly as you poured the bottle of aspirin out into the palm of your hands. You headache teetering on migraine at this point. Your lack of sleep lately had been throwing you off entirely. You found yourself only have a peaceful nights sleep when you were able to sneak off to your boyfriend, Eddie's, trailer after your parents had gone to bed.

Leaning down into the sink you downed three aspirin trying to knock out the pounding in your skull. With a deep breath you made your way out of the house, trying your hardest not to make any jarring noises that could alert your parents. Hoping onto your bike, you began the 15 minute bike ride to the trailer park, clenching your teeth with each throb that assaulted your head.

Your eyebrows burrowed in confusion as you approached the trailer park. It was quiet and dark besides the flashing lights in Eddie's trailer and the one beside his. A muffled yelling could be heard making your stomach turn in worry.

Hoping off your bike quickly, the yelling got louder as you stepped up to the trailer. It was as if a fuse flipped off and all the lights in the trailer shut off and a loud screaming could be heard inside.

Rushing as fast as you could you pushed the door open staring in horror at the scene in front of you. Eddie sat by the counter screaming in pure terror towards a mangled body piled in the middle of his living room.

Your heart dropped, recognizing the blonde hair and cheer uniform. Chrissy Cunningham.

Swallowing hard, trying to fight off the headache which only got worse when you stepped in, you rushed over to Eddie's side. Grabbing his shoulders and turning him to look in your direction.

"EDDIE EDDIE okay we need to go" you frantically ordered him, trying to pull him to stand up with you.

"S-She's dead y/n......I didn't know what was happening....I didn't do anything" he pleaded trying to get you to listen to his side of the story, afraid of your reaction to scene you just walked in on.

"Eddie you can explain it later, but there is a dead girl in your living room right now. WE NEED TO GO" Your voice got more demanding as you dragged him up, begging for his cooperation.

Pulling him out the door, you patted down his vest feeling for the keys to his van before pulling them out, and unlocking the door. He whimpered softly as you helped him into the passenger's seat. Looking around quickly in hopes nobody had witnessed the scene. Your heart dropped slightly. The curtain in the adjacent trailer swaying some, but you saw no person observing you.

You swallowed hard before making your way around to the other side of the van and climbing into the driver's seat, turning the engine on and whipping out of the trailer park at high speeds.

"G-go to Rick's" His voice sounded besides me, still full of fear, but his wide eyed gaze remained glued to the floor.

"Eddie I need you to take a deep breath and explain what I just saw" Your voice became softer, trying to calm the boy down.

He took in a slow shuttery breath, trying to hold in the tears brimming at the edges of his eyelashes. "She had been trying to buy drugs and-"

"wait what?" you asked slightly taken aback staring at the boy. He turned to finally look you in the eyes.

"Sh-she been asking about buying recently because she said she was feeling like she was loosing her mind...she seemed super jumpy and paranoid like something was following her" His voice fizzled out, explaining like he was also trying to put together pieces in his mind, unsuccessfully.

There was a short moment of silence, only the hum of the van could be heard.

"What do you mean....following her...?"

"Like she was hallucinating or something and seeing things that nobody else was..." He paused "a-and I went to go look for the special K and when I came back.....she uh.....her eyes were.....they were rolled in the back of her head....and she was just standing there...like she couldn't hear me no matter how much I tried to get her to stop"

Your lips parted and you readjusted your sitting position. You stared dead ahead at the rode thinking about Eddie's words, too nervous to butt in and ask questions.

"Then she started floating and slammed into the ceiling...h-her bones started crunching and breaking...it was like something was inside of her head yanking her eyes back into her skull" His voice broke with every sentence.

You swallowed hard, pulling the van off to the side of the road and pulled the keys out of the ignition. There was a moment of silence where neither of you spoke before you cleared your throat.

"We should uh..walk the rest of the way. So the van isn't near us" He nodded softly as you climbed out of the van, coming around to meet at the front.

You reached your hand down, grabbing his as you made your way to the small house by the lake. Making your way quickly to the front door, you tried the handle, but to no avail. "Okay theres gotta be another way in" You sighed, beginning to look through each of the windows.

"y/n what about the boat house?" Eddie interrupted, motioning you to follow after him.

You stood still in your original spot, only the glow of the porch light above you as you furrowed your brows. Slowly you turned your head, staring off into the dark woods, feeling as if you were being ushered to move in.

"Y/N, are you coming?" Eddie peaked his head around the building anxiously, watching you with worried eyes.

Turning quickly to look at him, you shook your head. "yea coming.."

"Y/n? Your nose, it's bleeding" He ran over to you quickly grabbing your face between his slightly calloused hands. "come on we have to get inside" his hands dropped to yours pulling you after him.

Closing the door behind you and jamming a piece of wood up against it he let you go to sit down on the floor. He turned grabbing a old dirty cloth before holding it up to your nose and tilting your head backwards.

"Ew Eddie this cloth is disgusting" you tried to argue, but it was already pressed up against your nose and mouth. He lowered himself down next to you, wrapping an arm around you shoulder before pulling your head to rest on him. "Were gonna be okay" He tried to assure you, but it was apparent in his voice, he didn't believe himself.

********

Your head began to pound again as the flashes of red bounced behind your closed eyelids. The familiar horrifying images flashed through at a mile a minute until your was heart beat was so fast you shot up. Breathing heavily you searched around the room, landing on the long haired boy crouched by one of the windows.

"Eddie what's happening?" You whispered before he turned to you quickly, crouch running towards you and grabbing your hand.

"Someones here, we need to hide" he frantically rushed before pulling you with him into the docked boat and yanking the tarp over both of you. You could feel his heavy breathing blowing your hair slightly. The quietness was making your heartbeat pick up, and you froze.

Then it began again. That bell tolling sound you kept hearing in your dreams. Your fingers felt around for Eddie, but your hands didn't have anything to grasp on to.

"yyyy/nnnn" The slow deep voice made the hair on the back of your neck stand up on edge. You pinched your eyes close tightly. trying to keep your breathing steady under the tarp.

"yy/nn"

"y/n"

"Y/N" You gasped hard, sitting up violently fast. Your wide eyes scanned the room at the five people staring at you in horror. Eddie was right in front of you holding your shoulder so tight his knuckles were turning white and tears were beginning to form again in his eyes.

"Okay we really need to talk" Dustin announced, drawing my attention to the boy in the blue and white hat.

*******

You sat in the corner of Rick's house, head in your hands, rubbing your temples slowly, trying to reduce the aching pressure hammering at your brain. Eddie was currently searching through the house adamant about finding something to help reduce your symptoms.

Dustin, Steve, Nancy, and Max had come back one more time after explaining as much of the situation they could to you. They left you both with some groceries and a walkie talkie to reach them in case you had another episode.

From the moment they all witnessed in the boathouse, Eddie had not left your side, constantly watching you in fear that you would meet the same fate as Chrissy. You couldn't help the guilt you felt, adding onto his already existing fear. The entire town was hunting down the man you loved, convinced he killed Chrissy and was keeping you hostage.

You tried to remain as calm as you could, but ever since Dustin called over the walkie one night, explaining Max had figured out the symptoms to Vecna's curse your anxiety was on full blast. All you could do was wait and spend what could be the final days with the man you loved.

You hadn't had another episode, but it could be clear the suspense was weighing down on both of you.

You sighed heavily, wincing before heaving your tired body up from the floor. The rustling of Eddie's frantic searching had stopped.

"Eddie are you okay? Did you find any aspirin?" you called out, your voice straining some.

You received no answer in return as you made your way to the bathroom. "Eddie?" you rounded the corner looking in, but it was empty. The cabinets were flung open and the contents under the sink we emptied out onto the floor as well as a mound of pill bottles sitting in the sink.

"Eddie?" you called out once more, checking in the bedroom.

"Eddie this isn't funny you know I already don't feel good" you begged, waiting for an answer.

It was as if in that moment, a dark cloud descended over the sun. The windows became dark, reducing any light present in the small house. Your breathing began to pick up.

CHIME

The floor shook slightly in response to the deafeningly loud bell toll, sounding closer than it ever had before. Slowly spinning on your heal a tall brown grandfather clock sat at the end of the hallway.

With one small step backwards, you found yourself pressed against a wall. But your stomach dropped, the wall was much too soft.

Letting out a shaky breath you turned slowly coming face to face with the tall dark figure, his glassy white eyes peering into your own.

"It will all be over soon y/n" he grumbled out before you felt your feet begin to raise off the ground. His long, claw-like hand reached up, resting right above your forehead, but he stopped.

Hesitating for a moment you heard it. The soft ghostly melody of Eddie and your's song gracing your ears. You could hear his voice wavering with every breath he took in before he began to sing the next line.

Tears began to sting at your eyes as you stared at the figure holding you, but trying your best to remain focused on the soft, strained melody.

You had to try, for him. It was subtle at first, but you began thrashing your body around, harder and harder, trying to free yourself from Vecna's grip. Bringing your right hand up you grabbed onto his arm, pulling it as far down as you could before taking a bite out of the disgusting, gray flesh.

His arm yanked back giving you a moment to twist your body harshly, causing him to drop you.

Using what little energy you had left you hoisted yourself up, running from the figure that began to stalk after you. A small cloudy white opening could be seen a few yards straight ahead of you.

A small sob left your throat as you ran towards it.

Eddie was trying his best to hold you down, cradling your body in his arms as he cried, trying his best to keep calm as he sung.

Still running full speed, your feet began to feel heavier, slowing you down some, but you had to keep going. You had to get back to him. You heart was racing as you zeroed in on the opening, a hand stretched out getting ready to grasp onto anything you possibly could before it all went black.

Sound came back first. Eddie's soft singing accompanied by panicked voices calling out to him over the walkie talkie. His hands gripped at your shirt, holding on for dear life. The wet spots from his tears weighed your shirt down allowing you to feel the warmness on your chest.

"Eddie" you whispered softly at the same moment he noticed your body was no longer fighting him.

His head shot up, looking over your face, letting out a breathy laugh of relief before he pulled you back to him, tighter than before.

"You can never do that to me again" He pleaded.

"I can't make any promises, but I think we found our way to postpone it" you smiled softly, bringing your hand up to run through his hair.

He let out another soft laugh looking back up at you before resting his forehead against your own. His voice was optimistic, comforting you.

"Yea...I think were gonna be okay"

********

Taglist-(Message me if you are interested in being added!) @multi-fandoms-stuff

#eddie munson #stranger things #eddie stranger things #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson fanfic #stranger things imagine #stranger things fanfiction #oneshot #stranger things oneshot #munson #stranger things 4 #nancy wheeler #steve harrington #robin buckley #eddie munson x y/n #request #requested fic

[r5lette]

— WHO IS ROULETTE?

ROULETTE is a fictional five-member girl group under BE:Ond Media. Their label was originally created for the purpose of music, but has had more success in the areas of television and film, producing some of the most critically acclaimed films of the past fifteen years. As for their music department, the lineup was extremely lackluster. There have been two groups that debuted since BE:Ond's launch in 2008; VYBE, a boy group that lasted from 2009-2013 and LUMIN8, a girl group that lasted from 2012-2019. VYBE was lauded as a flop group and LUMIN8 had a few popular songs, but it was never enough to gain them real traction.

It wasn't until ROULETTE debuted with their digital single "UNFORGIVEN" that BE:Ond's music branch would be put on the map. The song was a moderate success. It didn't get them any wins, but it attracted a lot of eyes to the group. Netizens were particularly interested in how this group from a company with such bad luck and mismanagement of their previous groups managed to not only produce extremely talented trainees but also trainees who were somewhat popular on their own in the case of members like CHERRY and JIHYE. Their major break would come after their third release and first mini album, "BEAT OF MY DRUM". The song went viral for its strange sound and its complete deviation from their debut release. The song earned them their first two wins.

They're now known as 4th generation trendsetters and are one of the most recognizable groups of the time. Their success has shown no signs of slowing down, but fans and antis alike wonder how long the group can hold up before it comes crumbling like their sister and brother groups.

— MEET THE MEMBERS!

YASMIN BROOKS was born in London to two musical theatre actors. The couple met on the West End production of The Lion King, with her mother playing Nala and her father a dance captain and ensemble member. Music and dance was always a part of her life. From a young age, she was heavily involved in musical theatre classes and projects. At age 10, her family relocated back to New York, where her father was originally from. In New York, she attended performing arts schools through high school. After school, she joined a dance crew and performed as a background dancer. BE:Ond held an international audition in New York and Yasmin auditioned and signed with the company.

Yasmin only trained for a year and a half since she already had a lifetime of vocal and dance training. Although she had over 15 years of experience, she states that this year of her life was the hardest she'd ever had to endure. Being placed in a new country with basic knowledge of the language, thousands of miles from family, and being judged every day by superiors and peers was an extreme shock for Yasmin. Fans noticed that during the group's first year, Yasmin was notably the quietest and most reserved. It wasn't until the group started to get their footing that Yasmin began to show her personality more. Now, she's one of the most popular members internationally and is known for her stage presence.

BIRTH NAME: yasmin brooks DATE OF BIRTH: september 2, 2000 ZODIAC: virgo BIRTHPLACE: london, england HOMETOWN: london, england ETHNICITY: black NATIONALITY: british-american GROUP: rouletteSTAGE NAME: yasmin YEARS TRAINED: one year POSITION: rapper and vocal HEIGHT: 5’4 FACECLAIM: indiyah pollack

NAM CHAE-RI was born in Sokcho, South Korea to a schoolteacher mother and a chef father. Her father owned a restaurant near the beach that was fairly popular with locals. One day, a BE:Ond scout came to her family's restaurant and Chae-ri happened to sing a song for one of the regulars. The scout gave her parents his card afterward and she was soon signed as a trainee at the company.

Though she had no prior training, her secret weapon was her ability to memorize. She could learn a full choreography and execute it with ease in a few hours. Her dance ability and hard-working mentality quickly made her a favorite trainee around the BE:Ond building. Her hard work started to pay off when she went on PRODUCE48. She made it up to rank 18 before being eliminated. Her time as a Produce 48 contestant brought a lot of initial eyes to the group's debut, as Chae-ri was a fan favorite who seemingly disappeared after the show. Cherry is known most in the group for her dance skills and visuals.

BIRTH NAME: nam chae-ri DATE OF BIRTH: april 17th, 2000 ZODIAC: aries BIRTHPLACE: sokcho, south korea HOMETOWN: sokcho, south korea ETHNICITY: korean NATIONALITY: korean GROUP: roulette STAGE NAME: cherry YEARS TRAINED: five years POSITION: dancer and rapper HEIGHT: 5’6 FACECLAIM: hwang yeji

WU MEI-HUA was born in Shanghai, China to a mother who was a former model and entertainer and a father who works in finance. The details of her father's occupation are vague, even to Mei herself, but the one thing that can't be contested is that her family is loaded. Beautiful beach getaways and trips to Milan were commonplace for her family.

With their stacks of money, Mei had access to amazing vocal coaches who trained her already sweet tone into one that sounded like honey. She auditioned for BE:Ond when she was sixteen and quickly joined the company. From the group's debut, there have been rumors that Mei's father bought her way into the company and/or into ROULETTE's lineup. Both Mei and BE:Ond have vehemently denied any sort of foul play in the selection process.

BIRTH NAME: wu mei-hua DATE OF BIRTH: july 23, 2002 ZODIAC: leo BIRTHPLACE: shanghai, china HOMETOWN: shanghai, china ETHNICITY: han chinese NATIONALITY: chinese GROUP: roulette STAGE NAME: mei YEARS TRAINED: three years POSITION: vocal and visual HEIGHT: 5’3 FACECLAIM: ning yi zhuo (ningning)

MALI SUPARAT was born in Hat Yai, Thailand as the second youngest of seven children. Her childhood wasn't the best; she was raised more by her older brother than her parents because they were busy trying to provide for their family. When Mali turned six, her aunt who lived in L.A. offered to take in Mali and her younger sister to help alleviate some of her parent's stress. A few months later, she was in the States.

While living in L.A., she got extremely interested in dance and K-pop. One of her favorite groups in middle school was LUMIN8. Mali decided to send an online audition to BE:Ond, performing one of LUMIN8's most popular songs, Catch Me If You Can. This audition tape went viral after ROULETTE's debut and Mali was asked to perform it at nearly every variety show during their debut run. Out of all the girls, Mali has had the most scandals regarding her attitude and comments towards antis, obsessed fans, and even other idols. She's explained that things are taken out of context because of her blunt nature and sarcastic jokes, but it has made Mali somewhat of a polarizing ember in the lineup.

BIRTH NAME: mali suparat DATE OF BIRTH: may 30, 2001 ZODIAC: gemini BIRTHPLACE: hat yai, thailand HOMETOWN: los angeles, california ETHNICITY: thai NATIONALITY: thai-american GROUP: roulette STAGE NAME: maliYEARS TRAINED: three years POSITION: vocal and dancer HEIGHT: 5’5 FACECLAIM: anatchaya suputhipong (natty)

KWON JIHYE was born in Ulsan, South Korea as the only child of a former model and a talent agent. Her father wasn't in the picture a lot outside of birthdays or Christmas. Maybe a visit once else throughout the year, but nothing substantial. Jihye's time was consumed most by beauty pageants, dance classes, and private lessons. Her mother pushed for her to be the best in all areas. If she couldn't achieve all the milestones she wanted in her modeling career, she would make sure that her child had the opportunity to.

At the young age of 14, her mom applied for her to audition for SM Entertainment. She was rejected on her first try but was accepted as a trainee on her second try a few months later. Jihye became a part of SM Rookies and was a well-known trainee around the company. In 2020, she left SM to join BE:Ond for better chances at a debut. Jihye has always been one of the more popular members due to her experience and calm, alluring personality that draws fans in.

A year after their debut, Jihye went on hiatus. Fans were shocked and upset, especially since it was extremely sudden; the night before Jihye was on live, seemingly in good spirits and there was no mention of a hiatus at all. The next morning, BE:Ond announced that the group's following comeback would only be as four. The exact reason why she was leaving was never revealed. The most the company or Jihye gave was an "unexpected health emergency". When Jihye returned, some select fans turned into OT4 supporters and believed that the group was better without her in it.

BIRTH NAME: kwon jihye DATE OF BIRTH: october 30, 2000 ZODIAC: scorpio BIRTHPLACE: ulsan, sk HOMETOWN: ulsan, sk ETHNICITY: korean NATIONALITY: korean GROUP: roulette STAGE NAME: jihye YEARS TRAINED: six years POSITION: vocal and dancer HEIGHT: 5’7 FACECLAIM: ha sooyoung (yves)

#𝟎𝟎:𝟎𝟏 ⠀ ⠀ ✦ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀profiles. #finally free from draft prison <3 #fictional idol community #fictional idol group #fictional idol oc #idol oc #kpop au #kpop oc #fictional kpop oc #fake kpop idol #idol au #kpop addition

[andydrysdalerogers]

Cross-Check ~ Chapter Nine

Andy Barber x OFC Leighton "Leia" Andrews

Summary:

Andy Barber is having the best year of his life. His game is on point. It’s gets to play with his best friend and his fiancé just... dumped him?!. 

Reeling from a sudden change in status, Andy decides it’s time to just focus on hockey. Until his best friend's sister comes out with news that rock the entire organizations world., 

Andy has always carried a torch for the untouchable Leighton but in her hour of need, is now the time to shoot and score or risk getting cross - checked again? 

Warnings: Cheating (but not by the MCs); slow burn; friends to lovers eventually; SMUT!; pregnancy; jealousy; handsome goalies, evil exes...

A/N: The tag list is open!

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS. Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

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Previous: Chapter Eight - Nothing But Lies - Andy/Leia

Series Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter Nine - It's Complicated - Jeremy/Leia

Week 18 

Jeremy 

Being an NHL goalie is a triumph. Thirty-two teams have only two goaltenders on the roster, and I am lucky to have one.  Well, when you’re this good, there isn’t any luck involved.  It also helps that Linus Ullmark and I have undeniable chemistry in goal.  

That being said, I also have a reputation in the public of being this sweet adorable, caring guy. Not that isn’t true or anything but that is my public facade. Don’t get me wrong, I love being with the kids at charity events or even with Linus’s kids. But that’s not the man that people, especially women, see. I’m a bit of a player. I never wanted to be tied down to one woman. I have good looks, enough money and enough charm that, if I wanted to, I could find a new bunny every night.  

But there is always one that is the standard.  The ultimate goal.  

You know, when I decided to fuck Leia Andrews, I didn’t think it would get this complicated. She was a smoke show, a dime. Something that was unattainable. She was a gorgeous, curvy beauty, with long coffee colored hair and amazing green eyes. She was beautiful, both in looks and in personality. She was a business owner and worked for the team. If she was available, only an idiot would let her go. She had been in a relationship for most of the time I knew her.  

Until her brother let it slip that she was single.  

Fuck yeah, it was my shot. My chance to fuck this girl and be able to say that I fucked Luke Andrews’s sister. My badge of victory. 

Her being pregnant was not on my bingo card.  

When she told me she was 15 weeks pregnant, i was stunned. She never gave any indication that she was pregnant. I was pissed. I mean, who wants to fuck a girl when she’s pregnant with some other guy’s baby? 

But I was supportive. I mean, I can’t be a douchebag in front of the public, what would that do to my image? I have a few sponsorship deals in the air that I need to think about in the bigger picture. Plus, having Leia, showing myself as a family man might not be a bad idea. Or so said my publicist.  

I like my life the way it is now. The freedom to be around, fuck around, party whenever I feel like. I didn’t sign up to be a father.  At least, not right now. Eventually, maybe, yeah, I’d do the dad thing. But I don’t want to be forced into it.  

I’m sitting at the Red Line, a rare night without Leia.  She, Stella and Luke’s fiancé Miranda, went out for a girls dinner. I can trust her to stay away from guys, especially Barber.  They’re on the outs right now but I have no idea why.  Leia just said they had a difference of opinion and until Andy apologizes, she won’t speak to him.  Fine by me, really, because the entire locker room besides Andrews knows that Barber is in love with his sister. And I’d rather not have my captain winning the girl right now.  

I wave my hand at Mark for another beer, and I look up to see some highlights of the Tampa Bay vs Minnesota. I snorted seeing my old teammate, Craig Bailey, shitting the bed. Man is a tool. He sleeps with Barber’s fiancé and then she dumps him because she wants to stay in Boston. My buddies are all playing pool and wave me over. I lift my beer to let them know I’m finishing it when I feel a body next to me.  

A blonde had taken a seat next to me. I subtly check her over. Long blonde hair, great rack and long legs displayed from tight jeans. She gestures for the bartender and orders a whiskey, neat. I smile. “Rough day?” 

She looks at me and I note the way she takes me in, and I smirk. It's never hard to trap a butterfly. She finally looks back at my eyes and gives a soft smile. “Sorry.” She blushes and fuck is she gorgeous. “Uh, yeah, rough day.” She tucks back a piece of her hair but some of it misses. I took the opportunity to add some charm. I tuck the last piece behind her ear.  

“Wanna talk about it?” 

She huffs a quiet laugh. “Not really. I just want to forget about it and him.”  

Rebound girls are so easy.  

“Sorry to hear that. Let me buy you another.” I waved at Mark, and he nodded, moving to pour two more drinks. He sets them down in front of us and I raise my glass. “To bad days, may they be a distant memory.”  

“Cheers to that,” she says. We drink and she giggles. “I’m Charlie,” she offers her hand.  

I take it and lift it so I can kiss the back of her hands. Chicks dig shit like that. “Jeremy. It’s nice to meet you.” I take another drink. “So, if you don’t want to talk about your bad day and obviously bad guy, tell me something else about yourself.”  

Her eyes brightened at the attention. Fuck, its just too easy sometimes. “I’m a financial adviser. Work at Schwab. Luckily, I live alone downtown and i have a dog name Peaches.” She smiles at me shyly. “What about you Jeremy?” 

“Well, I work for the Bruins Hockey Club, so I travel a lot. I also have my own place, no girlfriend, no dog because I don’t have anyone to take care of it.  Well, I guess my best friend’s wife could do it while we’re away but I don’t want to leave her with that burden. And I’m drinking because my life took an unexpected turn and I’m contemplating what I’m going to do.” Yes, I lied a bit about the girlfriend thing but did I really?  

“Sounds like you’re having a rough day as well.” She gives a little flirty smile. 

I’ve got her.  

An hour later, Charlie and I were laughing at the bar, a little tipsy, feeling good. She leans into me. “Wanna get out of here? We could go back to my place?” 

Who am I to deny a beautiful girl? 

“Lead the way, gorgeous.”  

I haven’t had sex since I started dating Leia and I was primed and ready to go. I mean, it's not like we were committed to each other, right? I like Leia but a commitment like that is something I’m not sure I can do at this moment.  And at this moment, I have what I am looking for: a good fucking time. I took Charlie’s hand and led her out to a cab.  

I’m not ready to be father or be responsible for another person just yet. Opening the cab door, Charlie smiles at me before planting a sultry kiss on my lips.  A kiss that goes straight to my groin. I moan a little at her body pressed against mine. Fuck, it's going to be a good night.  She climbs in and I follow, missing the fans taking pictures.  

As I walk out of her apartment later that night, wiping her lipstick from my mouth, smiling at that fact that most of it is actually around my cock, I send a message to Leia.  

Jeremy: I hope you had a good night beautiful 

I mean, I don’t have to let her go right away. At least, not until I get a taste. Who know? Pregnant pussy could taste sweeter than the one I just had.   

Leia 

Week 19 

I hate fighting with my best friend. Andy has remained in a sour mood when he is out with the team but when he sees me, he tries to talk to me. I just don’t let him.  I know I should be the bigger person and hear him out but right now I want to be petty.  His words hurt me so much. Doesn’t he understand that I just want to find true love? 

I guess he doesn’t know that I had hoped it would be with him. I’ve actively had dreams about him, seeing us together raising my kid, cupping my cheek so I look him in the eye when he tells me he loves me. Even a few naughty ones, thinking of how that beard would feel between my legs. No, i can’t think like that. He ruined that for us with his words.  

On the other hand, Jeremy has been a little subdue with me. I know the news of my pregnancy shocked him but he said he would stand by me. We haven’t been seeing each other as much; he says he’s busy with commitments and a road trip. But I miss hm. Luckily, I have a date with him tonight.  

Andy was out when Jeremy arrived for our date. I took in his outfit, all black with a hounds tooth pea coat. Delicious. “Hey handsome!” 

“Hey beautiful.” He sounded down and my smile fell a little at his tone.  

“Everything ok?” 

“Yeah, practice was brutal.” He smiled weakly. I nodded, totally understanding. The Bruins are on a three game skid. Its early in the season, but you want to nip losing streaks in the bud. “But,” he continued, “seeing you is making me feel better. You’re coming on the trip right?” 

“Yes.” It will be brutal. Flying at almost five months pregnant is going to suck but this is the job I signed up for.  

He kissed my hand. “Don’t worry. The team will take care of you.” He started the car and drove us to a quiet restaurant in downtown. I feel at ease knowing that Jeremy will help me while we are away.  I know my brother will check in but the thought that Andy will avoid me hurts more. My mood is meloncoly at the thought and I stay quiet during the drive.  

Jeremy made a reservation and we have a quiet booth in the back. We talk about nothing really as we order and Jeremy orders himself a scotch. I frown a little. It’s unusual for him to drink when we are out because he is usually driving but I don’t say anything. He gets up to use the restroom and I check social media for traffic on the post I have put up.  Everything is looking good until I see a new article from the Boston Globe sports section. 

HOCKEY STAR STEPPING OUT ON NEW GIRLFRIEND? 

I click on the article and read.  

Goalies don’t usually score but it seems like Jeremy Swayman didn’t get that memo. Swayman, backup goalie for the Bruins has been rumored to be in a relationship with Leighton Andrews, sister to assistant captain Lukas Andrews. Miss Andrews is a bright star in the PR world, being the social media manager for the Bruins as well as her own company, providing services to many businesses and athletes.  

The rumors of their relationship started ten weeks ago when they were spotted chatting before a game, looking rather cozy. There are also rumors that Miss Andrews is pregnant, although that has yet to be confirmed. 

The puzzling part is the photo taken by @Bruinsfan4life just a few days ago with Swayman leaving the Red Line Bar with an unidentified woman, holding hands. The climbed into a waiting cab and left.  

What is going on with Swayman and Andrews? Is it all a farce or is Andrews wallowing in shame that her baby daddy is leaving her? Only time will tell. 

I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I thought that Jeremy and I were solid, moving forward. I thought that he was ok with the baby. I stare and stare at my phone until I hear someone clear their throat. I look up to see Jeremy is back and looks concerned. “Are you ok?” 

I shake my head and then hand him the phone. “Care to explain?” 

He looks over the article and sighs. “That was just a friend.” He throws back the rest of his drink and signals for another. I glare at him.  

“A friend.” I look at the picture again. It is of Jeremy and this woman. She’s blonde, model like. They both have big smiles as they are wrapped up in each other. “What’s her name?” 

Jeremy chokes for a moment on his new drink. “Her name is Charlie. The photo... the photo is just after we hugged.  Nothing is going on.”  

“Right,” I scoff. I look away from him, trying to keep the tears away. Fucking hormones.  

“Right,” he repeats. “Like you’re not screwing around with Barber.” My head snaps back to him. “I know you want him, Leighton.” The way my name twists in his mouth is disturbing. He’s never said it that way and I don’t like it.  

“Andy is just a friend.  A friend that I’m not even speaking to.” I cross my arms over my chest.  

“A friend? Really? That guy has wanted you since the day I joined the team. I’ve seen how you were before with him.  All the hugging and kisses to your forehead or cheek. Just a friend right? Bet he’s the father of your baby too.”  

“How dare you! I told you the truth about the baby. You said you would be there. I thought we were in a relationship!” I hissed at him. The waiter comes by and drops off our plates. I push the food around.  

Andy was right. Jeremy was not the wonderful person I thought he was. Jeremy sighs and my eyes go back to him. “Look, i know we’ve been seeing each other but we never defined what we are.” He shrugged. “I thought it was casual. I mean, you never slept with me so were we really that serious?” 

That one hurt.  I stare at my plate, wishing I had just listened to Andy and his warming about Swayman. "I guess then maybe, we should just be friends. I mean, why would you want to be with a pregnant chick when you could have all the uncomplicated stuff." I can’t stop the tear from falling. I wipe it away.  

“Look, Leia, I just don’t think I want to be a father right now.” He tries to take my hand but I pull away. “I mean, you’re cool and everything but we were never going to the next level. I don’t know if I could sleep with someone who’s having another man’s baby.  And now I’m going to be taking a hit because you weren’t honest from the beginning.”  

“Oh, so what were you going to just sleep with me and throw me away? Your teammates sister?” 

He shrugged. “I like you but I don’t do relationships.”  

That was the death blow. I calmly stood up and pulled my coat on. “I’m sorry for ruining your life.”  I pulled a couple of bills and threw them on the table. “I guess I’ll see you at work.”  

He looks scared at my calm look and tries to backpedal. “Leia...” 

“Goodbye Jeremy.”  

I walked out of the restaurant and I had no idea where to go. I started to walk toward the park, just needing some fresh air. I hated that I did this to myself. I hated that Andy was right. I was upset with my brother because he must of known Jeremy was like this. But mostly, I was sad because I sacrificed so much for someone who wasn’t worth it. Again. And I was now alone, again. Why can’t I find someone who loves me for me, faults and all? I keep getting all of the jerk. Where is my price charming? I wish the one I have wanted all my life wanted me too but he has made it clear that I am just his best friend. Even so, he’s never let me down 

I rubbed my belly, trying to feel some comfort. But I knew there was only one place where I always felt complete. I hailed a cab and gave an address.  

The house was dark save for a light in one of the window.  I hope they were still awake. I knocked on the door. It took a moment but then the door opened.  

“Hi.” 

NEXT

Taglist:

@patzammit

@texmexdarling

@slutforchrisjamalevans

@firephotogrl74

@tinkerbelle67

@before-we-get-started

@bunnyforhim

@alexakeyloveloki

@sunnyhummingbee

@whiskeytangofoxtrot555

@peaceinourtime82

@saucy-sassy-sparkly

@kmc1989

@kandis-mom

@lokislady82

#andy's shenanigans #andy's hea #cross checked #found family #pregnancy #best friends are idiots #best friends to lovers #brothers best friend #best friends sister #hockey au #idiots in love #andy barber fiction #andy barber fanfiction #andy barber au #chris evans fanfiction #NHL au #boston bruins au #andy barber fanfic #andy barber x ofc #andy barber #jeremy swayman #swayman #goalie obsession #barber vs swayman #the competition for Leighton's heart

[janedoeswriting]

The Way The Wind Blows (Stiles x OC)

Chapter Two

Description: Rhiannon finds herself trapped within her guilty pleasure tv show— Teen Wolf. Now, she must choose which path to take… one that leads back home, and another that follows uncertain adventure.

Tags: extreme slow burn, frienemies to lovers, fix it fic, canon change, actions have consequences.

TW: smut??, angst, fluff, sexual harassment, anxiety, depression, obsession, domestic violence, manipulation, etc. Just please do not read if you are sensitive to difficult subjects.

((Don't Fear) The Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult)

Stiles awoke with a start in a pool of his own drool. His laptop was open but dead, and he had papers scattered around his bedroom. The sun peeked through the window and his alarm clock blared.

It read '8:15 am' in blinking red letters. "Shit."

He was going to be late to his first day of junior year. Stiles stuffed books and papers and slid half the contents of his desk into his backpack before sprinting down the stairs and into his car. He turned the key and after two attempts the engine finally turned over.

The police scanner blared to life. He remembered that he'd left it on the night before. He also remembered how he had stayed up almost all night researching deer attacks and missing persons reports in the area. He'd mostly come up inconclusive. As he sped through a stop sign a voice on police the scanner spoke. "We've found the 10-65 wandering around the forest. She looks unharmed and is cognitive. Taking her into custody."

In the background a girl was yelling indistinctly. Stiles slowed to an eventual stop in the middle of the road, turning up the volume. "10-4, we'll get CPS on their way."

His own father's tired voice rang through the jeep's speakers.

"She's demanding to be brought to the station, Sheriff. She refuses to go to the hospital. She requested you by name."

Stiles slammed on his gas, taking a screeching u-turn in the direction of the sheriff's office.

---

"Stiles, what in the hell are you doing here?! Get to school!"

His father wasn't exactly glad to see him.

But Stiles had pushed past him and stumbled into his dad’s office.

There she sat, wearing a tattered hospital gown and dirtied feet and hands.

She looked up at him through dark eyes and disheveled hair. She still looked significantly better than how he and Scott had found her the previous night. Except now, dark purple circles shaded under her eyes.

Another older woman wearing a pant-suit stood from beside the girl.

“What’s this?” The older woman asked. She looked very professional and ticked off.

“I can help!” Stiles claimed. But his father grabbed him by the shoulder and dragged him back out of the office.

The door slammed shut with a bang.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t ground you for a month.”

The tone of Sherri’s Stilinki’s voice was dangerous. The other deputies found something else to do and made themselves scarce.

“Dad, I can help you! I was the one who found her last night—,” but he was strictly interrupted.

“Stiles. Let me do my job. This girl is a runaway. She won’t talk, and we need to find out where she belongs.”

Stiles had gathered that much from the police scanners. She’d run away from the hospital last night, and every deputy was out all night searching for her.

“And you were up all night looking for her, right?”

Stiles recognized his father’s dim eyes and shaky hands from too much caffeine.

“Stiles. CPS is gonna take care of it. We’ve been trying to get her to speak but we’re running short on time. It’s looking like we’re gonna have to skip the hospital and take her straight to Eichen.”

The name of the mental hospital sent a chill down Stiles’ spine, though he didn’t know why. He'd never even stepped foot in there.

“Let me try to get her to talk.” Stiles said with such a serious look in his eyes that Sheriff Stilinski hesitated.

Stiles was about to argue his case, but was surprised by the words “Fine, make it quick.”

Stiles thought his father must have been really tired and desprate options.

He energetically opened the door again to find the CPS worker struggling to get any words out of the girl.

“Let my son try to talk to her,” Sheriff Stilinski said.

The CPS stood and was about to protest when a calm voice said, “Stiles.”

The room went quiet and every eye was on her. Rhiannon, Stiles remembered.

“Can we have a minute alone?” Stiles asked, turning back to the older woman.

The CPS worker looked ready to rip into him for even asking, but Rhi grabbed the woman’s forearm. She looked down at Rhi in shock. Apparently, this had been the most response they had received all morning.

"Stiles."

It was all she said. And that seemed to be enough. The worker looked at Stiles with a harrowing face that said 'you take care of her or else', and walked out in a frustrated rush. Stiles' dad looked at Stiles in surprise, but inclined his head and followed the woman out of the room.

The silence that followed was deafening. It was so long and so silent that Stiles started babbling.

"Hey! Uhhh. We met before, I'm Stiles," and he outstretched his hand. Rhiannon just stared at him, then at his hand, then back up at him. Stiles took his hand back in a rush and rubbed the back of his head. His entire body moved obnoxiously.

Spaz, Rhiannon thought, but couldn't even blame him. That was part of what she liked his character for. His character, she thought. He's just a TV show character.

"So, uhh," he said, grabbing a chair and sliding it forward to sit in it. The noise scraped against the ground loudly. He cringed in response, but kept going.

"You're Rhi-Rhiannon, right? That's what you told me last night, remember?"

Rhiannon couldn't even quite believe it still. Here he was, so handsome and real and talking to her. She felt like she was dreaming. The sensations of pain and hunger from earlier reminded her that she wasn't.

The prick of a needle in her arm. Her fist wrapped in the pillowcase as it smashed through the window. The shards of glass cutting into her feet and knees as she climbed through the opening. The long cold night that followed, not knowing where she was or what she was doing. All she knew was to find home. To go back where she came from.

She wandered all night. Eventually, she collapsed in the woods against an old oak tree. Her sobs racked her body for hours. A deputy found her without any tears left to cry.

When they tried to drag her to the hospital, she kicked and screamed until her gown fell off of her body. When they finally wrapped her up in it again they heard her begging them for one request.

"No hospital. Sheriff Stilinski. Take me to the Sherrif's station. No hospital."

And here she was. Face to face with Stiles Stilinski-- a person who wasn't real.

"That's your name, right?" He asked. Rhi just stared at him. He was so pretty she almost couldn't tear her eyes away. Almost.

Stiles inclined his head expectantly. "Hello?"

Her eyes roaved his face until finally they locked onto his stare. For some reason, he was taken aback by the eye contact, but recouped quickly.

"Where are you from?" He asked.

Rhiannon tilted her head to the side. "Somewhere else." She said, and that was all she could say. How does one explain that she wasn't from this world.

"Okay, that's helpful," Stiles said sarcastically.

"You're real?" Rhiannon asked distantly. Without thinking, her hand raised and ever so lightly touched his cheek. She didn't believe he was really real. That she was really there. Until she felt the warmth of him. In a rush she stood up and staggered back as if she was electricuted by the skin of his cheek.

He leaned back from the contact as well, holding his face. They stared at one another for a long moment. "Do you know me?" he asked without thinking.

Rhiannon said nothing but continued clutching her hands.

This is real, she thought. I'm not dreaming. This is real. This is Stiles.

"Answer me!" Stiles finally demanded, standing up in a rush.

He immediately regretted the dramatic response, but thankfully she didn't respond with fear or shock.

Instead, she continued to stare at him. Which only frustrated him more.

But instead of lashing out at the girl again, he turned and leaned against the windowsill of the office. The blinds were closed but he could feel the tangible presence of his father on the other side of the glass.

"Stiles."

Her voice was soft and level. He slowly turned, and found her gaze. Her chin was held high and her hands held in fists at her side.

He waited for her to say something, but she didn't. Finally, Stiles broke the silence and his own chaotic thoughts.

"What do you know? What do you remember?"

She only watched him in fascination. He didn't know what to do with that. Those His frustration peaked.

"You came from somewhere! Where?!"

The door burst open. His own father came in the room.

He approached Stiles in a flurry.

"Stiles, this isn't helping," he muttered to Stiles. And Stiles stepped back. As if for the first time he saw the girl he was yelling at. Skinny and cold. Wearing a hospital gown with dirty hands and feet. Her words and actions made no sense. She was not afraid. "Dad-," he started, but was strictly interrupted.

"Stiles, go to school. Now."

--

Scott leapt down the stairs with renewed hope and purpose. He had been waking up early for the entirety of summer. It was only 7:45 and he had already worked out, and gotten a few chapters through his copy of Call of the Wild.

A sound from the kitchen garnered his attention. He swiped a banana and began to peel it as his mom stumbled through the side door. She was a wreck. Her hair was wild and her clothes stained with both blood and sweat and dirt. "Woah," Scott started, noticing the time. She was supposed to be back an hour ago.

"Are you okay?" Scott asked.

"Long night." Melissa said without any energy to even attempt to sound relieved that she was home.

Scott took a bite with a look of pity in his eyes. He didn't envy nurses one bit.

"Must have been crazy in the ER last night, huh?" He asked as she collapsed in a chair at the table.

"You have no idea," she mumbled, resting her head against her arm and closing her bloodshot eyes. Scott was about to lay a blanket over her when she groggily opened her eyes again and mumbled.

"It's fine. I can go to bed--" She said. "But, Scott. There's something I need to tell you."

Her tone switched to a more serious one as she remembered the events of the previous night. His mom even seemed to wake up a bit. Scott stilled, listening attentively.

"Last night, there was a woman who came in with Isaac. They were attacked by someone. All she said was that she needed you, Scott." Scott stared at her in confusion. Melissa searched his gaze.

"You don't know anything, do you?" She stated but it was rhetorical. Scott shook his head to answer she question Melissa already knew. "There's something else," she added, eyes growing droopier by the second.

"That other girl you found in the street-- she escaped the hospital last night. The police found her wandering around the woods a few hours later. And I can't explain it, but it seemed like she knew who I was. And she kept asking strange questions about you."

"Strange questions... Like what?" Scott asked.

"Like... what grade you're in. I mean she said some weird things-- like how she's from another world. But then she went quiet and escaped the hospital under everyone's noses. Scott... she knows what you are. I don't know how, but she knows."

--

Scott almost didn't wait for Stiles to show. He was late. By a lot.

But just as Scott was about to make a break for his first period and forget the idea of meeting with Stiles before classes began, a blur of blue screeched into the parking lot.

Stiles tumbled out of his jeep in a rush as students filed in the doors. He spoke to Scott in a rapid hushed voice.

"That girl we found last night-- Rhiannon. She ran away from the hospital last night." Stiles said. Scott nodded, "I know. My mom told me. Apparently she knows who I am too. But I've never met her before in my life."

Stiles nodded. "Exactly. And she knows who I am too. I don't know how to explain it, but she knows us."

Scott sucked in a breath as they walked down the hallway. "So what do we do? I mean-- maybe she is just crazy." Scott said.

Stiles shook his head with so much surety that Scott raised an eyebrow at him.

"No-- she isn't crazy." Stiles said. "And what makes you say that?" Scott asked sceptically.

"I-Well I don't really know how to explain it but I know that she isn't crazy." Stiles felt stupid even voicing it allowed. All signs pointed in the direction of some sort of mental disorder, but those stone eyes flashed in his memory and he just knew the truth. She wasn't crazy.

"Stiles, we found her naked in the middle of the road. She broke a window and ran away from the hospital--," Scott started, reasoning with Stiles but Stiles interrupted. "I know, but just trust me. There's something more to it. She knows something, and I'm going to find out what it is."

Stiles sounded so sure of himself that Scott had to believe his friend. Scott nodded, sending his friend a look that said 'Okay, I believe you'. Stiles nodded back, and disappeared down the hallway to his first class of junior year. The bell rang, and Scott walked into his own classroom. He couldn't help the thought that nagged at him.

Maybe Stiles is right. Maybe she knows more than she lets on.

===

Notes: Thank you for reading! Sorry about how long part two took. I'll try to be more consistent. Let me know of any recommendations or thoughts. This will be a long slow burn and there will be a heavy focus on the main character's arc and story changes.

I'll make a masterlist and story stuff soon with all the inspo and playlist and everything.

PART THREE

#stiles stilinski #fanfiction #teen wolf stiles #teen wolf #stiles #void stiles #romance #enemies to lovers #enemies to friends to lovers #found family #fix it fic #reader insert #own character #stiles x reader #stiles stilinksi x reader #stiles stilinksi imagine #stiles stilinksi fanfiction #smut #fluff #slow burn #scott x malia #scott x allison #lydia x parrish #Youtube

[iplaywithstring]

In 2020 my daughter (then 13) told me she had been looking at some stuff and she thought she might have ADHD. I had not considered this possibility before she brought it up, but with about 5 minutes of reflection, it made sense. We were already running on the assumption that my husband (her dad) has ADHD and our home had a lot of adhd-friendly ways of doing life and honestly some signs (time blindness, fidgeting, hobby-hopping, distraction) were overlooked.

Being that it was 2020, everything was slowed down and backed up, but being people with privilege, we were able to pay for a private psychologist to do a full assessment. It took about 3 months and ended up with a generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis and an evaluation that boiled down to "she probably has ADHD but she does really well in school so deal with the anxiety first and see if that fixes things". Took that to our GP, who basically said "I don't know what to do with this" and prescribed Prozac, which increased her anxiety so we stopped it and asked for a referral to a psychiatrist.

It took almost 18 months to get the appointment - meanwhile she had no supports, no treatment, and no follow up from her GP. At that appointment, the Dr revised her diagnosis - she absolutely has ADHD, but she's good at school, so no need to treat it. However, because she didn't respond well to the prozac and she "gets really sad sometimes" (that was actually the question he asked, no probing, or clarifying, just "do you feel really sad sometimes", to a 15 year old!), prescribed a mood stabilizer because she might have a mood disorder (bi-polar disorder). My husband (who was there for the appointment - I wasn't able to go) was so shocked and confused he just said thank you and left.

We did not fill the prescription for the mood stabilizer. No issues with taking medication when needed, but she showed no signs of excessive mood swings - she had also just had her first break up a couple weeks before the appointment. While waiting for the follow up (where I planned to advocate for treatment for the actual thing he said she had, not the theoretical maybe thing she might struggle with) I saw ads for a private clinic specifically for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. I was nervous - I've got medical trauma (it comes with chronic illness) and did not want to be seen as shopping around for pills for my kid, or ignoring medical advice, or any of the other things that would make getting her treatment more difficult.

So my husband went first - made an appointment, filled out the forms, got a diagnosis and treatment plan. It was so easy and affirming and validating for him, and since starting the treatment he's been so relaxed! He might also be able to stop his anxiety meds (he also has a GAD diagnosis, which might be wrong based on how inattentive type ADHD works).

My daughter had her first appointment this week, it felt so good. She was heard and understood. Her experience and struggles weren't overlooked. She was validated. The NP doing the appointment even mentioned how it's harder for intelligent kids to get diagnosed because they are able to mask so well and too many people just look at school performance. She has a follow up next week to go over a treatment plan. The NP even said she would look at medications not in pill form as my daughter has issues swallowing pills.

I can't express how excited I am. She's 16 now, in grade 11, and things have been so much harder on her in the last year. I'm hopeful that between the treatment plan and coaching, the transition to university will be gentle and she won't face the same breakdown so many people (especially women) with ADHD go through in early adulthood. I'm hopeful this will help her to see her strengths and to not feel so overwhelmed and broken most of the time.

It took far too long and was much more difficult (and expensive!!!!) than it should have been to get to this point, but I am so glad we have a plan now and that she feels good about it!

#this is my life #adhd #parenting

[bratshaws]

goodness gracious 21. brb x oc

a/n: okay this chapter was sweet. uwu (also yeah, guess Evelyn's father is finally known ehe)

check out the fic's playlist made by the sweet @wiipes !!

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none besides fluff, the girls having fun and Rooster being a mush hearted guy uwu

chapters:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!!)

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @shrimping-for-all @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

@lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21

-

It’s been two weeks since they last talked and while she felt a bit anxious sometimes, she knew deep in her heart he was okay, he was just very busy and couldn’t chat all the time. He told her the time they’d all come back, so she shouldn’t be so worried, even if her brain would sometimes pop less than welcome suggestions of outcomes she knew it was just her anxiety playing tricks on her.

Shells and Penny both knew the time Bob and Mav were coming back as well, the older woman being the voice of reason when the other two would get too into their heads with fears and worries. When asked how she did it, Penny said she’s been without Pete for a long time but something inside of her always said they’d see each other again, the feeling never disappeared whenever he was away so she used that as confirmation that he’ll be fine.

But Beatrice understood her words, because while her brain would rattle with anxious thoughts her heart would calm her down with words of ‘he’s okay, he’s coming back.’. Beatrice always thought the voice in her head, the intuition voice, often sounded like her nonna’s thick Sicilian accent. 

She enjoyed working at the bar because it gave her a distraction, especially now that Penny got that fancy ice machine and they’d stop using the bags of ice. While they did help, it was just because the old machine started acting weird and Penny didn’t want it to suddenly go out in the middle of a busy night. So now they are just preparing the bar for when the machine arrived, which would be on this Friday afternoon, thankfully Penny let the patrons know that, meaning the chances of anyone showing up were minimal.

Even if they did, the doors would be locked and there’d be a huge ‘under maintenance’ sign pinned on it. Hopefully they’d be back up to speed on Saturday night. 

Right now,they were all cleaning the bar for when the machine got there, moving stuff out of the way so it’d be spacious enough for it to pass. Shells took some trash out while the two other women were inside, making her way to the green trash bin down the street, looking up when she saw something move ahead of her.

Her steps slowed down while her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, keeping her eyes on a woman who stood on the beach like a sore thumb. She opened the bin with her vision still on the lady, dropping the trash bags inside, narrowing her eyes a bit. The woman had thick and long black hair that fluttered with the wind alongside her long geometric patterned red and blue dress, her arms up in what she could only describe as a ‘praise to the sun’ position. 

Shells didn’t know if she should say something, so she didn’t, she just backed away silently into the bar. Once she got in, she jutted her thumb over her shoulder “Never thought I’d say that, but I saw a hippie lady on the beach,” Penny stopped her cleaning to stare at her niece, “Swear to God, long colorful dress and everything.”

“Did she say something?” Shells shook her head negatively, walking further into the bar.

“I didn’t get close,” with her back turned she didn’t see Beatrice walking back from the storage room with a clean rag in her hands, “I swear I thought it was Janis Joplin coming back from the dead, half expected her to sing Me and Bobby McGee.” Beatrice’s question of who they were talking about made Shells turn her body to face the brunette, “Some lady on the beach, she was like preaching the sun or something.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, had this long boho dress and everything.” she didn’t notice how Beatrice’s face changed, “Long black hair too, it was like we were back in 1969.”

Beatrice blinked, parting her lips, “Where did you see her?” Shells explained the location past the trash bins, frowning at Bea’s expression before the brunette walked out of the bar to check the outside. The woman in question was no longer on the beach, now she was walking through the parking lot with her sandals hooked on her fingers, long black hair moving with the wind, “Oh my God…” Shells peeked over Bea’s shoulder, “That’s my aunt.”

“...your…aunt??” she repeated, “I…your aunt is a hippie? Listen don’t get me wrong but I met your parents, they are anything but free love friendly.”

“My aunt was always the odd one out,” Beatrice explained, looking back at Penny, “Can I just talk to her real quick? She never comes down here.” the older woman nods and Beatrice wipes her hands on her jeans, walking out of the Hard Deck to meet the statuesque figure of her aunt coming closer. 

Her aunt, who looked younger than her own age - blessings on the dna - smiled when Beatrice approached, opening her arms wide, “Hello my love,” her soft spoken tone said, humming happily when Beatrice hugged her, the black haired woman squeezing her niece tighter, “Oh, I’m really happy to see you.”

Unlike her twin, Beatrice’s father, Martha’s Italian accent was milder but it came out whenever she had to roll her r’s and the vowel was open, which added to her soft spoken voice made her sound almost mystical. While her siblings joked their own mother was a witch, they were sure that aunt Martha was a witch without a doubt, “I’m happy to see you too but,what are you doing here,auntie?”

Martha smiled, looking up to the sky, “I felt like taking a walk.”

“...from–from your house?” the other woman nods and Beatrice blinks, “But you live in Escondido…”

“I used my bike silly.” her aunt giggles,as if it wasn’t still a three hours ride “I didn’t really walk all the way down here.” her aunt’s eyes shone with mirth, looking down at her niece, cupping her cheeks and turning her head left and right, before closing her eyes in silence. Beatrice blinked, waiting for her aunt to say something, ‘You feel lighter, my love,” her aunt says with her eyes still closed, “Your heart feels free, like a sparrow…my darling girl you are in love.”

Now she wasn’t expecting that type of information. Okay, her aunt was the mystical sort of woman who she was sure could control the weather if she so desired, but she still freaked her out a bit when she said things like that, “I-I…”

“Yes…yes you are in love,” Martha opened her eyes to show the light brown irises staring down at her niece,  “What a joy it is.” she drops her hands from Bea’s cheeks, to place both of her own on top of her heart, “I am very happy for you.”

‘...t-thank you auntie,” Beatrice looked over her shoulder to the Hard Deck, a blonde head peeking out with her eyebrows furrowed “Um…but you didn’t say why you showed up. Is everything okay?”

“Why, everything is more than okay.” Martha smiles, “I simply wanted to see you…and give you this.” from a hidden pocket in her dress, Martha pulls out an envelope, an envelope that looked a lot like the wedding invitation Bea got months ago. The brunette blinked, her eyes going from the envelope to her aunt, before she slowly grabbed it from her hand.

“Um…auntie you already invited me, remember?I’m one of your bridesmaids.” she chuckles softly, moving her eyes downward to the cream colored envelope, “Why would you need to–” the name written on the paper, in curved bronze letters, was her name…and Bradley’s. Beatrice’s soul left her body and she immediately paled while looking down at the invitation, holding with both hands now. No, she asked her parents to not do this! 

“Your father thought it’d be a good idea.” Martha smiles, oblivious to her niece’s turmoil, “So, it’s your new invitation, I even told the hotel to prepare the room for two.” Beatrice’s wide eyes slowly moved upwards to her grinning aunt, “Everyone will be so happy to meet him.”

Yes, every single one of her family members on both of her parents sides, including the ones from Sicily “O-Oh,” Bea’s words were soft and quiet, with a slight tremble to them, “How nice of you, a-auntie, but–” her aunt just smiles more, nodding her head “But,um he’s deployed and I don’t…think he’ll be here before the wedding,” that was a lie, obviously, but her aunt didn’t have to know that. Her aunt, amazingly just blinked in her direction, she had a feeling that the woman didn’t believe her one bit.

“Well my darling, something in me says he’ll be back sooner than that.” Bea’s smile faltered with an awkward laugh leaving her lips, “Trust me, it will be fine.” her aunt leans down to press a kiss to her niece’s forehead, who in turn stays immobile, not being able to say anything in return, “I’ll see you two then.”

“But–”

“Je t’aime mon petit Beatrice, au revoir!” her aunt waves her goodbye with a flourish, long dress flapping with the wind as she makes her way back to her bike, climbing on it and riding away from the Hard Deck. Beatrice dropped her arms to her sides, backing away until she touched the walls of the bar, her eyes staring at nothing.

Shells walked out to meet her outside, looking from the brunette to the strange woman riding away on her bike, “Sooo…what did she want?” She got no reply, but she saw Bea lift a shaky hand to show an envelope, “You want me to–okay,” she picked the envelope up, seeing her name and Rooster’s on the paper. “...ah.” the brunette slides down onto the sidewalk, placing her head on her hands, with Shells crouching next to her, “I guess you didn’t plan on this, huh?”

“I told my parents I didn’t want to take Brad, do you know how many people will be there in total?? Over one hundred!” Beatrice groans, slapping her hands over her eyes “God not to mention my cousins who will immediately sniff the fresh new man within a five miles radius and hound him like a pack of starving hyenas, making jokes about how much I paid for his company.” 

Shells frowned, flipping the envelope back and forth, “So what do you plan on doing? He was invited.” Beatrice dropped her hands to her sides, looking at the envelope for a good five seconds before she snatched it from Shells’ hand.

“I’m going to hide it and use my own invitation to get in. He doesn’t need to know.”

“I mean…sure, but wouldn’t that also give something for your family to talk about?” Shells added helpfully, “How possible is it that most of them know about him?”

“...very possible.” the brunette sighed, running a hand through her haid, “I-I can’t do this to him, can you imagine? I wanted him to meet my family, my parents and siblings, not the whole pack of wolves. God, my uncle Roberto will ask him about the Navy and make comparisons to when he went to war too,uuuuuuuuuughh…”

Shells pursed her lips, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear when the wind picked up, only to grab the invitation from Bea’s hand again, “I think you should at least mention it to him, then he could say if he thinks it’s okay to go or not.” she says, “He’s a big boy, Bea, he has the right to say yes or no.”

“...I…you are right.” she sighs, the back of her head hitting the wall as she looks up to the clouds slowly rolling by, “I can’t just do that, he has to give me his answer…and I hate it. I hate it because I know my whole family way too much…but, you are right.”

“Like always,” Shells smiles, standing up alongside Bea who laughs in response, “But how about we go out tonight? To relax?We won’t come to work after all.”

“Do you have a place in mind?”

“I do, I was thinking of The Singing Stop, that karaoke bar with those private booths for you to use instead of a stage,” she pulls out her phone, “Friday is free for the ladies and if you go in a trio you get extra chicken wings.”

“Were you planning on inviting Penny?”

“I tried,” Shells said, flicking through her phone, “But she said she’d like to stay home with Melia tonight, so, who is our next option? Who’s the one person who’d always be up for Karaoke night? Evelyn.”

Evelyn did love karaoke, Shells wasn’t wrong. She’d get very into it, pulling a whole performance while singing too, “Well, okay, sure. Did you talk to her yet?”

“Um, yes,” she says, following Bea inside the bar, “I sure did, she already said yes. By the way, we’ll definitely get hammered so we’ll need an Uber.” Beatrice frowned, looking back at the blonde with a worried face “Okaaay, maybe not that hammered, just enough to see double.”

It was Penny’s voice that interrupted their talking, walking past them holding a bucket of water, “as long as the two of you can stand tomorrow night, that’s fine by me.” she chuckles, “Now come on, we have to finish everything in fifteen minutes.”

-

“They better have Mr.Brightside or I’m rioting.” Evelyn said as they walked into the karaoke bar, the 70s color palette of reds, yellows and blues adorning them. Evelyn was the first to walk to one of the employees, asking for a private room alongside a qr code menu, giving the other two a smile when the man said to follow him.

The room was yellow with inner lights on the walls, shining down the U shaped dark blue seats in front of a tv and a coffee table separated the two parts of the couch to be in front of one another. Once they all got inside and closed the door, Evelyn removed her dark suit jacket to expose the black tube top underneath, already checking the songs while Bea and Shells took their seats.

Shells would be the one responsible for the drinks and snacks for the night, “Okay, we already have extra chicken wings but what are we feeling tonight for drinks? I think we should get some beer.”

“I’m okay with that,” Ev said, still looking for her song with her back to the two, “Beer and chicken wings, nothing better.”

“I’m okay with it too,” said Bea, placing her green jacket to the side, combing her hair over her shoulder while crossing her legs by the knee as Shells set their order. The brunette tilted her head to Evelyn, who let out a sound of triumph when she found her song, she didn’t play it yet, instead she let the name hover on the screen before sitting down next to Bea with a sigh.

“When was the last time the three of us went out together?” Evelyn asked, crossing her own legs.

“Oh, oof,” Beatrice chuckles, looking away to wrack her memory, “I think it was two weeks after grad? Then we all went our own ways.”  she turns towards Evelyn with a small smile, “How’s it going on getting the old team back?”

Evelyn sighed, her lips pursing in a frown, “Honestly, I managed to get Eliza and Carmen too, but like, Tori? Out of the question, she joined an MLM and would just offer us her products instead of playing for real.”

“We all knew Tori was weird,” Shells voice said, lowering her phone once the order was sent, “So I won’t lie and say she’ll be missed, cause she won’t.” 

The three women reminisced for a while longer until their snacks arrived. Shells made sure to record their night out to the best of her ability, saying it was a once in a lifetime thing, they needed to have it archived for the future. 

“Okay, I think I’ll tackle the elephant in the room,” Shells began, gesturing a chicken bone to Evelyn’s direction, “Why isn’t Ms.Evelyn Simpson dating anyone?” the dark haired woman rolled her eyes, choosing to sip her beer instead, “Because we know you are a looker, you could have any guy you wanted.”

“Is your dad a vice admiral?” Evelyn retorted, arching her eyebrows, “Is he a pain in the ass?”

“You can’t prevent yourself from dating because of your dad, Ev,” Bea replied softly, wiping her mouth with a napkin, “Who knows? Maybe there’s a perfect guy for you somewhere, just waiting.”

“Or maybe it’s just Hangman.” Shells snickered, laughing louder when Beatrice tossed the napkin her way, with the blonde’s laughter diminishing to quiet giggles.

“I’d rather chug a gallon of bleach,” Evelyn murmured, “He’s so typical, like he’s a mold of every navy type there is…unlike Bea’s pilot.” she gestured her thumb in the brunette’s direction, “By the way, let’s be honest, the two of them are nauseating.” she said to Shells, who cackled even louder much to their curvy friend’s surprise, “I mean, good God I thought I’d develop type 2 diabetes just by standing near them.”

“Babes you have no idea.” Shells smirks, “It’s so painfully sweet I swear I feel like vomiting sometimes.”

“...I don’t know how to feel about all that…”

Evelyn smiled, draping her arms over Bea’s shoulder, “You should be happy because while we both feel our teeth rotting, we like seeing you with someone who likes you so much.,” Shells nods in agreement, lifting her beer “Because you deserve it, after all the shit He Who Shall Not Be Named did to you.” 

The two of them were with Beatrice during the last months of her relationship with Eric, they were with her when she’d had her panic attacks and they were with her when she shared she wanted to end things for real this time. They really just wanted the best for Beatrice, which they knew for a fact it wasn’t Eric, so when she finally cut things off with him, they had a celebration…at a karaoke bar.

“...Thanks guys, I really,” Beatrice blushed, looking down at her hands, “I really like Bradley,” she almost said the L word again but she didn’t feel like saying it now, not without Brad knowing it first “He’s very special to me.”

“Just please name your first kid after me,” Shells added, “‘Cause without me, neither of you would’ve gotten together. Evelyn you should’ve seen it, it was like two pre school kids who never acted up, Ugh! Rooster just kept looking at Bea who only looked at him when he wasn’t looking and it was driving me insane. I had to step in.”

Beatrice hummed, narrowing her eyes playfully at her friend but only sipping her beer with a little smile, “Well,I thank you for stepping in then, I’m very very happy…which reminds me, what about you and Bob?” It was interesting to see how Shells’ expression softened and she touched the rim of her bottle with a little smile.

“I like him a lot too.” The usually loud blonde said quietly, “He’s so sweet, a bit shy at first but, he’s incredibly sweet…and god he’s so good in bed. You’d never think so under that sweet façade he has.But it’s like the phrase goes: gentleman in the streets, freak in the sheets!”

The laughter reverberated around the room, with the three girls clicking their bottles together in celebration. Not long after that, Evelyn wiped her hands clean to stand to her feet, grabbing the mic, “Okay, it’s my time to shine.”

“You always choose Mr.Brightside,” Shells chuckled, “Don’t you have other options?”

“Listen as an emo child of the 2000’s I have to start with this song, either that or Helena by MCR.” she explains, shrugging before pressing play so the known melody would start. Evelyn would always get into the songs, no matter what kind, so when she stood still as a rod in the middle of the room with the mic to her mouth, “Coming out of my cage and I’ve been doing just fine-”

Shells lifted her phone to record Evelyn’s performance, who while in the beginning of the song stood still as a rod, tossed her head forward violently once she hit the ‘but this is the price I pay!’, clenching the air dramatically, with her hair tossing back when ‘Mr.Brightside left her mouth.

The other two girls cheered, clapping their hands when Evelyn continued her performance, kicking and headbanging and playing air guitar until she finally dropped to her knees when the song ended with her chest heaving. She was glistening with sweat, like she was the one in concert instead of The Killers, but she smiled at her friends hollering her name. 

Evelyn gracefully stood to her feet, bowing in thanks “Okay, who’s next?”

“Oh, me!” Shells scrambled to her feet, giving Bea the phone “I wanna sing Get Outta My Way, by Kylie.”

“Oh my god, and you call me a song repeater??”

“Um, I choose a variety of Kylie songs okay? My queen deserves nothing less.” Shells smiles, flipping through the list until she finds it. Much like Evelyn, she too put on a performance with a lot of hair flipping and hand motions, mimicking some of Kylie Minogues’ choreography - some not even from this specific song - but either she was having a blast, while Evelyn and Bea cheered on, the latter filming the whole ordeal.

When she was done with the song, she finished with the mic up in the air and a tired smile on her face, waving off the clapping with a smile, “Okay, now,” she offers the mic to Beatrice, who blinks up in surprise, “Your turn bumblebea.”

“Oh, oh okay.” Beatrice switched the phone for the mic, adjusting her ripped jeans on her legs before looking at her friends, “I never know what song to sing.”

With the phone up, Shells shouts, “Great Balls of Fire! Do it! Sing it!”

“I don’t even know if they have it!” The idea of singing Rooster’s songs suddenly made her cheeks heat up, but she couldn’t help but be excited if she could sing it. So she turned to the TV, biting her lower lip while checking the song list, “Oh my god…they do. Should I sing it?”

“Yes!” Shells shouted, “You better do that! Sing for your man away from you!”

Beatrice laughed nervously, she didn’t know why she was so nervous about singing it. She wished she was singing it with Rooster…but, well, he wasn’t here. She hoped he wouldn’t be upset because she did it without him. With one final breath of courage, she pressed play, biting her lower lip while smiling as the known piano keys appeared.

It took her some time to let loose, even with the beer in her system, she felt a bit awkward while singing along. Until the first Great Balls of Fire made itself known, then she just got into it. Between shimmying her shoulders and dramatic hand motions, Shells was sure Beatrice’s movements were very similar to Rooster’s whenever he played it.

She didn’t plan on telling her friend of the video she’d send the pilot, just because she didn’t want Bea to be against it. Evelyn and Shells hooted for Beatrice whenever she moved with the song, clearly happy to see their friend having so much fun. By the time the song ended, Beatrice was breathing hard but smiling even harder, laughing when the other two stood up to hug her close.

They stood there for a couple more hours, between drinking and singing - even singing together to Katy Perry’s California Gurls with Shells demanding to sing Snoop Dogg’s part on the song - until they left the bar. They were stumbling a bit, but not enough to consider themselves too drunk to know what they were doing.

They didn’t plan on going home yet, so they just wandered up the street laughing to one another - Evelyn almost losing her balance twice only for Beatrice to hold her up. They ended up in an empty skate park, still singing and dancing like the music was still playing. 

Shells pointed the phone up to the dancing Beatrice, who sang Madonna’s Like a Virgin while moving much like in Tiff’s class, “Hey Bea!” the brunette stopped, looking right at the camera, “Can you do something for me?”

-

Bradley yawned quietly, rubbing his face as he lay on the bottom bunk, grabbing his phone to set his alarm. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion when he saw that Shells sent him a message on instagram. He had no idea why she’d message him and not Bob, but if he knew Shells it was nothing good.

So he opened it, expecting some weird meme she found online…but it wasn’t. Instead it was several videos of no one other but Beatrice. He looked up at the top bunk, hearing Fanboy turn on his mattress, before he leaned into his bag to pick up his air pods. Once connected he thumbed the screen up to the first video, pressing play and his whole body reacted when he noticed the song Beatrice was singing along to.

His lips parted in surprise, watching her move and sing to her heart’s content to his song. Well, not his song but the song he would always play at the bar. Rooster could only watch, mesmerized, watching his girlfriend sing Great Balls of Fire on a karaoke machine, laughing and dancing, almost oblivious to Shells’ filming her. He let out a soft laugh, then covered his mouth when she flipped her hair and pursed her lips at the ‘you kissed me baby!’ part of the song, shimmying her shoulders along with the beat.

The video stopped and he had to mentally recover from what he just saw, before he went to the next one which was Beatrice this time singing I Want to Know What Love is by Foreigner, just into the song as the first one before watching the last one that was I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston. She looked really gorgeous whenever she had fun, with her laugh leaving her lips and dancing like there was nothing stopping her.

He couldn’t help but also notice how beautiful she looked, with her sleeveless turtleneck top and ripped jeans, hair flowy and shining under the lights. God he missed her so much. Did Shells send that to him just to make him suffer? Because it was working. There was another notification from Shells, she sent yet another video. This time they weren’t in the bar anymore, they were in what he assumed to be a park, so he got comfortable on his bunk and pressed play yet again.

“Bea! Bea!Look!” Beatrice’s eyes were glazed but she smiled at the camera and he couldn’t help but smile back, she was definitely buzzed, “Look, if you had to say anything to Rooster right now, what would you say?” wait, what?

Beatrice blinked, licking her lips as she thought about it, “I’d say…that I miss him, a lot but he knows I do!” she giggles, “...and…that he makes me very happy and that I think he’s the sweetest, kindest, hottest guy I’ve ever met. That I still can’t believe he’s mine and that…ummmm…that his mouth tastes sweet, like honey and I can’t get enough of him! His lips are soooooooo soft and so nice!hmmm, but,but I also!” she makes a point to hold up a finger, “I think he’s brave and he makes me feel safe, he makes me feel the happiest I’ve ever felt before!” she giggles, then blinks at the camera, “Why do you ask?”

Shells turns the camera to her face, “Oh, no reason, just curious.” she smirks down at the camera, finally stopping the video.Rooster stared at the screen for a few more seconds, then let the device fall screen first on his chest, rubbing his face with both hands, groaning quietly into his palms. How was he to deal with this? With her? He couldn’t just run to her and pick her up to kiss her like no tomorrow, he still had a few more weeks to go by before he returned.

His chest warmed up with feelings, with pure love for this girl, who cared for him and believed in him so much without a single doubt within her. He dropped his hands, sucking in a shaky breath before he looked back down to his phone, only seeing that Shells left him a ‘>:P’ emoji that he chose not to reply to, he knew she wouldn’t mind either.

He makes her feel safe. She mentioned to him during their first time together that his room felt like safety to her…and he couldn’t imagine a better compliment to have from someone he loved so much. Rooster sighed sweetly, closing his eyes with a smile before he finally set up his alarm, giving one last look at the video just so he could have her voice in his head before he slipped into dreamland. 

He slid the phone under his pillow, still smiling when he finally fell asleep.

#bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x oc #top gun maverick #bradley bradshaw x reader

[miraakulous-cloud-district]

WIP wheneverIcanIknowIhaven'tpostedinawhile

Hello, everyone. Long time no see! I must begin this by apologising for being so inactive on here and on ao3. I'm trying to slowly get back into it and be more active! Truth is, life happened and a lot of other hyperfixations that distract me so, leaving me with very little energy and inspiration, but I'm really trying to climb out of this hole!

So, that being said, on the 26th was WYGTYA's birthday! I should have posted the new chapter, but unfortunately that was such a full day (lots of classes in uni, the ofmd finale, crying because of the ofmd finale and how much this show means to me and then going clubbing until 4am to a halloween party as Blackbeard). A year ago I posted the first chapter! And to celebrate, I will later post chapter 15 (finally!) along with a whole new project!

I was tagged by @dirty-bosmer and @mareenavee(thank you so much 💖💖) and I'm tagging @bougainvillea-and-saltwater @kiir-do-faal-rahhe @sheirukitriesfandom @blossom-adventures and whoever wants to participate! I'll put the fragment under the cut, this is from the freshly written pirate story and WYGTYA prequel! It's called 'Hymn of the high seas' or HOTHS, for short, and you can find it on ao3 right here! MORE PIRATES, EVERYONE! Also, the characters are new ocs!

“They must have something fancy in here!” Signe says.

“Hey, let’s slow down a moment.”

“We don’t have time to slow down, Anne. An’ I don’t want to die sober, that’s for sure!”

“I know, I just -  Are you… okay?” she asks Signe, whose head is already buried in a cupboard.

“How could I be?” she jerks her head towards her. “The man I called captain betrayed us… stabbed us in the back.” She takes a moment to consider, and her face becomes somewhat amused by her thoughts. “So, I… stabbed him in the front!” 

“Signe…”

“Look, I can’t afford to be touchy-feely. And I refuse to do so while I’m almost face to face with death.” She starts looking through the Thalmor captain’s office, giving up on the cupboard filled only with fancy dishes. “All of the consumables are… consumed. Weird, we’re not far from Alinor. This ship’s been to places…” 

“It was damaged, too. I’m telling you, there’s something weird about this ship.” Anne agrees.

“Let’s look in here.” Signe walks to the office and starts frantically working on the lock of the drawer.”

“Allow me. You’re terrible with locks, you know?” 

“Yes, yes, I keep hearing it from the annoying redhead over my shoulder.” Signe says, half-smiling. 

They always bounce off of each other like this, and it almost breaks Anne’s heart that this might be the last time they banter. “Just… hurry.” She interrupts the moment, because maybe it hurts less this way. It doesn’t. 

“It’s bound by a spell.”

“What?!”

“It cannot be lockpicked.”

#wip #tag game #oc: signe #oc: anne #I CAN FINALLY HAVE OC TAGS FOR THEM EWBIJKADNSF #hoths

[papayafiles]

watch drive to survive with me, a lando fan with absolutely zero chill, season 6 episode 3 edition:

(this got so long it literally exceeded tumblr's character limit, which i did not know existed until now, so i'm splitting it into two parts and posting it anyway because what is a tumblr blog for if not dramatic unhinged public breakdowns!)

it hasn't even started and i'm already Losing My Mind

"the brand cries out for more performance" with angsty heavy music... i forgot how dramatic drive to survive was. the music really enhances the stakes here.

"we did go backwards last year. no denying" cut to daniel struggling at the back 😭 he's not even in the team anymore and he's still catching strays. drive to survive editors have zero chill.

dramatic conversation between zac brown and a mclaren exec about how poorly things are giong... cut straight to lando walking into his interview with rice cakes smiling and giggling. I LOVE HIM.

the squeal of excitement that came out of my mouth at his VERY FIRST line (it's one word: "wow". wow indeed lando norris. you. yes. wow. i need to stop)

producer: "did you break it?" lando: *instantly looks concerned and checks*

LMAO not oscar waving his arms in front of the mtc double doors trying to motion sensor them open... only to fail epically 😭 dork (affectionate)

LANDOSCAR <3

oscar arriving late to the first mclaren team meeting and immediately thinking to ask his guide if lando's arrived yet vs lando making a point of pointing out that he beat oscar there 😭 idiots

lando watching oscar walk into the room for the first time with a contemplative expression… what are you thinking in that beautiful curly head of yours

oscar, doing an official interview about mclaren f1 vs lando, in the corner, eyeing him up and down: oscar’s quite tall, huh? he doesn’t look tall, but he is. he’s also like 15.

trademark dts beat drop after will buxton finishes dramatically chatting shit oh i've missed this

lando face scrunch count: 1

oh no we’re doing bahrain

i didn’t watch bahrain live so i didn’t know it was this bad 😭 wdym 25-30 second long fifth stop of the race my god

“red bull DOMINATES bahrain” yeah yeah shut up

claire williams??? what is she doing here

lando looking distraught cut the cameras i can’t do this 😭

“is it too soon to call it a crisis?” f1 journalists have zero chill (derogatory)

mclaren were DEAD LAST?? i was not aware

not christian horner again 😭 leave lando ALONE! he doesn’t want you!! netflix pls stop exploiting cute norstappen clips for your rbr lando agenda i do NOT endorse this

christian horner saying lando would fit really well in the red bull environment…………… in WHAT world

i’m so interested in seeing how conversations with pr managers go… like this is so fun to see them go through the bullet points of what topics journalists might ask and the ~vibe~ they want to be giving in their responses

…okay netflix i REALLY feel like you’re taking clips out of context and splicing them together to form a narrative here. and i get that that’s your whole job. but i think i also get why lando signed that renewal so early now 😭 warding off dts bullshit before it can even start to hit

“we’re so slow on the straight” dipping to a whisper like a confession he didn’t mean to slip out… glance up then back down again… i see you storytellers weaving the narrative. i see you. i get it. you really don't need to keep going

okay i know lando and zak are having a very serious conversation in this scene but also. lando in golf clothes. arms. AND legs. bronze tanned smooth skin... i’m not even thirsting here i’m just pointing out OBJECTIVE facts that are possibly maybe a little bit distracting me from… whatever they're talking about

“i’ll do my best, as always” ❤️ he always does

will buxton shut UP

why are they spending so much time on miami... they weren’t even good there… we’re getting more angst aren’t we.

ohh i forgot how pretty the red bull miami liveries were

nevermind they’re showing max lapping the mclarens. no longer pretty. fuck that livery actually

lando sounds so depressed on the radio i’m going through it 😭

did he really say haha. LOL. :/ on the radio 😭😭😭

“i’m not suggesting it may look bad. i’m suggesting it is bad”

lando saying "fucking hell" on the radio count: 2

okay do we really need another montage of team principals ragging on mclaren. we get it! you want him! he has a line of admirers a mile long! move on!!

NORRUSSEL CONTENT

according to george there are drivers who drink during normal race weekends?? lando throwing up his hands as the camera points toward him like not me! (i can't tell if george is joking but that sounds crazy to me? i bet it's either a really depressed backmarker or max after winning the wdc on a saturday)

not george calling the mclarens horrendous 😭 have some mercy

……………………………………...........

NETFLIX—

cut the cameras.

NETFLIX WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME

the way i'm actually in tears 😭 i'm so fragile right now do not talk to me

"this is the worst start to any season i've ever had. i want to be the best driver there is in formula 1. that's why i started my whole journey" THEN THEY CUT TO HIM IN A GO-KART??? A MONTAGE SEQUENCE???

they really edited together a mini montage of lando's whole journey including interview clips of him as a young child then put a voiceover of his tiny baby voice saying "i need to be stronger and not make so many mistakes" over video footage of adult lando looking depressed out the plane window and expected me to just be okay after that.

then they go straight into a montage of zak brown and lando's history together going way back ("first time i met lando, he was a small 14 year old ... he was very shy, as you'd expect a 14 year old... he was very fast.") cutting between old photos of them together pre-f1 with emotional music ("i think the first time he drove a racecar it was probably mine") oh! okay then!!

"i would love to create the story and finish the story and everything with mclaren. i really would love that." EVERYTHING HURTS

why does watching this episode make me feel like he's going to leave mclaren when i KNOW he just signed a contract extension? the magic of mood-setting background music and splicing clips together

zak brown meeting with all the sponsors... he is a stronger man than me. i would be freaking out in his position. it's also insane how much is riding on literal sports results from a corporation/business perspective? like the amount of pressure on f1 drivers to deliver is wild and here we are giggling at our silly clown sport and its silly circus events

oh claire williams shut up

(you don't even have a job in f1 anymore why are you still HERE)

[meet-me-in-the-pouringrain]

The Phoenix And The Rocket

Chapter 5 / 8-ish

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Emily Prentiss, at the insistent of her therapist, signs up for a Trauma ‘dumping’ site. She never expected that her Dump would connect her back to her old boss and the man she’s been in love with for over ten years.

Also the man she’s absolutely furious at for leaving

We’re moving spectacularly fast yall, i’m the one writing and i’m like 🫣 slow down guys

Edit : Since publishing I have been made aware that the term ‘Trauma Bonding’ is actually an abuse tactic and doesn’t mean ‘bonding over shared trauma’. Would like to make it clear that was a very strong mistake on my part and I apologise deeply for any offence.

Read below the cut

She's not surprised when Dave walks in her office when the case ends and they're home five days later, two glasses in one hand and a bottle of Jack in the other. She manages a smile at him as he shuts the door and sits up to pluck the bottle up.

"Wanna tell me what's going on?" Dave asks, teasing but Emily can detect the concern. "Who the guy is?" After her outburst at the precinct, he knew there was more to the story.

After the thing with Mendoza ended badly, Dave was Emily's sounding board. He was there for her in lieu of any of the girls as a drinking buddy, an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on.

Emily didn't have a father growing up, he ran out the second he could, and Dave has worked his way in, settling in her heart and filling that hole in her life. It's not a secret they have a relationship further beyond colleagues. He's her father figure in all walks of life and she's his daughter.

His favourite child out of all of them, if you will.

The concern he's showing her now is that of a father panicking about his daughter not of a colleague probing into another's love life.

She's told her girls, and they've most likely already relayed the information to Garcia so eventually the correct story is going to go around so she may as well confess her sins now.

Emily sighs and swigs the drink to hold of her reply. "I don't know" She admits finally. Seeing his confused expression, she looks down, fiddling with her glass. "It's an anonymous website" She tells him. "It's called TraumaBuddi-"

"TraumaBuddies" Dave finishes off, nodding. "Heard of it, it's where you unload all your shit right?"

"Yeah" Emily laughs slightly at his words. "Yeah it is. Some of the stuff on there is heavy" She breathes, shaking her head. "But uh. Yeah this guys story was intriguing so" She shrugs and finishes her first glass quickly, just after he took two sips of his own.

"So what is it?" The man asks, intrigued.

Emily pauses, wondering not for the first time if by telling a story that wasn't hers to tell would be betrayal. Dave seems to read her mind, for he nods and backs off.

But Emily decides to tell him everything that Rocket has told her. She can't hold it in any longer, and almost vows that she'll send Rocket an apology once Dave leaves.

She tells him all the details of his story but leaves out anything else. Dave gets told that Rocket's wife was killed by a serial killer but not that Rocket got a piercing on his ear when he was 15 and dared to by the girl who later became his wife. He gets told that Rocket had been stabbed more than 5 times but not that his favourite hobby is fishing because of the way his son laughed when the Bass he caught fought back. He gets told about how Emily talked him through the multiple identity crisis but not that Rocket's favourite movie is Interstellar.

"Wow" Dave laughs when she finishes. Emily is breathless by the time she spews all that out. There is more sneaky glinting in his eye that makes Emily want to scream. "Two serial killers, a car bomb, losing the love of his life?" He shakes his head and drains the rest of his whisky. "If I didn't know any better I'd say this 'Trauma Buddy' was Hotch" He says before standing and disposing of his glass.

Emily freezes mid pouring. His words echoed around her. "Hotch?" She laughs though it was shaky. Dave just looks at her suspiciously. "That's impossible" She shakes her head, resuming her task of pouring a healthy dose.

"Why?"

Another shake of her head and pathetic laughter. "Because it is, Dave" She insists through gritted teeth. A fume of anger sparks in her chest that she doesn't think is fair but also doesn't attempt to push away.

"Okay" The old man shrugs. "Don't drink any more of that bottle, Bella" He warns like a father on his way out of the office. "You drive here."

"Relax, dad" Emily grumbles. "I took a cab" He doesn't hear her as he exits the office otherwise he'd have been forcing her in his car.

Emily sat alone, making no move to follow him, and drank a further two glasses. Dave's words made her lose herself in thought.

It can't be, right?

It was an hour later when the cleaners showed up and the lights shut off that Emily got moving. One of the janitors flashes her a friendly smile, too many late nights in the office was the cause of that, as she leaves. Her hands itched towards her phone as she waits for her cab.

A serial killer who got his Ex-Wife.

Foyet and Haley.

A Car Bomb that made his hearing go fuzzy.

NYC and Kate.

Another serial killer targeting his son.

Scratch and Jack.

Rocket checks all the major boxes.

Emily curses loudly and angrily upon entering her house. She throws her satchel forcefully, stomping towards her laptop. She wonders how in the hell she missed it? Is she that stupid? What kind of profiler is she to not read through the subtext. She slams her fingers on the keyboard, logging into that stupid website and immediately going to Rocket's page.

With every new sentence she grows more angry and resentful until one made her pause.

"After my wife died, I moved on. But just two years later, I experienced the same heartbreak again when I lost the woman who I had grown to love. She didn't know that, of course, when she left but I lost her all the same. She came back briefly for around 7 months but decided to leave again.

In the span of a year I lost the love of my life twice.

In the span of three I had lost two."

It couldn't have been Hotch.

Emily would've have known - Garcia would have blabbed the second it happened - if something that detrimental happened while she was away. In Paris or London. It couldn't have happened while she was here and she just didn't know about it.

It couldn't have been Hotch.

With a sigh of relief, Emily begins typing out a new message.

PhoenixPren : Hey Rocket! I see you haven't replied to my last message is everything okay?

She starts moving around, not one to wait for a reply, when her laptop pings almost instantly.

RockyRackoon : Hello. Sorry for not replying sooner, Max and I are moving house and it's been hectic. How are you, Phoenix?

She smiles, ignoring the warm feeling in her chest, and shrugs as if her partner can see her.

PhoenixPren : Max? Is that your son?

She types and deletes that message a few times before ultimately sending it.

PhoenixPren : And I'm okay.Ish. We have a rough case at work

RockyRacoon : Oof makes me glad i'm retired.

RockyRacoon : And yes, He's my son. He's 16 nearly, we're moving closer to his maternal aunt.

Emily grins at the personal details Rocket shared.  Then her smile wavered. Jack Hotchner would be 16 and Jess still lives around here, somewhere, JJ saw her in a grocery store a few months back.

His name is Max, Emily.

She couldn't tell whether she was happy or disappointed at that.

Mid typing out a polite congratulations / good luck reply, Sergio suddenly shoots out of her workspace making papers fly everywhere.

"Sergio!" She scolds, exasperated. "What is up with you lately?" She shakes her head, putting a hand on her beating chest. She ignores the pest as he mewls for her attention, dropping to her knees to pick up the papers. Emily can't even tell you what half of them are and spends a while just reading over them with furrowed brows.

Until she gets to a paper that only she has and that she should have destroyed.

A letter of resignation, another of recommendation followed by two fake IDs.

Aaron and Jack.

Frank and Max.

Emily buckles, falling to sit awkwardly on her hip as she gasps. No fucking way. She scans each ID thoroughly, lingering on Jack's - Max's - for far too long.

Well now she was fucked.

A ping on her laptop made her whirl around.

RocketRacoon : Actually, Max's aunt lives in Alexandria, Virginia. Isn't that your neck of the woods?

She could scream.

With shaky hands, she types slowly.

PhoenixPren : Yeah. I'm in Dupont Circle.

RocketRaccoon : Oh, only 20 minutes away.

Emily is still on her knees on the floor, using her couch as a table.

Don't do it. Please don't ask. If you ask I cannot say no.

RocketRaccoon : This may be a bit forward, But would you like to get coffee? We arrive Friday Morning.

Ah, he did it.

Emily was typing before she could even think. The possibility that it was that man was making her act upon impulse.

PhoenixPren : Given that my team and I aren't on a case, absolutely. I know a great cafè in Alexandria. Rise and Grind.

She recalls, briefly, that R&G was his favourite coffee place but he never could get it because he lived in Quantico, almost an hour out.

RocketRacoon: I know the place. See you there, Phoenix.

PhoenixPren : How will you know it's me?

RocketRaccoon : I'll know.

Aaron stares at the computer, heart beating fast and filled with dread. Jack is next to him on the couch, waving his broken arm around like he could magically fix it.

He didn't know what the fuck just overcame him.

Inviting her out for coffee?

Where the fuck did that come from?

He removes the glasses from his face, wiping his hand over it tiredly. He groans lowly, making Jack snicker. The trees rustle harshly, mockingly, in the window making him shoot a glare out.

"Mom thinks you're funny to" Jack muses, smirking at the window. Aaron rolls his eyes and closes his laptop after Phoenix doesn't reply.

"Mom can shut up" He retorts, resisting a smirk of his own when the trees shake harder, as if Haley was yelling at him.  She probably was, if he could delude himself that far.

Jack snorts. "That's you told" He says, switching the channel on the tv. "Told you dating is okay."

Aaron groans again and puts the laptop on the floor in front of him. The coffee table is gone, sold in a yard sale they had two days ago. The rest of the nicknacks and furniture around the room baring the couch has either been sold or packed away. They fly out on Thursday night, the cheapest flight times he could find, with the rest of their stuff meeting them throughout the weekend.

It's taken a lot of effort. Jack is in his sophomore year at school so Aaron has had to deal with admin pulling him out, then actually finding a house that's moderately close to another school, vetting the school and seeing which is best for him but also trying to find a house that's close enough to Jess but far away from any of his old teammates.

And that's hard enough in itself when you haven't had contact with any of them so you don't even know where they are living.

So yeah, moving across the country is a little hectic.

"Jack" He scolds. "It's not a date."

"You've been chatting up a woman-"

"I don't think you can call it chattin-“

"You've been chatting up a woman" Jack repeats as if his father hadn't spoken. He smirks as he remembers the woman's user name but wisely chooses not to comment. There's a reason his dad didn't tell him it was Miss Emily, so he won't push. "Flirting a lot and then you ask her out to coffee? Sounds like a date to me dad"

The trees rustle as if to back up his point.

Aaron rolls his eyes. "No it was a moment of madness fuelled by you and your mother's" He points to the tree. "Meddling tendencies." He stands and puts his laptop away in the bag in top of his suitcase. "It is not a date, I'm merely going to meet and thank this woman for helping me. Now, Are we playing Mario Kart or what?" He asks pointedly.

Jack side eyes the window again as Aaron leaves to find the game in one of the boxes. "I don't think we meddle" He says to the ghost of his mom. "Do we?" The trees shake again and Jack takes it as if she's shaking her head. He carefully watches the doorway. "It is who I think it is right, mom?" He asks softly. "Be still if it is." The child that still lives inside him holds out the imagination that the nature outside really is his mom, still with him.

The trees shake gently a few times before the wind miraculously dies down. Jack breaks into a wide smile as Aaron comes back with the game in hand.

"What?" His father asks suspiciously.

Jack just shakes his head. "Nothin" He replies nonchalantly. The tree backs him up with another shiver, making Aaron roll his eyes and start the game with no other thought cast to his ‘date’.

Word count :2200

tag list : @lonelychicagos @84hotpockets @serqueljisbon @loriprentiss @velvetblackness @castielryan

If you would like to be added or removed from the taglist, just DM me ❤️

#criminal minds #emily prentiss #aaron hotchner #hotchniss #criminal minds fanfiction #hotchniss fanfiction #hotch #agent hotchner #agent prentiss #the phoenix and the rocket

[scotianostra]

Happy Birthday Scottish actress Sandra Voe born on Shetland on 6th 1936.

Other than the fact she was born on Shetland, where her father owned a fishing factory, there is little I can tell you about Sandra’s early life. However she has been a very busy lady, appearing in many TV shows over the past 50 odd years Voe began her on screen career in 1966, appearing in an episode of Dr. Finlay’s Casebook.

Her shows in the 70’s include Coronation Street, Emmerdale Farm, Within These Walls and Sounding Brass, during the 80’s on TV and film, Bread or Blood, The Practice, Open all Hours and Local Hero, the 90’s saw her in the brilliant Takin’ Over the Asylum, which seems to crop up in a few of our anniversaries and another regular show on my posts Taggart, over into the 21st century and oor Sandra was still working hard, the pick of 15 different shows and films were Playing the Field, Midsomer Murders, Foyles War, and of course Monarch of the Glen .In 1993 she was also in the gritty film Naked, which also starred Ewan Bremner, Spud in the Trainspotting films.In the past 8 years Sandra Voe, now in her 70’s shows no sign of slowing down, Holby City, Howards end, in 2013, inevitably she turned up in her home Islands on the superb Shetland. Just this year Sandra has chalked up a couple of appearances on the hit series, Vikings as a witch

As well as the many, many TV and film roles she has also been a regular treading the boards at some of the top Theatres, including Sheffield Crucible, Leicester Phoenix, Leicester Haymarket, Oxford Playhouse, Birmingham Rep, Manchester Royal Exchange, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Nottingham Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic, Bloomsbury, Hampstead, Lyric Hammersmith, Almeida, Bush, Shared Experience, RNT, Royal Court and Ambassadors.

Her daughter, Candida Doyle, was keyboard player with the '90s British pop band Pulp, her son, Magnus Doyle, was Pulp's drummer. Sandra was last on our screens in the very good mini-series Trigonometry.

Recently Sandra has been reliving her Local Hero experience when she makes a return trip to the north-east for the 40th anniversary of the film. She has teamed up with fellow actors Jimmy Yuill, Jonathan Watson and Tam Dean Burn and met school children from Banff Academy and Fraserburgh Academy.

Sandra said: “It’s wonderful to be coming back. The place and the community is conjured up so well by Bill Forsyth that you really believe it.”

#scotland #scottish #actress #happy birthday

[mandowifey]

Hey! School has been really getting me down. I'm taking short winter courses so all the work is compiled into 5 grueling weeks. When I'm not bogged down by school, I love making super specific playlists, reading books and writing down beautiful quotes, going to local punk shows with friends, using fashion to reinvent myself everyday, and seeing movies in theaters (crying in a movie theater is one of my favorite activities haha.) My pronouns are she/her :-)

Feel free to write anything! Love your work <3

I'm so sorry to hear you are down from school! (Also thank you for the sweet compliment!)

I assign you; James Sandin.

Note; This is SFW, and unedited. It was meant to be a short drabble!

X x X x X x

"Are you sure you don't want us to wait for your Uber to get here?"

Rubbing your hands together as you shivered, your eyes sparkle as you look at your friends. All of you dressed well for the show you'd attended. You had anticipated drinking and in foresight opted to get a ride there. Now sober and cold, you regretted the attempt of being responsible.

"Nah, you guys go ahead! It said twenty minutes, I'll be fine." You shudder and tighten your coat around you.

One of your friends hugs you before parting ways. Time was flying by and going slow so often these days with your busy schedule and limited free time. While exhausted regularly, you still tried to indulge in the things that brought you joy.

At this time of evening, the streets were quiet and foot traffic was liminal. Your phone pinged and you checked it, hoping the alert meant Joseph, your uber driver, was approaching.

'Car accident on 14th, gonna be an extra 15 minutes.'

Groaning, you rub your arms before looking around. You spot a little bar with a bright neon sign telling you it was open. Now that you had 30 minutes, you jog across the street and shuffle into the bar. The warmth inside made you groan with relief. A few patrons regard you before returning to their conversations, mostly white noise to your ears as it mingled with the soft alt-rock music playing from ceiling speakers.

Once you sat at the bar, an older woman behind the counter approaches you and smiles.

"What can I get you?"

"I'll take a coke with ice."

The woman seemed confused, but obliges you. You trade the glass for 3$ in cash and take your phone out once she stepped away.

"And how about for you, handsome?"

You had been flicking through a couple of social media apps when you heard a husky rumble to your right. Looking up, you spot a handsome gentleman in a nice suit about two chairs down from you. His cheekbones were prominent and caused a gaunt appearance to his face. He was much older than you, and you could not help but linger as you watched him speak.

"Rum and Coke, on the rocks."

His hand reached up to remove the Bluetooth from his ear and put it in his suit. You must have been gawking because his head turned in your direction and he smiled. The lopsided smirk tugged something within you.

"Hey, were you just at Hell’s Nova?" He took cash out to pay the woman as she brought his drink.

You realize he was speaking to you.

"Oh-uh. Yeah, actually how did-"

The man lifted his hand and tapped a finger to his wrist, which prompted you to look at your own. A dark purple wristband with 'WELCOME TO HELL' scrawled in red clung loosely around you. Your face burns immediately.

"Duh." You laugh.

"I actually had a meeting nearby. Client's daughter performs there. Sorry, rude of me to run my mouth before introducing myself. I'm James."

The lights above the bar catch his beryl orbs and fill them with glistening specks. You were lost within them, even from a distance.

"I'm Y/N." Your face hurt from the blush spreading over them.

Grabbing his briefcase and drink, James moved another seat down so only one separated you. Your heart thunders as you catch a whiff of his cologne, no doubt as expensive as his suit.

James exudes a sort of calm you'd only read about. The man was like a tempered river, peaceful and comforting. He smiles again as he gets situated in his new seat. Sipping his drink, you smile and fidget, feeling like you needed to fill the silence.

"So you-

"Do -"

You both stop, having nearly spoken over eachother. After he apologized and laughed, you conceed to let him go first.

"So what do you do?"

You fiddle with your phone and smile. You explain how you mostly are focused on classes and your education. Then segway into explaining your love of poetry and how you'd found time to see the show with friends. James smiles the whole time, those peircing eyes of his not once leaving yours.

"And where do you see yourself going after all this schooling?"

That was not as easily answered. You try to think on the fly but can only let out a soft laugh and shrug. He smiles at that too. When you ask about what he does, James explains his work in loose details, while ordering another drink.

In his company, you lost track of time completely.

You learned he also took poetry classes, and he could even recite passages from some of your favorites. He additionally revealed he has two lovely children, and that while his marriage was coming to an end, he still cared for his soon-to-be Ex wife and had nothing but good things to say about her.

When your phone buzzed, it tugged you out of the warm embrace of a comfortable conversation and you gasped.

"Shit! My rides here."

James' smile lost some of its spark.

"Well, it was great getting to meet you, Y/N." He smiled and reached inside his jacket as you moved and gathered your things.

Blushing, you smile at him and were about to agree when he held a card out to you. Pausing, you gently take it and realize it's his personal business card, including a work and cell number.

"What-"

"I'd really like to hear from you again." He smiles, unaware of the pounding in your chest. "And whenever you are done with schooling, I'd be happy to hook you up with work."

Your smile was nearly painful. It took everything to not lunge and hug him. "Thank you, James. You'll be hearing from me." You promise. He gives you one last smile and watches as you hurry out the door.

The entire ride home, you rub your thumb along the business card, giddy for the possibilities it gave you.

#ethan hawke #james sandin headcannon #james sandin headcannons #james sandin x you #james sandin x reader #james sandin #the purge #x reader

[mozart-the-meerkitten]

CW/TW- Pet Death

So last night I asked for prayers for me and my parents because we'd had a really rough and emotionally trying day. I will now explain. This is, unfortunately, also a Kitten Update on my Bengal kittens, so if you've become emotionally invested in them and aren't up for reading this right now, look away and come back to it another time. Or just don't come back to it. Alright, disclaimer over, you've been warned.

Alright, I'm going to keep this as succinct as possible to try and limit how much I end up crying.

We took the six girl kittens to get spayed yesterday.

Tulip, the littlest kitten, Leeli's runt, had a heart condition we didn't know about. It's all but invisible, there are barely any signs and there is no way to know it exists without special tests being done which we never even thought to do because we had never had an issue with it before and we have had Bengal cats for a long time.

They put Tulip under anesthesia and during the procedure her heart just... stopped. They did everything they could to revive her, they gave her CPR, they gave her epinephrine, but it didn't work. She died.

The vet said she likely had a heart condition where the heart walls thicken and it takes more and more effort then for the heart to beat. My mom looked it up and usually by the time symptoms are visible the cat only has 3-6 months to live. There is no cure, all they can do is slow it down/improve symptoms.

I realized, and shared with my parents, that Tulip was already showing symptoms. She always tired out before the other kittens, she slept more than them, when she was littler she'd come and fall asleep on me because she knew I'd keep other kittens from pouncing on her. Two days ago I'd left Madia and Tulip in my room for maybe 10-15 minutes and they were waking up from a nap, so I assumed they'd be tearing around when I got back. They were curled up on my bed again and I thought that was odd, but...

But Tulip was little, she was the runt, there was no reason to question these things because they're not uncommon behavior for runts (being smaller they have less energy/stamina). And she was as fiesty as any Bengal kitten we'd ever had. A few days ago I saw her attack Farid, her brother, who is over a FULL POUND heavier than her, and start beating him up. She gained weight, she ate well, she acted like a normal kitten!

She was already showing symptoms at 4-6 weeks old, maybe earlier. 3-6 months to live (usually) after symptoms show up. Her heart stopped when she was 4 months old.

It was basically as if we'd had her put to sleep. She felt no pain, she didn't even know. She just fell asleep.

There was no happier kitten in existence than Tulip. That little baby would purr like a MOTOR if you were in the ROOM with her, not even if you were holding her, petting her or playing with her. She just purred ALL THE TIME. She was such a sweet little bug that you couldn't get mad at her. All she knew was happiness and love, and like my mom said, there aren't many cats or people that's true of. She had the happiest kittenhood, the happiest life that any cat could ever have. Her siblings knew that their baby sister needed extra TLC so they made sure to always snuggle around her, Madia went slower so her baby sister could keep up, they loved her, they loved her, they loved her.

Tulip was going to die soon, we just didn't know it. At least this way, God gave us some answers and reasons as to why. I told my mom yesterday that this was simply her span of days, and it was short but very bright.

I named her after a spring flower. Tulips have a short season and then they fade. Tulip's season was short but vibrant and full of life. And when I thought about it today, about if I would have rather had her just not be born alive so I didn't have to go through the grief of losing her after I'd known her...

I couldn't imagine a world where I hadn't experienced that baby's life. I'd do it all over again. Her span of days was short but bright and I was with her every day of her life. I was her forever. And I loved her and I loved her and I loved her.

This was not my fault, I did everything right, I have no regrets. Sometimes things happen that are out of our control. She would never have lived long, but I gave her the best life any kitten could ever have.

Tulip is buried in my Hideout, in the Gnarled Forest, next to Dora. There is no higher honor I could give her than that.

All the others kittens came thought surgery fine and are recovering.

#cw pet death #tw pet death #bengal cats #kittens #tulip the kitten #tulip #my heart is broken #but I literally could not imagine a world where I didn't know her #there would have always been this little hole in my heart where tulip should have been #her life was so so happy #madia is the most sensitive kitten and so OF COURSE she would notice tulip needed extra tlc #OF COURSE she would slow down and specifically play with her little sister #so she didn't get lost in the shuffle of eleven kittens #I have video of tulip purring she just- #she purred when we PUT HER TO BED AT NIGHT #she purred when I PUT HER IN HER CRATE TO GO GET SPAYED YESTERDAY #I scooped her up and cuddled her a minute because she was just PURRING #I just feel so wrung out today #I should be bawling but I think I cried all my tears yesterday #I just feel kind of hollow and sad now #on the flipside though everything makes sense #the little promptings I've been feeling about her since I could distinguish her from her siblings #how much attention I gave her even though she wasn't the kitten I was keeping #I have SO MANY pictures of her #I have more thoughts but I don't have the energy to dissect them all right now/ #I think I should make a post specifically about them #anyway #this little baby was so precious and she will NOT be forgotten #I had already had thoughts about a book series where she and madia were the main characters #she will NOT be forgotten

[yunoteru4ever]

Having finished Dusk Maiden I’m really doubling down on the hanako-kun parallels I’m really curious when you get around to watching whether the main trio will remind you as much of Teiichi, Yuuko and Kirie only genderbent as they did to me.

I just tore through Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun's first season this week and am starting in on the After-school Hanako-kun shorts now. And I can definitely see what you mean about the three main leads sharing similar types!

But first, Full Disclosure: I actually thought Hanako-kun was going to be about KIDS. Like... pre-teen kids. The classic "Hanako-san" story is usually portrayed as involving a girl between 10-13 years old, and the characters in Hanako-kun just look so much like children at first glance, y'know? So I was definitely surprised to watch the show and learn they're in high school! Turns out it's just a cutesy design choice. :P

Nene here is 15 years old. But if you told me you thought she was 8? I'd believe you.

ANYWAY. I want to take a moment to talk about where I see the similarities and differences.

Similarities:

To start with: Both stories focus on a group of teeenage characters investigating and/or combatting ghostly school mysteries that're usually framed as the "Seven Wonders of the School." (Every Japanese school has to have its Seven Wonders, y'know. :P I've lost track of how many times the "Seven Wonders of the School" trope has appeared in manga/anime/visual novels/etc that I've consumed... ) There's also the fact that, tonally, both stories also bounce between comedic group interactions and the creepy horror aspects of what the characters are facing.

But you were particularly honing in on the character similarities! And I agree that that's the area that makes them most reminiscient of each other. It's worth noting that Dusk Maiden of Amnesia has a quartet of primary players, whereas Hanako-kun only has three. However, if we exclude DMoA's Momoe (who I'd argue is the least important of the Dusk Maiden quartet), then both stories contain the following three chararacter "types" among their main characters:

Dim-Bulb "Every(wo)man" Lead Protagonist (many in-universe members of the opposite sex will crush on this character over the course of the series... for whatever reason)

Mischievious Ghost with a Secret Past (a.k.a. the actual reason we're watching/reading this thing, CLEARLY)

Exorcist from a Spiritual Family Line (they show recurring skepticism about the ghost's seemingly benign nature, repeatedly threatening to exorcise him/her even as they gradually come to befriend him/her)

It's that last one that's particularly interesting to me. If you're going to do a story about a ghost lurking in a school and his/her connection to a living student attending that schoool, it's easy to imagine those first two types/tropes coming to mind quite quickly and naturally. The third one is a little more of a stretch, though. It's not impossible for it to be a case of "independent invention," but... it does make me wonder if the authorial team called "AidaIro" was directly influenced by the work of team "Maybe" on DMoA.

Differences:

Ultimately, though, I think both stories are different enough from one another to make them stand uniquely in my mind.

— The most obvious distinction is that Dusk Maiden is very much focused on the love story between a ghost and a human — I'd argue that's one of its primary appeals! Meanwhile, Hanako-kun is sometimes billed a "romantic comedy," but I don't know where the romance is supposed to be. :P Honestly, the first episode of the anime made me think (with horror), "Oh god, they're now CURSED to fall in love! Free will is dead!" but uh... I do know that by the first 75 chapters of the manga, they still haven't shown any signs of being into each other? So 1) If anything is happening between Nene and Hanako, it is a SLOW-ass burn and 2) If they ever DO get together, I hope they manage to sever this whole forced-bond thing first so it can feel more legit :P

— That's another thing: Dusk Maiden is a complete story right now in both its versions/formats! Meanwhile, Hanako-kun is still DEEPLY ongoing. The manga has no end in sight, and although the anime JUST got a second season announcement, it didn't even come with a vague release window.

— Out of the three shared "character types" I mentioned above, the "Dim-Bulb Protagonist" is probably the most distinct character between the two stories. DMoA's Teiichi is more of an innocent — the open-minded and pure-hearted type who just wears his heart on his sleeve. He's pretty chill but kind of unmemorable, yet somehow attracts his own mini-harem? Luckily, he's 100% committed to his ghost waifu. TBHK's Nene Yashiro is, by contrast, a borderline genki girl who is super boy-crazy and regularly on the verge of a mental spiral. (Actually, I think Nene acts more like Momoe than she does Teiichi... ?) But when our story starts, Nene is already bolder/braver and more ready to take action than either Teiichi OR Momoe are for the majority of DMoA. She... ALSO attracts her own mini-harem, but she's too self-conscious about her legs to even notice.

— Also: Whereas Dusk Maiden goes MUCH darker with its horror aspects than Hanako-kun ever would, Hanako-kun also features far more of your typical shōnen action elements than you'll ever find in Dusk Maiden.

.............you get the idea.

I do enjoy Hanako-kun! I especially grew to appreciate its cuter character designs; they make it imposible for us to wind up with those borderline-ecchi moments that DMoA sometimes has, and I consider that a good thing. :P However, I ultimately still prefer DMoA because of that central relationship... naturally.

#toilet-bound hanako-kun #asks #dusk maiden of amnesia #anime #anime comparisons

[puppyexpressions]

15 Winter Dog Safety Tips

Does your dog love the winter or would she rather cuddle up on the couch under a cozy blanket? Either way, you should be prepared to protect her when she ventures out into the elements. Winter care tips for your dog are important to keep her safe this season.

Many dog owners live with the misconception that because their pets have a coat of fur, they can tolerate the cold better than humans. This isn’t necessarily the case. Like us, these fur-coated creatures are used to the warmth of indoor shelter and cold weather can be as hard on them as it is on us humans. Whatever your viewpoint on winter, one thing remains certain: it’s a time when our beloved pets need a little extra care.

We have 15 winter care tips to keep in mind as you explore the winter landscape with your faithful four-legged friend.

Preventing Winter Health Risks

First … let’s talk about two serious cold weather conditions that you should take care to prevent.

Frostbite

Frostbite begins when the dog’s body gets cold. The body automatically pulls blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The dog’s ears, paws or tail can get so cold that ice crystals can form in the tissue and damage it. The tricky thing to remember about frostbite is that it’s not immediately obvious. Watch for signs of pale or grey skin; the skin may also turn hard and cold. As frostbitten areas warm, they can be extremely painful. Severely frostbitten skin will eventually turn black and slough off.

Hypothermia

A second serious winter weather concern is hypothermia. This occurs when a dog spends too much time in the cold, gets wet in cold temperatures or when dogs with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases, the dog will shiver and her ears and feet may grow cold. As hypothermia progresses, she may show signs of depression, lethargy and weakness. As the condition worsens, her muscles will stiffen, her heart and breathing rates slow down, and she will not respond to stimuli. Severe hypothermia is life threatening.

Protecting your dog from frostbite and hypothermia is essential, so learn how to recognize the signs that your dog needs to come indoors to warm up.

Is your dog cold?

If it’s too cold for you to stand at the door without your coat, it’s probably too cold for your dog too, so pay attention to her behavior while she’s outdoors.

If you notice your dog whining, shivering or appearing anxious, or she stops playing and seems to be looking for places to burrow, then it’s time to bring her in.

15 Ways to Protect Your Dog in Winter

1. Let’s talk temperature!

Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that keeps them warm naturally, even in very cold temperatures, but dogs with thin coats may need to wear a sweater or coat when out for winter walks. A good coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly. But remember that coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail … so even with a cozy coat, don’t keep your short haired dog out too long in freezing temperatures.

2. Go outside when the sun shines

If your dog feels the cold, try to walk her in the late morning or early afternoon hours when temperatures are a little warmer, and avoid early morning or late evening walks. Spend time playing outdoors while it’s sunny; sunshine brings the added benefit of providing both you and your pet with vitamin D. Play fetch with toys, not sticks, which can cause choking and other injuries. So, if your dog likes to chew and chase, pack a Frisbee, ball or other safe toy and play together in the sun.

3. Limit outdoor time in winter

Your family pet may love to spend time outdoors but in winter even the furriest dog can get cold.  Ears, paws and tails are all susceptible to frostbite. Take your dog out frequently for walks, exercise and play … but when the temperature drops, don’t leave him outdoors for long periods of time. A good rule is to go out with him and when you’re ready to come in, he probably will be too. If he’s outside in your yard by himself, check often to make sure he’s not showing signs of feeling cold.

4. Cozy bedding

In addition to limiting your dog’s time outdoors on cold days, don’t let your pooch sleep on a cold floor in winter. Choosing the right bedding is vital to ensure your dog stays warm. Warm blankets can create a snug environment; raised beds can keep your dog off cold tiles or concrete, and heated pet beds can help keep the stiffness out of aging joints. Place your dog’s bed in a warm spot away from drafts, cold tile or uncarpeted floors, preferably in a favorite spot where she sleeps every day so that the area doesn’t feel unfamiliar.

5. Protect your dog from heaters

Dogs will often seek heat during cold winter weather by snuggling too close to heating sources. Avoid space heaters and install baseboard radiator covers to avoid your pet getting burned. Fireplaces also pose a major threat so please make sure you have a pet proof system to keep your heat-seeking pal out of harm’s way!

6. Moisturize

Dry and cold weather can do a number on your pet’s skin. Help prevent dry, flaky skin by adding a skin and coat supplement to her food. Coconut oil is a good natural moisturizer that can help keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy. If you find your pet’s paws, ears or tail are dry or cracking, you can also apply coconut oil topically as needed.

7. No overfeeding please!

Although dogs may need an extra layer in winter, make sure it comes from a coat and not a layer of fat. Cold temperatures may even bring on lazy behavior and the need for fewer calories. Be attentive to your dog’s activity level and adjust her calories accordingly. A high quality, whole foods, preferably raw meat based diet will help ensure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.

8. Keep your dog hydrated

Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in winter as summer. Although many dogs eat snow, it’s not an adequate substitute for fresh water. If your dog spends time outdoors in your yard, make sure she has access to a water bowl, check it often and break ice that forms on top.

9. Groom your dog

Your dog needs a clean, well-groomed coat to keep her properly insulated. This is especially important if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. After bathing, dry your dog thoroughly, especially before allowing her outside.

10. Paw care is a must

Just as we tend to develop foot cracks in winter, dogs can also suffer from cracked pads. If your dog has furry feet, trim the hair that grows between her pads to prevent ice buildup between the pads. Winter salt on city sidewalks can also burn your dog’s pads and is toxic, so after walks around the neighborhood, rinse or wipe your dog’s paws to remove any salt – you don’t want her licking it off. If your dog shows signs of discomfort when walking outside on frozen or salted surfaces, consider using dog booties to protect her paws.

11. Snow removal

Snow can be a lot of fun but it can also be dangerous for your dog. Snow piled near fences offers your dog escape routes that even well-trained dogs often can’t resist. When you clear snow in your yard, pile it away from fences to prevent your dog from climbing over. Snow and ice often accumulate on rooftops and if the sun is out or as temperatures rise, this accumulation can slide and injure your dog. If you can’t clear the snow from the roof, keep your dog away from the roof overhang to prevent injury.

12. Watch where your dog plays

Although your dog is likely having a great time outdoors, take frequent indoor breaks for water and warming and don’t ever stay out too long. If you’re walking or playing in unfamiliar areas, keep your dog close. It’s easy for her to venture onto unsafe surfaces such as frozen ponds or lakes. These may be covered in snow and not easily visible.

13. Avoid exposure to toxins

With winter comes antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet and dogs (as well as some children!) will readily lick or drink it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic and just a small amount can be fatal. Keep your dog out of the garage and off the driveway where she may encounter antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.

14. NEVER leave your dog unattended in the car, no matter what the season

Just as cars can get dangerously hot in summer, freezing cold temperatures are equally dangerous for your dog in winter. Leaving the car running involves additional risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning if the car is parked in a garage. Leave your dog at home when you go out to run errands.

15. Special care for seniors

Cold weather will often aggravate existing medical conditions in dogs, particularly arthritis. It’s very important to maintain an exercise regimen with your arthritic dog, but be mindful of slippery surfaces and make sure your dog has a warm soft rest area to recuperate after activity. If you don’t already give your senior dog a natural joint supplement to lubricate the joints and ease the discomfort of arthritis, you may want to consider adding one in winter. Just like people, dogs are more susceptible to other illnesses during winter weather.

Harsh winter weather brings a wide variety of concerns to responsible dog owners. Bitter cold, numbing wetness or biting winds can cause discomfort for that special dog in your life. Paying special attention to your loyal friend’s wellbeing during the winter season will ensure that you both enjoy the season to the fullest.

Keep these winter care tips in mind and enjoy everything winter has to offer. And don’t forget that winter cuddles with your canine buddy are a great way for everybody to keep warm!

#winter dogs #winter dog safety #winter dog health #dog health #cold weather dogs #dog safety cold weather #dog safety

[allen-444]

heya! back again, could I request something with Leon (you decide what) and a female reader, with maybe a date to a haunted house?

I am so in love with this idea it’s not even funny. I chose Re2 Leon since I’ve got a plan in mind and I think it fits him best, this one’s gonna be good. :) Enjoy!

Pairing: Leon Kennedy (Re2) x Female!Reader

Genre: Fluff, Somewhat sexual themes towards the ending.

Warnings: Nothing!

Leon came through the door to your shared home. He rushed past you, as your head him throw his stuff down in your room.

"Leon? What’s going on? Are you alright?" You walk to your bedroom door and just as your about to open it Leon swings the door open. "We’re going to haunted house together! Cmon!" He grabs your hand and you two rush out the door as he grabs the keys off the wall. "Woah, slow down!" You laugh, it was nice to see Leon like this and not stressed about work or being too sleep deprived. "Your this excited for a haunted house?" Your so as you both hop in the car and he starts it. "This isn’t just any house! This is an exclusive once in a lifetime Rob Zombie one! They said this is gonna be the only year the ever put it and we have to go!" He says as he pulls out of your driveway. You knew Leon loved Rob Zombie a lot, you remember on your first date he had mentioned him and you both listened to his albums and walked through the streets and park together. It was enjoyable and the memory made you smile.

As you two arrived he came over to your side of the car and opened the door for you. You strip out and he shuts your door and then takes you hand into his own. You can see the joy in his face and it makes you glad your the one able to experience this with him.

"Two tickets please!" He says a bit to giddy to the booth lady. She looks at him for a second then hands Leon the tickets as he passes her 15 bucks. "Your gonna love this. This is amazing. I can’t believe this is actually happening! It feels so fake." You could tell by the way he said these his heart and mind were currently on 100 miles per hour. You squeeze his hand and he looks at you before you two step into line. "Calm down love, I know your excited but you gotta control your nerve." You giggle and pull him towards you to kiss him. He melts into it almost immediately and puts your hand on his waist.

You went to pull away but he immediately kissed you again then grabbed your hand again and walked into line with you. 10 minutes later you and Leon were still in line laughing and showing each other funny things you found in the internet. You then began going through your camera roll and you and Leon were laughing and talking about memories. He then started showing his camera roll. "Oh! And this is the main group I work with!" You we’re gonna comment on it but then your group was called in to get ready to enter. You and Leon excitedly walked over. As you entered the building the first thing you noticed was how dark it really was in here… you and Leon had heard a couple talking about how they could barely get through and host lost because of the lighting and until now you thought they were exaggerating.

You held on too Leon’s arm, you and him where in the back behind arohnd 5 people. You hear someone in the front scream and giggle a bit, that it until someone also jumps at you and Leon and you both scream. You then grab each other laughing, and continuing to walk. Sometime later you two had realized you lost your group. You were walking around aimlessly looking for the exit while getting scared an ungodly amount of time. “Oh there! The exit sign!" You pointed and began jogging lightly. "Y/N, hold on!” He shouted a bit and suddenly you heard a loud revving noise from your side. A man with a bag on his head and a chainsaw was screaming incoherently and revving his chainsaw above his head. (Yes, I am referring to the chainsaw people from Resident Evil 5, I despise them.)

You screamed louder than you ever had when suddenly Leon grabbed you bridal style and ran like hell out of there. “I told you wait! The worst scares are always at the end!” He says as he sets you down once you a little from the house and a fee feet away from the parking lot. “It was way to loud in there! There was no way I could here you but thankfully I had the most handsome knight swoop me off my feet and save me!” You said dramatically as you put the back of your hand to your head and leaned onto him. “Your welcome.” He says, you can hear the smile in his voice. He then grabs you hips and spins you around kissing you. After a bit you back away for. The kiss and peck him in the check. “Let’s get going, I’m tired. That’s enough adventure for the day.” You say as you begin walking towards your car. He jogs up behind you and follows you.

As you arrived back in your home you both took off your shoes and left them by the door then headed into your room to change. You had already changed and came form the bathroom after brushing your teeth to see Leon only in his boxers. You walked up to him and tap on his back, he then turns towards you. "Yes love?” You kiss him then push him back onto the bed and crawl on top of him. “Y/N, baby, what are you doing?” His eyes are wide and his mouth is a bit hung open.

“Knights deserve to be rewarded for good deeds.” Let’s just say after you said that it was a long night for you both.

Hi! I hope you enjoyed! I tried to think it out a bit but once I got to entering the haunted house I got stumped and winged it! Hope that ending made up for it though, thank you for ready, love you all! <3

#resident evil fic #resident evil fandom #leon scott kennedy #leon s kennedy x reader #leon kennedy x you #Leon Kennedy #resident evil x you

[mariacallous]

Alexandra Pelosi is at home in New York, preparing a birthday party for her 15-year-old son, and pops up on Zoom beside a sign that says: “Don’t work for assholes. Don’t work with assholes.” When our interview begins with the most unimaginative of queries – “How are you?” – she is in no mood for casual conversation.

“How am I supposed to answer that question?” the fast-talking film-maker bats back. “Look, I don’t know how you do polite small talk because I’ve just been through basically like both of my parents’ funerals.”

To be clear, neither of Alexandra’s parents is dead. Her father Paul Pelosi, 82, is undergoing a slow and painful recovery from a hammer attack in late October by a home intruder. Her mother Nancy Pelosi, also 82, last month announced her retirement as Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, assured of a place in history as the first female speaker.

Alexandra, 52, recalls that, when her father emerged from intensive care, his house looked like a funeral home because so many well-wishers sent flowers. “I was reading the notes from his friends and I was like, this is great, ’cos you get to go to your own funeral, ’cos you get to see what people say about you when you die. I’m putting a good spin on it, trying to cheer him up.”

Then she went to Washington for her mother’s long goodbye. “If you’re in politics and you step down, it’s like going to your own funeral because you get to read your own obituary. Essentially it’s like I’ve read both of my parents’ obituaries and nowI have to keep living with two living people. That’s surreal.”

The pitiless assault on Paul Pelosi was one of the most disturbing examples yet of America’s increasingly coarse, polarised and violent political culture. He has told how he was sleeping when a man he had never seen before entered his bedroom looking for Nancy, who was in Washington at the time.

Officers responding to Paul’s 911 call found him and David DePape, 42, fighting over a hammer, according to a federal indictment. An officer ordered DePape to drop the hammer but he responded, “ummm nope,” before forcefully swinging it at Paul, who was treated at a hospital for a fractured skull.

DePape last month pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting a federal official’s family member. Paul, wearing a hat and glove on one hand, made his first public appearance since the assault at the recent Kennedy Center Honors in Washington.

“Wasn’t that amazing?” asks Alexandra, who has been struggling to sleep and has had nightmares about the incident. “Come on, you can’t be a bitter old journalist! I think every member of our family cried when they saw that because that’s the first time he left the house. That was a nice 10 seconds of his life but he has to live with traumatic brain injury for the rest of his life and he’s 82. If it could’ve been me, I would have loved to have been in his place.”

She reflects: “It’s been very dark for all of us. We all process it differently. I’ve been very dark because the minute it happened I got on a plane with my mom and went to San Francisco. We sat in the ICU for a week and I was very upset because my mother loves to tell the story that, when I was 16, she came to me and said, ‘Mommy has the chance to run for Congress and I will only do it if you give me your permission but I’d have to be gone three nights a week.’ I was like, ‘Mom, get a life!’

“She loves that story and so then we were sitting in the ICU 35 years later and I was like, ‘If I had known that this is where it was going to end, I never would have given you my blessing that day 35 years ago.’But my dad was like, you can’t say that because it’s not fair to erase her career just because of this; you have to say, if you came to me today, I would not give you my permission because of how toxic the social media environment is.”

Alexandra’s son, Paul, is named after her father and worships him. He was with her at the US Capitol when it came under attack from a mob of Donald Trump supporters on 6 January 2021. “He was asking me that day, ‘Mom, why do all these people want to kill MiMi?’ I couldn’t come up with an answer. Because of the Affordable Care Act? I don’t know.

“I know that if you watch Fox News, you hate Nancy Pelosi because they’ve programmed you to hate Nancy Pelosi and, if I watched Fox News, I would hate Nancy Pelosi too. But I don’t know how it gets from that to, ‘I want to break into her house and try and kill someone in her family.’ That’s a leap and so it’s been a lot for my teenagers to try and process that.”

The Virginia governor, Glenn Youngkin, and Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake made fun of it while Trump’s son, Don Jr. retweeted a “Paul Pelosi Halloween costume” featuring a hammer.

Alexandra, who had to clean up the mess and has photos of her father’s bloody pyjamas on her phone, comments: “I can’t see how the governor of Virginia can make jokes about it or the wannabe governor of Arizona can make jokes about it and then how elected members of Congress can tweet these insane Pizzagate-style conspiracies. That’s unforgivable. That’s who I’ll never forgive. I’m trying to make peace with that.”

Both her parents feature in her latest film, her 14th documentary for HBO, broadcast on Tuesday. Pelosi in the House is shot in a cinéma vérité style across three decades with plenty of shots of Nancy’s back as she strides through the corridors of power. At one point she is seen putting Vice-President Mike Pence on speakerphone while doing household chores.

Alexandra admits: “She never gave me permission. She has not signed a release. She has not seen the film. She does not know what this is. I don’t know if she’s ever going to watch it.”

Indeed, Alexandra could never get her mother to sit down for an in-depth interview. “This is watching her work because Nancy Pelosi is her job. The only way to understand her is to watch her work so the only way I could explain her is watching her work. But if I tried to talk to her or ask a question, it just wouldn’t work. She just didn’t play ball with me. That’s not what she does. ”

The documentary sometimes revels in the quotidian but, when it arrives at January 6, moves to a different plane. Watching on TV as Trump delivers an incendiary speech urging his supporters to “fight like hell” to overturn his election defeat, Nancy vows to “punch him out” if he sets foot in the US Capitol, her sacred ground.

Alexandra recalls: “She was protecting her turf. It was the House of Pelosi and they broke into her house and tried to kill all of her family members because the caucus is her family. Nancy Pelosi has two families. She has us, her children and grandchildren, then she has her political family, the members, the caucus.”

Whipped up into a frenzy, the mob marched on the Capitol. Alexandra’s husband, the Dutch TV journalist Michiel Vos, was outside reporting the drama; she and her teenage son were inside, watching with alarm. “I was looking out the window: ‘Oh, look at those protesters out there.’ I’m trying to get her [Nancy’s] attention because she’s very laser-focused. Then my son kept saying like, ‘What if they stormed the Capitol?’

“At some point the security came over and said we’re leaving. They [the mob] had already broken the window to come in. The security camera shows that the protesters were two minutes from us but we found out that after. At the time we did not know how close they came so it wasn’t as scary as it seemed.”

Nor did the threat come as a complete surprise. “The Republicans have spent hundreds of millions of dollars demonising her and turning her into a target. The Capitol police have protected her for decades. There was a pig’s head on her doorstep in San Francisco a few days before that attack. It’s not as if this all came completely out of the blue.”

Alexandra accompanied her mother into the back of SUV that sped them away to safety. The speaker, full of cold fury, and other congressional leaders gathered at a military base, working the phones to demand that order be restored so they could certify Joe Biden’s election victory.

Alexandra melted into the background and filmed for posterity. Some of the footage made its way into the House’s January 6 committee hearings. “It’s like a soccer player. What do you do when you put a ball in front of me? I’m going to kick it. I knew my job was to kick the ball.”

The rioters, meanwhile, had overrun the Capitol and were ransacking the speaker’s office. Among the most haunting footage from that day is the sound of one demanding, “Where’s Nancy?” Subsequently Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right Oath Keepers, reportedly said he wanted to hang Nancy “from the lamp-post”.

Alexandra reflects: “Stewart Rhodes was prosecuted so my son comes down for breakfast the other day and he’s like, ‘Hey, did you see that this guy was found guilty? He said he wanted to hang Nancy Pelosi from a lamp-post. Why did he want to hang Nancy Pelosi from a lamp-post?’ I don’t know. I still haven’t been able to come up with a good answer for Nancy Pelosi’s grandchildren about why people want to hang her from a lamp-post.”

Such unanswerables underline that it has been a bruising couple of months. But a trip to Washington boosted Alexandra’s spirits. First, she was reunited with her “old friend” former president George W Bush – a relationship that bemuses her liberal friends. “It’s renewing my faith in humanity because I know there’s hope that the Republican party does have a life after Donald Trump and then I can live in America and we can all live happily ever after.”

Then she attended a state dinner at the White House, sitting across from Biden and next to the guest of honour, the French president, Emmanuel Macron.“Let’s face it, I’m the least interesting person at the table so it’s my job to entertain them.” She began with a mother-in-law joke for Macron’s benefit:“When I met my husband’s mom, the first thing she said to me was, ‘Why can’t you be French?’”

Now, in another welcome diversion from her parents’ “funerals”, she has to get ready for her younger son’s birthday party and so ends the interview with a final plea. “Be nice,” she says mischievously. “Haven’t the Pelosis suffered enough? I don’t want to retraumatise my family when they read the Guardian. That’s all.”