#big rain needs big brolly

[clickysteve]

Inverness, 2023.

#big rain needs big brolly #photographer #inverness #black and white photography #photography #photographers on tumblr

[newtonsheffield]

Granny Sharma is just as obsessed with the weather man as Kate, I know it.

Granny Sharma isn’t alone either. Anthony is an incredibly popular weather man honestly. He’s young and handsome and his forecasts are usually incredibly accurate.

“Do you want to take a brolly out, Granny?”

Granny shook her head, coming down the hallway, “No, Anthony said it wouldn’t rain today.”

Kate peered out at the grey sky, “It’s grey out there.”

“He said it wouldn’t rain.”

Kate rolled her eyes, thinking of the man who’d whispered in her ear this morning Have dinner with me, Kate. I don’t want to keep doing my this if you don’t want anything else. “He’s been wrong before!”

“Name one time!”

Kate tutted, “He said there was only a three percent chance of rain, and my hair got wet.”

“Three percent is still a chance.”

“Why does everyone keep saying that?!”

Granny sighed, putting her coat on, “He’s just… so handsome. All that talk of moisture…”

“Granny!”

But there she is, having dinner with Anthony Bridgerton that night, the last place she’d thought she’d be and there wasn’t any need for an umbrella that day.

“I think this might break my granny’s heart.”

Anthony raised his eyebrows, frozen, “I um… sorry? She still wants you to end up with your ex?”

Kate chuckled, “No, she’s just obsessed with you.”

Anthony’s slow grin returned, “Ah well, my talk of thrusting is very popular with the ladies. You should see my ratings.”

“I’ve seen them, they’re very impressive. I’m a big fan of the thrusting as well.”

#kathony #anthony x kate #kate sharma #kate sheffield #anthony bridgerton #molly’s asks and answers

[fanfiction-blep]

First off, I love your writing sooo much it’s so good aaaaa 😭❤️❤️❤️ I wanted to request a quaritch x fem reader but the reader has an Australian accent I feel like he would love it sm and tease her about how she pronounces things differently hehe ❤️

Omg hiii! Thank you so much it means the world! I appreciate all the love! I did my best with this one considering my understanding of Australian accents is limited to mocking the H20 (just add water) dialogue.

Miles Quaritch X Australian Fem/Reader

Warnings: Teasing, swearing, slight fluff.

Quaritch is the kind of man who doubles down on peoples 'weaknesses'. Not necessarily in a cruel way, but if you're below average heigh? yeah your name is 'short stack' now 'tiny". Anything that is different from the norm is worth mocking. And he would be persistent and sometimes down right mean. So when you waltzed in on your first day catching his eyes with your bright smile the confident aura surrounding you drew him in. Unsure of this instant attraction he was just waiting to find something to sink his teeth into. And then it happened you walked past him nodding at him in acknowledgment. "G'day Colonel" He had to stop himself from laughing it was almost too easy. "Mornin' ya sure ya alright?" Your head turning eyeing him with confusion. "Ya know being used to hanging upside down on earth? Pandora's gotta be a big change" sniggering under his breath as you rolled you're eyes and got back to your task.

Now, at first he was truly not drawn in by the accent, he would just tease you. All. The. Time. Even trying to imitate your accent at times. But over time he started being as silent as possible when he was in the room with you, so you wouldn't know he was there. And he could just hear you talk. Because all his teasing had left you very self aware talking around him, something he was deeply regretting now. A few weeks in and the sound of you're voice caused a smile to spread across his face. (Not that he would let anyone know) In fact he had decided that you didn't have any interest in him because of his teasing. That wasn't the case, the Instant attraction had been mutual and you had no idea how to act around him. Normally being confident loud and boisterous this man caused butterflies to erupt in your stomach.

You're accent wasn't too noticeable until you pronounced words differently to him. One morning in mess hall you were grabbing your food when you bumped into Lyle, the man swearing at you under his breath. "No need to get agro mate, was just tryna grab some wata-" Rolling your eyes as you walked past the marine. Quaritch stifling his laughter while melting at your voice. Sometimes he would trick you in saying certain words that you pronounced differently. 'water' being one, his favourite you saying 'Whoops' whenever something goes wrong, or you bump into someone. It's rare but if you knock something over you'll pause and mutter 'Whoops' and scramble to fix the problem. He would stand there, skin covered in a hot flush. He adored All the small quirks that came along with you're accent.

On another occasion while in mess hall you'd mutter complaints about the food. "This soup needs some Bazzel"

"You mean Bayzil" He wouldn't look at you just smirking as he ate his food.

"I know what i said, Sir" Sometimes you could tell the teasing was only playful. "Seriously this soup is lacking any kind of herb"

"Erb"

"the word is spelt with a 'H'!"

"you still said it wrong, sweetheart"

One time you got caught out in the rain and started cussing yourself out.

"Stupid cunt, shoulda grabbed a brolly before we left!" The Colonel laughing at you quietly. "Got somethin' to say sir?" You'd spit out irritated with getting socked through you're cloths.

"What the fuck is a 'brolly'"

"You know thing that stops you getting wet"

"You mean an UmBrALLa?" He couldn't hide the laughter at this point. And it stung, you genuinely felt like he was bullying you. So you start avoiding him, sometimes he'll catch the occasional

"G'day" or a very stereotypical "Crikey!" But by the time he's reached the sound of your voice, you are gone. Eventually you have to work together, and you were having a really bad day.

"How ya doin' Dundee?" And you snap

"Will you quit it? I get you hate me, jump off my ass already and buck up" A singular eye brow was raised, and he stayed silent. In fact he stayed silent, for three days. He waited until he found you alone after a work out, corning you in the locker room.

"I don't hate ya" He leaned against the metal locker to his "I never have, I joke a lot that's all" Shaking your head you unrapped your hands from their protective cloth.

"Taking the piss outta of me ain't funny" He sighed and rubbed his on his face.

"That ain't all- I don't know how to act around you is all" He was looking away from you, refusing to meet your gaze.

"Well that's why I started avoiding you" That caught his attention, head snapping in your direction.

"What?"

"I- Well-" Throwing up your hands you laugh out loud "I like you a lot! And you mocking my accent 24/7 just drives me bonkers-" he cut you off, storming over. Hands cupping you're face pulling you in for a kiss. It was heated and passionate. Months worth of a cat and mouse game coming to an end. When he pulled away a soft "Crikey" Left you're lips looking up at him with wide doe eyes, he chuckled chest rumbling against your own.

"Adorable" He whispered before diving in for another kiss.

I know this is a little short, I hope this was what you were looking for annon! Fell free to request anything else guys, send me your fantasise!

#avatar 2 #avatar #avatar the way of water #miles quaritch #fluff #miles Quaritch fluff #reader insert #miles quaritch x reader

[daddymilker691]

Well my dearest readers of the Daily Milker it’s that time the time you’ve all been waiting for it’s fresh of the press a page five special for my loyal readers it’s been a very busy week in our small office so much so Dawn Green one of our page five stars offered to play the part of secretary and of course got suitably rewarded just when I thought it might be a slower week than normal Dolly walked through the door explaining it had been raining outside thus the need for a brolly and would I like to take some pics I ended up making Dolly a very happy page five star I would have loved to have given dolly a longer more intense milking but with so many page five stars to milk I’m afraid at times it does all get a bit rushed next was another of our newest page five pretty stars Lady Joanna how could a Milker resist and yes if your wondering readers stockings and matching black panties quite a thruster is our page five star lady Joanna , next was a page five regular and a true beauty and always very very giving and I should blush when she dangled that lovely Pearl necklace and offered to give me one as a thank you but I love my work readers so I didn’t and when it comes to Janablack so lovely to milk an absolute joy , so I’d just finished Janna when Dawn Green announced if your not too tired Chrissy loves world is here for a photo shoot and a milking of course I exclaimed it’s important to not keep our rising stars waiting and dear readers rising was the operative word quite a moaner is Chrissy and giving in every sense of the word , Jodie Hot Sauce came just after I’d waved goodbye to the lovely Chrissy in a lovely see though with a bulge as big and hard as a shotgun ready to go off and as Jodie lifted the dress I sunk to my knees and got busy it was like meeting an old friend as comfy as putting a hand in a loved leather glove Jodie later told me as I did what I do best , just as Jodie left with a radiant smile and panties quickly put back on Miss Dawn Green announced another page five star called I barely had time dear readers to get up off my knees when a very glamorous page five star walked in and announced I’m Monique I’m here to be a page five star at the Daily Milker I’ve read about what you do and I want some of it how could I resist as I said we don’t normally allow smoking in the studio Monique lit a 120 cigarette and said really ? Why don’t you stick to what your good at as I placed my hand on the tops of those fishnet stockings I looked up with an expression of concern do try not to set my hair on fire as this wonderful page five star got closer to climaxing a Monique’s mouth opened in a gasp of ecstasy and a large plume of smoke filled the room followed by a low contented moan truly I had done a wonderful job after a couple of hours break and a light lunch with the wonderful Dawn Green there came a tentative knock on the office door a rather pretty sight met my eyes and a rather shy voice asked is this the Daily Milker my names Mandie and I heard about your quest for page five stars I licked my lips this was going to be fun trying my best to put Mandie at ease I took our potential star to the office explaining the milking process oh I’m not sure came the reply but even as I was explaining it the hem of Mandies frilly dress was rising and getting down to inspect Mandies satin panties cries of oh don’t please don’t stop as I teased our newest page five stars dolly turned to cries please don’t stop oh please oh oh yes a delightful and very fruitful milking was given and enjoyed lastly and not least I gave a somewhat hurried milking to our lovely Barbie and there my dear readers is your naughtiest page five Daily Milker if I get the time a part two bonus episode may come later in the week stay loyal to your fave milking paper and have a great Sunday xxx

[neville78kirkegaard]

replica dior scarf 17

Best Web Site For Replica Dior Scarves Sale Via Paypal This scarf has a fantastic hand rolled hem that is in wonderful form. Y2K nostalgia has ruled womenswear for several seasons, and now it’s influencing menswear. Low-rise, saggy denims worn with exposed boxers appeared at Dior Men, Louis Vuitton, and Alled-Martinez—though Y/Project’s dip-front trousers could be essentially the most revealing. Catsuits had been the story one yr ago, and second-skin menswear continues to trend. At Loewe, Jonathan Anderson scanned models’ our bodies for a one-to-one replica of their physique printed on white jersey. Vetements’s version is roofed in dollar payments. replica dior scarf This is a blog you'll find information about and store for Dakini's new line of "Scarfwear"; women clothes produced from classic scarves. Have a customized dress or top made only for you - simply contact Katherine to rearrange a time. Off responsibility, the Queen likes to decorate for country life in a shirt and A-line skirt with a green waxed or quilted coat or a rain mac, her wellies and her acquainted silk scarf knotted underneath her chin. Gorgeous 1980s Christian Dior geometric jewel printed scarf! The man behind this brand’s name was some of the important trend designers of the 20th century. Through his expertise, femininity was reintroduced after World War II within the European style world. Eventually, his fame spread outdoors Europe. Christian is the founding father of the label and was born on January 21 in 1905. He grew up in a small village on the coast however later moved along with his household to the French capital Paris. Although his father had a big firm within the production of fertilizers, young Christian was only interested in style designing. Christian Dior and Dior are the identical. The former refers to the founding designer of his namesake fashion house, Dior. For days when you need your accent to current your style, this Christian Dior stole is ideal. It comes with a display of the brand's coveted monogram. Dior’s assortment definitively declared that opulence, luxurious and femininity had been in. His skirts might have 40-meter-circumference hems, and outfits may weigh up to 60 kilos. Another method is carrying the scarf as a tie knot. Grasp the ends and put it a unfastened knot. Then the other finish is pulled via the loop of the knot. From high heels to boots to sneakers - discover designer shoes from Louboutin to Jimmy Choo. It’s the photographs of the particular replica product. Anyway, so I'm nonetheless undecided if it's actual or not. But because the Ebay assistant told me if you're unsure it's real then don't listing it. They have very strict guidelines now about promoting replica's on Ebay which is an efficient factor but how do you know? There are registered appraisers you need to use and they will appraise something for you for $10.00. This retains the outfit exciting and continues to mix in a enjoyable and straightforward means. The shawls and scarves are all monitored at the REBELLE headquarters by real specialists. wikipedia scarf They know exactly the means to distinguish the true from the fake items so that prospects can be guaranteed an authentic merchandise. All objects on the website are checked in Hamburg for authenticity and situation. Fabulous christian dior wool shawl/ scarf dior abc silk o yellow twill scarf. Of course, it is only price it if the merchandise may be very useful. The print is very detailed and the colours are amazing! The solely downside is that the print on the back is not fairly as vibrant because the front - this is a sign that it will not be a really top quality print job. Usually the colors should be the same or nearly the same on the entrance as on the back. The Queen was a daily wearer of fur however since 2019 solely fake fur is used to ensure she stays heat in winter. The monarch has see-through “Birdcage” brollies made by the Fulton group to match every outfit in case of moist weather, with the edging and handle similar to the exact shade she is carrying. Christian Dior's signature name on the lower right nook. Seventies Christian Dior cotton sq. scarf. Mixed pink, blue and white chintz prints. Prada’s cinched trench might have the largest, boldest shoulders of the season, however loads of different designers are additionally platforming a supersized coat. Casablanca, Dolce & Gabbana, and L.V. Have colorful choices whereas Zegna has traditional black covered. Slim, ’40s-meets-’70s suiting with a preppy, Japanese vibe appeared in collections far and wide. Tags and labels additionally add value to a vintage scarf so should you buy an expensive designer scarf by no means take off the tag. It will depreciate in worth when you do. This Dior scarf had a tag nevertheless it was lacking the designer tag; the one that claims the designer's name and/or logo. The Queen carrying a petal coated hat on a visit to the Isle of Man in 1972 Ms Kelly is now the Queen’s in home go-to designer for day and night wear, and infrequently uses Swarovski crystals to add glamour to grand royal events. Peony sample on the cashmere materials looks stylish and distinctive, the vivid pattern completely increases its value, and however, it embodies the exquisite workmanship and craft. Rectangle dimension 100×200 cm is good for spring and fall carrying. This scarf is fitted for elegant girls who love to pursue fashion. Elegant silk scarf by Christian Dior Paris. A geometric and floral print pattern in a mixture of navy blue, purple, pink, grey, white, and salmon-orange colours with a shiny oran... Elegant silk scarf by Christian Dior in blue and lavender colours featuring floral design print.

#dior silk scarf replica #dior scarf replica #replica christian dior silk scarf

[ladespeinada]

miss you endlessly, london 

#the rainy roads of our old town #i know these are stereotypical pictures but i need you to understand that these were the textures i lived every day #the rain-splattered windows of the top floor of a bus #peering at the world through a clear brolly that was far too big to be convenient (spotthe non-brit!!!!) #the phone boxes and the church across from gordon square

[lightninghitsground]

💕HAPPY FANFIC WRITER APPRECIATION DAY TO ALL YOU AMAZING PEOPLE💕

Sometimes I daydream about writing a fic. Even get as far as opening up a Word document and trying to start. I don’t ever get much further though. Reality soon hits that I don’t have the talent to turn my jumbled thoughts into something that people would want to read. To take the skeleton of an idea and flesh it into something beautiful requires something special. Being able to write- to tell stories that hook people in and make them feel- is an art form....

It takes a lot of courage to put your work out there for others to read- to show a little bit of your soul, to allow people the room to criticise as well as praise. Courage that I will never have. But I have so much respect and love for people who do share what they write for all of us to enjoy.

I’ve read fanfic for a few fandoms in my time, and the Ballum fandom has some truly gifted writers. Something for everyone. I haven’t had a lot of time to read fic over the past few months. Lockdown life has been more hectic than ever- time off has been rare. A big THANK YOU to everyone who has kept writing during this very weird time for the world. You are all a big part of the reason this fandom is still going strong. It can’t have been easy between whatever you may have been going through personally these past few months, and the lack of engagement from fandom. If I could buy you all a drink (socially distanced of course) I would.

THANK YOU ALL FOR PAINTING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PICTURES. Full of light and shade, colour and depth. One thing you all seem to have in common is the fact that you question the talent that you have- some of you are so unsure of what you can do, so doubtful of how you make people feel. I wish I could wipe that away. It makes me admire you even more that although you are uncertain- you still share your artistry with us all.

The list below is by no means exhaustive- I’m sure I will miss people, and for that I am sorry. Just know that if you have ever written a fic, one that you’ve posted out there for the world to see, or one that sits on your hard drive that’s only for you - I am in awe.

These are just some of the people (and a fave fic of theirs) who have posted fic over the last year that have managed to make me laugh, cry, angry (well, frustrated) given me goosebumps, made me warm and fuzzy, made me grin from ear to ear, lingered with me for days after reading and everything in between. I know something that is so important to you all is characterisation- and ALL of you manage to get Ben and Callum spot on. You just get them- you care about them as characters and it shows.... imma shut up now and do the list-

(this is in no particular order by the way- just as I think of them) I love you all 💕💕

@calthighway the way Gemma can put Ben and Callum into any situation and still make them so them? Amazing. Strictly dancer and celeb partner? Goalkeeper and star striker of a football team? Assassin and their target? All written by Gemma, and all believable, and all beautiful. Hard to choose a favourite- but the Guardian Angel fic just hits me every time- squeezes at my heart so....

my wish, for you, is that this life becomes all you want it to. your dreams stay big, your worries stay small

@dingletragedy Soph writes words that are so beautiful they can make you ache. A way of describing the most simple thing in such a lovely way, that you never look at it the same again. Just pure poetry. Again- hard to choose a favourite (lbr- it will be for all of you) but who doesn’t love a bit of ex-sex?

since that night the moon has never seemed the same

@callumsmitchells Lucy writes fic so soft- it’s like being wrapped in a big fluffy cardigan, sipping a hot chocolate by the fire when you read one of Lucy’s fic. Goosebumpy and gorgeous- every one. Favourite? Kisses- lots of kisses.

hold me close and i’ll take you higher than you’ve ever been

@halfwayinit Katie has this ability to make you feel like you are bouncing along on clouds of fluff, and then suddenly the angst comes and the rain starts falling- but it’s so beautiful you don’t care. And she also always brings you a metaphorical brolly and makes it all better. Do you like pining? Pining with a happy ending? 

one look at you and i can’t deny (i’ve got hungry eyes)

@thefancyspin God- Lisa. Lisa writes things so seated in reality that it never fails to amaze me. Her fics just feel so real? I’m not explaining it very well, but yeah... always written beautifully, always engaging. Who wants some jealous Ben, jealous in a way that you know would happen in real life?

make fools of us all

@juguitos Star. Star is just so good at writing the feeling behind the (very hot) sex these boys are having. She captures the hidden meaning and feelings behind the physical relationship so, so well. I don’t like affair fic OK (I’m a big baby-I know) but Star has written this so well, it’s one of the exceptions to my rule...

love bite

@yasisworld Yasi just writes beautifully. Everything just makes you feel and that is a wonderful gift to have. Who knew that Ben as a soldier would work? Yasi did. I remember reading this fic and just... when you read it you question why you’d never considered Ben as a soldier before....

old wounds

@oceandawning What can you say about Ni that so many people haven’t said already. She’s practically had the whole fandom hanging off her every word with 3AM Rush. Writes in a way that makes you feel everything so viscerally. And I haven’t even read Rush yet (I know, I know....). Ben wearing Callum’s hoodie however...

a piece of you

@stillamess22 Amelie just writes the sweetest fic. They never fail to make me smile. They pull at your heartstrings, but they always manage to wrap you in fluff by the end. Cheating a little maybe as it’s based off a prompt from me but Callum discovering Ben’s texts post kidnap- beautiful...

Your Words,They Keep Me Fighting

@softlofty Lisa wrote a fic that I still don’t understand where the idea came from,let alone how she made it work so beautifully? Ben as a newsreader, Callum as a weather reporter. It just works, and it is honestly gorgeous.

chasing rainbows

@sunsetsover Lauren- the epitome of quality not quantity. Her fics are always worth the wait. There is something so, so real about them, and I vividly remember being awake until 2am reading this one. The relationship they have with each other? The relationship they have with others? The teasing in the pub with Mick/Linda/Tina- I remember laughing out loud....

Small Love

@icantdowithoutyou Kit out here writing episode codas that capture Ben and Callum’s relationship so well. Not only capturing their sexual relationship in all it’s hotness (god- I’m sorry I’m so cringe), but also showing their feelings for each other developing so beautifully. 

i was just trying to survive the night

Sorry- this is a cop out now but if I don’t shut up fanfic writer day will have been and gone- but other writers I have on my reading list that I have heard nothing but wonderful things about, or writers whose fic I am part way through-

@maxsbowden @panesars @minimitchell @leblonde @racheliswritingfic @ballumschmallum @totallyradioactive15 @always-just-jade (I still need to read the rest of Love In Isolation and companion fic) @moodyblueangel (Canning Town is going to stay with me for a while and I have only read 2 chapters so far) @laurenkmyers @yougaythen @artsy-highway

Shoutout to @ballym also for her amazing social media AU, and for @minyardjay for your headcanons.

Witch of Agnesi, WatMcGregor and writingwords who I don’t think are here.

ALSO- I WILL GET TO ALL YOUR BIG BANG FICS- I PROMISE. THEY ARE ALL ON MY TO READ LIST. It grows longer by the day- but each and every one of you have fic on my ‘to read’ list. So many fic- I have been so, so rubbish lately- I apologise. I also apologise for being so crap at commenting- I will get better. I will because it is the least you all deserve.

#i’m so sorry this is so late #late to the party as usual #i am sorry i am so crap #fanfic writer appreciation day #ballum #this does not in any way feel enough to show how much i appreciate you and all your hard work #but it's all i've got #loves ya #sorry this is so long and ridiculous

[melodiouswhite]

Perhaps some wholesome Jekyll and Utterson on a rainy evening?

Jekyll and Utterson were eager to finally get away from the rain.

They had been on a walk, but then the rain had come with a vengeance. Unfortunately, the two men had forgot to bring their brollies, getting completely drenched was the punishment.

Both of them were soaked to the bone, so Utterson lost no time in unlocking the door and they hurriedly dashed inside.

“Oh my”, Jekyll sighed, as he rid himself of his dripping wet coat and shoes, “We really had bad luck there. Forgetting our umbrellas and then getting drenched by the rain!”

“And it doesn't look like it will end anytime soon”, Utterson noted, peeling himself out of his wet suit. “And since I left my umbrella at your home, you won't be able to leave my flat without getting completely drenched again.”

Jekyll looked at him in confusion. “Why, I could call a cab or-”

“I will not let you go out there like this. We're both wet and cold and if you go out there, you will catch a cold. I insist that you stay here over night.”

The blond chuckled and too got out of his suit.

Utterson felt himself blush at how the Doctor's dripping wet shirt clung to his skin, how the water dripped from his wheat blond, curly hair, how …

Gha! I need to stop right here, before-

“Well, in that case, my dear friend, I couldn't possibly ignore your advice – or your offer”, Jekyll answered with a flirty wink.

That tease!

Utterson's blush deepened and he quickly gathered up the wet clothes on the floor and carried them off to the living room. They would need to be hung up and dried near the fireplace.

When Jekyll joined him there, the blond just looked so gorgeous in the warm light of the fire, the way the light of the flames danced over his face and-

“Gabriel? Are you alright?”

“I … I … yes, yes! Wait here, I will see if I can get you some dry clothes!”, the black-haired man stammered and hurried out of the room.

But then the Doctor called after him: “But Gabriel! None of your clothes will fit me!”

Utterson paused for a second, then he shrugged. “I will find something. You can't stay in these wet clothes.”

The blond snickered: “Alright, alright!”

So the lawyer went up to his bedroom to look for some dry clothes.

He found a nightgown that had always fit him a little loosely.

It's evening and he will stay the night anyway, so this will do.

He changed into a nightgown of his own and returned to the living room with the nightgown for Jekyll and a warm blanket.

His guest was still standing in the middle of the room on a carpet and was shivering from cold.

“Here you go”, the lawyer said, handed him the dry clothes and discreetly turned away.

Jekyll mumbled a thank you and took them.

Ten minutes of agony followed.

Ten minutes of poor Utterson being unable to fight the vivid images of what Jekyll had looked like with that wet white shirt clinging to his body and of how he would look without it.

Finally the blond announced that he was decent and the lawyer sighed with relief on the inside, before turning around.

The Doctor was sitting on the couch, patting to the spot on his left. “Sit with me”, he asked, “The blanket is big enough for both of us.”

The black-haired man smiled. “I know it is.”

Then he sat down next to the younger man and they huddled up to each other under the blanket.

Utterson smiled serenely, as he cuddled into Jekyll and felt the other do the same.

This was life.

Cuddling with the man you loved under a blanket near a warm fire.

“I love you”, Jekyll cooed and rubbed his cheek against Utterson's black hair.

“I love you too”, Utterson whispered back and leaned into the taller man's shoulder.

“Both of you.”

[onceuponathreetwoone]

If I was ever in any doubt...

...as to if I had anxiety or not, I now have my answer. Just the thought of going to the supermarket tomorrow for the first time since I went into self-isolation two weeks ago, makes my heart race. My husband had been doing our weekly essential trips for food and I’m going to do it tomorrow. What if I do something wrong? What if someone stands too close to me? I wouldn’t have the guts to ask them to move. If I did get ballsy and ask them to move, would they kick off at me? What if they don’t have all the products that I need? What if I’m told I’m spending too long in there? What if the queue is long and it starts raining - I don’t have a brolly and would need to actually get in the shop to buy one. Should I take something to clean the trolley handle with? Will people think I’m weird if I do that or is everyone doing it? Or should I just wear gloves? When is the best time to go? Early? No big queues. Maybe lunch? But then what if everyone has the same idea? And what if the police stop me on my way? How do I prove that I’m going to the supermarket - just wave my bags for life at them?

Definitely not anxiety 😳

#and i know im very luck to be able to get out for food #and that i have a nice enough house to be spending lockdown in #but i am genuinely nervous and frightened to go shopping tomorrow #im probably going to lose sleep over doing the food shop #sorry for rambling #personal #random rambling #anxiety #coronavirus uk #coronavirus #corona #shopping #coronavirus anxiety

[a-butterfly-on-his-tummy]

Treat People With Kindness

The London rain falls in big splats on the pavement as Harry holds an umbrella over him and Grace, making their way towards the car. School has ended for the day and it’s time to go home. Pulling open the passenger door to the black Range Rover, Harry holds the brolly so it overlaps with the roof, allowing a space for Grace to climb up without getting wet. Closing her door, Harry moves to open the driver side, collapsing the umbrella as he pulls his legs in to rest under the steering wheel.

“Brrr.” Harry shakes his head, allowing the small amount of rain that dripped on his head to fly off onto different parts of the car. Turning his body slightly, he looks back at his daughter who is staring nervously out the window. “What’s up, Buttercup?” Harry questions.

“Hmmm?” Grace looks at her father, distracted by what is on her mind. She didn’t hear Harry.

“What’s going on? You alright?” He asks again, starting to worry that something big is filling her with worry and anxiety.

“You know my friend. Her name is Ana?” Grace starts. Harry nods before she starts looking out her window at a car that is parked across the street. “She…. can she come sleep at our house?” Her eyes are pleading as she looks at her father.

“Like, for a sleepover?” Harry smiles softly, attempting to understand what his daughter is trying to say. “We can talk with her Mum, maybe see if Friday would be a good day.”

“No daddy. Tonight. Can she sleep at our house? And her Mumma and her sister?” Her voice has turned to a beg as her eyes fill with concern.

“Why tonight, Gracie Bug? What’s goin’ on that the whole family would come for a sleepover?” Confused by her request, Harry turns his entire body in his seat so he can get a better look at the situation.

“She is sleeping in her car tonight, Daddy. And look…” She points out the window at Ana’s mum, attempting to pull the car’s window up, but it seems to be stuck. “Their window is broken. I don’t want them to be rainy, Dad. Please can they sleep over?” Grace’s voice is a prayer to her father, hoping his already giving heart would be open to giving this family a warm bed to sleep in.

“I’ll be back, Gracie. Stay in the car please.” Harry pulls the hood of his jacket over his head before opening the door. Popping open the umbrella, Harry looks both ways, allowing a car to pass before he runs over to the woman who is frantically trying to get her window to roll up.

Harry notices the car is filled with their belongings, only leaving enough room for the kids to squish inside, and his heart breaks. His umbrella covers the woman and she looks up, making eye contact with Harry.

“Need some help?” Harry says with a smile on his face, hoping the woman will allow him to do something to support her family.

“Oh, Mr. Styles. We are just fine. Thank you for asking.” Her voice trembles as she attempts to pull on the window again; her fingers are numb from the cold and struggle to hold the the glass up. It falls back in the crack, and she lets out a frustrated sob.

“Oh please, call me Harry.” He says, moving in to look at the window a little closer. “Looks like something is up with belt that rolls the window up and down. I think you might have to take it to get looked at.” The woman breaks down, dropping her head to the roof of the car, unable to stop the tears that are flowing from her tired eyes.

“Just one more thing I can’t fix.” She mumbles, and Harry’s humanitarian heart jumps at the opportunity.

“There is a mechanic shop just down the road. Why don’t you let me help? I can pay for it to get fixed, and I think there is an ice cream shop next door. The girls would enjoy a treat on this dreary day.” He fights everything in him to keep his emotions at bay, smiling widely in an effort to bring a little sunshine into this woman’s day.

The woman looks up, tears streaming down her face. “Seriously?” Her voice cracks, wondering if this kind man is serious. Harry nods with a smile. “You have no idea how helpful that will be. Save us from freezing tonight.”

“Let’s get you out of the rain. Will the car drive?” She nods, opening the car door to hop inside. “Brilliant! We will meet you down there.” Once the woman is safely in her car, Harry jogs back to the Range Rover, ready to help this family out the best he can.

Letting out a deep breath, Harry buckles his seat belt while he explains to Grace that they will take Ana’s car to get fixed, and they are going to grab some ice cream.

“Ice cream?” Grace says in shock. “We never get ice cream.”

“Well, sometimes ice cream helps people smile, and that’s what we are going to do. Just don’t tell your brother. He will get jealous.” Harry tried to crack a joke to brighten the mood. He parks the car in the parking lot at the mechanic’s shop, taking Grace inside where he tells the employee he will pay for them to fix the window. As the woman and her two daughters begin to exit the shop, Harry leans in close to the employee, asking them to put on a set of new tires and do a inspection to make sure everything else is okay.

Meeting up with the girls, Harry takes the four beautiful ladies into the ice cream shop, allowing them to each get a double scoop of any type they want. The girls happily skip over to the small pink table by the window, chatting about what flavors they chose and why it’s their favorite.

“May I know your name? I don’t believe I’ve asked, and I am sorry for how rude that is.” Harry apologizes as he sits down at the table next to the little girl’s mum.

“Oh yes.” She covers her mouth as she swallows the bite of chocolate ice cream she just placed in her mouth. “I’m Lily.” Reaching her hand across the table she shakes Harry’s, formally introducing herself. “Thank you for doing this, Harry. You have no idea how much it means.” Her eyes look tired, worn from stress and lack of sleep. Her eyebrows seem to be set in permanent worry mode, and Harry is concerned there is more to her story. He wants to help.

“Grace mentioned to me that Ana said you will be sleeping in your car? Are you planning on sleeping rough tonight?” Harry cuts to the chase, hoping that Lily will open up about their situation with enough information that maybe he can find them somewhere to go.

“Oh goodness.” Lily looks down at her cup of ice cream, swirling her spoon around the mound of chocolate yumminess; she is embarrassed. A tear falls from her eye, splattering on the table like an artist flicking paint at a canvas.

“I want you to know, I’m not judging you. Just want to see how I can support.” Harry says kindly.

“Well,” She starts. Her voice shakes as she takes a moment to breathe deeply, attempting to calm the sobs that are at bay. Her eyes dart back and forth between Harry and the ice cream she is stirring in front of her. “We got a notice three days ago that we had to be out. We pay our rent every month but our contract was up, and the landlord wants more rent than we pay, I guess. We can’t afford to make rent any higher. I already work two jobs, trying to keep us afloat. We have nowhere to go. My family lives in Scotland, and I don’t have the money to make that move.” The attempt to keep her emotions hidden fails as she cries to Harry, explaining her situation. “I’ve never been in these circumstances before. What if I lose my girls? They are my everything and I feel like I’ve failed them. I feel lost and I don’t know what to do or where to go. ”

Harry’s mind immediately goes where his daughter’s went when she heard the news. They have room in their house. The guest room has a king bed in there; they could share, or he could find some blow-up mattresses. Give them a place to stay for the night, but it doesn’t fix the problem. They can’t live with the Styles family forever. He starts to think, listening to Lily tell her story when the solution hits him.

“I know some people at St. Mungos. I’m pretty sure they can help connect us to a place where you can stay, and because you have the girls, you will be a higher priority. They should be able to help find a place for you to live before too long. I can’t have you and the girls sleeping rough; it’s wet and cold and I don’t feel right about that.”

The desperation on her face makes Harry’s heart hurt. He wants to bundle all of them in his arms and take them home, but deep down, he knows this is a better option. St. Mungos can connect them to a place where they can live permanently. The shelter is just for a small period of time.

“That would be lovely, Harry. Do you know the number?” She asks, a small thankful smile creeping on her face as her tears begin to slow down.

“I’ll do you one better. Grace and I will take you over there. I want to make sure you are in a good place.” Harry replies, allowing the girls to finish their ice cream as they wait for the car to be fixed. Lily bursts into tears as she sees that Harry had paid for new tires as well.

“Here we are.” Harry says as they get out of the car and walk towards the doors of St. Mungos. Lily takes a deep breath; she is anxious and Harry can feel it wafting off her like the vibrations from an earthquake. Harry wraps his arms around her shoulders, pulling her into his side, attempting to comfort her in this time of need. “I’ll be here the whole time. Don’t worry.”

The girls skip towards the door, unaware of the situation. Opening the entrance, the family makes their way inside.

“Hello?” Someone yells down the hall to them.

“Hi.” Harry says, making his way towards the voice.

“How can we help you?” The lady looks up at the group in front of her.

“This is my friend Lily, and her two girls Ana and Scarlett. My name is Harry and this is my daughter Grace.” Harry introduces the clan. “Lily and her girls have nowhere to go. I don’t want them sleeping rough tonight. I was wondering if you have anything open.”

Lily’s tears flow down her face as Harry speaks for her. The woman pulls her two girls close to her side, rubbing their shoulders to comfort herself more than the girls who are unaware of what is happening.

“You are in the right place.” The kind employee says. “We actually just had a family unit open today, and it’s in this center so you won’t have to go anywhere. We will keep you safe. Come in and have a seat; we will need to fill out some paperwork.”

A sigh of relief is released from Lily as she moves further into the office, sitting down on the chair. The kids rush over to the pile of toys, playing with each other while their mother fills out the pile of forms. The kind woman explains that the family will receive full meals; they have a laundry service and a room just for them. They are able to stay until St. Mungos can help them find a home. The facility will connect her to the council where they will find housing that will work for their budget.

Harry’s heart feels lighter as the lady explains that the family can stay in the shelter for as long as they need. Is the situation ideal? No. But they are safe and warm and will get more connections than Harry even knew existed.

“Okay. The paperwork is done. Should we show you where you are staying?” The employee stands, walking out of the office to lead the way down the hall. “This is the women’s and families’ section. Your room will be in here.” Walking through the open door, the employee shows the family where they will be staying.

The girls bolt for the bunk bed, climbing on, giggling at each other as they roll back and forth. The queen bed is made with fresh sheets. The family rooms have their own bathroom with a tub, which makes Harry feel a little better as he looks at the barren room.

“You are welcome to bring in anything you have in your car.” The woman says with a smile, leaving us alone in their new home.

“Look at this awesome room!” Harry says with excitement to the girls, hoping that his energy will make the transition a little bit easier. “This will be a good place to stay, and I heard they have a playground outside; when it stops raining i’m sure you could go play.” The girls shout with happiness at the thought of playing on the slide.

Harry turns towards Lily, smiling softly at the mum who looks a little less scared for her life. “Are you going to be okay?” He asks seriously, knowing that if she says no, he might just pack them all up and take them to his house.

Her eyes soften as she looks at her two girls. “I think so.” She nods, reassuring herself that it’s going to be okay.

“I gave you my number; if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call.” Harry says, moving towards the door, wanting to let them adjust to their new reality.

“Thank you, Harry. For everything.” Lily says honestly.

“Happy to help.” He nods with a smile. “Gracie bug, we probably should get going. Let them get situated.” Grace jumps off the bed, holding her arms out preparing for hugs from her friends. The girls hug goodbye and Grace makes her way towards her father. “Please call if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you, Harry. You have changed my life today, and it means more than I can express.” Lily moves in and gives Harry a hug, thanking him for the impact he made.

Grace and Harry make their way out of the building, waving goodbye to the employee who helped their friends, and into the car. Grace buckles her seatbelt and Harry jumps in his seat, clicking his buckle in place.

The emotions from the day hit him, and without warning the tears begin to fall. His head falls to the steering wheel as he cries for this family who is in need.

“Daddy? Why are you crying?” Grace asks, unsure of why her father is allowing his emotions to rain as hard as it is outside.

Lifting his head from the steering wheel, Harry attempts to take a deep breath. “It’s just difficult leaving them here. They are in a situation I hope we never have to experience, Bug. My heart just hurts for them. I wish we could do more.”

Grace takes a moment, thinking about what her father is saying. “But Daddy. They are okay; not in the cold car. They get to sleep on a bunk bed, and that is so cool.” Her positive outlook on life comforts Harry.

“That’s right, my love. They are safe and warm, and that’s what matters most.” Harry puts the car in reverse as they drive away from St. Mungos. His tears fall from his eyes for the rest of the night as he worries about the little family who was in such desperate need. Before he goes to bed, Harry prays, thanking God for this experience that has changed his life in more ways than one. Thankful for a daughter who was looking after a friend, treating her with kindness and love, just as he preaches.

#Treat People with Kindness #The Adventures of Harry and Grace #harry styles imagine #harry styles imagines #harry styles fan fiction #harry styles fan fic #dad harry #dad!Harry #original writing #harry fluff

[ithinkthereforiamfandom]

Happy birthday @almosttomorocco

It was raining but Sherlock didn’t seem to notice, they had arrived at the crime scene and got to work at once as inclement weather threatened the evidence but the rain had started just a few minutes later and Sherlock just didn’t seem to take any notice at all.

John had eventually borrowed Lestrade’s umbrella as he never bothered to get one himself and Sherlock simply refused “I’m not my brother!” So John had stood quietly over Sherlock who was staring at the bullet holes in an old brick wall. “John, why are you holding an umbrella.” In answer John moved the shelter back and a few drops hit Sherlock’s face. “Yes, well. Thank you John.” A few minutes of rapid fire talk delivered his deductions and then Sherlock left.

“We'll grab a taxi.” John explained handing back the wet brolly before following Sherlock to the main road. Sherlock though kept walking, companionably taking John’s arm and giving a chuckle when the rain turned into a down pour. “Sherlock! You lunatic, the cabs won't take us soaking wet!” John sighed exasperated but a delighted grin stopped him. “I love the rain John. I love walking in it. The water cycle is very interesting and a vital part of our ecosystem.”

Staving off a lecture John felt the need to confirm. “So you like to play in the rain?” “Walking is not playing John.” The disapproving undertone was irresistible the next big puddle was met by John’s solid winter boots... right in the middle. Water sheeted in every direction and Sherlock’s trousers were suddenly drenched, just like the rest of him. “John! That was childish!” Sherlock tried to look outraged but a smile soon took over his face and they ran the last two blocks home bounding into puddles and cheering one another’s madness.

Mrs Hudson must have heard the commotion as she met them at the door with towels and a disapproving look. “If your clients could see you two now you’d never be able to pay the bills! And John Watson you’re a Doctor you know better.” “John started it.” Sherlock announced, tossing John under the bus as he galloped up stairs. “Tea!” John yelled after the retreating menace before ducking an apology to their shocked landlady and heading to his room to change.

Dinner that night was a piping hot curry very pointedly delivered to the kitchen beside Sherlock’s microscope with instructions to eat it at once. There were no complaints from her boys about that as the two descended on the pot, pulling fresh naan from a covered dish and raining compliments and kisses on their lovely Mrs Hudson who was “Just too good to us.” She left them too it.

John and Sherlock returned to the nest of blankets they’d made on the couch. Crap telly, hot curry, and the murderer behind bars. It had been a wonderful day in the rain.

[allthatpurpleprose-blog]

Fifteen Questions, Fifteen Mutuals

I was tagged by the wonderful @little-miss-emmalie , so please check her out! I’m so sorry that this has taken me so long to do, but thank you so much for tagging me!

1. Are you named after anyone?

Nope! My mum just went to school with a girl named Claire and liked the sound of it.

2. When was the last time you cried?

I can’t really remember to be honest. A good few months ago at least (unless I’ve cried at a TV show since then and have just forgotten!)

3. Do you have/want kids?

Someday! I’m just definitely not ready to have a kid now.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Too much. It’s basically a state of being in my house.

5. What’s the first thing you notice about a person?

Probably their eyes/eyebrows (I used to hate my eyebrows when I was a kid so now they’re usually amongst the first things I notice).

6. What’s your eye colour?

Green

7. Scary movie or happy ending?

Depends on what mood I’m and what I’m watching (I do love a cheesy happy ending though!)

8. Any special talents?

I am a world class procrastinator and can pull an essay out of thin air about a book(s) that i’ve never read before and get a good mark. (Absolutely not a talent, and for anyone in school/uni you should definitely do the readings instead of leaving yourself in last minute panic).

9. Where were you born?

In a country different to the one I currently live in.

10. What are your hobbies?

I’m currently teaching myself how to use Premiere Pro and After Effects for school and personal projects, and i’m learning how to knit. I also journal when i’m needing to de-stress with a netflix show playing in the background.

11. Do you have any pets?

Yep! A border collie puppy and a two fish tanks.

12.  What sports do you play/ have played?

I’m trying to get back into running (but it hasn’t been going well so far).

13. How tall are you?

5′5″

14. Favourite subject in school?

English! I loved it so much that I went and spent another four years studying it in uni. Drama was a close second, followed by history and modern studies in joint third place.

15. Dream job?

I think it would be really nice to own a little second-hand bookshop in some small seaside town. I’d have a little cafe in the back so the whole shop would smell like tea and freshly baked bread. There’d be a little bucket by the door for people to dump their brollies in when they come in from the rain (I live in the UK so rain is pretty much to be expected). There would be comfy armchairs with fluffy pillows to sink into with a good book right in front of the big windows that look onto the sea. That’s just the dream job though, I don’t know what my realistic job would be. Guess i’m still trying to figure that out!

Thanks again for tagging me! I really loved getting to read your answers and had a lot of fun answering the questions myself.

I’m going to tag: @crazybunchwriter @mysticnaturemusicpeanut @leave-her-a-tome @writerofscribbles @alwolfesblog @jamezvaldes @phloxxiing @anapieisawesome @iceandwaterfairytail @teacupwriter @ivonoris @arwallace @goforwardgreenwriter @thesteamgoth @writebruh

Please don’t feel like you have to answer (only do so if you’re comfortable with it!) 

#thanks for the tag! #tagged #fifteen questions fifteen mutuals #tag game

[barpurplewrites]

Messing about in boats

@a-monthly-rumbelling NS prompt which included rowboat, rain and cuddle.

-x-x-x-

“Steady on! I don’t want to go swimming today.”

Gold laughed and carefully settled himself on the bench seat next to Belle. He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek.

“This was a wonderful idea, Belle.”

She snuggled into his side and playfully poked his stomach; “You’ve changed your tune, mister.”

He caught her hand before she could start tickling him; “I was sceptical, I admit, but this is lovely.”

The gentle waves on the lake rocked the little row boat. Gold hadn’t wanted to buy it, he couldn’t see the point. Belle had fallen in love with the TARDIS blue boat that Leroy was trying to sell. She’d suggested it would be a nice addition to the cabin. He’d hummed and harred for a while, pointing out that he knew nothing about the upkeep of a boat. Leroy had seen an opportunity and offered to include his services as part of the deal. In the face of Belle’s pleading eyes, he’d given in and bought the damn boat.

Leroy had transported it to the cabin and suggested a few repairs that the cabin’s boathouse. Gold had insisted that Leroy take him out on the lake to prove that the thing floated with people in it. He had to make sure it was sea-worthy, or lake-worthy before he let Belle set a toe in it, on board, or whatever the term was.

Leroy had given him a gruff lesson in rowing. He’d been kind enough not to laugh when Gold rowed them in a circle because his cane arm was stronger than his left. Leroy suggested with a bit of practice he’d be fine. Gold had managed to row them in a mostly straight line back to the boathouse.

Gold hadn’t practiced, which gave Belle a good giggle the next day when they took the boat out. He’d got to laugh at her first attempt as well, turns out that rowing machines in the gym weren’t quite the same as the real thing.

After a few weekends they had pretty much mastered rowing. At least as much as they needed to get them to the middle of the lake for lazy afternoons floating in the sunshine. A flask of tea, a few books, and each other made for a perfect few hours. There were clouds to dream into shapes, birds to watch, (Gold still couldn’t tell the difference between a flycatcher and a thrush), and kisses to enjoy. He’d toyed with the idea of getting a fishing rod, not for actually catching fish, more for the aesthetic of laying with his head in Belle’s lap while the rod bobbed about in the water.

There was plenty of blue sky in front of them, but fat drops of rain began slowly pattering down. Belle twisted and looked over her shoulder; “Looks like the weather’s crept up on us.”

There had been showers on and off for the past two days, Gold had come prepared for this. He tugged a golf umbrella out from under the seat and opened it with a flourish. He’d never walk down the street with a brolly this big, but here it served as a rather nice canopy for two. Belle and Gold cuddled together under the brolly as the summer shower turned the lake surface into a mass of ripples.

“This was a very good idea.”

“I know.”

#a monthly rumbelling #rumbelle #fluff

[10kiaoi]

For the 007 Fest Anon prompt: It was an unexpected meeting. Notes: Unbetaed, some mentions of violence.

The heat of the water was a balm against the aches in his scarred body. Seeing it in the mirror earlier had been an odd experience, like it had been a costume he’d put on rather than him in the mirror.

Water cascaded off his body in a rush as he stood up. He spared a glance at the documents scattered across the working desk while rubbing his hair dry with a towel. Hazel eyes stared up at him accusingly.

The clock struck seven.

Time’s up.

-----

The weather lent everything a dull cast, all varying smudges of grey and blues, broken only by the streetlights coming to life. Rain was patter against the waterproof membrane of his brolly. Typical London weather.

The bus stop was little more than a signboard drilled to the pavement. No cover or shelter like some of the ones with higher foot traffic sported. Nowhere to hide or run.

He glanced at his watch again. 19:36 hours. The bus was running late.

Then.

The distinctive apple red of London’s famed double deckers left afterimages in his vision with its starkness. He angled his brolly, making sure the neither the driver nor the few alighting passengers or the dome security camera attached to the side of the bus would catch his face.

His target was a bedraggled thing, floppy hair soaked and clinging to scalp even under the meagre protection of the hood of a parka. He had stepped off the number 36 at the last moment, racoon-eyed and bleary. Then hazel eyes flicked up.

Time had frozen.

The bus’s engine rumbled and it restarted its circuit of the city. It left him and his target alone on the sidewalk.  

“Bond?” His target’s eyes had widened, disbelief and shock plain to see. Then his target was taking big strides, uncaring of the rain pelting down and absolutely soaking his clothes. He stopped uncertainly a ways away, close enough to touch.

The instant recognition was harder to swallow.

The cold metal hidden under his coat was a stone around his neck. He should have reached for it by now, with the rest of traffic dispersed and the street quiet once more. Should have been hauling his target into an alley and finishing what he set out to do.

It wouldn’t take more than a minute for him to leave a cooling corpse behind.

“Why did you bring two brollies then?” his target questioned softly, a narration not unlike his own inner voice, after a tense moment in which nobody knew how to react.

He didn’t have an answer. His hands trembled, an inexplicable urge to? Do? He clenched down tightly on the handle of the brolly.

His target watched him knowingly.

“Richard,” He hesitated, swallowing around the thick lump in his throat, “ My name is Richard Sterling.”

His target’s hand was warm, fingers closing over his own around the brolly handle before it was dropped. “Whatever you need it to be,” his target affirmed. The hug was no different from any other. No different from the women he’d pressed up against in passion in between hires. The hood fell back when his target pressed his face against the side of his neck, spectacles digging in painfully.

The quiet “welcome home, James,” was a lance right through his heart and memory.

#007 fest #teambondvillains #00q #quartermaster #james bond #007 #art by op #007 fest 2018 #hms 00q

[88thparallel]

After the Storm

(A quick fluffy ficlet. More and tags under the cut)

A quiet rumble of thunder sounded far off as John fished out his keys, switching his umbrella to his right hand and unlocking the door to 221 with his left. Just his luck that it would pour his whole walk home, showers only slowing now that he’d reached his destination.

He shook out his brolly and put it in the holder by the door, hung his coat on the hook at the base of the stairs, and shook himself off to dispel the few water droplets clinging to his legs.

Giggles and answering murmurs floated down from the first storey, and John couldn’t help but smile as he climbed the steps. He never knew what to expect when he got home from work — just yesterday he’d arrived to find an unlikely concert, with Sherlock playing “Redwing” on his violin fiddle-style, while Rosie shook tambourines in each hand while blowing full force into a neon pink plastic kazoo.

Some days it was near silence, Sherlock buried in a book while Rosie colored in her My First Science Activity Book. John had found them in the middle of tea parties and plush toy interrogations (attempting to ferret out the location of a lost princess Elsa crown), and even curled up, fast asleep on the couch once.

So what would it be today?

He paused on the landing, listening to the conversation in the kitchen. He never felt guilty about this kind of eavesdropping, treasuring the little moments between Sherlock and Rosie he happened to witness unnoticed.

Sherlock’s voice, soft and calm: “Alright, Petal, let’s get those safety goggles on.”

“Safety gobbles on,” Rosie affirmed cheerfully.

Ah. An experiment, then.

“Good. I’m going to do this part, because the water is very hot. Sit back a little. Alright, we’ll fill this up just a bit … okay. Quickly, let’s take a look — see how the water is so hot it’s turning to gas? Do you remember what that gas is called?”

“Steam!” she announced triumphantly.

“Very good!” Sherlock praised. “And what is the steam doing?”  

“Uh… going up in the air?”

“That’s right, the steam is rising. Now, I need you to be my helper. Can you put that plate on top here?”

“Like this?”

“Yes, that’s perfect.”

“Can I put the ice on now?”

“Not yet, we need to give it a few moments first. The steam still wants to rise, but we just blocked it with the plate. Now the hot steam is going to collect on the bottom of the plate. That’s called condensation.”

“Conversation?”

“Con-den-sation,” Sherlock enunciated patiently.

“Con-den-sation.”

“Spot on. So we have hot steam — condensation — on the bottom of the plate. What do you think will happen when we put the cold ice cubes on the top of the plate? It’s alright if you aren’t sure, that’s why we’re doing the experiment. But with everything you already know, you can make an educated guess. That’s called a hypothesis.”

John could practically see Rosie thinking, her little eyebrows pulled together in concentration beneath her tiny safety glasses.

After a few moments she began hesitantly, “I hy-poth-esis that —”

“You hypothesize that… ” Sherlock gently corrected.

“Oh. I hy-pothe-size the ice will melt.”

“Ah, a very good hypothesis, indeed, Rosie. Very smart.” Although John couldn’t see Sherlock, he could hear the grin in his voice.  “Now this is my favorite part, we get to find out together.”

John shook his head in amazement, affection washing over him. The person Sherlock had once been, aloof and cold, defending himself with a façade of disinterest and hostility, seemed surreal now. Hre in the cozy confines of their home, the madman John had agreed to share a flat with a decade ago had practically turned into a teddy bear, especially when it came to his step-daughter.

There had been a time John thought he’d never have this, that they’d never have this: that he and Sherlock would never be more than just friends, that he’d never allow himself to love and be loved again, that Rosie would never have two wonderful, doting parents.

Now, he came home every day to a flat full of love and a family he’d once only dreamed of.

There was the sound of ice cubes being dropped gently onto ceramic and an almost-whispered, “look.”

“Papa!” Rosie gasped. “It’s raining! It’s raining in the jar!”

Sherlock laughed warmly at her genuine wonder, and John’s heart filled with overwhelming love. He couldn’t hold back any longer. “What have we here?” he said, stepping into the kitchen with a smile.

“Daddy!” Rosie exclaimed, and she pushed back from the table quickly.

“Careful, Petal,” Sherlock gently chided, his hand hovering over her back, ready to steady her as she jumped down off her chair. Riotous blonde curls in a tiny lab apron and goggles launched into John’s arms.

“Daddy, we’re making rain!”

“Rain?” John chuckled, kissing the top of her head before setting her down. “Don’t we have enough of that outside?”  He leaned down to steal a kiss from Sherlock as well, forehead bumping the top edge of his safety glasses as their lips met.

Sherlock smiled and helped Rosie back into her seat. The table was spread with wide-mouth glass jars, shaving cream, food coloring, ice cubes, and pitchers of water.

“We’ve been doing ‘speriments, Daddy!”

“Thought it was an appropriate day to learn a bit more about the weather,” Sherlock said, shuffling aside some child-friendly diagrams depicting cloud-types to retrieve some art Rosie had done.

“That’s wonderful, Darling,” John said, smiling at the crayon drawing of the three of them in stick-figure form beneath a big sun and blue sky. He turned and affixed it to the fridge with a magnet.

“Papa, can we do the cloud ‘speriment one more time? To show Daddy?”

“Absolutely,” Sherlock agreed, grabbing a clean jar. “But I think I forgot how it goes… can you tell me?”

John watched as Rosie helped Sherlock to collect the items they needed. They filled the jar with water first, then Sherlock guided Rosie to hold the can of shaving cream, his large, well-manicured fingers covering Rosie’s tiny purple sparkly ones as they squirted a big “cloud” on top of the water. Then, hand-over-hand in the same fashion, Sherlock helped her gently drop dots of blue food coloring on the foam.

“You won’t believe this, Daddy!” Rosie said with a grin, then looked to Sherlock knowingly, delighted they shared a secret that John was only just going to learn.

John pursed his lips to stop himself from smiling, trying to school his expression so she’d know he was taking it seriously. He raised his eyebrows and let his jaw drop in surprise as the color percolated down through the shaving cream, streaking through the water like rain.

“That’s amazing!” John exclaimed, and Rosie’s face lit up.

“Be right back!” she announced, then climbed back down off of her chair and ran upstairs to her room.

John looked at Sherlock in awe. “You really are amazing. Absolutely amazing.”

“It’s just primary school science,” Sherlock said dismissively, removing his safety glasses and standing to move the jars to the sink.

“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.” John wrapped his arms around Sherlock, pressed his chest into Sherlock’s back, and tenderly placed a kiss below his ear.

“By the end she was practically running it all without me.” He murmured, turning his head to nuzzle into John. “Your daughter is brilliant, John.”

“Your daughter is brilliant,” John whispered in Sherlock’s ear, squeezing him tighter to emphasize the point. “Despite her genetics,” he laughed, “so it’s obviously nurture, not nature on this one.”

The sound of running feet above them made John pull away. “No running on the stairs!” he called authoritatively.

Rosie skidded to a halt in the middle of the sitting room, then spun to face them.

“But the sun is out, Daddy! I have one more ‘speriment to show you!”

John blinked and let go of Sherlock, and they both turned to see. Indeed, warm beams of light now shone in through the tall windows, and birds sang cheerfully outside.

“Papa says this is what happens after a storm.”

John looked at Sherlock inquisitively, but his only answer was a small half-smile Sherlock couldn’t keep from tugging at his lips.

Rosie placed a small prism down on the desk, directly in a bright beam of light, and the room was instantly washed in stripes of color.

If ever there was a better metaphor for his life, John could not fathom it. Here in this flat, with the two people he loved more than life itself… Dreams truly were found at the end of rainbows after all, and there could be no rainbow without a storm first.

Sherlock’s arm looped around John’s waist, drawing him close, as if he knew what John was thinking. Of course he did, he always did. The kiss they shared was chaste but full of emotion, mindful of the small person who giggled and covered her eyes with her hands.

“Well come on, then,” John said rolling his eyes in mock exasperation before a grin broke out over his face, and they bent together to lift her into a hug when she ran into their waiting arms.

Tagging a few of you who might care:

@may-shepard @fellshish @asleepatlast @jbaillier @lockedinjohnlock @prettyrealisticjohnlockfanart @iamme-whatcanisay @notjustamumj @elldotsee @disaronnus @discordantwords @shylockgnomes @almosttomorocco @masterofhounds @fangirl-says @hotshoeagain @holmezyan @steadymentalityengineer @mandapanda8 @coopsbird @twelvebrightducks @parentlocked @freethemfrom1895 @sherlohomora @mandysimo13 @gelos @consultingdads

#my writing #ficlets #parentlock #scenes from 221b #adorbs #fluff

[its-pimenta]

5 Simple Tips for Planning Your Perfect Winter Wedding

Most of the people plan their big day with the person they love, and want it to be the perfect day to be remembered and cherished forever! As easy as it may sound, there are never enough of tips necessary to help you in planning your big day.

A wedding is that one special day in our lives where we would want everything to be just perfect with our to-be life partners. A day to be remembered and cherished for lifetime. We meet the right, perfect person, we fall in love with them, and later plan that one day we call ‘a wedding’. What makes a wedding even more extra magical and romantic is winter. A winter wedding is a fairy tale come true and can be even more beautiful than what it sounds like. After all, who would say no to chilly nights, with fairy lights surrounded by you? To help you plan your perfect winter wedding, here are a few tips for you: 

CHOOSE A VENUE THAT SUITS YOUR THEME

When choosing a winter wedding venue, find one that fits your theme. Often the venue’s décor provides much of the decoration, so all you need to do is work around the theme you’ve chosen, which makes the decoration process that little bit simpler.

GAUGE PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

When choosing your venue, consider the surrounding area and its suitability for photos. What landmarks, parks, beautiful buildings and quirky locations would make great backdrops for your wedding photos, and where can you go if it’s raining?

CHOOSE FOOD AND DRINK TO MATCH THE SEASON

Work with the season just like you would work with the décor of the venue. For example, you could have a hot chocolate station, a mulled wine station, or, my personal favourite, serve amaretto with warmed apple juice. Bring the season into your wedding with the food and drink.

GET CREATIVE WITH WINTER ACCESSORIES

Winter accessories are a must – such as a fur shawl, clear brolly, or velvet suit jacket for the groom. Not only do they add to the photos, they also proof against the weather, so don’t be afraid to accessorise!

GET THE PERFECT DRESS

When it comes to the bride, picking up ‘the dress’ is the second most important thing to her, first being her fiancé. There is no woman in the world who doesn’t want her dress to be so beautiful and unique. Every woman wants it different and better from the others. But where to find ‘the perfect dress’? Going from store to store and can’t find it? Don’t worry! Below are some top wedding dress stores that offer the best haute couture wedding dresses Melbourne.

Aleem Yusuf couture is a number one couture bridal gown shop in Melbourne where the teammates play an important role to make your dress a fabulous one. The focus is more on the bride’s style, fit and comfort. He works with exquisite fabrics, laces and embellishments.

Classic Couture works more on classic dresses and the durability and quality of the gown. They have skills to make the perfect folds, drapes, pleats, gathers, embellishments, etc.

Bernadette Pimenta is an iconic Melbourne bridal designer who with her scissors and skills makes sure the bride is comfortable to walk down the aisle by stitching the perfect, most comfortable dress. They not only work on the bride’s gown, but style the bridesmaids and the brides mothers dress as well.

Annette From Melbourne designs the best bridal gowns by working with high quality silk, intricate laces crystals. She makes sure the bride gets a feeling of a fairy tale wedding.

Every designer thinks with much style and elegance. Their designer wedding dresses Melbourne fouses is more on the style and beauty of the dress with an aim to end up with an incredible piece for the bride on her big day! 

#couture bridal gowns melbourne #wedding dresses #Wedding Gowns Melbourne #haute couture wedding dresses melbourne