#cake shop in cambridge

[nidhastreat]

#bakery in Cambridge #cake shop in Cambridge #cake bakery in Cambridge #bakery near me #bakery near me cambridge

[lauranalanthalasa]

You're a dark horse, Mr. Fell!

I'm no native speaker and although I am under the impression that my knowledge of the English language isn't that bad, I hadn't heard the expression of "being a dark horse" before. From the context in which it was said by Nina I could deduce it's meaning and at first I didn't really think it was relevant in any way. Just an expression I hadn't heard before, totally fitting from Nina's point of view.

But then Crowley used the same phrase to describe the multi-talented Jane Austen in the pub scene and I was surprised that two different characters used these exact same words to describe two different people. I started wondering if there could be more to it. And knowing Neil Gaiman, there probably is. (I'm just not smart enough to figure it out)

The next thing I realise is, that there's an actual dark horse in Aziraphale's book shop! It's a figurine of one of the two Marley Horses by the French sculptor Guillaume Coustou. Crowley noticeably uses it to store his glasses - we see him put them there and grab them back multiple times throughout the season - and in episode one the later vanished plate of Eccles cakes is placed right next to it.

So all of this really REEKS as if there's more to it! But what exactly?

Because, as I mentioned, I'm not a native speaker, I looked up the meaning of "being a dark horse" online in the Cambridge Dictionary. This is what I found:

a person who keeps their interests and ideas secret, especially someone who has a surprising ability or skill (that was the meaning I deduced after hearing Nina calling Aziraphale a dark horse because of the whole naked man business)

a horse or a politician who wins a race or competition although no one expected them to (Aziraphale being - seemingly - promoted to Supreme Archangel of all Heaven by the end of season 2 wasn't exactly on my bingo card)

a person who is not expected to succeed in or unexpectedly wins an election, race of other competition (could this be a hint that the Metatron underestimates Aziraphale? I mean, he used to guard the gate to Eden with a flaming sword and apparently he's fought in a war and blew up demons with his halo, so...)

So what to make of all of this? I don't know. As I said, I'm not clever enough for this. But I would be surprised if this dark horse was just a red herring.

Please feel free to hit me up with your ideas.

#good omens spoilers #good omens theory #good omens speculation #good omens meta #You're a dark horse Mr. Fell #neil gaiman #battle angel aziraphale #wartime footing

[totowlff]

chapter four — worth the yearning for

➝ the meeting was arranged in a cafe in the old part of oxford. she had no idea how he would react to her answer.

➝ word count: 2,5k

➝ warnings: none

Cassie was nervous, even more nervous than she’d been when she visited the fertility clinic. She and Toto had agreed to meet in a coffee shop she liked in Cambridge to discuss Toto’s offer. She drove to the heart of the city, parking in the carpark at Gloucester Green. She sighed as she checked the time on her phone when she arrived — she was 20 minutes early, and it was less than a five minute walk. 

She set off anyway, deciding it was better to be a little early to reserve a table. Hopefully, the coffee shop wouldn’t be too busy, and they could find a nice, quiet place to talk. The shop was small on its first floor, but had a downstairs that had plenty of space and some nice booths, so she wasn’t worried.

She stepped inside, and found it a little busier than an average weekday, but there was a free table tucked into a rear corner of the shop. She sat down and gazed at the menu boards behind the counter, eyeing up the various cakes and pastries in the display cases, but she couldn’t really concentrate on either, as nervous as she was about accepting Toto’s offer.

It was incredibly generous, and felt like an earnest, heartfelt offer. She wanted to accept immediately after seeing his baby pictures, but a more rational side of Cassie prevailed. There were downsides to consider, such as the fact that it would make a relationship that was purely professional into a personal one. 

A child would inextricably bind her and Toto together for life, whether or not they worked together for the foreseeable future, and whether or not their personal relationship stayed as good as it was now. The logistics of shared custody, especially given the insanity of Toto’s travel schedule, would be tricky to navigate. They would have to have some legal documentation regarding parental rights and responsibilities drawn up, which meant getting a lawyer involved in some capacity.

He stressed that he wasn’t looking to start a relationship, at least in the traditional sense, with her, but if he wanted to be the father to her child, they would be inextricably linked, in some way, from then on. 

However…

Toto was incredibly kind, funny, intelligent, well-read, spoke five languages, and was financially secure — more than, even. He didn’t have vices that she knew of. He drank socially, but responsibly. He took incredibly good care of himself. Cassie had eaten enough meals with him to know that he ate incredibly well, but not to the point of never indulging, as she knew he had a fondness for some sort of pink Austrian biscuits called Manner Schnitten and secretly kept some stashed in his office.

She knew that he also got plenty of exercise — he was frequently spotted in the onsite gym at the factory, and even occasionally cycled to work when the weather was favorable. She knew the only times he’d been hospitalized were from injuries and not from illnesses; a broken elbow and wrist from a bicycle accident in 2013, and a knee surgery to repair a torn ligament two years ago.

Cassie thought back to their conversation in his office, how he spoke about his desire to have a family of his own but never having the time or ability to meet someone — wasn’t that all part of why Cassie wanted to start on this journey in the first place? To give her own life meaning outside of her job? To have her own little family to love and nurture, instead of continuing to wonder what could have been if her family loved her for who she was, instead of resenting her and casting her out for her refusal to conform to pointless, archaic social mores?

The other big benefit that was working in Toto’s favor was that, with him as a donor, she wouldn’t have to wait for banked sperm. The fertility clinic had warned her that because the UK wasn’t legally able to pay sperm donors beyond a paltry sum for travel costs to and from the clinic, they didn’t have as ready of a supply as other countries, like the United States, did. 

And sure enough, none of the donors the clinic had on file were really what she was looking for. All along, she’d envisioned someone tall, with dark hair, dark eyes, and a strong jawline, but the clinic didn’t currently have a donor in its banks that matched that description.

Toto certainly did, though.

As the time passed noon, Cassie started to worry. She knew Toto was almost always punctual, joking once that it was because he’d lose his Austrian passport if he wasn’t. She started to run through a list of awful possibilities, which she usually did when she was stressed — maybe he got into an accident, maybe he got scared and is backing out, maybe he’d gotten lost, or fallen down an open manhole, maybe…

— Ah, I’m so sorry I’m late! I forgot this place was in the old section of the city, and that I’d need to find a carpark, and then I forgot where the car park was — he said, appearing at the table. He looked flushed and breathless, his hair was sticking up in some places as he nervously ran his hand through it.

— No, it’s okay. No trouble — Cassie said, looking up at him and smiling. 

She watched as Toto took off his jacket and hung it over the back of his chair. He glanced around as he sat down across from her.

— Have you ordered yet?

— No — Cassie said — I was waiting for you.

— Oh. Well, did you want to order for both of us? I’ve never been here. You know what I like, and I trust you — he said, with a kind smile.

Cassie was taken aback. Not in an unpleasant way, but the last time she went somewhere with a man, he didn’t trust her judgment or knowledge and ordered for both of them, without even asking.

“Another point in your favor, Wolff”, Cassie thought, easing herself out of her seat and heading to the counter. 

She ordered herself a flat white with whole milk, and ordered Toto and a cup of the cafe’s house espresso with lactose-free milk, just like he typically ordered at the factory’s coffee shop. She was feeling a bit peckish, so she decided to get herself a raisin croissant. She decided to order a classic croissant for Toto. If he didn’t want it, she’d gladly take it home to eat later.

She sat back down. She was starting to get nervous, even about making small talk — it felt pointless with the proverbial elephant in the room seemingly dangling directly overhead, but their drinks were brought by the barista in short order.

— Oh, this looks delicious. I was a bit hungry, too — he said, taking a delicate bite of the croissant, smiling at her, delighted — This is wonderful. Thank you.

“Well”, Cassie thought. “It’s now or never”.

— So — she said — I guess we should discuss what I invited you here to discuss.

Toto nodded.

— Yes.

— Well, first, I just wanted to make sure that you haven’t changed your mind about your offer in the last two days. I will admit, I am a bit afraid that you made it in the heat of the moment, that it was more an impulse based on your feelings about your own history, rather than you fully realizing the implications of what you are agreeing to.

Toto’s face was inscrutable, but serious.

— I had considered that, after we talked, but I don’t believe that is the case. I have wanted a child for a long time, regardless.

— And you do know that the IVF process can be incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally, especially for me? You will have to undergo some exams and tests as well. I know you’ll need a physical and some blood tests, and they’ll probably want to check and make sure you’re… Uh, viable, but if this is something you agree to go through, I need you to see it through, and then some.

He nodded.

— From what I’ve learned, some of the procedures can be painful, and tiring. One of the procedures is technically a surgery. Once we start in earnest, there is a two week period where I will be getting injections and blood tests nearly every day, until the pregnancy is confirmed. I can’t have you tell me you’re on board for all of this and then backing out halfway through.

— I’ve done my own reading since we talked — Toto answered — It doesn’t sound easy, especially for you, but I’m ready to support you unconditionally, in every way I can.

— Okay. Then, you also realize that your commitment to this is something that needs to be everlasting, correct? Not just until our child is old enough to leave the nest, so to speak?

— Yes, of course. My relationship with my mother, as terrible as it was at times, didn’t end the second I left home. I am in my forties and still talk to my mother.

— And you know that we will need to see a solicitor, before we even continue with the clinical aspects of this venture, to have a legal agreement drawn up for you to even have parental rights, because we will not have any sort of legal relationship otherwise? And that you will be responsible for monetary support and partial custody, even if our personal relationship sours at some point? I’m not saying I’m expecting that, but even people who start out being madly in love with each other, at least enough to get married, get divorced.

— Of course.

— So, do you want this as much as I do?

— Cassie, look — Toto said. He reached over the table, taking both of Cassie’s hands in his. He looked directly into her eyes, his expression stern — You’ve worked with me long enough that you know I don’t do anything by half-measures. I don’t take unnecessary risks, even though my career started in investing and finance. You don’t hear about many risk-averse investment bankers, but I was, and I did very well for myself. I don’t move forward with anything unless I am absolutely sure about it. You know that I also despise bullshit, and dishonesty. That’s why I like motor racing so much in the first place, you know. The stopwatch never lies. You know I will never lie to you, so when I say that I will support you and our child in any way I can, I mean that. Emotionally, physically, and materially.

Cassie studied his face for a long moment. His eyes were dark and serious, his face still stern, his jaw set. She’d seen that look before at work a few times, during difficult meetings with potential sponsors. 

— I mean absolutely every word, and I can prove it, too — he said, letting go of Cassie’s hands and sitting back up. He fished around in his pocket for a moment before pulling out his phone — I am guessing you have not found a lawyer to handle the legal side of things quite yet.

— No, I haven’t. I didn’t know I’d need one until Thursday afternoon.

— Well, let me make a quick call, then, excuse me.

He found the contact he was looking for and tapped the screen, bringing the phone to his ear.

— Hi, Tom, it’s Toto — he said, after a few seconds. He was looking directly at Cassie as he talked — Listen, sorry to bother you on the weekend. It’s not an emergency, but is there someone at your firm that you trust that specializes in family law? Oh, no? Ah, another firm in Oxford? Wonderful. Claire Rodgers? Yes, if you can, that would be great. Thanks again.

Toto hung up his call, and put his phone back into his pocket.

— So, that was my lawyer. His firm doesn’t deal with family law at all, but an acquaintance of his does, and he said that she’s very good. He will send me her information, and then I will call to set up a consultation with her, so we can meet her and start talking about the details.

— Oh! Well… Okay, then — Cassie said. It was incredibly reassuring to her that he was at least serious enough about his offer to take a tangible step forward in the process — In that case… My answer is yes. I would like you to be the donor. 

Toto’s face turned to a mixture of shock and relief. 

— Are… Are you serious? — he asked. 

Cassie nodded.

— Yes, Toto. I am. I would like you to be the father of my child. Well, our child.

Toto let out a breathy laugh as a wide smile spread over his space. A genuine smile, with the top of his nose scrunching. He grasped at Cassie’s hands on the tabletop again, holding them as he laughed, pressing a quick kiss to her knuckles. 

— I’m going to be a dad — he said, as if he was trying to convince himself. 

Cassie smiled at him, watching as his eyes started shining a bit.

— Please don’t start crying, Toto, or I might start crying — she said.

— I’m sorry, Cassie, I’m… I’m just so happy.

They finished up their drinks as they talked a little more. They got up to leave together, and when they stepped outside the door, Toto asked if he could walk Cassie to her car.

— You don’t have to — he said — It’s just at Gloucester Green, it’s not even five minutes from here.

— Well, that’s where I parked anyway, so that’s perfect.

— Oh, well, in that case…

They set off walking toward the parking lot, walking together mostly in silence. It was a companionable silence, though, and not an uncomfortable one. Cassie felt a lightness and warmth in her chest, and she wondered if Toto felt the same thing.

— I’m down this way — she said, pointing in the direction of one of the interior aisles — Thanks so much for meeting me. Please let me know when the solicitor gets back to you.

— Again, it’s my pleasure. And, before you go… This might sound strange, but… Can I give you a hug?

It was a strange request, but a simple one, and Cassie found herself oddly charmed by it.

— Oh… Yes, that would be lovely.

He smiled as he wrapped his arms around her. He had to bend down a little bit, but it was an earnest, warm, hug. It had been a while since anybody had hugged Cassie like that, aside from her aunt, and she found herself not wanting it to end.

She felt strangely safe there.

A few seconds later, she pulled away from him, smiling.

— Well, see you soon— Cassie said quietly.

— See you soon… Cassandra.

Turning her back, she walked to the car with a strange feeling taking over her body. It was as if she were weightless, about to float across the sky like a helium balloon aimlessly. Cassie just couldn't believe what had just happened.

Sitting down in the car seat, she took a few seconds to breathe and, more importantly, to absorb the entire conversation she had just had with Toto. She had accepted his offer. She was going to be the mother of his child. They would have a child.

— I'm going to have a baby — Cassie whispered, before letting out a squeal of delight.

#toto wolff #toto wolff x oc #formula 1 fanfic #formula 1 fic #formula 1 x oc #f1 x oc #f1 fic #f1 fanfic #collab #wlffog #etlwlff

[euroboy]

Neil Chris Required Readings, from professor euroboy from the department of [rolls head back and screams] at psb university

Pet Shop Boys, Literally, Chris Heath

hate manifesto, adjunct lecturer Neil Tennant

“queer sensibility”, fantastic man feature, Olivia Laing

“it certainly wasnt the basis on which we became friends” The Observer, 1997

coffee and cake tumblr post (fieldwork. go look for the post yourself)

Sunday, 14 April 1991, Pet Shop Boys Versus America, Chris Heath

“ok some spouses may not either”, Lecture, Professor Chris Lowe

Will-o-the-wisp & You are the one, Tennant/Lowe

Diaries Volume One, 1939-1960, Christopher Isherwood

A Single Man, Christopher Isherwood

Smile If You Dare: Politics And Pointy Hats With The Pet Shop Boys, Ramzy Alwakeel

Visual Codes of the Pet Shop Boys, My Beloved Oomf, Cambridge University Press

The Pet Shop Boys and the Political: Queerness, Culture, Identity, and Society, Bodie A. Ashton (2024 release)

#pet shop boys #Term begins august 19

[hoperays-song]

Required Information Sheet For The Human AU: Marcus

General Information:

Last Name: Taylor

First Name: Marcus

Middle Name: Christian

Nickname(s): Markie and Mark

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Gender Identity: Cisgender

Sexuality: Demisexual

Birthdate: November 12, 1973

Ethnicity: British

Dietary Style: Vegetarian

Known Languages: English, Hindi, and ASL.

Appearance Information 

Hair Color Hex Code: #AC4F02

Curl Texture: 4b

Eye Color Hex Code: #3B3B3B

Skin Tone Hex Code: #321F0C

Beauty Mark(s): Scattered body scars and tattoos

Glasses/Contacts: Reading glasses that are worn occasionally

Height: 6’4.5”

Weight: 234lbs

Build Type: Rectangle

Clothing Aesthetic: No real word for it but jeans, tank tops, and coveralls. Mechanic?

Education Information:

Past Education: London School of Economics

Skills Education: Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship at Tower End Mechanic Shop

Degree(s)/Certification(s): Masters in Business Management, Bachelors in Engineering, Certified Automotive Mechanic, and Licensed EMT

Career Information:

Past Employment: Automotive Mechanic

Current Job: Automotive Mechanic and Garage Owner

Company: Taylor Family Garage

Extracurriculars: Parole Work (Meals On Wheels)

Parentage Information:

Biological Parent 1: Ann Grace Taylor

Relation: Biological Mother

Relationship: Nonexistent (Disowned)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Career: Stay At Home Mom

Birthdate: September 11, 1950

Biological Parent 2: Christian Arthur Taylor

Relation: Biological Father

Relationship: Nonexistent (Disowned)

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Career: Insurance Company CFO

Birthdate: April 10, 1945

Sibling Information:

Sibling 1: Lucien Charles Taylor

Relation: Biological Brother

Relationship: Nonexistent (Disowned)

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Education: University of Cambridge

Birthdate: June 30, 1970

Sibling 2: Bethany Grace Taylor

Relation: Biological Sister

Relationship: Nonexistent (Disowned)

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Education: University of Bristol

Birthdate: July 20, 1976

Romantic Relationship Information:

Partner's Name: Jia Saanvi Taylor ‘nee Sutar (Deceased)

Partner's Status: Wife 

Relationship: Close 

Partner's Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Partner's Career: Primary School Music Teacher and Pianist

Partner's Birthdate: February 13, 1975

Child(ren) Information:

Child 1's Name: Johnathan “Johnny” Demarcus Taylor

Child's Relation: Biological Son

Relationship: Close

Child's Pronouns: He/They/His/Theirs

Child's Birthdate: January 29, 2004

Child's Career: Contracted Professional Actor and Singer

Child 2's Name: Nooshy Victor Peart-Taylor

Child's Relation: Adoptive Child

Relationship: Close

Child's Pronouns: She/They/Hers/Theirs

Child's Birthdate: November 3, 2001

Child's Career: Contracted Professional Choreographer Consultant

Assorted Information:

Best Friend(s): Stan Philips (since age 36), Barry Frost (since age 36), and Rosita Peréz-Harrison (since age 47)

Favorite Color(s): Dark Purple and Grey

Favorite Animal(s): Mountain Gorillas and Crows

Favorite Food(s): Glamorgan Sausages, Alu Diye Cholar Dal, and Vegetable Korma

Favorite Sweet(s): Blackcurrant Jaffa Cakes, Murukku, and Paruppu Payasam

Favorite Drink(s): Plain Black Coffee, Masala Soda, and Red Gatorade

Favorite TV Show(s): Top Gear, Chasing Classic Cars, and Wheeler Dealers

Favorite Movie(s): Now You See Me, Baby Driver, and The Glass Onion

Favorite Song(s): Big A Little A by Crass, Oh Bondage! Up Yours! by X-Ray Spex, and Mighty and Superior by Conflict

#sing #sing 2 #sing marcus #sing big daddy #marcus my favourite fictional dad #he loves heist movies to make fun of them #tho both he and johnny love baby driver because johnny relates to it and theres cars #human au #i love the taylor family #they're my babies #marcus absolutely adopted nooshy

[himbovillains]

    — - SYLCIA gets attention from FELIX.

as far as felix is aware, he's never been to CAMBRIDGE before. or at the very least, as far as he's consciously aware. he isn't counting the road trips to and from GREAT YARMOUTH, because at that point in his life, his comprehension levels didn't extend much past ‘ look mum, there's cows in the field ’ ( AND THEY HAD BEEN MAGNIFICENT COWS, LEAVING HIM NO TIME TO FOCUS ON ROAD SIGNS THEY WERE PASSING ). so for all intents and purposes, this is his first trip to the city.

it's work that has him walking into a STARBUCKS on REGENT ST at the disgustingly early time of 7:15am ( DISGUSTINGLY EARLY FOR A MAN LIKE HIM, ANYWAY, WHO PREFERS TO SLEEP IN UNTIL AT LEAST 10AM ). and as if it wasn't already bad enough that he'd had to wake up at 5am in order to take the hour-long drive that would get him into the city by at least 8am, it seems as if some malevolent coffee goddess is out to get him, because this particular STARBUCKS is completely out of pumpkin spice. on any other day, it wouldn't be an issue, but felix is already feeling a little bit vexed, and this is just the icing on top of a very disheartening cake.

      ‘ ...fuck sake. ’

the CURSE that leaves his mouth is quiet, out of respect for the other queueing patrons in the store, who look just as unimpressed to be up at this time of the morning. a brief moment of SOLIDARITY washes over him, allowing him just a touch of pleasant distraction before he steps up to the counter to make his order.

he ends up leaving the store with a hazelnut latte ( WHICH ISN'T THE WORST OUTCOME HE COULD'VE GOTTEN ) and a little bit more of a pep in his step. a pep that is promptly doused like an UNEXPECTED RAINSTORM as he collides with someone much shorter than him directly outside the door of the shop. if he'd had a tighter hold of his coffee cup, perhaps it wouldn't have been so bad. but early morning fatigue combined with the unlucky fact that he hadn't secured the lid in place correctly ( IT HAPPENS A LOT MORE THAN HE'D LIKE TO ADMIT ) means that this stranger becomes the proud owner of a coffee-stained shirt.

        ‘ oh shit. oh my god. i'm so sorry. ’

MORTIFIED is about the best word to sum up his feelings here.

#heartofmania #( felix + sylcia. ) #( felix | modern ) #FELIX. #HEARTOFMANIA. 001

[intimacywith-god]

YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR ADDICTION, AND GOD SEES YOU

What is an addiction?

Cambridge Dictionary:

-an inability to stop doing or using something, especially something harmful

- the need or strong desire to do or to have something, or a very strong liking for something

What can we be addicted to?

By doing a quick search on google I found so many things we can be addicted to: Gambling, Sexual activities, Drugs Alcohol, Shopping, Caffeine, listening to music, Watching Netflix, Food, Gaming, Plastic surgeries, Lying, Cleaning, Work, Love.

Wow! Isn’t that crazy? Me watching Netflix daily can become an addiction, wow!

What causes addiction?

At the beginning we chose to use drugs, shopping, watching movie recreationally, to relax. As we believe we have control of everything we don’t worry about any of these things to become an addiction because “we have control”. 

Why did we chose watching a movie in the first place? Or drugs? 

To take a break from the reality we were in at that time, to quiet the world and to not have to be aware of that reality for a short period of time. But then we chose to do it again because it feels good. And why not try again later on, after work? 

One main cause of addiction is the desire to escape something or at times someone. Another cause can be the desire to feel something.

Of course, later all these mentioned above can become physical and mental addictions, but the root of addiction is this constant need to escape the world and to feel something. If this would be approached and treated from when it starts to grow a root there would be no physical or mental addiction in the end. 

Let’s have a look into The Bible and see what it says about addiction. Is there a solution? We’ll have to find out…

1 John 2:16 NIV

“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world”

Lust means “a very powerful feeling of wanting something, a strong desire for something.” (Cambridge Dictionary)

Lust is a cause of addiction. As the scripture highlights, the lust of the flesh which can look like a desire to eat, to have sex, to smoke, to take drugs, to drink to self-harm; the desire of the eyes which can look like watching porn or related content on social media and the pride of life which means sinful desires which bring attention to self are not coming from God, but from the world. And what doesn’t come from God and comes from the world, where does it truly come from? Think about it… You got it? Yes, it comes from Satan. 

Thessalonians 5:6-8 NIV

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober…..”.

God calls us to be awake and sober with this scripture. When we are physically and mentally “high” we cannot be aware and alert of everything that is going around us. 

Think about it, how many horrible things can happen to someone who is drunk and is not aware neither alert of what is happening around? Someone could take advantage of that person because she/he is not aware of what is happening.

When we become addicted (to anything, physical or mental) we are in danger. Why? Because just how a drunk person can be taken advantage off by someone, the Devil will try to take advantage of us when we are “high”. 

       How is he taking advantage? By tempting us every single time.  Think of it like someone who offers you cake. And then you tell them that you’re on a diet and refuse. But the person doesn’t care and offers you cake again later in the day. 

“It’s just a slice of cake, it cannot hurt anyone, just have a bite!” they say to you. 

And you give up on your diet and have the cake. 

Of course, having cake won’t hurt nobody but what happened here? You gave up on yourself by giving up on self-discipline, self-control. 

You told them that you are on a diet, but they didn’t care and didn’t respect that. But did you have self-respect by giving up on your commitment? What does it say about you? Are you disciplined enough? Do you have enough self-control?

When we lose self-control, it gets easier for our desires to control us.

John 16:33 NIV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The world can be a scary place at times, full of malice, sickness, sadness, tragedy, and temptation.

In this scripture there is Jesus talking and He is telling us that we will indeed have trouble in the world. Life won’t be easy, there will be obstacles on the way. But Jesus has already overcome all these obstacles that we might face in our lives, He had overcome ALL of them. And we can overcome ours too when we choose Jesus “So that in me you may have peace”. What does this mean? We can overcome our obstacles with the knowledge that The Bible gives us, by reading and gaining the understanding of what Jesus went through (which we can gain by reading the Bible).

Coping with pain and addiction (of any type) is not easy, but God provided solutions for us. The Bible, along with Bible studies and groups for support can help us heal and can help us replace the coping mechanisms we have with healthy ones.

Corinthians10:13 NIV

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

This scripture is amazing because it highlights God’ faith in us which I’d say all the times is more than the faith we even have for ourselves. 

We can see in the scripture that God won’t let us face any temptation that we cannot bear. The Greek word for temptation also means “testing” and” tested”. Temptation is a test. What do you do when you know you will have an exam coming? You will prepare, right? How will you prepare for the exam, you’ll study, right? You won’t just go to the exam without knowing what subject it is going to be about, what books can you use to study for that subject. 

Why not study for the exam of life? You only need one book, the Bible. 

 I also love how this scripture tells us that first, God won’t allow us to be tested more than we can bear. He won’t send us to an exam a PhD student would take while we are still doing our Undergraduate degree. He allows us to be testes as much as we can bear. And God provides a way. 

Sometimes, we might not be able to see those ways because we haven’t studied enough. I remember in high school in Maths’ class we were being thought more than one way to solve an equation, so it is in life. Sometimes the way we know, might not be the right one for that specific problem. But God provides solutions, and they are all in the Bible, we just must study! Every time you are tempted, He will provide a way!

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

 “Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Everything happens for a reason. (Jeremiah 29:11) and God allows things to happen in our lives for a higher purpose that we just cannot see right now. In that moment, when we suffer, we can focus so much on the pain that we don’t realise that pain is part of growth.

          Why do you study for a test? Because you want to pass the class, right? If there were no tests, exams at all, would you be as eager to study out the subjects or would you just read through them whenever you remember? 

         Sometimes you might fail, and it will be painful, you will cry about that bad grade, and feel ashamed. And it will really hurt to know that you could have done more, but you didn’t because you chose to go out for food instead of studying. 

 But it’s ok, that suffering will produce perseverance. The next week Instead of going out every day, you chose to study every day. And you do and you feel better. And that perseverance builds your character and hope. Now you have more hope that you will pass the test. And hope, like the scripture says doesn’t put you to shame. 

Well, look at life like it is a test, and the Bible is the manual that will help us get through it. And now all you must do is go and apply all that to the Bible. 

Addiction can be painful, but will you allow that pain to put you down or will you allow the suffering that It brings to push you to persevere and turn to God? Your addiction happened to make you stronger, but if you choose to drown in it, that’s your choice, you have free will. 

But you could also reach out for help, ask God for help and He will provide a way out!

Your addiction doesn’t define who you are! Is just an obstacle on the way which you can overcome by getting to know Jesus and gaining the understanding of how He overcame the world, of how He overcame not one, but all the obstacles. And you can do all that by reading the Bible and joining a Bible study group. (available in my bio). 

Application:

Practical:

Study the Bible today as If the exam of life is happening tomorrow.

Reach out for help!

[ryanlysgaard23]

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The brand new shop is an attempt to offset the impact of this improvement.. The gold value underperformed analysts’ projections for much of 2021, as expectations of multiple curiosity charge hikes offset issues concerning the financial recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and excessive inflation. From 2018 the rankings will determine which universities will be allowed to raise their tuition charges by the rate of inflation. Is gold a good investment on this atmosphere? “Stocks will not perform properly in a stagflationary setting. There are nonetheless some points with web sites however in the following section we'll go into how to choose the website. They are often very volatile, even when measured in inflation adjusted dollars. Be taught extra concerning the coins and medals below. This may be seen in the latest Financial institution Participation Report, as nicely.

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#buy gold online

[mariamajesticblogs]

You might want extra life insurance before trying some of the recipes in this cookbook

“Fartless Herring,” says Marc Abrahams without a pause when I ask him what his favorite recipe is in the newly released Ig Nobel Cookbook.

Since 1991, Abrahams has life insurance been handing out Ig Nobel awards every year here in Cambridge, Mass. Oh Thursday night, Abrahams will host his 24th “first annual” awards ceremony.

The Ig Nobels are a riff on the Nobels, but one meant to honor researchers whose work “first makes you laugh, and then makes you think.” It it's a festival of the strange, whimsical, and downright odd — and this year’s ceremony won’t be an exception.

The theme is food, Abrahams says from his perch atop a stool at the Hi-Rise, a coffee shop that's a stone’s throw from Harvard Yard. It’s the kind of place where you can smell the intelligence. Or maybe it’s just chicken salad.

Abrahams often meets up here with Corky White, a food anthropologist at Boston University. Two months ago, they cooked up the idea to make an Ig Nobel cookbook to go with the food-themed awards.

They started asking previous winners for recipes, not without some fear. “I mean, look who we’re asking," Abrahams says. "If you knew that a man had been the first scientist to notice, let alone take notes and publish a report on, homosexual necrophilia in the mallard duck, would that be the first person you would ask for a recipe for you to eat?" Fair point.

But Abrahams and White were flooded with responses and recipes, so the Ig Nobel Cookbook was born.

“I don’t believe we have a waiver in this cookbook that exempts us from responsibility should anybody make one of these recipes and find it, at best, inedible — at worst explosive,” says White with a grin.

Take the scientists who won an Ig Nobel for research involving dead salmon and MRI machines. Like most Ig Nobel-winning projects, it sounds frivolous at first. But if youdig in, you might find some method behind the madness.

In this case, the study showed the dangers of how easily doctors and technicians can misread MRI results. The scientists did this by putting a dead salmon in an MRI and still managing to find brain activity. So for the cookbook, these scientists offered up — voila — a way to cook salmon in an MRI machine.

“Among the instructions is ‘remove all safety devices,’" White says. “I think it also requires that the cooks leave the room while the thing's buzzing.” Even if the book did have a waiver, I still don’t think they’d recommend you give that one a try.

White also points out a lovely cake recipe provided by the Italian psychiatrist who discovered that during the first six months of romantic love, the brain behaves quite a bit like it would if it had obsessive-compulsive disorder. Duh.

But Abrahams’ favorite recipe is that one for herring, which was submitted by Swedish scientists.

“They discovered — and this had been completely unknown to human beings, apparently — that herrings seem to communicate by farting," he says. "They have a fair amount of proof on this. So one of those Swedish scientists gave us his recipe for herring. Fartless herring.”

As for my own favorite recipe from the book, let's get back to that homosexual, necrophilic duck. The story starts innocently enough back in 1995, on a day when Kees Moeliker, a curator at the Natural History Museum in Rotterdam, was sitting in his office.

"A male mallard ... crashed against the window of my office at the museum and got killed,” Moeliker explains. “And the moment the duck landed, a live duck showed up. Same species. Same sex.”

Moeliker got his camera and his notebook and proceeded to document the, shall we say, intimate moment that followed. After keeping the evidence in his desk drawer for a few years  — “It’s not the kind of thing easily shared with your peers,” Moeliker quips — he finally wrote it up for a small journal.

Then he won an Ig Nobel for his research, and his life completely changed. Suddenly, if someone around the world observed strange animal behavior, they sent the evidence to Moeliker. He’s now known in Holland and beyond as simply “The Duck Guy.”

So when it came time to contribute a recipe to the Ig Nobel cookbook, you can probably guess where Moeliker went. Hid recipe is pretty simple: Pluck your duck, gut it, and cook it whole in butter. But keep the stomach, Moeliker insists, because you can cook it in apple brandy for a delicious appetizer.

I mention that, in the Ig Nobel cookbook, Moeliker's recipe is illustrated with photos of the original incident. When I ask him if he thinks that would put people off trying to fix his dish, Moeliker laughed. “I don't think so. I don't think people should be afraid to eat a duck that's done something strange.” Duly noted.

By the way, I'm assured this is only Volume I of the Ig Nobel Cookbook. I think I’ll bring my fire safety goggles along for Volume II — and possibly top up my life insurance.

Credits: Clark Boyd

Date: September 17, 2014

Source: https://theworld.org/stories/2014-09-17/you-might-want-extra-life-insurance-trying-some-recipes-cookbook

#areteautomation #lifehealthadvisors #foodrecipe #easyrecipe #foodislove

[nidhastreat]

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[royal-confessions]

“Just heard someone refer to Kate as Kathy Cambridge and nearly spit out laughing. I don't know why but I just think that's a hilariously apt for the seemingly domestic duchess. If she wasn't royal I'd like to imagine she would be running a little sweets shop with her mum called "Cakes by Cathy and Carole" in Buckleberry.” - Submitted by Anonymous

#kate middleton #Catherine Duchess of Cambridge

[livingmybestfakelife]

Office Hours

Modern Tommy, even though he isn’t known to always have a big appetite, gets jealous that he’s not on of an office foodie list (inspired by a Conan show remote)

You smile from ear to ear after finally receiving your much anticipated text plus email informing you that your package has arrived to the office mail room.

It came right on time just two minutes before work was over so you will have something good to snack on to end the long day you’ve had.

Once you lock up your office you rush to the elevator, to head down to the mail room, but you didn’t expect someone to beat you to it, your husband walked out with it confused.

“YN why is Delilah’s Pastries mailing you sweets here? Why didn’t you have it sent home?”

“Must have slipped my mind baby, thank you”

Reaching out for the box you grab it and wait for him to be on his way back upstairs, he usually leaves later than everyone else, but today he didn’t seem to be that busy, he continues to stare at you curiously.

“You heading home?”

“In a little bit, I still gotta check over something, I’ll see you when I get home”

“Alright then”

He pecks you on the cheek before letting you walk around the corner, it takes him a moment to realize that you took the package with you and follow after you still confused by this whole thing.

He catches up to you fast enough to see which room you entered and see’s it close behind you, followed by some muffled voices.

“The fuck is going on around here?”

——————

“Yes! I’ve been waiting on Delilah’s pumpkin pie to come back this season, Finn pass me that knife”

“Don’t take such big slices this time you hog and save some for everyone else John”

“Not my fault everyone else is slow Pol”

You make sure to get you a couple of finger sandwiches from your favorite tea shop, a slice of the pumpkin pie and some potato salad. While everyone fills up their plates it doesn’t take long for the door to open again to Tommy’s puzzled expression.

“Okay, I know it’s not one of the Shelby’s birthday’s today, what about everyone else?”

A few of the staff members shake their heads while chewing on their food

“Here Tom, try some of these chips from the chicken shop”

“What’s going on around here? If this isn’t a birthday party then what’s with the balloons, food…is that a congratulatory cake…who is congratulating us and what for?”

“It’s from Alfie, he’s congratulating YN on her horse winning the Cambridge race”

“Right, so all of this for a winning horse?”

Rolling your eyes you pick up a plate that you made for him and hand it to him

“Tommy, shut up and eat”

“Seriously what’s all of this?”

“It’s our club”

“What club Finn?”

“Well the office gets a lot of gifts sent to it by it’s sponsors and we’ll get food, it goes by quickly so we send out texts and emails to people who we know will want in on it”

“Wait a minute, I wasn’t aware of the food, they send us food?”

“Yeah, how do you think the break room gets filled?”

“I thought that the company account pays for the coffee and the napkins and all that other stuff”

It was Arthur’s turn to go into more depth about the situation, he took a big gulp of the lemonade that was also apart of Alfie’s gift.

“Brother, Shelby Company Lt. quit paying for that for a while now, one of our sponsors sent us a shit ton of coffee, the good ones from somewhere in the Middle East, and I guess the other ones sent us too many napkins and disposable utensils by mistake and now we have enough to last us for at least the rest of the year”

“Why the hell did I not know that this office gets sent all of this stuff?”

“I’m surprised it’s taken you this long to catch on, we’ve been knew about the freebies”

You smirk and wipe your mouth with a napkin

“You’re too caught up in work all the time to notice, all that money the companies been saving from expenses isn’t from Michael finding a way to save us money, we just get discounts all of the time, Zeus Energy even paid for our planes fuel for our wedding anniversary holiday last month”

“Well I don’t like it, all of these hand outs, we can afford to purchase all of these things ourselves”

Polly scoffed and reached to get another slice of pie

“Tommy, shut up, lots of companies have things like this sent to them all of the time, it’s just food and office supplies”

“Yeah, and jet fuel, we didn’t ask for it to be pa-“

You lift up his fork full of potato salad and feed it to him to get him to quiet his rant

“Polly’s right dear, just hush and enjoy it, we deserve a bit of spoiling after all we’ve done for this city, and it’s not like our sponsors don’t owe us in someway”

“Owe us in potato salad and…it is good potato salad though”

“Damn right it is, Finn, pass me that bowl, I want some more of it”

“For fucks sake John, get off your lazy ass and get it yourself”

#peaky blinders #tommy shelby #tommy shelby imagine #peaky blinders imagine

[sumsebien]

by design pt. 3// Prince Friedrich

series masterlist

summary: friedrich and y/n’s arrival in prussia! ft. frederica ;))

word count: 4.7k

warnings: none

a/n: apologies for the long wait darlings. here she is though. and she is a long one. also a side note for those who love symbolism as much as i do 💐 ;) also, my banabaer @milkbaer this one is for u baby. thank you for all of your help!!!

a german lesson: Gänschen means goose🦆 (that’s a duck but we can pretend) and schloss means palace/chateau/mansion

The massive railway station stood proudly as the gateway to Potsdam, located right where the forest met the city. Three archways made of worn bricks welcomed old friends and strangers alike. There was something in the slightly tinted mossy green that offered you an odd sense of home. Like you had been here before.

Friedrich stood next to you near the exit. You had had breakfast together, then got ready separately before meeting each other again here.

“I had a lot of memories with this train station,” Friedrich said as the train finally passed the great archway.

You didn’t realize that you had been holding your breath the entire time, waiting for the wheels to come to full stop. You had been storing information from Lea and Ilse about Friedrich’s mother all morning. Anything that might help you strike up a decent conversation with her from her favorite flowers (gardenias) to her pets (a schnauzer named Fifi). Since then, you had been a little preoccupied by your own imaginations of her as a mother.

From the way Friedrich talked about her, your first guess was that they were extremely like-minded. Aside from that, there was the fact that she was a Queen to consider. She obviously must be extremely elegant and poised. Even her dog sounded posh-Fifi the Schnauzer...

You were still listening to Friedrich though, just not closely. “Really?” you asked, your eyes following the platform numbers as they passed by.

He nodded proudly. “I ran here from the Palace and caught the train to Berlin for a boxing match.”

You laughed, now entirely engaged in imagining little Friedrich fleeing from his guards. “And how old were you?”

“Thirteen. I skipped a dancing lesson.”

“Shame. You could have become a ballerina and outdone my stunts at your Christmas party.”

“Who’s to say that I did not? There are still many shocking things that you don’t know.” His plan to distract you from your own nerves had worked wonderfully well. You two continued to discuss his boxing match up until you were escorted out of the station.

There, you were greeted by a great spectacle of carriages and a horse parade. Everywhere you looked there were men in uniforms. They were on horses, in open top carriages, on the streets, all waiting for you and Friedrich.

Back in London, your family frequently had two to three carriages to accompany you to social functions. It was already considered excessive for the ton. You would have laughed at the idea of this. Or to be honest, wouldn’t have even been able to imagine having an entire parade to accompany you a couple of blocks down the street.

And of course, you could not forget the icing on the cake-the largest carriage you had ever seen. The one you saw in France could not compare and certainly not the one in England. This one was completely enveloped in gold from top to toe-or rather from roof to wheels. On the top of the roof, there were golden cherubs holding up an olive branch and flowers.

It was a harsh reminder that Friedrich, someone who you had grown to identify as your friend over the last several hours, was also the firstborn son of the King, heir apparent to the throne. And you were his wife. Whatever agreement you had made with each other in private was not valid in the public eye. Here, you were a Princess. The Princess.

As Friedrich watched you marvel in the magnificence of the royal parade, he turned to Heinrich with a last minute decision. Well last minute for his father and valet but not for him. Friedrich had wanted to visit his mother for ages.

“I’m heading to my mother’s. We’ll catch up with the staff afterwards and meet you at the Berlin Palace.”

All of this was not on the schedule his father had drawn out and Friedrich was well-aware. He had even cancelled the state train that Friedrich specifically ordered to Potsdam just to make sure he would not take you here first. But Friedrich was not one to lose.

At the same time, however, he knew that his valet was absolutely terrified of his father, as did most people. Soon enough, when his father found out that his son was not on the train to Berlin and was nowhere near the Royal Palace, he would definitely not be happy.

“But your Highness, we really must get going now or we won’t reach Berlin by noon.”

“If he asks, just blame it on me. I’ll be in and out in one hour.”

Heinrich didn’t say anything after that, just nodded. For that, Friedrich was thankful, he did not want to ruin this magical moment for you. It was not going to be this magical for long.

As Heinrich left with your staff, Friedrich turned back to you. “Y/N?”

“I-Is this for us?”

The look on your face made him laugh. Your jaws were grazing the floors, your eyes slowly sweeping across the scene then glanced at him and back to the carriages again.

“I believe it is,” he smiled, offering you his arm.

…

The entire ride back to the Palace was essentially just for you to fathom the welcome wagon.

You could barely string a sentence together, nodding along as Friedrich picked out places that he mentioned in his stories last night, especially enthusiastic about the candy shop he was never allowed to go in.

Potsdam was charming. You could certainly imagine a very fulfilling and peaceful existence here where it wasn't hectic like London but not entirely placid like the countryside.

Just when you thought you could not be more impressed, you arrived at Sanssouci Park.

When Ilse briefly mentioned it, you had expected a park. Like Hyde Park or Regent’s Park or the little garden behind your house that your parents insisted was a park. Whatever you had imagined, however, could not hold a candle to what it was in reality.

“Welcome to Sanssouci Park,” Friedrich said casually, casting a brief look out the windows while your eyes were completely glued to the towering gates opening up for your parade to pass through.

The name was not meant to refer to a park. It was definitely not a park. It was a bloody forest. As you entered the road lined with dense trees, the temperature dropped slightly with the shade, effectively cooling you both from the outside in.

“This is what you call a park? Whatever do you two think of Hyde Park then? A child’s sandbox?”

Before he could answer, your attention was quickly captured by a glimpse of something magnificent as the carriage passed a gap between the tree trunks. You pointed towards the dash of yellow you’d seen. “Is that where your mother lives?”

Friedrich followed your gaze and promptly nodded. “That’s Sanssouci Schloss. Here is the back of it.” Just on cue, the carriage rounded the corner and headed towards the back of the Palace.

Your jaws were officially off now as your eyes feasted on the very picture of splendor.

From personal observations, people usually spent a great deal of time and fortune on making the fronts of their homes as extravagant as possible. It was all in the face, as they said. But not here. Here, even the rear side was grand.

There was a huge water fountain in the middle of the yard, the blue sky printed on the surface. Naturally, your eyes followed straight ahead, past the window behind Friedrich’s head towards the most elaborate set of marble stairs you’d ever seen. On either side were tall walls of hedges and rose bushes that covered the hillside.

“Can we walk up those steps?”

Friedrich turned to look at the steps and then back at you again.

It was not a steep hill. More of a gentle slope but exactly because of that, the steps were long and the landings were wide. Anyone in breeches would find it challenging enough as it was. But you were in a gown, in the sweltering July heat and you were volunteering to walk. “You can. People usually go straight to the entrance though. Are you certain you’d want to walk? It is a long way.”

You nodded, brushing off his concerns. All you cared about was the sight.

Per your request, the carriage stopped right before the grand stairs to Sanssouci Palace. You and Friedrich got out of the carriage.

From where you stood, you had to crane your neck up slightly to be able to see the Palace up the top. The strip of yellow you’d seen from afar turned out to be much more intricate than you’d expected. Beautiful white windows lined the yellow walls, right in the center was an oval shaped room with a cyan dome on top, perfectly aligned with the stairs. Even though it only had one story, its width certainly made up for its height, stretching across the hill.

As you walked ahead, Friedrich decided to stall a little bit. Memories of endless summer days spent on these lawns came flooding back.

He had missed this.

The last time he was here was the summer before he left for England. It was actually here that his aunt Charlotte came to visit with an invitation to Cambridge-the day that changed his life.

And now he was here with you. Someone he had dreaded to marry a mere few days before. Now a dear friend to him.

Straight in front of him, you were marching up the steps with admirable determination, your hands holding onto your skirt, lifting it off the ground. With sun on your skin and wind in your hair, you laughed and told him to hurry up. For that split second, he wished he was not just your friend. Though he discarded that thought as quickly as it came, it stayed stuck in the back of his mind as he matched your pace.

“These are a lot of steps,” you remarked after the first flight of stairs was behind you. There were at least five more ahead. The excessively wide spaces between each step did not help with the general morale either.

“I did warn you,” he chuckled. “It was too exhausting a trip that Marie Antoinette rode a horse up these steps after her stroll in the garden.”

You paused for a moment.

Friedrich thought you were imagining the French queen trotting up the steps with her stallion. But as it turned out, he was wrong.

“Did he invite her over during one of the military clashes between Prussia and France?”

To say that Friedrich did not expect that was an understatement. You had told him you read but he never asked for the specifics on what exactly you were interested in. At that moment, he simply thought you’d be interested in a made-up tale to forget about the stairs. He did not think for a moment you’d be interested in foreign conflicts enough to know the feud between Prussia and France. He knew he certainly wasn’t as a student.

“You can’t fool me. I know,” you said, laughing at the shock on his face.

Pleasantly impressed, he remarked, “Full of surprises I see.”

“You’ll see that in this friendship,” you motioned between yourselves, “you’re not the only one who can shock.”

He gave you a nod, lowering his eyes and watched his steps before he murmured to himself. “Friendship, yes.” He reminded himself of how grateful he was to be your friend. And that maybe pining over you for the rest of his life was better than having you hate him.

If there was one thing for certain, it was that you two would not repeat his parents’ mistakes.

“Darling!”

The voice caused Friedrich’s eyes to snap upwards, slightly alarmed as they weren’t expected on this side of the Palace. Everyone was supposed to be at the front.

The first thing he saw was that you had stopped as well, only standing two steps above him. And then, on the top flight, he saw his mother, waving at him. She wasn’t supposed to greet them outside. At the same time though, he wouldn’t expect her to wait that long for anything anyways.

He waved back with a laugh. She hadn’t changed one bit since the last time he saw her nearly a year ago. A straw sunhat on top of her head, a basket of flower and gardening tools in her hand.

“I-is that-“

Friedrich nodded. “Yes, that’s her. That’s my Mama.”

The nervous jitters came back to you. You knew how much his mother meant to him. She was the true hero of his childhood and you were just excited to meet her. However, you also knew that in no way was this arrangement made by her. And no matter how friendly you were with Friedrich, as his mother, she would not easily trust you.

You quickly masked your nervousness with a gentle smile. It was the safest route after all. Better look like a smiley fool than a grumpy idiot. You thought.

The Queen began to walk down the steps briskly, meeting you halfway up the last flight of stairs. Immediately, she threw her arms around Friedrich, pulling him into a bear hug. “There you are, you Gänschen! You’ve kept your mother waiting long enough!” She said, messing up his hair and only letting go of him once he was shaking with laughter.

When he and your maids said she was very carefree in private, you did not expect her to be this carefree. A lady was not supposed to be out in the sun like this, no less a queen. She was also much more beautiful than you could ever imagine, with her honey blonde curls tumbling down her back in waves and her big blue eyes which were now on you.

“Apologies, Mama,” he stepped back, allowing you to take a step forward. “This is Y/N, my wife. And Y/N, this is my Mama.”

“It is such an honor to meet you, your Majesty,” you said, bending your knees into a curtsy, praying you wouldn’t stumble backwards and ruin the first impression.

You had an overwhelming want for her to like you. And you felt like this first meeting was of paramount importance in deciding that. If it did not go well, she would never see you as anything more than a girl her son was forced to marry. And that was terrifying even in the case where Friedrich remained a good friend.

You were not wrong. Frederica did not expect much from a match made by Louis, a man who clearly did not know his own son or even cared to try. Assuming he did know his son, it would not even be of any matter at all. The only thing he had ever cared about was grooming an heir. This arrangement, no doubt, served that.

But Frederica could not ignore the large smile on her son’s face as he ascended the steps with this young lady.

That? That was not by design.

Frederica shook her head and offered you her hand to help you stand up straight. “I prefer Frederica. At least when we are not in court.”

She gave you a cheeky wink and plucked a gardenia from her basket, tucking it by your ear. “Come on now! I am sure it has been a long trip for the both of you. Let us have some tea before you go.”

...

Frederica led the both of you into the Palace through the doors into the oval room. Inside it was just as spectacular as its exterior. Tall columns held up the painted dome where a chandelier was hung. The three arched windows looking out to the gardens were pushed open by three footmen, allowing sunlight and fresh air to gush into the space, lightening up the entire room.

“Please have a seat, dears,” Frederica said, gesturing to the rounded table in the middle of the room.

You were still too in awe to be able to settle down calmly in your seat but obeyed her anyways. Beside you, Friedrich was glancing around the room, like he was in search of something.

“Is Fifi not here?” he asked as a butler approached the table with a cake stand.

Just on cue, Fifi-his mother’s Schnauzer, shot through the doors. You nearly gasped out of sheer excitement when you saw the ball of salt and pepper fur fly into the room like an arrow. You had always shared a fondness for dogs. Yet you never had one. The only dogs you had were your father’s hunting hounds and he made sure you remained far away from them.

“Speak of the devil...” Friedrich turned to you, “this is Fifi, hated by most but very loved by my mother. Mostly because she smells like fish.”

He kept his eyes on the dog as she strolled around, heading in your direction and getting alarmingly close. “Fifi!” he said, shooing her off. The dog didn’t care, just kept on going forward.

“Oh, it’s quite alright! I love dogs,” you said, fighting the urge to pet Fifi who was quietly sniffing at the hem of your skirt.

Frederica was absolutely surprised when she saw her Schnauzer so quiet. Her dog was not friendly with strangers. By this time there should have been an accident.

The delayed accident happened right after that. Fifi bit down on your dress, tugging at it playfully.

More surprising, however, you didn’t seem scared of the feisty little old thing either. You just laughed.

“Fifi! Leave the poor girl alone!” Frederica said, tapping her shoes against the floor.

Friedrich quickly leaned forward and picked her up. Being lifted off the ground, she released your skirt and focused on wiggling out of Friedrich’s grasps instead. When she eventually succeeded, Fifi headed back to you, circling your feet, her tail wagging.

Friedrich clicked his tongue, about to bend over again to shoo Fifi off. Not that she would care. But the dog plopped down between your chair and his mother’s, out of Friedrich’s reach.

She looked up at you with big eyes, begging for a pet, which you were happy to provide. You reached down and scratched her ears. It was all rather brave, if he must admit.

“I know it is hard to believe but she seems fond of you,” Frederica mused, seeing Fifi transform into a whole other dog under your touch. She was not usually this sweet.

Friedrich scoffed. “The devil almost ripped her skirt off,” he gestured to the hem of your dress, and glared at Fifi.

“It’s fine, honestly. I think it was a compliment if anything,” you said with a smile.

He sighed. “Don’t defend the perpetrator! She has a terrible temperament. And you know it,” he turned to his mother.

“Fifi does. as much as I love her,” Frederica nodded. Fifi’s ears perked up at the mention of her name, blinking at her owner. “But you seem like a very experienced animal whisperer.”

“No, actually. I never had one.”

“Well, that’s a shame. You’re great with Fifi. And if you can handle her, you can handle any dog.”

“Any dog is better than Fifi,” Friedrich said under his breath. Nevertheless, he was glad to see the two of you bond. Even if it was over Fifi the Ferocious.

On the bright side, at least she wasn’t coming back with them to Berlin. It was the only thing Friedrich and his father had ever had in common-a dislike for the Schnauzer.

...

Heinrich was being escorted into the Palace towards the audience room. A place he would much prefer not to go to on his own. He had arrived for over an hour and still you two were nowhere to be found and it was only for so long he could hide the train of carriages. Eventually, one of the butlers alerted the King of his presence and he was immediately requested inside.

Heinrich had suspected that you would arrive slightly late. He just didn’t think it could be this late. He had no idea what he was supposed to say. One misstep and off with his head.

When the doors to the room were swung open, the King was throwing a fit. His deafening yell rang across the room and bounced against the tall walls. It certainly did not help with the nerves.

“WHERE IS MY HORSE?” he demanded, rising up from the throne. From where he stood, he towered over the poor footman. “I am late for hunting!”

“Your Majesty, you cancelled today’s hunt.”

“And why on earth would I do that?”

Heinrich kept quiet, remaining invisible as he approached the throne behind the butler. He was not about to be caught in the middle of a crossfire during one of the King’s fits.

The footman blinked. Heinrich could see the man debating whether or not to answer, lest it was a rhetorical question.

“B-because the Prince is back from England, sir?”

“Oh,” the King said. His voice quieter than before and sat back down again. The crease between his Majesty’s eyebrows disappeared, his expressions softening slightly. Then he turned to the footman with a quizzical look. “And where is the Prince?”

The footman turned around and met Heinrich’s eyes. And then the King followed his gaze. So much for not wanting to be caught in the crossfire.

“I-“ Heinrich began, his mind drawing a blank.

If he were to tell the truth, Friedrich and you would no doubt be in trouble. However, if he didn’t tell the truth, he’d be in trouble and so would you two. And if he just said he didn’t know, he’d be on the first ship to an island far far away.

“Well?” The King barked.

“I’ll go get them, your Majesty!”

“Don’t just stand there. Hurry along then! Before I chop all of your heads off.”

Heinrich had never walked so fast out of a room his entire life. His heart was pounding as it began to dawn on him that he had just lied to the King. Well, it was not exactly a lie. He was going to get them. They just weren’t here yet. Unfortunately, none of that mattered. There was no reasoning with such a powerful man. All he could do was hope that he would still be alive to see another day.

Just when all of his luck appeared to have run out, he heard the distinct sound of hooves against cobble and rushed outside.

Friedrich helped you out of the carriage, still engaged in the never-ending tales of Fifi the Ferocious. You were laughing when you caught sight of the magnificent Royal Palace-Berliner Schloss. It was much boxier than Sanssouci Schloss with towering walls that casted a great shadow over the front lawn.

Household staff lined the steps on either side, straightening up as Heinrich dashed past them. Some had their heads turned, the younger ones especially, their curious eyes on you, trying to catch a glimpse of the new Princess. The more seasoned staff near the top stayed perfectly still, resisting the urge to look anywhere other than straight ahead.

“Your Highnesses!” He said, bowing so quickly you were worried his head might snap off. “Your presences are requested. Immediately!”

...

Through the doors you could faintly hear your titles being announced. Your palms were clammy so you hid it behind you, focusing on what you might say in a couple of moments.

Friedrich was not nervous, of course.

He was the one who planned the detour in the first place. And while you had enjoyed the time with Frederica very much, perhaps a little too much, it had delayed your schedule by well over a couple of hours. It meant that you made the King of Prussia, your father-in-law wait.

The only person more nervous than you was probably Heinrich. Every time you caught a glimpse of his face, he seemed more haggard than the last. You were not certain whether he was really sick or just worried.

"My father will say things. Things that are aimed to test you. Do not mind any of it," Friedrich said quietly.

"Something tells me I should take that as a suggestion. One look at Heinrich and I know what I am in for."

Friedrich sneaked a glance at his valet and gave you a small smile. "Heinrich has always been that way. Worries a little too much."

"Maybe that is for good reason-"

The trumpets sounded, prompting you to straighten up, smooth your dress and put on a smile. In the corner of your eyes, you could see Friedrich cracking up. Had it not been for the fact that you were being presented right then, you would have given him a slipper to the chest. He was still smiling up until you had to walk through the doors.

Then, his demeanor shifted completely. You did not dare to make eye contact with the King. All you saw was brief glimpses of a man, wearing a red cloak on the throne. But Friedrich, he was looking straight down the room, challenging his father.

From the stories he had told you, you knew that Friedrich had a rough relationship with his father. Once he got a chance to break away, he vowed he would allow his father to have full control of his life again. And from the suffocating tension in the air, you knew his father would not make it easy.

“The Prince and Princess of Prussia, your Majesty,” a footman announced.

"Your Majesty," you said, giving the King a curtsy.

"Welcome, welcome. I hope the journey was not too rough for you.”

You smiled and nodded. Not a bad start.

However, it was a completely different story when you saw Friedrich’s face. He raised his eyebrows, clearly unconvinced by his father’s concern. "You do, father? Wasn’t it on your orders that the state train never arrived?”

“Now, now, Friedrich. That was none of my doing.” The King turned to you with a small smile. “I must say, you are much prettier than I expected, my lady.”

He had made such an effort to emphasize the last two words that even if you weren’t listening, you still would have caught them. The King was smirking on his throne, his icy eyes sending chills down your back.

“I believe it’s your Highness, father.”

This row was your fault. You could tell.

“No, I don’t think it is. You didn’t get married.”

“We did.”

“That did not count.”

“How? Because you weren’t invited?”

“I see all of your manners have gone out the door since you stepped foot out of this country.”

Friedrich wanted to scoff. It was always going to be about England. If they were going to have this conversation, he was going to do it properly. But not in front of you.

He turned to Heinrich. “Take the Princess to see the chambers.”

You didn’t want to leave. You were responsible for this in one way or another. You should be here to take the blame. But Friedrich shook his head like he knew what you were about to say. “Come with Heinrich. I’ll meet you later.”

“No need for that. Lady Brandt, your chief lady-in-waiting, will take you for a tour. Bernadine?”

You remembered Lea and Ilse mentioning her as well. However, at that time, she didn’t have a name or a face for you to attach her to just yet. You just knew that she was going to be in charge of all of your affairs like Heinrich was doing for Friedrich. Now she had a name and a face.

At the mention of her name, she nodded and stepped forward from the line of staff on your right. She was dressed in a blood red dress, a strand of pearls wrapped around her long neck. She came towards you, giving you an impressive curtsy, tipping her head forward slowly yet keeping her hat perfectly still on her dark raven hair.

When she looked up, you were finally able to see her striking hollow eyes, tall cheekbones and an ever so slightly upturned corner of her lips. She looked awfully familiar. Like a much younger version of your mother actually. And she was just as terrifying.

“Come with me, your Highness.”

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[thebrochtuarachs]

Something in the Rain - “Interruptions”

A/N: I hope you like it. As always, your comments and suggestions are very much welcome.

A modern day meet cute instance between Jamie and Claire. 

AO3  / C1: A Day In June : C2: Definitely, Maybe : C3: So We Meet Again : C4: Friday Lunch : C5: Finding Solid Ground : C6: Situations

XXXXX

“What should I wear tomorrow?” Claire texted Jamie on the eve of their first official date. She wanted to have an extra time to shop should the need there be. 

“What do ye mean?” he replied. 

“I want to dress appropriately to wherever you’re taking me, James Fraser.”

“I see. Smart casual would do. :) Sorry, I dinna thought of informing ye earlier but wouldn’t it be hilarious if you dressed to the nines and we’re going to some sort of cattle farm”

“Exactly.” Claire replied with the eye roll and laughing emoji. “Can I know where we’re going?”

“Don’t ye want to be surprised?” Jamie messaged back and saw three dots typing afterwards. 

“Hmm, thinking about it, yes. I’m excited to see the Jamie Fraser Date Experience.” 

“Hope it doesna disappoint. I, too, am excited to see the Claire Beauchamp Date Experience. ;)” he replied, knowing the use of emoji will make her smile as he rarely uses one.

“I hope it doesn’t disappoint, too.” she replied with a winky face too. “Are you back in Edinburgh?” 

“Just about to arrive home. I might just wash and then hit the sack.” 

“Rest then, Jamie. I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

“Thanks, Sassenach. I’ll message ye tomorrow when I’m on my way” 

----

It has been four weeks since their accidental meeting at the sidewalk. After countless run-ins, lunches, and an absurd amount of consumed soy chicken, the day of their date has arrived. 

When Claire accepted his invitation three days earlier, Jamie went into a slight overdrive trying to plan what to do. He meant to ask her out when he got back - but when he found out that she met Laoghaire, something pushed him to go for it before Claire had any wrong idea about his connection with Mrs. Fitz's granddaughter. 

His first idea was to go all out - book the fanciest rooftop restaurant in the city, get the best chef he knew, and plan a private dinner for them. Fancy and exclusive seemed like a safe choice and a sure hit. 

Then he thought about Claire and all their interactions so far - hole in the wall kitchens, asian street food, very light and casual. Jamie pondered on the idea and realized that jumping from that to an uber private dinner might not be the best, so he kept that card to play for later. 

It was then he decided to just take their casual lunch to a casual dinner. He’ll just exchange one-hour savory chicken meetings for a comfortable, popular city restaurant and longer conversations. He also decided on wearing more casual clothes, opting out of his office suits that she’d seen him often in for a navy turtleneck, khaki pants and white sneakers. 

Arriving at her front door, Jamie took one last stock of himself, suddenly feeling a wave of nervousness, and knocked on her door. 

What he saw next knocked him out. 

Claire opened the door wearing a burgundy sleeveless jumpsuit that was both modest and sexy, yet casual enough. Pairing the ensemble with black heels, the garment hugged Claire’s curves in just the right places that left Jamie staring for a hot minute. 

“Hi” Claire broke through his thoughts and he remembered his manners.

“Hi, Claire. Wow, ye look beautiful” 

“Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself. Going to stop traffic pairing blue on blue like that” 

“Ye ready to go?” 

“Yeah. Are we going to walk?” She asked as she locked the door to her place. 

“Yes, I hope ye dinna mind. Ye live close by all the nice places to eat.” 

“No, I don’t mind and also, very true.” 

It was a short 10-minute walk before they arrived at Howie’s Restaurant. 

“Howie’s. Interesting choice.” Claire commented as they walked to the hostess. 

“We can go somewhere if ye dinna like it here.” Jamie offered. 

“No, I actually quite like it here” she had to stifle a laugh at how adorable she found his tenseness was.

The hostess pointed them to the bar to wait for their table. Claire excused herself to the bathroom and Jamie ordered a light whisky for some liquid courage. 

When the bartender served his drink, a familiar bloke sat beside him and greeted him. 

“Jamie Fraser, hello!” 

Jamie gulped the drink and turned to the man beside him. “Joe! It’s good to see ye, man!” 

The two shook hands and exchanged more pleasantries. 

“I’m actually meeting my wife.” He looked at his watch and then to the front door. “Oh, good, she just arrived!” Joe quickly waved her in and introduced her. 

“Jamie Fraser, meet Gail Abernathy. Gail, Jamie.” he paused when Jamie extended a hand to her. “He was the guy who volunteered at our center two weeks ago. All the kids were just drawn to him.” 

“No wonder.” Gail observed, her comment earning a jokey sigh from her husband. “So, Jamie, what brings you to this side of town on a Saturday evening?” 

Jamie was about to share that he was on a date, but then right on cue, Claire arrives to greet the trio. 

“Hello, everyone!” 

“Claire!” Gail squealed as she gave her friend a tight hug. 

“Lady Jane, you clean up good!” Joe remarked. 

As they finished their greetings, Jamie quietly whispered to Claire to order any drink she’d like. The husband-and-wife duo caught on and couldn’t resist to pry. 

“You guys on a date?” Joe asked frankly. 

“First one, actually.” Jamie replied as Gail raised an eyebrow while Claire returned to his side, drink in tow. 

Joe leaned closer to Jamie and pretended to whisper in his ear, “My date advice is don’t challenge her or don’t allow her to challenge you to a drinking game. You will lose” 

Claire groaned while the rest laughed at her expense. 

Just then, the hostess approached the pairs and told them their tables were ready. They exchanged their goodbyes and were led to their areas. 

 ---

Jamie had been a perfect gentleman. 

He opened her seat, allowed her to order and choose whatever she wanted from the menu (They both went to the steak and fries!), and is making just the right amount of banter. 

Claire actually liked this dining choice - Howie’s comfort food really brought out the easy ambiance and conversation to their date. She didn’t mind going to a fancier place but she knew that if they were there, things would be too formal, delicate and shy. This was much better and she’d Jamie props for this. 

Moreover, what made this official first date a little bit more fun is much of the first date awkwardness is gone. They’ve covered much of the basics about their life during their lunches - their families (both their parents are alive and have retired away from the city, Claire’s an only child while Jamie had an older sister), how they chose their careers and where they went to school (Jamie is Oxford Law while Claire is Cambridge Med, the school rivalry something they joke about), their current or main interests (horses for Jamie, herbs for Claire) and many other things.

So the evening was more or less less a continuation on what they’ve normally done - catching up on their days, sharing an interesting story at work or a photo they found on the web, asking more random questions - the only difference now is, there’s a more clear and intentional purpose for knowing these things and whole lot of shameless flirting in between.  

Forty-five minutes in and halfway through their steak, a man approached their table. “Dr. Beauchamp, it’s nice to see you here!” 

Jamie and Claire looked up and saw a slender man, not much older than they are with grey eyes. 

“Tom, hi!” Claire swallowed a fry and grabbed a cloth to clean her mouth. 

“I’m sorry to interrupt your evening but I saw you from the bar and just had to pass by and greet you. I mean at least, this time, not at the hospital or during check ups” 

Claire smiled and made the introductions. “Oh, I’m sorry. Tom Christie, this is Jamie Fraser. Jamie, Tom. He is a teacher at the public elementary school. We met when I did the annual medical checkup for the kids. Also, I’m the peds of his kids, Allan and Malva.” 

The mention of the word kids made Jamie release the tight fist he didn’t know he held beneath the table. He didna like the way the man eyed Claire but it was not his place - not yet at least.

Jamie gave the man a nod but ultimately wished he’d go. When neither said or did anything, Tom said his farewells and confirmed his kids check-up schedule in two weeks. 

---

They decided to share a slice of chocolate cake and one last glass of wine each to cap off their dinner. 

As they waited for their order to arrive, they got startled with a loud noise. 

“Jamie, is that ye?!” one man said.

“Oh, heavens, tis!” another man replied. 

Jamie could not hide the embarrassment he felt as the two blokes approached their table. Once they noticed Claire, they did not waste time introducing themselves. 

“Hello, I havena seen ye before. My name is Angus” the thin, beardly man extended his hand. “And ye are?” 

“Hi, I’m Claire.” she reached out but eyeing Jamie for confirmation that he knew these people. 

“I’m Rupert.” the other man said. “We’re Jamie’s cousins” 

“Distant cousins” Jamie retorted back. “What brings ye here?” he asked while glaring at them to leave. 

“We have a double date” Angus shared, pointing to the table where two ladies were indeed waiting for them. 

“Then I suggest you return to your dates then.” Jamie replied then proceeded to converse with the two men in Gaelic. 

When the conversation was apparently over, Rupert sighed and turned to Claire. “It was nice meeting ye, lass. Please ask Jamie here to bring around one of our office events and meet the rest of the clan. I’m sure they’d love to get to know ye as well.” 

Jamie stood up quickly and had to push the two back to their table before they said anything else that may ruin the evening. 

“I’m sorry about them, Claire. They are quite the more, erm, rowdy members of my family.” he said as he sat down again. 

“It’s alright. They seem really nice” Claire said, smiling. “So, clan huh? Just how big is that family of yours really?” She brought the conversation back up again hoping it would ease his discomfort.

Jamie visibly relaxed and then, they were back in their bubble, “How many generations back?” 

---

Desert went by swimmingly with the chocolate cake and red wine proving to be a winning combo. After an almost three-hour dinner, Jamie asked for the check and insisted on paying for the meal. 

 They were one their way out of the restaurant then Claire was greeted by incoming guests. 

“Dr. Beauchamp!” 

Claire turned to look who called her. “Oh, please call me Claire. It’s nice seeing you here” 

“Likewise. Please call me Meredith.” she quickly signaled to the man beside her. “This is my husband, Derek.” 

“Of course, Dr. Shepherd.” Claire politely acknowledged him with the man insisting to be called casually as well. 

“Anyway, I’d just like to say that I just read your latest paper in the Journal of Pediatrics. I look forward to hearing all about it in your visit to Seattle.”

Claire graciously accepted the complement with a smile and bow. “Thank you. We’ll catch up in Seattle in a few weeks, then.” Remembering her companion, she turned to her back where Jamie was patiently waiting for her. “Oh my, where are my manners. Meredith, Derek, this is Jamie Fraser. Jamie, this is Meredith and Derek Shepherd. They’re visiting doctors from Grey Sloan Memorial in Seattle.” 

Jamie returned the pleasantries and shook hands with the doctors. 

“Alright, I’ll let you guys go on with your evening. Sorry for the sudden call out” Meredith said. 

“It’s no problem at all. A good night to you both as well.” Claire replied as she looked at Jamie and motioned for them to head out. 

--

Once they we're out of the restaurant, Jamie lets out a light laugh. 

“What’s so funny?” she asked. 

“I was just thinking that I’d never unexpectedly run into that many acquaintances in one evening, let alone in a date!” he shared, chuckling more as the thought further sank in his mind and Claire joined him in his mood. “It isna exactly part of the Jamie Fraser Date Experience” 

“I’m really sorry.” 

“Don’t be, there’s nothing to apologize for. I mean, who would’ve thought, right?” Jamie retorted, his humor infectious. 

She was touched by his honesty, not just with the situation but the entire night. He was caring, makes great conversation, and is always authentic with who and how he carries himself. She cannot make a full judgement of his character yet, as that is something she is still getting to know, but she likes what she is seeing so far. 

Taking a bold step, she wrapped her arm around his as they started walking side by side back to her place. 

Jamie looked at her hand, smiled and hoped it conveyed to Claire the joy he felt at the moment. “Is this part of the Claire Beauchamp Date Experience?” he asked nonchalantly. 

“Only to a rare few” she said as she slightly tugged him closer. 

The walk back seemed shorter than the one they did earlier. Before they knew it, they were already standing in front of Claire’s building. 

“Oh, before I forget!” Jamie exclaimed as he fished out his car keys and a grey miata lit up open beside them. He pulled out an exquisite posey bouquet of red roses and handed it to her. “These are for you.” 

Claire took them and smelt it, “The flowers are beautiful” 

“I hope ye had a good time, Sassenach” 

“I had a great time, Jamie. Thank you” 

After a beat, Jamie took a deep breath, gathering strength to what he was about to say next. “Claire, we’ve known each other for about a month now, became unexpected friends in a short amount of time, had our lunches and now, our first date. I hope ye dinna think this is too forward of me but...I like you and I would like to see you again or keep seeing you, I guess.“ They we’re holding each other’s gazes as he laid out his intentions and waited for her reply. 

Claire sighed and was just amazed by him. Her previous encounters are usually with male friends who constantly hang out with her then a few months down, asks her “what they are” as if she had to know or feel that something was happening from the get go. So, Jamie's forthrightness and old-fashionedness was truly refreshing and she was more than willing to give it a go. 

As a final check to their chemistry, she stepped closer, tilted her head and leaned in to him. Quickly responding to her actions, he held her face on one hand and placed the other on her hips to pull her closer. He followed her lead until their lips crashed into each other in a single deep kiss.

In that moment, both Jamie and Claire knew something big shifted in the dynamic of their relationship. 

This was not usual. 

This is different.

And oh so good.

They felt each other smile against their lips just as they pulled apart for air. 

“I like you too, Jamie and yes”

--

A/N: Maybe not the first date you might've thought of but hope you liked it! As always, thank you for reading! Your comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome. If there's a story or scene you'd like to know, feel free to drop it! :)This was my original idea for the date but as I was writing it, I was going back and forth about scraping the entire thing and think about something else. But the original thought kept developing in my mind so I went back and stuck with it and cross-fingers, hoped it worked and made sense. I knew she had doctor friends but adding the Greys Anatomy characters just came about since I've been binging the show and thought it'd be fun to crossover. Hope you're keeping safe and in line to get vaccinated for the COVID-19 shot! See you all in the next one!

#Outlander #outlander fanfic #outlander fanfiction #fanfic #fanfiction #something in the rain #sitr #jamie fraser #claire fraser #jamie x claire #joe abernathy #gail abernathy #angus mohr #rupert mackenzie #tom christie #mia writes #tb writes #sam heughan #caitriona balfe #sam x cait #samcait #hope you like it #:)

[camillaluddingtns]

The Duke of Cambridge visits Smiths the Bakers, in the High Street where he is presented with a birthday cake by shop owner Paul Brandon on June 19, 2020 in King's Lynn, Norfolk.

#prince william #duke of cambridge #SmithsBakers20 #royaltyedit #myedit

[justthehiddleswrites]

Forever Hold Your Peace | Tom Hiddleston x Cumberbatch!Reader  | Chapter 3 | The Bachelor Party

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x Cumberbatch!Reader

Summary:  Tom Hiddleston dated Benedict's little sister (reader) back at Cambridge, after a bad breakup Tom and Benedict are now friends. The reader is now engaged to an American who Benedict does not trust. Ben turns to his good friend Tom to help break up the wedding and win back the girl he never truly got over.

This Chapter:  Tom keeps running into you as wedding preparations kick into high gear. An incident at the bachelor party resolves Tom to join Benedict of this plan of wedding ruin.

Warnings: Fluff, angst, slapping, cursing.

-

The wedding preparations moved fast over the next two weeks. You had time no to stay mad at Ben. You needed the help.

“Why isn’t what’s his face here to pick out a cake?” Ben grumbled as he took a bite of white cake.

“He needed to take care of some things at work, but he is meeting me at the florist at 3 to pick out the flowers.”

“How convenient.”

“I thought you would be nice.” you snapped as crumbs fell from your mouth.

“This is me being nice. Pardon me for thinking the groom should take part in the details of his own wedding.” Ben rolled his eyes.

You pushed away from the table. “This visa thing has stressed him out. And I would expect my family to be supportive!” You stormed off to get some fresh air. As you pushed the door open, you ran into the gentleman entering the shop.

“So sorry.” you muttered.

“My apologies.”

“Tom?” you asked as you spied familiar blue eyes staring at you.

“It’s nice to see you. You look fantastic.“ He pulled you into a hug. You held him just a second too long.

“You too. Why are you… My brother called you, didn’t he?”

Tom laughed. “He asked me to meet him here to go out for a drink. But it looks like I am a bit early.”

“Nonsense. We were wrapping up.” You fidgeted with your hair, flustered.

You opened the door and the two of you stepped back in. Ben’s face lit up when he noticed Tom walking with you. Now there was a brother-in-law he could live with.

Tom hugged Benedict. “Dirty pool at giving me the wrong time, mate.” Tom whispered.

Ben smiled wide. “Just reminding her of the options.”

“I’m not an option.“ Tom turned to you. “Where is your fiancé? I was hoping to meet him before the bachelor party this weekend.”

You swallowed. “You’re going to that?!”

“At your brother’s request. Now where is the man who swept the most beautiful girl I ever dated off her feet?” Tom winked at Ben. You didn’t notice because you were too busy hiding your embarrassment.

“He had work stuff. Something to do with his visa.” You made excuses. “He’s stressed what with the wedding and all.”

Tom gave a soft smile and kissed your temple. “Of course. I can only imagine. Well, let me take your brother off your hands and let you get back to planning the big day.” Tom saw the worry on your face. “I would suggest a simple vanilla cake, if it were me.”

You nodded and gave both of them quick hugs, but your eyes filled with sadness as they left you alone in the bakery.

Once Tom and Ben walked out of sight, Tom punched Benedict hard in the shoulder. “Next time give me a little warning.”

“And where would be the fun in that?” Ben laughed. “It is so rare I catch you off guard. And if it must come at my sister’s expense…”

Tom scowled. “Speaking of your sister, where is the infamous Billy Bob?”

Ben groaned. “Working, but I have my suspicions he is othwersie occupied.”

Tom furrowed his brow. “Why?”

“He is never around. All the big events of this wedding he has missed. No one works that much. Not even you.”

Tom frowned. “Have you talked to her about it?”

“She doesn’t take me seriously. I’m just the annoying big brother. Now if you…” Ben looked at Tom with hopeful eyes.

“Oh no,” Tom backed away as they reached the pub. “Absolutely not. I will not ruin your sister’s wedding based on your paranoid suspicions.”

“I thought we were friends.”

“We are but I am not willing to die for that friendship. And your sister would kill me.”

“Coward.” They sat down in a booth.

“To want to continue living. Yes I am a coward.”

Tom’s look said to drop the subject, which Benedict obliged and they enjoyed the rest of the meal. They parted making plans to meet for the dreaded bachelor party that weekend.

“Please don’t leave alone during this horrid affair.” Ben pleaded.

“I promise I would come didn’t I?

“True but…”

“Then I will come.” Tom assured him. “And I will get to meet the infamous Billy Bob.”

“Indeed. And you will then understand why this wedding must never happen.” Tom raised an eyebrow and Ben held his hands up. “Apologies.”

“Goodbye Benedict. Good luck on your hairbrained scheme. Try not to make your sister cry.”

“That’s your job, Tom.”

Tom laughed it off as they parted, but Ben’s words stung his heart. He hoped to never make you cry ever again.

-

You answered the door of your brother’s home to find Tom standing in jeans and t-shirt. His blond hair tousled in curls.

“We have to stop meeting like this.” He winked at you.

You bit your lip. “We do. Although…” you glanced over your shoulder. “… I suspect my brother may have something to do with that.”

Tom laughed. “I suspect you’re right.” He shuffled his feet out of nerves. “Listen… I know it’s been years but I’m sorry.”

Your shoulders slumped. “It’s fine. I’m over it.” You stepped outside to leave. Tom grabbed your hand.

“No, it’s not fine. I behaved like a right bastard and no one deserves to be treated less than.”

Tears pricked at your eyes. “Thank you, Tom.”

“And look at you now, successful and getting married in two days to the man of your dreams! I wish I could be there to see it.”

You nodded as his words hit your heart. Was William the man of your dreams or just the man you said yes to? You pushed the troubling thought aside.

“I’m sure Ben will share pictures.” You wanted to get out of there. Away from Tom’s charm. You stepped down the stairs.

Tom gave a killer smile to hide his heartache. “I won’t keep you any longer. You must have lots to do.”

You nodded. “It was good to see you, Tom.” You lied.

“You too.” He kissed your cheek. “Good luck tomorrow.”

You hustled away before you cried in front of him. Ben came to the door just as you disappeared from view.

“Still hitting it off with the ladies, I see.” Benedict teased.

“Weren’t you the one who forbade me to date a member of your family?” He raised an eyebrow as they got into the car.

“A position I am reconsidering. Thank you for accompanying me to this thing.”

“Why did you invite me, anyway?”

“You mean I can’t enjoy the company of one of my best friends for an evening?”

“No.”

“You’re right. I need a second opinion on William. And a second pair of eyes—”

“— to spy—”

“—to observe.” Benedict shot daggers at Tom.

“Another word for spying.”

“Are you going to help?”

“I intend on enjoying myself tonight.”

“Then we agree.”

“Not at all.”

This continued until they pulled up to the club. It was the sort of place Tom and Benedict would never frequent of their own accord. Too trendy, too loud, too bright.

It’s the “classic bachelor party” William explained to Benedict who later relayed that to Tom.

“In other words, too much booze and too much boobs.” Tom commented.

“It’s that rather crass. On second thought, that’s probably what he thought.” Benedict quipped. They grabbed drinks at the bar. “Oh shit, here he comes.”

Benedict hooked his chin towards a sweaty and smiling man.

“Holy fuck! It’s Loki!” William screamed over the loud club music.

Tom nearly spit out his drink. He hated him already. “In the flesh.” he choked out as William took his hand into his meaty paw and shook it hard, squeezing.

William punched Ben in the shoulder. “Bro, you never told me you knew Loki!”

Tom giggled behind William’s back at Ben’s discomfort. “You never asked.” Ben scoffed.

William spun to speak to Tom and Benedict pulled faces behind, mouthing “wanker” at Tom.

“Dude, do you know Arnold Schwarzenegger? He is my favorite.”

Benedict rolled his eyes.

“I’m afraid not, William.” Tom gave a tight smile. “But Ben you were at that BAFTA event last week…”

That was all it took to send William talking a mile a minute. Tom smiled at Benedict as he walked away to leave Benedict to fend for himself for a bit.

“Serves him right.” Tom muttered to himself as he went off to find a dark corner.

Ben didn’t resurface until 30 minutes later.

“You’ll pay for that.” Benedict cursed as he sidled up Tom at the bar.

“Fair is fair.” Tom smiled. “How is Billy Bob?”

“On his third cocktail and even more insufferable than usual with his mates by his side.” Benedict’s voice dripped with disdain.

“Shame. Here’s to getting out of here unaccosted.” Tom raised his glass.

A heavy hand hit Benedict’s shoulder.

“Onto our second stop for the night.”

Tom and Benedict furrowed their brows.

“I beg your pardon?” Benedict questioned.

“This was just the appetizer, bro. Onto the entrée. Zander will give you the address.” He walked away but not before shooting his fingers at the two men.

A tall thin man with slicked down black hair, who was Zander, gave them the address to a private residence. Benedict called the car.

“Do you have any idea where we are going?” Tom asked.

“I wasn’t consulted on the party plans. It’s probably a stripper popping out of a cake, judging by this crowd.”

Tom buried his head in his hand. “God, I hope not.”

The private residence was the rental for the groomsman. Everyone else headed to the parlor while Tom and Benedict wandered to the kitchen to see if there was anything edible in this house. They found only beer in the fridge.

“William! We are going to grab some food and be right back.” Tom yelled.

“Whatever, dude.” William yelled, his voice coming from the crowd of his friends.

Curious, they took a step into the parlor. The men hooted and hollered as rock music played from an unseen sound system.

“I’m afraid you were right.” Tom pointed towards the center of the room. All he saw was a buxom woman wearing little more than a thong and pasties.

Both of them moved out of the room after getting an eyeful of flesh. They sighed as they stepped out into the cool London air.

“That was awkward.” Tom commented.

The two laughed at the absurdity of their situation as they walked towards the nearest store.

-

They returned thirty minutes later to a very different scene. The rock music still blasted throughout the house. However, most of the guys were passed out on the furniture or playing video games.

“Where’s William?” Benedict asked a guy name Ashton.

The blond guy just shrugged his shoulders.

“What do you think?” Tom questioned. “Do you want to take the food home?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Tom handed the bags to Benedict. “I am going to the loo first.” He turned to Ashton. “Where’s the bathroom?”

“Upstairs, second door on the left.”

“Thanks.”

Tom shuffled off.

“I mean right!” Ashton yelled after Tom.

Tom headed upstairs and opened the second door on the left, which led to a bedroom. A bedroom occupied by the stripper and one gentleman from the party, in a state of undress.

“Terribly sorry to interrupt,” Tom apologized. “I was looking for the restroom?”

“Second door on the right, dude.” a familiar voice answered.

“William?” Tom squinted at the man whose neck was being sucked on by a nearly naked woman.

“Loki?”

Tom’s vision flashed white as his hand balled into a fist and it connected with William’s face.

“The name’s Thomas, Billy Bob.” Tom shook his hand out as William laid sprawled unconscious on the bed. He pointed at the stripper.

“He said he was one of the groomsman!” she screamed.

“Your name?”

“Diamond.”

“Diamond.” Tom resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Party’s over. Get dressed and get out.”

She nodded, too scared to ask questions.

Tom stomped down the stairs and found Ben leaning against a wall.

“I’m in.” Tom grabbed his arm. “I’ll explain in the car. Just tell me when this wedding is.”

Benedict couldn’t help but smile.

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