#just waiting for kit and james to join the club | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

idy-ll-ique · 3 years

Text

unlike any other

pairing: mob boss!bucky barnes x maid!f!reader

genre: angst, fluff, smut (AH THE HOLY TRINITY)

warnings: mention of blood, mention of wounds,,,,,,,,, sex (but only a lil bit)

requested: nope

word count: 1.8k

summary: bucky barnes, among many things, owns a strip club. y/n works there as a maid, but she has only recently joined so she has no idea who he is. one day, she catches him napping in one of the private rooms after closing time and, not knowing that he owns the place, asks him to leave because it's a "staff only" room. mesmerized by her, he leaves without a word but a few days later, she finds out who he truly is. sparks fly? sparks fly.

author's note: hiya peeps! enjoy!

masterlist

---

James Barnes was tired.

All he wanted to do was go home and get a good night's sleep, but this moron in front of him was proving it to be very difficult. "What aren't you getting about my plan, Johnson?" he growled, a deep glare etched on his face as he disdainfully stared at one of the men who worked for him. "Why are we doing this at all?" Oh, Johnson has quite the mouth on him, can't wait to break all his fucking teeth.

"Are you the boss or am I?" Bucky countered, putting his arms up, exasperated. Johnson was about to reply when Bucky decided he was too tired to deal with him at all. "You know what, how about we talk tomorrow, hm? Leave, now." With an audacious huff, Johnson got up and left the room. As soon as he was gone Bucky groaned loudly.

"That man," he muttered to himself, "Is a fucking idiot. I'm gonna have to talk to Sam tomorrow, why did he even suggest—" Bucky then relaxed back onto the couch he was sitting on, leaning further and further back until he was simply lying down, head resting on the armrest.

James Barnes was tired.

And he needed a fucking nap.

James Buchanan Barnes. He commonly went by the name Bucky, and he ran the biggest, most affluent mob in the city. Currently, he was at a strip club that he owned, which also had private rooms for… basically hooking up, but he never used it for that, using it only to hold meetings with potential allies or his men.

He dozed off on the couch but was able to sleep for only about 30-45 minutes before someone was shaking him awake.

---

“Phew, last room! Why does this place have so many rooms?” Y/N grumbled to herself, opening the door to the private room. She was a maid recently hired by the club, and her job was to clean up all the private rooms after the closing time. They paid her well so she didn’t mind doing the job. When she opened the door, though, she noticed a man sleeping on the couch.

All his clothes were still intact and his hair was also done nicely… She scrutinized him for a while longer, taking note of his handsome, chiselled features and how he dripped of power even when he was asleep. Finally, a few minutes later, she decided to wake him up. However powerful he might seem, the rooms after closing were for staff only and he needed to leave.

“Excuse me, sir?” Y/N gently shook his shoulders, startling him awake. He blinked his eyes open and in his hazy state of mind, he thought there was an angel standing above him. “What?” he yawned and Y/N offered him a sheepish smile. “Sorry, you gotta go, the club is closed for the night and this is a staff-only room,” she told him and he blinked.

She didn’t know him? “I, uh, yeah, I’m sorry,” he complied, sitting up. He took in her appearance as well; she was wearing a cheesy maid’s costume that fit the aesthetic of the strip club perfectly, yet there was a sort of innocence to her, the kind that would make even the most cold-hearted and powerful of them all want to cater to her every whim without question.

“Uh… see ya around,” she raised her eyebrows and Bucky offered her a quick smile, getting out of the room. “Behaving like he owns the place,” Y/N scoffed to herself as she began cleaning up the mess in the room starting with the empty alcohol bottles. She couldn’t stay mad at him for long, though- his handsome face could make anyone’s heart melt. As the thought passed through her head, a small smile bloomed on her face.

Oh stranger, I really hope we meet again soon.

As Bucky drove home, he, too, thought of the maid. Who was she? Why had he never seen her before? And why didn’t she know him? That night, as he went to bed for the second time, all he saw in his dreams was a lovely maid’s costume and a pretty, pearly white smile.

---

“I’m firing that guy,” Bucky told Sam determinedly. A few days had passed since Bucky’s meeting with Johnson and he was more determined than ever to get rid of the guy. Something about Johnson seemed off. “Wh- You hired that guy like a week ago, what happened? He used to work with Pierce and Rumlow before, he can give us valuable intel-”

“What if he never stopped?” Sam quieted at the retort. “He told us how horribly they treated their own men,” Sam answered a little while later. “What if he’s lying?” Bucky asked impatiently. “Give him a chance-” Just then, there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Bucky sighed and Johnson poked his head in. “Got a minute, boss?”

“Oh sure, come in, we were just discussing you! Have a seat!” Sam raised an eyebrow at Bucky’s sudden cheerfulness as Johnson happily bounded into the room, plopping down on the couch. “What were you discussing?” he questioned. “How I was just about to fire you,” Bucky smirked and Johnson’s face fell.

He didn’t speak for a few minutes, causing Sam and Bucky to glance at each other. “Hello…?” All of a sudden Johnson stood up with a fit of rage. “Damn it, Barnes, you ruin everything!” Bucky shouted triumphantly as Sam gasped. “I knew you were a fucking two-timer, you son of a bitch!” Bucky yelled at him. “And you made it so easy!” Johnson laughed dryly.

“Why you-” Bucky swung a punch at Johnson’s face, breaking his nose. “What have you told Pierce?!” Johnson retaliated right back by kicking his knee into Bucky’s abdomen, making him fall back. A fight soon broke out between all three of them, so loud that the commotion could be heard from outside.

Approximately 20 minutes later Y/N, who was passing by the room at the time, heard the loud noise and stopped in her tracks. It sounded like… two people fighting. It wasn’t her cleaning time yet, but she still rushed to the door, opening it up with such force that the door loudly banged on the other side. At this, the fight instantly halted.

Bucky was holding an unconscious Johnson by the collar, his fist an inch away from Johnson’s jaw. Both of them looked pretty beaten up, with blood all over their faces and clothes. Sam, meanwhile, was half-lying on the couch, clutching the side of his abdomen with a pained look on his face. Y/N’s hands flew to her mouth at the sight of them.

That was when she recognized the man from a few days ago. Oh shit, he does own the place. Bucky immediately got up and dusted his suit, staring down at a passed-out Johnson with a sneer. “Sam, take him to Wanda, she’ll know what to do with him. And please, for the love of God, go to the hospital.” With the help of a few others, Sam and Johnson left.

It was only Bucky and Y/N in the room now. She continued staring at his face in horror and Bucky chuckled, wiping away a trail of blood near his lips. “That bad?” She snapped out of her trance. “You…” Bucky gave her a wry smile. “Bucky Barnes at your service. And you are?” Y/N blinked a few times before answering. “Y/N, Y/N Y/L/N.” Bucky looked around.

“Well, Y/N, if you’d be so kind as to fetch me a first aid kit.” She instantly walked out of the room and got the first aid kit for him. When she returned to the room, Bucky was sitting on the couch, his jacket and shirt removed. Even his torso was covered in black and blue bruises. "It looks bad," she blurted out.

"Will you help me clean up?" Y/N couldn't deny him. He was her boss, after all. She sat down next to him and wordlessly started cleaning the blood off his face. He didn't so much as flinch, which Y/N found to be extremely impressive. After all the blood was cleaned, Y/N grimaced when she saw his broken nose. "Your, um, your nose…" Bucky easily grabbed his nose in both hands and clicked it into place.

Y/N flinched badly at the action, making Bucky laugh. "Come on, princess, it's not that difficult," he teased her and she shook her head, a smile blooming on her face. "So, um, I'm sorry about that day," she mumbled as Bucky kept the first aid kit away. "Sorry? For doing your job? Don't do that."

She looked up at him. "No, I- I should've known it was you, and I just… maybe I could've been more polite-"

"Sorry, you gotta go, the club is closed for the night and this is a staff-only room," Bucky quoted verbatim, "You couldn't have been more polite." Y/N's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and she shuffled her feet. "Please don't fire me," she whispered under her breath, yet Bucky managed to hear her. And when an opportunity presents itself…

"On one condition."

She looked up at him, wide-eyed and nodded excitedly. "Anything you want." Bucky smirked and sat back down next to her, placing his hand on her bare thigh. "Go on a date with me," he breathed out, leaning close to her. Y/N's breath and heart rate hitched at his forwardness, but she didn't have the will to deny him.

He was good-looking, he was rich, he was polite, why not give it a try? Y/N offered him a small smile. "Um, okay, I'd like that a lot," she agreed truthfully and Bucky grinned, pressing his lips to hers without wasting a moment. Y/N kissed him back, cupping his face with her hands.

In the heat of the moment, Bucky bent forward until the back of Y/N's head touched the armrest; still, they didn't pull away from each other. Bucky sneakily got his hand under Y/N's blouse, the skin on skin contact making them both groan. "Ugh, you really are very pretty, you know?" Bucky whispered as he unbuttoned her blouse and threw it away.

He stared in awe at her bra-covered breasts, his shaft twitching impatiently. But, just as he was about to unbuckle her bra, the door swung open. Bucky immediately hid Y/N under him and looked up at a horror-struck Sam, who ran out of the room screaming, "At least lock the door next time, asshole!"

Y/N giggled when she saw Bucky's flustered face. "He's right, you know," she whispered cheekily and Bucky playfully narrowed his eyes at her, attacking her neck with kisses and love bites.

"Talk to me like that again and you'll be in for a long night, pretty face."

"Oh, I'd like to see you try, boss."

---

a/n: thanks for reading, leave a like if you enjoyed it!

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creativeashproductions · 4 years

Text

What If...? I // Alive!Luke Patterson

Summary: The story of Sunset Curve if someone had been able to stop them from the fatal street dogs. A rock and roll family legacy, the reader meets Luke at a concert where he decides she is his endgame, this is a story of their life together.

Warning: Swearing, fluff, female!reader, do street dogs count now??

Words: 3.0k

Requested: By @beautifulblogsblog . The request was detailed so this request with be 5 parts and shorter since I have no clue where 3.0k came from?! Enjoy.

A/N: Interesting fact about the stand where the guys get the streets dogs is the name of shady business is a play on words. Say the name fast and you’ll catch on.

TO BE TAGGED SEND AN INBOX PLEASE!

Masterlist

Los Angeles, Early 1990s

Sunset Curve started as a fun little project for a group of four teenagers from all walks of life and different stories. It came about when a kind blonde boy was trying to find a socially acceptable way to hang out with someone he was currently seeing. It worked because Alex had learnt drumming as a way to work his frustrations out, he didn’t feel like he could punch someone, so boxing was a no go. Luke, the guy he was seeing, had received a guitar from his parents and self-taught himself how to play. The Patterson parents believed it would be a phase and he’d get serious about education.

The duo found out that an acquaintance had been having taken guitar lessons for several years, as a date Luke and Alex discovered him in the music room at school. Somehow another guy, Bobby, joined and then when the relationship between Alex and Luke mutually ended the band floundered. Alex, however, refused to let the breakup affect their friendships. Luke refused to give up the band. Sunset Curve was then forever changed to a permanent band.

In 1993 Luke attended one of his favourite local bands at a venue where he bumped into you. Chemistry and attraction instantaneous between you two, unlike anything before. IN that few second you both knew that you had see the other again.

“Hey! Sorry!” You called out over the loud music glancing over his shoulder at your friends grinning in response. After a bad breakup, Jay and Ro had been pushing you into failed blind dates.

“No worries!” Luke replied, “Gnarly song, hey?”

You nodded glancing at your friends once more, “I better get back to my friends.”

Luke frowned as you gave no indication you felt the spark, he did in the minute of interaction, but he hoped he could change your mind. The encounter settled in his mind as the concert finished, and the clock struck midnight.

Ro and Jay hounded you for leaving a gorgeous guy with the same music taste, but you just felt wrong to lead him on. Sure, you felt something for the guy but look how the previous relationship turned out.

“After James…”

“He’s an ass,” Ro spoke frowning at the tone you used for your ex. A two-year relationship with a guy you thought would be your forever love, “Girl, I would date you in a second! You’re a strong woman who doesn’t need a man. But that doesn’t mean having a little fun…”

“He’s gorgeous.” Jay supplied looking over at the boy whose attention was sucked back into the music by the band Weezer. The band is an inspiration for his music, “Look at his arms. Cut off muscle shirts were explicitly made for him.

“If I see him again. I’ll think about it.” You sighed chuckling as Jay made a face at the song being played. Jay didn’t like this kind of music, but she loved you too much to not be there when you were still hurting.

A few weeks later in a bookstore, you waited for your Aunt’s book club to end so you could help close the store and go home. The sound of a guitar brought your head over the couch to see that guy with a band from the concert; all of them playing instruments. Godlike he couldn’t get any more perfect, then he started singing. You were a goner.

“You should try the cheesecake bites.” You spoke coming up behind the guy at the snack table, “So you like Weezer, play guitar in a rock band and you sing?”

Luke was surprised at the sight of you, “Hey. I..uh…yeah. Always been a fan of rock.”

“I grew up on it. My parents met at a Rush concert, and a year later they were married.” You spoke leaning back against the wall, “Dad’s on the road right now.

Alex noticed Luke talking to a girl across the room as he packed up his kit, a pinch of sadness felt, but he pushed it away. They ended for a reason, and they just didn’t care about each other the same way. Alex was happy for his friend.

“Is he in a band?” Luke asked glancing at the band shirt you tied into a crop top and a pair of shorts. It was gorgeous but straightforward on you.

“Yeah. The tour bus was kind of my first home, I guess.” You chuckled looking at the guy, “Hey sorry for being standoffish at the concert. It was lame of me.”

Luke smiled, crossing his arms and smiling when he noticed your eyes wander to his arms before you met his gaze again. He usually wasn’t so confident, but God, there was something that drew him to you. He’d hoped he would bump into you again.

“It’s cool.” Luke shrugged, “If I say something really cool, could I get your number?”

You smiled, grabbing the sharpie in your back pocket before gently taking his arm. Scribbling the number on his arm to glanced up to his awed expression.

“Call me.” You replied before pushing off the wall to head to the where your Aunt was starting to close up, “I have a personal line.”

Luke beamed happily following Reggie out the door, a grin that didn’t leave his face. He called. After a date, he called nightly, and a relationship was born.

Your converse slapped on the sidewalk as you sprinted to the band studio beyond excited to see Luke after two weeks of family time on the road. You missed him. He was coming out of the studio they rented when he glanced up. He stumbled back when you slammed into him full force.

“Whoa!” Luke yelped as he caught his balance and squeezed you close to him, breathing in the scent that was just you, “I missed you so much.”

“Me too.” You breathed hurriedly kissing him in response, “I just got back, and I had to see you.”

The entire world fades away as you guys kissed as if you hadn’t seen each other in months rather than a few weeks. His one hand moving to cup the back of your neck and the other squeezing your hip. Yours wrapped around his neck.

Your heads tilting to deepen the kiss when a voice interrupted you.

“Gag me with a spoon.” Bobby spoke, walking by with a grimace, “Nice that your back so Luke will stop moping but too bad since I’ll have to see that.”

“Oh, shut up, man.” Luke shoved him playfully before he picked up his abandoned guitar case and held your hand tighter, “You’ll understand when you find someone.”

Reggie and Alex waved as they continued on, Reggie would have to endure a tense supper with his parents, and Alex had family plans as well. Luke, however, was bringing you home to see his parents; out of his life choices, Emily and Mitch adored you.

“Come on.” Luke smiled, kissing your cheek as he tugged you to the sidewalk refusing you let you go on the walk to his place. Luke listened as you told stories from your time with your parents; he had allowed to meet them. Every time, however, last-minute details kept Luke from meeting your father.

“So, I have some news…” You playfully said coming to a stop at the front door of his house with a grin. Luke’s little grin appeared at how happy you looked and the sunburn on the tip of your nose.

“Yeah?”

“You know Poison Monarchy, right? The club.” You questioned moving to lean against the brickwork, you were expected to see his reaction. Luke’s eyes brightened at the mention of a famous club that jumpstarted a few bands.

“Of course! The guys and I snuck in to see this radical band. We got kicked out, but man it was such a cool night.” Luke grinned slipping into the memory of being where local bands got big, and most went on to place The Orpheum.

“Well-“

“Luke.” Luke’s dad Mitch spoke from the open doorway with a look of displeasure at the guitar case resting at the teen’s feet.

Luke automatically straightened his posture at the sight of his stern father waiting in the entrance. His hand keeping yours when it started to slip out.

“Dinner is getting cold,” Mitch spoke, turning his attention to you. His stern expression breaking into a genuine smile, “Y/N, it’s nice to have you over.”

Luke was led into his own house by you as you enthralled Mitch in a story about something you saw on the road. His Mom was putting the last dish on the table when the kitchen livened up with the new additions. Emily was quick to tug you into a huge before everyone washed up.

Luke was kind to walk you home after dinner with his parents where he could breathe again from the expectations in his home. His arm slung around your shoulder, humming a new melody that had been in the back of his mind.

“So, I hope you guys are free Friday.” You spoke nestling further into his side content in his jacket he had draped over your shoulders.

“Why?” Luke questioned, tilting his head to kiss your temple. His fringe tickling your forehead as he did so.

“The regular band isn’t able to play, and they were looking for a replacement. My Aunt-“

“-who owns the book store you finally talked to me at-“

You chucked at Luke’s words, “Anyways, her brother-in-law went to high school with the owner, and I may have dropped your band, and well you have a gig.”

“I love you,” Luke exclaimed stumbling back at his words. Your eyes widened in response, “Oh god. That is not how I wanted to tell-“

“You love me?” You shyly spoke, staring at the boy that held your heart in his hands ever since the first real conversation. Luke’s face turned bright red as he stuttered out mindless words. Something in your eyes changed that, and the confidence returned with a shade of shy.

“Yeah. I do. I have for a while, but I know how that loser broke your heart, and I didn’t want to rush you.” Luke spoke cupping your cheek in his hand, “But I really love you. Like, not some puppy love either. I see two things in the future. Sunset Curve and you.”

“Luke-”

“And I know it’s only been a year, and we’re barely seventeen, but I’ve only been sure about two things in my life. You don’t have to-“

“Luke! I love you too.” You laughed, reaching up to kiss him with all the love you could pour into it. Love you loved him, and God help him, he adored you, “Well Rockstar, better plan your setlist.”

You breathed cradling his hands still cupped on your cheeks each bearing a grin of pure happiness because this was a perfect moment; just Luke and you in love. That was all that was needed.

Two years flew by for Sunset Curve and your relationship with Luke did as well and with every relationship came ups and downs. After a nasty fight, you came to a compromise to never go to bed angry, Luke had spent the entire night on your porch. He got sick, and you made up. After performing at Poison Monarchy, the first time they had monthly gigs there, they would busk on the street for extra cash. Luke bought you a promise ring with his busking savings just before the big blowout with his parents on Christmas.

“Luke?” You yawned opening the door to a sobbing teenager. You were quick to yank him in the house out of the cold.

Luke broke down that night after running out on his Mom for the usual argument he had based on his dreams. The next few months he would alternate staying at Reggie, Alex’s or your place if your parents were gone. The subject was too sensitive, so you ignored the elephant topic in the room instead of addressing it.

“Babe, we did it.” The glee in his voice was by far one of your favourite things to listen to. You were sitting on the bar with him leaning back between your legs. Both your eyes scanning the empty area of The Orpheum.

“You guys did it.” You breathed, “You pour yourself into this band. You guys finally get the accomplishment.”

The rest of the band had joined you guys in complete silence to take in the monumental moment in their lives. Something you didn’t want to tell the boys was that with a little nudging, your father had spread the word of an up and coming band. His words would be bringing people in the business tonight.

“So, I’m thinking we close with Now or Never.” Alex offered, “It’s our high-level energy song, and to close with it would be perfect.”

“Our third song could be ‘Home is Where My Horse Is’ and go int-“Reggie cut himself off when the band gave him the usual look, “Oh come on! We need to give a little taste for when we dropped a country album.”

“I-“ Luke shook his head disregarding the same thing that happened at every gig they had done, “We’ll start practising. See you in a bit.”

Luke swiftly kiss you before shoving around with the boys to the door backstage glancing over with a heart-stopping smile. You watched intently as they began their soundcheck for the gig buzzed on the excitement.

“They’re good.” A beautiful girl spoke wiping down the counter beside you—her brown eyes watching the band perform.

“They are. I’m Y/N.” You grinned as she introduced herself as Rose, “The two on the ends are single.”

Her chuckle spoke for itself as she moved away to put glasses away behind the bar, her tight curls bouncing as she walked. You see Bobby and Reggie had their eyes pinned on her while Luke’s head was in the clouds or his eyes meeting yours.

“So, the restaurant is ready when they are.” The gritty voice spoke from behind you. Standing in the flesh was your father who you immediately jumped at.

“Dad!” You exclaimed happily that he had finally been able to come to see the guys play. It was always a wrong time when he was supposed to meet the band.

It’s what happens when he happens your father happens to be in one of the biggest rock bands around. Little people knew who your father was, even Luke just knew he was in a band and called him by his last name out of respect. He had never met him face to face, however.

“So, the frontman is Luke?” Lancaster, Lance for short, questioned his daughter leaning beside her, “Remember when your type was a football player?”

You snorted at his words since he had never liked your ex-boyfriend James. Lance had heard stories from your mother and you about Luke. Lance so far liked the teenage boy. He trusted you wholeheartedly to make responsible decisions.

“Oh, shut up.” You spoke, pushing his shoulder, “How was London?”

“Same as usual. Met up with the guys.” The sombre tone was enough for you to know he had been celebrating a close friend. Even with Freddie’s illness, your father hadn’t been able to leave his side and even four years after the death of Freddie Mercury, it still cut Lance up.

“I’m happy you’re home.” You spoke smirking when the band finished their soundcheck heading to the waitress immediately after. Bobby, no doubt flirting while the other searched for you, “Man, this is gonna be good.”

You raised your hand to your boyfriend, who quickly made his way over with a huge grin and heavy breathing.

“Man that was as exhilarating as our-“

“Luke!” You nervously chuckled quickly kissing him before he could embarrass himself in front of your father. Luke frowned at your tone before he glanced over to the side. Alex and Reggie making their way over, “Guys, things aligned perfectly. I want you to meet my father.”

Luke’s eyes widened as it clicked that he had almost told his girlfriend’s father he was sleeping with her. His Adam’s apple gulped at the fear that flooded his veins. The father in question turned, and the band as a collective released the most hilarious gasp of shock.

“That’s-“

“Lance Y/L/N. By your expressions, I assume you know my stage name.”

“Lancaster Jameson.” Alex squealed having to grab Reggie’s arm to keep himself upright.

“Your father is Lancaster Jameson?!” Luke exclaimed, “You didn’t tell me you’re a literal rock legacy!”

You could hold back the laugh waiting to fall from your mouth at their reactions to your family history. The excitement was overpowering everything else.

“He just watched us perform.” Reggie breathed, hitting Alex in the chest, “My dream has been reached. My goal is finished.”

“While they calm down, I’ll see you later,” Dad spoke kissing the side of your head as he whistled his way to the entrance. The group was collapsing almost only regrouping to make fun of Bobby. You are tugged with them.

“Ok, well, I’m thinking we fuel up before the show. I’m thinking of street dogs.” Luke announced happily, whereas you made a disgusting face.

“No.” You shook your head at the suggestion. There was no way you were going to down a street dog before their gig.

“It would be fitting.”

“No. I have a feeling that street dog would have been your last. The place is called Sam N Ella’s guys, if you say it fast, it comes out salmonella.” You spoke glaring at Reggie went to say something, “No. We’ll head to have food with my folks and some of their friends.”

“Getting food with a rock legend? Heck, yes!” Alex spoke already heading for the door with Reggie right behind, “Street dogs are in the past!”

It was a beautiful night. Sunset Curve got a ton of offers, and many demos were taken from the group as well. They also didn’t die.

Tag List (PLEASE SEND AN INBOX TO BE ADDED!)

#luke patterson imagines #julie and the phantoms imagines #jatp luke #luke patterson x reader #caitsy and ash productions #charlie gillespie

567 notes · View notes

matthewfairchildfanclub · 4 years

Conversation

TSC but it's incorrect quotes.

Jem: Hey, Will, what's up?

Will: Well, I'm sitting in a pool of my own blood.

Jem: Is it... your own?

Will: Oh, yeah, probably.

Jem: Where is it coming from?

Will: Probably the stab wound.

Jem: yoU'VE BEEN STABBED?!

Will: Oh, yeah definitely.

_______________________

Kit: I wrote a song called I'm Late For My Final Exam and it's just three minutes of me screaming.

_______________________

Emma: Look upon the filed which I grow my fucks. Lay thine eyes upon it and see that it is barren.

_______________________

Will: Do you ever wonder how an author would describe you in a novel? Like, not only your appearance, but also your little habits and stuff. I wanna know how I'd be described.

Gabriel: Bet it would be something like "so here's this asshole."

Will: Honestly, fuck you, Gabriel.

_____________________

Kit: I mixed up Donkey Kong with King Kong and accidentally said Kinky Kong to my parents.

____________________

Izzy: Who is that weirdo on TV? He's running downtown with eight dogs.

Magnus: THAT'S MY WEIRDO

____________________

Sebastian: Be warned, I can kill you.

Jace: Be warned, I can die.

___________________

Jace: Excuse me, who made Alec the boss of the group.

Clary: You did.

Simon: You said, "Alec should be the boss."

Izzy: And then you said, "lets vote," and it was unanimous.

Magnus: And then you made him this plaque that says, "Boss of us."

Magnus: And put little sparkles all over it.

Jace:... all valid points.

____________________

Simon: What are you guys talking about? I'm like the backbone of this family.

Jace: You're more like the appendix of this family, no one knows what you're here for.

Alec: Also prone to explode at any given moment.

Jace: And a real pain to remove.

Simon: Fuck you guys.

_______________________

Emma: What's your problem?

Cristina: He keeps using common phrases incorrectly.

Kieran: Oh, cry me a table, Cristina.

________________________

Cecily: If a guy calls you "princess" in a condescending manner, assert your newly appointed royal status and have him beheaded.

_______________________

Will: I could get killed.

Will: Or even worse. Jem could give me a lecture on responsibility again.

________________________

Dru: What color are Emma's eyes?

Julian: The warm chestnut of well-worn leather when the sun comes out after days of rain.

Dru: What?

Julian: I said brown.

_________________________

Gabriel: Hello, Will, make anyone cry today?

Will: Sadly, no, but it's only 4:30.

__________________________

Will: Rubbing alcohol is for outside wounds. Drinking alcohol is for inside wounds.

Matthew: Cheers! I'll drink to that.

__________________________

James: What are you going to bring to dinner?

Matthew: My negative attitude and sparkling personality.

__________________________

Tessa: You're late.

Kit: Listen, I just spent twenty minutes in a standoff with the biggest cockroach I have ever seen, so that's where I'm at... mentally.

____________________________

Julian: I told you to stop doing that with the knives.

Dru, with knives taped to her hands: But Wolverine has-

Julian: I said stop.

____________________________

Aline: The only thing that seems to motivate you guys is pancakes.

Tavvy: Pancakes?

Ty: I love pancakes!

Dru: Do we have maple syrup?

Julian: I'll go buy some.

Emma: Where are they?

Aline: THERE ARE NO PANCAKES!

__________________________

Jace: And once again, Jace and Magnus save the day!

Alec: You didn't do anything.

Alec: It was all Magnus.

Jace: We're a package deal. Everyone knows that.

______________________________

Tessa: How can one man have so many enemies?

Will: I'm a people person who talks shit and drinks.

________________________________

Matthew: You're my best friend, but I'd fuck you if you asked.

James: What?

Matthew: What?

Lucie, from across the room: HE SAID HE'D FUCK YOU IF YOU ASKED!

_________________________________

Matthew: What if we kidnap-

James: No.

Matthew: Steal-

James: No.

Matthew: Blow up-

James: Not even a little.

Matthew: You're no fun.

________________________________

Julian: We need to distract the enemies.

Emma: Right, I can do that.

Julian: What are you going to do?

Emma: I'm gonna kill them all.

Emma: That ought to distract them.

__________________________________

Mark: I have a sword!

*two minutes later*

Mark: I have lost the sword.

_________________________________

Kit: My friendship with Dru is over.

Ty: What?

Kit: She stole my fries.

________________________________

Kit: Baking yeast has alcohol in it, but you can't get drunk off eating bread.

Kit: Trust me, I've tried.

_______________________________

Kit: I know you think my judgment is clouded because I like Ty a little bit-

Jem: You doodled your wedding invitation.

Kit: That was our joint tombstone.

Jem: My mistake.

______________________________

Clary, through the door: Are you decent?

Jace: Not morally, but I'm wearing pants if that's what you're asking.

______________________________

Kit: Ty, let's play 20 questions!

Ty: Okay, what's your favorite color.

Kit: Aces. My turn, do you like boys?

_______________________________

Julian, coming to bail the group out of jail: I hate you sometimes, you know.

Emma: Welcome to the club! You are one of 53 members. We make t-shirts and have meetings every Wednesday at 4.

Julian: What?

Mark: We would meet earlier, but Kit gets out of school at 3.

_____________________________

Jace, to Izzy and Simon at their wedding party: Alright, everyone, Saturday is the big day! A lot of us thought this day would never come. I may have been one of those people.

Izzy: I may have also been one of those people.

Simon: Wait, are we talking about our wedding?

Izzy: Yes.

Simon: Oh, yes, I was also one of those people.

____________________________

Emma: Julian and I slept together.

Cristina: And?

Emma: ... I thought you would be a little more surprised.

Cristina: Oh, sorry.

Cristina, in a shocked voice: AND?!

___________________________

Ty: The dishes aren't in alphabetical order!!!!

Kit: Excuse my language, but what the F U C K does that mean?

___________________________

Lucie: We shouldn't complain.

Matthew: I'm gonna complain anyways.

_____________________________

Dru: Kit? Are you alive? Knock once for yes, twice for no.

Kit: *pauses, then knocks twice*

Dru: What do we do? Kit's dead!

______________________________

Will: Do you know....? Do you KNOW what it's like to be AFRAID of YOURSELF?!

Tessa, thinking of all the money she blew on a scam: Geez, man, I sure do-

_____________________________

Clary: Simon, you've got a lot to offer Izzy. You're funny, you're smart-

Magnus: You're creative, you've got style...

Jace:

Magnus:

Clary:

Jace: Oh, did you want me to say something?

Jace: You have brown hair, your name is Simon.

Simon: Thanks, Jace.

_____________________________

Will: I've done a lot of dumb shit.

Tessa: I witnessed the dumb shit.

Cecily: I remember the dumb shit.

Magnus: I joined you in the dumb shit.

Jem: I tried to stop you from doing the dumb shit!

_______________________________

Jace: Okay, so-

Alec: No. Don't you dare! Stop. Stop. I don't wanna hear it. I have been cleaning up your messes for way too long and now I'm aging prematurely. You are driving me steadily insane. So I don't wanna hear it. Go away. I'll be dead next month at this rate. Leave me alone.

Jace: I was just gonna ask you if you wanted toast...

Alec: Oh, well. No thank you.

Jace: Good, because I blew up the toaster and now one of the plants is on fire.

______________________________

Kit: If you are about to be stabbed, just say, "I have too much swagger for the dagger," and they will leave you alone.

Dru: Or stab you a hundred more times.

______________________________

Will: WHO ATE MY FRIES

Will: I'M GONNA FUCKING KI-

Jem: I did.

Will:-ss you and buy you more. You haven't been eating enough.

______________________________

James: A waiter could literally murder me and I'd still tip 20%

Matthew: I would actually tip more if they murdered me, that's great customer service.

_______________________________

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quadraphonictypewriter · 4 years

Text

Rushing Whispers: a wip intro

Rushing Whispers can be accessed in its entirety on this page, and individual parts can be found at the Date Map.

Title: Rushing Whispers

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Status: First draft

POV: First person

File under: #books about musicians #found family #sweet romance

Synopsis:

It is late spring 1970 when Emily visits Scotland as a personal eulogy for her grandmother. She finds the country to be enchanting but after a strange encounter in Westhill, she staggers out of the woods in confusion.

Her only respite from the feeling she can’t shake off is Cameron, a musician who has introduced himself to her only minutes after her encounter, and offers to drive her to the city center. As they part ways, Emily wonders if there is more to this keyboardist than he lets on.

More stats and character info below the cut!

Extra info: In place of traditional numbered chapters, this story is told by date. •• There are parts of the story that deal with the aftermath of abuse and emotional trauma. •• Some scenes contain sex or nudity.

Setting: Begins in May 1970 in and around Aberdeen, Scotland. So far, add Europe and North America to the mix!

Current word count: approx 100,000 (as of September 2020)

MAIN CHARACTERS Emily Dupont was born in the fall of 1941 and raised in the suburbs surrounding Montreal, Canada. Following the death of her mother and her father’s subsequent departure in 1956, she and her sister moved in with their maternal grandmother, who was always supportive of Emily’s talent and love for painting. Cameron Thom is the founding member and keyboardist of Amoeba, a progressive rock band based in Aberdeen. Cameron has always lived in the area since his birth in the spring of 1941, and has stated that he owes his morals to the community he loves. Both of his parents passed away unexpectedly during his teen years, leaving him to move in with his aunt in nearby Cruden Bay, who has always cared for him as her own son. THE BAND Willie (born William) Shaw was also raised in Aberdeen, and has been friends with Cameron since primary school. Playing guitar has long been his solace and he has found a comforting wall of privacy in the instrument he’s strived to master for the last fifteen years. Lee Brodie was born in a small village on the shore of Loch Tay in the winter of 1943. His family briefly lived in Glasgow and then Edinburgh, until a short-lived woodworking apprenticeship in the summer of ‘62 brought him to Aberdeen. After being tasked with building a bass guitar for a customer, Lee set his sights on musicianship and left the trade. He joined Amoeba in the spring of 1969, just in time for the tour to support their first album. Dale Kenney’s family moved to Scotland from their native Bristol in 1960 due to his father’s career change. At fifteen, Dale realized he could sing after spending weeks singing to his younger sister to calm her and lull her to sleep, and by his own admission, “it was all over after that!” Colin Foster grew up in Liverpool and was bothering the neighbours early on in his life with constant banging on any flat surface. His parents bought him a small drum kit when he turned seven, and at fifteen he joined a local band that soon relocated to nearby Manchester. In the four years since, he has spent time in various bands in multiple cities until being recruited into Amoeba in February 1971. ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS Liliane Dupont is currently a department store manager, living in the same region in which she and her sister were raised. Of the two sisters, Liliane bore the brunt of the abuse dealt by their father, whose disappearance when she was sixteen helped them both in many ways. With Emily’s help, she was the palliative caregiver for their grandmother until her passing in April 1970. Geoff Sinclair is the middle-aged man who went out on a limb for Amoeba after seeing them perform in a small club in the autumn of 1968. Having taken a break from managing bands after a successful run with a handful of popular acts in the ten previous years, Geoff signed an exclusive management contract with the still-burgeoning Amoeba. Autumn Dunn has been best friends with Colin since they first met at the schoolyard over fifteen years ago. The pair have stayed close despite Colin’s departure from their native Liverpool in 1967 and Autumn’s prolonged sojourn in California, which transformed their regular hang outs into infrequent letters. Steve Todd is a twenty-one year old native Aberdonian up to his knees in the rock music scene. He’s musically inclined⁠—wait until you hear him with a harmonica!⁠—and has previously lent a hand to Amoeba in times of need between drummers. STUDIO DISCOGRAPHY & BAND INFO (as of autumn 1971)

Split Milk [Released March 1969] Osmosis [Released October 1969] Missing Persons [Released August 1970] Cabinet of Fools [Released August 1971]

Amoeba formed in mid-1968 with original members Cameron Thom, Willie Shaw, and Dale Kenney (who remain in the band), as well as James Tinfield and Max Wyle, who were respectively replaced by Lee Brodie and Clyde Mayfield later that year. Their debut album, Split Milk, was received well by the critics, though Amoeba has made it clear that they don’t much care for what the critics think. Osmosis was released later in the same year and showed a clear progression in the band’s cohesive output. Both the Osmosis tour and the one to support their third album Missing Persons, were wildly successful in terms of gaining a fanbase and becoming a powerhouse on stage. Their unique brand of progressive rock, oftentimes leaning towards the heavier side of said genre, has been a favourite of rockers across European soil since April 1969 when their first live shows in support of Spilt Milk, originally scheduled as a domestic tour of the UK, turned into a much longer tour of Europe. Clyde remained behind the drum kit until the recording of their fourth album in the early portion of 1971, when he left the band and was replaced by Colin Foster. Drum credits on Cabinet of Fools are given to both men, who collectively have over twenty years experience with their instrument. Currently, Amoeba is wading through the North American live venue market in support of their latest record, aptly entitled Cabinet of Fools. The band’s first live album, entitled Lion Rampant in America, is set to be released by the end of 1971.

#wip rushing whispers #WIP Intro

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xmxisxforxmaybe · 5 years

Text

Melbourne, An Interlude

Summary: Merriell “Snafu” Shelton is on leave in Australia and meets a girl who, in quite a twist for Merriell, ends up charming the pants off of him. I was inspired by @rami-hoe and their story, The Soldier and the Nurse, because it was written in Snaf’s first person POV.

I am experimenting with this whole first person POV thing, so I keep Snaf’s thoughts in a slight version of his accent—this might be annoying af and not work at all :/ Feedback welcome! This is also my first piece on here with an OFC instead of a reader insert. I still tried to keep her vague-ish, but I wanted to do something different : )

This story will be two parts because I no longer seem to be able to write a one-shot to save my life.

Permanent Taglist: @rami-malek-trash @sherlollydramoine

Warnings: language, racial slur against the Japanese in accordance with the time period, and lots of sex stuff, so no under 18s, please!

If Guadalcanal was anythin’ to indicate what else was comin,’ I was gonna make the most of my time here in Melbourne. I was one of the lucky ones without malaria, but I was skinnier than I’d eva been and it was provin’ to be difficult to keep food in me long enough to actually fix my malnourishment.

What I can tell ya was takin’ a shower without a gun within arm’s length, without the fear of havin’ a shell dropped on ya naked ass, was next to feelin’ like god himself was wrappin’ ya up in a hug made out of warm rainwater.

It took a few days of eatin’ a little here and there and a whole lotta sleep for my nerves to relax. After a few meals dat finally settled well and sleepin’ for damn near 36 hours, I was ready to go out and find a drink, and I more than hoped not to spend anotha night alone on a fuckin’ cot in dat stadium.

First night out, I drank five glasses of whiskey and ended up stumblin’ around, gettin’ lost—I used to be able to drink a hell of a lot more than dat. I ended up runnin’ smack inta a gaggle of girls, gigglin’ and chatterin’ as dey were headin’ into the bar I just left.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t care which one said yes—so I took my shot, hopin’ I’d come across as charmin’ to at least one of em. I smiled a lot because I knew girls liked it when I did, and I ran a hand through my hair, short because it had just been cut, tryin’ to look just a little innocent and tryin’ to not sound as drunk as I was.

Her name was somethin’ like Stella or Bella, and I’m pretty sure she was a decent lookin’ girl. She took me back to the place she shared with her sister, and while she was shy at first, she opened up once the lights were out. I tried my best to get her to leave a little light on because I spent enough time in the black of night, not able to even see my own dick in my hand when takin’ a piss. But she was too shy for dat.

I took my time, drunk as I was, and made sure she was ready for me. I wasn’t ‘bout to do somethin’ stupid to start off my leave and maybe she’d be the only girl I’d end up gettin’. I wanted her to remember a good enough time.

The sex was . . . sex. She was a little quiet, a little soft. She kept her hands at her sides, clutchin’ at the sheets on occasion as she laid under me. I eventually gave up on askin’ her what she liked, how she wanted to be touched, because she just giggled and shook her head. I liked it betta when a girl let loose, when she let me know it felt good, too.

I came, pullin’ out even though I was wearin’ a rubber. Unlike a lot of my buddies, I paid damn close attention to those fuckin’ VD movies dey showed us. Right before we shipped out, a kid I knew from trainin’ camp got the clap. Sometimes, when I think ‘bout just slippin’ in to a woman, I remember what his fuckin’ dick looked like and I spend the thirty seconds lubin’ and wrappin’ up with one of the rubber kits the officers give out like candy. I wasn’t gonna spend half my leave vistin’ a Pro Station, or worse, laid up in the hospital with my cock on fire.

Once somethin’-ella was asleep, I tried to leave, quiet as possible. The damn MPs were still up everyone’s assholes, and I didn’t wanna be put in a cage. But on my way out, I ran into her sister and her name sounded somethin’ like Stella or Bella, too. She wasn’t quite as good lookin’ as her sister, but at least she wasn’t shy.

Honestly, I was just engagin’ in small talk, tryin’ to leave, but before I knew it, I found myself, naked and sprawled out on Stella/Bella #2’s bed with her bouncin’ on my cock like she’d been born to do it. Unlike her sis, she really didn’t need my help to come, and I actually was a little taken aback when ‘bout two minutes in she started screamin’ like a banshee, shakin’ and comin’ undone on top of me. I closed my eyes and concentrated on the feeling of her warmth, the sweet smell of sex mixin’ with whateva clean soap she had used, until I found myself comin’ for her, just like I did for her sister.

This one was more difficult to get away from, her limbs all tangled with mine and I wasn’t ready for dat—for feelin’ like I couldn’t move. It was way too much like sittin’ in a foxhole up to ya asshole in mud, tangled with ya weapon and ya gear and leanin’ against a buddy.

I relied on instinct and stayed real still, laborin’ my breathin’ like I was asleep and sure enough, she drifted off, snorin’ her head off.

I detangled myself and got outta there. I’d come enough to be a little more sober, so I snuck a glass of water before headin’ out, hopin’ I’d be able to find my way back to base unnoticed.

* * * * *

The next few weeks proceeded in much the same fashion. Drinkin’, smokin’, a little gamblin’, and closin’ out the night by finding some sweet thing to bed down. I was the happiest I’d been in a long time and even though the threat of drills and trainin’ was kept loomin’ ova our heads, I didn’t mind. Nothin’ here would eva be as bad as what was ova there.

Like I said, I was content with my days and nights and believed it would be how’d I’d spend my time in Melbourne until I saw her.

I was playin’ a game of cards with a few of my buddies, a cigarette danglin’ from my lips, the smoke waftin’ up in a thick stream when I glanced up at a loud guffaw of laughter comin’ from a few tables ova. I reached up to lower my cigarette, and when I found the source of the laughter, I saw the sexiest woman I had eva laid my damn eyes on.

She was surrounded by a group of marines I didn’t know, probably from the 7th Division. Her laughter had them captivated, and her glass of beer was—goddamn, she was drinkin’ beer like she’d been doin’ it her whole life. Her lips fit sensuously ova the thick rim of the mug, and the way she licked the little bit of liquid from her upper lip after a long draught, not just a sip, but a real drink, made me shift in my chair.

I had to know her—fuck sleepin’ with her; I just needed to be near her.

I bowed out of the game, the guys givin’ me major shit as I walked toward her table, all of them turnin’ to see if I’d make an asshole of myself.

When I stopped in front of the table, the conversation barely paused, even though she noticed me immediately and shot me a smirk, her pink lips glistenin’.

“Hi ya,” I said loud enough to turn all their attention. “Name’s Merriell Shelton, 1st Marines Division, and I’d love to buy ya a drink.”

The woman raised her eyebrow, her smirk still planted on her lips. The marines around her laughed and told me to fuck off, albeit with more polite words since dey were in front of the lady.

“As you can see Merriell Shelton, I don’t have a shortage of marines to buy me a drink. What makes your offer so special?”

American. I wasn’t expectin’ dat. Her response made it clear she was bein’ coquettish. Her tone was teasin’ and her eyes were shinin’ with a wickedness I had never seen in a woman’s eye before. It only made her more appealin’ and only made me more determined to shut the other guys up who had started laughin’ at her response, tellin’ me to keep movin.’

“Well, my offer is different, Miss, because dat’s all I want,” I said.

The marines shifted in their seats, clearly annoyed, until one of em I hadn’t seen earlier, guffawed. It was a guy in my company named James Haneson, but everyone called him Hollywood because he had movie-star good looks and wore sunglasses every chance he got. In fact, even though it was night, he had ‘em on now.

“Sure, Snafu. You’ve been with a different girl every night since we got here. Remember those sisters? Or were you just full of shit?” Hollywood said, his white teeth glitterin’ as he laughed while the othas joined in. Because I knew him, I caught the edge in his tone. He was sendin’ a clear signal, but I wasn’t ‘bout to let him win without a fight.

Still wearin’ a grin I considered to be charmin, I retorted, “I neva’ said I been a saint. All I want is to buy a drink for the most beautiful woman I eva seen who also happens to be able to drink betta than about half the men in my company.”

The woman laughed at dat, a throaty, deep laugh I felt run straight through body, like I got a good jolt from a bad wire.

“Well, gents,” she said lookin’ all ‘round her circle of admirers and fixin’ em with a sad little downturn of her mouth, which was surely negated by the wicked look in her eyes. “How can a gal refuse such a reasonable request?”

The guys all protested, Hollywood even reached out to take hold of her elbow, but she slid out of her chair and her linked her arm in mine.

“I’ll see you boys soon,” she said as she reached across the table to drink down the last of her beer.

“Wait, Kathryn! Are you gonna come back to this bar or will you be at the one ‘cross the street?”

“Or the club down on Main?”

“Or—”

Kathryn cut them off with a wink, statin’, “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see!”

Then, she turned to me and whispered, “Let’s get out of here before they stop being so amiable.”

“Kathryn! Where ya goin’? You promised to have a drink with me tonight,” an Aussie marine who was at least three times my size and looked to be more mountain than man said as we whirred by him, Kathryn callin’ out her response ova her shoulder.

“Now, I know that isn’t true because I never make promises to soldiers, Roger! Catch ya around!”

As we exited the bar, Kathryn leaned into me to make way for a group of people headin’ in and she whispered right in my ear, “I took him home night before last and he came on my thighs before he even got my panties off.”

I laughed, goddamn did I laugh! She was sexy and had a mouth on her dat woulda made most men blush.

She continued to lean into me, and when I turned to look at her, her eyes were on my face and she was grinnin’.

“That was a good reaction. You see, I was testing you, Mr. Shelton, and you passed. Shall we have that drink now?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said returnin’ her dazzlin’ smile.

“I know a place that isn’t quite so inundated with, well, your lot.”

I let her lead me through the streets, happy she kept her arm linked with mine. She smelled like perfume, a familiar scent dat reminded me of the little purple sweet violets my granmama grew. Perfume was a luxury now, so I figured with the way she spoke and dressed she was from money. Girls with the kinda confidence Kathryn had were used to havin’ things at their disposal.

As we walked, she pointed out various places and named them, tellin’ me whether dey was worth vistin’ or if dey’d charge ya double.

“How do ya know so much if ya American?” I asked, no longer able to keep my curiosity from climbin’ out the bag.

“Well, my father is Australian. He met my mother while he was at University in the States. We always spend Christmas here with my grandparents, but since the war, I haven’t felt much like going back to my studies. I work in the shipyard now as a welder.”

I actually stopped in my tracks. I was expectin’ maybe a Red Cross volunteer or a nurse, but a welder, huh.

Kathryn let go of my arm and pulled off her glove, holdin’ up her hand and tellin’ me to feel it.

I reached out and ran my own calloused fingers ova her’s and across her calloused palm.

“You really are somethin’, ma’am,” I said, not botherin’ to hide the awe in my voice.

“I guess we haven’t been properly introduced—I’m Kathryn Taylor,” she said as she held out her ungloved hand to me.

“Merriell Shelton. Pleasure to officially meet ya,” I said as I enveloped her hand in mine, admirin’ the strength in her grip.

“Come on, Merriell. We’re almost to Smithy’s.”

We turned a corner and after walkin’ a few more feet, Kathryn took my hand in her once-more gloved hand and lead me down what seemed like a never-endin’, near pitch-black alley. She made a sharp turn left and then a right before we were brought to a buildin’ dat looked just like any otha bar in Melbourne, except the accents from the patrons out on the patio were all Aussie.

“Kathryn! Good to see you, luv,” the man at the door said. “And who’s this?”

“My friend, Merriell Shelton. He passed my test, Joe,” Kathryn said with a wink.

The man called Joe chuckled and clapped me on the back, however, his next words were anythin’ but friendly.

“Start any shit in there, mate, and your MPs will be the least of your concern, clear?”

“Clear,” I said with an affirmative nod.

I followed Kathryn in and got a fair share of stares, but no one seemed to pay us much mind once we slid into a little booth in the very back.

“Drinks are on me,” Kathryn said as she fished around in her little bag.

“Oh, no ma’am. I invited you—”

“Merriell. You fought. You lived. You’ll be off to fight again. I’m not the one risking my life on those godforsaken islands. The absolute least I can do is buy you a drink,” Kathryn said with finality as she slid from the booth and strode away—at least before stopping on her heel and doing a rather impressive about-face.

“I forgot to ask what you wanted,” she said with a quizzical look on her face as she stood in front of me.

I had to laugh. I didn’t think I’d eva met a woman who made me laugh as much as I had in such a short while.

“I like whiskey,” I said.

“You’ll get the finest in the house,” she said, smiling again before she turned and took off for the crowded bar.

I took a lot of pleasure in watchin’ her walk away. Her blue dress clung to her backside like it was made for the sole purpose of drivin’ a man wild.

When Kathryn returned, she had two large glasses of beer and two glasses of whiskey.

“Figured it’d be awhile before they’d make room for me at the bar again,” she said as she scooted a beer and a whiskey to my side of the table.

I thanked her and took a sip of the whiskey. It was damn smooth, so smooth I was sure I’d never tasted anythin’ like it before.

Kathryn also took a sip and thought for a moment before sayin’, “I think it has a nutty taste. Definitely not floral, not woody.”

I shrugged my shoulders at her, not sure what else to say.

“It’s my dad’s and my granddad’s favorite. I’ve been sneaking sips since I was a little girl,” Kathryn said as she slid her glass toward me. “However, I really don’t like it at all.”

I laughed again, a quiet chuckle of surprise because I wasn’t eva sure what was gonna come out of her mouth next.

“Where are you from, Merriell? Your accent is . . . sexy,” she said, pausin’ to either add emphasis or because she might’ve finally felt a little shy.

“I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana.”

“New—Naw Orlens. No. New Or-lins. How’d I do?”

“Not too bad,” I said with a chuckle. “Just don’t eva go full yank on me and say New Orleeens,” I said, draggin’ my e’s out to create dat sound I absolutely hated.

Kathryn giggled and said, “Point taken. I never want to hear you make that terrible noise again.”

We both smiled at each other, and even though the night was still young, I wished it would neva end.

Talkin’ to Kathryn was the easiest thing I’d eva done. She didn’t ask about the war, so I got to enjoy not talkin’ about it. After a few more hours and several more drinks, I learned about her childhood, her schoolin’, and her life here with her grandparents. In turn, I opened up to her about home, growin’ up and not always havin’ money but how my granmama made sure us kids neva went hungry.

I could tell I was feelin’ the effects of the whiskey and Kathryn could, too. Like everyone who wasn’t Cajun, she said my accent was takin’ up ‘more space in my mouth’ as she put it.

“But it’s still so sexy,” she said, this time bold as brass.

“I’m convinced dat nut’in on dis earth is sexy as you, darlin’,” I said, shooting her what I hoped was one of my best grins.

“You know, I’ve never met anyone with eyes more beautiful than yours. They can’t lie, Merriell. Did you know that? I’ve been testing you all night,” Kathryn said with seriousness, except I couldn’t help grinnin’ at her slurred speech.

I was a little taken aback at the compliment, though, and told her so.

“Nobody’s eva told me dat ‘bout ma eyes. Usually, dey just call me . . . unnervin’ or some shit,” I said with a nervous laugh. I had never confessed dat it bothered me to anyone.

Kathryn narrowed her eyes, takin’ her time to formulate her response.

“Prolly because you can see right the fuck through people—just like you did with, oh, what’s his name back at the bar . . . Hollywood! People want to feel like they’re special, like they’re some kinda enigma that can’t be solved. But you, Mer, you just cut right through their bullshit.”

“I’ve neva wanted ta kiss someone more dan I wanna kiss ya right now,” I said, leanin’ on the table, my fingers dancin’ ‘round the glass dat was between em.

Kathryn sat straight up and looked like I’d dumped a gallon of ice-water ova her head. I was confused enough to start to apologize for bein’ forward, but she cut me off.

She locked her eyes on mine and said, “No. When we kiss, it’ll be something that you remember for the rest of your life, not a stolen press of the lips or dart of the tongue in a back-alley bar. You deserve something more than that, Merriell.”

No woman like Kathryn had eva said anythin’ like dat to me. In fact, no woman had eva said anythin’ like dat to me. I was a lotta things, a whole lotta things, but this girl seemed to deem me worthy of far more than I eva imagined for myself.

We were both disappointed when the bartender announced last call. It was near 3 am, but I neva felt more awake; it felt like the fuckin’ Japs were a million miles away on their own stinkhole of an island, mindin’ their own goddamn business and dey had decided to keep it dat way.

“Guess I outta let you get back before they send the MPs after you,” Kathryn said, her eyes a little glassy as she smiled at me.

“Nah—da officers quit checkin’ up dat closely on us. All it takes is a few favors and ya safe from dem assholes.”

Like I was discoverin’ she was prone to do, Kathryn grew serious and changed the topic on me.

“I’m looking for something, Mer. I’m just not sure what it is yet, but I do know that I’ve never found it.”

I smiled at her, puzziln’ a little ova what she said.

“I dunno if I’ve got anythin’ dat interstin’ for ya, but I would sure would like to see ya again.”

“Done,” she said, pullin’ a little notepad and a pen from her purse. She scribbled an address on it and reached ova to tuck it snug into my shirt pocket.

She had put her gloves back on and reached up to cup the side of my face. I leaned inta her touch and closed my eyes, savorin’ her gentleness. She slid her gloved thumb ova my lips, pressin’ just a little on the bottom one. I opened my eyes and we just stood there for what felt like a lifetime, lookin’ at each other.

She shook her head, and pulled away, sayin’, “I’ll make sure you get on the right tram. Come on.”

Kathryn took off down the dark alley, and I followed her, thinkin’ there was a good chance I’d follow her anywhere.

#snafu #Snafu Shelton #snafu imagine #snafu fanfic #snafu x ofc #rami malek #rami malek character #the pacific #Merriell Shelton #merriell shelton imagine #merriell shelton x ofc #female reader

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fullmoon-alpha · 5 years

Text

Benjamin Beaumont was from an old were family. His father could trace their family back further than the Victorian era. They were jokingly called were royalty by the community. His father was August and Marigold Beaumont. They had the three boys, Benny & Max, twins, and James,. James, the youngest, had always been a good son, smiling and polite and upholding the ideals of his father. Max was the golden child, sweet and polite, and the one who looked like he could really do good things. Everyone loved Max.

And then there was Benny. Benny stayed out past curfew and got Max in trouble when he tried to cover for his twin. Benny played football and got overly aggressive with some of the players from time to time. Benny was the child who dragged his brother for runs in the woods during hunting season and got himself caught in traps. Max had sat with him for two hours, arms crossed as he lectured Benny for getting himself stuck in a trap until his brother finally looked at him with watering eyes and he finally started helping him. Thirty four years later, and he still had the scars from the tines around his calf.

Max had gone and had a kid when he was 16. It was an accident, but he’d planned on marrying the girl anyways. And his parents still held him on a pedestal. It’d never bothered Benny, though. He remembered looking into his brother’s eyes across the dinner table the night he told the family, and hearing him. Help me. I’m so scared. They’d laid in Benny’s bed that night, Benny holding Max, trying to comfort him. He was so scared. Benny wasn’t. He knew Max would be a good dad. And he was right. Rene was born and he was the perfect father. Then Grace came along, and he only got better at the whole parent thing. The only time Benny had ever been jealous.

When he died, the family had split up, Benny and James having gone their own way. He couldn’t handle the ideals his parent so strictly upheld. He’d bought a big Victorian house in Shreveport, hidden away on it’s own personal road. Rene and Grace had been staying the weekend, helping him move everything in and paint everything, fix things up. Benny had gotten a call. An accident out in the woods on the city limits. He’d felt so uneasy, and while he’d been driving, something in his head had snapped. He’d jerked his car to the side of the road, his heart racing and a white hot pain behind his eyes. He could only see spots. Benny had stumbled out of his cruiser, the heels of his hands pressed to his eyes as he stumbled away, his foot kicking something. When he moved his hands away and looked down, his flashlight shining on the object, he’d found himself staring down at a purse. A familiar purse. He’d reached down, pulling out the wallet. Claire Beaumont. His heart raced, and he could see the lights of other cruisers on the other side of the trees.

He’d run at the trees,his heart racing and his head still aching. He remembered another cop, one he knew well, grabbing him, stopping from going forwards as they rolled a gurney past him, towards the ambulance, talking fast about what they’d have to do. He’d heard screaming in the distance, someone yelling Max’s name. Himself, he’d figured out eventually. Someone had driven him home. He’d broken the news to Grace and Rene. When they asked how, he stared for a minute. He couldn’t tell them what had happened, what he’d seen. So, “They crashed their car...Someone ran a stop sign and hit them...”

That night, the pack had shifted and gone into the woods. The whole state was filled with mourning howls. It even got on the news the next day, that the local wolf population had been especially active that night.

Benny’d gone into a depression after that. He’d been flirting with a new girl in his pack, but it stopped. Abruptly. His second, Benny’s best friend since childhood, Beau, had essentially been handed control of the pack. They tried not to bother him much, and Beau would lead the runs on the full moon and keep everyone safe. He’d gotten a vibe though, as well as the girl Benny’d been flirting with. Aspen. She was sweet, and she’d cared so much for him.

He’d come out finally after a few days, tried to socialize during the bonfire, sitting at the fire, staring at it as he dug his nails deeper and deeper into his skin until he felt it bleed and finally felt like a person again. But it’d left too fast, and he’d retreated to his room, locking himself in. He’d taken to doing anything to not feel that horrible raw sensation. The next morning, he’d come down and snuck a knife into his room. Just a small pairing knife. He’d had something else he’d been using, but it’d disappeared during the night. He’d had plenty of cuts on his skin, around his ankle and around the scars from he bear trap, somewhere he hoped they’d hide well enough. Aspen had asked to come in, tried to be sweet. Then he’d told her to go away, and she’d broken into his room. It hadn’t been hard. The doors hadn’t been replaced yet. She’d brought a first aide kit and had done her best to help him. The knife drawers had been locked for a while, and she’d held him that night while he sobbed for the first time, feeling like he could while she held him.

She’d helped him...More than he thought. He hadn’t realized he needed someone as bad as he did. Benny supposed she’d filled that empty void Max had left...Or tried to at least. Nothing would replace him. And he was happy, for a while. They were happy. They tried dating, and he felt normal again. He’d laughed and smiled and they’d had...absolutely marvelous sex. When he needed her, she would lay in bed with him and hold him when he felt himself slip again. She’d been someone he needed, and sometimes Benny wondered if they’d had a better chance together if Max had lived. He loved Aspen. He always would. But things went downhill. He started staying out late after work, going to bars and fucking anyone he could. He was always smart about it, but after a while, he knew he couldn’t do that to Aspen. She deserved better. And she’d been sweet about it. They’d talked, and they decided to keep trying. And they were happy again. But after a while, it just didn’t feel right anymore. He cared about her so much, but he couldn’t be with just her anymore. He needed something more. Benny’d approached her about it, and she was, again, sweet. But she wanted to be exclusive. He...didn’t. So they’d broken up. And then...she left. Went to join his nephew’s pack.

Benny frequented the new were bar. Usually after work. He didn’t know why, but tonight, he’d changed his clothes and made sure that he drove his truck instead of the cruiser, like he usually would’ve when he stopped off for a drink after work. He had a small grey beard that faded into the grey sideburns. His hair had been brilliant black once..when he was young. Now it was peppered with silver and grey. He’d changed into jeans and a grey shirt that buttoned near the collar, a denim button down over that, and a leather jacket layered over that as well. He strode in, his boots heavy on the wood floor. Friday nights were always a party. The lights looked like something out of a dance club, flashing and changing while people danced and bumped together on the floor, some mediocre band playing on the stand. Benny spared them a fleeting look before he stopped at the bar, ordering a whiskey, waiting. A red head approached him, and he could smell cheap perfume on her, disgusing the familiar scent of sex and were. It was so rare to find someone there who wasn’t were. She looped her arm around Benny’s, humming happily. “Captain.” she purred. Benny gave her what he hoped was a polite smile. “Millie. How you doin tonight?” he asked, unhooking his arm. “Good...What about you? Lookin like it might be a good night for you~” “Ahh...Not tonight, Millie. I’m just here for a quick drink.” he asked and took the whiskey before pulling out his lighter and a cigar. The woman wrinkled her nose as he lit it and walked away from her, settling himself in an empty booth near the window.

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dassandre-00qpidsarrow · 5 years

Text

Celebration by Dassandre

“24 Years of Christmases” - Chapter 17

December 24, 2033

With its rugged cliffs and crystal blue waters, Martinique was always more beautiful than James remembered.

Four days ago he and Q had been kicked out of Q-Branch and their home in Barton Street by well-meaning colleagues, friends, and family who had noted it had been over three years since Remy and Bond had taken any kind of holiday and even longer since they’d gone away without the family in tow. A belated gift to celebrate James’ 60th birthday, the couple had been given the choice of tickets to Gstaad or Martinique; they’d chosen the warmer climate as the cold was increasingly problematic for Q’s hands and leg.

“Do they need another sex holiday?” Sherlock had asked John when they’d dropped James and Q off at Heathrow.

“I’d say they’re past due. Married 15 years and only the one. We’ve had four,” John had countered then rolled his eyes when he saw Sherlock’s mouth start to curve at the memories. “Yes. Well, that’s him sorted in his Mind Palace for the next half hour.” John shook Q’s hand and gave James a warm pat on the shoulder. “Enjoy yourselves. Kids will be fine. Come on, you,” he’d said, taking Sherlock by the elbow and steering him to the passenger seat. “Back to town we go. You promised Hamish and Will some time at St. Bart’s later today.”

Though their visits through the years had been far fewer than they’d liked, he and Q often spent their first days back just reacquainting themselves with the island, the Holmes’ family estate -- well-tended now by the Gaillards’ grown children, Adèle and René -- and Fort-de-France itself.

James and Q had left the house early enough that morning to get to the market before things got too crazy. Their mission: to hunt down the corossol Adèle forgot to purchase for the Christmas Day sorbet her mother, Olivia, so loved.

They had spent the rest of the day wandering through the narrow streets, in and out of the shops, each man finding last minute gifts for each other, for their hosts, and for the children for when they returned to England.

Waiting for Q to finish up in a nearby shop before joining him for a late lunch, James was sat at a table beneath a large, white umbrella on the patio at Lili’s Restaurant: one of their favourites as it afforded excellent views and simple, but delicious local cuisine.

Though it was the first time they’d been apart from their children for Christmas, it had taken the men only a one day on the island to realise how desperately they’d needed this respite.

2033 had been challenging. An uptick in worldwide terror threats early in the year had meant strings of days when Q was unable to leave his branch, swamped as he was with missions and kits and tech and the day-to-day management of his branch. James, too, had found himself increasingly tied to Six when Mallory insisted on running training classes of recruits back to back, citing the need for more agents in the field.

Home life hadn’t been much easier. Mir had turned 13, and ‘The Parent’s Curse’ that he and Q had thus far managed to largely avoid descended upon their life in full force.

“This wasn’t me. You’re the one expelled from school for seducing a chambermaid. I was a model child growing up,” Remy insisted the night they’d received a call from Lestrade who’d intervened after a pair of PCs picked up Mir and group of her schoolmates outside a club in the West End after she’d managed to bypass the security protocols -- again -- and sneak out of the house.

Along with those from her fathers and Pearce, the lectures she’d earned from the stream of visitors the next day -- Sherlock, John, Eve, and Alec had each given her rather detailed warnings specific to their viewpoints and experiences -- had efficiently curtailed Mir’s overt rebellion, but the next six months became an exercise in patience for James and Q in dealing with an extremely passive-aggressive teenager. It might have gone on for months or years more until Master Cha -- the hand-to-hand combat instructor at Six -- suggested Aikido as a way for her to channel her teenage angst.

James and Q had spared no expense in sending Master Cha and his wife on a long, weekend holiday to Edinburgh as a thank you for saving their sanity.

Andrew and Will were eight. And, well, eight-year-old twin boys with Qs intellect and James’ penchant for finding trouble around every street corner ... So, yeah. Difficult year.

James took a sip of the Ti punch he had ordered and hummed appreciatively. Tasty, though not as potent as Olivia’s recipe of which only two glasses were necessary before Q started stripping off his to dance -- awkwardly -- on the balcony of their room.Life’s simple pleasures.

Pushing aside the numerous shopping parcels he’d sat on the ground when he’d arrived, James was about to lean back in his seat and stretch out his legs when the chair opposite him was pulled from the table and sat upon by someone who was most certainly not his husband.

“James Bond,” his guest said, sculpted eyebrow climbing high on the relatively unlined forehead. “How is it you’re not long-since dead?”

“Clean living,” he replied amiably, though he felt not the least bit friendly. James shifted his weight and scooted forward slightly in his seat. Whilst he didn’t think he’d need his weapon, one never knew about these things. Easier to grab at the Walther holstered at the small of his back this way.

The snort was light and delicate and wholly derisive. “Hardly that, I should think. You were a drunken, emotional wasteland when last I saw you. Thought you’d throw yourself in front of the first bullet to be fired your way and have done with it.”

“And when last I saw you, you were fucking someone new every night before returning to share rooms with the man you claimed to love. So now that we’ve caught up on the past, to what do I owe the distinct displeasure of sharing this table with you, Madeleine?”

You can read the rest of the chapter here ...

Chapter 17

#00Q #00q fanfiction #q is holmes #james bond #the quartermaster #mi6cafechallenge #advent challenge #31DaysofBond #it's still christmas #a03 fic

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mrsluthordanvers · 7 years

Note

Supercorp prompt: "Actually, I've never been trick-or-treating"

So I had been saving this prompt for a bit closer to halloween, so here it finally is! Also Kara and Lena aren’t yet officially a couple for this fic but are on their way lol

“Actually I’ve never been trick or treating.”

They were sitting on the couch in Lena’s office eating donuts again. Kara had been giving Lena an enthusiastic history of halloween in the Danvers household before she asked Lena what she did for halloween growing up.

“You’ve never been trick or treating?” Kara’s mouth hung open in disbelief as Lena shook her head breaking off another piece of donut.

“I mean I probably went as a baby with my mother before she died. But I don’t remember. And Lillian never had time for those sorts of things.” Lena shrugged as she put the piece of donut in her mouth.

“What about boarding school?”

“Oh we had costume parties.” Lena smiled deviously at the memory. “But we never went trick or treating.”

“We’ve got to change that.”

“What?” Lena coughed against the food in her mouth taking a moment before she stared at Kara. “I don’t think that’s really necessary…”

“Of course it is!” Kara was already shrugging into her coat. “Halloween is something every kid should experience.” Kara echoed Alex all those years ago when she had just got to earth. It turned out that Alex was right about how much she’d love halloween. A time when everyone was dressed up as something not of this world. Plus Alex had dressed her up as a ghost the first year and she floated around, they were so pleased with themselves that no body could figure out how they had done the effects.

“I am not a child.” Lena reminded Kara, bringing her back from her memory to where she stood in front of Lena in her coat, purse tucked under her arm. “Where are you going?”

“You’re not a child, but its not too late to still go. And we are going costume shopping.”

“Kara.”

“Please.” Kara smiled, weakening all Lena’s fight as she held open the trench coat she had grabbed off Lena’s coat rack.

“Witch?”

“No.”

“Vampire?”

“No!”

“Why not? I feel like you could really put them off.”

“Gee thanks.” Lena stood in the aisle surrounded up cheap adult costumes her arms wrapped tightly around her middle. If it was up to her she would have had her costume custom made, not bought off the rack. But it was too late for that, honestly she was surprised there were any costumes left at this point.

“Wonder Woman?”

Lena shook her head. She might not have a lot of time on her hands to go to the theatre and watch movies but she did know that Wonder Woman was probably going to be the most popular costume of the year.

“You have the hair for it! We could put in a few curls, and bam! Wonder Woman.”

“I’ll freeze.” Lena nodded down to the tall boots and short skirt.

“Oh.” Kara stood on her toes looking over racks on the other side. “We could find you a long dark men’s coat. Diana wears one in the movie over her costume at one point, that would help keep you warm. Plus we’ll probably only go to a couple houses before we meet everyone at the party.”

“The party?”

“The costume party at the bar.”

“You didn’t mention it.”

Kara paused, she hadn’t mentioned it, she had got so excited to take Lena costume shopping she forgot.

“Oh.” Kara repeats, before turning to Lena looking a little sheepish. “Did you want to go? I don’t want to presume…”

“Kara. You just dragged me to god knows where to go costume shopping to take me trick or treating. I think I can handle a costume party.” Lena smiled, trying to loosen her body language.

“Alex will be there.”

“We’ve met.”

“And her girlfriend and my friends.”

“I believe I’ve met Detective Sawyer, Mr Schott and Mr Olsen too.” Lena took the costume, trying to show Kara some enthusiasm as she looked it over.

“Wonder Woman it is, now what should you be…” Lena started to push through the costumes for the first time, ready to exact her revenge. Kara didn’t have the heart to tell her she had a costume sitting at home she had picked out weeks ago.

“Sexy nurse?”

Kara groaned as she turned bright pink, adjusting her glasses.

“Why are these all sexy?” Lena shuffled through a bunch, “here we go!”

Lena held up a costume that made Kara’s stomach drop. She couldn’t lie, she had wanted to go as supergirl as a joke ever since Clark told her about the year he went as superman, but the idea still did give her a bit of anxiety.

“We could be the ultimate superhero duo.” Lena smirked. “You have the hair for it! We could put in a few curls, and bam! Supergirl.”

Kara couldn’t help but smile at Lena mocking her.

“Do you have contacts?”

“No.” Kara shook her head, there was no way she would be going without her glasses in this costume.

“That’s ok. You’ll still look great.”

“Then I guess we’re going to the ultimate superhero duo.” Kara replied as she led them to a till, Alex was going to kill her.

Lena’s driver dropped them off in the suburbs of National City with strict instructions to stay close because they wouldn’t be long. The streets weren’t overly busy, groups of children running from house to house with bags of candy.

“Here.” Kara held out a white pillow case. Lena hadn’t even noticed when she disappeared to have been able to grab them but there they were.

“Really?”

“We gotta do it right.” Kara replied seriously, almost drawing out a laugh from Lena as she took her bag and shook it open. “Where’s yours?”

“I’ve already done my trick or treating.”

“Kara!”

Before Lena could say more a little girl pulling on her mom’s hand interrupted them.

“I’m sorry.” The mom looked guilty. “She wanted to know if she could get a photo with you two.”

“Of course!” Kara exclaimed as she moved to stand at the girl’s shoulder striking a supergirl pose that had Lena vibrating with laughter as she shed her coat and mimicked Kara on the other side.

When the mom got her picture, Kara knelt down whispering in the girl’s ear before she ran off grinning, dragging her mom along to another house.

“What did you say?”

“I told her Rey is my favourite Star Wars character too.” Kara shrugged before taking Lena’s hand. “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Lena followed her to the end of a walkway, leaving her coat laying on the back of the town car.

“Wait here.” Kara ran up the steps, knocking on the doors before talking to an older woman, her hands waving erratically as she pointed at Lena. The older woman looking over at her before nodding with a chuckle and closing the door again as Kara returned back down the stairs.

“Your turn.”

“What?” Lena stood there holding her bag staring at Kara.

“Go knock on the door and say trick or treat.” Kara gave her a little nudge, as Lena hissed. “You’re coming with me.”

Kara followed Lena practically bouncing on her toes as Lena knocked on the door, the two of them saying trick or treat as soon as the door started to open. Candy was poured into Lena’s bag as the woman’s eyes danced.

“Beautiful costume dear. You have a wonderful girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?” Lena lifted an eyebrow looking at Kara who shrugged, ears a little pink but the door was already closing.

“I may have told her that my girlfriend had never been trick or treating before and I was trying to give her the full experience and asked if she could help me out.”

“Fuck it’s cold.” Lena’s teeth chattered as they slid into the car, “How are you not freezing?”

“My costume has sleeves?” Kara offered as she stole a kit-kat from Lena’s bag, leaning away when Lena took a swipe at her.

They had only gone to four houses, so there was only a couple handfuls at the bottom of the bag but Lena was feeling strangely protective of her haul.

The two of them were feeling the sugar rush as they walked into the bar hand in hand, no one even turning to look at them as they passed through the sea of masks. Winn and James managing to snag a booth early in the evening, waving down Kara and Lena as they spotted them weaving through the crowd.

“Wonder Woman. Supergirl.” Winn toasted his glass towards Lena and Kara sitting across the table in his red star trek uniform.

“Where’s Alex and Maggie?”

“Playing pool?” Winn pointed over the back of the booth, to where Maggie and Alex stood, Maggie in a typical t-shirt and pants her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail her detective’s badge hanging on her hip, Alex awkwardly leaning over the table in a white medical jacket.

“Rizzoli and Isles?” Lena questioned, quickly looking over both women. All eyes at the table widening. “What?”

“You’re the only one that got it.” James laughed as he drank. “We all had to ask.”

“I mean I get Maggie, but why is Alex Isles?”

“She’s actually a doctor.” Winn piped in at the same time as Kara. “She has her medical degree.”

“And here I thought she was impressive just as an FBI agent.” Lena smiled at the table as she excused herself to go start a tab for the group leaving Kara alone to join Alex and Maggie.

“Seriously Kara?” Alex hissed as she wrapped an arm around Kara’s waist pulling her for half a hug, her other hand still wrapped around a cue.

“Lena picked it out.” Kara blushed as Alex glared at her.

“If Kara makes the joke of looking like Supergirl herself no one will take it seriously.” Maggie flashed her dimples at Kara before taking a shot, pretending to be disappointed as it ricocheted off the corner of a pocket and back to the middle of the table.

“And I think Lena felt more comfortable us being in a couples costume.” Kara didn’t think anything of what she said as Maggie and Alex exchanged looks over the table.

“What did Lena come as?”

“Wonder Woman.” Maggie answered Alex, grinning as Lena came over to the table passing Kara a club soda. “Supergirl and Wonder Woman. I love it.”

“Thank you.” Lena smiled politely. “I like the Rizzoli and Isles.”

“Thank you!” Maggie threw up her hands, “Someone gets it!”

“Absolutely. And much more original then Starsky and Hutch.” Lena smirked towards Kara who was shaking her head.

“Can I play winner?” Alex looked at her in surprise as Maggie happily handed over her cue.

“Sure. I think I’ve lost enough times for tonight.”

James and Winn gave up the booth when they realized they weren’t being joined anytime soon. Instead they joined Maggie and Kara as they stood against the wood railing watching Lena and Alex prowl around the table. It was a much more intense game then when Alex played with Maggie, Lena almost clearing the table of her half of the billiard balls before missing a shot giving Alex a turn to catch up. Eventually it came down only to the black ball, on Lena’s turn, letting her sink it with ease into the far left pocket.

“I guess I owe you a drink.” Alex smiled as she waved someone over, trying to eyeball Lena’s drink as Kara pulled her in for a victory hug, before making an order.

“Oh. I, uh, I already put the table on my tab.”

“Lena!” Kara leaned back to look in Lena’s face, “you don’t need to do that.”

“I know.” Lena pushed a strand of Kara’s hair out of her face before she went in for a second hug, burrowing her face in the crook of Kara’s neck. “It’s just my way of saying thank you… for tonight.”

#supercorp #supergirl #supercorp fanfiction #supergirl fanfiction #nemo writes #tumblr prompts #i hope you guys like it #Anonymous

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gadgetsrevv · 5 years

Text

Man United have fallen so far that defeats to West Ham are no longer a surprise

LONDON — There was a time when Manchester United would lose at places like West Ham and it was considered a shock. Not anymore.

They lost at the London Stadium last season and, on the basis of that and Sunday’s 2-0 defeat, it is likely they will lose here again before re-establishing themselves as Premier League title challengers. It has been a long six years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired a champion, and the road back to the top does not look like it’s coming to an end soon.

The truth is the United fans, who travelled south from Manchester early on Sunday, did not learn anything new. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team is, for the most part, capable defensively but does not create enough chances or score enough goals. It was the same against Leicester eight days ago and, indeed, against Astana in the Europa League on Thursday.

While both of those matches ended in 1-0 wins, this time it was two West Ham players — Andriy Yarmolenko and Aaron Cresswell — who engineered the only moments of genuine quality and United were beaten instead of scrapping out a narrow victory. Solskjaer can have no complaints and the bottom line is that there will be more days like this before his side turns a corner.

They kicked off having scored more Premier League goals versus West Ham than against any other team, but that is a stat from a different era. This United lined up without an away win in any competition since March — some 200 days ago at Paris Saint-Germain — and without a clean sheet outside Old Trafford since visiting Fulham in February.

They are still waiting. This latest defeat equalled a club record of seven straight away games in the league without a win and meant they have scored more than one goal in only one of their last 11 league games.

Since beating Chelsea on the season’s opening weekend, Man United have won once in the Premier League.

The summer transfer business tells everything about the strengths and weaknesses of the squad. Solskjaer spent £130 million on Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and there has been improvement defensively.

But Ander Herrera left for PSG and, with no replacement signed, United look weaker in midfield. More strikingly, forwards Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez departed for Inter, with only £15 million youngster Dan James coming in to offset the loss.

It should be no surprise, then, that United do not look like they will concede many but can be overrun in midfield and struggle to make things happen at the other end.

It said everything about the health of the squad that, for the final 10 minutes, United chased an equaliser with Jesse Lingard at centre-forward supported by James, Andreas Pereira and Angel Gomes. Marcus Rashford had already limped off to join a growing injury list that includes Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Mason Greenwood.

From the point at which Rashford exited, the only team that looked like scoring was West Ham. And, with six minutes remaining, Cresswell delivered with a wonderful free-kick from 25 yards to add to Yarmolenko’s 44th-minute opener and end any lingering uncertainty about the result.

– Ratings: Matic, Mata 4/10 as Man United slump at West Ham – ESPN Premier League fantasy: Sign up, check scores!

Solskjaer insists that this is just the first step of the rebuild and has said repeatedly that he cannot transform United into title challengers overnight. On that, he is right. Next summer he will look to sign a new midfielder and another forward, but the question is whether he will get time to implement the second phase of his plan.

He has gambled that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the Glazer family see things as he does, but club accountants will be aware that another season outside the Champions League will result in a cut in the money they receive from kit manufacturer Adidas. After six games, they are seventh in the table with games against Arsenal and Liverpool to come before the end of October.

“This group, they want to do what we are trying to do,” Solskjaer said at full-time. “There are key moments in games and maybe a bad decision or pass but the attitude and desire is there — that is not the problem. It is the quality in our decision making and execution.”

The West Ham fans inside the London Stadium spent most of the game chanting “You’re not famous anymore” at away supporters tucked in the corner. United are still famous — enough to still attract huge sponsorship deals — but in Premier League terms, they are no longer special.

That title belongs to rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, with Solskjaer’s side United among another six teams who could finish this season anywhere between third and eighth. Asked before the game about his former club’s prospects, Jose Mourinho said on British broadcaster Sky Sports that he expected them to finish between fourth and sixth; it is hard to argue with that assessment.

The truth is that fourth and a return to the Champions League would be a success. Roy Keane, in the same studio as Mourinho, suggested that that would never have been accepted in the United dressing room of which he was part.

That, though, was 20 years ago. This is a different time and victories over West Ham, let alone title challenges, are no longer a given.

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battingonjakku · 7 years

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A guide to the 18 counties and why you should/shouldn’t support each one

Hello! The county season is about to start which means a lot of chatter about it here for the next 6 months, so if you’re looking for a team to support, here’s a quick guide to choosing one – with help from several of our lovely cricket fam.

There are 18 to get through, so let’s get a crackin’

Derbyshire

Overseas players: Jeevan Mendis, Imran Tahir, Matt Henry

Recent internationals: Gary Wilson (Ire), Hardus Viljoen (SA, Kolpak)

England prospects: Harvey Hosein is a very promising wicketkeeper, though at a time when England are blessed with so many

Why you should support them: The one and only Michael Holding is the club president, and if you’re a Matt Henry fan this is the team for you, having recently signed for the T20 Blast. And Harvey Hosein is a qt.

Why you shouldn’t support them: I’m not sure I know anyone who supports them, so it could be lonely (I DON’T MEAN THIS AS A WAY OF DISRESPECT IF THERE ARE DERBY FANS HERE PLEASE COME OUT THE WOODWORK)

Durham

Overseas players: Stephen Cook, Tom Latham

Recent internationals: Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Keaton Jennings

England prospects: Jack Burnham, Paul Coughlin

Why you should support them: BECAUSE OF THE UNJUST TREATMENT OF THE ECB, also they have the best academy in the country and are generally good eggs – it is, after all, the home of Paul Collingwood. And if you’re in the area, you’re close to @bibliolicious and @omgbroady too.

Why you shouldn’t support them: honestly I can’t think of one, support Durham.

Essex

Overseas players: Mohammad Amir, Neil Wagner

Recent internationals: Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara

England prospects: Jamie Porter, Tom Westley

Why you should support them: if you’re a fan of Alastair Cook there will be a good three months of him (hopefully) churning out the runs for them in the CC, plus they have excellent comedy cricket through one of its kings: Ravi Bopara.

Why you shouldn’t support them: because it hurts too much, believe me. 2016 saw promotion in the CC but 2017 could be a battle after the big retirements of Graham Napier and David Masters.

Glamorgan

Overseas players: Jacques Rudolph

Recent internationals: Ruaidhri Smith (Scotland), Timm van der Gugten (Netherlands), Colin Ingram (Kolpak)

England prospects: Aneurin Donald

Why you should support them: CYMRU AM BYTH, The Only Welsh Team, putting the Wales into the ECB (wait a sec...)

Why you shouldn’t support them: No trophy since (I believe) 2004, and whilst they’re improving in LO formats particularly, they’re not obvious contenders in any competitions.

Gloucestershire

Overseas players: Michael Klinger, Cameron Bancroft, Andrew Tye

Recent internationals: :((

England prospects: Craig Miles, Matt Taylor

Why you should support them: Particularly strong one day team with a great history, and winning the 50 over cup against the odds in 2015. With Michael Klinger leading the way, definitely a team to watch in LO competitions.

Why you shouldn’t support them: If first class success is what matters to you, they’re not a great pick in the present or even history - never having been official county champions.

Hampshire

Overseas players: George Bailey

Recent internationals: James Vince, Liam Dawson, Reece Topley, Kyle Abbott (Kolpak), Rilee Rossouw (Kolpak)

England prospects: Mason Crane, Tom Alsop

Why you should support them: Michael Carberry is a reason in himeslf. Not only has he made his way back to training after treatment for cancer, he’s also a great influence and support for younger batsmen around the country. In Mason Crane they have one of the most hotly-tipped players in the country.

Why you shouldn’t support them: Not at all popular after Abbott and Rossouw ended their international careers to sign on Kolpak deals, and the beneficiaries of Durham’s relegation by the ECB last year - topped with their chairman saying it was the right thing to do

Kent

Overseas players: None so far, though Adam Milne may be on his way.

Recent internationals: Sam Billings, James Tredwell

England prospects: Daniel Bell-Drummond, Sam Northeast, Matt Coles

Why you should support them: Generally cricket’s good guys, plus the county ground has a tree! (and they literally had a new tree prepared for when the old one fell down, it’s one of my favourite quirks in county cricket). Also a team that really has an emphasis on home-grown talent.

Why you shouldn’t support them: Can perhaps a bit too unlucky - finishing second in Div 2 last year, the year when there was no promotion for coming second. And their kit is among the worst on the scene.

Lancashire (with help from @latenightwatchman)

Overseas players: Ryan McLaren, James Faulkner

Recent internationals: James Anderson, Jos Buttler, Young Haseeb Hameed, Stephen Parry, Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Kolpak), Dane Vilas (Kolpak)

England prospects: Saqib Masood, Liam Livingstone

Why you should support them: They have a group of really exciting young batsmen coming to the fore: Hameed, Livingstone, Jones, and Davies. Giles did really well in pushing them (perhaps sometimes out of necessity) and hopefully we'll see more of the same this year. And Hameed, Jones and Davies are adorable, in their own little ways.

Why you shouldn’t support them: it’s Lancashire. They have taken a couple of Kolpak signings this year, so we might see less of an emphasis on youth. Also the OT pitches last year were often really dull to try and prevent relegation, which didn't always make for exciting cricket.

Leicestershire (with help from @knockmeforsix)

Overseas players: Clint McKay, Sharjeel Khan, Cameron Delport, Luke Ronchi

Recent internationals: Kevin O’Brien (Ireland)

England prospects: Zak Chappell

Why you should support them: the perennial underdog who went two seasons without winning a first class game, but had a better year of 2016. Also a great producer of England talent over the years, including Stuart Broad and James Taylor. And Grace Road is adorable, with cheap hot dogs and the comm box being a glorified shed on the pavilion.

Why you shouldn’t support them: Here I quote: ‘we are not very good at cricket so if you like winning we are not the team for you’ (courtesy of Charlie)

Middlesex (with help from @twistsofsilver)

Overseas players: Brendon McCullum, Adam Voges

Recent internationals: Steven Finn, Eoin Morgan, Paul Stirling (Ireland)

England prospects: Toby Roland-Jones, Nick Gubbins, Olly Rayner, Dawid Malan, Tom Helm

Why you should support them: the reigning champions! of the CC and can be expected to challenge strongly again this year. And if you sit in the pavilion you have entertainment like Tim Murtagh breaking the MCC gate and looking sheepish. Also, Steven Finn. And Lord’s.

Why you shouldn’t support them: I saw Nick Compton get a century once. I can’t remember it. Also, for all its glory, Lord’s can produce some really lifeless pitches.

Northamptonshire

Overseas players: None from what I can tell

Recent internationals: Ben Duckett

England prospects: Graeme White, Richard Gleeson

Why you should support them: despite being underdogs with the smallest of budgets, have formed one of the best T20 teams - winning in 2016 & 2013 and coming second in 2015. James Taylor has just joined as a coach, too.

Why you shouldn’t support them: Not always popular for taking a number of players on Kolpaks - not the only culprits, but called out on it a lot

Nottinghamshire

Overseas players: Daniel Christian

Recent internationals: Stuart Broad, Alex Hales, Jake Ball

England prospects: I’m not sure if Harry Gurney counts, already having had a stint in the side, but his name often comes up among more left field options.

Why you should support them: A good bunch of players who have underperformed recently. Led by one of the most respected wicketkeepers on the circuit in Chris Read, in what will be his swansong season.

Why you shouldn’t support them: A richer team who have been accused of poaching players from ‘smaller’ counties (often Leicestershire tbh).

Somerset

Overseas players: Dean Elgar

Recent internationals: Josh Davey (Scotland), Michael Leask (Scotland), Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands), Paul van Meekeren (Netherlands)

England prospects: Jack Leach, James Hildreth (still clinging here), Tom Abell, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton

Why you should support them: A really talented bunch too often overlooked by England selectors, also Marcus Trescothick is still going strong aged 41 and is a hero. Came close to winning the Championship in 2016.

Why you shouldn’t support them: They have a brilliant track record...at finishing second. Prepare your hopes to rise and be crushed at the final moment.

Surrey

Overseas players: Kumar Sangakkara, Aaron Finch

Recent internationals: Jason Roy, Zafar Ansari, Gareth Batty

England prospects: Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Scott Borthwick, Ben Foakes

Why you should support them: a really good group of players, blending experience with a lot of hot prospects for England. Tom and Sam Curran in particular are two of the most exciting players on the circuit.

Why you shouldn’t support them: they’re the team that people often love to hate, and one of the richer teams in the country who are often accused of buying too much of their talent (or at least the ones called out on it the most)

Sussex

Overseas players: Vernon Philander, Ross Taylor

Recent internationals: Chris Jordan, Tymal Mills, Matt Machan (Scotland), Ed Joyce (Ireland), Stiaan van Zyl (Kolpak), David Wiese (Kolpak)

England prospects: Delray Rawlins, Ollie Robinson

Why you should support them: A team with a good mix of experienced county pros and younger players, with the always-underappreciated (in this country certainly) Luke Wright leading the way. Also they’re by the sea which means nice instagrams.

Why you shouldn’t support them: Have had a couple of quiet seasons – including winning just one 50 over match in the last two years. Have taken a few high profile Kolpaks, too.

Warwickshire

Overseas players: Jeetan Patel

Recent internationals: Chris Woakes, Ian Bell, William Porterfield (Ireland)

England prospects: Sam Hain, Olly Stone, Josh Poysden

Why you should support them: Home of Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott, what other reasons do you want. Current 50 overs champions, too, plus a good crop of quicks - including The Nicest Man In Cricket, Chris Woakes

Why you shouldn’t support them: If you’re not a fan of the idea of franchises, their T20 team Birmingham Bears is the most obvious one to have gone in this direction, much to the ire of many of their own fans.

Worcestershire

Overseas players: John Hastings, Mitchell Santner

Recent internationals: Moeen Ali

England prospects: Brett D’Oliveira, Joe Clarke, Ross Whiteley

Why you should support them: the perennial yo-yo team, so must be due a promotion. A rising limited-overs team with lots of promising young talent, also they have one of the most picturesque grounds in the country. Jack Shantry is also something of a cult hero, and Tom Fell’s successful return in 2016 after overcoming cancer one of last year’s most heartwarming moments.

Why you shouldn’t support them: the perennial yo-yo team, so if you don’t want to deal with the emotions this brings with it, they might not be for you. Prone to moments of glory and moments of despair.

Yorkshire

Overseas players: Peter Handscomb, Travis Head

Recent internationals: Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett, David Willey, Gary Ballance, Adil Rashid

England prospects: Jack Leaning, Matt Fisher

Why you should support them: I mean they’re my favourite team...also featuring lots of familiar faces of England’s present and past (Bresnan, Sidebottom, Lyth). Will expect to be challenging for the title come September after winning the Championship in 2014 and 2015.

Why you shouldn’t support them: they’re a team people love to hate, and the team everyone wants to beat, partly just to shut them up - which, um, is probably fair

#disclaimer: i may have missed some players here and there #thanks to those who gave a hand <3 #feel free to state your case if you think there's more to add :D #county cricket #cricket #county countdown

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creativeashproductions · 3 years

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Healed by the Music // Luke Patterson

Summary: After the fallout of reckless behaviour and forced to return back home the reader had rediscovered her love for music. Close with her family once more her band Graveyard Petals receives an offer that could turn around the band’s tarnished reputation. The only issue is not wanting to hurt those close by leaving.

Warnings: Swearing, talk of death, angst, and fluff

Words: 3.3k

A/N: The second and final part to a lovely little series I had grown to love, the first part is Drowning From the Past. I came up with the band name so if you want to use it send an ask and we talk about it. This is set after the first season and Ray can now see them after the whole Golden glow thing.

Part One - Drowning in the Past

Masterlist

In the months you retreated back to Los Feliz the band had grown exponentially bringing in more revenue with merch. The social media followers grew as well with the hope of a new photo posted of you and the band. The most recent teased new music coming.

Speaking of music, it seemed to pour out of your body into two notebooks unknown to both your sister and her band—the band of ghosts that become massive fans of Graveyard Petals when Julie played full-length debut album Dahlia. Luke had even collaborated on a song for your band; his name the first of writing credits.

Now, seven months after the shameful return the band had gotten the offer of a lifetime to open for 5 Seconds of Summer on a world tour. The issue came with talking with Julie, and the guys gave you had shown your father you had healed.

"Hey, what's been up with you lately?" Julie asked, seating herself in the swing right beside you. Her hair pulled away from her youthful face.

Whenever you looked at Julie, you saw Mom with the gorgeous hair and gleeful smile that brightened a room. Even on your mom's death bed, the room flared with that same smile in every picture in albums and on the walls. Sometimes you swore the piano in the studio bath in the warm light brought by the one person that taught you and Julie to play.

"I've been thinking." You simply spoke eyes focused on the park that had been a massive part of your life.

Every year Rose and Ray Molina had brought their three children to the very park the two had met years before. Rose would bring flowers to a specific bench, and every time you asked why she had the same answer.

Little Y/N was a precocious child inquisitive of the world around her held at an arms life by her parents. Skilled at singing and natural affinity for music it worried Rose, in her eldest child she recognized something. The intense passion and talent that a particular guitarist had once displayed on a stage that would have changed everything.

"It a place of absolute joy and acceptance. Four legends came together in front of that very bench."

Rose would never know about the place had Bobby not subconsciously led her there for the first time mere hours after the devastating loss. He had collapsed to his knees, pleading for his best friends, his brothers to return. In broken sobs, he had told Rose that this park, this bench was the first place Sunset Curve played. Band fresh and still unnamed they had gotten confident enough to set up near the bench to start building a following.

Now it was eight years after the first visit with Bobby who started going by Trevor a year after the loss. The fresh-faced boy that had flirted with Rose had changed, and at that time, Rose wasn't sure it was a good or bad thing.

"It was the guys Mom left the flowers for." Julie started following your eyesight to the bench that had a fresh bouquet. A single dahlia in the middle of the flowers for your mother.

"Yeah." You softly spoke, turning to focus on the girl that had healed through music. Seeing how grownup Julie had become hurt your heart. Julie wasn't a child anymore, and you wished she never went through what you did for months.

The two Molina girls sat in comfortable silence with minds thinking the most opposite things possible.

"5 Seconds of Summer is going on tour. We should try and score some tickets when they come to LA." Julie spoke, raising one leg to rest her arm on it. The high waisted light washed jeans with paintings on them.

Your heart clenched at her excitement for a band you both adored for years.

"I know. 5SOS gave Lucy an offer for Graveyard Petals to open for them worldwide. The others are down to join, but if I'm not ready, we won't." You avoided the brown eyes burning your cheek for a second.

Julie's warm hand clasped yours in hers to jog to your car you had bought with your first paycheque. Unable to figure out her state on the possible tour, you quietly drove back home with no sound other than breathing.

"Hey!" Luke beamed as his two favourite girls, came wandering into the studio with pensive expressions and stooped shoulders.

Alex picked up on their moods almost instantly, "Are you okay?"

Your mouth opened before the loud yell of Flynn cut off your opportunity to respond and a slap smack to the back of your head. The sharp cry of pain stumbled from your chapped lips and Flynn's frustration rolling off her form.

"Flynn!" You sharply called rubbing the stinging spot with a glare outmatched by Flynn's fire. The look unlike you had ever seen on the girl with a sharp sense of fashion and unapologetic personality.

"You got asked by 5 Seconds of Summer to tour the world as an opening act!" Flynn elaborated at your confused expression, "Jules texted me. You need to do this! The amount of questions of if GP will return is outrageous! In the last two days, the band's Instagram got five thousand new followers."

The ghostly trio stayed silent as Flynn reprimanded her best friend's older sister with crazy talent. Flynn was your self appointed biggest fan with buying the first album at the store to demanding to wear newly designed merch before the drop.

"I'm enjoying being at home. I'm on good terms with Julie and Carlos, Dad doesn't look like he's gonna drop dead in disappointment when he sees me." You shrugged focusing on the discoloured mark on the ground.

"It's okay to be scared." Alex supplied smiling as Flynn nodded her thanks as the tall drummer stepped in.

After escaping the Hollywood Ghost Club (HGC), a handful of people gained the ability to see them, including Flynn. It was rather refreshing for the girl to finally interact with the guys with Julie being the middle man.

"I'm not-"You cut yourself off at the disbelief on Julie's face with her arms crossed just as your mother had done, "I nearly lost myself in the bottom of a bottle. I fucked up my relationships and tarnished both mine and the band's reputation."

Luke's warm hand came down on your shoulder in the act of support, the touch a new factor to the ghost. Your hand came to rest on his with a smile of gratitude cast to the dead boy.

"You have healthy coping mechanisms to fall back on. You'll have us to visit with the poofing ability. If you stumble, we will be here for you." Reggie informed you with his toothy grin and kind eyes.

The last piece of the puzzle clicked into place, feeling the wound close up, leaving a scar that had blistered and reopened since last year. The cheers enveloped you like their arms as you texted Lucy and the band your decision.

Dublin, Ireland 2021

"Hello, Dublin!" Your voice amplified in the large stadium of fans cheering for your band—the thud of Iris on her drum kit.

James idly stroking the strings on his dark green teal guitar your band had pitched in as a gift to him. On the opposite side of the stage was Sawyer with their custom-made gorgeous marble green and white colour.

"I hope you are enjoying yourself so far! It is our last song before the real act comes out!" You exclaimed to the boisterous crowd.

Just barely in the wing of the stage waited the band that had quickly become older brothers to you. A band that had given you a chance after the madness of your downward spiral.

"This song came out in 2018 and quickly became one of my favourites. It wouldn't be right to sing it without some friends." You continued as the guys walked onto the stage, "Without further adieu, this is Lie to Me by 5 Seconds of Summer!"

Luke Hemmings along with Calum, Ashton, and Michael ran to join your band as Iris started a sick beat. Calum and Michael already joining Sawyer and James in absolute perfect sync leaving Ashton to rock out by Iris. Hemmings, to not confuse him with Luke Patterson, came to stand next to you with a guitar.

[Verse 1: Hemmings]

I saw you looking brand new overnight

And I caught you looking too, but you didn't look twice

You look happy, oh, mmm

You look happy, oh

Hemmings angled his body to face you but not cut off the fans behind him, creating the vivid story you had done each rehearsal. The blue clashing your own eye colour holding your personalized sparkly emerald green mic.

[Pre Chorus: Hemmings & Calum]

Flashing back to New York City

Change your flight so you stay with me

Remember thinking that I got this right

Only adding backing vocals as Hemmings retreated to jam out with Calum leaving you to jump around the stage. Landing next to Sawyer they beamed with the loud stadium heard even through the in-ear monitors.

[Chorus: Hemmings & Calum]

And now I wish we never met

'Cause you're too hard to forget

While I'm cleaning up your mess

I know he's taking off your dress

And I know that you don't, but if I ask you if you love me

I hope you lie, lie, lie, lie, lie to me

Raising the mic to your lips, you came into your cue returning to the middle of the stage with Hemmings.

"Give it up for Y/N!" Ashton yelled into Iris' personal microphone.

[Verse 2: You]

It's 3 AM and the moonlight's testing me (Ah)

I know that you've been holding on to someone else

And now I can't sleep (Ah)

I ain't happy, oh

I ain't too happy, oh

[Pre Chorus: You]

Flashing back to New York City

I was done, but you undid me

Classic me to run when it feels right

The stage was charged with the chemistry the two lead singers of their respective bands all sharing grins. The cheers growing as Hemmings came closer to share the green microphone, the tech guys skillfully turning Hemmings off; no feedback sounding.

[Chorus: Hemmings & You]

Now I wish we never met

'Cause you're too hard to forget

While he's taking off my dress

I know she's laying on your chest

I know that you don't, but if I ask you if you love me

I hope you lie, lie, lie, lie, lie to me

Singing, lie, lie, lie, lie, lie

Li-li-lie, lie, lie, lie, lie

Lie, lie, lie, lie, lie

Li-li-lie, lie, lie, lie, lie (Yeah yeah)

I know that you don't, but if I ask you if you love me

I hope you lie, lie, lie, lie, lie to me

The Australian singer stepped closer to hug you quickly before finding his way to your bandmates too. The crowd all having their phones out in which the hugs would be made into edits, and the shipping would intensify.

"Dublin! You have been incredible to play for. Enjoy the rest of the concert and rock out because I will be doing so backstage." Your voice echoed over the fans with a beaming grin feeling comfortable on stage again.

"This is Easier!" Hemmings shouted as the rest of his band commenced their part of the concert just as they had the last few months.

Watching the guys perform with your own band with you was incredibly bittersweet after touring worldwide for months. The media had eaten up the sudden reappearance of the band with positive publicity increasing the popularity.

"I love this song," Sawyer spoke with a twinkle in their eyes tapping their foot to the beat. James was just barely moving his head to beat while Iris was jumping around uncaring of the people around.

"You love it because we got to collaborate on the song!" James exclaimed, tapping his hip on her thigh. Iris' 5'11 form towered over James' 5'7 height but that never caused issues with them.

James's black hair gleamed blue in the strobe lights tinting his pale complexion as well. Sawyer's hair dyed bright red pairing well with their tawny skin colour with their mocha brown irises. Iris had changed over the break abandoning her past style for a more laidback skater style.

"I'm gonna head to the bus. Grab a shower and change." You informed the band as you started retreating to where the bus was parked.

"See you soon!" Sawyer yelled with their attention halfway back on the band of guys that had given you all a second chance.

Walking down the hall with employees milling around, you barely acknowledged them other than a smile. The performing had taken a lot out of you after a fitful sleep. Carl, your band's security detail and current bouncer to the backdoor, nodded at you.

Carl's colleague would be stationed at the bus as per usual with your routine of catching one song and then leaving. Bea's hardened gaze relentless on scouring the area with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Hey, Bea." You spoke earning a grunt in response from the jaded security detail hired after adjusting back to civilian life.

You didn't have the entire story other than Bea had been in the military, but due to an injury had been medically discharged. Your manager Lucy had been the one to hire her as per the new policy of having two people of different genders on detail.

The bus was quiet as you entered flinching at the sight of your father sitting on the couch with Julie and Carlos beside him. Your mouth gaped at seeing your family after months of only FaceTime and calls.

"Oh my gosh!" You yelled lunging to hug your siblings with wide eyes matching.

Carlos had definitely grown at least two inches since you last saw him, and Julie's hair was pulled back in an intricate style. Her outfit screaming Flynn's advice but her ring was on show that matched your own.

"Surprise!" Ray exclaimed to his eldest child with pride written clear on his face, "I missed you, Mija."

"So, did I!" The cheerful voice of Luke interjected as the three boys of Julie and the Phantoms made their appearance.

Standing further back in a band shirt with Graveyard Petals was Alex's boyfriend Willie with a shy expression. He still felt incredibly guilty of delivering the boys straight into Caleb's hand and often voiced his feelings of not feeling he deserved to be friends.

"Hey, Willie. I like your shirt!" You told the tall skater who sent a shy smile.

"Still weird," Ray muttered having walked in on Reggie towel drying his hair the month before you left for tour.

It had been a very confusing and emotional time for Ray and Carlos to adapt to the new information. After Julie saved the boys and that weird golden glow happened, they had been able to make themselves visible; just no poofing in the vicinity of Ray after he nearly fainted that one time. The details hadn't been worked out yet, but Caleb was out of the picture.

"Did you catch the concert?" You questioned the group tugging on the damp t-shirt you had worn on stage. The fabric was drying after being drenched in the sweat after spending an hour under hot lights and continuous movement on stage.

"We stayed for the one last night. We stayed for your set tonight before we got Bea-"

"-she's terrified by the way," Alex interjected with a grimace on his face at the stoic young woman. The glare at focusing on her scars had truly scared the anxious drummer.

"-to let us on the bus. We wanted to surprise you and congratulate your success." Luke informed the group, "You're insanely talented by the way."

His left hand coming to intertwine with your right hand just as it had before you departed for the world tour. You had grown incredibly close to the guitarist firstly as best friends before developing into a relationship.

"We did explore Dublin for the morning. I'll forever be in Lucy's debt for sending the tickets for us." Ray happily sighed, thinking of the lovely woman that had helped Ray guide his daughter back to herself.

"I'll just hit the shower quick." You swiftly jogged to the back of the tour bus where the shower was situated near the five came rooms. The entire band each had one room and a spare for the driver.

Los Angeles, 2021

Your hair pulled away from your face you sat beside a willow tree in contemplative silence with only your guitar and notebook. You knew that in a few seconds Luke would appear for another writing session.

"I love you." Luke breathlessly spoke as he ran up to you with a great big smile.

The awe at his words blinding your thoughts from the hope you had been feeling for the last week. Luke's hazel eyes glittering in the sun and the smile bubbled onto his face.

"I love you too." The words slipped quickly off the tip of your tongue as the guitarist tugged your form into his body. Supple lips quivering on the skin of warm neck all Luke felt was gratitude.

Luke leant back to brush his calloused fingers on your cheek, "Julie got a call. Someone little birdie sent in a demo to a label."

"I wonder who that happened to be." Your smirk revealing just precisely who had sneakily grabbed the freshly recorded demo.

Lucy had always had an interest in Julie's talent in music but tabled in during the period that Rose died. The grief stealing Julie's voice and leaving behind stage fright hadn't been something Lucy would chance. The manager had always hoped Julie's voice would return.

"You gave Lucy the demo, and she passed in on to the Red Bedroom Records!" Luke was quick to tug you into his arms with a huge grin, "Julie and the Phantoms are getting signed! The owner is personally flying over on Monday to go over the contract and sign it!"

Your words muffled by his chest, "Lucy informed me about that, and she offered to manage you as well."

"Lucy is the best. She gonna mentor and give Flynn an internship to still work with the band. Thank you so much, baby." Luke whispered against the warm skin of your forehead.

"I just decided to speed up the process. Can I tell you something?" At Luke's nod, you continued, "I'm thinking in a few years to open a label of my own. I was hoping you guys and Julie would be interested in doing that with me?"

"I am so down to do that. We're gonna hire an investigator to make sure what Trevor did isn't able to happen at our label." Luke was already passionately thinking of what the hypothetical future label.

"That's perfect!" You beamed, "We could give a workshop to aid songwriting too! I thought that we could name it A Rosie Sunset. My dad called my mom Rosie most of my life and Sunset for your first band."

"I didn't think I could love you more than I did a minute ago. You proved me wrong." Luke breathless laughed before humming when your lips made contact with your own.

The warmth that had been missing the year after you mom passed away had returned, and sometimes you swore the sun shone down on you. You had no doubts it was your mom's way in heaven to hug her children. You and Julie had come to the conclusion that your mom had sent the boys into your lives.

Rose Molina, even in death, did her best to make her children happy. The three remaining members of Sunset Curve the absolute best part of her two daughters lives.

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celticnoise · 4 years

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Well today clarified some stuff on the transfer front. Sort of.

During his presser for tomorrow’s game, Lennon was asked a couple of questions about the transfer stories which have proliferated in the last couple of days and he gave some updates. They are pretty interesting, and illuminating in one case.

For openers, he was asked about Leigh Griffiths. There have been rumours that we would be willing to like Leigh go out on loan, but as James said the other did, he might be fourth choice but Lennon knows his value to the club.

If, as James suggested, Griffiths is going to get one last opportunity to prove himself then there those inside Celtic Park still feel he’s worth hanging onto. Lennon has as good as said so. It always seemed unlikely he’d be loaned out.

Lennon has confirmed that we’re talking to Shane Duffy. He refers to them as “tentative inquiries”, but that’s a bit of an understatement.

This has gone much further than a tentative inquiry. The club and the player have had detailed talks. Negotiations with Brighton are ongoing. Lennon is playing it down because there’s no certainty of closing the deal.

But he’s been more open about it than he has before, which suggests we’re a step further along the road than the official reports suggest.

It’s not done, yet … but my confidence grows.

The last update may be the strangest, but also the most revealing. Neil Lennon has denied that Rogic is on his way to Qatar, saying only that the club has made its interest known but that it goes no further than that. He’s also said he likes Rogic and wants him to stay.

But there is ambivalence there too. He hasn’t said that Rogic definitely will stay … so Lennon is unsure of that. And to me that means one thing only, that Rogic has expressed a desire to go. He hasn’t played much football at Celtic of late.

I could understand his wanting the move.

Lennon is basically saying “wait and see” on that one. If the inquiry turns into a firm offer than I think Tom will be off. The idea that he might be used as a makeweight in the deal for Duffy might just have been knocked on the head, or that might yet come about.

Clarity in some ways, but not in others.

What we can take to the bank is that the interest in Tom is real, the interest in Duffy is too and that Leigh can have all the interested parties sniffing around as there are for Edouard, but he’s going to remain at Parkhead for the time being.

In the meantime, behind the scenes, the business goes on.

The Rumour Guy is a Celtic fan and blogger from Glasgow, who lives on Kit Kats when the editor isn’t fining him.

The CelticBlog faces many challenges going forward. If you like what we do, please subscribe and never miss another article. If you’re on Facebook, join us on our Facebook Group or share us on yours, if you’re on Twitter remember and re-tweet all our work.

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#CelticNoise #Celtic #CelticFC #TheCelticBlog #News

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torentialtribute · 5 years

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Declan Rice and Mason Mount have dreamt of playing together for England at Wembley

This international break may just seem routine to most. Two more English qualifiers for the European Championship 2020. An early diversion from the start of the season Premier League .

But for Declan Rice and Mason Mount, it has been one of the most exciting times of their career so far. The couple have been waiting to play together for the English senior team since they first met 12 years ago at the academy of Chelsea .

Now, both 20 years old, they are with The team of Gareth Southgate and are ready to start against Bulgaria and Kosovo.

Mason Mount (left) and Declan Rice always dream of playing together for England

The couple had a lot of fun together prior to the Euro 2020 qualifications of England

Rice tweeted this image of him and Mount together in Chelsea as children

Both have taken different journeys to get to where they are today, but the pair is & # 39; best friends & # 39; remained, according to Rice, who was recently asked about their friendship.

Perhaps the most remembered story was about their time in each other's company when they were on vacation earlier in the summer in Dubai.

While Rice tried to enjoy a nap after a strong first full season in West Ham, Mount had other ideas.

Mount scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea against Leicester at Stamford Bridge

Rice has gone from strength to strength in West Ham , where he is now a normal starter

Instead of letting his partner rest, Mount walked to where Rice slept and f founded the midfielder.

Rice's reaction – a loud scream followed by another loud scream – and his terrified face will long be remembered by those who watched the video of the joke that Mount has enjoyed sharing on Twitter.

Rice has since spoken and insists that he will find a way to come back to Mount.

The couple can afford to laugh and enjoy the moment. They arrived together at St George & # 39; s Park earlier this week and clearly enjoy the prospect of making schoolboy dreams come true.

After all, while it may now look as if everything is with driver's cars and first-class vacations, the duo have endured hardships along the way.

Mount played a funny but cruel joke on good friend Rice on Dubai

Rice wakes up as Mount shouts in his face while sleeping on the yacht

Ten players under The 23 in the English team

Trent Alexander-Aold

Ben Chilwell

Joe Gomez

James Maddison

Mason Mount

Marcus Rashford

Declan

Jadon Sancho

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Harry Winks

Rice was possibly the first to discover that it is a soccer player not sure or necessary always a pleasant experience.

Six years after joining Chelsea & # 39; s academy, the couple were divorced when rice was released at the age of 14. Rijst has often talked about blocking & # 39; the pain of rejection

Fortunately, it was not long before other clubs such as West Ham, Fulham and Southampton showed interest. Rice chose West Ham, where he quickly became a fan favorite.

Mount is proud of Rice's progress. He said: & # 39; It shows what he is like as a boy. He has that fight and that desire.

& # 39; To be knocked down and released by what his club is – he has always supported Chelsea from a boy – is hard and hard to come back. He did that and I certainly think I can learn things from him. I always talk to him. & # 39;

Great decisions are no stranger to Mount. He got his big chance on the Chelsea side this season – largely because of playing under Frank Lampard, who led him last year in Derby – but he also had to reflect a lot as the years went by.

Mount was encouraged by his father, Tony, at the age of 14 to pursue other options outside of Chelsea. There was a concern – which is still shared today by many – that there was a flattened route to the first team or an example of someone who in the recent past reached the other side than John Terry.

There was a loan period with Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie in the Netherlands, where he sparkled. Eight goals and nine assists in 29 league games told the story of a player who could be very influential on a throw if only he got a try.

Mount enjoyed a fertile time in the Eredivisie in the Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem

Rice has gone through a smooth journey in the first team six years after Chelsea released him

Last season, in Derby, he was one of the major players in a match that reached the Champio nship play-off final.

Now back with Chelsea – and playing – rice is being made up for Mount.

& Frank loves him and Mase loves Frank and I am really happy for him that he is behind it, & said Rice.

When Mount scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea – the opening strike in a 1-1 draw against Leicester on Stamford Bridge last month – Rice responded to Twitter.

He placed a photo of the couple in their Chelsea kits from when they were children. "Come along since this photo bro," Rice wrote.

Mount was crucial for Derby last season when they reached the final Championship play-off achieved

& Proud smile on my face as I see that goal coming in, never doubting and much more coming. & # 39;

His reward for a good start to the new campaign is this: his first call for the higher side.

As with many English games in Wembley, the qualifier on Saturday against Bulgaria is a sale and check-out. For those who pack the national stadium, they will see the evening go by, just like any other match in England. The game is expected to win, but there will be no sentiment.

That will not be the case for Mount and Rice. The couple who grew up together, who dreamed big and now get the chance to play for England in Wembley. It is the stuff you are talking about in the school yard, but never really believe it will happen.

Saturday can indeed be a very special day for Mount and Rice.

Mount and Rice dreamed of walking with England in the National Stadium

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#Declan Rice and Mason Mount have dreamt of playing together for England at Wembley"

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quadraphonictypewriter · 4 years

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Rushing Whispers (wip page)

Title: Rushing Whispers

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Status: First draft

POV: First person

File under: #books about musicians #found family #sweet romance #nfsw at times

Setting: Begins in May 1970 in and around Aberdeen, Scotland. So far, add Europe and North America to the mix!

Synopsis:

More below the cut!

Current word count: approx 80,000 (as of July 2020)

Also! I have a sideblog with aesthetic posts about the characters in Rushing Whispers! The blog can be found here and a related info post here!

You can read Rushing Whispers by clicking this link (which brings you to an external blog) and through the “Date Map” post, it’s possible to choose any of the dates/parts that have been posted!

MAIN CHARACTERS

Emily Dupont was born in the fall of 1941 and raised in the suburbs surrounding Montreal, Canada. Following the death of her mother and her father’s subsequent departure in 1956, she and her sister moved in with their maternal grandmother, who was always supportive of Emily’s talent and love for painting.

Cameron Thom is the founding member and keyboardist of Amoeba, a progressive rock band based in Aberdeen. Cameron has always lived in the area since his birth in the spring of 1941, and has stated that he owes his morals to the community he loves. Both of his parents passed away unexpectedly during his teen years, leaving him to move in with his aunt in nearby Cruden Bay, who has always cared for him as her own son.

THE BAND

Willie (born William) Shaw was also raised in Aberdeen, and has been friends with Cameron since primary school. Playing guitar has long been his solace and he has found a comforting wall of privacy in the instrument he’s strived to master for the last fifteen years.

Lee Brodie was born in a small village on the shore of Loch Tay in the winter of 1943. His family briefly lived in Glasgow and then Edinburgh, until a short-lived woodworking apprenticeship in the summer of ‘62 brought him to Aberdeen. After being tasked with building a bass guitar for a customer, Lee set his sights on musicianship and left the trade. He joined Amoeba in the spring of 1969, just in time for the tour to support their first album.

Dale Kenney’s family moved to Scotland from their native Bristol in 1960 due to his father’s career change. At fifteen, Dale realized he could sing after spending weeks singing to his younger sister to calm her and lull her to sleep, and by his own admission, “it was all over after that!”

Colin Foster grew up in Liverpool and was bothering the neighbours early on in his life with constant banging on any flat surface. His parents bought him a small drum kit when he turned seven, and at fifteen he joined a local band that soon relocated to nearby Manchester. In the four years since, he has spent time in various bands in multiple cities until being recruited into Amoeba in February 1971.

ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS

Liliane Dupont is currently a department store manager, living in the same region in which she and her sister were raised. Of the two sisters, Liliane bore the brunt of the abuse dealt by their father, whose disappearance when she was sixteen helped them both in many ways. With Emily’s help, she was the palliative caregiver for their grandmother until her passing in April 1970.

Geoff Sinclair is the middle-aged man who went out on a limb for Amoeba after seeing them perform in a small club in the autumn of 1968. Having taken a break from managing bands after a successful run with a handful of popular acts in the ten previous years, Geoff signed an exclusive management contract with the still-burgeoning Amoeba.

Steve Todd is a twenty-one year old native Aberdonian up to his knees in the rock music scene. He’s musically inclined⁠—wait until you hear him with a harmonica!⁠—and has previously lent a hand to Amoeba in times of need between drummers.

To know more about any other characters mentioned throughout Rushing Whispers, feel free to send me an ask! Posts about each character are available by searching the tag #oc emily or #oc cameron .. etc

STUDIO DISCOGRAPHY & BAND INFO (as of autumn 1971)

Split Milk [Released March 1969]

Osmosis [Released October 1969]

Missing Persons [Released August 1970]

Cabinet of Fools [Released August 1971]

The debut album, Split Milk, was received well by the critics, though Amoeba has made it clear that they don’t much care for what the critics think. Osmosis was released later in the same year and showed a clear progression in the band’s cohesive output. Both the Osmosis tour and the one to support their third album Missing Persons, were wildly successful in terms of gaining a fanbase and becoming a powerhouse on stage.

Their unique brand of progressive rock, oftentimes leaning towards the heavier side of said genre, has been a favourite of rockers across European soil since April 1969 when their first live shows in support of Spilt Milk, originally scheduled as a domestic tour of the UK, turned into a much longer tour of Europe.

Clyde remained behind the drum kit until the recording of their fourth album in the early portion of 1971, when he left the band and was replaced by Colin Foster. Drum credits on Cabinet of Fools are given to both men, who collectively have over twenty years experience with their instrument.

Currently, Amoeba is wading through the American live venue market in support of their latest record, aptly entitled Cabinet of Fools. There are whispers of a live album being in the works, which will delight many a prog rock fanatic on either side of the Atlantic.

#wip rushing whispers #writeblr #writeblr community #wip intro #romance wip #contemporary romance

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travelworldnetwork · 5 years

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Culture and coastline: Greenland. Photo: Michelle Valberg

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During the pre-cruise briefing for Adventure Canada's 15-day expedition to Greenland and Labrador in Newfoundland, expedition leader Jason Edmunds says we will sail more than 2000 nautical miles (3700 km), cross cultural borders and travel through bear territory – black and polar. He emphasises that the "intended itinerary" is just that – intended, and we should be prepared to expect the unexpected.

We're up at dawn for the flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, a journey that should take about six hours, including a fuel stop at Baffin Island. Our First Air 737 is the first of the two charter planes to land at Iqaluit – a spectacular descent through sunlit clouds over white-cap dotted sea and snow-scattered mountains – but for technical reasons the aircraft is grounded for two and a half hours. No biggie, we're in a pretty remote spot and it's better to arrive late than not at all.

Cut to our arrival onboard Ocean Endeavour some 10 hours later. It's dark and we've now crossed the Davis Strait three times, having been unable to land at Kangerlussuaq first time around which meant a return to Iqaluit to wait for the second attempt. Emergency glasses of wine are dispensed to keep the mood boosted and it's certainly an early lesson in expecting the unexpected. But on the chilly Zodiac ride to the ship, the day's frustrations vanish in an instant when the sky comes alive with rolling, flashing green Northern Lights. Oh yes, this is a magnificent welcome to Greenland.

Kangaamiut village. Photo: Adventure Canada

We see a tiny sliver of the west coast of the world's biggest island over the next few days. It is the start of an eye-opening journey into Inuit country and cultures, over oceans and land masses covering boundless areas of icy, rocky wilderness. Seeing and hearing a glacier calving – the breaking off of ice chunks – on our first Zodiac excursion in Evighedsfjorden, "fiord of eternity", is as perfectly timed as last night's Northern Lights show and a magical start to our adventure.

Our first landing is at Kangaamiut, a tiny fishing village in the Qeqqata municipality. An Inuit woman greets us with a traditional drum dance, we listen to an eight-strong choir singing hauntingly beautiful songs in the packed local church and witness a seal flensing near the dock. Ocean Endeavour's onboard culturalists stress that this is not compulsory viewing but that sustainable seal hunting is a vital part of Inuit culture. Choice bits of liver and blubber are shared among the group of onlookers – locals and visitors alike – but I confess, I only go as far as observing.

Nuuk, where we spend a day before crossing the Davis Strait for the fourth time, is the northernmost capital in the world and is home to the acclaimed Greenland National Museum and the strikingly contemporary Katuaq Cultural Centre. .

There's a lot to take in, let alone learning how to pronounce the place names on our itinerary, but Adventure Canada's team of 30-plus expedition leaders, culturalists, scientists and photographers impart an impressive range of expert knowledge in lectures, presentations, workshops and on-shore excursions.

Renowned Canadian photographer Michelle Valberg is on board and as well as documenting the voyage, she plays an important role in Project North, a non-profit organisation that supplies sporting equipment to children in the Canadian Arctic. As we sail towards Nunavik (Inuit-governed territory that covers one-third of Quebec province), enthusiastic passengers join Valberg's packing party to put together ice-hockey kits that we later deliver to the community centre in Kangiqsualujjuaq village. It's cold and almost dark when we arrive but the reception we receive, and the hockey game played (hard) by locals and passengers, is enough to warm hearts for a long time to come.

The weather turns colder and wilder as we head towards Akpatok island, north of Kangiqsualujjuaq in Ungava Bay. There's ice on the ship's deck and 55-knot winds and rough seas are forecast. Captain Donael Soto keeps the ship in a holding pattern in the lee of the island until conditions permit the transit to Torngat Mountains National Park, on the Labrador Peninsula.

Everyone is on deck as the ship enters Nachvak Fiord. Sunrise adds a surreal touch to this wildly beautiful terrain and as the ship approaches Ramah Bay, a polar bear alert is broadcast across the ship. I can't believe I'm actually seeing a polar bear in its own, lonely territory, let alone managing to capture images of it on my iPhone.

Black bears also roam these parts and armed crew members patrol landing areas. We see plenty of evidence of the bears' presence in berry-packed droppings but the few we spot are foraging on distant hillsides. Other wildlife sightings are frequent and thrilling: humpback whales, seals, minke whales at very close quarters from the Zodiac ride to Nain, and too many seabirds to list here. Apart from the peregrine falcon who made himself at home on the Zodiac racks one windy morning.

From the Torngat Mountains base camp at Saglek Fiord, as at other landings, we set off on hikes of varying degrees of difficulty. The landscape surrounding the easy route to a spectacular waterfall is like something out of a painting – cool, silvery light illuminates swathes of flaming crimson and gold Arctic berry patches among the snowy hills and lichen-covered rocks. Fitter passengers take a more challenging, four-hour ridge hike and later share photos of views even more sublime.

Two polar bears. Photo: Andrew Stewart

When Ocean Endeavour drops anchor in Nain, mayor Joe Dicker comes aboard to welcome us to his town, the administrative capital of Inuit-governed Nunatsiavut. He explains that missionaries from the protestant Moravian faith established a settlement here in 1771 and Nain's wooden church, rebuilt several times since then, is still well attended. There is a fascinating history of Moravian-Inuit brass bands and one of Nain's finest play us as we disembark.

Near the dock we meet Noah, a kayak instructor, in his workshop. He not only builds traditional Inuit kayaks but possibly knows even more about their heritage and use than author and explorer Jerry Kobalenko, a passionate paddler who presents great talks and films on the ship. This journey is a constant learning experience. Our next port of call, L'Anse aux Meadows on the Newfoundland coast, is the only known Viking settlement in Canada.

L'Anse aux Meadows is a World Heritage Site and the story of its discovery by Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad and his archeologist wife Anne Stine Ingstad in 1960 is as compelling as the place itself. A boardwalk trail takes you around the site where you can see original Norse dwellings dating back at least 1000 years and further along, enthusiastic actors dressed as Vikings demonstrate crafts such as blacksmithing and making bog-iron nails in cleverly re-created sod huts.

Torngat Mountains National Park, Greenland. Photo: Adventure Canada

This experience-packed voyage comes to an end in scenic St Johns, North America's oldest city. It takes days, weeks, to process priceless memories, some funny, some moving but most of all incredibly educational. Every morning, expedition leader Edmunds broadcasts a wake-up call in his rich, deep voice and one of my favourites is when he quotes from John Steinbeck: "A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it."

FIVE FACTS ABOUT ADVENTURE CANADA

FAMILY AFFAIR

Adventure Canada was founded in 1987 by Matthew Swan, his brother Bill and their friend Dave Freeze. Today, Matthew's daughters Cedar Swan and Alana Faber are CEO and VP Operations respectively, and son Matthew James is director of business development. Cedar's husband Jason Edmunds is an expedition leader, Alana's husband Brian Faber and Matthew James' partner Devon all work in the company. A family member travels on every voyage.

Karrat Fjord. Photo: Dennis Minty

DESTINATIONS

The Arctic, including the Northwest Passage; Atlantic Canada, including Greenland, Newfoundland and the St Lawrence River; Haida Gwaii in the Pacific Northwest; Antarctica; South and Central America; Ireland, Scotland and Iceland.

THE SHIPS

Greenlandic girl in window. Photo: Michelle Valberg

Adventure Canada charters the 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour for Arctic and Northern Europe voyages, 108-passenger Hebridean Sky in Antarctica, 12-passenger SV Island Solitude in British Columbia and south-east Alaska, 49-passenger MS Panorama in Costa Rica and the Panama Canal and the 46-passenger La Pinta in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

EXPEDITION TEAM

Up to 30 experts and local guides accompany cruises. Local guides include indigenous leaders, musicians, artists and culturalists from the regions travelled in.

Zodiak ride, Greenland. Photo: Michelle Valberg

YOUNG EXPLORERS

As well as supporting several community projects, Adventure Canada runs the Young Explorers Program in conjunction with the Explorers Club. Participants are between 18 and 30 and join select expeditions to learn about the Arctic and contribute to the world's understanding of the region through their research.

TRIP NOTES

The writer was a guest of Cruise Traveller.

Ocean Endeavour. Photo: Michelle Valberg

traveller.com.au/greenland

adventurecanada.com

FLY

Air Canada flies daily non-stop to Vancouver from Brisbane and Sydney and up to four times a week from Melbourne. See aircanada.com

CRUISE

Adventure Canada's Greenland & Wild Labrador cruises depart September and October 2019 and 2020. Fares, including one night's accommodation in Toronto and flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, from US$10,040 (2019) and US$9750 (2020). Phone 1800 507 777, see cruisetraveller.com.au

from traveller.com.au

#Travel Guide

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