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ghost-party · 3 years

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Pairing: Nanami Kento x OC Word Count: 2.1K Warnings: some angst, references to loss and grief A/N: MERRY CHRISTMAS! 🎄 I finally finished this chapter. 😁 Also: I’m still not caught up on the manga, and events in this story may differ from the anime.

“‘Whatever you wear will be perfect’...? Are you flirting with someone? Over text?”

Nanami turns and glares at Gojo, who’s leaning over his right shoulder. The white-haired sorcerer grins, eyes hidden behind a pair of sunglasses.

“Don’t look so grumpy, Nanami. You’ll get wrinkles. Who’s Olivia?”

“Mind your own business.”

The two of them are spending their respective Thursday afternoons at Jujutsu Tech, one to finish conducting some research in the library, and the other to “lesson plan.” (Although Gojo is inarguably the strongest person he knows, Nanami still questions his talents as a teacher.)

Gojo presses a hand to his chest, slumping against the nearest wall as if mortally wounded. “And here I was, just trying to give some romantic advice to a dear friend.”

“Please don’t.”

After closing his laptop and sliding it into his briefcase, Nanami stands and walks past his colleague, heading toward the front gates.

But he knows better than to think he won’t be followed. Within a few moments, he hears the other man’s footsteps behind him, his gait long and leisurely.

“I know a lot of good date spots.”

“Of course you do.”

“Can I just —”

“No.”

“But what about —”

“No.”

Gojo clicks his tongue disapprovingly. “Fine, fine... Just promise me one thing.”

At this, Nanami turns to face him, shoulders stiff with irritation. “And what’s that?”

“Don’t push her away. Okay?”

Gojo’s relaxed smile lingers, but there’s sincerity in his tone. “I know, I sound like a sap, right? But I can tell you really like her, whoever she is. Because you don’t text — ever. Or at least you never text me —”

“Please get to the point.”

“Don’t worry about how things might end up when they haven’t even begun. Maybe try to let yourself be happy for once.”

Nanami blinks at him, briefly stunned by his advice. But before he can respond, the moment has passed, and Gojo is grinning.

“Can I meet her?”

With an inward sigh, Nanami turns and continues walking. “No.”

“Don’t worry, Nanami! I would never steal your date. I’ll even keep the glasses on — Hey, wait, stop walking so fast!”

• • •

For a few weeks during his first year of high school, Nanami had a girlfriend. Her name was Himari. They had been classmates in middle school, and her parents owned the convenience store a few blocks away from his family’s home. She was shy, sweet, and far too good for him — a truly good person. He felt that way right from the start.

It was when he began training in earnest that he began to question how wise it was for things to continue between them. She had a normal life ahead of her. One that, if she were lucky, would be long and mundane. He couldn’t say the same of his. And he knew that if anything ever happened to her — if his closeness to her somehow caused her harm — he would never forgive himself.

So he had broken her heart instead. Even now, over ten years later, he can still remember how hard she had cried, how his weak attempt to comfort her only resulted in her shoving him away and running off into the rain. In that moment, all he could think was that it had been raining on the day they first kissed.

Since then, he has avoided entangling himself with anyone, even fellow sorcerers. While he worked at an office, trying his hardest to focus only on earning more money and retiring someplace far away, he was reluctant to let down his guard. What if, even as a former sorcerer, he still put someone in a situation that could have been avoided — could have spared their life? He wanted to help people, not put them in harm’s way. He had already lost close friends, and that loss was a constant companion, following him wherever he went.

But Olivia... She makes him weak. She makes him want to believe that everything will work out, despite the odds. She makes him want to be reckless. But is it truly recklessness when she’s the one person these days who grounds him, bringing him back whenever he feels lost?

Wanting to be with her feels selfish. As he sits on the edge of his bed, hair still dripping from his evening bath, he knows that, if he truly intends for this to go anywhere, he has to tell her the truth. And then he has to let her make her own decision. The thought of it makes him feel somewhat nauseated, and he sighs, rubbing his face with both hands.

Gojo’s words echo in his head. Don’t worry about how things might end up when they haven’t even begun. Maybe try to let yourself be happy for once. And when he eventually climbs into bed that night, he decides to try. For himself. And for her, he thinks, as he drifts off to sleep.

• • •

Olivia feels like she’s a teenager all over again, standing in front of her bedroom mirror, struggling to choose an outfit for tonight’s date. She heaves a frustrated sigh. Honestly, this shouldn’t be so difficult. It’s not like her wardrobe is that big. And Nanami has already seen her in pajamas. The bar is low. But it’s also been years since her last first date.

She eventually settles on a simple black wrap dress she rarely wears. It’s not as cold today as it has been, despite Christmas being just one week away. But she still shrugs her way into her coat while awkwardly stepping into a well-loved pair of tall, black boots.

As she’s double-checking her hair in the mirror, having managed to tame it enough to settle around her shoulders in soft curls, she hears the back door open downstairs and Nanami’s voice call out.

“I’m here. Is it alright if I come up?”

“Yes!” Olivia turns to grab her purse and nearly trips over her own feet. Calm down, she thinks, taking a few deep breaths to steady herself. Everything’s going to be fine. It’s not like you’re going out with a stranger. It’s Nanami.

By the time she turns around, the man in question is standing in the doorway, and... Oh. She’s only ever seen him in a suit and tie, but tonight he’s wearing black pants, a forest green sweater, and a gray wool coat. He’s not wearing his usual sunglasses, but she suspects they’re tucked in a pocket. He’s always been handsome, but this... This is a whole other level.

And he’s holding a bouquet of flowers. Sunflowers. “Those are beautiful.”

He smiles. “Your next door neighbor was very helpful. A friend of hers owns a greenhouse. But she seemed a little disappointed that you’re going on a date with someone other than her son...”

Olivia groans. “What a surprise. Thank you, for going to all that trouble.” When she reaches out to take them, her fingers brush against his, and the butterflies in her stomach do somersaults. So much for calming down...

After putting the flowers in a vase, she follows him downstairs and out of the store, until they’re standing on the front sidewalk. He offers his arm, and she notices the faintest tinge of pink in his cheeks. “Ready?”

With a smile, she slides her arm through his, hoping he can’t feel her erratic heartbeat. “Let’s go.”

Dinner ends up being the most delicious ramen she’s ever had, at a tiny, nondescript restaurant a few blocks away from the shop. She hadn’t known what to expect. From their previous conversations, it was clear that Nanami had a robust palate. But she learns that he’s been coming to this place for years.

“Since high school, I think,” he says as they walk outside. She takes his arm again and follows his lead, noticing that the sun has almost set.

“What were you like back then?”

He makes a noise somewhere between a laugh and a sigh. “Like most teenagers, I thought I had everything figured out — until I realized I didn’t.” As Olivia looks up at him, she notices a shadow cross his face, an emotion that’s gone too quickly for her to define it. “I wasn’t very sociable,” he continues. “I suppose that hasn’t changed. ‘Too serious,’ at least according to Gojo.”

“Gojo?”

He winces. “Ah... My coworker. We were classmates, when we were younger. I don’t think I’ve mentioned his name before.”

“The one who writes you inappropriate notes? And was texting you non-stop during dinner?”

“Good guess. He’s very curious about you.”

Olivia notices they’ve walked to the nearby park, where strings of soft white lights have been wound through the bare tree branches. Nanami leads them to a bench, where they sit side by side, with a perfect view of the fading sunset. She’s a little flustered to notice that their arms are still linked, pulling them close enough for their legs to touch.

“He is?” she asks, forcing herself to look up at him. His face is so close. When did his face get so close?

Nanami’s gaze is fixed on the trees ahead of them, his expression unreadable. “We’re not good friends, so we don’t talk about personal things. Even so, I think he knows I don’t do... this very often.”

“Neither do I.” She lets out a small laugh. “I hope I haven’t seemed too nervous or anything. It’s just been a while since I — a few years, actually — but I wasn’t nervous because of you, it’s just...” When he turns to look down at her, with a look of amused understanding, she drops her forehead onto his shoulder. “Awkward. I’m awkward.”

She feels more than hears him laugh. “No, you’re not. You’re perfect.”

She lifts her head and meets his gaze, and now there’s no mistaking it — he’s blushing. And, somehow, his face is now even closer.

She takes in his pushed-back hair, the angles of his face, the gentle arch of his brow, his eyes, deep and thoughtful. The way he’s looking at her, like she’s precious, important... desired. Looking up at him, she can’t help but feel like a flower stretching toward the sun.

“Can I kiss you?” he asks, his voice low. And it nearly breaks her — the slightest tremble in his words.

“Yes,” she replies, and it’s a relief to finally say it.

He leans in and presses his lips to hers, and her arm tightens, pulling him closer. At first, he’s gentle — almost tentative. But when she whimpers, small and soft, he becomes more furtive. His teeth nip at her bottom lip, and her mouth opens, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Their arms slide apart, allowing both of his hands to settle on her waist, and she reaches behind his head, fingers grasping at the hair at the nape of his neck. Every thought has left her head, except one: Why haven’t we been doing this right from the start?

When they finally separate, both coming up for air, Nanami looks dazed. “I’m sorry if that was too much,” he murmurs, drawing his hands back. “It’s just that I’ve wanted to do that for a while now...”

“Don’t apologize.” Olivia reaches down and grabs his hands, his lightly-calloused fingers pressed against her palms. “That was... wow. And me, too. Yes.” After a kiss like that, words are suddenly very hard.

When he smiles, it’s open and warm and relieved, and he gives her hands a small squeeze before standing, pulling her up along with him.

“There’s things I still need to tell you,” he says as they walk back the way they came, arm in arm again, though a little closer this time. “About my work.”

“Are you a spy?” Despite his sardonic stare, she continues, “An assassin? An ousted CEO looking to take back his company by force?”

“You read too much,” he chastises.

“Occupational hazard.” She hesitates, then says more seriously, “I figured. About your work. You’ve never talked much about it, so I’ve never asked.” Her hand slides down to grasp his, tugging it into the pocket of her coat. “You can tell me whenever you’re ready, okay?”

She’s pleased when she notices the sudden tension ease from his shoulders — and even more so when, as they continue walking, he asks, “Do you have any plans this Christmas?”

• • •

BONUS: Gojo’s Texts to Nanami

#jujutsu kaisen #jjk #nanami kento #nanami x oc #nanami kento x oc

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chayacat · 3 years

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Devil’s Sweet Star (25)

Fandom: Dead by Daylight

Ghostface x Female Reader

Rated M for Violence, Language and Smut

***

Trust. When you are in a relationship, with friends or family, trust is the essential thing to make everything go well, in addition to fidelity for the case of a couple. When you trust someone, you tell them about your fears, your doubts, your suspicions, everything you want to talk about and you know that the person we're talking to, help us or keep it all to him. In the context of work, trust is also important! It’s above all the centerpiece of a good company. A company where all employees have trust in each other and their bosses is a good company, whatever it is.

Sometimes trust is put to the test. Some succeed and see their success rewarded by a stronger friendship, a more united couple, more close-knit colleagues. Others fail and see everything they have earned so far crumble. But trust can unfortunately also be a weapon of manipulation. How many people in this world have betrayed other people in the name of their personal interests? Far too much, unfortunately. Making someone believe that they can trust you, to betray them better afterwards is one of the most horrible things that can happen. Because then you don't trust others anymore, you see bad people everywhere and believing someone is almost impossible.

But sometimes... Fear surpasses reason and trust. When something bad happens to you... something horrible, you're afraid of the judgment of others. Because sometimes even your closest friends, who you can trust the most can hurt you. You are afraid of the reaction of your soul mate because even if you know him for years, you never know how he will take what you will tell him. And in your case.... It's very complicated.

For several days now, you've been making the hundred steps in your head. Stressed, worried, even terrified of the reaction that Jed might have if you ever tell him that Ghostface.... almost stole your virginity. What would he think of you? Would he blame you? Would he be heartbroken that you didn't tell him about it before? you've been in a relationship for a short time, but still... Jed is a lovely boy whose character you don't know. He doesn't seem like the type to get upset but beware, the quieter ones are usually the most dangerous. And when they explode... it's better not to stand next to them.

“What do I do? What can I do? And most of all, what am I going to do if he takes it badly?? I don't want to destroy such a young relationship... I never want that to happen anyway! but... if Jed took it badly.... I wouldn't know what to do. Or say.” You said to yourself, terrified to see Jed leave you and never talk to you again.

“Uh... Excuse me miss... I'm here to do the job interview. I'm not late?”

You raise your head to face a young woman, who was holding papers in her hands. Since you posted your job offer, several people have contacted you to get the job. You have juggled several CVs and cover letters and have retained only 6 of them. For two places. It was very hard to choose from all these people... they all had interesting CVs, but you couldn't keep them all. the coffee is not very big after all.

“Not at all, you arrive right on time! Please sit down.” you said to the young girl before taking her papers gently. “Amy... I saw in your CV that you had done a lot of studies in sales as well as an apprenticeship in pastry. I also saw that you had worked a little in the sale. You know, this café is new, and it's a lifelong project. I want to go as far as possible with this coffee and be able to entrust it to someone trustworthy. You understand?”

“Of course! Don't worry, if you recruit me, I promise to make sure that my work is only beneficial to your coffee! I promise to ensure a service worthy of your establishment and to respect the rules and practices that you apply.” respond Amy, a little stressed, looking at his hands from time to time.

“Ha ha you can relax don't worry! I'm not going to eat you! I'm a very nice person, believe me.”

“Sorry... It's just that... my former boss fired me because I didn't follow the rules when it was all the opposite! He said I was an idiot and an incompetent...”

“Well, I'll never tell you that. You're here to learn, and I know you're going to make mistakes. But it doesn't matter! It's by learning from one's failures that one becomes better. And if that doesn't work out, you can always tell me about it. I will never demean an employee.” you replied with a smile.

You both continue to talk for a little while and then Amy left the café smiling, relieved that her job interview finally went well. An hour later, it is the turn of another person, a young man to pass his interview. Compared to Amy, he'd already work in a café, as a waiter. He found himself unemployed because the café in question had closed by judicial liquidation. He had had a hard time finding work in this domain because in his area, coffees were scarce, there were mostly bars. That was one of the reasons why he came to live here. He really wanted to work here but would understand if you took someone else. He used to it now.

But you reassure him by telling him to not lose hope. That he always ends up finding a job even if it's not in what he knows. He gave you a slight smile while rubbing the back of the skull and then, like Amy, he left the café after an hour. You stretch while blowing a good shot before you get up to serve yourself a fresh fruit juice. As you begin to serve yourself, lost in your thoughts, you startle slightly when you feel two hands taking you by the waist. Then a slight laugh that you would recognize between a thousand. You turn to do that Jed who was always so adorable with his eyes and angelic smile.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you... You look exhausted. Did these interviews go well?” He asks, dropping a quick kiss and getting you closer to him.

“It went very well even. I've already talked to each of them, and their profile is interesting, it's going to be very difficult to choose.” you respond, kissing him back.

“I know you're going to make it. You don't have to feel guilty about those you can't take. You have to think you can't hire a lot of people right now. But later who knows you can expand? You know what I'd do? I'll keep the CVs of everyone you refuse. Maybe you'll never know you'll have more jobs to fill in the future?”

“I think that's what I'm going to do! Thank you very much Jed. What about you? Do you get along with Wilhelm?” you replied, laughing a little.

“Well, if I'm still here and I'm not in jail... we can say that we can get along with both of us. But believe me sometimes I would like to be sick, to not see him all day ... Are you sure you're, okay? You really don't look good. Do you want to talk about it?” He said, worried about your sad face.

Is this really a good time to talk about it? That's the question. One day or another, he will know. And the later he finds out, the more he'll be mad at you. That's what you think anyway. But if you tell him now... he might take it badly too. Tears began to flow down your face. Jed took you against him, reassuring you as best he could. He exuded a reassuring aura, in his arms, nothing could happen to you. You felt it. He would protect you to death if he had to. You can trust him.

“I am here. Tell me what's wrong, my love. Something bad happened?” asks Jed.

“You promise you won't get mad?” you said, worried.

“I promise.”

“The other night.... Ghostface came to see me... again. He spoke to me... he absolutely wants to make me his... his accomplice. And then he... he pinned me against the wall. he undressed me and he almost... he almost...” you said before crying, hiding your face in your hands, shameful of what almost happened.

“Hey...look at me.” he simply said.

You raise your head to look at him straight in the eye. But it's not anger or anything else that you see on his face... but sweetness.

“You should have told me sooner. I could have done something to protect you. Maybe I could have faced him. If you trust me, then you must tell me when things aren't going well. All right? Never forget that I'd always be there for you.” He said softly, kissing your forehead.

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.” you said drying your tears.

“You know what? Tonight, you're sleeping at home. I'm not leaving you alone with this sick man again. We're going to have an evening just between the two of us and no one else. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you, is that clear? No one. You've finished your interviews, so we can go do whatever you want, relax. You don't have to think about that. You must be strong, show him that you are not afraid and that you will never be afraid of him.”

You smile at him before kissing him and snuggling up in his arms. You could tell if it was luck or that it was predicted, but you are happy to have met him. Few men, like him, react in this way. But what you don't see my dear... it's the smirk, even unhealthy smile of "Jed" spreading on his face. If only you knew my little... If only you know. But even if you ever find out... It'll be too late. You are completely trapped in his web, and he will never let you escape. Never.

You both leave the café, after your usual surveillance ritual of course, and you spend the rest of the day together. First you go to a bookstore, in order to expand your library. And we can say that you did not take 3 small books ... but a good dozen. You'll be busy with all that for quite a while. Jed had done the same, especially detective novels. You also take the opportunity to buy CDs. And surprisingly, Jed listens to rock. Looking at him, you didn't think he'd listen to this style of music, you expected jazz. Maybe he's listening to it too! But imagining Jed at a rock concert is pretty funny in itself.

Then you do some shopping for tonight's meal: salmon pavement with rice, and a sauce... to fall to the ground. And whipped strawberries for dessert. A good meal in perspective with the one you love. You both go back to Jed's apartment, even if before you go to your apartment to deposit your purchases. Then you go back to Jed's and start preparing everything.

“I didn't know you were listening to rock. I thought you were more... Jazz or whatever.” you said with a smile.

“Well, when I was in college... rock has often allowed me to escape a little. I felt safe, cut off from the outside world when I needed it. I also listened to jazz but... rock helped me a lot. Carla also thought it was weird that I listened to it. It's true that when I see myself... we don't think about that kind of music at all.” Respond Jed, cooking the salmon and rice.

“You are a man full of surprise... I like that. You need help?”

“I just need you to take care of cooking the rice while I take care of the sauce, you'll see... you won't move from your chair. And you should wash the strawberries, too. Put them in a bowl filled with water and leave them in, I have cups in this closet.”

You take care of the rice and strawberries, then set the table. Once everything is ready, you spend the evening laughing and chatting while eating. It was good for you. You needed a little breath. And with Jed, you feel like you'll always have them. Even though the evening was cut off for a while by Jed's job, everything went very well and you both end up on the couch watching a movie... pretty dumb.

“Why in this kind of movie, girls are big fools who get killed by the murderer? frankly they can't put strong women for once?” you said, crossing your arms.

“These were the movies of the time, where the real hero is the bad guy and or the first to die is either the stupid girl or the shy little geek...unfortunately.” Respond Jed with a little laugh.

“But I know that if we were in this kind of situation... You'd protect me. And that for once, the little nerd would be the hero.”

“Beware that the little nerd doesn't eat you raw. If you know what I mean.”

You hit Jed's arm, which laughed before kissing you. Then as the film progresses you feel tiredness invading you. Little by little, your eyes closed. You feel two arms lift you and carry you to bed. You open your eyes slightly to see Jed change. You also change, pricking one of his t-shirts to make pyjamas for the night. Then he comes to bed and takes you in his arms.

“Tell me you always sleep in a boxer or do you still have something a little warmer for cold nights?” you ask with a small voice.

“Well... as long as it's not autumn, yes. Then I have what it takes when the cold weather arrives. But if you live with me... then being able to hold me against you all nights will always warm me up.” He answers with a smile.

“How adorable. I'm really sorry I didn't tell you about... You know what. I was really scared...”

“Forget it. But from now on, you'll have to warn me when things aren't going well. Good night, my angel.”

On these beautiful words, you both fall asleep, each in the arms of the other. That aura of protection that Jed exuded reassured you, soothed you. But if you knew that your dear boyfriend was also the murderer of Roseville... That from the beginning you have dated your potential executioner ... You'd be scared.

And the trust you place in him will fly away. But it's too late now.

You can't go back. You're stuck with the devil.

By your own will.

***

(Well at least I made it right on time! As I said in the last chapter, from May 5th to May 7th, I'll not be there. So Chapter 26 will be released on Friday, May 14th! I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the others! I will now rest my brain. Have a great weekend to you all! See ya!)

#dbd fanfic #dbd #dead by daylight #ghostface #danny johnson #jed olsen

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offspring-of-calliope · 3 years

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Pins and Needles (Newsies Gang AU)

Chapter 3

Description: Davey's and Les' first day as Newsies and they already meet the famous Katherine Plumber.

words: 1675

warnings: There's no warnings on this chapter but if I did miss something triggering, feel free to tell me.

A/N: I know that there are only approximately two people and a shoelace who are even interested in this story but still - I'm sorry for not having updated this in ages. I kinda had a big writer's block which I've overcame for now, I guess, but we'll see how long that may last.

Also, just stating the obvious here but considering latest complications between my gender and me, I changed my username from "daughterofcalliope" to "offspring-of-calliope", I hope that's not too confusing.

As always, feel free to tell me if I've made some mistakes considering grammar or spelling. Comments in general are very appreciated.

I hope you enjoy it at least a little bit,

Sincerely me,

Lélo

-----

If David had thought that the Manhattan Newsies had been loud before, now he was convinced that the concept of volume got a whole new meaning when being around these boys. Selling with them was like sitting in the front row of an opera performance you hadn't even planned to attend.

David sighed. His thoughts were so misleading that he feared that people who he'd tell them to might think he hated the Manhattan Newsies. It was quite the opposite. Despite his urge to keep everything in order, to not overstep boundaries and to behave like a mature boy his age, being with the chaos that were the Manhattan Newsies filled his insides with joy.

The people he talked to at school couldn't really classify as real friends, seeing as their discussions were always aimed at topics they'd covered in their lessons or some other things that didn't relate a lot to something like free time. They were always so serious and David sometimes felt as if the other people didn't even want to talk to him more than absolutely necessary. With the Newsies, it was different. Some of them were even regularly trying to include him in their conversations, to find out about him as a person. Ironically, every one of them seemed to make a better spy than him, who couldn't even think of important questions to ask them that would lead to something that Sarah could work with.

Right after leaving the circulation gate, some kids named Kid Blink – a guy with an eyepatch and a charming smile –, Race – who constantly had an unlit cigar dangling between his lips – and Jojo – who had the most animated facial expression David had ever witnessed – had pestered him to tell them if Italian or Spanish was the more beguiling language. (While they'd been bickering, David had started to regret telling them that he was currently teaching himself Spanish. That had been the trigger that had started his inclusion to the debate.) The whole conflict had been postponed when a guy named Romeo had loudly declared that neither Spanish nor Italian was the real answer and that no language was as enthralling as his love language. Then, he'd proceeded to lure a pretty woman to buy a paper from him – the other Newsies were too nice to make him aware of the fact that she'd only bought the pape to escape his flirting – by sweetly talking in a language David didn't know. (It had been Tagalog, as Jack had later explained to him.)

Yet in his defence, David had also managed to overhear some conversations that hadn't been for him to hear – cue his bad conscience. One conversation in particular had irritated him. Some redhead – Albert was his name, he distantly recalled – had at one point asked Race if “it was cloudy up there”. That in itself hadn't been confusing since it was indeed very cloudy this day but Race's answer had been: “Oh, don't worry, I was just thinkin' 'bout somethin'. Everything's sunny as could be.” The sun didn't even shine! But maybe that was just a code David simply didn't understand.

“Sing 'em to sleep, will ya?” A voice was breaking through his thoughts and David only now registered that he had been blaring the words “Extra, extra! Does somebody want a paper?” for quite some time without actively concentrating on actually selling some newspapers.

The owner of the voice, Jack, - because of course it was Jack, why did Jack always seem to be near him? - took the most recent newspaper from his hand and exclaimed: “Extra, extra! Terrifying flight from burnin' inferno! You can hear the story right here!” It didn't take long for some guy to come and buy the paper.

David scoffed. “This story isn't even in the paper.”

“Well, I didn't say that, did I?” Jack retorted, a cheeky grin on his face.

“My father taught us not to lie,” David said, clutching the remaining newspapers in his hand tighter. He didn't want Jack to take papers from him again, or else it might become a habit for the other boy.

Jack only shook his head, holding one of his own papers into the air. “And mine taught me not to starve. Seems we both got an education.”

“Jack, Jack, look how few papes I got left now! I did everything you said I should do and the people just wouldn't stop buying the papes!” An excited Les ran over to them, smiling brightly and holding up some money for David to put away. “This is so much better than school,” he added.

“Don't even think it.” David tried his best to put on his strict-older-brother face.

A few feet away, Jack laughed. “At least someone listens to me.”

“Yeah, maybe if you'd start to actually say some things that are true, it'll be something worth listening to,” David answered. He didn't even know where the sudden burst of confidence came from. At first it had been difficult for him to focus around the leader of the Manhattan Newsies. However, after getting to know Jack a little, focusing was still difficult but now he couldn't suppress taking out his frustration on the other boy.

“I see you're making a habit out of attracting people who will put you in your place some time.” Suddenly there was another voice and upon turning around, David surprisingly found himself face to face with Katherine Plumber.

“Hello, Miss. Can I interest you in the latest news?” Jack said and his smile grew somehow even bigger. It made David's stomach twitch.

Katherine chuckled and held her hands up. The fabric of her dress wrinkled around her elbows and David noticed some spots on her clothes that were patched up. He'd always assumed that rich people would just buy new clothes when their old ones were torn but apparently Katherine didn't fit this assumption. “I'm sorry to disappoint you, Kelly, but I've bought two papers already. One from Specs this morning, the other from the little boy here.” She was pointing at Les. “He truly is a talented student of yours.”

“Hey!” Les exclaimed. “I'm not that little!”

“Of course not! But compared to Jack's ego, everything is little,” Katherine conceded amused.

Jack, who had somehow managed to sell a paper during the former exchange, crossed his arms before his chest. “Why are you all hating on me now? First Davey, then ya, too. That reminds me – Les, Davey, meet the wonderful Katherine Plumber. Kath, that's Davey and his brother Les.”

It seemed as if Katherine only now started to examine David closer. It made him so nervous that he completely forgot to tell her that it was actually David and not Davey – nobody had ever called him Davey before and he didn't know what to think of that – and without further ado, his hands started to flutter. Eventually, Katherine smiled and said, “Nice to meet you both. Say, do we know each other already? I feel like I've seen you before.”

Panic bubbled up in David's stomach. Did she somehow know that he was Sarah's brother? What if she suspected something and the whole charade – which hadn't really been that good to begin with – blew up? He looked over to Les, maybe to search for help, maybe to feel a little more at ease. And then he remembered that indeed, he had talked to Katherine before. Relieved, he let out a breath. “Yes, we already met each other once. Or better, we talked once on the street. I'm a big admirer of your work, Miss Plumber.”

“Oh, please, just call me Katherine. Kath is fine as well, friends of Jacks are also friends of mine. And thank you, I appreciate that. Perhaps we could talk more about this topic another time? I'm kind of in a rush right now but I would like to hear your opinion on some of my articles – I got this feeling that lately, something is missing but I haven't really been able to figure out, what.” Katherine was just as modest and friendly as he remembered. It was interesting that she also had a teasing side on her when it came to Jack, apparently.

David blushed. “It would be an honour, really.”

“Great,” Katherine said, then proceeded to pat both his and Les' shoulders. “Kelly, it was nice seeing you, maybe I'll stop by the lodging house later.”

“Well, it's not like you's paid a lota attention to me,” Jack retorted with a teasing grin. “Don't flirt with my colleagues that much, a boy might get jealous.”

David only registered Katherine's laugh after that. He didn't really know why but something in him refused to listen further. Well, he did know why but it was totally unfair and irrational of him to be jealous of Katherine. It was not like he was interested in Jack or something. The boy was frustrating and distracting, always had a snarky remark on his tongue and – as even Katherine had said – had a really big ego.

That was also really fragile, at least as far as he could see. The way Jack's smile had faltered for a second upon Kath's remark. The way he wouldn't take credit for the thoughtful things he'd do, like tying Crutchie's shoelaces or trying to help Romeo to court a pretty girl that had watched them doing an impromptu dance performance for a while.

“Hey, Davey.” Breath on his ear, Jack's presence right next to his – didn't he know of some thing called personal space? “If ya keep starin' at Kath like that, maybe I should draw a picture of her and pin it to yer head for a day, aye?”

David sighed and elbowed Jack in the side. Forget the thoughts of Jack being thoughtful – the boy was such an idiot.

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kinetic-elaboration · 3 years

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February 13: Star Trek Beyond

Some attempted thoughts on Star Trek Beyond.

So first it was bad lol. It is the worst. I thought maybe it would be less the worst than I had previously thought but it really, really is just irredeemably bad.

Trying to keep up with what was actually happening and talk in the group chat was too difficult and I now feel very exhausted lol. And I’m not even sure what I watched.

I liked Jaylah a lot, including her back story, characterization, “house,” traps, and cool mirror tricks.

I also like Kirk in that emergency uniform with the jacket unzipped.

That’s it! That’s all I liked.

In the past I’ve also said I liked the Spock and Bones parts but I honestly wasn’t a fan of them either this time around!

None of the characters felt IC and none of the relationships felt true or were compelling. Which is particularly egregious given that the alleged theme was strength in unity.

The movie was especially lacking in K/S content or even K & S interaction, which obviously didn’t please me. And it’s definitely the worst Kirk characterization I’ve ever seen. There’s no excuse for that either because it’s halfway through the 5YM, which means he should be pretty close to TOS Kirk--yes, he has a different set of experiences, so there’s going to be some variation, but there’s comparatively less excuse for a radically different characterization than in STXI and STID. They should have had Shatner read the script and make notes lol because whatever else you might say about him he KNOWS Captain Kirk.

Like, he (Kirk) lacked humor and charm and, often, confidence. He had moments when he was very smart and moments when he had a commanding presence. But he had just as many moments when he was whiny or bored and his Captain’s log??? I deserve financial compensation for every time I’ve listened to that. Bored of space?? No, this man is bored when he’s stuck on Earth. He stagnates in desk jobs. He is an adventurer and explorer before he’s ANYTHING else; if you don’t get that, you don’t need to be writing Star Trek.

Also, as I have frequently complained, I’m tired of him having no internal conflict or emotional complexity past his father issues. First reboot movie: dealing with his dead father’s memory and his step-father’s abuse. Fine, that makes sense for how they set up the AU. Second reboot movie: entirely motivated by the need for Manly Vengeance upon the person who killed his father figure. And for this redundant story line (in many sense) we had to lose Pike? Third reboot movie: you’d think he’d finally be ready to move on to other conflicts but actually no this time he’s sad about his birthday and having a longer life span than his...you guessed it!! father!! Yet again.

What else has ever motivated him? Legitimate question.

The destruction of the Enterprise was truly horrific. Long, boring, unwarranted, and without any emotional punch. As if it were just any ship! No, she’s a character in her own right and she’s not to be sacrificed like that but please tell me again how Simon Pegg is a true fan who brought the franchise back to its roots?

B said he did like that they split up the crew into unusual units but I have mixed feelings about it. I don’t entirely disagree, but I don’t think they did a lot that was interesting with any of those separated units. Uhura and Sulu are a cool pair (but this would have been a good opportunity to include Sulu’s semi-canonical crush on Uhura but whatever... a different rant) and they almost did some interesting stuff with them. There were glimmers of a caper in that story line and times when I could tell they were straining especially hard to make Uhura, their Sole Female Main--now that they cut out Rand, Chapel, and even Carol Marcus--into something Feminist and Interesting. But it didn’t quite gel for me. Like, Uhura would be having almost interesting dialogue with the villain and holding her own...and then she loses track of her colleague and has to watch that person die, thus undercutting everything she just said about unity and seeming to prove the villain’s point. Is she competent or not?

Bones and Spock are a pair I care about and like but again I think their canonical relationship in TOS is more interesting than STB showed. I personally read them as like...reluctant best friends who originally just had one person in common, and then realized they also like each other too, but they’ll never really say it. They understand each other but pretend not to. They have fun with the barbs they throw at each other. They both deeply love Jim but in different ways. They enjoy their intellectual debates. (That’s one thing that was definitely missing from them here! The intellectual debates!) So again, there was something there but not enough.

And Kirk and Chekov just happened to land near each other; nothing was done with that relationship per se. They really aren’t people who have much of a relationship in TOS so there’s not a lot to work off of but then on the other hand there IS an opportunity to create something new. Maybe I’m being too harsh and too vague but it just didn’t gel for me. The only specific K and C moment I remember was that supremely un-funny joke about Kirk’s aim as he sets off the “wery large bomb.”

But like there are possibilities.. they’re both pretty horny and Chekov is a whiz kid and Kirk is also very smart and has always been smart... Like in other words people Chekov’s age don’t end up on the bridge crew, in either ‘verse, without the Captain’s say, so even though he’s TOS!Spock’s and AOS!Scotty’s protege, Kirk is important to his life. Something with that maybe??

I’m upset that Spock’s individual story line was about whether or not he should go off and make baby Vulcans because, again as I have complained many times before, that was a conflict he faced and resolved in ten minutes two movies ago, and it doesn’t make sense to me for him to bring it up again now just because the Ambassador is dead. Like... the Ambassador told him to stay in Starfleet!! “Ah, yes, I will honor him by doing precisely the opposite of what he wanted me to do.”

Also--if they had made his motivation different or gone into it more, I would have been more into it. Make it about New Vulcan! Say there’s news from New Vulcan that it’s not doing well. Or what if T’Pring got in contact with him? Or what if we used this as an excuse to bring in Sarek?

This is part of a larger point for me which is that STXI set up a really cool AU and STID tried to do something with it--a little hit or miss, but it tried--and instead of pushing even more at the AU and developing it more and doing more with it... STB just ignored it! Was that part of what Paramount was warning about with making it “not too Star Trek-y?” Was it SUPPOSED to be a movie you could watch without having seen the last two? If so they did succeed but like.. .why? They made the supremely ballsy move of blowing up a founding Federation planet two movies ago and now they’ve just forgotten about that and all the reverberations that would necessarily have?

But of course we got a call back to Kirk being a Beastie Boys fan so.... Guess it was Deep all along.

We all three agreed that the core story of this film was potentially interesting but could have been done as a 50-some minute episode of a TV series rather than a whole-ass 2 hour movie. First off, cutting or cutting down the action sequences would have shaved off half an hour easily.

I’m frustrated in large part because there are certain things that are interesting here. I do like the concept of the crew being pulled on to an alien planet by a ship of former Federation crew, from the early days of the Federation/deep space flight, who were presumed missing but are somehow still alive because they have turned into aliens/used alien tech to prolong life, and who have also captured other aliens, like Jaylah, for the main crew to interact with. All of that was cool.

I would even be okay with these old Federation crew being villains but I don’t think that’s necessary or even the most interesting take.

But...first of all, as my mom pointed out, Krall was basically Nero in his illogical motivations: feeling aggrieved because someone who couldn’t help him didn’t help him and then just maniacally wanting revenge. It made more sense to me with Nero in a way. Maybe that was because he was better characterized, maybe it was because his anger was more personal (the loss of his wife), maybe--probably--it was because he was angry at Spock and Spock had actually promised to help, so there was some kernel of logic in his sense of betrayal, even if it was out of proportion etc. Also, Nero’s mania was portrayed as mania--we were all supposed to recognize that the strength of his emotion was warranted but his logic was deeply flawed. I think we were supposed to think Krall had some kinda... real criticism of the Federation, but in fact he doesn’t! He’s wrong! So like if he’d been angry with the Federation for abandoning him but the narrative and the other characters explicitly recognize that he’s wrong--the Federation tried but he was just doing something very dangerous and he recognized that danger on signing on--that might have been more palatable to me.

I’m not sure I’m making sense here entirely or explaining myself as well as I could.

I just don’t entirely get Krall’s beef with the Federation. I don’t get that whole “being a soldier and having conflict makes you strong and having people you can rely on and connections and community makes you weak.” That seems pretty obviously false. It also doesn’t really seem, not that I’m an expert, but particularly in line with military ethos either.

BUT the idea that he had a life that was comfortable to him as a soldier and then the Federation comes in and forms Starfleet and says, actually, we’re going to pull back on the soldiering and up the diplomacy and the exploration and the science--yeah, I could see that. I DO think Starfleet is military but even if you must insist it’s not, it’s clearly based on and formed from the military, and it has certain military functions. So obviously the first people to join or be folded into Starfleet probably were more explicitly military.

So he’s one of those people. Now he’s supposed to be a scientist and a diplomat and an explorer and he doesn’t like that. He’s given this very prestigious and interesting mission and jumps at it. Starfleet warns him, you might go beyond where we can reach, we might not be able to help you. That’s fine. But then when his ship is stranded and he is lost, he gets angry--maybe somewhat irrationally, but understandably--why?? Why did the Federation do this to him? What was even the point? When he put himself in danger before, at least he knew why. But just flying around space for the hell of it, and this is the cost? So that’s what creates his anger.

I thin this could be tied into Kirk’s diplomacy at the beginning--if the scene were written to not be a comedy bit where Kirk looks like an incompetent buffoon and is completely disrespectful the whole time. He’s good at this job and we should say it. But we could emphasize that this IS a diplomatic mission often, just as often as it’s a military or scientific mission. Maybe we could include other bits of their missions, too, to play up the variety of things they do and roles they play.

Another thing I think could be interesting, going back to my point about Spock, Vulcan, and using the first two movies and expanding on the world building... what if Spock wanted to leave Starfleet for better, more well-defined reasons, and we used that? Paralleled the two? Connected the two?

Because I think Vulcan in the AOS verse is very interesting and the movies didn’t do nearly enough with it. First, we have the Romulans showing up way earlier, at least visibly: in TOS, no one knew what they looked like or their connection to Vulcans until Spock is in his late 30s. In AOS, it happens not long after he’s born. So he’s growing up probably with more anti-Vulcan racism floating around the Federation. THEN Vulcan is destroyed. Now it has nothing and it needs to rely on the rest of the Federation, which must be both humbling and frustrating to many Vulcans, on top of the extreme tragedy of losing everything. Most of their population, a lot of their history, their manufacturing, their scientific facilities, their resources, their animals, literally whatever else you can think of that a planet has--all gone. Now all of the survivors have lived some period on an alien planet, by definition, and they’re probably very dependent on the Federation not just to set up the new colony, but to replace all of the resources--natural and Vulcan-made--that they lost. And they’re a founding Federation member, Earth’s first contact. They’re especially important. And now they’re weak, and reliant on others.

So maybe Spock, early on, hears from New Vulcan and they’re not doing well. Maybe we hear from Sarek or T’Pring (...I’d just like to see reboot T’Pring). Maybe it’s not about, or just about, having children, but about being from an important and ancient family, and being seen as a hero for his part in the Narada mission, that makes him want to go and help rebuild their government (taking his mother’s place perhaps? she was on the High Council) or their scientific facilities, or the VSA, or their space travel capabilities--you know Vulcan had space ships of their own, outside of Federation ships. This would be the perfect place to showcase that tension between wanting to be independent--out of pride, out of fear, even--and needing help, because Vulcan could not survive without the Federation, probably less than 10 years out from the original planet’s destruction.

And then you feed it back into Krall.

So I could see like... well the tension, and then Krall comes in, and he's angry that the Federation "abandoned" him, but we actually explicitly address this. Maybe Spock gets to interact with him and say "I get it. You had a life and a mission and a purpose that was comfortable for you. Then the Federation came in and changed everything. A lot of my people are also feeling upset for similar reasons. But here's why actually you're wrong."

So anyway as you can see I’m smarter and more interesting than Simon Pegg.

I also hated, speaking of writers of this movie, the gay Sulu thing and HEAR ME OUT on this. It’s homophobic. His husband doesn’t have a name? Might not be his husband at all? Looks like he could be his nanny or his brother? As B said “at least grab his butt or something.” That was the most sanitized, no-homo depiction of a gay person I’ve ever seen. He’s gay (see, progressives and queers! gay! you like that right!) but DON’T WORRY STRAIGHTS--he’s in a monogamous relationship and has a child, he’ll show nothing but the most platonic physical affection with his male significant other, and the plot point will be so minuscule you’ll need a microscope to detect it. Also, we’ll throw in a no homo joke about two male characters not wanting to hug and we’ll make sure Kirk and Spock interact as little as possible, because we know they give off Big Queer Vibes every time they’re together.

Yes the last point is a little unfair but can you blame me for being angry about all the “look how hip to the times we are” back-patting that went on in 2016 when canonical bisexual Kirk is RIGHT THERE and we could have had ex-boyfriend Gary Mitchell instead of Unnamed Nanny??

Also Sulu is a hella random choice because again, like... he may not have had an s.o. in TOS but nor was there any indication he was gay. So it seems a LITTLE like they picked him because (1) his original actor is gay and gay people can’t play straight people duh so probably Sulu was Gay All Along I mean did you not get vibes???; and/or (2) asexual Asian stereotypes preclude giving Sulu any kind of love interest, male or female, that is actually... sexual, outright romantic, anything.

Anyway I can’t remember if I had any other thoughts, but I’ve said quite enough I think.

I miss Kirk so much... real Kirk... even my version of AOS Kirk who is probably not even characterized that well but at least I worked with love!!!

#the year 2021 #2021: star trek #2021: fandom thoughts #star trek aos #anti-beyond

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blackswaneuroparedux · 4 years

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Treat Your S(h)elf

The Places In Between by Rory Stewart

“I offered Asad money but he was horrified. It seemed a six-hour round trip through a freezing storm and chest deep snow was the least he could do for a guest. I did not want to insult him but I was keen to repay him in some way. I insisted, feeling foolish. He refused five times but finally accepted out of politeness and gave the money to his companion.Then he wished me luck and turned up the hill into the face of the snowstorm."

- Rory Stewart

Just weeks after the fall of the Taliban in January of 2002 Scotsman Rory Stewart began a walk across central Afghanistan in the footsteps of 15th Century Moghul conqueror Emperor Babur and along parts of the legendary Silk Road, from Herat to Kabul. He'd find himself in the course of twenty-one months encountering Sunni Kurds, Shia Hazala, Punjabi Christians, Sikhs, Kedarnath Brahmins, Garhwal Dalits, and Newari Buddhists. He said he wanted to explore the "place in between the deserts and the Himalayas, between Persian, Hellenic, and Hindu culture, between Islam and Buddhism, between mystical and militant Islam." He described Afghanistan as "a society that was an unpredictable composite of etiquette, humour, and extreme brutality."

The Places in Between is Stewart's account of walking across Afghanistan from Herat to Kabul in January 2002. The book was the winner of the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Award and the Spirit of Scotland Award and shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize and the Scottish Book of the Year Prize.

I first read the book as a teenager a few years after it came out when I was spending a few months doing voluntary work for an Afghan children’s charity in Peshawar, Pakistan with my older sister who was a junior doctor at the time.

I read it on the rocky bus ride from Peshawar, Pakistan and into Afghanistan from Jalalabad to Kabul with my sister and her colleagues. I avidly read the book because I already knew the author through my oldest brother but from a distance because of our respective ages. Little did I realise then that I would be back in Afghanistan a few years later but this time in uniform doing my tour in Afghanistan flying combat helicopters against the Taliban.

I had the book with me (but a newer copy) and it took on a greater prescience precisely because as soldiers, even from the most senior officers on down, we privately questioned what the hell were we really accomplishing in a country ravaged by war since the Soviet invasion in 1979 (and that’s being generous given how history has buried empires into the graveyard of Afghanistan as a testament to their hubris).

Maybe it was hubris or perhaps it was that adventurous strain that needs to be scratched that led Rory Stewart to undertake his madcap journey. Stewart did the entire journey on foot, refusing any other form of transportation (and at one point going back and redoing a section of the walk when he couldn't turn down a vehicle ride). He took an uncommon route straight through the centre of the country and the heart of the mountains, instead of the more common route through the south that bypasses the dangerous mountain passes. This choice was partly because it was shorter, partly because the south was still partially controlled by the Taliban, and partly I suspect (though he doesn't say this explicitly) because it's the less-discussed and less-known route, even today.

This is, therefore, a sort of travel book, describing places that 99.99% of readers in the Western world are very unlikely to ever go. It's also unavoidably political, since Afghanistan is unavoidably political. However, unlike many travel books and many books with political overtones, it's carefully observational, documentary, and quietly understated in a way that gives the reader room to analyse and consider. Stewart focuses on his specific journey and concise, detailed descriptions of what he encountered and lets any broader implications of what he saw emerge from the reader's evaluation. He describes how he reacts to the remarkable natural beauty and almost-forgotten ruins that he encounters, giving the reader a frame and a sense of the emotional impact, but he's not an overbearing presence in the book. The story is clearly personal, but he doesn't dominate it. This is a very difficult line to walk, and I don't recall the last time I've seen it walked as deftly.

Instead there is a real sense that the author has gotten over the novelty of travelling and is more focused on the fundamental circumstances he encounters. The book overall is a fascinating read and there is much to be learned about the epistemologies driving the Afghan people and how different interpretations of Muslim teachings (and likewise, any teachings) can create small, but significant differences between neighbours. He has a gift for vividly describing the people and the landscape without injecting himself too much into the scene.

I suspect every reader will take different things from The Places in Between.

For some readers unaccustomed to the culture of Afghanistan, they would find it distressing to read how dogs are treated in Afghanistan. It's said Prophet Muhammad once cut off part of his own garment rather than disturb a sleeping cat. Unfortunately, he didn't feel equal affection for dogs, and they're "religiously polluting." They're not pets, and they're never petted. A quarter of the way in his journey Stewart has a toothless mastiff pressed upon him by a villager and he named him Babur. The evidence of past abuse could be seen in missing ears and tail, and someone told Stewart the dog was missing teeth because they'd been knocked out by a boy with rocks. Stewart found the dog a faithful companion and said he'd call him "beautiful, wise, and friendly" but that an Afghan, though he might use such terms to describe a horse or hawk would never use it to describe a dog.

But I knew all this growing in Pakistan and India as a small girl. Friends would look perplexed that we Brits - or any Westerners - have dogs or cats as pets and even see them as part of the family.

For me though two big themes stuck out when I first read the book.

One of the things that struck me most memorably is the spider’s web of personal loyalties, personal animosities, different tribes and history, and complexity of Afghan politics that Stewart walks through. Afghanistan is not coherent or cohered in the way that those of us living in long-settled western countries assume when thinking about countries. While there are regions with different ethnicities or dominant tribes, it doesn't even break down into simple tribal areas or regions divided by religion. The central mountain areas Stewart walked through are very isolated and have a long history and a complex web of rivalries, differing reactions to various central governments, and different connections. Stewart meets people who have never traveled more than a few miles from their village, and people who can't go as far as his next day's stop because they'd be killed by the people in the next village. It becomes clear over the course of his journey why creating a cohesive western-style country with unified national rule is far less likely and more difficult than is usually portrayed in the Western news media. The reader slowly begins to realise that this may not be what the Afghans themselves want, and some of the reasons why not.

A large part of that recent history is violent, and here is where Stewart's ability to describe and characterise the people he meets along the way shines. It is a tenet of both Islam and the local culture to give hospitality to travellers, which is the only thing that makes this sort of trip possible. Stewart is generally treated exceptionally well, particularly given the poverty of the people (meat is extremely rare, and most meals are bread at best), but violence and fighting fills the minds and experiences of most people he meets. He memorably observes at one point that one of his temporary companions describes the landscape in terms of violent events. Here, he shot four soldiers. There, two people were killed. Over there is where they ambushed a squad of Russians. It's striking how, after decades of fighting either for or against first the Russians and then the Taliban shapes and marks their mental map of the world. It's likely that few of the people Stewart meets are entirely truthful with him, but even that is an intriguing angle on what they care to lie about, what they think will impress him, and how the Afghan people he encounters display status or react to the unusual.

The second big theme that stuck out for me on a personal note was how Stewart respectfully weaves the wonder of history with the sad lament of the destructive loss heritage on his travels. In the book, Stewart followed roughly the same path as Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, did in 1504 at roughly the same time of year. He quotes occasionally from the Baburama, Babur's autobiography, which adds a depth of history to the places Stewart passes through. The Minaret of Jam in the mountains of western Afghanistan is one of the (unfortunately rare) black and white pictures in the centre of this book, and Stewart describes the legendary Turquoise Mountain, the lost capital of a mountain kingdom destroyed by the son of Genghis Kahn in the 1220s, of which the minaret may be the last surviving recognisable remnant. He describes the former Buddhist monasteries at Bamyan in Hazarajat (the region of central Afghanistan populated by the Hazara) and the huge empty alcoves where giant statues of the Buddha had stood for sixteen centuries until destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. This book then is full of history of which is described with a discerning eye for necessary detail.

How Afghanistan's precious historical and cultural legacy was being destroyed even back in 2002 is heart breaking to read. I think many Westerners certainly know about how the Taliban dynamited the giant Bamiyan Buddha statues over a millennium old because they considered them "idols." Just as profound a loss is discovered by Stewart in his travels. There is a legendary lost city, the "Turquoise Mountain" of the pre-Moghul Ghorid Empire. Archeologists couldn't find it - but when passing through the area, Stewart had found villagers who had, and were looting artefacts with no care for the archeological context or the damage they were doing to the site, selling the priceless wares for the equivalent of a couple of dollars on the black market. This is what he tells us about his discussion with the villagers about the lost city:

"It was destroyed twice," Bushire added, "once by hailstones and once by Genghis." "Three times," I said. You're destroying what remained." They all laughed.

Even as I write this I can’t help but think this episode eerily echoes the madness gripping us in Britain, Europe, and the US (albeit for different reasons) in defacing and pulling down historical statues in wanton in acts of extreme ideological vandalism.

Overall I enjoyed the ‘peace’ of this book as there is a constant tone of a simple purpose. There are some moments along the way that are quite confronting and even frustrating, but so many that are warm and celebratory of the Afghan belief in hospitality.

Perhaps others will differ but I didn’t find too many irritating passages that wax-poetic on the evolution of the traveller. Stewart’s writing style is clinical; completely void of sentimentality, he never allows his own initial or personal meditations on these places overtake his observations, written with much hindsight. Whether being harassed by local soldiers or struggling through snowdrifts Stewart does not bridge a gap with the reader to really get a sense of who he his, as if his own story would detract from the crucial timing of his recordings of this landscape and its people.

His own biography is something out of John Buchan. The son of Scottish colonial civil servant who was born in Hong Kong and grew up in the Far East (and subsequently the second most senior official in the British secret intelligence) before being packed off back to England to Dragon School, Eton and onto Balliol, Oxford to study PPE. A short stint with the Black Watch regiment (as his father and uncle before him) before joining the British Foreign Office and work in some hot spots of the world, including a stint as deputy governor in the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq after 2003. He went on to work at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard before returning to the UK to successfully run as a Conservative MP in his native Scotland. Served as a minister in different ministries under Prime Minister Theresa May’s government and improbably came close to upsetting the coronation of Boris Johnson as the next leader of the Conservative party. He resigned from the party rather than be purged and made an unsuccessful bid to run as an independent candidate for London Mayor. He continues to writer and author travel books and front documentaries. He has a storied background but he wears it very lightly.

Of course there is a conceit to the book which in a sense all travel books of this kind that largely goes unquestioned. I don’t think it’s wrong to question a certain kind of entitlement that pervades these kind of books, no matter how much I enjoy reading them especially about countries you have traveled to and know a little bit about. Stewart after all embarks on a journey ‘planning’ to rely on the proverbial kindness of strangers because that is an Islamic cultural and religious value. Try planning a trip anywhere in Western Europe or the USA and Canada. I cannot imagine anyone walking across America, or England and Scotland for that matter, who would believe that he was entitled to expect food, shelter and assistance because he asked for it.

And he does it - as have countless travellers before and after him. Because Stewart succeeds in his journey, he is evidence of an astonishing degree of Afghan Muslim hospitality and generosity. As a back packer who has done it rough not just in Afghanistan but also neighbouring Central Asia as well as Pakistan, India, and China I can see why it might rub some up the wrong way. But I also think it’s not cultural or some sort of colonial arrogance on Stewart’s part. It’s hard to articulate but it’s really a kind of cultured sensitivity of people and lands you already are familiar with or know well from childhood.

Certainly for Rory Stewart - and myself - didn’t exclusively grow up in England and Scotland but in the Eastern post-colonial countries of the ex-British Empire that afforded a privileged childhood (privileged as in a real cultural engagement and immersion) that left a deep appreciation and respect for those countries cultures and traditions. I believe for the vast majority of Western back packers who take adventurous treks across these lands they do so partly out of genuine respect and understanding of different cultures.

For instance, the legacy of this book has been that Rory Stewart has spear headed a long term project called Turquoise Mountain. Alongside his partners, they have been re-creating the "downtown" river district in Kabul and restoring it to it's former glory. They have opened schools for people to re-learn the ancient arts of carving, weaving, architecture, etc. They have supported efforts to restoring city blocks that have been covered in a mountain of trash, and restoring homes where families have lived for centuries. And all for free. The Afghan have never been sure why someone would be doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, but that the poignant irony is that the goodness began with them through their hospitality of the stranger.

The kindness to strangers is a real thing in this part of the world. Kindness to strangers has it roots in fear that the strangers might be gods or their messengers alongside the pragmatic need that strangers in a strange land might need assistance. I sometimes wonder how is it we cannot show the same unabashed kindness to strangers to our homes?

However you slice it, you have to admire Stewart for his mostly un-aided walk across Afghanistan. It does take a certain kind of ballsiness to do it. He carried just his clothes and a sleeping bag (and money), trusting that the villagers along the way would put him up for the night and feed him. He got very sick (diarrhoea and dysentery), was at constant risk of freezing to death in the mountains, and had some very unpleasant encounters with Afghan soldiers in the last few days, after rejecting very strong advice not to walk through this section.

Strangely though nothing about this book is breathtaking of ‘Oriental exoticism’ beloved of Western imagination. Indeed nothing in this book is romanticised and nothing is placed on a pedestal. Stewart writes openly and honestly of all the people he met, those friendly, and those that would've preferred to rob him and leave him dead in a ditch. He's truthful and humorous, and I found myself walking alongside him, a sort of ghost following his rugged trail through mountains, valleys, and Buddhist monasteries.

Re-reading this book when I was doing my tour in Afghanistan with time to kill between missions, I wished George W. Bush and Tony Blair - and all the other Western leaders since these two - could have taken that walk with Stewart and learned the lessons he did. Stewart gives you a sense of the complexity and diversity of the culture and of Islam - and just how ludicrous and ignorant were the assumptions and goals imposed on the country by the invading Westerners. Indeed at the very end of his walk, Stewart reaches Kabul, the heart of the western intervention in Afghanistan and the place where all the political theorists and idealists came to try to shape the country. He describes the impact of seeing draft plans for a national government, which look ridiculous in the light of the country that he just traveled through.

It's a rare bit of political fire in the narrative that's all the more effective since it's one of the few bits of political commentary in the book. Indeed it’s all the more rich and relevant given its emergent commentary and background for the current war being fought there. Stewart necessarily tells only part of the story of Afghanistan, but he tells far more of the story than most will know prior to reading it. It should be mandatory reading for anyone making decisions about how to proceed in that region.

I would recommend anyone take a walk with Rory Stewart.

#books #reading #bookgasm #rory stewart #places in between #travel #afghanistan #trek #adventure #author #walking #treat your s(h)elf #personal #bio #army

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sonofkhaz · 4 years

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The Whole Hog

A cracking sound reverberated through the sparse woodlands as a scout dressed in the blue and white livery of House Ilithia was pulled from his horse and thrown into a tree like a sack of potatoes.

Muroco looked down at the dead scout, the latter’s eyes widened in shock and terror. The tauren managed to catch the young, unshaven, inexperienced man off guard while he was trying to hunt an errant boar. He leaned down and pried the brass bugle still clutched within the elf’s fingers, gears working in his mind, then looked up and saw the boar trundling away.

He had volunteered to act as the leader of a diversion to draw away as many Ilithian soldiers as possible while his smaller, well meaning, but less physically intimidating elven colleagues in the Emberglades deliberated their next counter-offensive. Muroco had spent three days surveying the western marshes, woods, and mountains south of Kearn, anticipating where supply lines and reinforcements were coming from. It was not a difficult task, but the entire plan needed to be executed correctly, lest it have no impact.

Muroco watched the boar hobble up an incline and disappear through a treeline. He was surprised at the number of wild boars and hogs he had seen in the western Emberglades. Their population was likely a result of the difficult times brought on by the Scourge, the Burning Legion, and wars with the Alliance. While they were often docile, they could be dangerous when easily riled up.

The tauren looked back down at the bugle, and an idea formed in his head.

“In all my life, I have seen so many changes to the world and have witnessed and experienced so many different things, but I will admit that this was the first time I was ever under the leadership of a tauren. I’d not known much about them, but I always assumed that, as a collective whole, they were peaceful in nature. Little did I know that the giant of a bull I fought under came from the most violent, brutal tribe their people had ever known.

When I met him, I assumed that he was some brute, a lumbering giant who only answered problems with his fists. The type of person who would pull out a blunderbuss on a mosquito who bit him. The type of person who thought that every problem was a nail, and he was the hammer.

I was wrong in that estimate. He was...an enigma, I suppose. From his reputation, I also assumed that he would be abrasive and belligerent, and would size everyone up for a fight. He seemed to keep his emotions under rein, but you could see the ferocity in his intense, blue eyes which rarely blinked. I was glad he was on our side during the war - while seemingly phlegmatic, he had a cunning brutality and a taste for war that very few people in the world could truly obtain, let alone understand.

The ambushes he had us perform against House Ilithia are...difficult to properly describe in writing. They seemed simplistic but were complicated in execution, like the creation of a flail. During the war, House Ilithia managed to use their influence to establish a strong supply line - even if they did not have the strongest warriors of our people, they compensated with a supply of food, weaponry, soldiers and militia.

On day one, Muroco insisted that we followed three principles of war. “First, we must fight scattered. Then, we have to surround the enemy when possible. Finally, should we be hard pressed, we must retreat, only to return when the pressure has eased.”

Despite our detachment being at full strength, Muroco had ordered a number of us to go out into the woods and capture as many boars as possible. It seemed a trivial task, but he insisted he had a strategy. For the rest of us, we performed lightning-strike raids on caravans on horseback, though Muroco had had his kodo beast bloody teleported to the Emberglades by some mage friend of his.

At first, I thought he would instruct us to leave no survivors, but that was not the case. He ordered us to be indiscriminate with eliminating our own people, but wanted us to leave at least one to three survivors. The first few caravans were lightly guarded; I assume House Ilithia did not expect combatants to be so far west of the province. There were two survivors - one fled to the north, the other captured by Muroco for questioning. When the soldier refused to speak, the tauren bound him, tied him to his kodo’s tail, then rode laps around the caravan’s ruins for an hour until he finally revealed when the next caravan would come.

To my surprise, Muroco let him go. I worked up enough courage to ask him why he insisted that survivors remain. He explained that some demoralized survivors would return to their comrades and speak of the horrors, but he wanted others to speak of vengeance. It was his intent to draw as many House Ilithia combatants as possible to us, and I felt a chill run down my spine; whether it was the prospect of facing so many, or his cool assuredness that they would all perish that gave me fear, I could not say.

For the next several days, we executed the same ambushes in different areas, always moving and never staying in the same location. Each raid was more dangerous than the last, with more and more soldiers guarding each caravan. The survivors always carried wounds from broadhead arrows. He pushed us to fight...we would fight to the point of exhaustion, and we would only rest when our horses became fatigued.

He was a brutal tactician, and he drove us hard, but he was one of the most effective leaders I had ever fought under.

Eventually, Muroco pulled my cousin and me aside to speak to us about the final parts of his plan. He produced a bugle and handed it to my cousin; it was unbeknownst to me at the time, but he had instructed her to hide in the woods during every ambush and observe not only Ilithia’s marching formations, but to study and memorize the signals they used with instruments whenever they were attacked. He then turned to me and had me follow him to a makeshift pen where we had corralled the boars we had captured. At the time, there had been an infestation of boars and hogs in the province due to a high reproduction and lack of hunting to quell their numbers. They were pests but typically docile, but dangerous when angered; in fact, they looked agitated from not being fed properly.

“The biggest convoy yet will be coming through the marshes tomorrow,” Muroco said to me, “and this is what we’re going to use to put a stop to them.”

I stopped myself from knitting my eyebrows together in consternation. Boars? What, I thought, was his plan? Feed the soldiers to death?

“How so?”

In his hand he held what appeared to be some sort of gland, about as large as my fist. Its coloration was odd - brown and yellow with a few red spots. “This,” he said, “is the venom gland of a particular wind serpent from the Stonetalon Mountains. My...former tribe...considers them to be sacred animals. Watch.”

Muroco held it out in front of the pen and slightly squeezed it, and as he did I could see the boars begin to rustle and squeal, their nostrils flaring at the scent. I felt the hairs on my neck rise, as if a jolt of lightning went down my spine.

“So you’ll put them in a frenzy,” I said, to which Muroco nodded. “What do I have to do?”

“You’re going to lure them on horseback with the gland.”

“Very well, but how do I stop them from goring me?” I asked.

“They’ll be attracted to the scent, maybe the horse, but not by you,” he responded, pulling a jar of fluid from his cloak. “Apply this to your skin and clothes, and it will mask your scent.”

I felt my heart drop. I already had a feeling what it was, but I asked anyway. “What is that?”

“Kodo urine,” said Muroco.

The following evening, the final stages of his plan were set in motion. I reeked of the urine I had begrudgingly doused myself with - it had taken a week to finally get the smell out afterwards, but to the tauren’s credit the boars did not seem to notice me, only the gland I held on horseback. As instructed, I squeezed the gland as hard as I could, its venom seeping over my thick leather cavalry gloves, The pens to the gate were broken, and the boars chased after me, grunting and squealing, their eyes filled with a bestial frenzy. My poor horse ran ahead of them, galloping through the sparse woods to keep away from the drove of boars chasing after her. Up ahead, the rest of my comrades began their ambush against the convoy. The Ilithians had gotten wise of our basic stratagems, which is what Muroco intended. Their spearmen held their shields at the front while archers and arbalests attempted to fire on the moving horsemen.

What they didn’t know, however, was that the arrows we fired were wrapped in cloth soaked with wind serpent venom.

The marsh made it difficult for the Ilithians and their wagons to traverse. I feared they would realize that the stampeding boars were coming for them, but these were not the soldiers our people boasted during the zenith of our kingdom, only a patchwork of provincial soldiers with token discipline. My cousin, who had taken her place north of the convoy, used her bugle to mimic the signal of an impending attack. The Ilithians readjusted their lines to face an oncoming threat that did not exist.

Leaving their backs exposed.

I tossed the gland towards them and veered off to the right, muttering a thanks to Belore that the boars continued their path. By the time the Ilithians realized what was happening, it was too late. The boars charged into the exposed lines, goring and biting the Ilithians who reeked of venom. Their lines were disrupted, folding and snapping like a banner in a gust, and our guerillas surrounded their convoy, firing shaft after shaft into the dismayed soldiers. Their sergeants and captains tried to shout orders over the din of chaos to no avail. Muroco charged in with his kodo, smashing aside the remaining semblance of resistance, soldier and boar flying through the air as his beast flailed its horns and spiked tail in every direction.

The Ilithians were completely broken that day, and that night I ate more roast boar than I ever had in my entire life.

@retributionpriest @thepilgrimofwar

#World of Warcraft #Moon Guard #writing #Tauren #My writing #the emberglades

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tartutation · 4 years

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Venus de Milo (TMNT AU Profile)

A/N: English is not my native language. Therefore, any advice on any grammatical errors is very welcome! Thank you and enjoy your reading <3

Warnings: None

The TMNT AU summary: This is an alternate universe of teenage mutant ninja turtles (mostly inspired by the 2003 series and Bayverse movies) that was inspired by the structure of a "coming-of-age" novel. After losing their beloved father and incomparable master and defeating Shreder, the enemy they have been chasing since the age of 15, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo must learn to accept the grief and move on with their lives. None of it will be easy, now that the transition from adolescence to adulthood will be strongly impacted by an unexpected reunion with two women from their past and the new friends who have joined them.

Introducing Venus de Milo

You can see Venus aparence HERE

In this universe the boys met Venus because she spent 9 months being trained by Mestre Splinter when they were only 10 years old. It is a consensus among them that they share the same mutation, but all the genetic tests that Donatello made were inconclusive (yes, that does strasses him out).

During this period when Venus spent 9 months in New York studying the old history and secrets of the biggest and most famous ninja clans with Mestre Splinter (Hamato Yoshi's only living heir) her relationship with the turtle brothers was somewhat troubled. At the time, they were all children and the tension of having a girl in the group made it very difficult for them to interact normally. Raphael and Michelangelo used to exclude her from the games and playdates with the excuse that it was "for boys only!" and Leonardo felt very jealous of his master (and father), who seemed to pay special attention to this lost konuichi. Of all of them, however, the one who made the most hell of Venus's life was (who knew!) Donatello. Even with his gentle and pacifist spirit, Donnie did not like this new guest who claimed to be (ABSURD!) high priestest of a lost lineage of magical Konuichi. They were doomed to disagreement: after all, a little prodigy of science and a child with magical powers are two existences that contradict each other. But as soon as she came, Venus left, after finishing her intensive course with "Master Hamato" (which is how she referred to Splinter) she returned to Japan and spent the next 11 years training extensively every day to be able to become the best guardian of the Secret of Kunoichi Magic that had ever existed. Without the distraction of other brothers or any friends close by, Venus became the most dangerous and disciplined warrior who had ever set foot on this Earth.

Now a young woman, Venus reencounters her former hashi colleagues. What does the future await?

Name: Venus de Milo

Age: 21

Species: Mutant Tortoise

Favorite color: Blue

Moral alingment: Lawfull Good

Sign: Libra

Sexual orientation: Demisexual

Characteristics:

Because of her disciplined and restricted upbringing, Venus has a very difficult time socializing with other people (or mutants!) her age. She doesn't know what a "meme" is, how twitter works, what's the fun of a 6-second video with a cat sppining to the sound of "sweet dreams are made of this". Having grown up in a temple and spent her entire life studying, she has a different concept of what "fun" is.

Her favorite hobbies include reading, meditating, studying ancient history documents, doing push-ups, kneading healing herbs, studying new types of incense and their calming propreities, etc ... All things that she also does as part of her daily work as the Keeper of the Kunochi Secret, so... The boundaries between fun and work are very thin.

She is an excellent reader and can read fluently in three languages: English, Japanese and Cantonese. She loves to read, it's her favorite activity, especially out loud, as she considers herself an excellent announcer.

She can defeat any of the Hamato brothers in combat (including Leonardo). Although neither bigger nor stronger, Venus uses the weight of the enemy's and their strength against them. In addition, her physical speed and strategic ability together makes her literally unbeatable.

Despite her advanced combat skills, Venus is extremely shy and anything makes her blush. Especially conversations that involve sexual pleasure and explicit language. Unfortunately for her, Michelangelo will discover this very quickly and will be able to defeat her in a fight whispering "What's up, hot stuff?" during combat. None of the other brothers will understand how he did it and he will never tell.

Despite being aware that her appearance isn't considered neither normal nor attractive to humans, Venus has no problems with self-esteem. She is very proud of her origins and to be the heir to a lineage of magical warriors is enough to make her one of the most beautiful people in the world in her mind.

Despite having a limited social skill, she is a very valuable friend and after she becomes attached to you, she will do everything to guarantee your safety and comfort.

She is very elegant and graceful. She was taught during her upbringing that each movement must be calculated and rehearsed strictly, what makes some of her very commom and daily actions, such as putting on a shoe or pouring tea look like choreography of a soft dance.

Venus believes deeply in soul mates. So she never worried much about learning the art of seduction or how to flirt with other people, since she always knew that one day the right person would cross her path and she wouldn't have to change who she is to win their heart (spoiler: she was right!)

It might not look like it, but she is very easily irritated. The fact is that she can disguise her stress and impatience just as easily. Never loses her temper.

Even with all these characteristics, she is not the leader of the group. This role was given to Mona Lisa (you will be able to read about Mona Lisa from this alternative universe very soon) through an election between the four friends (description of the twins May and June coming soon!). Venus has no grudge against her friend, as she knows that despite her physical abilities, herself lacks the charisma that a leader needs.

She is not very good at comforting others, nor is she a big fan of physical contact.

She was educated to never feel hatred towards anything but despite this she cannot control her contempt for lies. Trust is the most important thing in the world.

Summary of relationship with each of the turtles:

Leonardo: Venus and Leo are kindred spirits. They have, all jokes aside, everything in common. Therefore, when they met each other for the second time, they developed a friendship that made them absolutely inseparable. She likes how he doesn't underestimate her and how he respects her discipline and life doctrine and he likes having a partner to meditate and train. Their union allowed Leonardo to finally have someone with the same dedication (and obsession, honestly) as he, someone with whom he could complain about the neglect of his brothers and someone to train his japanese with, which also guaranteed them a certain privacy and intimacy that Leonardo had not yet experienced with anyone.

Raphael: If asked, Raph will say that he thinks Venus "is ok". Deep down, meeting her for a second time left a bitter taste in his mouth. He is very jealous of his brother and wonders if Venus would not be the true sister that Leo always wanted - besides (of course) the fact that her discipline and posture are literally the combination of all the things he doesn't like in Leonardo multiplied by 10. Despite all this, the thing that he hates the most is her absence of anger: there are few things in the world that Raphael likes more than stressing his perfect big brother and watching him lose his temper, but it seems IMPOSSIBLE to get the same reaction with Venus . No matter how much he teases her, ridicules her or bullies her ... she never breaks! And THAT is unforgivable. (As they will get to know each other better, Raphael will be able to see Venus for what she is: not the incarnation of perfection on Earth, but a very shy young woman with very basics communication skills )

Donatello: Donnie, now a 21-year-old man, is ashamed to face the ghosts of his childhood that Venus brings with her. He remembers very well how he treated her when they were young and is very ashamed of how bad he was to her. Age made him realize that despite not sharing the same beliefs he didn't had the right to mistreat her. Because of this, upon their reunion, Donatello can't even look her in the eye... The situation gets so much worse when he realizes that she is kind, peaceful and strategic and that the obsession and discipline she exercises in her spiritual rituals are equivalent to those himself repets with his inventions, experiments and research. In silence, he starts to admire her more and more, and the more he admires her the more shame he feels for how he treated her. For a long time, he fantasies with the day when he will be forgiven and accepted, who knows, maybe she will admire him in the same way ... Poor Donnie, he doesn't even imagine that Venus does not hold a single drop of resentment and that she ends up interpreting him distancing himself of her as a form of showing contempt. (Agsnt is my fucking life)

Michelangelo: Mikey finds Venus so.fucking.intimidating. He remmembered her as a very small and shy crybaby, but now? Now she is the greatest warrior he have ever seen. If Leonardo tries to be the authority figure and ends up rejected by his younger brother, Venus does not have the same intention, but ends up winning the respect and trust of the youngest of the group. She ends up being the only figure that Michelangelo really respects and obeys blindly after Master Splinter. He adores her just as a troubled student adores the patient and empathetic vice director. Their friendship ends up becoming so sincere and pure that he starts playing video games on mute just to hear the stories she reads aloud.

_________________________________________________________

Well.. That’s it for Venus BIO! Please tell me what do you think! Every comment and opinion is welcome. My ask box is also open for any questions about this AU! Thank you so much for reading till the end.

#tmnt fanfic #tmnt leonardo #tmnt raphael #tmnt michelangelo #tmnt donatello #tmnt venus de milo #tmnt au #tmnt headcannons #tmnt #alternative universe #fanfic write #fanfic

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x--daughters-of-darkness--x · 3 years

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TARJA TURUNEN: Why I Chose Not To Focus On NIGHTWISH In My 'Singing In My Blood' Book

"Singing In My Blood", the first book by former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen, has just been made available via Rocket 88. Written and compiled over the past year of lockdown, Tarja has searched through scores of photos and memories to create a big, deluxe book about her life in music. There are contributions from friends and colleagues who've played a part in her music on stage, in the studio and at home, alongside lots of previously unseen intimate photos from childhood to the present day.

Asked in a new interview with Chaoszine why she chose not to focus on her time with NIGHTWISH in the book, Tarja said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "NIGHTWISH was a big part of my life. Almost nine years I was a part of the band. I gave for the band my voice, my soul, my face, my image. And it also gave me the whole world of rock and roll, and I'm deeply grateful. And it's always going to be part of my life. But not too many people really know what I've been doing after NIGHTWISH — especially here in Finland; I think it's really a lack of information going on. People do know what I do abroad, but not here. And that was my intention — was to really open that part of my journey and [focus on the fact I've] been doing a solo career almost double the time that I'd been in the band, so I've been surviving there alone."

For more information about "Singing In My Blood", visit tarjabook.com.

Turunen was fired from NIGHTWISH at the end of the band's 2005 tour by being presented with an open letter which was published on the NIGHTWISH web site at the same time. In the letter, the other members of NIGHTWISH wrote: "To you, unfortunately, business, money, and things that have nothing to do with emotions have become much more important."

NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen later called the decision to part ways with Turunen "the most difficult thing I ever had to do." For her part, Tarja said the way she was kicked out of the group proved that her former bandmates were not her friends. "Maybe one day I'll forgive, but I will never forget," she said.

In 2019, Turunen dismissed Internet chatter about her possible return to NIGHTWISH after her December 2017 onstage reunion with the band's then-bassist/vocalist Marko "Marco" Hietala during a "Raskasta Joulua" concert in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

"I know a lot of fans would love to see something happen, but it's a very long distance away," she told Kerrang! magazine. "Personally, I don't see anything happening with me and them, to be perfectly honest. Marco came a little later into the band; he wasn't there since the beginning. He was always a guy I was close to. Me and [NIGHTWISH keyboardist/leader] Tuomas Holopainen, however, haven't seen each other in a long time… but we have been in touch. It's not bad. The past is what it is; we can't change that. We can only change the future."

NIGHTWISH's authorized biography, "Once Upon a Nightwish: The Official Biography 1996-2006", was published in Finnish in 2006 and in English three years later.

Turunen's husband, Marcelo Cabuli, and his business partners later sued the parties behind the book for defamation. Named in the lawsuit were the publishing house Like Kustannus Oy and the author of the book, Marko "Mape" Ollila. Cabuli and his Brazilian business partners argued that the book includes false accusations and insinuations that have caused them suffering and financial problems.

The book blamed Cabuli for the events leading up to Turunen's dramatic expulsion from the band in late 2005.

In 2011, the Helsinki District Court dismissed Cabuli's lawsuit, ruling that the book — which criticized Cabuli on only a few of its 380 pages — did not detrimentally affect his work or reputation in South America. In addition, the court determined that Ollila did not maliciously portray Cabuli in a negative light.

#Tarja Turunen #Singing In My Blood #2021 interviews #Nightwish

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cloudwriteblr · 4 years

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~ * ~ * ~ jess’ wip masterlist ~ * ~ * ~

This is just a masterpost for all my wips and it’ll be under the cut just not to annoy people/flood their dash. Also everything is subject to change because i’m impulsive and love making my life more difficult.

Let me know if you want tagged to anything

[Duology] [Writing] [Spy/Thriller/Action] [Worldwide, mainly European Countries] [MC: Andy]

World peace is precariously balanced on a knife’s edge. One wrong move could have disastrous consequences. An untold number of deaths would closely follow. Those who know about the delicate world state notice a highly distressing trend: a series of deaths and kidnappings of important people and those closest around them.

The group, The Collective, are carrying out these missions and they were highly trained and unrecognisable. These missions wouldn’t be linked together if it wasn’t for their signature, a black business card left in the bloodbath.

A team is quickly put together with one goal; find and eliminate The Collective, no matter the cost. By whatever means necessary. The only problem. The one chosen to lead. They were no better than them. A burnt spy, an ex-assassin and an ex member of The Collective, they alone were said to be responsible for a high number of violent killings.

But in order to keep the delicate peace, sometimes pardoning the enemy of thy enemy is a necessary evil…

Bloodshed, chaos and death await.

[Standalone] [Writing] [Mystery/New Adult] [Beckton Bay] [MC: Callie]

Calista ‘Callie’ Fletcher was forced to return home to the small sleepy town of Beckton Bay, she didn’t know what to expect. Reconnect with the few remaining friends from school, get her old job back at one of the only restaurant bars in the town, maybe have a string of not serious flings with the non-locals who passed through the Bay. That was the height of it. Her plans derailed the moment, he walked through the door. He wasn’t meant to be there. They both left Beckton Bay at the same time, together, they never meant to return. It was only fitting that they returned mere weeks after each other. But the same force that dragged Callie back, also dragged him back. It was up to them to figure out what mysterious force was at play here in Beckton Bay and why it was killing so many people from the class of 2013.

[Standalone] [Outlining] [Supernatural/Detective] [Belfast, Northern Ireland] [MC: Charlie]

Tragedy followed Charlotte MacGuire around, it had been her constant shadow and companion since the night of her parent’s murder when she was a young teenager. The only reason Charlie managed to survive was because she wasn’t there. The police, who eventually began her colleagues, told her the murder was a result of a home invasion gone wrong, but Charlie knew better, it wasn’t the truth. The MacGuire family was targeted for the simple reason of them being werewolves.

The perpetrator or perpetrators were never caught.

Fourteen years later, she was targeted for the same reason, she barely survived the attack and had been forced to take four months off the job. Her attack was the first in a series of attacks against the small supernatural community that called Belfast their home. It was up to Charlie to stop these attacks once and for all.

[Series] [Writing, slowly] [New Adult, Romance] [Sunrise Cove] [MC: Victoria]

When Victoria Walker was given the opportunity to help the up and coming legal aid centre that her law firm financially backed. She jumps at the chance as this opportunity shouldn’t happen to her, especially not after having a stress educed breakdown in front of one of the firm’s highest paying clients.

Most would have seen this as a punishment, watching over and help mentor a bunch of arrogant and rude recent law school grads who think they knew everything about law. But not Victoria, she saw it as anything but a punishment. She wanted to give back to the small town that helped raise her.

The Walkers sisters were only meant to move to this quiet seaside town for nine months – a year at most. But everything changes when Victoria meets Casey Markov, the closed off but kind hearted man who managed one of the local restaurants.

[Duology] [Outlining] [Supernatural/War] [London, England] [MC: Ripley]

Ripley Balfour was a survivor through and through. The night her family was murdered, she survived that. Ripley didn’t want the life she’d been forced to live.

She was one of the few witches who managed to live on the fringes of society. She managed to survive because avoided the rest of the supernatural community. She was lucky to live like this as she was never registered, despite the law. Her existence was illegal.

The constant whispers of a brewing supernatural revolt started to look like a possibility. They were looking for a leader and that was Ripley, all she had to do was survive once more.

[Standalone] [Outlining] [New Adult] [Dublin, Ireland] [MC: Bethany]

After a failed long term relationship, Bethany Morgan returned back to Dublin. It wasn’t a place she considered home anymore, she left the Irish capital six years ago for University in London. Her parent’s house didn’t feel like home anymore, all Bethany ever wanted was to feel at home again. Reuniting with childhood friends didn’t helped much. Starting new hobbies distracted her. But nothing helped.

Bethany Morgan was so lost.

[Standalone] [Re-Outlining] [Supernatural/War] [90′s, Northern Ireland] [MC: Mattie]

As the events of 90′s rage on in Northern Ireland, another underground war wages on between the covert supernatural population. The allegiances of mainstream Northern Ireland didn’t necessarily translate here. No trusts anyone, not even their neighbours. Everyone was more than willing to sell you out at a moments notice.

[Series] [Re-Outlining] [Supernatural/War] [MC: Alex]

Following the death of Maria Rundolfa just over six months ago, Scarlett, Maria’s youngest daughter, assumed that she’d take over what had remained of the former legendary Pack and try to restore them to their former glory. But when Alex, who vanished over ten years ago without so much as a goodbye, stumbles in through the door all bloodied and stinking of booze, while yelling intelligible notions about the prophecy. Scarlett is forced to step aside as the prophecy states that it’s the oldest living daughter who will be their saviour. Alex finally understands that for as long as she’s still breathing, she has to do anything in her power to save her secret.

A secret that she’d give up everything to protect, even her humanity.

[Standalone] [Vague idea with vague characters] [New Adult/Adventure] [London, England] [MC: Odie]

To call the Rowley family rich was a drastic understatement. They came from century’s old money, they would never have to worry about anything. Just an occasional investment was more than enough to keep them afloat for at least the next few decades.

Odette, better known as Odie to her fellow socialite friends, never had to work for anything. Whatever she wanted she was handed on a silver platter. That was the Rowley way. The latest trends? Odie set them. Expensive and all in exclusive holidays in the top hotels, she took them many times a year.

So when a series of death threats were made against Odie, everyone took them incredibly seriously. Arthur, the head of the Rowley family, even hired her a private bodyguard to watch and protect Odie at every turn. This wasn’t something Odie wanted at all, someone judging her for the life she didn’t ask to be born into. That was until Odie met her bodyguard and she took her breath away.

[Short Story] [Drafting] [Horror] [Third Person] [Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland]

If you enter these woods after dark, don’t expect to come back at all. Alive or dead. If you do find yourself trying to spend the night, for the love of God, just stay inside your tent. No matter what. Just ignore the sounds of the woods. Just stay inside. Ignore everything. The screams of your friends who thought they would be brave and venture off.

Despite the constant warnings that surrounded the woods, people, mainly teenagers who wished to prove how brave they were, still ventured into them. Trying to stay the night. But these warnings were there for a reason. Anything can happen, but what happened to the waves of campers was never known. The prevailing thought was that these woods were the hunting grounds of a local killer. Some thought it was the disgruntled ageing farmer. An uncommon theory was that the woods held some sort of supernatural power. Maybe even a portal to Hell. No one knew the truth.

After dark there were no survivors.

#writeblr #wip intro #wip masterlist #mine #[i don't want to admit how long this took to make]#[spoiler: too long]#[but now i can actually start using my blog now that it's set up correctly and properly]

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commander-krios · 4 years

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alexithymia -- helene/zhilae?

Thank you so much for this! It took me a little while to figure out how to weave this into a fic, but I’ve managed. Not only do we get to see Helene destroy Thanaton, but there is some extra background information about my favorite Sith.

Alexithymia – inability to describe emotions verbally

Korriban loomed ahead, the red dust planet bright against the blackness of space. Soon, she would take a shuttle to the planet’s surface. Then she would make her way to the Sith Academy and the Dark Council. It would be there that she would make her last stand against Thanaton. The confrontation was months in the making, ever since he tried to have her killed.

Helene Zythor didn’t like it when people tried to kill her.

Clipping her lightsaber to her belt, she tried to clear her mind, knowing that doubt and fear would not help her in this situation. In order to defeat Thanaton, she had to feed her anger, make it a buffer against whatever he threw at her. He was a powerful Sith, that was well known. He wouldn’t be on the Dark Council if he wasn’t. However, Helene believed herself stronger. And she would prove it.

Exiting her quarters, she found Talos Drellik reading in the common area, his eyes on the datapad in his hands. She watched him for a moment, intrigued by how focused his attention was on whatever he’d discovered. Mostly likely it was some fascinating relic that would undoubtedly make a great contribution to the Sith.

Walking by Talos without a word, she entered the cockpit, not surprised to find Andronikos at the helm. He was finishing the docking sequence, completely engrossed in the process. He hadn’t noticed the Sith Lord standing beside him at first. When he realized he wasn’t alone, the pirate glanced up with wide eyes.

“How long have you been standing there, Sith?” He snapped, turning back to the control panel in front of him. “I’m trying to keep the ship in position so we won’t be splattered against the docking bay. Do you mind?”

Helene bit back the smile that hovered on her lips. She’d never let Andronikos know how amusing she found him. “This is my ship, unless you forgot. Don’t make me regret not killing you.”

He rolled his eyes, knowing the threat for what it was. Nothing but smoke. “I might have believed that months ago, but you’d never do it now. You like me too much.”

“Don’t let it go to your head, Revel.”

“Yeah, yeah. Go away so I can do my job.” The pirate turned away from her, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

If he’d done that earlier in their journey, she might have shocked him until he begged for mercy. Now, she just laughed under her breath and walked away. Her mother might’ve said she was weak for letting others treat her so familiarly. Helene knew weakness came from many places, but having allies, having friends, didn’t make one weak. It made them infinitely stronger. It gave a person something to fight for.

Barely any time had passed before Helene was stepping on the dusty planet. She’d started her training on Korriban and now here she was, intending to challenge a Darth to battle for their lives. How the times had changed…

Flanked by two of her most trusted allies, Helene walked with purpose towards their destination: The Sith Academy. The foreboding building loomed ahead, dark towers and crimson banners austere against the orange tone of its surroundings. She hesitated only a moment, memories of the awful trials she’d faced flashing through her mind at the sight of the academy. There was once a time, when she was a small child, that the sight of the Sith Academy had excited her. She had dreams of attending, of becoming a formidable Sith like her mother…

But dreams die when reality sets in.

A movement at her side drew her gaze from the building. Golden eyes met hers and Helene immediately felt calm, all worries and terrible memories gone from her mind in less than a second. The bounty hunter anchored the emotions that warred within, helping her find focus and bringing some much needed happiness to her tumultuous life. While it scared the shit out of her to need someone so desperately, Zhilae’s affections made it almost welcome.

“I better not be seeing you doubt yourself, Helene. Not now.” Zhilae said, reaching forward to brush a finger lightly over the Inquisitor’s scrunched brow. “Not ever.”

Xalek, one of Helene’s apprentices, stood resolute beside the Pureblood, silent as he usually was, but the fierce look in his eyes was just as loud as if he’d spoken his agreement.

Unable to help herself, Helene smiled at Zhilae’s words. “I couldn’t doubt myself even if I wanted to. Not with you around. It’s part of the reason I hired you.”

Zhilae chuckled, leading the way to the Sith Academy. “I thought it was because of my good looks.”

Helene rolled her eyes and followed, knowing that the woman was partially right. There was nothing unattractive about the kind of woman Zhilae Mirai was.

…..

The tall doors of the Dark Council chamber may have stood closed before them, but Helene could clearly hear the echoes of conversation. It didn’t take more than a single guess to figure out who was addressing the Council. With a nod toward her companions, Helene pushed the large double doors open, entering the room as Thanaton finished his speech.

Many of the Council’s members were Sith Lords she did not know. Old, wise, and powerful Sith that had been there for decades, maybe longer.

“Order must be preserved. Punishment meted out.” Thanaton’s strange eyes glanced quickly in her direction before returning to those he addressed. These men and women were his colleagues and yet, he seemed small and insignificant when held up against them. “If we are to conquer our enemies, Zash’s former apprentice must die.”

Helene laughed, unable to help herself. The sound drew the attention of everyone in the room. “Should I be flattered that you talk about me to all of your friends, Darth Thanaton?”

“This discussion concerns the future of the Sith Empire… a future that you are not part of.”

One of the Council leaned forward, sneering as he spoke. “Then why haven’t you killed her yet, Thanaton?”

Helene could see the anger beneath the calm mask he wore. She knew if she prodded in just the right place, it would slip and he would go on the offensive. With both the power of the Force ghosts and the aid of her friends, she would be unbeatable. She knew this as she met her enemy’s gaze. Thanaton was worried. It was almost too easy.

“There are traditions that must be met. Preparations-”

“Traditions aside, you still haven’t answered the question. Why do you find it difficult to kill this child?” Darth Marr was the former master of Helene’s mother. Acantha Zythor and Darth Marr had worked together so often that Marr had become a constant in Helene’s life. Seeing him as he was to the rest of the Empire was strange indeed.

Helene stepped forward to address the Council, her eyes focused on Marr. He obviously possessed the most power “Thanaton is weak. He’s had every opportunity to kill me and has failed. He doesn’t deserve to sit on the Council with Lords such as yourselves.”

“Enough!” Thanaton bellowed, turning his rage on Helene. “I will destroy her and then the rest of you will answer for your betrayal.”

Everything moved fast after that. Their battle, Thanaton’s death, her ascension to the Dark Council, her title… She hadn’t expected anything after she claimed her revenge. But now she was Darth Nox, keeper of Sith artifacts and history.

Eyes trained on the chairs that dominated the room, Helene quietly stood in the center of the empty Council circle, Thanaton’s body left forgotten on the floor. Now that he was dead, he was an afterthought. There was still the problem of his loyal followers and how they’d be dealt with, but that was a worry for later, once the shock wore off.

Xalek had returned to the ship to inform their companions of the situation, leaving Helene to admire the Council chambers. Zhilae stood a few feet from her, arms crossed over her chest and a grin on her face. The Sith turned to the bounty hunter, unable to stop her responding smile.

“So… a Darth?” Zhilae mused, eyes taking in the sight around them. “And the Dark Council? Does that mean I get a pay raise?”

Helene chuckled quietly, crossing the small distance that separated them. Laying a hand on Zhilae’s arm, the Sith smiled with a mischievousness that only promised much more fun for them. “Would a promotion suffice?”

Zhilae dropped her hands to Helene’s waist, taking her tiny yet insanely powerful human lover into her arms. “Promotion, huh? The perks would need to be tempting.”

Helene stood on her toes, running her lips along strong cheekbones. She wanted to say so many things to Zhilae, but no words would be able to describe the things she felt. Instead, she kept it simple. “Oh, believe me. You won’t find a better offer.”

Zhilae pressed an affectionate kiss to Helene’s forehead, lingering briefly at the shock of electricity that still pulsed through the Sith Lord’s skin. It was intoxicating to feel the power in that small package. “I know.”

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altumvidetur · 4 years

Text

Hotch/Reid Fic Recs

Previously: Haikyuu!! Fic Recs, DCMK (Kaishin) Fic Recs

So, I was thinking about the coronavirus pandemic and what I could do to help people out. I’m isolated because I’m at higher risk, so I can’t really offer to go out for my elderly neighbors or my family… but I thought I could try to help keep people entertained.

Because I don’t have an AO3 account right now, I’ve been compiling fic recs for my own amusement for a year or so. And I thought – maybe that’s the time to share these with everyone? So everyone will have plenty of things to read while they have to stay at home, or even to escape anxiety a little bit if you’re forced to go out.

Of course, these cater to my own tastes, so you may find stuff you don’t like around here. I never include works in progress. The Mature and Explicit works will be in italic. I ask you to READ THE WORK’S TAGS before continuing, so you won’t find anything that makes you uncomfortable.

When it comes to Criminal Minds, I only had one OTP, one that’s been carrying me through the first seven seasons and which will, hopefully, carry me towards season 11 (and what am I going to do once Hotch leaves the show? I have no idea). So, here are my Hotch/Reid fic recs:

A Kiss Is..., by bowie28

For a Renaissance man such as Dr. Reid, a kiss can mean a lot of things.

First Kiss, by Lenore

To solve the case of who's targeting gay couples, Hotch and Spencer need to go undercover. But first, they have to practice.

Making Whoopee, by kuriadalmatia

12 days was the longest Hotch had been away from Jack since Haley's death. He's not adjusting well.

P is for Pie, by kuriadalmatia

Spencer knows what Aaron is doing: offering up a piece of himself—a very private piece of his childhood that never talks about—so that Spencer has the opportunity to reciprocate.

Nothing In Between, by travelinthedark

Aaron doesn’t know who he’s supposed to be anymore.

5 Mandatory Events at the FBI Regional Training Seminar, by travelinthedark

“Hey guys!” Jeff’s voice is just as upbeat as it was when he was telling the entire conference room about the wonders of community stewardship and his volunteer work as a ‘Big Brother.’ It’s also just as loud, and Hotch wonders if the guy realizes he doesn’t have to shout at people who are less than five feet away from him. “Are you ready to come up and add your ideas to the aspirations board?”

Conversations in Transit, by travelinthedark

Three conversations about (or sort of about) the way that Hotch and Reid are together.

Your Shadow at Morning, by travelinthedark

Aaron's world is a mess, and it falls apart more every time he tries to fix it.

Q is for Queen Bee, by kuriadalmatia

The last thing Reid remembered as he was speaking gibberish to Kimura as they raced to the hospital. Losing the capacity for language was terrifying...

L is for Lipstick, by kuriadalmatia

Aaron finds a cache of lipstick-imprinted business cards tucked away in Spencer's desk. He doesn't react well.

Catatonic, by bowie28

Spencer Reid is a man of habit.

The apple and afterward, by Lenore

What if Reid hadn't managed to kick his Dilaudid addiction? What if he needed a job on the side in order to afford his habit?

Five Times Spencer Reid Kept His Hair, and One Time He Didn’t, by bowie28

Why Reid finally had his hair cut.

Love Songs, by Gorgeousgreymatter

(Summary by me: Hotch pining for Reid, both of them getting together and being cute.)

The Tradition of Sprigs, by kuriadalmatia

Hotch holds the sprig of mistletoe by the stem, cocks an eyebrow, and waits for an explanation. Because, in the four months Spencer Reid has been on his team, Hotch knows that there’s going to be one. What he doesn't know is that it will become a tradition.

The Best for Last, by blythechild

This is a gift fic based on the prompt: "It's Hotch and Reid's first Xmas together and Hotch wants to get Reid a gift that he never received as a child - Jack suggests asking Reid’s parents about what he’d like."

House Call, by blythechild

Jack is ill and wants to be comforted by Reid instead of Hotch.

Not Included In The Brochure, by blythechild

[Crossover with Sherlock (BBC)] Sherlock was standing over the body… Sherlock finds himself in the middle of a B.A.U. investigation, much to his delight and John's frustration.

Something Less Ordinary, by blythechild

A year after Reid voluntarily leaves the F.B.I., Hotch discovers that Diana Reid is dead and he must find his former colleague and friend in hopes of setting a few things right.

we’re reeling through an endless fall, by bittereternity

lead me to the truth and I will follow you with my whole life. Back then, Spencer had replied, "I love you too. I love you very much." This could be a love story someday. [spencer reid, aaron hotchner, reid/hotch, reid/maeve]

Five Dinners Series, by Daylyn

(Summary by me: Hotch and Reid’s getting together, plus some moments during the series.)

The Moment In-Between, by Daylyn

In the Criminal Minds novel, Killer Profile by Max Allan Collins, there’s a scene where Prentiss sends Reid to wake up a sleeping Hotch and Hotch enters the conference room a moment later looking rather mussed. This is what happened during that missing moment in-between.

The Secret Marriage, by blythechild

Hotch has a new ring, Reid has a new tattoo, and everyone is wondering about everyone else's secrets.

yesterday’s seven thousand years, by bittereternity

“What if I can never love a child?” “If it’s your child, Spencer, he will be the easiest person in the world to love.”

Reid thinks about the idea of a child in his life, and turns to Hotch for help.

the lies we weave are oh so intricate, by bittereternity

Maybe they were always supposed to fall apart, because there was nothing stopping them from being happy. In a world where everyone is Dominant or submissive, Aaron Hotchner meets Spencer Reid, who simply wants to be neither. In the process of getting to know him, he never expected to a. fall in love b. fall in love with his team member and c. fall in love with a man so infuriatingly unwilling to reciprocate.

Written for the Criminal Minds Big Bang 2013.

Vigil, by red_river

"Part of Hotch knew Reid was an FBI agent, and perfectly capable of taking the bus. But the other part couldn't imagine letting him - not after this case, of all cases." Post LDSK, Hotch gives Reid a ride home, and which leads to pizza, old TV, and helping him face a few of his demons. Episode tag, S1E6, "LDSK." Friendship or pre-slash.

Refuge, by red_river

"She’s my mom,” Spencer murmured, and Aaron couldn’t help thinking how young that word made him seem. “But sometimes it’s like there’s…almost none of that person left.” In the aftermath of the Fisher King, Hotch flies to Las Vegas to bring Reid home, and tries to make something new out of all their broken pieces. Episode tag to S2E1, "The Fisher King;" friendship or pre-slash.

Call me whatever, I just want to be yours, by surrenderdammit

“Let’s get dinner, just the two of us, next time,” Aaron comments, helping her into her coat because he is ridiculous like that, and he is apparently partial to the fond exasperation he gets in return, which is usually in the form of her huffing or rolling her eyes.

A love story told in parts, from the first time they met to the first time they fall into bed together.

Serendipity, by red_river

"You've been watching over him." In the aftermath of a difficult case, Hotch searches for a way to lift Reid's spirits, and someone notices. Episode tag to 2x13, "No Way Out."

I Hope You Kept the Receipt, by blythechild

[Crossover with Sherlock (BBC)] Hotch and Reid get trapped in an elevator with Sherlock Holmes. And then Sherlock does what he's best at: pissing people off.

Speechless, by blythechild

[Crossover with Sherlock (BBC)] Reid has an uninvited guest at the worst possible moment.

Desert Mirage, by merle_p

Long story short, there is a high probability that he is doing it for altogether selfish reasons, but when Reid looks at him with an expression of such sincere, helpless gratefulness, he cannot find it in himself to regret.

Twice Shy, by blythechild

Seven years ago, Hotch and Reid had a brief affair. Now, Hotch wants to try again, but can they make it work with less impediments and more baggage? (Spoilers through season 10)

Three Letter Agency, Four Letter Word, by merle_p

The NSA is interested in Spencer Reid. They are not the only one.

Late Nights ‘Verse, by EloquentDossier

Summary by me: Hotch pining for Reid, Reid probably pining for Hotch, a lot of UST and people being dense.

Time-Out ‘Verse, by EloquentDossier

Summary by me: Hotch and Reid’s cute shenanigans.

Chain Reaction, by EloquentDossier

"(Mon 12:20 pm) Which is why you text the stranger instead of talk to coworkers.

(Mon 12:20 pm) Yes. (Mon 12:28 pm) Is that weird?"

xxx

A dialogue-only AU in which Hotch texts what he thinks is Rossi's new number but is actually the slightly eccentric stranger whom Hotch knows only as "Spencer." What follows is something neither man could have ever quite expected.

Golden Letters ‘Verse, by EloquentDossier

Summary by me: Soulmates AU in which everyone gets a tattoo with a sentence that their soulmate will eventually say.

Bright, by EloquentDossier

"There were several things in Aaron Hotchner's life that had never made sense to him. He didn't understand why nearly everyone in his family (minus his son Jack) couldn't quite fathom why he felt drawn to the BAU. He didn't get how so many people in the world had such depraved mindsets. And he wasn't entirely sure why he still hadn't drug-tested his team's tech analyst, Penelope Garcia. (He was also confused about her relationship with Derek Morgan, but he wasn't going to touch that with a ten foot pole.)

But what baffled Hotch the most was how someone who was as intelligent as Spencer Reid could be so inherently oblivious."

xxx

Written for the prompt: I've seen a lot of oblivious!Hotch fic, but how about Reid being oblivious of his own feelings for Hotch? Hotch is aware, and reciprocates. Fluffy journey of realization maybe? Bonus for Garcia being helpful.

Affinity, by margarks

Right now just a couple of drabble about the way Spencer and Hotch see each other, but it seems like I might add on to these, so I created this series.

Psychosexual Developments, by dissolvedingirl

Hotch and Reid, between all the moments you see.

Limbo, by kehlee

There's a place in between kissing and dating; there's a place between heaven and hell. This is it.

Just When You Least Expect It, Just What You Least Expect, by blythechild

Hotch has been Reid's boss for ten years, and his friend for almost as long. He thinks he knows him pretty well, but a random event during a random case has the chance to change all of that. It's just a matter of whether Hotch can accept it or not.

In Two Hours (And Not a Minute Later), by dissolvedingirl

Reid finally decides to confront Hotch about those intense looks he's been giving Reid for years.

The Wall, by blythechild

Hotch can't decide what he finds more shocking: going out clubbing at 50 or seeing a phone number he knows scribbled on the bathroom wall...

You’re the Boss, by blythechild

Hotch finds himself in the unfamiliar position of relying on Reid for guidance in their kinda/sorta/not really relationship. or Why casual sex is never all that casual.

This One Is Not Like The Others, by blythechild

(Summary by me: Tentacle-Monster!Reid. It’s way better than it sounds.)

Beneath, by blythechild

Everyone is exactly who you think they are until something comes along to throw your perception off track. After ten years, Reid and Hotch discover this for themselves.

Breaking Point, by EloquentDossier

There was this thing about Aaron Hotchner's voice.

Reid couldn't quite pinpoint when it had started. Perhaps it had always been there, hovering just beneath the surface and waiting for him to recognize it for what it was. Or maybe it had simply been a recent, sudden development. For once the "when" wasn't as much of a concern as it typically would be. No; instead Reid was more interested in trying to discern just what he was going to do about the fact that Hotch had discovered it so quickly. Possibly even before he himself had.

xxx

In which Reid really should have just admitted he liked Hotch's voice when he realized it.

Birthday Woes, by EloquentDossier

It didn't bother him when the call came in. Really, it didn't. Or at least not initially.

xxx

In which the team gets called away on a case and forgets Hotch's birthday.

Of Cowboys and FBI Agents, by severity_softly

Aaron catches Spencer in the act.

In the Silence, by Brumeier

Posted to LJ Comment Fic for Kink prompt: Criminal Minds, Hotch/Reid, silence is a big kink for Hotch

Two Seconds, by blythechild

Time catches up with Aaron Hotchner when he realizes that the person he's always wanted - Spencer Reid - is actually beyond his reach.

Maybe Tomorrow, by orphan_account

The one where Aaron Hotchner wasn't in love with Spencer Reid, until suddenly he was.

Give and Take, by blythechild

Everyone has human moments and for some reason Reid is hiding his. Because Hotch is who he is, he decides he needs to figure out why.

Shepherd of the Damned, by Deejaymil

They're called to Alaska on a desperate last-ditch effort to find seven missing hikers. They don't even think twice about going. This is their job. They put themselves in danger every day to protect the people that need them. But never like this.

They number six. It begins with one.

It's not going to stop until they're all consumed.

See The Love There That’s Sleeping, by blythechild

Reid didn't know that when he leapt into a burning building his life would change forever. But love is sneaky that way.

December 1st: Mistletoe or Give Us a Hug, by NimueOfTheNorth

Spencer may say he is getting enough cuddles, but Derek knows better. A mistletoe makes a convenient option to test both arguments. Derek gets quite a bit more than he bargained for.

Come Undone, by EloquentDossier

When Spencer Reid forgot to take his suppressants two mornings in a row, it really shouldn't have been a big deal. He had them in his bag at the hotel, and as long as he took one that evening, he'd be fine. What he couldn't have prepared for, however, was the lab the latest victim worked at going into an at least twenty-four-hour-lockdown while he was in it.

When Aaron Hotchner was asked to aid his subordinate through what would otherwise be an agonizing heat, he'd had several reservations, one of which had been the consent issue: Omegas couldn't legally consent to sex during a heat unless it was twenty-four hours in advance. With every concern rebutted logically (because of course the Bureau had an Agent Consent form in case of emergencies), he finally agreed.

Of all the possible repercussions, however, neither man expected the one they received.

xxx

Or that one time no one expected the Alpha to accidentally bond to the Omega while the Omega remained unaffected.

Fireproof, by blythechild

[Crossover with Supernatural] Hotch and Reid's friendship ends suddenly when Hotch abruptly quits the Bureau and disappears. But Reid won't let him get away with it.

Halcyon Mine, by Deejaymil

What if a lonely boy meets a friend in a lonely quarry... and what if he loses him without warning?

unmoored, by 28ghosts

“When it’s kids who end up our killers, you know,” Reid says, unprompted, pulling his coat close against his body, “I always end up feeling...bad, you know? I feel bad. I know I have no cause to, not really. I’m not one of them.”

Hotch stops for a second, walking down the airfield. The cold Virginia air whips around him as harsh as judgement. He’s surprised to see Reid, ahead of him, slow to a stop, head tilted back towards the gray sky.

“Let’s get a drink sometime,” Hotch says, before he can overthink it. “If you’d like.”

Indispensable, by Deejaymil

Dave's a damn good guardian angel, one of the best. And being one of the best means he gets the worst jobs: the important, the clumsy, the reckless, the difficult-to-keep-alive. The indispensables. But he's never before quite had anyone like Spencer Reid.

Within the first two seconds of meeting his new charge, the kid gets hit by a car; it really only goes downhill from there. His only consolation is that Emily is having just as much trouble with her new charge, Aaron Hotchner.

If only they could somehow combine their assignments...

Acutely Us, by Deejaymil

This is the part where a story is told. There are ferrets, mistakes, birthdays, apologies, and dances. There is Spencer and Aaron and Jack and the life they make together.

And it all begins with a goat.

Rise Again, by blythechild

Aaron Hotchner has been on the run for five years, but that all comes to an end on a beach in Australia.

Religiously Unaffiliated, by ghoultown

(Summary by me: Hotch/Reid with Reid deliberating about his atheism.)

Don’t Make Me Talk You Down, by ghoultown

The night was heavy because it was humid on top of the bridge in between highway I-90 and I-80, the semi-trucks that passed messing with his balance, almost toppling him over if it hadn't been for his grip on the railing.

Rain, by orphan_account

He almost died today, and Hotch is determined to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Against All Odds, by ghoultown

Spencer is upset because the way he and Hotch met and started dating wasn't as special as Hotch and Haley's story. Hotch begs to differ.

Under My Protection, by ghoultown

Hotch and Reid never met. Reid is in danger. The government puts Hotch in charge of Reid's safety.

Empty Places, by Mystical_Magician

All wishes have consequences, and when Spencer makes one to save lives, he knows and accepts the price. The rest of his team does not. What the mind forgets, the heart remembers, and in Foyet's wake they all know that something is missing. Aaron Hotchner refuses to ignore the aching, empty spaces.

Genuine Need, by NimueOfTheNorth

It would have been nothing more than Aaron buying Spencer a cup of coffee. Good thing Garcia is there to pull the right strings or those two would be lost.

Swan Song, by Deejaymil

At some point they’d become caught in each other’s orbits, lost in a sea of almosts. Neither of them realized that their time was finite, not until their world turned to flames and threatened to tear everything apart.

For Spencer Reid the grief was too big, too impossible to believe that four BAU members and a treasured friend had fallen in an instant. When faced with the opportunity to get back what he’d lost, he has to decide if it’s fate or madness that beckons him.

For Aaron Hotchner, madness would almost be welcome. At least then the world would become logical again, turning the impossibility of what had happened to them into something tangible. But even madness doesn’t change the fact that they’re trapped.

They’re not even sure if anyone is still looking for them.

i hope you’re waiting at the end, by soloecal

Sometimes, Spencer thinks too much. Post Season 12.

A month later, on a singularly insignificant night, Spencer sits Hotch down after dinner, and presses a ring into the palm of his hand. “This isn’t working,” Spencer says. “I think we should break up.”

Expiration Date, by blythechild

He goes to Vegas to meet a friend but ends up married. The time-honored way to make these kinds of mistakes is to do it while incapacitated, but Hotch waits and does it sober instead. An interesting choice...

Conclusive Proof That You Have a Terrible Boyfriend, by blythechild

Hotch is proving he's an awful boyfriend. Via text messaging.

He’s A Bad Boyfriend Too, by blythechild

Aaron and Spencer have a relationship issue that Spencer thinks is best solved via drunk texting. This is a sequel to Conclusive Proof That You Have A Terrible Boyfriend.

Apodyopsis, by NimueOfTheNorth

If he is forced to listen to boring lectures for three days, Spencer really can't be held accountable for his imagination going wild, now can he. Reality might proof even better.

(i know you’ve tried) but something stops you every time, by wintrs

Prentiss can't help but overhear Hotch and Reid's conversation on the jet.

Faces, by blythechild

Every three days, a man wakes up in a different body. There's no controlling it and no way to prepare for it. All he can do is make the best of his new face with the time he has.

First, by orphan_account

The first time Aaron tells Spencer he loves him is an accident.

L’Homme Mystere, by orphan_account

Even if he’d been waiting for this in a state of barely contained arousal since early this morning, when Aaron had bumped shoulders with him at the coffee pot in the breakroom and whispered in his ear about how he had a surprise for him later that night... well.

Spencer wasn’t that kind of guy.

How to Get a Hard Pass, by Deejaymil

There's an FBI trainee named Spencer Reid in the class Hotch is teaching, and that'd all be just fine if Hotch wasn't completely distracted by wanting to be in Spencer Reid instead. But there’s no way he’s going to give his student an inch - or eight - until he’s good and ready to do so on his own terms.

Spencer Reid has other plans.

The Longest Road, by Deejaymil

They’re taking the longest road to get there, but, in the end, it doesn’t really matter. What they are to each other has always been inevitable.

A Horse Named Rabbit, by Deejaymil

Aaron Hotchner is riding West on a borrowed horse, hiding the man he used to be behind a shortened name and a beard he only sometimes thinks of shaving. His desire to keep on running until he hits the setting set is waylaid by an unexpected meeting with a man on a mule who says he's looking for his lost luck.

When they part, Hotch realises that's a mistake. There's something about Spencer Reid that reminds him that he's more than just a man on a horse going nowhere—that he was once the kind of person who could help a stranger find what he's looking for. There's just one problem with that.

When Spencer had said he was looking for his luck, he’d never mentioned that he planned to steal it.

for mortals: there is a share, by ifnot_winter

Reid could find no precedent in his experience for so gentle a seduction. Or so effective.

An exploration of moments and intimacy through three consecutive fragments of text paired with fragments of Sappho's lyric poetry.

the safety of objects, by ifnot_winter

Fumbling his glasses right off the edge of the table, he managed not to step on them en route to snatching up the phone as the third buzz gave way to ringing. Bending to retrieve his glasses, he caught his shoulder on the corner of the nightstand and managed to press the answer button, cutting off the shrill electronic wail mid-ring. "Damn--Hello?" Glasses shoved firmly into place, he watched the cufflink skitter in concentric, diminishing circles across the scuffed polish of the hardwood floor and come to a leisurely halt a few feet away.

"Reid." Hotch.

Somehow the fragments of Sappho struck me as a great mental framework for CM fics. This was the first completed result, mostly an attempt at exploring Reid and flexing rusty writing muscles.

Pretty, by blythechild

Hotch thinks Reid is pretty and then is forced to explain it.

Good Enough, by blythechild

Aaron has plenty of kinks, but he can't figure out Spencer's.

#criminal minds #hotch/reid #aaron hotchner #spencer reid #fic recs #hotchreid #they need a better ship name #please warn me if any links are broken #and reblog it if you can so more people will see it #otp: what i want i'm not going to get

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beccibarnes · 4 years

Text

Just Cookies

A christmas gift to @stevengrogerss.

Language: English Paring: Steve/Tony Rating: General Audiences Words: 5703 Tags: Christmas; Christmas Eve; Christmas Fluff; a little flufflate to the party i know; Mulled wine; not-christmassy cookies; Cuddling; not cuddling; Sharing secrets; Talking About the Past; steve is drawing; tony is inventing; tonys workshop Warnings: No Warnings

Summary: Everyone leaves the Avengers Tower for Christmas. Except for Steve, who has nowhere to go, and Tony, who hates Christmas...

Also on AO3.

German version here

- - - - -

Steve watched as the black car rolled off the lot and into the constant stream of New York cars. From his place at the kitchen table, he could still clearly see the car slowly moving forward in the dense Christmas traffic seven floors below him. Behind a building, the driver pulled over and disappeared from Steve's view, along with the car. This made Bruce the last person to leave their common residence. For a long time he had been hesitating whether to accept the surprising invitation of his old friend Betty Ross. In the end, he had decided to do so at short notice and was now on his way to Virginia.

Unlike Bruce, Clint and Natasha had bypassed the crowded streets and had left a few days ago. Steve had no idea where they were going. He also didn't know if they were heading for the same destination or if they were only sharing a part of the route. As far as Steve knew, neither of the two had families to visit over the holidays, but Steve had to admit that his knowledge about the private backgrounds of his team was limited. The few months they had been living together in the tower had not been enough to reveal all the secrets of the former SHIELD spies. Steve could not blame them. He himself still kept a lot of secrets that he would not easily entrust to anyone. Steve liked his colleagues, would even call them friends by now, and knew that he could rely on them in every life-or-death battle. But somehow it was different to tell them what really moved him on the inside, than to watch their backs in battle.

Steve blinked in surprise when he realized that he was still looking down at the street. But by now he could only make out the alternating pattern of red and white lights moving haltingly through the darkness. Once again Steve had lost himself in his own thoughts and had forgotten the time. For a change, there was no schedule for him to stick to, but something in him was reluctant to sit at the kitchen table and stare out the window all day. He had the entire Avengers Tower to himself, he could do whatever he wanted. With the vague idea in his head to let off steam at the punchbags in the gym, Steve got up, but before he even reached the elevator, his motivation was gone. He worked out every day, unless the city needed to be rescued. It had simply become a habit that he didn't question anymore, but right now it seemed inappropriate. When had all of them ever left the Tower? Why should he pass up the rare opportunity he was given to do something he always did anyway. What did other, normal people do when they had the night off? Maybe Steve should ask JARVIS to turn up the music to dance wildly through all the rooms. Steve hadn't even finished the thought before he already dropped it. Even in his mind he already felt ridiculous about it. He couldn't dance, and certainly not to the modern music of the 21st century. Steve had no doubt that JARVIS could play him songs from the forties, but even that didn't seem very appealing to him. Indecisively he stood in front of the elevator and thought. He could take a look at Clint's extraordinary collection of movies, after all he still had plenty on his list that he had to catch up on. But he didn't want to touch Clint's belongings without having asked and actually he didn't feel like hanging around alone in front of a TV all night long.

The minutes went by and Steve came to no result. Restlessness was growing in him. He didn't know what to do with himself, and if it went on like this, he would stare at the elevator button all night long. He knew that nobody was expecting him, but somehow that was part of the problem. Ever since he woke up from the ice a few months ago, he'd been surrounded by people. At first, it had been SHIELD staff and agents who had taken him under their wing. After the fight against the Chitauri, Tony had reconstructed the Tower into a Headquarters where agents and avengers came and went and where it was usually difficult to be alone for more than ten minutes, even if you tried.

Tony.

The word had been washed into his brain along with the stream of Steve's considerations, but as the other thoughts left his head piece by piece, the word had got stuck in his brain convolutions. He was not alone at all. Steve didn't know how he could have forgotten, but Tony hadn't gone to any friends or distant relatives either. The few he considered friends were with their respective families and Tony had no relatives expecting him for Christmas dinner. Steve, whose friends and family were all left behind in the forties, could not help but notice a certain analogy between their both situations.

He shifted his weight from one leg to the other and then back again before making a decision. He pushed the button on the elevator, whose doors slid open immediately. No one had used the elevator since Steve himself went up a couple of minutes ago. The elevator took him safely to the floor where his own apartment was and Steve unlocked the apartment door. Without switching on the light he groped around on the table next to the entrance, found what he was looking for and pulled his sketchbook into the brightly lit hallway. As he locked the door again and stepped back into the elevator, he held the little black book tightly in his hands. Maybe this was a stupid idea. Maybe he should turn around right now and go back to watching movies all night. Nevertheless, he pressed the button for the fourth basement floor and the elevator started moving.

When the doors reopened Steve hesitantly stepped out of the elevator and in front of a glass wall. He could see blue lights moving through the room behind the thick pane, but he couldn't figure out what Tony was working on there. Certainly it was a very important project, and he would only disturb Tony. There was a reason why he had set up his workshop so far away from everything else and why only a few selected people knew the access code. Steve looked at the projection of a keypad on the glass in front of him. He did not know the code.

Before he could change his mind again, he raised his hand and knocked against the glass door. There was most likely loud and noisy music playing on the other side of the soundproof glass and Tony couldn't hear him at all. And as focused as he was working, he probably wouldn't even notice Steve. He could just turn around and go and nobody would know he had been here. But to Steve's surprise, Tony lifted his head and looked at him. For a few seconds they stared at each other through the glass, Tony surprised, Steve nervous. Then Steve saw Tony saying something and the door swung open to the inside. Contrary to Steve's expectations, no music was playing on the other side of the window and it remained silent.

Before he spent too much time awkwardly standing on the threshold of Tony's workshop, Steve stepped in. He closed the door behind him, mostly to have an excuse to avoid eye contact for a few more seconds. When he could not delay it any longer, he saw that Tony had not moved from the spot but was looking at him with a strange expression on his face.

Steve opened his mouth and as if Tony had just been waiting to interrupt him, he said, "What are you doing here? Don't you have a whole floor of sports equipment all to yourself?"

Steve looked at him accusingly. It was typical that Tony was spreading mockery and cynicism with every spoken sentence and Steve had expected no less. Normally he would have replied with a mean joke, saying something about being physically far superior to Tony even without regular training, but he swallowed his anger. After all, it was Christmas and actually he had come down here for another reason.

"I actually wanted to ask you if I could have a seat here."

Tony raised his eyebrows. "Here? What do you want in my workshop? You don't know anything about technology. I'm glad I managed to explain the use of a cell phone to you."

Steve shook his head. "I just want to sit here and do a little drawing." He held up the sketchbook he had brought with him for clarification. "I won't bother you or even talk to you for my sake."

Tony's eyebrows rose even higher, but then he consented. "Fine, go ahead." He shrugged his head in the direction of the sofa in a corner and turned back to his project, not without adding a muttered "for whatever reason".

"I heard that," said Steve as he made his way through the various workbenches and parts of cars and armor.

"I know," Tony replied without turning back to him.

Steve pushed aside a small rolling cabinet to make way to the sofa, which apparently served as a storage space like everything else in this room. Carefully he picked up the pieces lying on the seat and moved them to the closest table. He recognized screwdrivers and various metal parts, cut cables and one or two green circuit boards. "Careful with those! They cost more than your shield" Tony yanked the circuit board out of his hand and placed it carefully on another pile. Steve bit his tongue to swallow his comment. It wasn't the money Tony cared about, he had more than enough of that, he just wanted to reprimand Steve. And Steve didn't want a dispute, he just wanted to sit here and draw, so he kept his temper. As he sprawled on the now vacated sofa he wondered again if it had been a mistake to come down here. Tony didn't want him here and actually Steve could live without his biting remarks. But it was Christmas, and for Steve this had always gone hand in hand with company. It was the holiday of love, so it was a good time to step out of your comfort zone. Steve had done it when he came down here, now it was up to Tony to accept his presence here too.

Steve opened his sketchbook and let his eyes wander through the room in search of inspiration. He got stuck on Tony again. The mechanic had turned his back to him and seemed to be working eagerly again, even though Steve couldn't see on what. With a draftsman's detail-loving eye, Steve saw Tony's hair curling in his neck, his head slightly tilting as he thought, and the muscles moving under his T-shirt. By the time Steve noticed that he was staring shamelessly at Tony, he had been looking far longer than was appropriate. Fortunately, Tony wasn't easily distracted from his work and Steve quickly searched for something else to draw before Tony could turn towards him.

On a nearby table lay one of the Iron Man helmets. It was probably an older model because the edges were harder and the shape did not fit the Iron Man Steve knew. But it offered an excellent still life and Steve placed his pencil on the paper. For a while, all you could hear in the workshop was the soft hum of Tony's technology and the gentle scratching of Steve's pencil. And even though it was so quiet, or maybe because of it, Steve found it extremely difficult to concentrate. He couldn't get rid of the thought that he was unwanted here and at the same time it was not an option for him to go upstairs and spend Christmas Eve all alone in a tower that was far too big and far too empty.

He didn't want to bother Tony and tried to be as quiet as possible, but he still felt how awkward the situation became for Tony as well. The more minutes went by, the thicker the air in the workshop seemed to get. Steve couldn't help but notice how strange the situation was. Although he and Tony weren't enemies, and they had pulled themselves together after their first successful mission in New York, they only had rarely contact with each other outside the missions. They could work together, rely on each other, but nothing more. Steve would not even go so far as to call Tony a friend. They just weren't close enough for that.

And yet the two of them were sitting here now, with only each other as company. And it was getting more uncomfortable minute by minute. But Steve had always been stubborn. He would just keep sitting here, continue drawing the picture and wait for them both to get used to it. It was like a pain that you had to endure, that needed to get worse before it could subside.

"Listen, I want to make this very clear" Tony had suddenly turned back to Steve, who looked up from his book with surprise. Around Tony's right arm lay blue illuminated figures that simulated an Iron Man suit, and around him various displays were floating in the air. "I don't know what you had in mind when you came down here, but I'm definitely not the right person for a Christmas in cozy intimacy."

Steve stared at him and quickly tried to find an answer, but Tony continued talking before Steve could even articulate a single word.

"Look around, does all this look christmassy to you? I hate Christmas. I don't want to celebrate it, not with you, and not with anyone else."

Steve raised his hands in defense. "I never said I wanted to celebrate Christmas with you. I really don't care what you're doing here, whether it's festive or not, whether I understand it or not..." He gulped before he went on speaking. " This is the first Christmas for me since I woke up from the ice... I just don't want to be alone." It was hard for him to say these last words, especially to Tony. But he had always believed that honesty was the best way to get on in life.

Tony's eyes narrowed as he watched Steve. But then his face relaxed a little. He pointed a finger at Steve. "If you ask Jarvis to play Christmas songs, I'll throw you out." Steve nodded and could not help but grin. "No Christmas decorations either," Tony added, just to be on the safe side.

"Agreed."

The tension in the room had eased. It wasn't the casual working next to each other that Steve had wished for, but he no longer had the feeling of being suffocated by discomfort. He returned to the helmet that served as his motif and began to add the shades. He wondered what had made Tony develop such an aversion to Christmas. But he knew he could never ask him and perhaps he did not really want to know the answer. If there was one thing he had learned during their brief time of being colleagues, it was that Tony Stark was sensitive when he was confronted with his secrets. Steve wondered how much he was hiding behind his mask of eccentric behavior, and he was tempted to ask Tony about it. But he would beware of doing so in a room where the Iron Man armor and Jarvis were behind him in seconds. Steve was sure that he would be able to deal with Tony in a fight on equal terms, but the workshop was unknown territory for Steve. Who knew, what kind of equipment Tony had in his storage besides his armor. Steve thought that against Tony with all his technique he would probably lose out. And actually he didn't want to provoke a fight, especially not at Christmas. Admittedly, they had got off on the wrong foot somewhat, and even now they clashed more often than he liked, but an unnecessary physical confrontation wouldn't change that.

Steve drew one last line and examined his finished artwork. It looked like the helmet on the table. Since he started drawing regularly again, his pictures became steadily better, and he was almost back to the level he had 70 years ago.

Steve put his sketchbook down on the table in front of him and dared to take another look over to Tony. While Steve had been drawing, he had changed his place. He was now sitting at one of the big tables that looked more like switchboards and Steve could see his face in profile. The blue light from the screens illuminated his concentrated wrinkled forehead and intensified the glow emanating from the Arc Reactor in Tony's chest. Intrigued, Steve watched the light reflections play across Tony's dark hair as Tony typed with nimble fingers on the holographic keyboard in front of him. Too late Steve noticed that he had started staring again.

"Is there a problem?" Tony asked and Steve winced.

"No, I..." As he quickly avoided Tony's gaze, he frantically tried to come up with an excuse that didn't sound entirely ridiculous.

"I just wanted to ask you if you want something from upstairs. Coffee or anything? I was just about to get something myself." Steve pressed his lips together while waiting for Tony's answer. He was convinced that his excuse was absolutely predictable, but either Tony didn't notice or didn't care.

"Yes, I'd love a coffee. Black, no sugar. Leave the door open, so I don't have to let you back in." Steve nodded and got up from the sofa. He expected that Tony would immediately return to his project, but instead his eyes followed Steve until he had passed the glass door and disappeared into the elevator. Steve shook his head to repress the distracting feeling of being watched.

In the kitchen, Steve just shoved a cup under Tony's high-tech coffee machine and pressed start. While the machine was heating up the water, Steve searched the cupboards until he finally found the object of his desire. A last bottle of mulled wine had been hiding behind several bottles of whiskey and a bottle of gin. Steve filled a second cup with the wine and put it in the microwave for heating. Steve's mulled wine and Tony's coffee finished almost at the same time and Steve picked up one cup in each hand to carry their hot drinks downstairs. As he walked past the dining table, his glance was caught by a round metal box standing on it. He hadn't noticed it when he was sitting here earlier, but now it caught his attention. Steve didn't have to check to know what was inside. Pepper had dropped off the cookies just last night before she left for her family. Clint and Bruce had each taken a big handful of them, but the box still had to be well filled. Steve spontaneously jammed the metal box under his arm. Tony had said no Christmas music and no Christmas decorations. This did not include Christmas cookies. Especially as cookies themselves were not specifically christmassy. They could be easily made at any time of the year and if in doubt, Steve could still eat them alone.

When Steve placed the coffee cup on the desk next to Tony, the latter did not pass up the opportunity to reprimand Steve again.

"Not there! The screens are heat sensitive."

"You're welcome," Steve replied, not taking it up. He turned around and settled back down on the sofa, which groaned under his weight. With his hands on the warm cup, he stretched his legs out on the seating area and placed the cookie box on his lap. On purpose, he sat down in a way that allowed him to continue watching Tony. But when Tony suddenly got up from his desk and came towards him, Steve quickly turned his head in another direction. For a brief moment Steve thought that Tony actually wanted to sit with him. He was already about to make room for him on the couch when Tony walked past him without even looking at him. Wordlessly he began to search the shelf behind Steve. Steve resisted the urge to turn around to him but took another sip from his cup.

"Is that mulled wine?" Steve almost choked on the said mulled wine and coughed briefly and hard to prevent the hot drink from flowing into his trachea. Tony reappeared in Steve's field of vision and looked down over the back of the sofa, first in Steve's cup and then at the cookie box on his lap.

"Well, that's typical. I only get coffee and the captain gets himself the good stuff. Why are you even drinking that? The alcohol has no effect on you anyway. It's a waste of resources." He pointed accusingly with a screwdriver at Steve's mug.

"I just like the taste." justified Steve, who had stopped coughing. "Nothing like this existed in my day. Besides, you ordered coffee, so stop complaining."

"That's true" Tony gave in and let the screwdriver move towards the cookie box. "And what is this? I thought my message was clear. I don't want a Christmas party down here."

"These are not-christmassy cookies." Steve had set up a defiant face. Tony raised an eyebrow and bent down over the back of the sofa to snatch one of the objects from the box. He carefully inspected the brown circle in his hands before taking a trial bite of it.

Steve immediately realized that Pepper had thought of Tony when she was baking the cookies and had done everything right. They were chocolate cookies, as far away in flavor as possible from cinnamon, vanilla, almonds, or any other christmassy things, and she had cut out only innocuous circles. Not even the box showed any festive motifs and so the cookies passed Tony's test with flying colors.

"All right, approved," he said, shoved the rest of the cookie in his mouth and walked around the sofa. "Don't spread out like that, that's still my sofa." Steve pulled his legs up and sat down normally again to give Tony a seat. Tony let himself fall onto the couch next to Steve with verve and carelessly threw the screwdriver on the floor. "Jarvis, heat up the mulled wine." Tony called into the room and immediately got an " Of course, sir" back.

"Make sure Dum-E doesn't knock over the pot again, we only have two bottles left."

Steve couldn't help but watch in fascination as a robot, which seemed to consist of nothing more than a single metal arm with several joints, began to move. He took a bottle from one of the cupboards and wheeled into the tiny kitchen that Tony had set up down here.

"Don't stare at him like that. Dum-E always gets nervous around strangers, and when he gets nervous, he drops things."

Steve looked away at once. He didn't even question Tony's statement about shy robots. He had stopped questioning everything he didn't understand a while ago. It was sheer self-preservation when you lived and worked with Tony Stark.

They sat next to each other in silence while Dum-E rattled with glasses, ceramics and metal in the background.

"I'm sorry," Tony finally said. "I know I'm obnoxious around Christmas time and probably the last person you want to spend Christmas Eve with." His voice had lost all mockery. "Maybe next year you should ask Clint and Natasha to take you with them. You'd probably get more out of it than hanging around in the workshop with me." Steve shook his head.

Steve shook his head.

"It's okay. I've never been in your workshop before." He watched Dum-E rolling in with a cup of steaming mulled wine. "And it's certainly more exciting than going to some shady SHIELD facility with them."

"Touché" replied Tony and took the drink from the robot. "Well," he held up the cup and moved it in Steve's direction. "To my workshop" Steve toasted with his cup and they both took a sip.

"The only time of the year you can drink alcohol 24 hours a day without being stared at sideways," Tony said, and took another big sip straight away. "I must admit that not everything is bad at Christmas." Steve had to grin as he looked at Tony, who was lounging on the couch, drinking mulled wine and eating cookies. No matter how much he fought against Christmas, right now he still seemed quite christmassy.

Steve knew that Tony was quite an experienced drinker. Nevertheless, the speed at which Tony emptied his cup and had it filled again by Dum-E surprised him. Steve could almost feel the alcohol calming Tony's mind. His posture became looser and also his voice lost its usual sharpness.

"Is that your sketchbook?" he asked, and before Steve could react, Tony had grabbed the book from the table and flipped through it.

"Yes, and actually it's private," Steve said, and shifted around in his seat, somewhat embarrassed. His drawings were almost entirely influenced by his feelings and his sketchbook was therefore as personal as a diary.

"But they're really good. I mean, I don't know anything about art, but I would hang these on my wall."

He held the book open to Steve and Steve recognized the Iron Man helmet he had just been working on. Without hesitation, Steve pulled the book out of Tony's hands and tore out the page with the drawing. "You know what, I'll give it to you," and he held the page out to Tony. Tony looked at him with big eyes as he took the paper. Steve smiled at him and felt strangely reminded of the forties. It was one of the good memories that made him nostalgic without making him realize all too clearly the loss of his own time.

"I used to gift drawings," he said without thinking about it. "It was the only thing I had enough of to give away. We never had much money, and most of the time it was barely enough for food. Presents just weren't in it." Tony sipped his mulled wine silently, but the fact that he hadn't interrupted Steve yet was a sign that he was listening. "Once my mother set heaven and hell in motion and bought me a used book. The Wizard of Oz. She had gotten it cheap at the dissolution of a library, and it was already really tattered. But I read that book until it literally fell apart in my hands."

The alcohol couldn't influence Steve, his fast metabolism took care of that, and yet his tongue seemed to loosen to the same extent as Tony's, who was constantly pouring down mulled wine. Suddenly Steve didn't feel weird at all sitting here with Tony and talking about personal matters. He was sure that Tony wouldn't enter the conversation, but even if he just sat there and listened, it did Steve good to get these things off his chest. And in any case it was more comfortable than sitting next to each other in silence.

"My father always had plenty of money." Steve looked over at Tony in surprise, who stared straight forward as he spoke. "I probably had the most and the best presents in town. And they got even better and more expensive with every year he spent more time working." Tony's voice had developed a bitter undertone. And Steve listened intently to his words.

It was probably the alcohol, but he had never heard Tony speak openly and honestly about his father before. Steve had known Howard Stark long before Tony had been born, but he had seen the inventor from a completely different angle. He was very curious about how his son had experienced him, but he had never dared to ask Tony about it. He knew about the difficult relationship the two had had with each other.

"He always liked to use gifts to clear his conscience. Whenever he had stayed away overnight, he would get me some new CDs. For a business trip over several days, he would drop a hi-fi system. When he missed my final project in high school, he got me a new car... Most things I have never used."

Steve didn't like how bitter Tony's voice had become, and he was trying to find something to say. But Tony lifted his cup again and said dryly: "In this sense, to the family" Steve toasted him and also drank a sip of mulled wine. Next to him, Tony emptied his drink in one go and Dum-E immediately rolled up to refill it.

"Thanks for telling me," said Steve, who had regained his voice. He looked directly at Tony, who was keeping his eyes on his cup. "Well, I'll probably regret this tomorrow. But just now it seemed like a good idea." "That's the Christmas spirit," joked Steve, grinning at Tony, whose eyebrows narrowed briefly. But then he raised his eyes and said, "Well, I guess it doesn't matter now anyway. Jarvis, turn on the Christmas lights. " Jarvis did not answer, but within seconds the blue light of the screens had turned into a golden shimmer and the ceiling lights had been dimmed. Steve was mildly impressed. In this light, the workshop suddenly seemed quite cozy. Still, he didn't miss the opportunity to tease Tony: "If you hate Christmas so much, why do you have a Christmas lighting protocol?" "Shut up" was the only answer Steve got, and he could clearly hear Tony's voice changing progressively. He wasn't babbling – not yet. But his voice had become lower and less distinct.

Tony started to shift around on the sofa, pulled up his knees, stretched them out again, turned his upper body in different directions while trying to somehow get into a more comfortable position.

"I'm sorry, I'm taking up all the space here," said Steve, and pressed himself even further to the side of the sofa to provide more room for Tony. "Oh, we'll manage that" said Tony, and Steve froze as he felt Tony's head on his shoulder without warning.

Steve had not seen this coming.

A shiver ran down his back, and yet he didn't dislike the unexpected touch. He felt Tony dragging his legs up on the seat beside him, but he didn't dare look to the right. Part of him feared that Tony might notice what he had just done and move away from him again. And he was determined to avoid that.

"If I come too close, let me know. Mulled wine always makes me a bit clingy... which, by the way, is why I never drink it in public," Tony mumbled and Steve felt the movement of his jaw against his own shoulder.

"No... it's okay," Steve replied hesitantly. "I came here because I wanted company." That was true. But when he had made that decision, he had not imagined that the evening could take such a twist. Not that he would complain about it, but he had to think about the Tony who had wanted to throw him out of the workshop just a few hours ago. The same Tony was now leaning relaxed against Steve's shoulder. And Steve didn't quite know how exactly they had gotten here.

"Oh..." Tony said, but he sounded only slightly surprised. "I didn't know you meant company in that way. You could've said so earlier, we could've spared ourselves this whole preliminary skirmish." Steve snorted in amusement but a number of thoughts had just been set in motion in his head.

"Yeah, sure," he replied. "You're telling me I should have just knocked on the door and said Hey Tony, I'd like to spend Christmas Eve cuddling with you on the couch? You would have kicked me right back out again."

"Yes, I would have," Tony agreed. "And we're not cuddling."

"Of course not."

Steve listened to Tony's steady breathing close to his ear and pondered. The whole situation had come so sudden that he didn't quite know how to deal with it. He had been longing for comfort, for someone to confide in. And yes, now and then he had caught himself watching Tony and slipping into one or another daydream. But they both were so different, he had never seriously considered it. And even now he didn't really want to think about it too much. He wasn't sure how much of what Tony was doing or saying in his current state was due to the alcohol. So he pushed away all the thoughts that were spinning in his head and tried to concentrate only on the here and now. Right now, Tony Stark's head was resting on his shoulder and that was all that mattered.

Tony's breaths became deeper and slower and Steve could only just see the half-full cup in his hand beginning to tilt. With one quick movement, Steve reached for the cup and preserved the ground from a mulled wine disaster. He placed it on the table in front of them, but his abrupt movements had pulled Tony out of his light sleep.

But he seemed to take this as an opportunity to make himself comfortable without the restrictions of a half-full cup. With his eyes closed, Tony let his head sink into Steve's lap and stretched out on the left side of the sofa.

A tingling sensation ran through Steve's body as he placed his left hand gently on Tony's upper body and buried his right hand in Tony's hair.

He didn't know what they were getting themselves into here, nor how long it would last. But he knew it felt good. Without giving it any second thought, Steve lowered his head and gave Tony a light kiss on his hairline.

"Merry Christmas, Tony," he whispered.

"Merry Christmas, Steve."

#just cookies #myfanfiction #fanfiction #avengers #stony #stevetony #christmas #christmas fanfic #fanfic #christmass fluff #fluff #cuddling #steve rogers #tony stark #2012 #marvel #mcu fic #mcu #useraddi

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dramioneasks · 5 years

Text

HP FESTS: DramioneFanfictionWriters (Part 2)

DFW's First Birthday GOGO Fest 2019:

The Minister's Decree by LadyKenz347 - M, 5 chapters - Ten years have passed since the Battle of Hogwarts and birthrates have steadily declined. In order to save the Wizarding World, the Minister enacts a Marriage Law.And Hermoine Granger is ready to burn down the patriarchy to make sure that doesn't happen.

Tempo by bionically - G, 4 chapters - Draco's good deed is punished. How bloody typical.On the verge of a suitable marriage, a chance meeting with a mysterious time witch gives Draco a chance to review his options.

Quite the Declaration by Frumpologist - M, one-shot - Glimpses into Draco and Hermione’s evolving, secret relationship.

Bare One's Soul by Felgia_Starr - E, one-shot - Ten creatures around the world have been chosen to study at Scholomance to become the most glorious warlock the world has ever seen. There, Hermione meets Draco Malfoy of the Purebloods, the most infuriating boy she's ever put her eyes on and the only one with whom she feels a connection.What happens when they bare their souls to each other?

Ichor and Aureum by fandomfairytales - E, one-shot - Based on the prompt/ gorgeous aesthetic by Felgia_Starr so, I've done my best to give it a little bit of everything (the only thing I couldn't work into this franken-prompt-fic was an accidental marriage what with the word limit).

Hermione Granger and the 'I'm sorry but I have to work with WHO?' by highlyintelligentblonde - G, one-shot - Hermione's Head Girl, Draco's Head Boy- neither of them know the other is though. What could go wrong? ;)

To My Wife by MykEsprit - T, one-shot - Draco admits to an obsession.

Game On by BiscuitsForPotter - M, one-shot - As co-Head Boy and Girl, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger just can't seem to get along. Hermione won't let Draco have a say and Draco refuses to listen. In an effort to force them to work it out, Professor McGonagall sets up a series of non-traditional detentions to get them to work together and communicate better. Her chosen method: board games. What could go wrong?

Of Love and Ducks by frecklesandbroomsticks - T, one-shot - Draco and Hermione take a trip to Paris. Things don't quite go as planned.

You make me see clearly now by ruthy4vrsmoaked - E, one-shot - You make me see clearly now... the rain is gone.She never asks permission to seat at his table. She just sits, drinks her tea and eats her cake. He has no other choice than to endure her unsolicited opinion on his life. The start of something none of the two expected.

Golden by msmerlin - M, one-shot - In a world where magic is forbidden and bounty hunters are on the prowl, Hermione must try to outrun the Crownland's most notorious hunter, The Harrier, when her secret is exposed. Magic Suppression AU.

A Game of Chance by TheLastLynx - M, 4 chapters - Hermione barely registered Harry calling out after her to let in someone he was apparently waiting for. So when she rushed out, deep in thought, she smacked straight into the tall person standing just outside the door. ‘Careful there, Granger,’ someone with a pleasant baritone said, chuckling under his breath. ‘No need to hit on me.’ Hermione’s head snapped up. The pointy face of Draco Malfoy looked down on her, something like humour brightening his pale eyes. She raised her chin, ignoring the heat in her cheeks. ‘Don’t flatter yourself, Malfoy.’ These past weeks, the London Muggle casinos have seen unprecedented losses. When Number 10 gets concerned and starts pressuring the Ministry of Magic, the D.M.L.E. tasks Hermione Granger with investigating the poshest of them all, Les Ambassadeurs. Is it all just an unlucky streak or might be magic to blame? And why does she keep running into Draco bloody Malfoy at the most unfortunate of times?

Magic in the Air by otterlyardent - not rated, one-shot - On his twentieth birthday, Draco has the first of many dreams, meant to lead him to his soulmate. The other problem, however, is that he's quite certain his dreams revolve around two women. Add in a request from Hermione Granger to assist her with a case, and Draco finds himself in a right mess. Canon divergent. Soulmate AU.

Healing Properties by MrsMast - T, one-shot - Hermione needs a cure for Dragon pox. She decides to go to the one man she knows that can help.

Wise Words by CourtingInsanity - T, one-shot - Both stuck in a war they didn't start, Hermione and Draco forge a strong bond on the night Dumbledore falls.

Not My First Mistake by savedprincess85 - M, one-shot - Hermione is a hard-working lawyer. Draco is a rugby player. Will they hit it off when Harry tries a bit of matchmaking?

DFW Trope Fest 2019:

The Essence of Veela by Elena78 - T, one-shot - Hermione doubts herself before she starts her new job at the Ministry and finds herself caught up in a predicament of Molly's. As she tries to resolve her part in this situation, a personal one arises.

The Dream Connection by Pureblood_Muggle - M, one-shot - Hermione is going stir crazy. She's having dreams about Draco Malfoy of all people. If only she could figure out why!

A Wide, Dark Sky by perilous_circumstance - T, one-shot - Set an indeterminate amount of time in the future, the wizarding world is travelling across Space. Hermione is a veteran of the Second Wizarding War and a Junior Auror aboard the giant Station, the large starship that houses the main parts of the Ministry, Hogwarts and other communal parts of the wizarding community. She is battling residual trauma leftover from the War, as well as a painfully awkward attraction to her former-Death Eater colleague, Draco Malfoy. When they are sent on a routine shuttle mission and disaster happens, Hermione is forced to confront her feelings for the insufferable git.

Near the Dragon's Eyes by fandomfairytales - E, 3 chapters - Late bloomer. That’s what they called her, adding yet another title to follow her other asinine monikers.With magic as strong as hers how could she possibly be anything else?What a joke. Of course, she took it all in stride; pushed herself harder, striving and struggling to make herself worth more than her lack of Alpha, Beta or Omega designation. But even the abject awe or generalised jealousy she inspired didn’t prevent the surreptitious glances or whispers behind hands about the girl who simply 'wasn’t witch enough.'

Soteria by Felgia_Starr - M, one-shot - 150 years after Voldemort won the Greatest War, nothing has changed. The Rebellion is still fighting against His regime. The Salvation is still defending their benevolent Dark Lord. Several generations came and went, but the world remains the same. Who knows? Maybe things will change soon. Maybe when fate forces Prince Draco of the Salvation and Hermione of the Rebellion to meet in the only neutral zone in the world, something different will finally happen.

Pinned by bionically - E, WIP - Draco doesn't know what he's expecting when he follows Blaise down a dark alley, but it certainly isn't this.For a man with an addictive personality, this isn't going to turn out well.

CATastrophic Love Potion by rennaissance_woman - not rated, one-shot - What do you get when you cross a bored feline and an owl on a mission.

Hello. (Is it me you're looking for?) by weestarmeggie - M, one-shot - A series of meetings that can only be described as "meet cutes" lead Hermione to her one true love just as a spell cast on Halloween the previous year predicted.

Finding Granger by TheImperfectionista - T, 6 chapters - When the Ministry introduced the Pureblood Reparations Act, Hermione found herself with a tax bill for being Pureblood. Despite being told she qualified for an exemption, the witch began a search for the truth of her ancestry with the most unlikely financier of her journey.

Questions Later by Pandorascube - M, one-shot - Hermione's life of isolation changes with a mysterious stranger's appearance.

Broken Barriers by Snowblind12 - M, one-shot - Tensions run high when Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger return to Hogwarts after the fall of Voldemort. As Head Boy and Girl, how will they ever get along? A story about tradition, booty shorts, and learning to trust.

Higher Love by PartyLines - M, one-shot - Hermione Granger learns about love in the conviction of Draco Malfoy.

The Unlikely Governess by Art3misiA - T, one-shot - The Malfoy children are little terrors. They drive away every Governess Draco hires.Will a certain curly-haired witch be able to tame his wild offspring, or will it all be a disaster?

Revenge by TriDogMom - M, one-shot - Hermione has a secret- she liked revenge.

More Than One Way to Win by scullymurphy - M, 7 chapters - “That’s damn near impossible, even for me,” Blaise shook his head. “I think we’ve hit the bar. Is there anyone who would be more difficult to shag?”His words were hanging in the air when Draco felt a magnificent plan spring fully formed into his mind. Could it work? He thought it could. A grin split his face and he said, “I know someone.”“Who?” Theo demanded. “Granger.”“Oh fuck ME, I can’t believe we forgot her!” Theo was really slurring now. “She would never let any of us get within ten feet of her precious, pristine knickers. Not that I wouldn’t love to,” he leered. “But yeah. Impossible.”“Impossible, you say?” Draco tilted his head to the side and regarded his extremely pissed friend. “Would you care to wager on that?”

Dark Affair by Kaarina_Riddle - T, one-shot - Dark Draco! Hermione and Draco have a secret affair and someone finds out what will they do? Will they be caught?

Regards, Hermione Granger by HufflepuffMommy - M, one-shot - Hermione and Draco form a relationship through writing letters while Draco is in Azkaban.

DFW 20/20 Challenge 2020:

Bookworm to Badass by Pandorascube - T, WIP - Guess who will rescue our Draco-in-distress?

Hindsight by floorcoaster - T, WIP - It's a New Year and Hermione decides it's time to make some changes.

Fireworks by Felgia_Starr - T, one-shot - Pressured by their managers, Draco and Hermione come together one evening during the Midnight Kiss Ball, a yearly get-together of greedy record labels, eating up business deals like they’re treats, disguised as a New Year’s Eve party for artists to celebrate their success during the year.

Grave Awakening by savedprincess85 - T, WIP - Hermione is mourning. Harry wants to help her. No one knows exactly what happened to Draco. One chapter a month for the year 2020.

The Green Pheonix by Gidgit2u - M, WIP - A betrayal at the beginning of sixth year causes Draco to swear allegiance to the Order of the Phoenix.Having recently come of age and as both hold the position of Prefect, Hermione is the perfect choice to become the Order’s handler of the grieving Slytherin.Despite years of hate and animosity, Hermione and Draco need to overcome their past and put aside their differences in order to help defeat Voldemort. As the war crescendos, the two must fight prejudice on all sides as they discover they may not be as different as originally thought.

Pretty Petty by TriDogMom - M, one-shot - "Damn right I'm pretty." "I said petty."

All Things Unsaid by TheImperfectionista - T, one-shot - "Many of the faces he knew from work, but he never liked any of them or had a desire to sit with them in the canteen for lunch. That was one thing he never told her. She was the only colleague, he enjoyed working with."

This fest is ongoing.

#DramioneFanfictionWriters #Fests/Exchanges/Challenges

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interesting-mall · 4 years

Text

The Most Profitable Business of 2020

----Interesting Mall Universal Agent and Fission Marketing

Dear friends,

Do you ever thought become a millionaire as soon as you wake up?

Do you want to change yourself from peasant to being a superior in half years?

If you want,please read the following story carefully......

It’s Feb 3 2020,when most people about to start one day of hard day’s work,The Joseph family,who lives in Pasico Steet,the most famous slum in Philippines,they are preparing to move.They will leave this place where they have lived for about more than 30 years.And they’ll move to Alabang,the most rich area in Manila.Nobody can imagine half year ago,Joseph was still work in a not only broken but also dirty restaurant at Pasico Street.Every day work more than 12 hours,and just have one day rest in one month,and monthly income is only a poor 10,000 PHP.It’s can’t sustain a family’s life at all.His family has 3 children,they can’t study in school,because they have no money.

And now,maybe many people want to know how Joseph can become rich from poor in a very short time?It turned out to be an opportunity half year ago,Joseph know a buiness from their restaurant guests,now there have a buiness just need mobile phone to management.You can earn tens of thousands of income as long as you persist for 2~3 months.Joseph has a try mentality to use his mobile phone to sign in a APP called “Interesting Mall”.After a simple operation,he become an agent,then opened a life of crazy wealth multiplication.

Maybe many people think that Joseph can be successful just because his good luck can find “Interesting Mall ”.But from Joseph’s successful experience,we can learn his success is not just simply because of his good luck,it’s because his persistence.Every successful person has one thing in common--it’s persistence.From the moment he became an agent for the “Interesting Mall” ,Joseph everyday his free time to spent holding his mobile phone to share with friends.Almost every friends,and also share to his Facebook.Every day in the various sites,from friends circle to every APP and every website.It’s already two weeks ago,although there are many registered people, there are not many people play it,his income is not objective.Everyone around Joseph began to sneer at him.Joseph even also become impatient.The original full of confidence, bold words, still in his ears.The last few weeks have been the most difficult for Joseph, and sometimes he's been mocked, and he's starting to wonder if he can make money or not?

It’s a chance,Joseph found a salon at his “Interesting Mall”,he went with his doubt.He met his noble Jejomar here.Jejomar shared his own experience to Joseph.He want Jeseph know that be come an agent need time,must be patient.Jejomar also can’t get money during his first month,his wife even want divorce him.Jejomar was under pressure,he still persist,still share with his friends.When time goes to the second month,his team suddenly become stronger and stronger.At that month,Jejomar’s team has already 50 people in total,and his outstanding achievement already reached more than 300,000PHP,deduct commission from subordinate agents,his income almost reached 100,000PHP.Nowadays,his income has already more than 300,000PHP.And his wife also become his agent,last month,his wife got 50,000PHP.

Perseverance and accumulation,let Joseph knows if want to be success,must need dedication and patience.From that day,Joseph no longer doubts himself,no matter what others say,he always believe himself,believe he can success with this project.He still adheres to share to others.Sure enough,less than a month,just three weeks,Joseph found his performance has already reached 100,000PHP,and his commission also reached 450,000PHP,and he deduct commission from subordinate agents,he gets 200,000PHP.When he excitedly told the news to his family,his family was stunned,it’s double income from his work before he was work in the restaurant,that is so unbelievable.Eveer since the sarcastic voice around him has disappeared.And Joseph has more subordinate agents.Even his relatives,friends who have ridicule him before.3 months later,Joseph’s team has already almost 50 people,every month his income has more than 100,000PHP.Half year later,his team has more than hundreds of people,his income also exceeded 500,000PHP.Now Joseph is very famous with his project.And he never need share his project to others everyday.He just need enjoy his holiday and play games with his children.His income always rise and not fall,he has thousands of people in his team,just like a multinational.He told us with his proud that his income more than 500,000PHP.

What’s make Joseph money free in just a short one year?

“It’s Interesting Mall!”A young girl called Harana told us.She is a university student at an university in Manila.Befor one month,she heard Joseph’s story, and join his group.Now she in the top ten in the income of Joseph’s subordinate agents.She told us that “Interesting Mall”is developed by XXX Group.It is a micro internet mall face to global.Consumers can get one chance to draw after buy project at the platform.And raffle games have two kinds ,one is guess the odd or even numbers,and another is guess the number.If win the game,consumers can get 2~9 multiple price and also can get cash.

What’s make Joseph can get money even he during his holiday or play with his childrens?

It’s “Interesting Mall” has national agent promotion.

Why become a “Interesting Mall” promotion agent can get money easilly?

It’s because the “Interesting Mall” uses the world-famous marketing model -----National Agent Model.

What is the national agent model?

“It’s easy,it’s mean every one can be a agent and get money.” A full-time mother Lauren told us,you just need a mobile phone,and you can free sign in “Interesting Mall”to be an agent,and then,you can share to your relatives and friends,also you can share to others by internet.You can develope them to be your agent or player.If your agents and players shopping through the “Interesting Mall” or join and win the game,then you have performance,and you can get commission.Next,your relativs and friends share to their relatives and friends,netizens share to other netizens,and develope agents, and these agents can share and develope other agents.No matter how many people,how many agents,you both have commission.

Lauren knew Joseph by Facebook.Before Lauren become an agent,Lauren was a full-time mother,all people in her family only her husband work outside and feed her family.One month after she become an agent,her income has reached 30,000PHP.It’s already more than her husband.She told us that almost full-time mother like her want to get income is very difficult.But since joining the popular promotion agent of “Interesting Mall”,she change her mind,who said we can’t geting money while take care of baby!She told us that become an agent of “Interesting Mall”,how much money you can get all depend on how many times you share and how many people in your team.When she first tried to share,she shared several hundreds times in one day,and now she can get so much money, all depends on her team,there are already 50 people in her team,even if she don’t share to others,her team members will share everyday.So my dear friends,if you want to make money easily,just get your mobile phone,make good use of your relationships,star to share.From your start,your life will change.

What is unlimited proxy mode?

“It’s like A to B,B to C,C to D,D to E,and so on,no matter how many people,they are both your agents,their performance is also your performance,you still have commission and income.”Luster who used to be a worker at a jewelry factory in Manila told us.Now she is also an agent of “Interesting Mall”,she just only do 2 weeks,now she already has a team,and her team member is reached 20 people.Now her income is 3 times of her work as worker.Former co-workers also promote with Luster.Luster give us an example to explan what is unlimited proxy mode.

For example:You develope 10 people as your agents,these 10 people are your the first agents.And these 10 people each one share to other 10 people,and then ,there are 100 people.These 100 people are your second agents.And these 100 people each one share to 10 people,then you will have 1000 people as your agents.These 1000 people are your third agents,and then,your fourth agents,your fifth agents......your Nth agents.Start with you,you can get every agents’ performance!

So what are you waiting for?Just get your mobile phone and start to develope your agents！

What is fission marketing?

“It’s just like virus!”Gold saler Soberano at a cosmetics sales company in Manila told us with smile.Who can imagine,just half year ago,Soberano was still do her job to sale cosmetic,everyday go out in the early morning,and back home late.Her family is very opinionated of her,and her body health also goes worse and worse.It’s a suddenly chance,she found that a former colleague Enrique,she almost travel and shopping everyday,her days is very relax,also she become more and more beautiful.After envy,Soberano asked curiously and get the answer,Enrique has been an agent of “Interesting Mall”,and she developes 10 people as her agents,agents develope other agents everyday.Her team is already more than 1,000 people.These 1,000 people’s performance are belong to Enrique.Now Soberano finally knows why Enrique everyday can be so relax.So she become an agent of Enrique.Nowadays,just half year after,she already has a team with about 80 teammates.Every month income can reached 200,000 PHP.It’s so much more than she work as a saler.Don’t need to go to work,everyday just do beauty and shopping.Everyday lives very relaxing.

Soberano told us that fission marketing just like the spread of the virus,one to ten,ten to hundred.She also give us an example.

For example,you recommend 10 people to be agents.

Each one of them develope 10 people,there are 100 people.

Each one of the 100 people develope 10 people,there are 1,000 people.

Each one of the 1,000 people develope 10 people,there are 10,000 people.

Just like this,keeps doubling,this is fission.

Just alwasy copy and fission,

Everyone under you,if they want to make more money,they will always share and fission like this,then you can get the fission and what you want＝lay earn.

So,

My dear friends,

If you don’t want to be pool when you are old

If you want to earn millions a month and earn millions a year like Soberano.

Just start to share and develope to be “Fission”

Why choose to be an agent of Interesting Mall?

How to calculate commission?

The platform uses a 10-level performance commission system.

Your income=Team commission-Subordinate commission

For example:

A developes 3 subordinate agents B/C/D, B/C/D each of them developes 3 subordinate agents B1/B2/B3,C1/C2/C3,D1/D2/D3.And each of them developes 3 subordinat agents.Then add A self,there are 40 people in this team.

Suppose this month A have no performance,performance of B/C/D each one is 10,000,performance of B1/B2/B3,C1/C2/C3,D1/D2/D3 each one is 10,000,each one of others agents’ performance is 10,000.Then each team of agents’ performance commission as shown below.

It’s just a Lv.4 agents,just 40 people in team,A as the first agent of them cam easily get commission income more than 15.66 thousands PHP.So if the team develope to 100 people,1,000 people,10,000 people,what will happen.This infinite fission mode will make your income rise in a double time.Thousands of income in one day,tens of thousands of income in one week,hundreds of thousands of monthly income is not a dream。

Office worker,have you had enough of work from 9 to 5?

Job seeker,haven’t you found a job yet?

Full-time mother,do you miss many chance to make money?

University student,are you still confused about your future?

Poor guy,do you want to be rich?

“Interesting Mall” share to everyone to make money is already here!

It’s the Philippines’ most profitable project in 2020,

0 cost and 0 investment,

You can get money easily if you have mobile phone,

Free registered and free act as an agent,

Platform provides a complete promotion training guide for people who is new to “Interesting Mall”,

Just need 1~2 hours to learn,

Adhere to share 1~2 months,

Fast fission mode,easily make thousands of income in one day,tens of thousands income in one week dream come true.

Universal agent of “Interesting Mall”,

Are you ready?

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