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that-winged-rat · 4 years

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Identity

Identity ~ Part 3

*not my gif*

Summary: Dani heads to the bunker with the boys and finds something out about her parents,

No Pairing

Characters: OC Danielle Saunders, Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Castiel, Crowley (brief).

Warnings: Angst, language, nightmare, mentions of death.

Word Count: 2.5k

A/N: Part three of Identity! Feedback is encouraged. Enjoy! :)

“Rise and shine!” Dean called through the motel door, knocking as he did. Sam loaded up the Impala with their bags. “Did you get any sleep last night?” He asked as the door creaked open to reveal Danielle, looking rough; her eyes bloodshot and barely open, dark bags already formed.

“That obvious, huh?” She scoffed, quickly and unsuccessfully trying to fix her hair. Dean smiled gently.

“Okay, so, we were talking and we think it would be safer for you if you came with us back to our bunker,” Dean suggested as he leaned against the door frame.

“You have a bunker?”

“Yeah, we inherited it,” he said and she nodded her head in an impressed way. “Cas said that there’s angels and demons looking for you and the bunker’s warded so you’d be hidden from them there.”

She nodded her head slowly and rubbed a hand over her face. “What the fuck happened to my life?” She asked herself and took a sharp intake of breath. “I don’t normally say yes to living with strangers, but you’re the professionals, not me.”

He scoffed. “We’ve also got a bunch of books and crap there so we can figure out what’s going on.”

“Guess I’ll go pack my bags then,” she said and turned into her room, ready to pack her bags.

“Alright, we’ll be outside,” he said, leaving the room. Dani packed her bag relatively quickly having not packed much. She figured that it would only be for a few nights so she only packed the essentials. Leaving the room, she joined the boys by the Impala.

She picked up some extra stuff at her place and they were on their way to Lebanon, Kansas.

---

“You guys live here?” Danielle asked as soon as she stepped inside the bunker, amazed at the structure, how something this complex could exist without anyone knowing about it.

“Yeah, when we’re not on the road,” Sam answered as he made in just after her and Dean.

“Damn.” She made her way down the stairs to observe some more.

“C’mon, I’ll show you to your room,” Sam said and Dani looked up to him quickly.

“What? No, I don’t mind sleeping on the couch or something,” she blurted out, not wanting to intrude.

“No, no, no, it’s fine, we’ve got plenty of spare rooms.” She nodded and followed Sam down one of the many hallways of the Men of Letters bunker and into one of the bedrooms. “Uh, Dean’s room is just down the hall and I’m on the other side of the bunker.”

“Thank you, Sam,” she said and Sam smiled at her. “Really. You didn’t have to help me, so... thank you.”

“It’s our job. You don’t have to thank me.”

“Stop being so humble and accept the damn thank you,” she chuckled.

“Okay, you’re welcome,” he said, laughing. “I’ll let you get settled in. We’ll be in the war room.” She looked at him, confused. “Uh, it’s the main room, with the light up map table.”

“Ah, okay,” Dani said. Sam smiled and left her to unpack yet again.

Danielle was sat on her bed, unsure if she should unpack or not. Deciding against it, she placed her bag in the corner of the room, next to the bed. Her mind was wondering back to the events of the past week – mainly her parents and the demon incident – so she decided to explore.

She came across a random room and came to the decision to go inside. It was a medium sized room with shelves on all of the walls.

“Is that Squirrel or Moose?” Came a deep, English voice from an unknown source.

Danielle stepped into the room, brow furrowed. “Uhm... Hello?” She called out nervously.

“Well, who do we have here?” He asked tauntingly.

“Where are you?”

“Behind the shelf,” he said and she carefully walked towards the shelf at the back of the room. She heard a sigh. “You just pull it out.” For some reason – most likely curiosity – she did as he said and pulled out the shelf, revealing a man with black hair and an all black suit, chained to a chair.

“Ah, Miss Saunders,” the man said, clearly familiar with Dani.

“I’m sorry, do I know you?” She asked confidently.

“Where are my manners? Name’s Crowley,” he said. “And you...” he pointed a finger at her, “you are a tricky one to find, you know that?”

“What?” She asked and took a step towards Crowley, curiosity getting the better of her yet again.

“If it weren’t for your parents–” he started and Dani’s jaw clenched, her body tensing as it did.

“What about my parents?” She interrupted.

“They found a way to hide you–ward you from angels, demons and everything in the shadows. My guess is they linked it to their lives, so when they died... goodbye warding,” he smirked and tilted his head to the side.

“You had my parents killed? To get to me?” She asked furiously.

“Sadly, no. I have no idea who killed your folks,” he confessed. “But the men at the motel? They were mine, and they will have some explaining to do.”

“That's not possible,” said Dani and Crowley tilted his head again, silently asking her to elaborate. “They’re dead.”

“Is that so?” He asked, his voice giving away that he really didn’t care. “And how did that–”

“Hey!” Dean called from the hallway, interrupting the demon. Dani turned to look at him. “C’mon, you shouldn’t be in here.” He took her by her arm and she let him guide her out of the room, before she pulled herself from his grip.

“Who is he?” She asked.

“A dick you don’t need to worry about.” Was all he said as he turned to walk away, her voice stopping him.

“Who is he?” She repeated, more persistent and firm

He sighed and turned around. “Crowley. He’s a demon. More specifically, the King of Hell,” he said and Dani’s brows furrowed. “What did he say?”

She looked down and shook her head. “He, uh, he said that my parents warded me. And they linked the warding to their lives? So, when they, uh... the warding stopped,” she told him and he folded his arms.

“Your parents were a part of all this crap,” he thought out loud.

“They’re dead... because of me,” she said, tears pooling in her eyes.

“But you’re alive because of them,” he reassured her as best as he could, not used to doing this.

“Right,” she sighed, not wanting to go any deeper into the subject. Dean got the message and walked away, gesturing for her to follow. He lead her to the kitchen where Sam and Cas were sitting, enjoying some conversation.

Dani joined the table while Dean collected three beers from the fridge, putting them in front of Sam, Dani and himself.

They sat there for a few more hours, sharing stories and just talking, before one by one, they started to head to bed, starting with Sam. Dani went next, leaving just Dean and Cas.

She headed to her room and got some well needed rest.

---

Darkness. That’s the first thing she noticed; she was surrounded by darkness. There was nothing there, but she felt something pulling her forward, and she followed.

“Come to me, Dani,” a disembodied voice whispered. She spun around trying to figure out the source, but no avail.

For some reason, she thought nothing of it and continued to follow the pull. She didn’t know how long she was walking for, but it was a long time.

“Where are you?” The voice asked again, sounding more distorted this time; like there was a menacing harmony of a deeper pitch, speaking along side it. She turned around again, looking behind her.

“It’s all your fault.” She turned back around to face the way she was originally facing, to see two familiar faces.

“Mom? Dad?” She said, barely above a whisper. It was her parents but it wasn’t. Their voices were distorted, just like the voice from before. And the skin on their faces was melting off, showing the bones and muscles underneath, making Dani stumble back.

“You killed us.” She whipped around at another voice, sounding just like the others.

“Logan?” She said at the sight of her best friend. “No. No, you’re not dead. You’re not–no!”

“I wouldn’t be if I never met you,” he said, taking a step forward. All of a sudden, Dani felt a pain in her chest. More intense than any pain she had felt before. She cried out in pain and fell to the ground.

“We helped you, and because of that...we died.” More voices. She looked up through blurry eyes, to see who she assumed to be Michelle and David, in the same condition as her parents and Logan.

“I’m sorry... Just... stop. Please,” she choked out.

“You killed us. You killed us. You killed us...” All the voices said in chorus, making it sound even more eerie and haunting. She fell from a sitting position to a lying position, closing her eyes as the people who helped her continued chanting.

---

She bolted up, gasping. Her breathing was ragged and a layer of sweat rested on her skin. She sat there for a moment, clutching her chest and getting her breathing back under control.

The bedroom she was in was one of the few in the bunker with a bathroom, so she got up to wash her face. That’s when she felt it, pain. Pain like what she felt in her dream, but it wasn’t just in her chest, it was everywhere. Every inch of her body was searing in pain. She grasped onto the sink like her life depended on it, and bit down on her tongue, drawing blood, to prevent the screams. But it was too much.

Her knees gave way and she fell to the ground, letting out the scream that was fighting so hard to get out. She screwed her eyes shut, trying to block out the pain. A few seconds later, she passed out, missing Sam and Dean barging into her room and lifting her onto her bed.

“Dean,” Sam spoke up, gaining his brother’s attention. “Her arm.”

Dean looked down to her right arm, seeing blood soaking through her hoodie. Him and Sam shared a worried glance before gently rolling up her sleeve, both shocked to find words carved into her forearm, leaving a bloody trail down her wrist and on her sheets.

‘I will find you.’

“What the hell?” Sam asked, frowning.

“I don’t know,” Dean replied. “I’m gonna go get the first aid kit. You stay with her.” He left in a hurry and Sam sat beside Dani’s bed, moving her pillow to under her legs, knowing that it’s what you do with someone who’s passed out. He glanced up when he heard movement, seeing that Dani was waking up. Her bloodshot eyes fluttered open and she tried to sit up.

“Hey, take it easy, okay?” He said, gently guiding her back to lying down. He took the pillow and placed it back under her head.

“What the hell happened?” She asked, glancing down at it. She lifted her arm so she could see it more clearly and whispered to herself, “What the fuck?”

“I don’t know,” he confessed. “Me and Dean heard a scream, we ran into your room and saw you passed out on the bathroom floor. What do you remember.”

“I... woke up from a nightmare and, I went to the bathroom and I felt this... like, this white hot pain all over, and then... nothing.” She slowly sat up, leaning on the headboard of the bed.

Dean walked back and smiled gently at Dani. He sat on the edge of her bed and began to clean her arm, Dani wincing a few times. He carefully disinfected it and placed some gauze over it, finishing in a few minutes.

“Need anything else?” Dean asked, packing away the first aid kit.

“Nah, I’m good. Thank you both,” she said with a smile before remembering her dream, making her expression fall. She started looking around her desk urgently.

“What are you looking for?” Sam asked.

“My phone. I need to check on someone,” Dani rushed out before finding her phone. Her called the memorised number, Sam and Dean looking at her, worried. The phone rang multiple times, increasing the anxiety. “C’mon, Logan, pick up.” Sam and Dean left the room, giving her privacy.

“Dani?” A voice asked. Your mind racing when it wasn’t Logan . It was his mother.

“Sandra. Hey,” you greeted. “Sorry if I disturbed you.”

She sniffed. “No. Not at all. I’m actually kind of glad you called.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” her voice cracked. “It’s... it’s about Logan.”

Dani shook her head, even though Sandra couldn’t see. “He’s okay, isn’t he?” She asked as her eyes started to tear up, knowing what was coming.

“He’s–someone broke into his house last night. He’s–Dani, he’s gone,” she sobbed and Dani broke down in tears. The two of them spoke and cried for a while before they hung up.

Dani broke. Tears were streaming down her face as she threw her phone against the wall, smashing upon contact.

This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Logan had been there for her through thick and thin, and vice versa. They were each other’s rock. But now Dani was alone. Loud sobs escaped her mouth, but she didn’t care. She folded her legs up to her chest and rested her arms and head on her knees. She needed to go for a walk.

She left her room and walked through the halls of the bunker. Sam and Dean had retreated to their room a couple of hours before hand so they had to be asleep by now. It was also just after 3AM so they wouldn’t be waking up for a while.

She opened the large metal door as quietly as she could and walked into the cool night.

The heat had returned. Though she didn’t acknowledge it, she knew it was there. If anyone asked her what it felt like she wouldn’t be able to say. It would be like describing the colour red to someone who was born blind; impossible. But one thing she did know was that it made her feel safe.

She walked into the forest, thinking about how her life had crumbled in front of her, bringing tears to her eyes yet again. She felt a wave of anger wash over her and she stopped walking. Feeling the heat grow more and more intense the angrier she got, she clenched her fists and grinded her teeth together.

She lunged at the tree in front of her. The second balled knuckles made contact, the tree caved in on itself and crumbled to the floor in a pile of dust. She looked down at her still clenched hands, and saw they were surrounded in red fire. Stumbling back, she tripped over a stick and landed on the ground, her hands now extinguished.

“What is happening to me?” She whispered to herself, a new wave of tears rolling down her face.

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kitten1618x · 5 years

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GoT Afterthoughts ep. 08x02 ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (Jonsa Edition)

Guys this episode was sooooooo good! Okay, okay, okay, let’s unpack here! I have lots of thoughts and since this isn’t broken up into parts, this is going to be a long post, so I’m gonna drop this bad boy under a read more.

We begin in the Great Hall. It appears Jaime is on trial. Queen Dany sits at the head of the table—and imagine having the fucken audacity to sit in Winterfell — in Rickard fucken Starks seat—and in front of his grandchildren, talking about the extermination of Aerys Targaryen like he was some noble king that was just slaughtered by the big bad kingslayer, and NOT the murderous fucken mad Targ king, whom crimes’ you just recently apologized to Jon for, and called him evil to conveniently set yourself apart from him—or did you just forget all that, Dany? Hmmm? IMAGINE the big hairy pair you have to have to actually sit in between the Starks in their own home and utterly disrespect them like that—all while claiming to be in love with one of them? Wow. Just wow. And no, I’m not even sorry for that amazingly clunky run-on sentence, either.

I see that Jaime still has no interest in setting the record straight on why he killed Aerys Targaryen. It appears only Brienne will truly ever know about the millions of people he saved that day in doing so. Jaime stands his ground, though, and gives up Cersei’s plans. Tyrion tries to stand up for him, but Dany cuts him off at the knees (no pun intended), embarrassing him in front of everyone, as per ush.

For a moment her and Sansa have common ground. Sansa doesn’t trust Jaime either because of the wrongs he committed against her family. Jamie won’t apologize for any of it— their houses were at war. But Brienne vouches for him—my courageous, yet shy bb (God, I love her), and Sansa relents, her mind changed when Brienne says she’d fight beside him. Sansa trusts Brienne with her life, therefore Brienne trusting Jaime with hers is good enough for the Lady of Winterfell.

Dany is clearly not pleased with this turn of events. She turns to Jon, addressing him as Warden of the North and asks him what he thinks — assuming he will take her side, but—

He does not.

Dany finally relents as well, grounding out a “very well” between clenched teeth, as Tyrion breathes a sigh of relief that his big bro will not be extra crispy or original recipe’d today. GreyWorm returns Jaime’s sword—rather forcefully, knowing his queen is displeased—as Jaime thanks Dany for her uncharacteristic mercy.

Scene Highlights:

Bran blurting out “the things we do for love” and leaving Jaime shooketh

Sansa immediately standing up and leaving without waiting to be dismissed by the queen, and Jon ducking his head to avoid eye contact and then dipping as soon as Dany turns to face him.

Which takes us into the corridors of Winterfell and Dany resorting to her favorite pastime when she’s angry about things not going her way: berating her Hand in front of everyone. Luckily for Tyrion it’s just Jorah and Varys to witness it this time. Once again she accuses him of treason, and Tyrion is pretty sure that his time as Hand in her service is fast dwindling.

We jump to the forge where Arya stands back admiring Gendry work his magic—a callback to their time at Harrenhall in their younger years. They have a little flirty weaponry banter, and Arya wants to know what the AotD are like. She utters the iconic ‘many faces of death’ lines from the trailer while she impresses Gendry with some dead ass accurate blade throwing. He’ll be getting right on making her that weapon, by the way—and probably walking a little funny while he does it. 😉

Jaime seeks out Bran in the Godswood. He apologizes for what he did and tells Bran he’s not that person anymore. “You still would be if you hadn’t pushed me out that window, and I’d still be Brandon Stark.” Wow. Jaime wants to know why Bran didn’t tell them what he did, and Bran basically tells him it’s because they need him. When Jaime inquires “what about afterwards?” Bran drops an ominous “how do you know there will be an afterwards?”

We jump back to the Winterfell courtyard, where the Lannister brothers are catching up and commiserating about being in Winterfell again. Dany is different, Tyrion tells Jaime, and Jaime doesn’t seem so convinced. Tyrion wants to know if Cersei lied about the baby, and Jaime tells him that was true (as far as he/we know, people). But what I REALLY love about their conversation is this part:

J: She’s always been good at using the truth to tell lies. Don’t be too hard on yourself. She’s fooled me more than anybody.

T: She never fooled you. You always knew exactly what she was, and you loved her anyway.

The funny, or actually ironic thing about this conversation is they’re talking about Cersei, but if you flip the dialogue between the Lannister brothers here, the same could be said for Dany—especially the bolded part. Think back to the things Tyrion said to Jorah when he kidnapped him back in season 5 — he was confused by Jorah’s blind loyalty, too. How the mighty have fallen, Tyrion.

They move their conversation up to the battlements, where Tyrion finds the silver lining that at least he won’t die at Cersei’s hands, and perhaps once he’s torn apart by the dead, he’ll march to Kings Landing and rip her apart too. But he’s talking to himself, because Jaime is too busy watching Brienne supervising the training of her ranks just outside the gates.

And my Braime heart is siiiiiiiinging!!!

He joins her below, and she calls him out for acting weird and not insulting her as per ush. lol It’s really just an adorable little love spat — complete with awkwardness and frustration and plenty of UST. And as the music lulls romantically, he basically admits that she’s the reason he’s here and even though he’s no longer the fighter that he used to be, he‘d be honored to serve under her command if she’ll have him—which is basically fucken a straight up declaration of love, okay? He literally just said—complete with puppy dog eyes—“I love you.” CHANGE MY MIND!!

Brienne is taken aback by this declaration of love and is at loss for words — and so she ducks out, leaving him to watch after her forlornly. And my Braime heart is still siiiiiiiinging!!!!

We head back inside of Winterfell, Dany is alone in her chambers — and they aren’t the Lord’s Chambers, that’s for damn sure. She’s not having a very good day, and her expression here certainly reflects that. Jorah enters, asking her forgiveness, reminding her that forgiveness is important. This leads into a conversation where he basically asks her to take it easy on Tyrion and give him another chance.

While book!Jorah might be a creep, I truly adore show!Jorah, who laments that when he found out Dany gave Tyrion this position, it broke his heart, but he still believes that Tyrion was the right choice; he’s smart, he owns his mistakes and he learns from them.

What I find odd is Dany’s reply: “You’re advising me to forgive the man who stole your position?”

Wait... what? When did Tyrion do that? I recall Dany proudly pinning that golden hand pin on a very humbled Tyrion in the season 6 finale—not some rabid dwarf attacking an unsuspecting Jorah and wrestling the position from his gnarled greyscaled hands—and what-the-ever-living-fuck kind of crazy ass dialogue are they giving this girl?

Jorah has one other suggestion for her, if she’ll allow him such liberties. Annnnnd now the Sansa/Dany scene makes so much more sense. Dany didn’t seek Sansa out of her own accord to try and bridge the icy gap between them because she’s just so humble and wonderful and loving and good!!!! !!!! !!!! It was actually Ser Jorah’s idea.

So Dany takes him up on his suggestion and seeks Sansa out, finding her in the library with Lord Royce. But ahhhh this scene is just so fucken good, so let’s unpack it, shall we?

Dany enters and asks that they speak in private, and Sansa cedes to her wishes, dismissing Lord Royce.

D - I thought you and I were on the verge of agreement before... about Ser Jaime.

S - Brienne has been loyal to me always. I trust her more than anyone.

D - I wish I could have that kind of faith in my advisers.

Here she takes a low blow at Tyrion again, but Sansa defends him.

S - Tyrion is a good man. He was never anything but decent towards me.

D - I didn’t ask him to be my hand simply because he was good. I asked him to be my hand because he was good and intelligent and ruthless when he had to be. (See, I told y’all Tyrion didn’t steal the position... and yes, I’m being petty lol). Dany steps closer into Sansa’s space as she continues. He never should have trusted Cersei.

S - You never should have either.

Sansa drops a truth bomb, insinuating (rightly) that Dany shares the blame here, and Dany doesn’t like this at all. She swallows, containing her anger and paints on a fake smile in her irritation at Sansa’s words.

D - I thought he knew his sister.

S - Families are complicated.

Dany smiles at that and pulls up a seat, indicating for Sansa to do the same.

D - Ours certainly have been.

S - A sad thing to have in common.

D - We have other things in common. We’ve both known what it means to lead people who aren’t inclined to accept a woman’s rule. And we’ve both done a damn good job of it, from what I can tell...

Sansa smiles briefly at this. Clearly, Dany is using the compliment strategy again, but not so shallowly this time. Even if she truly believes this, the commonality of them both being women ruling is where this similarity ends. We’ve seen how differently they run things via season 7’s blatant comparison of ‘the three queens’. Sansa stores food, Cersei steals it, and Dany burns it (and yes, I’m going to keep bringing this up). But honestly, who could forget?

vs.

D - (cont.) ...and yet I can’t help feeling like we’re at odds with each other. Why is that?

Sansa takes a deep breath but doesn’t reply.

D - Your brother?

Yeah y’all, they really did that. But again I say, no love triangle brewing here, folks.

S - He loves you, you know that? *(I’ll address this in a minute)

D - That bothers you?

S - Men do stupid things for women. They’re easily manipulated.

D - All my life I’ve known one goal. The iron throne. Taking it back from the people that destroyed my family, and almost destroyed yours. My war was against them until I met Jon. Now I’m here, half a world away, fighting Jon’s war alongside him. Tell me, who manipulated whom?

Y’all are you serious?!?!? This entire fucken monologue is like literally POLITICAL!JON — I mean, it’s like D&D are literally fucken trolling this relationship so hard. Nothing like hiding some shit right out in plain sight for all the world to not see it. *And if you think for one minute that Sansa is not playing the game here, and that she actually did a complete 180, then I don’t know what to tell you other than, just wait and see.

There was a reason that they cut that office scene between her and Jon in the last episode, and after mulling it over with a few of my comrades, I think that it’s possible that Jon came clean and brought Sansa in on it. They have been a unit since they reunited, and a major part of Sansa’s hostility in the last episode was because she felt Dany was encroaching upon that, and she was losing Jon. Romantic or platonic, no one can deny the dynamic is there between Jon and Sansa. I happen to think it’s romantic, and I will die on this hill—but political!jon and jonsa aren’t mutually exclusive!!! !!! Okay, back to our dialogue.

S - (releases a small laugh and looks down—and I can’t help hearing Catelyn’s voice in my head: ‘you always look at your feet when you lie’) I should have thanked you the moment you arrived. That was a mistake.

D- (reaching down and placing her hand atop of Sansa’s). I’m here because I love your brother, and I trust him. And I know he’s true to his word. He’s only the second man in my life I can say that about.

S - Who was the first?

D- Someone taller.

They both giggle. I assume the other man she’s talking about is Drogo. In any event, I feel Dany is being truly sincere here. This is why people (her stans and the GA both) have a hard time seeing the darkness in her—because one minute she’s sitting narrow-eyed at a table, fighting off a tantrum while she drones on about her father—the fucken mad king—and how her and her brother fantasized about what they would do to the man that murdered him (one can only assume she wasn’t implying knitting him a sweater and mittens), and the next minute she’s all gentle heart and eyes and soft tones about loving and trusting Jon, and giggling with his sister about her ex being much taller than him. I get it. I really do.

But here’s the thing about political!jon that the antis and the jonerii always get wrong—at least the version I subscribe to (and yes, there are several variations of it because we aren’t a hive-mind like we’re always accused of being): Jon has every intention of fulfilling his pledge to Dany and whatever that entails—which is why he keeps trying to convince everyone that she’ll be a good queen (including himself). But he doesn’t love her. He simply used the feelings that he recognized that she had for him, to manipulate her to his cause. This doesn’t mean that he’ll throw her out of winterfell and bone his sister when it’s all said and done—because no, Jon isn’t a creep, but he is actually rather cunning when he deems it necessary.

However, he won’t have to keep up the charade, or boot her ass out of the north, or any of the other things the jonerii accuse us of ‘fantasizing’ about, because Dany is going to go dark, and everyone will see her for what she truly is. So, let’s return to our dialogue so I can get tf off of this scene! lol

~ S - And what happens afterwards? We defeat the dead, you destroy Cersei, what happens then?

D - I take the iron throne.

S - What about the North? (Sansa’s tone drops here as she becomes emotional about her home and her people, the music becomes more ominous as the softness ebbs from Dany’s face). It was taken from us, and we took it back. And we said we’d never bow to anyone else again. (Her tone gets sharper, as she asks again). What about the North?

Dany looks angry now. She’s done playing nice, as she pulls her hand back from Sansa’s. The ominous music drones on as they stare at each other, and the maester interrupts them.~Theon has arrived at Winterfell. The music swells, and Theon looks first to a very visibly emotional Sansa, then Dany, and then back to Sansa again before customarily bowing to and acknowledging his queen. Suddenly Dany gives a flying fuck about her ally and inquires about Yara. Theon explains she’s taken back the Iron Islands in her (Dany’s) name.

“But why aren’t you with her?” Dany asks, confused at his presence, while the music swells again and Theon looks again, to Sansa—and not his queen. Dany of course notices this, and turns to look at Sansa as well, as Theon directly addresses—you guessed it—Sansa, and not his queen: “I want to fight for Winterfell, Lady Sansa. If you’ll have me.”

And oh dear god, I’m so emotional rn, as Sansa’s eyes flood with tears and she runs to envelope Theon in a hug — Theon whom through his own trauma, not only helped to get her away from Ramsay and safely to Jon — but also cared enough for her and the Starks and what he did, to come back and finish making amends!!!! And you know Sansa is so proud of him!!! And I just had a conversation earlier with my bb @scullylikesscience that Theon would likely pledge to protect Bran, and that he will also likely sacrifice himself somehow to save one of the Starks, therefore completing his redemption arc, and I just can’t even rn— 😭😭

Scene Highlights:

Lord Royce leaving only when Sansa dismissed him.

Dany witnessing firsthand the devotion that Sansa and the Starks inspire in people.

Also... don’t forget

We’re back out in the courtyard, where Dadvos is serving up dinner to the Northerners with a side of confidence, and Gilly is advising a woman where to go below in the crypts. A little orphan(?) girl with burns on the side of her face asks Davos where she should go and my fucken heart is shattering again because you know he sees Princess Shireen in her!!!

And Fuck you Bryan Cogman, you’re killing me!!!

She’s not sure where to go because she knows the children are going to the crypts where they’ll be safer, but both of her brothers were soldiers and so she wants to fight too. Auntie Gilly to the rescue: she tells the girl that she’d feel much safer if she was down in the crypts protecting her and her son, and with a purpose, the girl happily accepts her bowl and heads off as Gilly smiles softly at Davos. And god dammit, Liam Cunningham played this scene so well. He literally has me tearing up here!

The horn blows for a new arrival, and Edd is here! The last of the Nights Watch are back together again — and Tormund. lol He glomps Jon, affectionately dubbing him his ‘little crow’, and they let Jon know that Last Hearth is done for and anyone else who’s still out there is pretty much part of the AotD now. They have until sunrise to finish preparing.

And the war council has commenced.~We get a little glimpse of what the NK wants, I guess??? Bran says “he wants to erase this world, and I am its memory.” —but why? And then Sam says something pretty poignant that I want @thelawyerthatwaspromised ‘s thoughts/opinion on: “That’s what death is, isn’t it? Forgetting. Being forgotten. If we forget where we’ve been and what we’ve done, we’re not men anymore, just animals.Your memories don’t come from books, your stories aren’t just stories. If I wanted to erase the world, I may not start with you.”

Pretty sure those that theorized that Sam is writing A Song of Ice and Fire were right, y’all — and with such a ‘poetic’ title, to boot.

They strategize a plan to ferret the NK out using (a volunteering) Bran as bait in the Godswood. Theon volunteers himself and the Iron Born to stay with Bran and protect him (and jfc here comes the end I predicted for Theon and I hate it so much), as Jon shares that taking out the NK will likely diminish the entire army. They cement their battle plans and Dany insists Tyrion stay in the crypts because she intends to keep him on as Hand. Tormund announces that they are all going to die, but at least they’ll die together, and Jon suggests everyone get some rest. Avoiding eye contact with Dany, he utters “your grace,” and then quickly ducks out on her ass again, leaving her looking confused and frustrated.

Scene Highlights:

Jon’s commanding presence in this meeting — even so far as to dismiss everyone, despite the fact that Dany is the queen and supposed to be the one calling the shots. Even her people look to him here for leadership, which is interesting.

Aegon Targaryen and his sister-wives.

Thank you @goodqueenalys ❤️

Alys Karstark making another appearance here, standing beside Theon—yeah, I’m becoming more and more convinced we’re getting a Sansa death fake-out at the expense of this ginger beauty.

We head back out to the courtyard where a lonely looking Missandei attempts to befriend some northern children. Unfortunately, she came with the Dragon Queen, so they want nothing to do with her. Grey Worm joins her and the two make plans to leave for Naath after Dany takes the throne — which means that one of them is probably going to die. Sigh.

Way up high on the ramparts, Sam asks Jon if he’s told Dany yet. He has not, and so Sam prods him a bit — and oh look, there’s Ghost, off to the side looking like they literally photo-shopped him into the scene. 🙄

Edd joins them, and the last of the Watchers On The Wall commiserate, and poke a little fun at Sam. I’m very emotional as Edd says “last man left, burn the rest of us” (which most likely won’t be him) as they pan out to the northern scenery in the distance.

The Lannister boys are reminiscing again, this time by the hearth and are joined by Brienne and Podrick. Momma Brienne allows Pod a half cup of wine (which Tyrion overflows) and Jaime encourages her to join them (smitten fool). She does, as well as Davos and Tormund, too—who is fucken hilarious here as he tries to impress Brienne with one of his tall tales, then sloppily downs his horn of sour goats milk. It’s all rather strange. lol

There’s a brief scene of Arya and the Hound on the ramparts. She wants to know what he’s doing here—when’s the last time he fought for anyone but himself, as to which he replies: “I fought for you, didn’t I?” True enough. Beric joins them and Arya takes her leave, declaring she doesn’t intend to spend her last hours with these two miserable old shits. lol

I’m not sure where she headed off to, but Gendry finds her and presents her with her weapon. Arya wants to know what the red woman wanted with him. He tells her his blood because he’s Robert Baratheon’s bastard — which leads into Arya wanting to know how many women he’s been with. Gendry avoids the question, but Arya persists, many face gaming his ass until he relents. LOL

The number is 3, and Arya wants to be number 4. She wants to know what it’s like before she dies. And holy shit, they went there! They kiss passionately, with Arya taking the lead. She orders him to take his own bloody pants off and takes the bull for a ride—if ya know what I mean... 😉

We return to the group before the hearth in the hall. Tyrion remarks that almost all among them had fought the Starks at some point, and yet, here they all are defending them. But yeah, this story is about a Targaryen restoration.

In their battle banter, it comes up that Brienne is not a Knight—and while Tormund would happily Knight her gorgeous big-womaned ass ten times over, tradition does not allow her to be one because she’s a woman. Oh the irony that the most honorable of them all—the one who actually is a true knight, cannot be named one. Until Jaime says, “hold my beer!” (or wine, rather).

Okay guys, like honestly, this is probably my most favorite scene of the entire series. Everything about it is so beautiful and wholesome, as Jaime declares any Knight can make another Knight and bids Brienne to kneel. She looks to Pod who, with an adoring face, gives her a little nod of encouragement, then she looks to Jaime, and he does the same.

The lovely music, the proud faces of all the men who look on with awe as Brienne kneels and Jaime says the words, pressing his blade gently from one shoulder to the other and makes some fucken Westerosi history when he says proudly: “Arise Brienne of Tarth, a Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.”

Guuuuuuuys!!!! Omg!!!! I’m definitely ugly CRYING here!!!! Brienne’s eyes welling with tears, her proud smile, all these men clapping and their proud faces!!! Yeah, this is definitely 10/10 my most FAVORITE ever GoT scene!!! Just beautiful!

We jump back out to the courtyard where a very adorable and yet insanely stubborn little Lyanna Mormont is arguing with Jorah about going to the crypts. She pledged to fight for the North and she intends to, so she bids her cousin good fortune and leaves to take her place. Sadly, I think that she will not make it through the battle for Winterfell.

Sam has come to give Jorah Heartsbane. This is another very loaded and lovely scene, and my heart is pretty heavy, because I’m not very confident that Jorah will make it out of this battle alive, either. Sam tells him: “your father taught me how to be a man. Taught me how to do what’s right. This is right,” as he presents him the sword. Jorah accepts this heartfelt gesture and declares that he will wield it in his memory, to guard the realms of men.

BRYAN COGMAN!!!! I’M COMING FOR YOU FOR MAKING ME CRY ALL DAMN NIGHT!!!!

But seriously, the dynamic between Jorah and Sam has just been so beautiful. And all the antis can fuck right off with their shit-talking of this beautiful and wholesome creature that is Samwell Tarly!

We jump back to the crew before the hearth who are loathe to call it a night. Tyrion wants a song, and we are treated to Pod’s beautiful rendition of Jenny of Oldstones — and this entire montage is so beautiful, as we see how everyone is prepping for battle, spending their last hours with those they love and saying their goodbyes. The desperation in Missandei and GreyWorm’s very passionate goodbye kiss is extremely moving and makes me think this is probably their final kiss goodbye, and Jorah looks so gallant as he swings ‘round his horse, making his father proud and my heart is just swelling with love and dread and ughhhhhhhh!!!!!

At first I was a bit upset that none of the Starks were actually together here, but in my rewatch, I’ve come to understand why a little bit more. It seems as if they’ve all revisited their own life’s journey prior to coming home (in this episode). Jon, on the ramparts with Ghost and his remaining brothers of the Nights Watch. Arya, first sharing a brief moment with the Hound and Beric (brothers without banners), and then with Gendry. Sansa sharing a meal with Theon out in the courtyard in the home that holds both good and traumatic memories for both of them. He redeemed himself through her (as Jon said), and they share a bond of both surviving Ramsay and his horrors.

Bryan Cogman did NOT disappoint with this lovely episode, which has been what we will surely look back on as a bittersweet eulogy of sorts to some of the beloved characters we’ve come to know over the years. Yeah, this was beautifully done.

Ahhh, and lastly, we delve down into the crypts where Jon stands before the statue of his mother. Dany has very obviously (and understandably) grown tired of being avoided and sought him out. When he acknowledges her presence with a brief glance and a very faint smile, she cautiously moves closer and wraps her arms around him. And yep, here it is—the reveal. I honestly thought he would keep it from her as long as he possibly could, but I guess he figures they might all bite it anyway, so fuck it... (i’m kidding!! Or am i??)

Dany is taken aback by his words. She releases a shuddering breath and immediately steps away from him, denying it: that’s impossible. Jon tells her he wishes it were — and I fully believe him. Aside from the full-on identity crisis he’s been experiencing, you all know he has no interest in the Iron Throne... all this man has ever wanted was to protect his home, and the ones he loves.

Dany thinks there’s a conspiracy against her between Bran and Sam—and now Jon’s tone and demeanor have changed a bit. He takes a step towards her and insists that it’s true, calling her Dany because it’s informal and personal, and he knows now that she’s his aunt—that means she’s still his family—and I think he’s hoping that they’ll still be able to find some common ground with that.

But the fact that she’s found actual family—that she’s not really the last Targaryen alone in the world anymore—doesn’t seem to affect her as much as the fact that Jon is the last male heir of their line, and so therefore his claim for the throne overrides hers. A claim he has expressed no want or intent for, mind you. Maybe he intended to tell her no one would have to know, and he’d never contest her claim if she’d agree to leave the North independent when it’s all said and done... who knows? Certainly not Jon, because it’s clear he’s taken aback by her response here.

D - if it were true, it would make you the last male heir of House Targaryen (she grounds out those bolded words through clenched teeth and Kit’s micro expressions are on point—jfc, Watch his eyes!!). You’d have a claim to the iron throne.

And with the final utterance of Dany’s last words, the war horns sound. As if that doesn’t seem like a harbinger of Targbowl?!?!

But I will say, in my honest and most humble opinion, that his delivery here was all wrong. The way Jon lamented the story, it kind of came off as if it’s something he might have known all along... and therefore she most certainly will feel betrayed at this. Especially considering her earlier conversation with Sansa. Which, the crazy ass irony of it all is, with political!jon, he was actually already betraying her—just not about what she’ll think it was. Did I say that right? lol

They join Tyrion on the Ramparts, the dead are here. Jon looks towards Dany, nodding as if to ask if she’s ready, and she storms off ahead of him, anger evident on her face.

Ahhhhhhhhh, I’m really scared for Jon here, guys...!!! What are your thoughts?

Remember to care for yourselves and stay hydrated as we slug through this hellish week!

ty @farmgirlusa for your dialogue corrections.

#got afterthoughts #episode recap #jonsa #political!jon #dark!dany #anti jonerys #anti targaryen restoration #anti daenerys #not really but you aren't allowed to be critical of her if you're a fan and her behavior was so inappropriate this episode #so i guess it's anti #got s8 ep 2 #got s8

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aurlyn · 4 years

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Author Interview

Tagged by the amazing @elfrooted, thank you! ♥ :)

Name: Aurlyn, Aurlana, Dani, Hey you - with the face.

Fandoms: Dragon Age is my life’s breath. My life just wouldn’t be complete without Alistair in it. And while I currently only post in the DA fandom, I am addicted to reading Supernatural (Destiel) fics and have been known to consume the occasional, MCU, Witcher, Skyrim (pretty much anything someone I respects says - OMG this is good, you must read it!)

Where You Post: When I started, I posted to DeviantArt, FF.net, AO3, (all as Aurlana) and here (as Aurlyn, because Aurlana was already taken... how rude!) ;). I quickly got overwhelmed. Now I post only to AO3 and share those link’s here and on Twitter (when I remember). I have one WIP still on FF that I will update eventually, but I don’t plan on continuing there after it’s complete.

I have a master spreadsheet with links/pairings/etc. for all of my stories if you’d like to see what’s currently on AO3. :) - Yes, I love spreadsheets, I’m not afraid to admit it. Please don’t call an intervention.

Most Popular One-Shot: All That Matters - It received so much love, I eventually added a second chapter making it a happily ever after. The love this piece continues to receive truly astounds me. I am humbled by it and most grateful.

Most Popular Multi-Chapter Story: Cocktails and Cheese - At 59 completed chapters and 224k+ words, this Cullistair, Modern AU with Magic is my baby! March 2020 will mark three years since I posted the first chapter. I love to be able to look back and see how far my writing has come since then and I don’t think I will ever get enough of these boys in this wonky hybrid world.

I have the next ten chapter story arc for C&C currently going through edits and will start posting them sometime in the next month or so (by its March birthday at the latest). C&C also has a side collection of fifteen one shots, and an eleven chapter crossover between this universe and the Supernatural Universe - so yeah, what started as a vivid image in a dream, has done a pretty good job of permeating my life. (totally not complaining).

Favorite Story You Wrote: You mean besides C&C and All that Matters? I’d have to say it’s a tossup between Alistair’s Last Rose and the Warden and the Werewolf; two very different ends of the spectrum. Alistair’s Last Rose always leaves me in tears (my ultimate endgame - happiest ever after for Alistair and Cullen), The Warden and the Champion is a peek into the silly side of Daddy Alistair when it comes to tucking his daughter into bed (another Cullistair story, is anyone surprised?).

Story You Were Nervous to Post: Tainted Love, without a doubt! Modeled after @andrastini‘s video of the same name, but taken to a whole new (even more disturbing) level. But hey, now I can say I’ve actually written Cullistair tentacle porn so.... *shrug*. ;) (maybe some day I’ll even add onto it, we’ll see).

How You Choose Your Titles: I have to agree with @elfrooted on this one, the titles choose me. At some point, during my writing, a phrase or concept jumps out at me and the title is just there... *bam!* (not if I’m looking for it though, never if I’m looking for it - those elusive bastards.)

Complete: I have 45 completed works on AO3 (3 of those I may add onto later - time and inspiration permitting, but nothing in the works as of yet. Their door is just... open to it).

32 of those fics pair Alistair with Cullen (Can you guess where my heart lies?) ;)

8 pair Alistair with a Female Warden

4 of them have Alistair caboodling with Zevran

and only 1 (holy shit, really?) only 1 does not have Alistair in it at all (do you think he’ll forgive me?)

Incomplete: There are four stories on AO3 that are incomplete but will be added to in the near future: Cocktails and Cheese, One Shots in the Cocktails and Cheese Universe, Change of Plan (where Cullen is the HOF), and All the Kisses (which are just ongoing Cullistair drabbles based on my whim and whimsey.

Do You Outline? On my chaptered stories, I do lightly outline. But, I’ve been known to just sit down and start writing too. When my focus gets shot to hell, I know it’s time to go back and outline again.

Coming Soon/Not Yet Started: The Royal Tantrum is currently in final edits. A one-shot where (post Inquisition) King Alistair is having a really hard day and thankfully his Commander is there to help make him feel better. Currently it’s PG-13, but I really want to make it steamier... we’ll see what I end up with when I’m done chewing it over. ;)

I also have the (last? maybe last?) story arc for Cocktails and Cheese going through edits. It’s called Promises and Proposals and you can guess from the title where this little adventure is going to take these boys. ;)

And finally, during NaNoWriMo last year, I pounded out an original urban fantasy story where vampires, werewolves, dragonkin, & the angel-blooded have a Shrouded Alliance that is sworn to keeps the peace. It has worked for centuries. It’s only when the humans start performing tests on the supernatural world, that things all go to shit. (damnit humans, stop fucking things up!) This little labor of love is currently on ice until I finish posting Promises and Proposals.

Do You Accept Prompts? YES. I love prompts! My 100 word Cullistair kisses are the easiest/quickest for me to fill, but I don’t shy away from longer works either. :)

Upcoming Story You Are Most Excited to Write: ALL THE STORIES! I honestly get chills just sitting down to write. I only wish my hands could keep up with my brain (and I had more hours in the day, and less distractions, and and and - oh look, a squirrel!) Can’t I just plug in and download my brain all ready? Seriously though, with the projects I have currently so close to being ready to post, I’m trying not to look for future projects and trying to stay focused on the task at hand. (Doesn’t mean that I don’t occasionally fantasize about adding on to Tainted Love and Beautiful Sacrilege, though - I do have slightly twisted darker side to appease too, y’know). ;)

tagging: @gowombat83, @ponticle, @earlgreyer1, @dragonflies-and-katydids, @tatteredleaf, @freethemages, @cullenlovesmen, @jchb32273, @geekelfie, @somanyjacks-writes, @bluephoenix1347, @draco-illius-noctis, @ginnyq

It’s late and I know there are so many other fantastic writers I’d love to learn more about... so if you see this and want to play along, please feel free! And if I tagged you and you’d rather not, that’s just fine too. :)

#interview questions #a little bit about my obsession #because- lets not kid ourselves #that's exactly what this is #no idea how to even tag this #questions about my stories and my gushing answers?#I write things #I will continue to write things #writing makes me happy #writing keeps me sane #it's one hell of an outlet anyway #it's my favorite emotional outlet

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of2worldsxmuses · 5 years

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TABLE TURNING || DEV & CHARLIE

Deviano made his way to the coffee shop to pick up Charlie. He was excited to see her, and he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. He pulled up, and walked inside, and smiled when he saw her. “Hey you, don’t you look sexy today?” He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

Charlie knew that there was a lot that she needed to change after her chat with Eli. She was ready to open up again, but would it come that easily? Only time would tell, she supposed. She didn’t really have much time to ponder before she saw Dev approaching her. Butterflies fluttered around in her stomach when he kissed her on the cheek. “I’m naturally sexy, I guess.” She chuckled and sent the dominant a wink. “How was traffic? Not too bad, I hope.”

Deviano chuckled, “ I think you’re right about that, because every time I see you, you look amazingly sexy.” He sat across from her, “Traffic is normal, not too much going on out there. But I saw they were having a music festival in the park, did you want to go? We can have a picnic out there.”

"Some people say flattery will get you nowhere, in my case, it’ll get you everywhere.“ Charlie returned, feeling her cheeks flaming at his words. "That’s good. It’s mid day anyway, so I doubt traffic is horrendous, but you never know…” When he suggested that they attend a music festival, she smiled. No better time to test out Eli’s advice than the present… “Sure. A picnic sounds nice.”

“Well feel free to flatter me anytime you want too, and I will happily accept it.” Deviano smiled and looked around to see the coffee shop emptying out, so he stood up, “Yeah let’s get out of here, I have a blanket in the car, and when we are ready to eat, we can go to some of the vendors and grab something to eat.” He quickly took her hand and led her out of the shop.

"It’s best for me to flatter you when you least expect it. Otherwise, where’s the surprise?“ Charlie stood up then, and allowed him to take her hand. Once again, her heart beat kicked up. Was it anxiety or something else? She wasn’t too sure, since she hadn’t held anyone’s hand after her relationship fell apart, this felt a little off and yet natural at the same time. "Why do you have a blanket in your car?” She asked, forcing her mind from overthinking things.

Deviano chuckled and nodded, “That’s very true, I would prefer surprise compliments.” He could see she had a lot on her mind, but he just continued to lead her our to the car. He smiled when she asked about the blanket, “You are supposed to keep a blanket in your car in case you get stranded and it’s cold outside.”

"I know you would and so would I.” Charlie still felt a little freaked out by how easy things were for her to let go. It shouldn’t be this way, she should want to run, and yet, the longer she was with Dev, the more at home she felt. This letting go thing might not be too bad after all. “I guess you’re right if you like to take long trips. I didn’t even think of it that way.” She stated, laughing.

Deviano nodded, “Yes, and since I’ve taken a lot of road trips, and actually been stranded and needed that blanket, I make sure to keep supplies in the car. He helped her in the car, and headed to the festival. They pulled up, and grabbed the blanket to go find a spot, “This looks like a good spot, not too close to the stage, but not so far back as we can’t hear it.” He laid out the blanket and took a seat, holding out his hand to help her sit in between his legs.

"You’ve been stranded before? Now I’m intrigued. How did that even happen?” Charlie had never been in that predicament before, but then again, she was a Mechanic, it would be ironic to find herself stuck in the middle of nowhere due to car troubles. They left the cafe and headed towards the festival. Upon arrival, Dev found the perfect spot from the stage. Once the blanket was laid out, she sat down, resting her back against his body. “This is nice….”

“I have, I was driving through the countryside of England, and the gauges in the car was broken, and I didn’t know that I was low on gas, so I ran out. And I was stranded there for 2 hours before someone came out to help me. And it was cold that night, so my blanket came in handy.” He smiled as she sat down, and he wrapped his arms around her, and let out a contented sigh, “It is nice….” He took in a deep breath, “You smell amazing, and this outfit is all kinds of sexy.” He traced his hand on her hip.

"Oh no… That must have sucked. Getting stuck for two hours. I hope it wasn’t snowing.“ Charlie had been to England once and knew how frigid the winters could be, it would have been horrible if Dev were stuck during the winter. As they sat together, a gentle smile played along her lips. It felt perfect in a way, to be with someone again. Especially when he was kind. "I know it is… But what would be nicer is if you would stop doing that.” She placed her hand over his to stop his movement and laughed.

“It wasn’t fun, but thankfully it wasn’t snowing that night.” Deviano thought about that night, and remember how bored he was, and he just ended up falling asleep for awhile. He was easing into the feeling of having Charlie in his arms, she felt perfect. He could hold her all day and night if she let him. But she stopped his movement, “What? Are you ticklish?”

"Thank God for little miracles.“ It really would have sucked if it was snowing at the time. She definitely wouldn’t be too happy. "I’m not going to tell you that. You’ll just tickle me.” She answered, knowing full well that she truly was and if he tickled her, she might just jump out of her skin.

“Very true, it was something that I never want to relive again, so I keep my supplies in the car now.” He didn’t like that particular memory, but he learned from it. He chuckled at her, “I’m not going to tickle you, I just like touching you. So if there are certain spots that tickles you, I should know, so I won’t touch you there.”

"That’s a very smart move. You never want history to repeat itself.“ Charlie shifted her head then, eyeing Dev suspiciously. He was saying that he wasn’t going to tickle her, but she wasn’t sure if she could trust him. "I’m ticklish on my sides, not really on my legs. You promise you’re not going to tickle me, so please keep your promise.” She stated, chuckling.

“Exactly, you should learn from your mistakes, and I definitely have.” Deviano smiled, and moved his hands from her hips,“I promise I won’t tickle you, but since you said that you are not ticklish on your legs, then I will touch you there.” He moved his hands to her legs. There was jazz music playing, and it was very relaxing, “So, have you sold any more cars?”

Charlie nodded her head upon hearing Dev’s words, glad to know that he had learned from his mistake. "Thank you. You can still touch my side, just don’t tickle me.” Just the thought of him tickling her sides got her giggling. “I sold one to Eli Sutherland. Still trying to work on the rest. Turns out, it’s not that easy to sell cars, especially high end ones.” She answered him as she allowed her hands to rest against his strong arms.

“I won’t tickle you, I promise. I don’t like being tickled, so I never tickle anyone else.” He was happy that she said she could touch her sides, and he quickly moved his hands to her sides, and left them there. He listened to her talk about selling a car to Eli Sutherland, “Eli Sutherland? Well he is on a spending spree, because he bought two of my pieces.” He smiled, “I’m sure you will sell more soon.”

"You’re ticklish too?” Charlie looked up at him, smiling. “Well, at least I’m not the only one.” As promised, he didn’t try to tickle her and moved his hands back to her waist. “Yeah, that’s how I met him, through selling the car. I wouldn’t have had coffee with him otherwise.” A brow rose at what she heard next. “He bought your art pieces too? Woah, how rich is he?–I know I will, I’m not too worried about it.”

“In certain spots I am, but there are just a few. Please don’t go trying to find them, because it gets bad when I’m tickled.” Deviano smiled and shook his head, “No, you’re totally not alone.” He listened to Charlie talk about Eli, and how he bought a car from her, “He must be pretty rich, because Dani said he bought two pieces from me.” He smiled brightly, at the thought of someone actually liking his pieces. “You shouldn’t worry, I’m sure you will sell more.”

"I wasn’t going to tickle you.“ Charlie stated, shaking her head. He was respectful enough to keep to his words, and she wanted to do the same. It was only fair after all. "Good to know.” She smiled. “He does own a television network. I’m not surprised that he bought your artwork either, you are very talented.” She returned fondly. “I’m not going to. Besides, this gives me a reason to stay here longer. Wouldn’t you like that? Or I could always go home?” She teased, even though she knew that she didn’t want to leave. Not when she’d found a reason to stay.

“Thank goodness.” Deviano was glad that Charlie was not going to tickle him, “I don’t want us to go down that path with one another.” He raised his brow, “Wait, he owns a television network? And his brother is the guy Valeria is hanging out with? Is he rich as his brother?” He smiled as Charlie gave him a compliment, “Thank you baby girl.” He kissed the top of her head. “I like that the best, I want you to stay here for a very long time. So make sure you take your time selling those cars.”

"You can chill. I don’t go back on my words.” Charlie promised and smiled as she thought about Eli. The man had to be rich, and yet still so humble and friendly despite having all that money. “Yup. Paradox Television or something like that. Ezra is practically living with Val. She thinks I don’t notice that he’s always at her apartment, but I do. If Eli’s rich, I could only imagine that Ezra is too.” They were siblings. Plus, Eli and Ezra were co-owners of the same company. Why would one be rich and the other not? “You’re welcome.” A smile stretched her lips when she felt him kissing her head. “I would like to stay here a little longer and be able to sell Val’s cars too. She did hire me for that reason.”

“I’m chill.” Deviano smiled, as he listened to Charlie talk about Eli, “Wow…I’ve heard of Paradox Television, yeah they are loaded.” He chuckled, “I like hearing you say that you want to stay, because I definitely want you to stay, for a very long time.”

"They sure are. I didn’t even know Eli was the owner. I just thought he was some rich guy when I first met him. Turns out he’s pretty cool to be around. Plus, we have a lot in common.“ Their love of cars for starters, just thinking about how gobsmacked he was when he saw Val’s car collection had Charlie chuckling. "We’ll see about the very long time part, I might get bored and want a change.” That was less likely to happen, but of course she wanted to tease him.

Deviano smiled, “That’s cool, it’s nice to know that he is a down to earth guy, and not a snob.” He had met his fair share of rich people that were ridiculously stuck up, and hard to talk too. Some in his own family, but he knew how to handle that. “It’s nice that you have a friend in Eli, we all need friends.” He pulled her closer to him, “I said what I said, and I want you here to for a very long time.”

"Definitely not a snob.” Charlie shook her head. Eli was one of the nicest people she knew here, if they were strangers, she would think that he was just some ordinary guy, because surely, there were more asshole richie riches out there than there were the down to earth types. “Oddly enough, I do have a lot of friends here. It might have something to do with my job.” Plus, she did have the tendency to talk to people when spoken to. It was only polite. She spun around to face him then, still sitting on his lap. “Careful there, one might think you’re getting attached.” She winked.

Deviano trusted Charlie’s judgment, and if she thought Eli was cool, then he would take that. He smiled, “I’m not surprised, you are a nice person, and not to mention the American in an Italian country, is something fun to look at.” He put his hand on her ass, “You don’t have to think…because I totally am getting attached.”

Charlie narrowed her eyes at Dev and laughed at his remark. “If you mean they laugh at the silly American who can’t speak Italian, then yes. I’m definitely fun to look at.” She studied his features trying to detect any signs of deception when he told her that he was getting attached to her. When she couldn’t find any, a smile graced her face immediately, and she responded with. “Luckily for you, I’m getting attached too…” For the very first time, she initiated a kiss between them, allowing her lips to touch his softly.

Deviano laughed and shook his head, “No I didn’t mean that at all. You are not silly at all, if they are looking at you, it’s because you are so damn pretty, they can’t keep their eyes off of you. I mean I know I can’t.” He smiled and looked deeply into her eyes. He was so serious, he couldn’t stop looking at her, she was beautiful, and he could feel himself falling more and more for her. He smiled brightly at her confession and he couldn’t have been any happier in that moment. He kissed her back, deepening the kiss, and pulling her closer.

"Your opinion doesn’t count. You’re biased when it comes to me.“ Charlie returned, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to retort, but honestly, she did get looks for not being able to speak the native language, it made her feel out of place. Hence the reason why she forced herself to learn and thankfully, Dani was there to help her as well. As their lips touched, it felt like everything else around her melted away. Her heart started pounding in her chest and she swore, she was putty in his hands. When he pulled her close, she shifted until somehow, she was lying on top of him.

“That I am, but I still feel the way I feel.” Deviano said unabashedly, he was smitten with Charlie, and there was no getting around it. Their kiss was beautiful, sexy, and full of desire. He let his hand slide up and down her back, she was so soft and he let a moan slip out of his mouth, “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered out.

It had been a while since Charlie felt like this; her heart full and happiness filling her soul. She actually felt whole again and it was all thanks to the man who simply wouldn’t take no for an answer. Try as she might to push him away, he kept coming back until somehow he was able to melt her icy cold heart. “You’re so handsome.” She returned against his lips, allowing their tongues to dance for a while longer before pulling back and saying, “We’re in public, baby. Let’s behave ourselves.”

Deviano’s body was coming alive, and he wanted nothing more than to take Charlie right then and there. But he knew that he couldn’t do anything right there, because they were in a public park, surrounded by people. He smiled, and let her go, “Yeah, we should be good…..for now. But I make no promises for later.” He moved her, so she was sitting back in between his legs, “Let’s enjoy the music.”

If they were alone and not in public, Charlie knew that there was no way they would be able to stop, but she couldn’t do that here, therefore, they had to behave. “You don’t have to behave later.” She winked, thankful that he’d agreed with her and easily sat back, allowing Dev to cradle her tinier frame with his body. “Do you normally come to music festivals?” She asked curiously when the music paused to reset for the next act.

Deviano smiled, “That’s good to know, because I’m not going to behave at all.” He planned on giving her a night that she would never forget. He wrapped his arms around her waist and let out a sigh of content. “I enjoy all festivals actually. It’s a chance to experience new things, and enjoy the outdoors.”

"That better be a promise.“ Charlie knew she didn’t even have to ask, sex had always been good between them. That wasn’t the problem at all. What was new was adding feelings on top of their physical attraction. It still felt odd in a way, but since she promised Eli that she was going to try, she couldn’t bring herself to walk away now. "Festivals are fun. I used to go to a lot of them back in LA. Good thing I’m dressed like this, huh?” She said as she ran her fingers gently along his arms.

“A definite promise.” Deviano assured Charlie. They had amazing sex, and it was satisfying to know that they would have more of it. But he knew the more time he spent with her, the more he would fall for her. And the more he fell for her, the harder it would be for him to not to just flat out tell her. He smiled, “Yeah they are, it’s always a good time to be around people, and not think about the craziness going on around town.” He smirked and took in her outfit, “It’s a very good thing that you’re dressed like….good for me.”

"And you just had to talk about craziness.” Charlie sighed, hating what was happening in Verona. She shook her head quickly however, not wanting to feel depressed and replaced her frown with a smile. “It is a hot day… But I’m not going to lie and say that I didn’t wear this to drive you crazy. Maybe coming here wasn’t such a good idea…” She chuckled.

Deviano pulled her closer, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories, but you don’t have to worry about anything, because you got me to keep you safe.” He smiled and nodded, “It is hot, and that top looks very ventilated, so it was a smart choice. And so you know, mission accomplished.” He laughed, and ran his hand down her leg, “We can always leave…”

"I know I do…“ Charlie wasn’t worried about her safety, she wasn’t one of those helpless women who desperately needed a man to keep them safe. Having brothers who never cut her any slack helped with that. She just couldn’t stop thinking about Val and Lord Oz. The whole situation felt wrong. Thankfully, Dev seemed to be able to get her head off the topic. She let out a laugh and decided to jibe back, "It is ventilated and I’m not even wearing a bra.” She chuckled, taking note of his trailing hand. “We could… Someone did promise to rock my world. I wonder who that person is.” She tapped her chin and pretended to think.

Deviano didn’t have the same involvement in the drama as Charlie’s friends were, so he didn’t know how she was dealing with everything, but he knew that he was going to be there for her. He licked his lips hearing she wasn’t wearing a bra, “Oh really?” He peered into her shirt to get a better look. “Someone did? So he should get you out of here and do what he promised.” He got up, and helped her up. He grabbed the blanket, not even bothering to fold it, as he led her to the car.

As expected, Dev reacted to her words. Men were so easy… Not that she was exactly trying to play hard to get here. There was no need to act that way when they both wanted the other. "You won’t be able to see a thing right now, amante. You’ll get a better look in private.” She said, calling him lover in Spanish. “He sure did…” She nodded, her smile turning into a laugh when he rushed them away from the festival. “Eager much…” She commented as she allowed him to lead her away.

Deviano was getting harder by the second, “Baby girl, you are really driving me insane right now, but don’t you worry, I’m going to make sure you will go just as crazy later.” He smiled hearing her call him lover, she didn’t know that she knew Spanish, and he wasn’t going to tell her. He laughed, and nodded, “Very eager..” He took her to the car, and headed to their hotel.

"Promises… Promises…” Charlie teased, knowing that she was definitely in trouble now. She knew that she shouldn’t be teasing Dev, and yet she couldn’t help herself. He brought it out of her easily. “I can see that.” With his help, she entered the car before they were on the way to the hotel. They got there in record time–she honestly thought they were going to wreck a couple of times–and since he’d already booked a room, getting the keys was a breeze. While they were waiting for the elevator, she looped her arms around his shoulders, quickly said, “I think we can start here, right?” before she pulled his head down for a soul stirring kiss.

Deviano rolled his eyes, at Charlie’s teasing, but he knew it would be better to just show her, instead of talking. They got to the hotel quickly, and he made his way to grab the keys, and then to the elevator. He smiled when once again, she took the initiative and pulled him in for a kiss. He kissed her back, moved his arms to her hips, and picked her up, pushing her against the wall, kissing her deeply. Once the doors opened, he carried her inside, never stopping from the kiss, and pressed the button.

Charlie lost all common sense once their lips touched. It was crazy how easily Dev could make her melt. She would be more annoyed if she didn’t feel strongly about him. A gasp slipped out when she suddenly felt him lifting her which in turn forced her to wrap her legs around his waist. Her back was pressed against the wall as their tongues danced, the kiss growing hotter by the second. She could feel her folds growing slick, and her nipples stiffening behind her barely there top. Seconds later, they were moving and once again, Dev pressed her against a wall–the elevator this time. “Want you…” She allowed herself to whimper right before she crashed their lips back together.

Deviano was fully engulfed in the feeling of having Charlie in his arms, he was no longer trying to be concious of anyone else who could possibly be around them. His mind was only focused on pleasuring Charlie. His hands were firmly on her ass, and he squeezed it hard,“Damn you feel good.” He smiled at her comment, “You have me baby girl.” He continued kissing her until they got to their floor. He carried her to the room, handed her the key card, “Open the door baby girl.”

With lust coursing through her body, Charlie could only focus on one thing, Deviano and the delicious way he was making her feel as they continued to make out in the elevator. She was sure that someone had joined them in the confined space, and yet, she couldn’t care enough to stop. Choosing instead to draw him even closer as their tongues dueled frenziedly. Moans left her lips, her hips bucking, grinding her core against his tight abs when he squeezed her derriere. His promise that she had him made butterflies flutter in her stomach. She liked knowing that he was hers because she was his through and through, even if she hadn’t made it clear yet. When he handed her the keys and urged her to open the door, she smiled down at him and said, “yes, daddy…” before doing what was told of her and opening the door.

Deviano never lost contact with Charlie, he held onto her as tight as possible. She felt so good pressed against his body, and her lips were the perfect contrast to his. There was no doubt that he was falling for her, but he couldn’t say it just yet. They made their way to the room, and he continued holding her while she opened the door, “I am going to have you screaming so loud tonight.” He pinned her against the wall again, and continued kissing her neck, and moved to the hem of her barely there shirt, and pulled it off. He smiled, “You really aren’t wearing a bra….I like that. Damn you have the most perfect breasts.” He smiled and latched on to her pert nipples.

Charlie was sure that Dev was right. He might talk a big game, but he always followed through and had never left her disappointed. “I know you are.” She managed to say before a moan fell from her lips as he pushed her against the wall and divert his attention to her neck. When he tugged at her tank top, she lifted her arms, freeing herself of the top. His reaction had her smiling and biting her bottom lip. “I told you…” and then she lost the ability to speak again as his mouth covered her nipple. She dug her nails into his back, her head thrown back and her eyes fluttered shut as she surrendered to the pleasure he was giving her.

Deviano smiled, “Yes you did… and I approve this look.” He walked her to the bed, and laid her back, quickly removing his shirt, “Why are you just so sexy?” He ran his hand down her chest, in between her breasts, before leaning down and kissing her neck, and down back onto her breasts. He was going to town, making little marks on her chest, and hissed as he felt her nails in his back, “Somebody likes it rough? Does my baby girl want daddy to be rough with her?”

Soon enough, Charlie felt them shifting and her lying on the bed with Dev on top of her. “I could ask the same…” She returned, her eyes taking in his muscled physique when he took off his shirt. Fuck… Was the man sexy. She ran a hand over his abs, loving how hard he was compared to her softness. Before she could do more exploring, he was back on her, his lips leaving a trail from her neck down to her breasts where she could feel him leaving hickies on her skin. “Daddy…” She whined, needing more. “Anything you want, daddy… I’m here to please you… I like it when you get rough with me.” She answered him truthfully.

Deviano got the answers that he needed from Charlie, and he was going to give her pleasure she could even comprehend. He unbuttoned her shorts, and pulled them off of her, along with her panties. He wasn’t going to waste time tonight, he was on a mission. He kissed down her stomach, putting her legs on his shoulders, as he dove in, and used his tongue to open her folds. He took his time, and opened each fold with his tongue, until he got to her clit. Then he latched on, and began to feverishly suck on it, while inserting his fingers inside her.

For once the dominant didn’t utter a word. Instead, he began acting out his plan to make her scream for him. Charlie watched every movement, from him undoing her shorts, right down to the part where he threw her legs on his shoulders and began eating her out. Her breath hitched immediately, hands grasping at the sheets as pleasure began to course through her veins. Her hips bucked, grinding against his expert mouth and fingers, while the words that flew out were encouraging him to send her over the edge. “So good, daddy… More.”

Deviano was focused on giving Charlie pleasure that she would remember forever. He put his hands on her hips, to make sure that she didn’t move from him. He licked her entrance, and all around her entrance, before latching on to her clit. He could already tell that this was going to be trouble, because she was so sweet, he was already becoming addicted to the taste of her, and she hadn’t even blessed him with her sweet essence. He was sucking her clit like a piece of hard candy, and he was waiting to get to the sweet middle. He slipped two fingers inside her as he used his tongue to get her as clean as possible. He didn’t let up for one second, he was going to make her cum, and it was going to be hard.

Charlie bit her bottom lip as the pleasure intensified. Butterflies fluttered about in her stomach, her skin felt hot and she was finding it hard to breathe. She knew that she had to have permission before she could let go, yet somehow, the words eluded her. Her fingers dug into the sheets and her nails pierced its way onto the skin of her palms. “Daddy… I’m so close…” She forced herself to say those words as she edged closer towards her climax.

Deviano wanted nothing more than to have Charlie screaming his name, and he wasn’t going to stop until he made that happened. He continued eating her pussy with so much vigor and determination. He could tell that she liked what he was doing, with the way her body was reacting, and her words just had his dick get even harder, “Cum for me baby, I want to taste you right now.”

With every flick of his tongue and thrust of his fingers, Charlie could feel her resistance snapping. She really wanted to be good and wait for his permission to cum, but for some reason, she was finding it hard to hang on today. It might have a lot to do with how she felt about him now. Sex without feelings was good, but when you add feelings into the mix, it was a thousand times better. Thankfully, she didn’t have to wait for too much longer, his urging words had her screaming out his name loudly, “Dev!” Her back arched and stars twinkled behind her vision as the exquisite pleasure pulsed throughout her body.

Deviano was so glad that he let her cum, she tasted so good. He knew that he was addicted to her, and every time he was able to taste her, he became even more addicted. He lapped her completely clean, making sure not to lose a single drop of her. “Mmm….baby girl, you taste better every time I taste you.”

Charlie swore she hadn’t come that hard or fast in her life. Her body felt like jelly after, breath coming in raggedly. Missing his warm touch, she tugged at his arm, urging him to join her and when he did, she allowed him to rest on top of her before she was pulling his head down and kissing him hungrily. She could taste her excitement on his lips which made her yearn for him even more. “Want you, daddy… Fuck me…” She moaned, rolling her hips up, and sliding her pussy along his erection.

Deviano moved up to her body, and kissed her hungrily, it was everything that he wanted and more. Charlie was quickly becoming his addiction. He moved to her ear, after hearing her response, “Whatever my baby girl wants, my baby girl gets.” He quickly grabbed the condom from the nightstand, and put it on. He wasted no time, and was inside her before she could say his name, “Fuck you are so tight, I like it.”

The moment he entered her, her breath hitched and she arched her back as he stretched her with his cock. “So good… Harder, daddy…” She begged, wanting him to take her hard and fast, just like she knew he could. The butterflies in her stomach began fluttering about freely and she found herself chewing on her bottom lip as her heart pounded in her chest.

Deviano was greedy, there was no way he was going to last long, but he knew no matter how long he was, he was going to make Charlie remember every single second of it. He gripped her hips, and started slamming inside her, giving her what she wanted. “Is this what you like baby girl?”

Although she’d just reached climax, Charlie could feel the signs of another one building and the deeper Dev fucked her, the more the urge built. “Yes, daddy. Yes… Just like that… Don’t stop.” She whimpered, her nails digging into his back once more as the sensation intensified.

There was no way Deviano was going to stop, giving Charlie pleasure, because that would punish him. He continued pounding her pussy, and hissed as her nails dug in his back, the pain/pleasure feeling was something he was totally into. “Fuck you feel so good baby.” He wanted to scream out that he was falling for her, but he knew that was not a good idea.

Normally, Charlie would have her eyes close, and she did just moments ago, but for some reason, she wanted to look at Dev when they both fell apart. Knowing that she couldn’t let go without his permission, she stared into his eyes and moaned. “I’m so close, can I please cum, daddy?” Her heart was beating a mile a minute and her resistance was close to snapping, yet she didn’t let go.

Deviano needed every second of this, his body yearned for Charlie, and the more he was with her, the more he felt it. He was trying to make it last, but it was hard, because she felt so damn good. He heard her asking to cum, and he was ready, “Yes baby girl, I want you to cum for daddy, so I can cum for you!” He knew it was going to be soon after she let go.

It took the last ounce of restrain for Charlie to hold on. She’d always been a good submissive, cumming only after she was given permission, but this was not just about control and sex anymore. There was more to it and as scared as she was to open up her heart again, she felt like she could do that with Dev. As she heard his urging words, her world exploded. She screamed, “Dev!!” and held his gaze, their locked eyes intensifying her climax further.

Deviano knew there was no way he was going to be able to last any longer, and when Charlie came, he was a goner. He looked square into her eyes, as he came hard, “Fuck…Charlie!” He came so hard, he collapsed on top of her. “Oh my God baby…that was so fucking amazing! Whew!” He rolled off her, discarded the condom, and climbed back into bed, pulling her in his arms.

Charlie’s body buzzed as the pleasure enveloped her being. She had a lazy smile on her face, and wrapped her arms around Dev when he collapsed on top of her. She felt weightless and sated, a lazy smile playing across her features as she watched him move to discard the condom. “Are we even surprised that it’s amazing?” She asked moments later, snuggling up to him and giving his chest a kiss.

Deviano smiled and kissed Charlie on the top of her head, “No, I’m no longer surprised, we have had amazing sex since we got together. And hopefully it won’t end for a long time.” He smiled, running his fingers up and down her shoulders. He loved how soft her skin felt on his fingers, she was always so soft and silky, not to mention how amazing she smelled. He knew he had it bad for Charlie, but he needed to wait until she felt the same way.

"I wasn’t planning on ending it. Unless of course you’re tired of me. Then, I guess, I have no choice but to move on.“ The last thing Charlie wanted was to move on. She couldn’t picture herself doing that. She was finally opening up to Dev, and to let it go now would be a shame. True, she was still afraid that he might break her heart, but if she didn’t give him a chance, she would never know. Besides, there was always the option for her to go back to LA if things goes south. Hopefully, that would never be the case.

Deviano shook his head, “There is no way I’m going to get tired of you, and you don’t ever have to think about moving on, because I’m not going to let you.” He smiled, and he pulled her on top of him, “This is the only place I want you, and I could have you here for a very long time.” He couldn’t lie and say that this was just about sex with Charlie, she was so much more than that, and he was seeing that more and more.

Dev’s words eased Charlie’s worry a little. She smiled and straddled his lap, sitting up so that she could really look at him. “I’m not saying that you will get tired of me, but it could happen.” She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his lips. “I wouldn’t mind being here all the time too.” She winked. Although, she kept her tone playful, she wasn’t lying either. She liked being around Dev. She’d been spending most of her time with him, yet not once did she feel like she wanted to bail.

Deviano shook his head, “Nope…not going to happen, if you get tired of me first, that’s on you. But I’m not going to get tired of you at all.” He kissed her again, slipping his hand up and down her back. He happily returned her kiss, and smiled against her lips, “Sounds like a great plan.” He could get used to being with Charlie like this for a long time, only if she lets him.

Charlie couldn’t see herself ever getting tired of Dev. She wasn’t one of those women who was fickle minded anyway. Once she grew attached to someone, she stuck with them like glue and she would like to think that she’d been pretty much true to herself with Dev as well. “Never going to happen.” She told him with a smile and continued to allow their lips to meet.

Deviano was extremely happy to hear that Charlie wasn’t going to get tired of him. “That’s good to know, because I don’t want you to get tired of me.” He was falling hard for Charlie, and it was getting harder for him to not say something. Their kiss was so full of sensual desire, and with each kiss, he felt their connection grow more and more. He wanted her to feel the way he was feeling, and he was going to do whatever he had to, to make that happen.

"You know… If you keep talking about this, I might just get tired of you.“ Charlie teased, feeling a little mischievous all of a sudden. She probably was going to regret saying this later, but for now, she she couldn’t stop the words from slipping out. "What would you do if I found someone else? Are you going to spank me, daddy?” She asked the question as she trailed her fingers along his naked skin and gazed into his dark orbs searching for signs of jealousy.

Deviano chuckled, “Then I’ll be quiet.” He winked, but then raised his brows, “Found somebody else? I’ll kill him, and then spank you!” He ran his hand down her back, to her ass, and gave it a little smack. “Don’t make me have to spank you baby girl?” Although he would rather enjoy seeing her sexy ass turn red, and he was sure she would enjoy it as well. But for now, he would only focus on not letting her get any ideas in her head about other people.

Charlie didn’t know why she felt like asking that question. Perhaps, she wanted him to get possessive with her. She found his answer sexy, especially when he growled, making her even wetter for him. "Are you really going to kill someone over little ole me?” She asked, biting her bottom lip when he lightly spank her. “I might like you spanking me, daddy…” She uttered those words seductively as she ground herself along his cock.

Deviano licked his lips, “You damn right, and if someone tries anything with you, they will feel my wrath.” He smiled seeing how Charlie responded to the smack, and he did it again. “Do you baby girl? Maybe I will spank you more often.” He groaned out as she ground against his cock, “You better stop that, unless you are looking to be fucked again.”

As arousal coated her sex, her breath grew labored as she listened to Dev’s possessive words, but she wasn’t going to let him think that there was even a remote possibility of her wanting someone else either. The thought never even crossed her mind. "No need to get huffy, I was just teasing.” She returned, shaking her head. "Mhmm… I definitely like it when you get rough with me.“ The idea of him spanking her made her want him even more. "Does it look like I don’t want to get fucked again?” She queried with a raised brow and continued to grind herself against him.

“I will always get huffy at the thought of another man touching you baby girl.” The thought annoyed him, because he only wanted to be with her. “But I am happy to hear that you were just teasing.” He knew how Charlie liked it rough, and he was going to do it, “I like getting rough with you.” He bit his bottom lip, “Then you baby girl, are going to get fucked again.”

Charlie could sense the annoyance in Dev. It wasn’t her intention to make him feel that way, she just wanted to know how he felt about her in a round about way. "I would never grow tired of you… I promise.” She told him in earnest. The air shifted again and just like that they were talking about sex. “If you like getting rough with me and fucking me, then let’s get started…” She shifted then, pulling his hand down and placing it on her ass. “Should I get on all fours for you, daddy?”

Deviano felt himself getting annoyed, but Charlie was making it easier to forget about it. “I’m going to hold you to that promise.” He smiled and nodded, “That’s a great idea baby girl.” He gave her ass a squeeze when she put her hands on her ass. “Yes, get on all fours, so I can see that sexy ass of yours jiggle while I fuck you.”

"You don’t have to. I never back out of a promise.” Charlie reiterated. She didn’t know if he believed her or not, but if she had to, she would show him. When he squeezed her ass, she bit down on her bottom lip, liking how he wanted to take her. “Whatever you want, daddy…” She shifted again, this time going on all fours for him. When she was in position, she looked back at him and said, “I’m ready whenever you are.”

Deviano felt like he could show his true feelings to Charlie, and she wouldn’t judge him. She was understanding, and cared about how her felt, and he appreciated that. He watched her get on all fours, and he got into position behind her, “That is a beautiful sight to see baby girl.” He couldn’t resist, so he slapped her ass again, before grabbing another condom and slipping it on right away and inside her pussy.

Charlie waited in anticipation for Dev to join her. No matter the amount of time they touched each other, it still felt brand new every time. He was the only one who could make her feel like this, and she never wanted the feeling to end. A moan slipped free when he spanked her, her juices spilling from her core, lubricating her pussy. “Fuck…” She gasped as he entered her, stretching her out with his cock. “Fuck me, daddy… Spank my ass…” She urged, needing more.

eviano groaned, “Fuck baby, that mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble, but in a great way.” He spanked her ass again, as he fucked her, “You are so fucking tight!” He continued moving inside her, as he gripped her hips harder. The more she asked for harder, the more turned on he would get, and he slammed inside her.

"I’m only telling the truth, daddy. I want you to fuck me and spank my ass…“ Charlie shot back without thought, liking how easily she could drive him crazy. She moaned wantonly when he picked up his pace, spanking and fucking her simultaneously. Pleasure and pain converge, leaving her begging for more. "Harder, daddy… Please…”

Deviano was not one to deny Charlie of what she wanted, so he gave her just what she wanted, to get fucked hard, and spanked her a little harder. He knew he was leaving his fingerprints on her hips, the way he was gripping them so tight. He went as hard as he could, “Fuck baby! You are insatiable, and I like that.” He was in too deep, showing no signs of stopping.

Charlie had always liked this aspect of their fun time. All she needed to do was ask and Dev would deliver. He knew exactly how to handle her body and her needs. As requested, he fucked her hard and continued to spank her. She could feel the tell tale signs of her climax approaching with each thrust, making her moan even louder. "Fuck… Just like that, daddy.”

Deviano gave everything he had, with all intentionsto give Charlie the best pleasure he could possibly give. Everything felt so good, he was in heaven with the feeling of being inside Charlie, and hearing her scream out for him. He gave her ass a good smack, “Damn, I like how red your ass in baby, it’s so sexy.”

The harder Dev fucked her, the faster Charlie came to her inevitable end. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered about wildly. "I need more…” She whined. Using her last ounce of strength, she moved away, pushing him onto his back before sinking down on his cock. She kissed him as she rode him wildly, seeking her release.

Deviano grunted when Charlie pushed him on his back, and he grabbed her hips as she sank down on his cock. “Damn baby girl, you know just how to make me go crazy don’t you?” Seeing her breasts wildly bouncing on his cock, was a sight he would never get tired of. He still needed some control, so he was helping her bounce up and down, “Oh shit baby! Cum all over my cock baby girl!” He growled out.

Charlie sat up after a moment and bounced freely on Dev’s cock. The tingling sensation intensified, her heart pounding loudly. Her mind registered the words that were coming from his mouth, but the waves of her climax wouldn’t allow her to answer him. She was going to lose it soon and couldn’t be more thankful when she heard his demanding words. As her release swept through her body, she screamed, "Dev!!! Fuck!!!” and collapsed on top of him.

Feeling Charlie let go, was pushing him right over the edge. He flipped her over and started slamming into her, until he felt his own climax coming, he needed that last bit of control back. And not to mention, he just liked the visual of Charlie’s legs wide in the air, and him slamming inside her until she came. “Oh fuck! Charlie!” He screamed out as he came so hard. He couldn’t catch his breath, “Oh fuck!”

Charlie couldn’t even move after that. She simply laid there and allowed Dev to move her about. Minutes later, she was snuggling up with him, a lazy smile plastered on her features. "You definitely kept your end of the bargain and rocked my world.” He’d done a lot more than that. For some unknown reason, he’d been able to open up her heart again and along the way, she started falling for him.

Deviano was completely spent, he mustered up his energy, so he could roll over, and discard the condom. He pulled Charlie back into his arms, and chuckled, ” I’m glad I could, because you were definitely bringing your A game tonight baby girl.“ He laughed and kissed her forehead. He knew he could be there with her forever, if she ever allowed him in her world like that.

As always, Charlie’s eyes grew heavy. That seemed to always be the case after she’d gone a few rounds in the bedroom with Dev. “I was just okay… You were incredible.” She mumbled, snuggling even closer to him. “I’m going to sleep now, mi corazon. We can do more later.” Once her eyes drifted shut, she went straight to sleep, not knowing that she had called Dev her heart.

Deviano shook his head vigorously, “Oh no, you were way more than okay, you were beyond amazing.” He loved cuddling with Charlie after their amazing sex sessions, but when she called him mi corazon, he sat up and looked down at her, but she was sound asleep. He knew exactly what that meant, and he smiled brightly. He kissed her forehead, “You’re my heart too baby girl.” He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

#Canon Para: Table Turning #Canon: Charlie & Dev

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bellamyblinkingrapidly · 5 years

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I prob should not have an opinion on this but I didn’t like the thank u next Sansan scene

So disclaimer: I have not been raped. I’ve been sexually assaulted but not raped. So I don’t claim to fully understand or to have that much of a valid opinion on this subject matter or anything.

I’ve seen some people saying they hated the Sandor/Sansa scene & some people said they liked the writing. Both sides there’s opinions from people who have been through similar trauma and from people who haven’t.

But I guess one thing I think we can all agree on is that the writing and scene could have been better! (Or just not existed....)

It’s hard to please everyone, but I just don’t believe that was the best that could be done - to have lots of people online really negatively affected by that conversation. To have people feeling like Sansa’s rape was categorized as character development. Which is just shitty.

I personally don’t feel like the scene was necessary at all and that makes it worse.

I already know Sansa’s changed. I’ve seen it. The biggest proof of that was her killing LF. Jon knows. Arya knows. Tyrion knows. Several characters have commented on it. Daenerys even later in the episode says Sansa’s changed and while I didn’t love that either, it was better than the Sansa scene we got.

I guess there might be something nice about Sansa claiming her own new identity and liking who she is now. It’s nice that she’s not looking back at the past and wondering what could have been because that’s really toxic for anyone to do. You can’t change the past only the future.

But again, WRITE IT BETTER THEN bc that’s not what we got. It didn’t feel like accepting the past. It felt like almost a thank you to abusers for her not being her “stupid little bird” self anymore. Which is really self-loathing jargon that a therapist would not approve of.

(I just think of Devon from Ladylikes recent video about her assault and how she emphasized how mean she was to 23 year old Devon for so long & that she wishes she wouldn’t have been so mean to herself. I also after my sexual assault very hardcore blamed myself for it. So it’s not totally unreasonable that a Sansa who is still coping would hate on the younger Sansa... but they made it seem like it was a good thing for her to do?? It’s super not & they aren’t showing young women reasonable and realistic ways of coping and dealing with trauma like that)

Again about the writing...

Bottom-line GOT claims to be a cinematic show, and the writing this season is weakening that claim. TV tells and tells and tells. But the cardinal rule in film is SHOW don’t tell.

They showed us Sansa killing Ramsay. They showed us Sansa killing LF. They’ve shown us Sansa being stoic and smart and strong. They’ve shown us her character growth. And they’ve shown us a confident Sansa lately, which leads you to believe she’s found a way to be happy with who she is despite what she’s been through.

We’ve also had dialogue from Sansa herself about how she learned from Cersei. About how she finally learned from LF.

Those scenes were powerful, I think, and well done.

But they gave us a Sansan scene where he was extremely rude and insensitive & she still opened up to him for no reason. And it was basically like a thank u next moment of her saying she’s almost glad it happened to her because she’s “better” now.

I get the general sentiment.

We as a culture do this with heartbreak and pain a lot. Try to say it made us stronger or better to give it meaning and to make us feel better

But abuse and rape (and honestly other suffering as well) should not be glorified into something that will make you stronger. It shouldn’t be something that almost looks like “oh well she’s better off for it.” In this light it almost seems desirable for something terrible to happen to you so you can become a badass... (Dany kinda perpetuates this as well. They just don’t do the best Job In GOT of making the distinction between being strong DESPITE those things that happened - not that they made her stronger..) And That’s the dumbest shit ever. Like that’s how the scene kinda played out in my opinion & that sucks.

Like really bad.

...

So as someone who was sexually assaulted I did try at first to explain it away and spin it as a good thing. Like I wanted this. Or it wasn’t that bad. Or it wasn’t sexual assault. Or we’ll be together now. Or later - I’ll grow from this. Etc. I didn’t want to be a victim.

I don’t think Sansa does either, so if she’s doing this kind of deflecting thing... well I can understand. But the show doesn’t seem to be leaning into that - we never really get to see how she copes and deal with all that has happened to her. It’s got to be a shit ton of PTSD & I’m guessing she doesn’t get to go to therapy or anything. It’s a lot to deal with on your own and we don’t get to see her crying at night or depressed or anxious really. So for them to show us her in a state of dealing with it, even in this way, would be unusual.

I think this scene was trying to tell us she’s “over it” and if so that’s just laughably bad writing. And clearly they needed consultants at least when writing.

Anyway... this post has been all over the place & I’m nervous to even voice my opinion bc I don’t want to hurt anyone or cause any hate or anything. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, especially rape survivors on this issue!! I just hope that there could be less fighting and more just realizing..

The simple fact

(In my humble opinion)

Is that we absolutely just

Did not need this scene one bit because it didn’t do anything for the story.

#why d&d why #gots8 #sansa stark #i truly apologize if i offend anyone

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hessa-and-oh · 6 years

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Somewhere along the Kingsroad, in the earliest phase of sundown; the queen and her company decided to stop for relief and tiffin. When the massive armies came to a full halt, some of them began to pitch tents, and others tended to the horses. Dany descended from her horse unto the white ground. Her feet disappeared in the snow. Voyaging through this land, in this foreign weather slumbered her aggressiveness, sometimes; especially during meetings with her council, when she was making suggestions. The air in north smelled like ocean breeze, scorched wood and corroded steel, at least that’s what she thought.

She walked by towards where the horses were drinking, and stood to watch. She watched for a little while before approaching towards the small body of water. She ungloved her hand, and crouched to move her finger tips over the surface of the aqua. She didn’t flinch at the coldness of it, in fact, she discovered she had liked the cold as much as she liked the fire.

The hoofing sounds of approaching horses caught her attention; it was Jon, Jorah and Qhono, and they seemed to be talking about something funny, evident in the small smile they all had on their faces. She stood from her crouching position and gloved her hand. It was incredibly shocking how Jorah and Jon had bonded so well, even after he knew about the two of them sleeping together. Ever since his return from the Citadel, like he had told her, she noticed that he seemed more accepting towards what will never be between them.

These reasons made her at ease, and seeing him with Jon made her feel more joy. Sometimes, she would pass by the two of them hanging out with the Dothraki; she even eavesdropped at times, and smirked to herself whenever she heard Jon’s hilarious attempts at grasping the few words Jorah taught him. The men in her service seemed to be comfortable in each other’s company; except maybe Tyrion and Jon, sometimes. It started when he walked in on her and Jon kissing outside the castle of White Harbor, at sundown. Tyrion was furious at their carelessness and the compromising political positions their relationship could cause, if discovered by the northerners.

The following day, in a lengthy and fruitful conversation she had with Varys and Tyrion, they arrived at an agreement she had to stand by. They not only talked of the north but of other areas as well, to which Varys boldly reminded her of what she did to the Tarlys and how that kind of justice doesn’t wash off the minds of the lords and people she hopes to win. She wanted to defend herself, but then she remembered the people she burnt were family members to her lover’s best friend.

Being a queen was tough sometimes if she had to admit it, especially when her life is constantly on display for public scrutiny. It was harder still, when she knew she had fallen in love with a king that had no reason to pledge himself and his kingdom to her. The aftermath of his decision awaited them within the halls of Winterfell, although she had a taste of it at White Harbor, from the way the people had looked at her, she was sure they hated her; especially the women, because by then they had to guess that she had Jon at the palm of her hand; otherwise, how else did she get him to give up his kingship? She had surpassed the expectations of everyone in terms of beauty and ambition.

The three men approaching acknowledged her. Qhono afterwards said, “King Snow says his technic is more superior. I wish to spar with him. What do you think?’ in dothraki.

Dany responds with a small smile on her face. ‘I will see first before I judge.’ In dothraki.

Jorah interprets the words in Jon’s ear, and then Jon chuckled at her response to Qhono's inquiry.

Dany missed the sparring match between Jon and Qhono, but she heard the details of it from Missandie, and apparently, Jon had won. As soon as Missandie was done brushing her hair, she stepped out to find him. He was dabbing his head with a dry towel just outside his tent and speaking with Gendry, who introduced himself to her as Robert’s bastard, on the very first night on their way to White Harbor. After the days they spent at sea, she had come to like the lad for his wit and exuberance.

When their eyes found each other, Jon's face steeled. Gendry noticed the change in his countenance and followed his gaze. Upon noticing what had formed his stone face, he greeted Dany who was nearing where they stood and excused himself from Jon’s presence.

‘Your Grace.’ Jon greeted.

‘Lord Snow.’

‘How may I serve?’

‘Jon, you can lay aside the formalities when we are alone.’

‘Ay.’

His voice was music to her ears and the way his lips would form whatever he said, all these was starting to light up the wildfire pot nestled between her legs. She spoke again, ‘How much further before we reach Winterfell?’

‘A few days more.’

‘You have sent word to your sister to expect us?’

‘I sent a rider ahead.’

‘Missandie says you bested Qhono.’

‘We both fought well.’

He was trying to sound humble, Dany knew it. ‘But, still they say you were better him.’

‘Perhaps.’

‘Perhaps?’

‘Ay.’ He replied, leafing a hand over his hair.

Gods! She had missed him so much. The manly smell oozing from him was making her dizzy now. ‘May I come in?’

‘I thought you weren’t supposed to be seen alone with me.’

‘Will you let me in or not?’

Jon pulled up the cloth material that covered the entrance to his tent and gestured a welcome hand.

Jon’s tent was pretty dark, save for the flash of light seeping from the tarp that he hadn’t properly closed. Scrolls and maps littered all over the expanse of the only available stool for seating. He quickly grabbed them and dropped them on the floor for her to sit.

‘If you would excuse me, I want to get some candles.’

‘Yes.’

He was gone. She stood up and walked round the area of his space, trailing her hands around anything she wanted to touch. She sighted his sword laying to the side, she picked it up and unsheathed it slowly. She was so lost in what she was doing that she didn’t notice Jon walk in.

‘Put that back!’ Jon chided.

Dany was slightly startled. He could see her better with the candles. ‘Please put that back, you could hurt yourself.’ He said gently this time.

The spirit of mischievousness possessed her now. ‘Make me.’

He strode to her and tried to reach for the sword she had kept in her hand, she stretched out behind her. During the struggling, his hand had unintentionally brushed her teats. He knew what she was trying to do, but still indulged her. He had missed her as well. The look of her lips and playful eyes were arousing him and he was reaching the end of his control.

‘If you don’t give me my sword, I will fuck you hard, so hard you would be sore for days.’

‘Is that supposed to scare me?’

‘I have cautioned you. Now give it.’ They were still struggling. ‘Give it!’

Before, she knew what was happening, he tore her dress and laid her on his bed. She was bare and he wasn’t. He gave himself a few moments to calm down before settling his mouth on hers. He kissed her softly and guided her hands to the knot that held his breeches. His tongue went in search of hers, sucking at it, enticing it to return his play.

His hands swept hungrily up her waist to her teats, which he cupped with both hands. His breath soughed out roughly at the exquisite pleasure of kneading her softness in his big hands. He was dangerously close to the edge, and Dany’s actions didn’t help his control.

She was rubbing his hair and member roughly. He positioned her hips under his, deftly easing into her a little, before leaning further against her. Dany watched him work his icy goodness on her with half-lidded eyes as she moved to take more and more of him. His eyes were tightly closed; sweat dotted his forehead.

He lunged upward, lost in the quest for fulfilment. She clung to his shoulders, shaking with need, until a forceful thrust sent her spinning into the vortex Jon’s apt skills had always brought her to. He thrusted for a while longer, changing positions to suit their needs until he felt her nearing her third release again, before going crazy all over her body. He continued to thrust wildly until he groaned, his big hands clamped tightly to her hips as his own need exploded and his body shuddered blissfully.

#Jonerys #Jonerys Fanfic #jonerys fandom #Jonerys fic #Jonerys ff #smut #No plot #Somewhere on the kings road #game of thrones #got season seven #wishful thinking

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sheikah · 7 years

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Can we please discuss Jon seeing Dany and her children in action for the first time? What were his thoughts then? My favorite was Jon shoving Tormund out of the way so he could get a front row view of his boo.

I think Jon couldn’t believe that she actually came to save him. We all know that Jon is absurdly humble. The man has no idea how perfect he is and that literally everyone loves him.

So when he said, “You won’t have to deal with the King in the North anymore” in 7.05 I think our poor smol was only half joking. Despite her painfully obvious pining and heart eyes, I think Jon didn’t really know then that she was romantically interested in him. I also think that a small part of him might have still thought that he was a threat in her eyes since he still hadn’t officially sworn fealty when they parted ways.

But then she came, in spite of everything. In spite of how much of a long shot it was for Gendry to make it to Eastwatch in time. How difficult it would be for her to find them flying in a place she’s never seen, in a SNOWSTORM she’s never felt, RIGHT in the moment that they needed her most.

That moment right before the fire came over his shoulder gutted me because you could see Jon slowly accepting that they were all going to die, just like he did in BotB until the men of the Vale showed up. He was just so upset. And he was angry, too. Angry at the WW and at himself I think because he always blames himself.

But then she came, and I really think that he was genuinely surprised. Because I know he trusted in her some or he wouldn’t have sent Gendry. But I’m not sure he ever believed it would all work out.

And then not only does she arrive but she comes IN STYLE with ALL THREE dragons. She only brought Drogon to fight an ARMY. But she brought all three to save Jon. I think that alone demonstrates her devotion, how she was willing to risk it all for him.

And then to top it all off she is looking absolutely the most beautiful we have ever seen her look, EVER. So Jon is just amazed that

1. The Dragon Queen doesn’t want to be rid of him. Quite the opposite.

2. She is an absolute badass to the core and he vastly underestimated how sexy it would be to see her riding Drogon into battle.

3. She is so beautiful that she’s an actual angel, a snow princess, the reason “Seasons of My Love” was composed, etc.

4. She isn’t vicious, she isn’t power-hungry, she isn’t selfish, and her dragons aren’t just weapons. The quote from Tyrion is true–”She protects people from monsters, just as [he does.]”

I think this is when Jon realized his feelings for her. And then waking up to her face, waking up to see that not only did she wait by his bedside but she is visibly distraught and just desperate for his recovery … that’s when he fell. Hard.

#jonerys #jon x dany #got spoilers #ep6 spoilers #answered

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minervacrawley · 7 years

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The Wound, the Lie and the Thing you Need to Learn Part #1

… and how Character Arc proves that narrative-wise Jonsa is endgame while J*nerys is not. With additional thoughts on the (romantic) relationships of Tysha/Tyrion/Shae, Arya/Gendry, Sam/Gilly and the triangle Cersei/Jaime/Brienne.

In my own quest of learning to become a writer I recently dealt with Character Arc. There is the theory that every (well constructed) character experiences a traumatic event (the Wound), which leads him/her to believe a certain statement about life (the Lie), that motivates and shapes all of his/her actions. To overcome this Lie, there’s a certain truth (the Thing the Character Needs to Learn). To fulfill a positive character arc, s/he needs to embrace the Thing s/he Needs to Learn to finally be able to get the Thing s/he Wants (aka plot goal) or finally abandon that goal and follow another, more important path. While in a negative character arc, s/he resists that truth till the end and clings to the Lie.

To learn the truth, the character is „helped“ by the so-called Impact Character who can be the mentor, the sidekick, the antagonist, the love interest or even a group of people. That Impact Character already embraces the truth to the character’s specific Lie (a flat arc), but can have (and often has) to deal with a Lie on his/her own.

Every complex character (and mostly all of GRRM’s charas fall into this cataegory) has more than one Lie to deal with, following multiple positive arcs or flat arcs if s/he already embraces the truth or a negative arcs if s/he denies it. I mostly refer to the wounds/lies/truths that are important to their (romantic) relationships.

That’t the theory. Let’s get into thrones. I refer to the tv show since most of the characters (often blatantly) state their Lie in one way or the other. Please remember this is only my humble interpretation of the characters. Warning, this is gonna be loooooong.

Starting with Tyrion Lannister. He was the one to inspire this meta with his conversation with Cersei in the last episode. It’s in his anger and sorrow he claims to be the one responsible for Tommen and Myrcella’s death. It’s that moment full of emotion that he shows his inner turmoil.It’s not too hard to see that Tyrions Wound is being unfairly blamed for his mother’s death and his dwarfism. Into that feeds the additional wound that the girl he loved (Tysha) wanted him only for his family’s money.

So over the course of the years, that formed his Lie „What they say is true: I’m a monster that is responsible for the misfortunes of the person’s I hold dear. No one can ever truly love someone like me.“. He fully embraces the Lie when he kills his father (whom he loves despite all since he’s the only parental figure he ever knew, see https://minervacrawley.tumblr.com/post/164363335602/the-things-i-do-for-love) and his lover Shae. And when he accepts being responsible for the death of his niece and nephew (even though he isn’t).

Tyrion Needs to Learn that

his mother’s death is not due to him being a dwarf, it’s not his fault

and that

even he can be loved for the person he is

He already met a person that could help him find the truth:

Tysha

, the girl he married as a young man. She loved him unconditionally, not seeing him as a monster. She is his impact character. But that possibility of growth was destroyed and even reversed when Tywin forced Jaime to say that they paid Tasha to pretend to love him and finally results in her rape by his father’s men. So Tyrions Lie was strengthened.

The other woman who could help him overcome his Lie was Shae. It seemed like (in the show) Tyrion was genuinely in love with her (and vice versa). Her love for him inspired him to be a better man, drinking less, showing less self-loathe and beginning to accept his existence as a dwarf. But then she betrays him, again for his father (and his money). So he thinks. The real reasons for Shae betraying him spring from her own Lie „There’s no possibility of love for a whore like me.“ formed due to her Wound of growing up to be a whore from an early age. You can get a glimpse of it in her conversations with Bronn and Varys. She feels confirmed when Tyrion is going to send her away. That it’s due to him wanting to keep her safe is something she can’t believe. Due to her Lie she is sure it’s cause he put his highborn lady (Sansa) above her, confirming he sees her only as a whore. So she failed to learn her Truth that even a whore like her can be loved and is defeated in the end (aka dies).

Arya’s wound is growing up with the expectation of becoming a lady wherein she fails. It’s hammered every time into her mind when Septa Mordane emphasizes how Sansa is a real lady and Arya will never be and how she will disappoint her parents and future husband. So Arya hates becoming a lady as well as marriage and forms the Lie that „I will never be happy as the lady wife of some highborn lord.“. She needs to learn that she does not have to be a lady to find happiness in a marriage and that the right man will accept her as the person she is. Over the course of the first season Arya experiences another wound: experiencing the deaths of her loved ones and being unable to save them. It starts with Lady and Mycah being slain, to the death of her household, witnessing the beheading of her father, leaving her sister behind in the clutches of the Lannisters, experiencing the death of the prisoners at Harrenhal, losing Gendry to the red woman, her little brothers to a traitor and being too late to reach her mother and brother before their death. I think she probably suffers from some survivor’s guilt. So she dedicates her life to revenge.

All of it leads to another Lie that „I have to avenge the death of my beloved to ever find peace again. I owe that to them.“. Her killing list proves that. She already tried to become no one and nearly giving up her own identity to her goal.

So what Arya does need to learn? That even killing her enemies won’t bring her family back, there’s more in life than revenge (and maybe there’s nothing she could have done to save them).

Who already attacked her first lie? Gendry by accepting her as the tomboyish girl she is and showing her how she could be happy in a marriage with a man like him („You would be My Lady.“ which I see not as a title but as reference to my lady-wife). He would never demand her to change who she is and would never be disappointed in her for being not lady-like. Her other lie is attacked by more people: Sandor Clegane, Brienne and I’m sure her siblings in season 8. Gendry does not approve of her killing list, too.

Gendry has some issues all on his own. His wound I see as growing up in the mud as a bastard and never having a real family and his Lie as „A bastard like me does not belong anywhere and especially not to a highborn maiden.“. That’s why the Brotherhood is so tempting to him: They are his first possibility for a family. His Lie is strengthened when Stannis and Melisandre want to burn him alive, only due to his blood. Gendry needs to learn that he is the one to decide over the meaning of his life and not his baseborn origin as well as it is your actions that make you worthy (of love). One of his impact characters is Davos who places the life of a bastard above the plans of his king, demonstrating Gendry his own worth. The other one is Arya, the girl that treats everyone according to their actions and not their status through birth, be it the kitchen boy or the prince. The girl telling him „I could be your family.“.

Next is Sam. His wound is one of the most obvious: growing up being labelled as fat coward and disappointment to his family. You can feel it in every memory of him about his father. It is reinforced by the man of the Nightswatch, calling him pig and saying he should better die. His Lie is „They are right: I’m a fat coward and useful for nothing.“. He needs to learn that there are various ways to prove your worth and he has to act to make a change. Sam encounters numerous impact characters: Master Aemon encourages him in his willingness to learn, Jon unconditionally befriends him and stands by his side as well as pushes him to prove that the others are wrong about their perception of him (when Sam tells he isn’t able to do anything) just like Grenn and Edd. But the most important one is Gilly. She is the one to push him into action: He has to help her or her child will die, he has to free her or Craster will torment her for the rest of her life and he has to fight the White Walker or her and little Sam will be dead. Then he decides to act to save her from rape through his sworn brothers. He proves being a man worthy of her, a woman’s, love (something he dreamed of all his teenage life). He even acted against his own father, his nemesis and demonstrates his full positive character arc and overcoming of the Lie.

Gilly isn’t easy and I have to say that the show does not present a wound/lie I can clearly see. Maybe she’s only on a flat arc influencing Sam. But probably I overlooked something so I’m open to other interpretations!

Since that post is already nearly 2000 words, I’m going to split it here. Part 2 with Cersei/Jaime/Brienne and Dany/Jon/Sansa will follow in the next hours.

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falllpoutboy · 7 years

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my thoughts on New Mutants (2018)

so idk if yall heard but the xmen spinoff new mutants has been mostly casted and probably started filming already but there has been some casting controversy on 2-3 characters (dani moonstar, bobby da costa and cecilia rayes)

so i’ll start with Dani Moonstar aka Mirage first. Blu Hunt has been casted as Dani and there has been questions of her heritage. I’ve scoured the internet and have seen different “sources” that say she’s only half native or one quarter, which is obviously different from Dani who’s full native. But whether she’s actually half or a quarter, and yall want to continue to doubt if Blu doesn’t represent her heritage: CHECK HER INSTAGRAM! scroll a bit and you’ll see her many protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She obviously cares about the well being of her people and is really proud to be playing Dani Moonstar. Now for those who might screaming that her casting was obviously colorism please remember that Dani Moonstar was at originally portayed as a light-skinned native and has had different depictions of her ever since. What i didnt find was what tribe or nation she’s from, but when the movie get closer to its release that information will probably be public.

moving on to Bobby da Costa aka Sunspot. Henry Zaga , a light skinned latino, has been casted as Bobby and there was even bigger backlash. Now as y’all know Bobby is a half white and white black afro Brazilian but is obviously very black in his original appearance. Even when his powers were activated when he was bullied for the color of his skin during a soccer match, so you can see the character has a history with racism. But before i can even get into the casting of henry zaga i’d like to take a moment to show yall how much sunspot has been whitewashed in recent comics HERE | HERE | HERE| so not only does the fault lie in Fox but the fault also in those comic artists who chose to portray Bobby lighter. So just to be clear, casting Henry Zaga as Bobby isn’t comic accurate and it is at the same time. (just to put my humble opinion out there i do think they should’ve gone with a dark skinned actor bc there is a lot of antiblackness in the latix community so seeing a black latino in a superhero in a movie would’ve help represent those that need to be represented)

and last but not least we have Dr. Cecilia Reyes. Rosario Dawson was in talks to play the role but unfortunately they fell through (reason unclear) and Alice Braga was brought in to replace her in the role. This is the biggest case of whitewashing and colorism there has been in a while. Cecilia is still a fairly recent character (1997) so there’s no history of her being whitewashed in comic canon, unlike Bobby and has always been portrayed as a dark-skinned afro Latina (afroboricua to be exact). Alice Braga is a light-skinned Brazilian so for her to even accept and play this role is highly disrespectful and just plain disgusting. I would’ve much preferred it Rosario Dawson portrayed her (adding on to fact that she’d be in most comic cinematic universes if so) but sadly I’m not apart of Fox and I can’t make their terrible decisions for them. BUT if there’s any consolation, Marvel should add onto their continuing thing of killing off whitewashed characters within the movie (re: The Ancient One in doctor strange) with this case.

so anyways my dissection and rant is over .will i be seeing this movie? yes, but im not sure if i wanna give my money to fox for all this bs they’re tryna pull .also i put links on certain words so dont forget to click on them. yall have any thoughts and concerns? comments? questions? problems? hmu

#not sure if its inappropriate if a native person from another tribe or nation can portray another from another nation.#smh fox #dani moonstar #mirage #bobby da costa #sunspot #cecilia reyes #blu hunt #henry zaga #alice braga #new mutants #marvel #x-men cinematic universe #xmcu #x-men #whitewashing #colorism #racism #movie whitewashing

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amymel86 · 7 years

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Sitting Upon The Throne - JonSa Oneshot - NSFW

A ficlet in which Ned never found Lyanna and Jon at the Tower of Joy. Lyanna still perished and Ser Arthur Dayne spirited the infant Jon away to Essos. Years pass and after hearing of a Dragon Queen seated in Meereen, Arthur and Jon join Daenerys before she attacks King's Landing. Dany perishes in the battle, leaving Jon to begrudgingly accept the throne.

Ned was still tricked by Baelish and beheaded at King Joffrey's command. The Purple Wedding and it's aftermath still took place and Sansa is taken to The Vale by Baelish, where he hides her until the success of the Targaryen invasion. The Red Wedding takes Cat's life but not Robb's - King Jon agrees to The North keeping it's independence and is betrothed to his cousin Sansa.

Jon sighed as he seated himself on the ugly throne that was now to be his. This hadn't been the original plan. Dany was meant to rule, not him. That was how it had meant to go, ever since she'd convinced him to help her take back the Seven Kingdoms - it was meant to be her. And then she had gone and got herself killed - knocked clean off of Drogo's back by a well-aimed trebuchet during battle. Jon had not wanted this, he had never wanted this. If it had been up to him, he would have stayed in Meereen, continued to be the Queen's nephew and advisor, found himself a wife and fathered a large brood of children to love.

But now - now instead of a brood of children, he had a realm to nurture instead. Jon stared into the dark of the large, empty unlit hall. All the decisions he will have to make now, all the consequences he will have to consider, all the responsibilities he will have to shoulder. They all weighed heavy on his mind and felt as uncomfortable as the fucking throne itself.

Suddenly, one of the huge double doors to the Great Hall opens with a clink, the sound would have been swallowed up and unheard if it weren't for Jon's isolation in the vast room - as it was, it reverberated off of the walls and pillars, windows and ceiling. A light shone through from the flickering of the sconces in the hall, quickly casting the long shadow of the intruder of Jon's solace, before it was extinguished with the closing of the door, enveloping that section of the hall into darkness once more.

Jon shifted in the huge, uncomfortable chair, annoyed at the presence of another as he heard the slow purposeful click-clack of shoes upon the stone flagged floor. The intruder came into view once they had neared him enough not to be shielded by shadow any longer. Sansa Stark - his soon to be bride. She wore the black dress Jon had had made for her as a betrothal gift - he only now realised how the colour emphasised the pale creaminess of her skin and the red of her hair, the flame of which he was sure could ignite any pyre.

Marrying Sansa Stark had not been his idea, instead the betrothal had been suggested by Lord Baelish who had spirited the Stark girl with him away to The Vale, where his cousin had remained hidden until Jon had succeeded in the attack on King's Landing and the Lannisters with his Aunt's armies behind him. If you will continue to allow The North it's independence, then an alliance must be made, the Mockingbird's voice had slithered into King Jon's ears. Sansa Stark holds that fine thread that binds the North and South together in her unwed hands your Grace, a match with her would certainly make sense. Besides, her beauty outweighs that of even her Mother's, and with Catelyn's famed multiple successes in the birthing bed, you can be sure she will breed of you many healthy sons. She is still a favourable prospect despite her maidenhead no longer being intact.

Jon had not liked the way in which the duplicitous man had spoken about his cousin, even before they had met. Afterwards, well, he had decided that he was less and less willing to hear what Lord Baelish had to say on the matter. Yes, he was happy to take her to wife - more than happy actually, but he would not hear of her being summed up as simply a royal brood mare. And the issue (or non issue as far a Jon was concerned) of her maidenhead was not at all troubling - he knew of her very brief marriage to Harry Hardying before he was mysteriously found dead. He had not expected that her second marriage would be unconsummated like the first to The Imp.

Jon's eyes took in the slowly approaching figure - a figure that he had admired on more than one occasion now at celebrations and gatherings. He often found himself indulging in thinking on their upcoming wedding night and how he should like to peel those courtly clothes from her and see her hair unbound, setting alight to his pillow. He had enjoyed speaking with her too - she had told him that he had his Mother's 'the look of the North' and that this pleased her as she felt a little at home with him even down here, in the south. Jon had liked that - her compliment had not been about his skill at battle or the grandeur of his lineage, but something altogether more humble in her own comfort with him. Sansa Stark seemed an intelligent woman - one he hoped would come to love him as he had once imagined his wife would. The only unsettling thing about the whole arrangement was the frequency in which he noticed her to be in the company of one particular Lord Baelish. Jon did not like that at all.

She wasn't with him now though, they were alone.

"Lady Sansa" Jon greeted her as he made to rise from his contemplative seat on that wretched throne.

"Please, don't rise on my account your Grace" she responds in a low, raspy voice, her steps not faltering or slowing any as she grew nearer to him. Her gait not altering one bit as she met the steps up to the throne, apart from the hypnotising sashay of her hips becoming more pronounced as she ascended the stairs.

Jon watched her with rapt attention, this being the very first time that they had ever been alone together. He got the feeling that she had not minded him drinking her in so thirstily, eager to let his eyes roam her figure and face, trying to gauge what was to become of this unfamiliar meeting of theirs. To his surprise, she did not stop a respectable distance away from him. No, she kept up her purposeful, delicate strides until she was stood directly before him, the beaded brocade of her black skirts now touching with his casually splayed knees. Jon gaped up at the beautiful woman before him before she promptly dropped to her knees and places one hand on each of his thighs. He tried and failed at suppressing the base thoughts at her proximity and position. She squeezed his thighs and stared intently up at him with those blue lagoon eyes before she began to whisper.

"I need to be truthful with you my King".

Jon licked his lips and returned her whispers. "About what my Lady"?

"HE wanted me to do this your Grace".

"Who?....Who wanted you to do what?....and please just call me Jon"

"Littlefinger".

Jon's blood ran cold at the mere mention of that insufferable Lord.

"It was his idea for me to seduce you" She continued in her low voice "he wanted to secure you with my hand in marriage....he wants for you to put a few babes in me, preferably sons and then to do away with you". Her gaze drops to his chest "I'm not sure how he plans to do that part" Sansa's eyes meet his again before she presses on "he wants all the power you see, he fancies that he would rule one day by becoming my fourth husband and regent for our sons". Jon's breath is caught in his throat as her stare becomes sharp and ice-like, she says the next words quietly and deliberately slowly "I want no part in his plan".

"I see" Is all Jon can whisper out past his lips. Sansa's hands smooth upwards on his inner thighs.

"Do you?...It's not the marriage part of his plans that I find disagreeable Jon. In fact, I should very much like to carry out that part of his plotting - that is, if you'll still have me after what I have just divulged to you....but I cannot live in a world where HE commands the realm and I do not want to be his wife....I want to be yours". Sansa bites her lip and allows her eyes to wander an appraising trail down Jon's torso, briefly landing on and widening slightly at the now visible bulge under his breeches that starts at the juncture of his legs and grows down his left thigh, ending dangerously close to where Sansa's fingers rest. "Even if you would not take me as your wife, I should very much like for you to help me with something Jon.....will you help me"?

Yes! I'll help you with anything you desire! He wants to desperately shout, but given what she had just admitted to being privy to all this time, he keeps it to himself. "With what would you like my help my Lady"? he asks instead.

Sansa lowers her eyes briefly, her lashes fanning out over her milky skin, her cheeks topped with a natural pinky hue that Jon fancies he had brought on himself. "he is here" she whispers, carrying on after an unknowing look leaves Jon's face. "Lord Baelish... he's here, in this room....don't look up, but he is up to our left, keeping to the shadows of the gallery balcony, watching us now - that is why I whisper, it's why I got so close" the blush on her cheeks quickly becomes a pretty crimson of sorts and her breath starts to become a little laboured, causing her chest to visibly rise and fall. "But now that I am in this position..." her eyes fall to the bulge in his breeches once more, she licks her lips tortuously and Jon feels like all of his clothing has suddenly become too tight and too hot. "Now that I am in this position" she repeats, now looking up at him "an idea comes to mind".

"What idea is that my Lady" Jon croaks hoarsely.

"He wants me you know....he has pushed me onto Harry and now is trying to do the same with you, encouraging me to spend time with you and entice your affections....but he hates it....especially with the way that you look so....Northern" Sansa says the last word with a smile. "It reminds him of a past love that he lost to The North many years ago and it pains him to think of you touching me, even though he knows it to be crucial to his little plan" Her mouth twists into a smirk before she continues "He of course expects that all that should happen within our marriage bed, behind the closed doors of your royal chambers but....." once again, she eyes his hard cock "...but what if we were to show him"?

"Show him"? Jon parrots in disbelief.

"Yes....show him...he wouldn't be able to stand it you see, me being intimate with you, it would twist his gut like a dagger.....and I do so wish for that dagger Jon" Sansa smooths her left palm up and over the swelling contained by his breeches making him hiss in delighted surprise before she traces around his cock with one finger. "Would you allow me use of your dagger Jon"?

All he can do is nod - nod and fixate on the way her tongue slowly wets her lips as both hands move to untie his breeches. He catches her chin with his fingers before she reaches into the confines of his trousers to free him for her attentions. "and what of after - after our show"?

"Well, you should have him killed of course - by trial and execution or snuffing out his life's flame in the night, it makes no difference to me...as long as he endures this suffering before he leaves the earth for I have encountered so much more suffering under his hand than I care to admit".

Jon leans down, his face mere inches from hers, he smells the sweet tang of her breath as her eyes hold his. "Consider it done my Lady" he whispers. "And what of our marriage - you would still entertain becoming my wife after there is no one left to put on any shows for"?

Sansa smiles brightly and mischievously. "Oh but there will be Jon - I shall enjoy performing for my husband and him alone....that is, if he'll still be willing to participate"?

His only response is to bridge the gap between them and take a kiss from her soft sweet mouth. Sansa moans into that kiss and it sets off a similar, low growl of a reply from deep within his throat. Once their lips part he is pleased to see a slightly dazed, lust filled look to her eyes. Sansa licks her lips as Jon leans back on his throne and gives her a small nod to bid her to continue.

He's pleased by the hint of an excited gleam to her expression once she frees his cock, wrapping her hand around it and pulling it out from his breeches. Sansa strokes him up and down slowly a few times before taking a long lick up the length of the underside of him, keeping her eyes intent on his. Jon lets out a groan when she encases the head of his cock in her warm wet mouth, swirling her talented tongue around him and sucking ever so slightly before releasing him with a smack of her lips and a hungry appreciative noise. That's when Jon hears it, the sound of minute movement from up above them - someone shifting their shoes on the cold of the floor. As soon as it reaches his ears, it stops. The look that Sansa gives him tells Jon that she heard it too as she grins from her kneeling position, hand still firmly grasping him.

Jon's breaths start to become ragged once Sansa's mouth is locked around him, her head bobbing up and down, her tongue teasing him and her eyes boring into his, occasionally fluttering closed as she moans like she's enjoying this as much as he is. He's not quite sure what to do with his hands and is grateful when she guides one of them to the back of her head - he wonders briefly if she does this as part of her 'show' or because she wants it there. His other hand quickly gets occupied when she laces her fingers with his, holding it firmly and reassuringly like she is trying to communicate something to him.

After pulling all manner of groans and grunts, moans and loud sighings of her name, Lady Sansa releases Jon's cock from her mouth and rises to stand between his legs. He looks up at her a little dazed, her hair gloriously messed and dishevelled from his pawing as she pleasured him. He's about to ask if something is wrong before she speaks, louder this time, with no need to whisper anymore. "I can't stand it anymore, I need you Jon".

He's confused at first, until it all becomes clear when she gathers her skirts and seats herself astride his lap, wasting no time in burying both her hands under her dress, one to pull aside her smallclothes and the other to guide him to her wet cunt. She slides down him decadently, a noisy groan of her own making echoing throughout the whole of the hall.

"Fucking hell you're so wet Sansa Stark" he growls.

"Only for my King, Jon Targaryen" Sansa purrs in response. "It seems sucking on your cock affected me more than I'd imagined".

"And how often had you imagined sucking on my cock my Lady"?

"As often as you'd imagined fucking me" Sansa grinned wickedly as she began undulating her hips into a slow grind against him.

Jon raised his brow, a smile to match hers growing upon his lips as his hands bunched up the fabric of her skirts over her behind. "It seems my wife shall be rather dirty minded then" he said, giving her arse a smack, the noise reverberating around the cavernous room. Another small shuffle of feet can be heard from the gallery balcony. Sansa gasps before swiftly taking his lips with hers and shoving her tongue into his mouth whilst breathing heavy through her nose.

"Again" she commands once she breaks their hungry kiss, her forehead touching his and their eyes locked. He slaps her arse cheek again and she whimpers, her grinding now turned to frantic bouncing up and down the length of him, his cock repeatedly being welcomed into her wet warmth. "Again" Sansa whines.

"Fuck me Sansa, ride your King's cock my sweet Lady" Jon growls into her shoulder as he rains a few more spanks on her behind. "Good girl....good girl" he rasps when her bouncing becomes more frenzied. One of Lady Sansa's hands is tangled in his hair, the other reaches up above him, holding onto one of the many blades that make up his throne, he distantly wonders if it hurts her to grip it so tightly.

Jon twirls his tongue over the rise of one of her breasts as it heaves with Sansa's ragged breath over the corset of her dress. She moans loudly and he wishes they had taken the time to undo her lacings and push her dress down to expose her teats so that he may suck them into his mouth and tease them with his tongue - they have time for that, he decides and vows that he'll spend time each day of their married life dedicated to worshipping her body. The Old and the New gods be damned - his wife will be the only deity he'll surrender to.

"Oh Jon, you feel so good" she whimpers in a half sob, half whisper, making him wonder why she'd kept her voice low - wasn't the original point of this to make Littlefinger suffer? The only reasoning he can pluck from his base mind being that this was no lie to egg him on, no untruth to proclaim in front of the voyeur up in the gallery - nothing but absolute truth, the revelation of which made him want more of those whimpers.

Jon gripped her hips and began thrusting up into her with loud grunts. He could feel a slow trickle of her wetness gradually roll down the side of his tight balls as he continued to relentlessly buck up into her. Jon moves one of his hands so that his thumb can play with her pearl, rubbing it in circles, increasing the pressure when he is granted with a pleased squeal from his future wife.

"Oh Gods Jon!.....uuunghhh...I'm close....aaah..." Sansa cries as his thrusting jostles the now loose strands of her copper hair with each buck of his hips. "oh yes! YES"! she yells, her pleasured sob filling the large room and becoming a presence of its own before Jon feels her cunny flutter and pulse around him and with two more strangled cries of his own and a couple more frenzied thrusts, he fills her with his release.

It's after, when they're both still panting, Sansa having collapsed fully on top of Jon, his cock now sated and only half hard but still inside her, when she whispers again. "He will die won't he Jon? Promise me I'll be rid of him".

"Yes. You'll be rid of him. I'll do it myself, tonight". Sansa rears back slightly so that she can look him in the eye, her face full of question. "There is hardly any suffering in a beheading" Jon clarifies.

"You don't think witnessing us like this was suffering enough then"?

"No" he says, cupping her soft, warm cheeks in both hands. "Not even death is punishment enough for anyone who dares hurt my wife".

Sansa lets out a single tear that Jon brushes away with his thumb, a tiny sob rushes past her lips before she crashes them with his and kisses him forcefully.

Before he can start to plan the dark ways in which Lord Baelish will suffer at his hand in a few minutes time, he allows himself one lighter thought -

Perhaps that fucking ugly chair isn't so bad after all.

#Jonsa #jonsa fanfic #jon x sansa #jon x sansa fanfiction #Sitting Upon The Throne #Smutty stuff

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mohrsvillerp · 5 years

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welcome el! you have been accepted for oh my gosh i can’t even as dahlia harper. thank you so much for applying !! please send in your account within 24 hours. we can’t wait to get roleplaying with you.

who are you?

NAME/ALIAS. El. PREFERRED PRONOUNS. She/Her. AGE. 21+. TIMEZONE. GMT. TRIGGERS. removed. ACTIVITY. 6/10. I try to be around daily!

ANYTHING ELSE? To fit with Dani, I have it that Dahlia has been in Mohrsville, she just hasn’t been in mainstream schooling up until now due to her acting career, despite the subplot stating she should’ve only been there a month. Instead, she’s been enrolled in the school for a month. I hope that’s okay!

who are you applying for?

DESIRED CHARACTER. Dahlia Grace Harper. DESIRED SUBPLOT. “Oh my gosh I can’t even.” FACE CLAIM. Demi Lovato. GENDER AND PREFERRED PRONOUNS. Cisfemale, She/Her. ORIENTATION. Pansexual/Panromantic. RELATION. Younger twin. BIRTHDAY. December 29th. AGE AND GRADE. 18 & Senior. CLUBS AND SPORTS. Gay-Straight Alliance.

who are they?

HOMOPHOBIA TW, RELIGION CW.

Dahlia has spent her entire life in the spotlight. It was really just a right place, right time kind of thing for her; she was discovered as a baby in a stroller by a casting agent looking for a doll-like little girl for a new sitcom. It was just she and her mom that day, her sister home with her father, and Dahlia seemed to completely fit the bill.

The Harper family, originally from Dallas, Texas, have never been exactly well off. Dahlia’s parents, Renata and David, both incredibly religious people, owned a poorly run meat farm, and Dahlia’s new life in front of the camera served as their meal ticket.

With the money Dahlia made from her screen time, they were able to afford better for themselves and their family, though money definitely does not buy class nor manners, and both David and Renata remained their very backward, religious, homophobic selves. Except now they had a child in the spotlight, and they thrived on the income and attention.

Moving to California was just the right thing for them to do, especially when Dahlia started receiving auditions and roles for bigger projects. A lot of attention was put on her, and she was trained in dance, voice and acting; the latter two her favorites, though she begun to develop bigger interests as she grew.

Dahlia went on to star in movies, both big and small screen. She was signed by Disney, who helped put her name only further on the map. Her name was well known and Dahlia was recognized. Since she’d grown up in the spotlight, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for her, and being a very laid back, friendly person, she always managed to remain humble.

While she did adore both acting and singing – writing songs became a forte for her, too – Dahlia found a deep interest in art. The kind on paper, not on camera, and a trip to a local tattoo and piercing parlor taught her that she wanted to follow a whole new path.

Due to her busy work schedule, mainstream schooling has never really been a thing for Dahlia. She dealt with on-set tutors and such, but the new dream is college, because Dahlia wants more than anything to pursue art, to learn and hone her talent as much as she can, and she desperately wants to go to college, something she feels she’ll have a better chance at with an actual high school diploma.

Taking a break from the screen, Dahlia has been enrolled in the same school as her twin sister for the past month, and she’s finding the adjustment much easier than expected – though, being as friendly as she is, maybe it isn't that unexpected. She has also begun helping out in a local tattoo studio, the regular clients growing more and more used to having a “celebrity” drawing up their designs by the day.

Dahlia considers sexuality fluid, though knows her homophobic parents would never go for such a thing. While exploring her self-proclaimed fluidity, Dahlia is trying to work up the courage to come out to her parents, because she knows she has a big, public platform, and she wants to be able to use it, to become an influential member of the LGBTQ+ community and to help others who may be struggling to tell those they love, too.*

*In contrast, however, Dahlia is extremely out and open to her friends and those she trusts.

#accepted #harper

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shakeel786blog · 6 years

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Real Madrid’s historic Champions League title obscured by online outrage

There has been so much heated nonsense spoken and written about Real Madrid’s 3-1 Champions League final win over Liverpool in Kiev that there are some missed or ignored items that must be focused on. And they will be here.

Let’s begin with the opening goal.

I’m not contesting that it makes Karim Benzema a footballing genius to have scored it, but the fact that Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius made such an atrocious series of judgmental errors in gifting the holders the lead has obscured credit that needs to flow to the much-maligned striker.

Given how the modern game is officiated, Benzema should have been in a no-win situation. Karius should have known this.

The Frenchman was isolated on the edge of Liverpool’s box. Karius had plenty of options about how to deal with what faced him. Yes, he had every right to try to move the ball sharply to reduce Madrid to nine outfield players by bypassing Benzema. But Karius had a choice of three red shirts, options via which he could have cut his opponent out of the game with just a scintilla more effort and concentration.

With reference to keeper protection in the modern game, had Karius shaped to kick long or tempted Benzema to take another couple of paces towards him, the referee would almost inevitably have called a foul. Keepers get protected in football more than facts and truth do.

Where the credit comes is that once Liverpool’s maladroit goalie makes a bad choice, Benzema reads it.

Look again at what happens.

Karim Benzema’s clever opener set Real Madrid up for a Champions League final win over Liverpool.

Benzema is still a regulation distance away from Karius. The odds are vastly against him, but he not only gambles correctly, he reacts with tremendous agility and speed, but then also gets his leg into a position where he can be strong enough for the rebound to take the ball not only towards the goal but in.

What’s more, to block a keeper throwing out to his right, the obvious foot for the striker to use is his left. But that would have cost Benzema a split-second more to effect. He instinctively raises what has been his planted, standing-weight foot and lunges.

As I say, it’s not an act of genius, but it’s what every single coach, amateur or pro, wishes he could teach his footballers: Stay sharp, think, react quicker than the other guy. Or, as Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley used to teach those Liverpool players who dominated England and Europe: “Find the dope”.

They taught that, especially when the ball goes dead, lesser players breathe out, they relax, they drop their concentration just a millimetre. Shankly and Paisley urged their players to always be waiting for just such an infinitesimal relaxation, and to pounce. It’s what Benzema did, and both of those Liverpool greats would have recognised it.

Karius had the ball in his hands, so he relaxed. He thought that there was no danger. He lost focus by a scintilla. It was enough.

I understand the mawkish horrors of watching someone fail catastrophically on the biggest sporting stage. There will have been huge tracts of the worldwide audience both thrilled with schadenfreude at watching an error of such gigantic proportions, and then instantly contrite with the guilt of having felt the dark emotion of enjoying someone else’s hardship.

One of the most common nightmares is having turned up at a vital exam without studying for it. Another is waking up sweating having dreamt that suddenly you’re naked in public, don’t understand why, and everyone is watching. That’s what Karius actually lived through, in effect.

But there’s no way, in my humble view, that sympathy for or outrage about the “dope” (depending on whether you’re an angry Liverpool fan or not) can detract from appreciations of Benzema’s cat-like agility and anticipation.

By the way, it was his 56th Champions League goal in 87 competition starts. Only three players — Raul, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — have outscored him in this elite tournament. This from a man Sir Alex Ferguson said was “too expensive” when he joined Madrid in 2009 for €30 million, and Gary Lineker recently reckoned was overrated.

Moving on.

There has been some truly ridiculous stuff written about Sergio Ramos in the aftermath of yet another rule-stretching, all-in performance from the Madrid captain.

For example, thanks to one German TV station highlighting it, there has been quite the furore on social media about Ramos clipping Karius a couple of minutes before the opening goal. Some have tried to suggest that A) it was a deliberate action by Ramos, and B) that there was some correlation between that and Liverpool’s keeper making his awful blunder.

What I find stunning is that no one whom I’ve seen catcalling Ramos over that incident has seen fit to note that as the Spaniard runs in towards goal in order to try to connect with a Benzema cut-back, it’s Virgil Van Dijk who shoves Ramos, which results in Madrid’s captain surging towards the ground.

Firstly, does Ramos then knowingly try to “leave one” on Karius once he’s been shoved? You may have a case. But is his proximity to the keeper solely thanks to Van Dijk? Definitely. Had the referee seen Van Dijk’s shove, might it have been a penalty to Madrid? Yes. Finally, does Ramos make enough contact with Karius to have caused the German, who’s up and about pretty instantly, any significant impairment? Do me a favour: Grow up.

Even if, hypothetically, that were the case, then the fault would lie with Van Dijk choosing, illogically, to shove Ramos when Benzema’s cut-back was about to be effectively blocked. So that moment was an instance when a player chooses an action outside the rules, without really having any cognisance of what the ultimate consequence might be.

Which, yes, you’ve guessed it, takes us to the moment when Mohamed Salah’s shoulder is injured thanks to Ramos tugging him to the ground awkwardly.

Sergio Ramos’ competitive nature helped the captain guide Real Madrid to their third straight Champions League crown.

On the idea that Ramos was deliberately trying to injure him, I’m not going to waste much time. Ramos breaks the rules. Ramos is ultra-streetwise. This column is not a defence of the Real Madrid captain; it’s an attempt to bring some football realism into the debate.

Firstly, this was the kind of challenge you see regularly across the European game and that, frankly, wouldn’t usually have serious consequences for either player. This one did, no question, and I fervently wish that Salah had completed 90 vibrant minutes and, for all I care about the matter, scored a hat trick.

Secondly, if you take a snapshot of the instant when the foul is made (with referee Milorad Mazic positioned for a perfect view but not the least bit interested in a booking), then you’ll see a commanding piece of information about why Ramos wouldn’t let go.

He wouldn’t risk the idea of Salah twisting free, or getting up swiftly and taking the ball away from the moment of contact. Salah has made an inside run across the pitch from the right. Ramos has gone with him, but the Egyptian, if he controls and twists with the ball, will have exposed his marker and gained perhaps two yards. Two crucial yards.

If Salah turns with the ball, or gets up quicker than Ramos because the attempted foul fails, then Liverpool are four vs. two. Just think about that: Scoreless against a team that has scary firepower, that has dominated the first 20 or so minutes, and it’s about to be four vs. two.

Roberto Firmino has drifted off Luka Modric and Casemiro, James Milner is wide right unmarked (surprise, surprise) by Marcelo, and Sadio Mane is being watched by Dani Carvajal, who is accompanied only by Raphael Varane. Is a definite goal on the cards given the distance involved? No, that’s a little too strong. But is it the kind of situation against which Madrid will have coached, video-analysed and, frankly, prayed to avoid? Yes.

So Ramos commits a foul, no question. And he won’t let Salah go, no question. But the aim is to prevent a disastrous situation, not to injure.

Do guys like Ramos accept one less dangerous opponent on the pitch as a bonus for foul play? Yes. Was his action one any hard-nosed, serial winner would have taken? Yes.

If you say no, then you’re either partial or dreadfully lacking information. I’ve been watching them do it all my life, and some of them — just for information — played for Liverpool.

But there was much more either missed, obscured or ignored by the contentious nature of what happened and by the shimmering beauty of Gareth Bale’s first goal.

In comparison to Karius, Keylor Navas’ two terrific opening-minutes saves from Trent Alexander-Arnold? The first brave and athletic, the second so superb through a cluster of legs and bodies.

Left-back Marcelo yet again changing a big Champions League match, this time with a right-footed cross. There are still so many players earning vast sums, particularly in the UK, despite having one good foot and are like flamingos with the other — good for standing. Marcelo is routinely roasted by the under-informed in the UK media, continuously pointed out as only a liability because his defensive GPS long ago broke down. Yet his right-footed cross that Bale described as “at a perfect height” was the penultimate moment in a 20-pass move back and forward across the pitch for Madrid’s all-time great goal.

Twenty passes. Please, let that not be obscured.

Andy Robertson’s outrageous penalty-box block to prevent Ronaldo scoring? It was a tackle for the ages. Athletically constructed, clinically executed and, temporarily, it kept Liverpool with just a glimmer of opportunity. Why has it not been the subject of adoration from everyone who witnessed the game, professionally or as fans?

Because we live in an age where outrage, complaint, vilification and raw emotion too often govern over honest, sang-froid, clinical analysis.

Graham Hunter covers Spain for ESPN FC and Sky Sports. Author of “Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World.” Twitter: @BumperGraham.

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