#save this banksy | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

finelinefae · 13 days

Text

you & I (prince!h)

synopsis: harry is a royal in love with a serving girl

word count: 5.7k

contains: fluff , nothing crazy I don’t think

. . .

Y/N was a simple serving girl. An orphan by the age of twelve after her mother and father died of influenza, she learnt to live alone and did so graciously. She knew that there was no point in arguing with the forces of life and so she spent much of her time doing small jobs in order to buy a small something to eat in the evenings and keep a roof over her head.

"Y/N, where have you been?" Maria looked at her wide eyed with hands on her hips as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

After a long time of searching for a permanent job, Y/N met Maria at a local market in the town centre of the village. She was at her worst, begging for scraps of food or something that would stop her stomach from rumbling for at least a little while. Maria was kind enough to offer her a tangerine and a job at the Duke's mansion where she would be a serving girl for as long as she could.

She didn't earn a lot but it was enough to get by and she even managed to save up enough to buy a little cottage home outside the town where she had her very own vegetable patch and an apple tree in the front garden.

"I'm sorry Maria, I came across a stall at the market and they were selling fresh loaves of bread. I thought it would be perfect to serve for the Duke with his breakfast." She placed the brown bag on the kitchen counter and took out the loaf of bread.

"Y/N my darling," Maria shook her head, she was use to the girls antics and couldn't help but let it slide. Maria was unmarried and couldn't have any children of her own so, in her eyes, Y/N was a gift sent from heaven and she cared for her as a mother would for her own child. "Pequeña soñadora." (Little dreamer) She wiped the dirt from Y/N's cheek and kissed her forehead.

Y/N grinned and grabbed her apron off of the pegs where the other servants would hang up their aprons as well. She sat on the bench close to the back door where she replaced her small, battered, brown pumps with black, lace up shoes which has a small heel to them.

She grabbed the trays of food which would be served to the Duke for his breakfast. "And what mood is the Duke in today Anthony?" Y/N leaned over and smiled, Anthony was the Duke's servant and was always giving updates on how the Duke was acting.

"The usual my sweet," He says, "Make sure you put a few more raspberries on his pancakes, might do the trick in cheering him up." Y/N nods and carries the tray to the dining hall, Ariana and Taylor following behind her.

They two double doors creek loudly as they're opened by the doorman. Y/N curtsies in front of the Duke and Duchess, keeping her head down as she brings them their breakfast. "Your breakfast my Lord." Y/N speaks, clearly.

"Thank you Y/N." The Duke addresses her and awaits for his plate of breakfast to land in front of him. Y/N takes the plate of raspberries and pours a few more onto his pancakes just like Anthony told him too.

Suddenly, the double doors open again and the sound of clicking shoes against the marble flooring catches Y/N's attention. She looks up as she reaches to grab the pot of tea and makes eye contact with a set of piercing, green eyes.

"Good morning father, sorry I'm late." Harry Styles, son of the Duke, a Marquess, enters the room and sits down in his usual spot opposite his mother.

"And what is your excuse this time boy?" The Duke responded, Y/N's body temperature changing from being so close to the Marquess.

"It was a perfect morning for hunting, took Banksy out with me and went out into the forest." Y/N pours tea into the Duke's mug before walking over to Harry, her pulse raising with every step she took.

"Did you catch anything?" The Duke feasted on his breakfast as he spoke, food getting caught in his greying moustache.

As Y/N poured the tea, her heart hammered against her chest when she felt Harry move his hand to brush against hers. She had a steady hand but was close to pouring the hot tea all over him.

She looked down at Harry who was still looking at his father, pretending the interaction didn't happen but she knew exactly what he meant by it.

"Will that be anything more my Lord?" Y/N asks, it was usual protocol.

The Duke says nothing and waves her off, giving her the signal to leave. Y/N leaves the dining room but doesn't hesitate to turn back and glance over at Harry who's already smiling right back at her.

Breakfast was over and Y/N was given a five minute window before she had to help make lunch. She reached for her coat and wrapped it around herself, looking over her shoulder before walking outside through the back door.

Once she had reached her destination, she looked around and was elated to see the head of brown curls walking towards her. His lean, long legs walking hastily knowing she had such a short amount of time to talk.

Without a moments hesitation, he picked her up and spun her around in his arms, a giggle eliciting from her lips. "Oh my beautiful girl." He grins, happiness apparent in his appearance. "How has it been just little under twenty four hours since I last saw you yet I have missed you ever so much?"

Y/N bites her lip, she could already feel her cheeks aching from a want to smile at his words. "I missed you too Harry." She leans forward and pecks his cheek but he shakes his head, leaning into her and placing his lips onto hers.

"I'd die happy, right here with you." He pulls away and looks at her so deeply into her eyes.

Y/N frowns, her mind was always plagued over the fact that her love with Harry was forbidden. She was a mere serving girl in a house that belonged to Harry's father and would soon belong to him.

"What's wrong baby?" Harry rubs his thumb under eye, feeling her skin beneath his touch.

Y/N nuzzles her cheek against his hand, "Do you ever wonder what life would be like outside these walls?" She murmurs, admitting her desires all of a sudden.

"What do you mean?" He looks at her confused.

"Harry you know there is no possibility for us to be together within this kingdom. Your father is a royal and you are too, as much as you hate to admit it," The more she spoke, the more Harry grew frustrated by her words because as much as he detested the true state of their relationship, he also knew it was true. "But out there my love, there is so much for us, so much we can do. I've seen it."

Harry knew of Y/N's past, she had told him once on a night she would never forget. The night they had their first kiss under the stars in the garden that she adored spending so much time in.

"What are you suggesting?" He knew what she was suggesting but he also knew his little love was so full of dreams and it hurt him knowing she had no way of reaching them considering her class.

She felt her lips turn downwards slightly but she tried to smile, her expression bittersweet knowing she was off in one of her daydreams again. "I'm not suggesting anything Harry, it's merely a dream I have. I know your duty lies here with the Duke and you will live out your life in this mansion where you will marry a rich, beautiful woman and have plenty of children who you will pass the name down to. Whilst I, a poor serving girl, will be at your side until my last dying day."

She tried to pull away from him, the words upsetting her no matter how true they were. She felt Harry grip onto her arm softly, not wanting to hurt her but wanting her to stay. "My sweet girl what on Earth are you talking such nonsense for?" He spoke, "You know I've never wanted to be Duke and the only beautiful woman I will marry is you. You and I will have plenty of children which we will pass our name down to and we will be at each others side for eternity, long after death."

Y/N smiled at his words, imagining the life she could have if his words ever came to life, but they couldn't. "Harry-"

"Baby," He interrupted her, "run away with me."

Her lips parted in shock at what he was suggesting. She shook her head in much disbelief.

"You have no idea what you are saying." She speaks as if she wasn't suggesting it a few minutes ago.

"Oh I know exactly what I'm saying," He smiles, cheekily and pulls her into his embrace.

She looks up at him, resting her head on his shoulder as she whispers into his ear, "The life you'll live Harry, it's nothing like it is here. There are no servants waiting on you and serving you three meals a day. We may not know if we'll even get breakfast let alone supper and we'll have to run away from the village. You'll be missing and the Duke will have no one to give his title to, the Styles name ending with him. Think about this."

"My love I have spent many nights thinking about this, I spend all my nights dreaming of a life with you where we don't have to sneak around to be together. We can live somewhere far away where I can touch you," He runs his fingers down her arm and goosebumps arise, "Feel you," He whispers so close into her ear and digs his fingers into her waist and she gasps but doesn't halt his actions, "Worship you." He kisses the spot under her ear.

"You'd give it all up for me?" She wonders, in awe of the man she was falling in love with.

"I'd give up my life for you." His lips brush against hers, moving in closer to get a kiss from her.

"Y/N?" Maria called from the kitchen.

Y/N pulls away from him, knowing her five minutes were up and she had no choice but to go back and help the other servants. "Your leaving already?" Harry sighs, holding onto her hand so tightly she couldn't let go.

"Lunch is soon to come around so I have to help out in the kitchen." She wished she had more time to spend with him. "Are you still coming over tonight?" She had been excited about tonight considering she and Harry had been planning it for the last two weeks. He was planning on coming to her cottage since the Duke was leaving after lunch for formal duties at the crown court. He wouldn't be back until the morning which gave Harry much opportunity to sneak away and visit her in her little cottage.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world baby." He kisses her passionately before she can leave.

"I love you Harry." She whispers.

"I love you more and don't forget about what I said." He calls after her as she runs back to the kitchens.

She walks in through the back door in a daze, holding her hands to her heart and looking up at the ceiling. Being with Harry always felt like a dream.

She could feel someones eyes on her and looked forward to see Maria glaring at her. She shook her head after they made eye contact, "Estas entrando en aguas peligrosas pequeña soñadora." (You’re entering dangerous waters, little dreamer)

Y/N bit her lip and brushed her off. She knew what she was doing by being with Harry but she wouldn't give him up. She had done that far too much throughout her life and she wanted to be selfish just this once.

Lunch came about quicker than expected and the kitchen was already starting to get hectic as the servants plated up the food for each member of the family. Y/N was preparing the wine which she was going to serve and listened as Maria spoke to the other servants.

Anthony came in to alert everybody that the family were already waiting for their food and everyone picked up the trays of food. Y/N smiled, feeling giddy about seeing Harry after the conversation they had this morning.

The doors opened and she could already see him sat in his usual seat beside his father and opposite his mother. Y/N realised they had caught them mid conversation, her ears perking up to hear what they were talking about.

"Harry, are you prepared for the ball this Saturday night?" The duchess asked, a smile overcoming her features.

"In all honesty mother, it's barely crossed my mind." Harry sighs, his eyes glued to Y/N as she pours the wine in the duchess' glass.

"Well I've had Gerald go to the town to buy your garments. We need to looking spectacular since it's the perfect opportunity to find you a bride."

A loud thud catches the family's attention, their eyes diverting to Y/N who's picking up the jug of wine she had dropped on the floor. "I'm so s-sorry My Lord and Lady." She curtsies, apologising to them profusely.

"It's perfectly alright dear." The duchess places a hand on her to calm her down.

She ignored Harry's eyes on her as she got back to serving the wine. "I've already told you mother, I will do no such thing as finding a bride." He speaks.

"Nonsense Harry," It was the Duke's turn to speak, "We all agreed you would find a bride before the sixth month which is vastly approaching."

Y/N could feel her heart slowly breaking, Harry had never mentioned any of this to her. The sixth month was only a month away which meant they had little to no time in finding a bride.

"You cannot force me to marry father." You could hear the tension in Harry's voice as he tried to control his anger.

The Duke scoffs, "I think you'll find that I can because I am your father and above that the Duke. You are a Marquees Harry, you will be taking my title and carrying on the bloodline so, yes, I can force you to marry."

The servants were trying to go about their business knowing of the rise in tension in the room but Y/N couldn't ignore what was going on. Harry was going to find a bride and he didn't tell her of the short amount of time he had to find one.

"You and mother have always said to marry for love - I cannot force myself to fall in love with somebody." The Duke ignores Harry's words so he looks to his mother for help but she shakes her head, trying to stop him from angering the Duke even further.

Harry looks over at Y/N again, he knew she was hearing every word the family was saying and his heart felt heavy when he noticed the glassy look in her eyes as she kept her head down to avoid him.

Unable to control his rage, he hits his closed fist against the table, the entire thing shaking and startling everyone around him. "I have done so much for both of you, taken part in every duty you have signed me up to when you both know I'd rather die than keep my title. The least you could do is accommodate my one desire of refusing to marry someone I do not love." He spits, eyes filled with fury at both his parents.

The room is filled with an eerie silence with nothing but Harry's heavy breathing as the servants stand away from the table to one side, keeping their heads down.

Finally the Duke looks up at Harry, "You will be at the ball this Saturday night boy." Harry doesn't bother staying to hear the rest, he stands up and storms out of the room. The Duchess turns to the servants and apologises in a flustered state at the actions of her son.

Lunch was over before it had even begun and the servants had no choice but to clear up the plates which were still loaded with uneaten food. "Unbelievable." Ariana muttered under her breath, it was never fun when they had slaved away in the kitchen only for their food to go un-eaten.

Y/N was too far in her own head to respond, trying to mentally heal the heartbreak she was feeling after the whole ordeal at lunch. She carried the cups away with her and left the room to deliver them to the kitchen.

As she was about to turn the corner, she felt a tug on the end of her dress and was startled to see Harry, sympathy in his eyes. She could tell by the look on his face that he wanted her to follow him and, as much as she tried to fight herself, she followed him.

Harry pulled her into a vacant room that wasn't often used regularly. Y/N stood with her arms crossed waiting for him to talk. He paced back and forth and Y/N made no effort to calm him down even though she could see the torment across his features.

He finally looks at her, "Can I kiss you please?"

Y/N doesn't get the chance to say anything before he walks over and cups her face in his hands, kissing her lips. Y/N melted into him like she did every time. No matter what was going on between them, he never failed to make her feel so wanted and that was something she never often felt growing up.

But she couldn't deny the incessant reminder in her head that even though she was wanted now by him, she may not be in the future. After Saturday night he could make someone feel the exact same way and she refused to put herself in a situation like that.

"Harry," She pulled away, "Don't come over tonight." She hadn't even realised she had started crying until she wiped away a stray tear from her face.

She forced herself out of his embrace and turned away from him. She could hear him calling her name from behind. However, she knew Harry was stubborn so she had no choice but to be the one to walk away.

It was for the best. They had both always known that their relationship was doomed from the very beginning and now was the time to accept that.

Y/N walked home in the dark after a hard day at work. She carried a whicker basket with a loaf of bread inside that Maria had kindly sneaked her after supper was served in the evening. Considering the day she had, she was glad to have a little something to look forward to.

At the sight of her tiny cottage, her shoulders relaxed. She was so happy to finally be at home and away from everywhere else where she had time to think to herself. She immediately walked to the kitchen to heat up the loaf of bread and prepare a vegetable broth to have for dinner.

As she was about to add in her chopped carrots, a knock sounded at the door. Her eyebrows furrowed when she tries to this of who could be here at this time of day. She walked to the front door and held her ear to it in hopes it would give her an idea of who was there but it was impossible to make out any sound.

"Y/N it's me." Her breath caught in her throat when he spoke, her mind dividing her opinion of whether or not to open it for him. "I just want to talk to you, I-I want to explain everything and I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier but you have to believe me when I tell you all of this is what my father wanted... All I want is you."

Y/N was holding onto the door knob as she listened to him speak until one choice outweighed the other and she opened the door to reveal a sad looking Harry. He was a disheveled mess, his hair all over the place like he'd been running his fingers through it over and over in frustration.

Despite the flash of guilt that came to her, she stood her ground, crossing her arms and glaring at him. Harry couldn't help but grin as she tried her best to look angry, he knew she wouldn't hurt a fly. "You're so cute." He says, not caring how angry she was. He was always going to compliment her no matter what mood she was in.

"Did you follow me?" Y/N wondered, he had never been to her home before which was why tonight was so exciting for them.

"Maybe or maybe I asked Maria." He shrugged. "Can I please come in?"

Y/N wanted to keep him outside so he wouldn't think she'd forgive him so easily for not telling her about the deal Harry had with his parents but she was cold and tired and her soup was still on the stove. So, she moved to the side and allowed him entry.

Harry's face softened and he thanked her as he passed by. Y/N released a sigh and lead the way to the kitchen where she walked to the stove and went back to making her soup. "Your home is perfect, exactly how I thought it would be." Harry speaks, admiring the simplicity and cosiness of the home, wishing he had something remotely similar.

"Exactly how you thought it would be?" She wonders, smiling to herself since her back was to him.

"Mhm," He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, she couldn't help but sink into him. "Soft and pink." He murmured, "I'm sorry Y/N. I know I should have told you about the whole thing with my mother and father but I never thought it mattered when my plan has always been to run away with you."

Y/N turned around in his embrace and looked at him confused, "What are you talking about?"

"Baby, since the day I met you you had me wrapped around this tiny little finger," He held up Y/N's hand and pressed a kiss to her fingertips before placing it to his cheek so he could feel her soft skin, "I've always had dreams of running away with you, living a life of simplicity with just the two of us and maybe a few little ones too." He placed his hand on her belly and butterflies swarmed under his touch.

"You're crazy, you heard what your father said Harry. Maria likes to call me a little dreamer but she has yet to meet you," She pushed him away and turned back around to take the soup off of the stove.

"Why do you act like this isn't something you dream of as well." Harry was starting to get annoyed with people telling him that what he desired wasn't achievable.

"Of course I have dreamt of running away with you many times and-"

"The let's do it," He steps in front of her, picking up both of her hands in his, "Let's leave this place and be together."

She could see the true desperation in his eyes and she wanted nothing more than to say yes, "W-we can't."

Harry stepped away, "Why? Why can't we?"

Y/N looked at him and felt the flood gates fall open, tears running down her cheeks, "Because I am in love with you Harry." She confesses, having never confessed it before, "I am so in love with you my heart could burst and it's that exact reason I have no choice but to give you what's best. Maybe in another life, where class wasn't important and being poor was no longer a cause of death, we could be together but I love you so much and I want nothing more than for you to have everything you need."

Harry was speechless. "Y/N," He reached for her, pulling her into his chest as she cried. He touched her so delicately, looking into her eyes and seeing the love and heartbreak twirling around together in an achingly beautiful dance. "I love you too."

She sobbed even harder and kissed him on the lips, "Thank you for loving me so strongly my love but you have to understand, I don't want to be the next Duke. Not because of you or anyone else, it's a feeling I've had for as long as I can remember. My whole life I've been told what to do by my father and mother but you were the only person who saw me as something other than a Marquees. You've been the only thing I've needed to know I need to take control over my own life and so I need you to run away with me. Please, Y/N."

Y/N had been fighting hard for so long, knowing what was best for him and knowing how many problems this would cause if she were to say yes. She was tossing between her mind and heart but her heart was always going to win, it always did. "When?" She whispers.

Harry exhaled, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. He kissed her so fiercely, harder than he had ever done before. They were finally going to get what they had both dreamt of, "Tonight. I've already told Maria and she's asked her husband to get us as far away from here as possible."

"You spoke to Maria about this?" Y/N was surprised Maria knew this was happening and even more surprised she was willing to give them money for their escape.

"It was the only way for me to know where you lived." Harry confessed. "You'll have to leave all this behind but we'll find a home and make it ours."

Y/N's heart warms. The soup was long forgotten about now as she ran about packing a small bag of her most valuable possessions to take with her.

Harry nodded in reassurance at her and lead her outside where he already had a horse waiting for them. It would be their main source of transport until they could got to the harbour where a boat would be waiting to take them away.

"Are you sure of this Harry?" She wanted to double check before they carried out the life changing decision.

"I've never been so sure of anything in my life." Harry says and helps her onto the horse. She glances back at her cottage. It was bittersweet leaving it behind, it was the first home she purchased in her whole twenty three years of living after being homeless but now she was going to be living somewhere new with Harry and money wasn't something she had to worry about for the time being considering Harry had bought a few valuables of his own for them to sell in order to start their new life.

They reached the harbour just as the sun was starting to rise. Y/N jumped off the horse and ran over to Maria who was arguing with her husband over something to do with the safety of the boat. Maria opened her arms when she noticed Y/N running towards her, "mi pequeño soñador." Maria teared up, "Be safe my love and don't forget to write to me."

Y/N nodded, crying with Maria who had been the only person before Harry who had always been there for her. Maria's husband was going to be taking them to the next border so they would be far enough to find somewhere to hide away.

"Baby," Harry reached out for Y/N's hand as he stood on the boat waiting for her.

"Thank you Maria for everything." Y/N cried and took Harry's hand, glancing back at Maria.

She waved to her as the boat began to sail away. She was sat in-between Harry's legs with her back against his chest, "I love you." He whispered, kissing her cheek.

"I love you too." Y/N responded, looking out at the sunrise feeling excited for her bran new life.

. . .

Four Years Later.

The sun shone through the window as it began to rise. Y/N felt the warmth from the sun rays hit her bare back as she lay in bed in the softest, white sheets. Harry ran a finger up and down her spine as he watched her sleep.

He pressed his lips to her bare shoulder and up her neck, "Are you hungry sweet girl?" He whispered.

Y/N smiled and nodded her head, slowly opening her eyes and meeting his green ones. Before Y/N had the chance to reply, the door to their bedroom creaked open and in waddled a their little baby.

"Mmmmaama!" Marie squealed, wearing nothing but a pullover around her waist. She was three years old but looked a year younger, she was born pre-mature and since Y/N was already quite small, Marie was tiny.

Harry's head fell onto Y/N's bare chest as he let out a groan, wanting time with his beautiful wife which was very rare considering they had a very clingy toddler.

"Dada no!" Marie tried to crawl onto the bed, clinging onto the blankets in a tight fist to try and pull herself onto the bed.

"C'mere Ri Ri," Harry chuckled, picking her up and placing her between Harry and Y/N.

"Maaamaaa!" Marie squealed and reached for her mother.

"Good morning little dove." Y/N kissed her chubby cheeks.

Harry smiled, he loved watching his girls interact together. "Hey Ri Ri, wanna come with dada to pick some fruit from the garden?"

Marie squealed, not really understanding what her father had said but agreed with him anyway. "Let's go cherry, let mama get dressed." He kissed Y/N on the forehead before grabbing the baby.

This was their life now.

They had ran away together four years ago and it was the best decision either of them could have made. For a while, both Y/N and Harry struggled to make a life for themselves. They were staying in a small hut as Harry went to work on a farm whilst Y/N worked at a local food shop.

They were so close to giving up in that moment but Harry was prepared to keep his promise of the life they both desired. They ended up travelling further down south after saving up enough money to buy a permeant place to live where they found a small cottage.

After a while, Harry had found a job on a job which gave him enough money to get by. Y/N also had a small job working three days a week at a hat shop but a year later she fell pregnant with Marie so for now she was only working twice a week.

There was no word on what happened to the Duke after Harry's disappearance. Both Y/N and Harry tried their best to avoid any talk of the Duke and Duchess but it didn't stop them from hearing rumours in their local town.

Y/N got dressed into one of her favourite dresses Harry had bought her for her birthday two years ago. She put on her boots to go outside where she saw Harry, wearing nothing but black trousers and boots as he held Marie who was now dressed into something besides her pullover.

She walked over to them and pressed her hand to Harry's bare back, catching his attention. Marie was picking apples off of the apple tree that had even planted in their back garden before they had bought the house.

Marie held up the apple to Harry, "That looks perfect Ri Ri," She giggled and put the apple in the brown basket.

"Marie decided we were going to have pancakes with fruit for breakfast." Harry updated Y/N.

"Oh that sounds wonderful." Y/N kissed Marie and then stood on her tiptoes to kiss Harry.

"You look beautiful." Harry says, his compliments never failing to make her blush. "Can we have another baby?"

Y/N laughed but he was completely serious about it, "Harry-"

"Let me put a baby in you." He pouted, "It'll be fun!"

"Fifteen minutes for nine months of pain? Sounds like fun to me," Her pregnancy with Marie was really difficult and swore her off having kids for the rest of her life.

“You know it’s a lot longer than fifteen minutes thank you very much.” He pinches her sides, "I won't force you because I know it's your body, m’love but just know whenever your ready I'll be right here to fulfil your wishes." He smirked and Y/N nudged him.

"Mamaa look!" Marie held out her chubby hand that was full of raspberries.

"Wow dove! Can mama try one?" She crouched down and opened her mouth for Marie to place a raspberry. "Delicious." She hummed and Marie giggled.

Y/N stood up and looked to Harry, "Maybe we can have another baby."

Harry grins, "I'll call Estella." He says, referring to Marie's babysitter.

He wraps one arm around Y/N's waist as they both stand and watch Marie picking berries in the home they dreamt of having together. He kissed her forehead, "I'm glad you ran away with me." He speaks softly into her ear, happy with the life he finally got to choose.

#fic rec #harry styles fic rec #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles #harry styles blurb #harry styles x reader #harry styles imagines #harry styles fanfic #harry styles imagine #harry styles blog #harry styles one shot #harry styles fic #harry edward styles #one direction #harry styles x y/n #harry styles x you #harry styles writing #fanfiction #writing

652 notes · View notes

dreamgirledward · 2 years

Text

monkey queen, banksy, 2005 / 'god save the queen', the sex pistols, 1977 / les miserables, victor hugo / 'parasite' graffiti in kent, england / ben paterson on twitter / liz truss, 1994 / christopher eccleston on instagram (now deleted) / felipe torres medina on twitter / we serve neither king nor kaiser, but ireland!, keogh brothers, 1914 / british commonwealth countries / the queen visiting tuvalu, 1982 / karen attiah, twp / uji anya on twitter (now reported) / jason farrell, sky news / bobby vylan, npr / darshna soni on twitter, and thread / black mountain, belfast, ireland / various, twitter / sisters nerissa bowes-lyon and katherine bowes-lyon / itv news / les miserables, victor hugo

3K notes · View notes

topcat77 · 1 year

Photo

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Banksy

#banksy #queen elizabeth ii #queen #freddy mercury

301 notes · View notes

sybilius · 4 months

Text

Old Internet Fridays #15: Smog Collectors - Kim Abeles

Smog Collectors - Kim Abeles

What’s this?

What's this website?

A summary of a series of works from 1987-2019 (maybe even later), by artist Kim Abeles. The title of the series "Smog Collectors" comes from the fact they are built of city smog. Objects are left out with stencils over them for months or more, slowly building up particulates into the ghostly images.

Kim Abeles is an interdisciplinary artist and professor based out of Los Angeles.

Okay, how did you find it?

I fancied reading a bit about lace this time around, actually. First I stuck "history of lace" and "history of lace neocities" into DuckDuckGo, and then it occurred to me that the edits page for wikipedia on "Lace" might be a ripe place to find academics who have a deeper interest on the subject. Kim Abeles is User Jeneleee on Wikipedia, and her user page brought me to this excellent portfolio site.

How’s it doing on Internet Archive?

Pretty good! I don't think it's changed too much from the March 19th save either!

What delighted you about it?

I mean, my god, the concept is just so vivid, right? Although the article leads with the political commentary by hearkening back to US presidents championing moves to industrial pollution, I personally find the smaller stuff way more impactful. The baby basket I took a snip of above. This ghostly, Banksy-esque image:

It all gives you a bit of a shiver, yeah? That's our air. Eugh.

#old internet fridays #art #kim abeles #smog

26 notes · View notes

desertsongpdf · 1 year

Text

VIDEO ESSAYS (part ??? 2/2) [parts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 3.5 / 4 / 5 / 6], *=personal fav

why are batman movies afraid of robin?

a world of gothic horror: the problem with modern batman stories

batman and robin: when the abyss stares back

how the mandalorian solved hollywood's helmet problem

andor: anti-fascist art

the craft behind succession

how succession crafted the best episode of the year

destroying the old lie: what makes a film truly anti-war

why gods and generals is neo-confederate propaganda (and objectively sucks)

the green knight: the uncanny horror of masculinity*

tenet: nolan has an exposition problem

chicken little is neoliberal propaganda

oops! disney's cars did eugenics*

tim burton's alice in wonderland was a mistake

alice in wonderland's not good sequel

the decline of tim burton*

sherlock is garbage, and here's why*

the kingsman franchise could've been great*

the tom cruise paradox

the autistic horror of don't hug me i'm scared (s1)

the art of overanalyzing movies

james cameron's avatar: dances with white saviours

dont look up - a problematic metaphor for climate change?

dont worry darling: an enigmatic mess

why don't worry darling doesn't work …

3 interpretations of summer

ferb fletcher and the power of stoicism

why 'literally me' characters are so important

analyzing evil: lou bloom from nightcrawler

fight club: a warning for weak men

the time disney remade beauty and the beast

how i wrote fight club

how did they make this?

the revisionist world of disney: mary poppins, walt disney and saving mr. banks

what makes terence fletcher one of the most terrifying villains in film history

sustaining stupidity: cinemasins is terrible

dahmer (2022) should not exist

marvel's defenders of the status quo

the rise and fall of disney's weirdest sitcom

loki, the mcu, and narcissism

why cosmic horror is hard to make

the conspiracy theory iceberg*

pewdiepie is a nazi

jake tran's rise and ...

nft's are legally problematic

why are nft’s so ugly

the most hated artist you probably recognize

who's afraid of modern art: vandalism, video games, and fascism

the nightmare artist

alexander cabanel: fallen angel and academicism

the canvas of babel

ivan the terrible and his son ivan*

the death of graphics in fashion

'degenerate art' in nazi germany

banksy, kurt cobain, and the paradox that claimed them

money killed art. here's how we take it back

7 deadly art sins

everything is television

the manipulative power of design

the hidden histories of queer art

#video essays

206 notes · View notes

x0x0josephinex0x0 · 6 months

Text

Stars & Butterflies

Summary: Minghao, an art student, has a secret identity, and you’re the only one who knows.

Content: fluff, friends to lovers, college au

I don’t think there’s any warnings needed for this one!

At the shrill sound of a whistle, the kudo athletes spring into motion. You wince as their helmets collide, imagining the sensation. After a few seconds and another whistle, the team relaxes once more, and gather around their head coach. You can’t hear what he says, but a few moments later the team shouts an unintelligible syllable and breaks apart.

You stand up, gathering your things from your seat on the bleachers. Spotting number 8 making his lone way across the field toward you, you skip down the stairs and wait by the fence. “How do you do that?” you ask Minghao as he pulls his helmet off, shaking his shaggy hair and grinning. Even right after a hard practice, he’s infuriatingly beautiful with his half-up man-bun and his caramel skin that shines with sweat.

“It’s easy,” he says, brushing the back of his hand against his forehead. “You get used to it after years of practice.”

“Well, speaking of practice,” you say, “do I finally get to see your magnum opus today?”

He gives a shy grin. “No,” he admits. “She’s not finished yet.”

You are one of the few people who knows the identity of TikTok famous “MoonMuse”, a talented artist who built an almost Banksy-like cult following through mysterious social media posts of beautifully framed art. He’d been commissioned by celebrities, politicians, millionaires and other personalities for his incredible gift with oil paint, harking back to impressionists like Van Gogh and Monet in his style.

It is, in fact, this tall, muscular young college kudo champion standing before you who is behind these art pieces. You only found out because you, a photography student with a penchant for procrastination, fell asleep in the lab, and when you woke up, you had to exit through the painting studio. He had been there at 2:30 in the morning, working on a piece, and you had instantly recognized his style.

He had gone on to explain to you how only you and one of the art professors knew the face of MoonMuse, and begged you to keep his secret. Something in his eyes — the passion, the desperation maybe — had convinced you to agree. Plus, there was nothing to gain from exposing him. It would just be mean. Then, you had asked him if you could watch.

“I can’t paint to save my life,” you had told him, “so there’s no way I could copy you.”

He gave you a half smile before nodding at the chair next to his. Turning back to the canvas, he began adding strokes to a magnificent flowered garden scene.

You had stayed there almost all night. Watching Minghao work had moved you — it was both soothing to watch and inspiring to witness the care he took with even the smallest details of the painting. Through his eyes, the world looked more colorful, more romantic, more beautiful than it really was. You found yourself wanting to live in the world he saw.

Minghao had insisted on walking you home, because you lived across campus and there was a particularly dark and dangerous street you’d needed to cross to get back to your apartment. The walk back had been full of awestruck questions from you. He seemed flattered by the attention, even remarking that since he never saw his clients in person, he never got to witness their reactions to his work.

“So why do you do it?” You’d asked, thinking about the way artistic work often relies on validation. “If not to make them happy, why paint at all?”

He looked at you, then, and laughed. “I don’t ever paint for anyone else. I paint to keep myself sane.”

This struck you as odd. It lingered with you as you worked on your own art, so much that you found yourself waiting for him every night at the painting studio. Most nights he never showed. Finally, though, he had. And, surprisingly, he seemed genuinely excited that you had met again.

This had been the night you had asked him about why he needed to paint to stay sane. Between strokes of his brush, he told you about how he had a painful tendency to give too much of himself. He rarely got to feel or process his own feelings, especially hard or negative ones. That was where painting came in. “When I paint, I get to make these painful things into something that I can look at. I get to make it beautiful so I can process it.”

He had laughed when he’d caught the expression on your face — in awe was probably the best way to put it. “I’m sorry,” You had stuttered, blushing.

“It’s okay,” he had reassured. “I…actually really enjoy how amazed you get about things like this.”

He bumped you with his shoulder comfortingly. You had looked up at him, and his gentle, open, happy smile had actually reached his eyes for the first time.

He’d walked you back again, and this had become your ritual. At the entrance to your apartment building, he’d stopped you with a gentle hand on your arm before you walked away. He’d asked for your phone number.

He’d texted you right as you’d arrived home — just to say goodnight, but also to tell you he wouldn’t be in the studio again til Friday. You had smiled at the butterfly emoji he’d used to close the text. Appropriate — since there were a flock of them in your stomach.

Today marked your 100th meeting. You’d fallen in love with him somewhere around the 33rd — you had invited him to come with you while you practiced astral photography. He had watched you set up your tripod and camera and asked a couple quiet questions, looking absolutely huggable in his puffy coat and beanie at the top of a rugged mountain. The light finally faded, and Minghao had turned his face toward the sky. “Whoa,” he’d whispered.

The sky was full of tiny pinpricks of light, never visible from the city, but here in this mountainous landscape they were clear. It was why you came here -- and part of why you'd invited him. For a moment, he stared, entirely dumbfounded.

Then he looked at you, and you had been shocked to see his eyes filled with tears.

"I've never seen stars like this before," he said, his voice almost reverent. "I couldn't have even imagined that they existed."

You watched as a tear slid down his cheek and fought back an urge to cup his face in your hands. A telltale burn behind your eyes alerted you that you might join him in crying, and you quickly hid your face behind your camera. But he looked back up at the sky, wearing the most peaceful and contented smile you'd ever seen in your life. It was hard not to stare at him. It was hard not to want to protect him from everything bad in the world. And it turned out that it was absolutely impossible not to be in love with him.

On the way back down the mountain, after the moon had risen and ruined any chance for pictures, he'd asked if he could come watch while you developed the photos. Surprised, you had told him that of course he could. There in the dark room, he told you about his life. He told you about leaving his family in China and coming to school to study art on a kudo scholarship. He told you about the bitter homesickness he felt, about how sometimes he felt so anxious about his choice that he couldn't sleep. He told you how desperately afraid he was to reveal himself to the world -- how much his peace meant to him, and how difficult it would be if he lost it.

At this, you felt your eyebrows raise. He noticed. "What?" he asked, a hint of teasing in his tone. "Am I getting a bit too moody for you?"

"No, it's not that," you reassured him. "I get feeling anxious about something that important." Then, choosing your words carefully, you said, "It's just that I don't get that last part. I don't know if you can lose peace."

Now he was the one looking at you with raised eyebrows. "Why do you say that?"

"Because," you said, looking at your hands, "peace is internal. It doesn't come from anyone but you." You forced yourself to look into his eyes. "Why aren't you at peace with yourself?" you had asked him, quietly.

"I don't know," he'd replied.

You had walked home that night in complete silence together. You had worried he was mad at you -- so worried that you turned to face him before you went inside. "Minghao, I --"

But he had stopped your apology by bringing you into a big hug. He smelled like clean laundry and the pine woods you'd left only a few hours earlier. "Don't you dare," he said with a laugh in his voice. "I'm just thinking about what you said. I'm not upset." He seemed a little quiet the next few days, but then he got better.

Indeed, today he seemed to smile much easier than he had when you'd first met him. Right now, with the fresh springtime air on his skin as you walked to his apartment next to the painting studio, he almost had a spring in his step. "You're chipper," you say to him, laughing as he grins widely at you.

"I am," he replies, opening the apartment door for you. "I'll shower and then I have something to give you."

You nod, pulling out your laptop and working on some homework while he gets cleaned off. He comes out from the bathroom looking a little flushed, his hair still wet, and you can hardly take your eyes off him. He smiles at you, patting the side of his hair with a towel. "It's at the studio," he says.

He grabs your hand, whirling you around and pulling you down the stairs to the studio. Placing both hands over your eyes, he guides you through the studio until you come to a stop. Then he lifts his hands from your eyes, placing them instead on your shoulders.

You stare at a medium-sized canvas on which he's painted the most stunningly beautiful picture you've ever seen. It's a mountaintop at night, the stars enchantingly close and vibrantly colored in shades of orange and yellow, beaming down at two small shadowy figures who seem to be gazing up at them in awe. The painting is full of priceless wonder and joy. "This...is amazing," you say, trying not to choke up.

"It's that night," he says, watching your face eagerly, almost hungrily, to discern how you're feeling. "You remember?"

"Of course," you say, nodding. You let out a big gust of air. "I honestly can't understand how you plan on topping this. This isn't your magnum opus?"

He looks at the ground shyly. "Honestly, this is a kid's crayon drawing compared to that one."

Your jaw drops. "I'm not trying to doubt your skill," you say, "but I can't imagine anything more beautiful than this." You approach the painting, almost wanting to touch it, but thinking better of it.

"I can," he says quietly behind you. You look over your shoulder to see him beaming at you. "You can touch it," he adds. "It's yours."

"Mine?" you gasp. "Minghao, I can't. I mean, this should be in an art museum."

"Crazy how it's gonna hang in your house, huh?" he says stubbornly. "Seriously, it's yours."

"What if someone asks where I got it from?"

"Tell the truth," he says. "MoonMuse."

"Then they'll know I know who you are."

He shrugs. "That's okay with me."

You grow desperate. "This is seriously too much. I wish I had somewhere beautiful to put this up, but I don't! It deserves to be seen."

"It will be seen by the eyes that matter," he insists. You blush, but then a noise at the door makes you jump.

"Hey," says a girl at the door. "What is that?"

"A painting," Minghao says tersely. "Who are you?"

But she ignores him. "Whoa," she says, pushing past you to stand right in front of the painting. You wince as she touches it with a greasy finger. "I heard MoonMuse goes to school here, but I never thought..."

"How did you hear that?" you ask, your voice sharp.

She pulls out her phone and shows you a video. It's a sneakily filmed video of Minghao painting. You are sitting in the corner watching in the video, and he says something that makes you laugh. You suddenly feel dizzy as the video cuts to a headline about MoonMuse's identity being revealed. The video says that the person filming realized it was Minghao after he saw what he was painting in his room.

The room painting flashes onto the screen, and you cover your mouth with your hands.

It's a poor-quality image of what looks like a masterpiece. The painting looks familiar. The hair, the eyes, even the nose...

It's you.

Given Minghao's impressionistic style, it's more colorful and more beautiful than you, but it's unmistakeable. He perfectly captured you caught in a laugh, with your hair blowing off your shoulder. You look at him, and he's staring at you with his mouth open in horror.

Unable to bear it, you run out of the studio, into the golden sunset, as tears sting your eyes. You haven't made it four steps before you hear him calling your name.

You whirl around to see Minghao following you. "Why did you run away?" he asks you.

"They found out," you say, panicked, as a tear splashes onto your cheek. "I'm so sorry -- I think it's my fault, Minghao."

He actually takes a step forward to brush the tear off your face. "I mean, it was kind of inevitable. I had to come forward at some point, right?" He keeps his hand on your face. "But I need to ask you something."

"What?" you ask, looking up at him.

He puts his other hand on your other cheek, cradling your face in his hands. "What did you think of the painting?" he says, looking into your eyes with an intensity that makes your stomach turn over.

You suddenly remember. "Oh," you say, and blush.

He swallows hard before continuing. "I painted my whole heart into that painting. That picture really didn't do it justice, and it really isn't finished, and I'm not thrilled that you saw it before I really figured out what to say to you."

"It was beautiful," you tell him honestly. "More beautiful than I deserve, honestly."

He tsks in disapproval. "It's you," he insists. “It’s exactly what I see when I see you.”

You are speechless. He laughs a little at your expression before continuing. “That day on the mountain, and after in the dark room, I saw that you had been healing something you didn’t hurt. I don’t remember ever feeling this cared for, and that means a lot to me.” He pulls you in so your noses are almost touching. “Please stay with me.”

You feel yourself trembling at the closeness of him - surprised that although you’ve spent a stupid amount of time daydreaming about having him hold you like this, it still feels so new and crazy and wonderful. You nod. “Okay.”

He smiles - brilliant, blinding. You can no longer resist reaching for him — feeling the warmth of his cheek against your fingers, brushing his soft hair from his temple, just like you’d imagined but better, and Minghao spins you around in giddy joy.

He sets you down, your faces still close together. You both look at each other with huge smiles, and he uses a finger to tilt your chin up. His eyes drop to your lips and then back to your eyes — a question.

You answer without speaking, just smiling into his eyes. He moves in, slowly, giving a brief but impossibly sweet kiss. His arms tighten around your waist as the kiss deepens. You feel a knot of tension in your chest dissolve, and you melt into him, kissing him back with gusto. Throwing your arms around his neck, you let him kiss you into oblivion.

It seems like several days before you finally stop, standing with foreheads together, breathing each other in. “I love you,” he whispers.

“I love you back,” you whisper in return.

#minghao #seventeen #minghao x reader #minghao comfort #minghao fluff #svt x reader #svt fluff #svt imagines #minghao scenarios

32 notes · View notes

famousfor15 · 1 year

Text

Ikea Punk by Banksy

#uk #ikea punk #banksy #god save the queen #god save the king #streetart #street art #graffiti #tag #United kingdom

1 note · View note

takingpicsnotcredit · 5 months

Text

I must not copy what I see on the Simpsons. A Banksy mural that was behind a fence in a restaurant. Seems that this one was being vandalized and this restaurant owner saved it by putting behind a fence. This one doesn’t show up on the Canvas app at all. The Havana Outpost is the name of the restaurant if you find yourself in the neighborhood.

#takinpicsnotcredit #graffiti #streetart #french quarter #new orleans #havanaoutpost

23 notes · View notes

misshoneyimhome · 8 months

Text

Chapter 2 -

Prologue I 01 I 02 I 03 I 04 I 05 I 06 I 07 I 08 I 09 I 10 I 11 I 12 I 13 I 14.I I 14.II

Summary; JJ experiences her very first NHL game, and she get’s to spend a little alone time with Willy;

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, “We never go out of style”

Warnings; dog cuteness, probably language;

A/N; introducing new (slightly main) characters: Pablo and Banksy Nylander; personally, I enjoy this chapter way more than the previous one; 😉

Words; 3K+

“You ain’t nothing but a hound dog”

October, Thursday 13th – WSH 2 @ TOR 3

It was Thursday night, and it was hockey night - but not just any hockey night, it was this season's first home game.

And Charlie had managed to secure VIP tickets for her and Julia with a little help from Mitch, which had Julia excited beyond measure.

The game was an absolute thrill, with the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Washington Capitals and emerging victorious with a 3-2 score. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, and Julia found herself fully immersed in the excitement. Cheering alongside passionate fans, she couldn't help but be captivated by the fast-paced action on the ice and the players' incredible skills and determination.

Charlie's joy was infectious, and the two friends celebrated each goal and crucial save with high-fives and hugs. The game kept them on the edge of their seats, with both teams giving their all to secure the win.

Julia was used to watching football at stadiums, which was much alike, but the speed of the hockey game increased the level of excitement.

As the final minutes ticked away, the Maple Leafs held onto their lead. The experience of witnessing an NHL game live, the spectacular plays, and together with Charlie made it an unforgettable night.

After the game, Charlie and Julia made their way to the players' area to greet the team and congratulate them on their victory. They had a chance to hang out with some of the players' friends and family members, including Stephanie and other partners like Tessa, Mo's fiancée, and Aryne, John Tavares' wife.

“Hey,” Mitch almost shouted as the guys started to come out of the locker room. He came over to Steph and kissed her before turning to Charlie and Julia. “How did you like the game?” he asked, all excited from the win. Both Charlie and Julia exclaimed that it was incredible and pointed out the team's fantastic performance.

Auston and Mo joined the group, and a few minutes later, William came over as well after finishing an interview.

“You guys were amazing.” Charlie added, and the guys just chuckled and thanked the girls for their praise.

“So, JJ, how did you like your first NHL game?” Auston asked her.

“Well, it might have been my first, but it definitely won't be my last,” she said with a grin, and the guys laughed in response, clearly pleased.

The group chatted for a bit about the game. Julia couldn't help but notice Auston glancing at Charlie a few times, which made her smile. She knew that Charlie fancied him as well. They had spent an hour just talking on the night of her birthday party, and they'd shared their social media accounts, where Snapchat was frequently used.

But Julia was cut off from her train of thoughts by William.

“Happy birthday, by the way - did you have a good time tonight?” He asked, smirking, and she nodded, offering him a friendly smile.

“Thanks, but my birthday was like 5 days ago,” she chuckled.

“Yeah, I know, but I didn't really have the chance to tell you then,” William joked playfully, which made Julia laugh as well.

“But yes, I've had a good time tonight,” she said, and they shared a moment smiling at each other. Julia couldn't help but stare into his blue eyes. It was like they were glowing - probably from the post-game sweating and showering. “You were great,” she said softly, “I guess you're not just all smiles and charm then,” she chuckled, and he nodded with a grin.

“Don't get fooled by this pretty face, I'm so much more,” William smirked.

“Having a wonderful smile and talent on the ice can certainly take you a long way, no doubt,” she laughed and gave him a wink, which made him laugh as well.

“I guess I don't need anything else, right,” he bantered along, and they shared a moment of amusement.

As the conversations slowly died out, the group split, and the guys finished getting ready while Charlie and Julia left the arena.

It had been a remarkable night, filled with hockey excitement, celebration, and newfound friendships. Julia couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift and introduction to the spirit of Toronto, and she knew that this hockey adventure was just the beginning of many more wonderful memories to come.

On the following beautiful Sunday afternoon, Julia headed to her regular Starbucks, enjoying a relaxed walk as her landlord worked on fixing some issues with her washing machine. While queuing, she immersed herself in music, savouring the moment until an unexpected 'boo' startled her, causing a shriek.

"Shit!" she exclaimed as William came up behind her, who was out on his own stroll. "You startled me, Willy," she playfully scolded him with a laugh.

"Sorry, just wanted to surprise you," he replied with his signature smirk.

"Well, you succeeded, you twit," she chuckled, moving forward in the queue. William just laughed along.

At the counter, Julia ordered a Grande cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso, to go, and William chimed in, "Make that two – minus the extra shot.” Julia gave him a questioning look. “You owe me a coffee, remember?" he smirked.

"No no no, you can't use that favour twice," she protested, "I've already bought you a drink."

William chuckled, casually leaning against the counter, "Well, that was a drink - this is coffee; there's a difference."

Julia rolled her eyes but paid for both of their drinks. "You really are an idiot," she teased as they waited for their coffees.

"Maybe, but I'm a charming idiot," he replied, making her laugh once again.

"So now I've bought you a coffee, which makes us even for that little incident," she observed, raising an eyebrow. "But I've also bought you a drink, so that means you actually owe me a drink now," she smirked.

"Yeah, I guess so," he admitted with a chuckle, sharing a fun moment with her. "But seriously, don't Brits usually drink tea or something?" William teased, making Julia burst into laughter.

“Well, yes; but it seems my dad's Danish genes come out on top when it comes to drinks," she replied with a grin.

As they were waiting, a young boy nervously approached William, asking for his autograph. William gladly obliged, and Julia couldn't help but smile at the heart-warming scene.

"Wow... can't believe you can actually be this sweet,” she joked.

"Well, I've got to do something to impress you, right?" William teased, and they both laughed as their coffees were ready.

Leaving Starbucks, William unclipped a dog leash from a nearby metal knob.

"Oh my god! Are these your dogs?” Julia asked excitedly.

"Oh no, I'm just trying to steal them,” William replied sarcastically, earning yet another eyeroll from Julia. She bent down to greet the adorable Goldendoodle and a yet cuter black doodle.

“They’re so cute," she cooed, petting the lively pup.

"This is Pablo,” William introduced the golden dog, “and that’s is Banksy,” William pointed to the balck one, amused by Julia's affection for the dogs.

"Well, hello Pablo,” she said, using a baby voice to interact with the very energetic dogs. “And hello Banksy.”

“So, this is what it takes to impress you, huh,” William chuckled, and Julia just nodded. “If you’d like, you can join us for a walk?" William invited, smiling.

Julia thought for a few seconds. "Sure, why not," Julia agreed with a casual tone, "I'm just waiting for my landlord to finish up at my flat anyway."

“You mean apartment,” William teased, which made Julia chuckle.

“Yes… apartment”

Pablo and Banksy eagerly took the lead as they strolled through the streets of Toronto, William guiding the way to the nearest dog park. There were happily running, sniffing, and marking different spots.

“They’re adorable,” Julia chuckled as she watched the exitid dogs.

“Yeah, they are” William smiled, “I even take them with me on the road sometimes.”

“Really, how cute - guess it’s nice with some fluffy company,” she smiled.

“Definitely.”

Julia couldn’t help but feel comfortable by William’s calm demeanour. He was definitely a cheeky idiot, but he was also charming and occasionally sweet.

"So, what's life like on the road?" Julia inquired as they settled onto a bench. "And what's it like being a hockey player?"

William couldn’t help but chuckle at Julia’s sudden curiosity.

“Well, I'd say it's pretty great,” William said and took a sip of his coffee, while watching Pablo run and play with Banksy and other dogs. “I honestly don’t think too much about it, it’s just my lifestyle and what I love to do.”

Julia smiled. “And you’re good at it,” she said, which made William chuckle a bit. “Did you grow up with hockey?”

William nodded. He then told Julia all about his upbringing. He talked about how he’s from Calgary, but he’s been moving around a lot in the US due to his father playing in the NHL. He told her about his family, how they play tennis, and that his father’s Swedish and he’s been spending almost every summer in Sweden. She could tell that his family meant a lot to him.

“Wait, you have how many sisters?” Julia laughed.

“Four,” he replied with a laugh.

“And you have a brother, Alex as well?” William nodded. “Wow… then how come you still know nothing about women?” Julia bantered which made William chuckle.

“How about you?” William asked, intrigued to know more about Julia as well.

“Well… as you know I was born in Denmark, but spent most of my upbringing in England,” she started, then continued to talk about how she’s got 2 brothers, one older and one younger. Her father’s Danish and her mother’s from Birmingham. She grew up just outside of London and when she was 19, she moved around Europe. She’d lived in Amsterdam and Berlin for two years, working in the service industry, before she moved to Copenhagen, where she met Camille, a fellow Brit who was searching for a roommate. She went to Copenhagen Business school, to master her degree within International Shipping and Trading, before she moved back to London, to work as a Project Assistant.

“Sounds like you’ve travelled a lot,” William smiled.

“Yeah, and it’s been fun. I loved every part of it,” she smiled back at him.

“Do you ever miss it?”

“Miss what?”

“Europe, England, home?”

“All the time,” Julia replied softly with a smile.

“How about you? Do you miss Sweden?”

“Sometimes,” William smiled.

They sat there, sharing a moment of calmness, and felt at ease in each other’s company. They both felt a connection, but what exactly it was, none of them could pinpoint. Maybe, they could feel a connection because of their diverse cultural and international and Scandinavian upbringings, which gave them a mutual understanding. Or maybe it was because they shared a quirky and brashy sense of humour. Nonetheless, it was simple and easy between them.

William knew that he’d missed an opportunity with Julia when he’d left her during their first night together, but he could sense that she wanted to spend time with him. Which made him happy. Julia felt it as well. She enjoyed his company, and a part of her wanted to know more about him. And even though they had been intimate, she just felt like he was the perfect friend right now. Easy to talk to, and just as cheeky and playful as herself.

Just in that moment, Pablo came running towards them and jumped into William’s lap.

“Hey buddy,” William exclaimed excitedly.

“Perhaps we should go back,” Julia said as she looked at her phone, seeing a message from her landlord, that she could come back to her flat. William nodded, as they got up from the bench and Banksy happily walked next to him, while Pablo took Julia’s side.

As they walked out of the park, William couldn’t help but look at Julia through the corner of his eye. He knew that their friendship was growing through jokes and bantering, which he enjoyed, but he also couldn’t help but think about what she’d said last time at the bar and what Charlie had said as well. So, he cleared his throat a little before saying something.

“I’m sorry… by the way,” his tone was a little nervous and he was looking awkwardly round and down into the ground.

“Sorry about what?” Julia asked with a soft chuckle.

“About that night… or morning.”

William was never one for words, especially when it came to feelings or sensitive topics. But Julia smiled at his words. She hadn't expected him to bring this up, and it meant a lot to her.

“It’s ok,” she smiled, “I mean, I was a bit… confused maybe, unsure if I’ve misread the situation, but honestly it’s fine - we had a great night, and that’s it, now we’re here.”

“You’re sure?” he asked gently, searching her eyes. “You’re not mad at me?”

“Of course not,” Julia chuckled, looking back at him. “We’re all good, Wonderboy.”

William smiled, a sense of relief washing over him. He wanted them to be friends, or whatever they were becoming.

"Besides, I'm not even sure what would have happened if you'd stayed... I mean, to be honest, it probably wouldn't have changed anything," Julia said with a warm smile. "And I'm really glad we can just be friends."

Walking together, William felt genuinely comfortable around her. She was sweet, kind, and yes, a bit of a brat, but he found that endearing. Because, so was he.

"Me too," he replied.

As they reached a crosswalk, Julia pointed toward another street than where Starbucks was located. "I need to go this way."

"It was really nice seeing you today," William said with a smile, knowing he had to continue down the road. "Pablo really enjoyed your company."

"Likewise," Julia offered him a friendly smile. "And if Pablo ever wants to go for another walk, I’ll be happy to join,” she bent down to pet the still-energetic dog.

"I'm sure he'd love that," William chuckled.

They exchanged a warm hug before parting ways.

***

Later that night, Julia's phone lit up with an Instagram notification:

‘williamnylander started following you’

A smile graced her face as she glanced at her phone. "That cheeky bastard," she mused, opening the app. She briefly considered sending him a message but then decided to keep things simple. They were just getting to know each other better, after all. She chose to post a picture from her day at the dog park, featuring Pablo happily chasing a ball.

She added the caption: "Sunday strolls with the delightful Pablo & Banksy 🐾 #DogParkAdventures" and clicked "post."

Before long, the post began to garner likes and comments. William had liked the picture and even left a comment: "Pablo's found himself a new best mate! 🐶👏 “

Julia couldn't help but smile at his comment and replied, "Looks like we're mutual fans then! 😄🐾"

Seeing William’s comment, she decided to message him anyway.

jjonesss: Wow, now you're also stalking me on social media 😉

williamnylander: Well, I had to find a way to contact you, you know, in case Pablo wants to see you again 😛

jjonesss: Haha, of course... for Pablo... 😉 In that case, please give him my best - and Banksy!

williamnylander: Will do 😊 They say they had a great time today

jjonesss: Please tell them, so did I 😊

Their conversation continued in the private messages, with light-hearted banter and emojis exchanged. Julia's initial reservations seemed to fade as she realised that their connection was genuine and uncomplicated. She had been cautious at first, but now she felt glad that she was allowing herself to enjoy this blossoming friendship.

Eventually, Julia set her phone aside and leaned back on her bed, a content smile playing on her lips. She had no idea where things might lead with William, but she was excited to find out. For now, she was going to savour the effortless camaraderie they shared and the unexpected moments that life had brought her way.

****

"Argh!" Tyler exclaimed as he fell once again.

Julia smiled as she watched the young boy get back up on his skates. The following Tuesday, she found herself seated on a bench with Phoebe at Tyler's hockey training session. Andrew, their father, and Julia’s boss was tied up in a client meeting, so Julia was taking care of the kids. Phoebe was engrossed in an episode of Peppa Pig on the iPad, giving Julia the chance to scroll through her Instagram and pass the time during the 1.5-hour session.

Tyler looked adorable in his hockey gear, she thought. She had taken a picture of him just before he took to the ice, and she decided to post it on her Instagram story.

"This little one will be a pro one day," she wrote.

Shortly after, a message from William appeared in her inbox.

williamnylander: he already looks like a pro to me 😀

jjonesss: Haha, I'll make sure to tell him that 😄

williamnylander: who's his fave TML player? 😉 it's me right? I know it is

jjonesss: haha sorry to burst your bubble, love 😂 but it's Auston - he even got his jersey

williamnylander: hmm… guess I'll have to do something to change his mind 🤔

jjonesss: I'm sure that big brain of yours can think of something 😂

williamnylander: I'm sure it can 😂 I can always bring him to the rink or something - for a private lesson

jjonesss: Hm not very creative though 😉 but I'm sure he'd love that

williamnylander: I can bring Banksy and Pablo as well 😉

jjonesss: so when will this be? 😍

Julia couldn't help but grin as she continued her conversation with William. She could sense his good-natured intent behind his words, and it warmed her heart.

After a while, Phoebe's excited shout snapped Julia out of her Instagram reverie.

"Did you see that, JJ?" Phoebe exclaimed with an enthusiastic expression.

Julia looked up, curious. "No, what happened?"

"Tyler scored a goal!" the younger sister announced proudly.

"Wow, that's fantastic!" Julia cheered.

Once the training session concluded, Julia waited for Tyler to emerge from the locker room. Standing among the other parents, she felt a sense of camaraderie even though she wasn't a traditional hockey-mum. But being in the rink's hallway brought back memories of watching her brother’s play.

She missed her family.

During her Facetime call with them after the Thursday game, she excitedly recounted her NHL experience in Toronto. Her father and Daniel had been genuinely interested, particularly her dad, who closely followed their local team back in Copenhagen. While her dad mostly followed European hockey, he and her brother had been keenly following NHL news recently.

"Did you see me, JJ?" Tyler burst out of the locker room, brimming with excitement.

"Absolutely, darling! You were incredible," Julia smiled warmly at the exuberant young boy.

"I can't wait to tell Dad!"

Julia's heart swelled at Tyler's excitement. She knew Andrew would have loved to be there. Despite his busy schedule, he always made an effort to be there for his children's events. But, Julia was glad to step in when needed.

"So, Tyler," Julia began as they drove home. "My friend William Nylander has asked if you'd like to come to the rink one day and maybe play a little hockey with him."

"OH MY GOD, REALLY?!"

Julia chuckled, glancing at him through the rear-view mirror.

"Yeah, he seemed quite disappointed when I told him Auston was your favourite player. So, he offered to train with you himself," Julia continued, her voice tinged with amusement.

"When? Oh my god, yes! That would be unbelievable, JJ!"

"Well, we'll need to coordinate schedules, but you have to promise you'll tell him he's your favourite player then," she teased with a light chuckle.

"I promise!"

For the remainder of the car ride, Tyler was nearly bouncing in his seat with excitement.

#william nylander #william nylander fic #william nylander imagine #hockey fic #nhl hockey fic #nhl hockey imagine #toronto maple leafs fic

23 notes · View notes