#slow but steady

[sicutpuella]

Desiderium [Tom Riddle x Original Character]

Chapter 0: Grim Old Place

Within the somber confines of 12 Grimmauld Place, an ancient dwelling tinged with an air of mystery, Harry Potter stood with his senses heightened, attuned to every whisper and rustle that permeated the shadowed halls. This place, steeped in the ancestral legacy of the noble House of Black, seemed to hold secrets within its very walls. It was in this hallowed abode, at the dawn of a new chapter in his extraordinary journey, that Harry heard a voice—a voice that beckoned to him from the depths of the unknown.

Harry Potter, the fabled wizard of renown, turned swiftly, his emerald eyes scanning the room in search of the enigmatic voice that had addressed him. To his astonishment, he found himself beholding a woman, whose ethereal beauty captivated his senses. Claudia Rosier, a bewitching figure, stood before him.

"Harry Potter, finally in the flesh!" she uttered, her voice resonating with a blend of anticipation and delight. The words, a mere handful, hung in the air, carrying with them a weight that stirred within Harry an inexplicable mix of curiosity and fascination. Her tresses, a resplendent cascade of dark crimson, differed from the ginger hues known to the Weasley clan. It was as if her hair possessed a bewitching charm, casting its spell upon all who dared to gaze upon its allure. Yet it was her eyes that held Harry transfixed—a striking shade of electric blue, vibrant orbs that seemed to penetrate the depths of his very soul.

Though the passage of years had marked her countenance, Claudia's allure remained undiminished. Her visage bore the traces of a life well-lived, etched with lines that added a touch of elegance to her graceful face. Towering above most in the room, she possessed an imposing stature, her regal presence exceeding the height of Harry himself. It was evident that she hailed from a privileged upbringing, a scion of the uppermost echelons of society.

As she uttered his name, her voice carried a gentleness that caressed his ears. Yet her refined accent hinted at a pedigree steeped in refinement and opulence. Every aspect of Claudia's being exuded an air of meticulous grooming, while a captivating fragrance enveloped her, enchanting those within its proximity. Her posture, straight and commanding, radiated both power and wisdom, as if she had long mastered the arts of authority.

In this extraordinary encounter, Claudia Rosier embodied a mesmerizing presence, a tapestry woven from the threads of ageless beauty and refined sophistication. Harry found himself spellbound by her very essence, the allure of a woman whose charms transcended time itself. Claudia Rosier's presence did not go unnoticed by Harry's faithful companions, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. As if summoned by an invisible force, they gravitated towards the enchanting figure that held their friend spellbound.

Ron, with his hair as fiery as the sun's golden rays, and Hermione, her countenance bright with intellect and determination, approached Claudia with a mix of curiosity and reverence. The twins, Fred and George, ever mischievous and quick-witted, joined the gathering, their eyes widening as they beheld the radiant beauty before them. Claudia's captivating aura transcended the boundaries of age, captivating all who gazed upon her with a mystifying allure. Her dark crimson locks cascaded like a silken tapestry, captivating even the mischievous twins, whose gazes momentarily faltered under her bewitching spell. Her eyes, an iridescent blue, seemed to hold within their depths a wellspring of wisdom and secrets, whispering untold stories to those who dared to look deeply enough.

Ron, his freckled countenance flushed with a mixture of awe and admiration, struggled to find the words to capture the essence of this ethereal presence. Hermione, her eyes sparkling with an inquisitive light, observed Claudia with an astute curiosity, her mind working tirelessly to unravel the enigma that stood before them. As the companions stood in the presence of Claudia Rosier, her allure resonated with an undeniable magnetism, evoking a symphony of emotions and intrigue. The air crackled with an undercurrent of anticipation, as if destiny itself had woven its tapestry around this meeting, entangling their lives in a web of unforeseen possibilities.

In this sacred gathering, amidst the aged tapestries and ancestral secrets, Claudia Rosier cast her spell upon the hearts and minds of those who beheld her, leaving an indelible mark upon their souls. The threads of fate intertwined, as the companions embarked upon a journey that would forever be intertwined with the enigmatic presence of Claudia, a woman whose beauty transcended the realms of mortal comprehension.

Sirius Black, with his boisterous laughter, shattered the silence that had settled upon the room, drawing the attention of the spellbound teenagers. His voice boomed with mirth as he spoke, bringing forth the revelation of the esteemed presence that had graced them all.

"Ah, I've seen you've met our special guest!" Sirius exclaimed, his jovial tone resonating through the ancient halls of 12 Grimmauld Place. "The honorable Claudia Rosier! The head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and the Head of Magical Artifacts!"

At the utterance of the name Rosier, a collective recognition flickered in Harry's mind. It was a name that bore significance, for it was etched in the annals of infamy, belonging to those who had sworn allegiance to the Dark Lord. The Rosiers, notorious for their unwavering devotion to blood purity, were revered amongst the ranks of the Death Eaters. Yet, there was a complexity to their lineage—an undeniable wealth and influence that flowed through their veins. The noble Rosiers, as they were known, had established themselves as pillars of the wizarding elite.

With a graceful inclination of her head, Claudia Rosier acknowledged the young ones before her. A subtle air of dignity surrounded her, as if the weight of her position and the legacy of her name lent her an aura of quiet authority. With measured steps, she made her way toward the beckoning dining room of Grimmauld Place, joined by the other venerable members of the household.

In the wake of her departure from the hall, a mingling of emotions stirred within the hearts of the young wizards and witches left behind. A tapestry of intrigue and curiosity unfolded, woven with threads of apprehension. The presence of Claudia Rosier, a living embodiment of the complexities that entwined pureblood heritage and dark alliances, cast an enigmatic shadow upon the path that lay ahead. As they prepared to partake in the familial feast, the air thickened with unspoken questions, and the companions found themselves drawn further into the intricate web of secrets and destinies that bound them together within the hallowed chambers of Grimmauld Place.

In hushed tones, Ron Weasley leaned toward Harry Potter, his voice barely above a whisper, as if fearful of disturbing the delicate balance of the room. "A Rosier, Harry? Is she not of the same kind as... you-know-who's followers? One of those staunch believers in blood purity?" Hermione Granger, ever the fountain of knowledge, displayed a similar reaction, her expression etched with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

The trio, accompanied by the mischievous Fred and George Weasley, advanced into the opulent dining hall of Grimmauld Place, where Claudia Rosier occupied the seat of honor. There she sat, an embodiment of elegance and poise, her back held erect with a refined grace. The atmosphere seemed to shift, charged with an air of anticipation, as if the very room itself acknowledged her presence and yielded to her authority.

Their footsteps faltered for a fleeting moment, halted by the weight of their contemplation. The mere mention of the Rosier name sent ripples of unease through their collective consciousness, for it was synonymous with allegiance to the dark forces that had threatened their world. The Rosiers, a family entangled in the web of you-know-who's gang, had long espoused the ideals of blood purity, their beliefs steeped in tradition and exclusivity.

And yet, even in the face of their reservations, the trio pressed on, curiosity mingling with caution as they approached the table where Claudia held court. The resolute determination that guided their steps belied the doubts that churned within. Inwardly, they prepared themselves to navigate the intricacies of this encounter, to glean what truths lay concealed behind the veneer of elegance and power.

As they drew nearer, the allure of Claudia Rosier's presence intensified. Her poised countenance, an embodiment of regality, invited admiration and respect. Every line and curve of her figure spoke of confidence and authority, a testament to the depths of her experience and knowledge. The trio, accompanied by the ever-watchful twins, took their places at the table, the gravity of the moment hanging heavy in the air.

Amidst the resplendent atmosphere of the dining hall, an air of reunion pervaded the space, embracing all who gathered within its opulent confines. Nymphadora Tonks, the ever-capricious metamorphagus, regaled the younger attendees with her remarkable talents, effortlessly transforming her countenance into a succession of creatures—a duck, a pig, a lion—eliciting peals of laughter and delight. Even Claudia Rosier, a paragon of grace and refinement, found herself captivated by the whimsical display. Meanwhile, a distinguished assembly had formed on the side of the table, where Claudia sat alongside Sirius Black, Harry Potter, Alastor Moody, Remus Lupin, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Engrossed in earnest discussion, their attention focused upon the pressing concerns plaguing the Ministry of Magic—specifically, the obstinate denial of Lord Voldemort's resurgence by the deluded Cornelius Fudge.

"What purpose does it serve to sugarcoat the truth?" Moody interjected brusquely, his words reverberating through the hall and punctuating the conversation. The room fell into an uneasy silence, as the weight of his statement hung heavy in the air, casting a somber pall over the gathering.

"Alastor," Claudia chided gently, her voice a soothing balm that sought to quell the mounting tension. But Moody, unyielding in his resolve, persisted. "Show him! The boy will discover the truth soon enough, one way or another."

As if in response to their exchange, a gentle hand extended toward Harry, bearing a newspaper with the front page emblazoned by a striking headline: "The Boy Who Lies." The words cast a shadow over the young wizard's countenance, stirring a mix of emotions within him—an amalgamation of defiance, frustration, and an unwavering determination to confront the harsh realities that lay ahead.

Amidst the distinguished company gathered within the walls of Grimmauld Place, the weighty matters of the day weighed heavily upon their minds. Cornelius Fudge, a figure of authority wielding power and influence over the Daily Prophet, had employed his position to suppress any claims of Lord Voldemort's menacing return. Sirius Black, his voice resolute, interjected with an air of defiance, breaking the silence that enveloped the room.

"Why?" Harry Potter, his disbelief palpable, queried in a tone laced with incredulity, his faith in the integrity of those in positions of power momentarily shaken.

Remus Lupin, a sage presence amid the assembly, endeavored to shed light upon the perplexing matter. "The Ministry suspects that Dumbledore seeks to usurp Fudge's position," he explained, his words tinged with a hint of weariness. "They harbor a deep-seated fear that compels them to perceive threats where none exist."

"But that’s insane! No one in their right mind could ever—" Harry retorted, his disbelief tinged with a note of righteous indignation. The flagrant incompetence of Fudge and the Ministry's willful ignorance stretched the bounds of reason, testing the limits of their patience and resolve.

"Indeed," Claudia interjected, her voice carrying a measured tone that bespoke wisdom earned through the passage of time. "Fear possesses the power to distort minds and drive individuals to commit unspeakable acts. Fudge's faculties have been compromised, clouded by the very dread that should impel him to action."

With a somber gaze fixed upon Harry, Claudia continued her discourse. "The last time Lord Voldemort seized power, our world trembled on the precipice of destruction. We cannot afford to dismiss that grim reality, nor can the Ministry, in their misguided attempts to pacify the masses, ignore the imminent threat that looms before us."

Sirius, unwavering in his resolve, added his voice to the somber discussion. "We believe that Voldemort seeks to rebuild his formidable army, just as he did fourteen years ago. His followers included not only dark wizards and witches, but creatures of all kinds." Remus, ever the embodiment of insight, continued, "He has been aggressively recruiting, and we too seek to gather our forces. Yet, in the face of the Ministry's hateful and ignorant gaze, our efforts have been hindered at every turn."

"And yet, there is more," Remus stated with a measured tone. "We suspect that Voldemort's motives extend beyond the mere construction of an army. We believe he harbors unfinished business, a desire to complete what he failed to achieve in his previous bid for power." As the words lingered in the air, the gaze of Alastor Moody, Claudia, and Sirius converged upon Harry, a shared understanding etched upon their faces. The gravity of the situation had deepened, casting a shadow upon their hopes and filling their hearts with a sense of foreboding.

As the weighty revelations continued to pour forth, a voice pierced the air, cutting through the rising tide of information. Molly Weasley, her tone filled with maternal concern and protective instincts, interjected with a fervor born of love and apprehension. "No, that is enough! He is but a boy, barely of age! If we delve any deeper into this dangerous path, we might as well extend him an invitation into the Order!"

Harry, emboldened by his newfound resolve and a fire that burned within him, seized the moment to make his proclamation. "If Voldemort seeks to gather an army, then I’ll come with you!”

Claudia, her vibrant spirit undimmed by the gravity of the situation, found amusement in the audacity and courage displayed by Harry. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, mirroring the playful spark dancing in Sirius's eyes. They recognized in Harry the same indomitable spirit that had guided them in their own battles against the encroaching darkness.

With Molly's intervention, the evening slowly began to regain its semblance of a joyous reunion. Conversations flowed freely, laughter mingled with whispers, and the atmosphere regained its familiar air of camaraderie. Each segment of the table formed pockets of dialogue, their words and laughter intertwining, as friends and allies found solace in the presence of kindred spirits. Yet, amid the din of jovial chatter, Harry's mind remained fixated on the enigmatic figure of Claudia Rosier. Her presence, though known to him by virtue of her position within the Ministry, seemed peculiarly timed. Questions formed in the depths of his inquisitive mind, a desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding her newfound association with the Order of the Phoenix.

As the evening progressed, Harry's curiosity simmered beneath the surface, a flame that threatened to consume his thoughts. The allure of Claudia's presence beckoned him, urging him to seek answers and uncover the truth that lay hidden within her crimson hair and electric blue eyes. In this union of destiny and circumstance, Harry resolved to delve deeper into the enigma that was Claudia Rosier, for he sensed that her presence held significance far beyond what met the eye.

As the night began its descent towards the late hours, Claudia Rosier, ever conscious of her responsibilities, gracefully excused herself from the gathering. With a gentle smile upon her lips, she delicately maneuvered through the clusters of conversation, offering her farewells to each individual in turn. Her departure elicited a collective murmur of appreciation and respect, for her presence had brought an air of wisdom and elegance to their midst.

Pausing momentarily before the trio, Claudia's eyes gleamed with a genuine interest as she addressed them. "You find yourselves embarking upon your fifth year, do you not?" Her tone carried a warmth that embraced both familiarity and curiosity. Hermione, ever respectful and poised, replied with a deferential nod, her voice laced with a measure of reverence towards the seasoned witch.

"Ah, the fifth year—a truly magical time," Claudia exclaimed, her laughter bubbling forth like a melodic symphony that echoed through the grand hall. Her words carried a hint of nostalgia, evoking memories of her own youthful adventures and trials within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.

The brief interlude drew to a close, as Claudia's obligations beckoned her away. With a final gaze that held a promise of future encounters, she addressed Harry directly. "Tomorrow, Harry, we shall meet again at the Ministry. Until then, I bid you all adieu!"

Masterlist : Next Chapter

#tom riddle fanfiction #tom riddle #tom riddle angst #tom riddle smut #tom riddle x oc #tom riddle x reader #abraxas malfoy #hogwarts #hogwarts fanfic #tom marvolo riddle #harry potter x reader #slow but steady #slow burn

[starkillerbass]

The slow burn is slow burning the shit out of me

#ao3 #slow burn #slow but steady #so fucking slow #I‘m writing it and it’s killing me how slow it is like just kiss #jane rizzoli #maura isles #rizzles #jane and maura #rizzoli and isles

[overmooneleven]

Goosebumps sneak peek

#guardian pitch sneak peek #slow but steady #my art #myart

[the-ephemeral-ethereal]

Those who proceed but very slowly can make much greater progress, if they always follow the right path, than those who hurry and stray from it.

from Discourse on the Method by René Descartes 

#discourse #discourses #discourse on the method #method #rené descartes #rene descartes #descartes #cartesian #cartesianism #philosophy #proceed #slow and steady #slow but steady #progress #follow your path #follow your own path #follow the right path #the right path #right path #the path #path #slow down #slow it down #don't hurry #don't stray from the path #don't stray from your path #trust the process

[sylverstorms]

Omg the last dani x knight chapter... WHAT ARE U COOKING

Let. Me. Cook.

Gotta wrap up the trilogy with a five-star meal.

#slow but steady #asks #they see me cookin they waitin #and ty for waiting patiently y'all

[mistymonster]

I might as well plug this since I was recording today . I make video game ambience videos too!! I’m currently working through xenoblade wii and wind waker, but you can listen to the finished twilight princess playlist here 💜

#there’s a couple utdr edits in there too #and some darkest faerie #if you happen to know that one #this is an every few weeks deal rn since I’m back in school #slow but steady #I use them to sleepy to

[lt-catbolt]

He Loves Me (nov. 2021) vs Not The Boogeyman (mar. 2023)

this is what roughly a year's progress looks like... crazy

#like it's not much but it's *there* #slow but steady #also i love that i unintentionally put Grian and Tango on the same places both time #like i wasn't even trying lmao #makes for better comparisons tho so im not complaining #animatic frames #grian #tangotek #ethoslab #i guess joel is there too? #idk i feel bad tagging him bc he's barely in either animatic lmao

[project-v175]

Out on a Limb

Brutal fighting. That's what the wizarding world had succumbed to. Violence. All her life, she had only known the peace of magic. That changed when she became an apprentice at the ministry. She wanted to be an auror. She wanted to restore peace. He who shall not be named had ruined everything for her, and it needed to be set right. Nothing felt normal for her.. not until him.

___

Chapter 4: Reintroductions

Venus awakes laying beneath the table. The sun has already begun to poke through the kitchen window. She has work today. She'd missed too much already, and there is no one to take fault for it but her. Adrenaline rushes through her veins. She stands, knocking the back of her head on the table with a curse. She eases the bump and throws herself together. The mental checklist begins. Shower? Check. Hair? Done. Teeth? Brushed. Clothing? On. What else could she be missing?

A low growl rolls in her stomach. Food! That's what she needs. She'd grab something on the way. From a muggle shop or in Diagone Alley. She's been there once or twice. There was a cafe there, right?

The trip was relatively short. The fireplace in her living room made floo powder a useful tool. She went straight to Diagone Alley. There was an unusually large crowd today. Perhaps that meant no one feared the war anymore. Venus surely didn't. The south side of Diagone Alley was particularly crowded today.

"Of course.. breakfast rush. Just my luck." Venus mumbled under her breath.

She stepped into a pastry shop and pushed her way through the crowd. She ended up at the counter. A quick dig through her purse, and she took out her coin pouch. "Excuse me. I'll take an apple fritter and a vanilla latte, please."

The cashier smiled and pulled an apple fritter from the case. They placed it in a small bag with a few napkins, then went on to make the latte. "That'll be Four Silver Sickles."

As Venus pulled out the four silver coins, a large figure stepped beside her. She looks up to find a familiar scarred face staring back at her. "I'll be payin' for the girl." He grumbles to the cashier and places four silver coins on the counter. "Alastor? You, you dont need to. Here, i can pay for my own -" Venus went to put her coins on the counter. Her hand was met with the end of a new staff.

She took another glance at the man. Where his previous eye had been missing, he wore a glass eye that appeared to have a mind of its own. It smoothed over her body. The large crowd suddenly felt all the more suffocating under Alastors gaze. Her eyes fell to the floor. Alastor's missing leg was replaced by a prosthetic. Her coins found their way back to her purse. "Fine.. thank you." Her voice was soft and trembled slightly.

Alastor leaned down to her ear. His breath was hot against Venus' skin. "No. Thank you." He stood up straight, nodding to the cashier as she set the latte down. His staff nudged the drink forward, and Venus took it in her hands. There was a moment of silence between the two before Alastor stepped away from the counter and disappeared into the crowd. Venus watched him leave. A feeling of regret creeped up her spine. She began after him. The back of his head poked through the throngs of strangers, guiding her out into Diagone Alley. Alastor disappeared around a corner

When Venus turned, he was gone.

"Fuck.." Venus murmured. "He's gone.."

A dying crowd of people flowed around her. Venus spun in place, looking for any sign of her acquaintance. He had just been in front of her. Had he not? Now he was nowhere in sight. It even mattered. She had to get to get to work. She dreaded going back. The building is going to feel so empty without her favorite coworkers. Regardless, she had a shift to show up for.

The building did feel empty. From the moment she walked in to the end of the meeting. The two and a half hours felt as if they lasted all day. Just as she stepped out, a large man stepped into her path. She looked up, only to find Alastor in her view for the second time today. The two attempted to step around each other. It was an awkward dance, with each step being mirrored by the other. There was a series of sorrys, my bads, and excuse mes that quickly became grunts and sighs. The two locked eyes. The tension between them felt thick with annoyance.

Just as Alastor turned away, a voice called out for the two. "Alastorr! Venus! Im glad I've caught you both."

The pair turned to find Minister Millicent Bagnold heading towards them. She took Alastor's hand immediately. There was a shared glance between Alastor and Venus.

"First of all. Alastor, how do you feel? You look good." Millicent let go of Alastors hand. There was a soft smile across her cheeks.

"Fine. Missin me leg. But I survived." For the first time, Alastor spoke with his full chest.

"I heard about that. I also heard you had a little help? From young Ms. De Milo here?" Millicent turned her eyes to Venus and offered her hand.

Venus took the ministers hand. The two shared a firm handshake, and when Venus pulled away, she felt the need to wipe her sweat off on her skirt. "I- I wouldn't say I did much. It was a simple grade school spell really-"

Millicent interupted Venus, her hand lifting in the air. "Non sense. Regardless of the spell, being an apprentice in an active warzone makes you very brave. That being said, Mr. Moody, I want you to guide Venus through the rest of her apprenticeship."

Alastor's good eye went wide. "What?"

__

Author Note

Haha. Cliff hanger again. Suffer. He he he he. Things should speed up from here. Hopefully.

#alastor moody #alastor moody x oc #alastor my beloved #novel #oc insert #fanfic #angst with a happy ending #slow burn #slow but steady #pining #Harry Potter #romance #tension #mermaid oc #main character #mutual pining #strangers to lovers

[eclipse-song]

cute

#the og rewatch continues #slow but steady

[greaserink]

oh i think it is a new leaf, a new life and a new experience for me to be able to agree with myself that this time tomorrow, i am going to buy a pink shirt for myself and myself alone

#tom speaks #lgbt #i will admit #am afraid #and a bit nervous #not for people's reactions no i've had my fair share of death threats/shouts/aggresive comments i know how that goes #i just hope maybe #i can start embracing my more feminine side as a man #slow but steady #give me your strength y'all

[marryingamaiden]

Finding Normalcy: a Joel Miller Fanfiction

Part One

Tags: Joel miller x reader / joel miller fluff / literally just two conversations / SLOWWWW burn / papi pedro pascal

Word count: ~12k

this gif is so funny

You had known Tommy and Maria for a long time, ever since you settled in Jackson a few years after the breakout. Slowly you came back to some sort of normalcy despite the lost lives that darkened your mind once the sun went down. Every morning you made coffee in the kitchen of your small house; every morning being grateful that you finally had hot water. Every day grateful that Tommy had been kind enough to lead you here, and that Maria had given you a house to make your own.

To repay for the couple’s kindness you kept your home beautiful, always making sure the garden was growing something for the community even if that meant your living room was covered in foliage during the cold winter months. You still kept to yourself; being one of the quietest members in the community. You didn’t frequent the bar or attend many of the events planned, but you gave back through your tending of the earth. You didn’t like talking to people much, and most definitely did not want people to notice you.

Until you saw him ride in on that stupid horse.

He was burly and built, with weathered lines in his face that said more than he ever would. And you wanted to know him.

So you tried to forget about him, this world was no place to make connections. Despite your efforts, he kept appearing in the routine of your daily life. Your eyes accidentally caught his when you ran to grab flour. You heard his southern accent from across the block when he walked past your house. You successfully ignored him until Maria dragged you to a housewarming party for Tommy’s brother.

I guess it gave you a good reason to shower- which you’ve been putting off.

Anxiety filled you as you walked up the steps to Joel’s- whose name you had just learned a half hour ago. Social situations always made you anxious, your hands would fidget and pull at your clothes and the inside of your mouth would be raw from you gnawing at it. All of this anxiety has grown exponentially since the outbreak of this pandemic.

The sun had set and the light was soft and warm inside the house. The walls were still blank and and still carried the smell of vacancy- Mr. Miller hadn’t been here long enough to make a home yet.

The smell of food and alcohol filled your nose as your ears were drummed with conversations. You find Maria as your safe haven in the warm kitchen, steaming plates of food there to fill your mouth so you don’t have to speak.

“I can’t believe I finally dragged you out of that house, I thought you had died in there.” She says with a slight smile on her face, though behind it is a true motherly warning despite you being more than thirty.

“Well I do feel like I owe you, so I figured I might as well show my face.”

She smiles without looking at you and nods her head in the direction of the living room.

“Go introduce yourself to Joel. You’re both recluses so I’m sure it’ll be a riveting conversation.”

You purse your lips at that and mumble a fine before stepping across the threshold of the kitchen. You hated this. Joel stood next to the fireplace with his arm up on the mantle, the muscles in his arm rigid under his skin. He was in the middle of a conversation that he most definitely didn’t want to be a part of. His eyes met yours again because you were- in fact- staring, which made you drop your gaze back to Maria through the walkway. She just looked at you with that disappointed stare and you continued trudging like a child forced to say hello to your estranged family members.

You walked to his right, away from the rest of the people and looked up at him and he met your eyeline. Your heart was beating hard from the anxiety of an impending conversation of pleasantries. You hate pleasantries. A few seconds of an awkward shuffle of you both adjusting your clothes and coughing passes.

“Hello.” He says it more as a question than a greeting.

“Hi.” You finally make eye contact with him as you tell him your name.

“You know Maria?”

“Yeah, she brought me here a long time ago.” You looked down at your shoes.

He responds with a huff.

“So Tommy’s your brother?”

“Mhm.”

Silence.

“You have that big garden right?” He crosses his arms.

“Yeah… If you want anything, you know. Potatoes… lettuce… ” You trailed off wanting to name more vegetables but you figured you shouldn’t.

He harrumphed. You saw a tinge of a smile at the corner of his mouth.

“Thanks.”

“Well, it was nice to meet you. Drop by if you need anything.”

He looked up at you with those big brown eyes.

“I will.”

And with that you turned away and immediately downed a shot of scotch to calm your heart.

_______________________________________

A few days later you were tending your garden when you heard footsteps behind you.

You whipped around to see Joel standing with his brow creased. You thanked the heavens that you would be able to talk to him without the pressure of a party.

“Hey, how are you?” You stand up and your knees pop. God, you're out of shape now.

“Fine. I was wondering if you have something.”

“What are you looking for?”

“Strawberries.”

“You makin’ jam, cowboy?” He looked at you sternly.

“No.”

Asshole. “I have some inside, follow me.”

You hoped he wouldn’t be this blunt forever. His footsteps fell heavy behind you as he followed you into your kitchen.

You pulled out the fresh strawberries from your cupboard and began putting them in a box for him to take home. Joel paces around your kitchen, looking at the flowers and pictures you’ve put up on your walls. His eyes land on a painting in the center of the wall.

“I like this.” He gestured to the painting.

“Really? Thank you, I’m rusty after so many years of not being able to paint.”

“You painted this?” He turns to look at you and it seems as though that permanent crease in his brow has softened.

“I did, I painted a lot before the world fell apart. Went to school for it.”

“You’re good.” He turns back to the painting while a smile takes up your entire face.

You finish closing up the box and hand it over to him.

“Here you are, cowboy.”

“Thank you.” He seems less offended by your unwelcome nickname. “What do I owe you?”

“Oh no, there’s no need. It’s free of charge.” You smile at him and he looks at you seriously.

“So you can hold it over me later? Nuh uh.”

“No, no, really. I mean it.”

“I’ll find a way to pay you back.”

You really didn’t need him to pay you back, but you liked the idea of having him around more often. Despite his bluntness and ability to make you incredibly nervous, he made you smile.

As he begins to walk away you blurt out “My door hinges are rusting. I need new ones.”

He looks back at you with an enthusiastic nod.

“I can do that.” You smile as he walks away, hoping you see him again soon.

———————————————————-

#pedro pascal #fanfic #joel miller #the last of us #tlou fandom #joel miller fluff #slow but steady #joel miller x reader

[elialys]

getting there, Olivia, getting there 😏

But there’s a reason why Peter is sitting in the dark at 2 am, instead of being in bed in that room he shares with Walter, that same reason that made Olivia want to check on him. After what happened earlier, her concern for him and his state of mind is greater than whatever worry she may have regarding her lack of self-control when it comes to this man and their…physical proximity.

She takes him in during those couple seconds she spends in the doorway with light pouring in. He hasn’t changed at all, still wearing yesterday’s clothes, although he doesn’t have his coat on. Considering it’s quite chilly, she wonders if it’s self-inflicted misery, aware that he’s not a fan of the cold.

He doesn’t immediately look at her either, only doing so when she finally takes that last step forwards and lets the door close behind her; their eyes meet just as the darkness swallows them up, enough for a shiver to run down her spine.

Her eyes adjust within a few seconds, the whole room basking in a dim, greenish glow from the sign, watching as Peter raises what very much looks like a beer bottle to his lips.

“Do you always have one of those in your pocket?” she asks as she comes closer to the couch.

She tried sounding funny, but it doesn’t come out in quite the right tone, possibly because of what happened to their beers less than a week ago.

To his credit, his reply doesn’t disappoint, despite the heavy pause that precedes it. “Nope. It’s a lot more fun to just steal them from the clerk’s personal stash. Want one?”

Now standing in front of the couch, Olivia shakes her head a little, unable to keep her face from warming up, just like she can’t do anything about the way her heart has gained some speed; it always does around him, nowadays. It usually settles down quickly enough as long as they’re with other people, busy with work.

Which isn’t exactly the case tonight.

Almost to counter these reactions she can’t control, she’s wrapped her coat more tightly around herself, now wishing she’d at least taken the time to put her bra back on, maybe. She very much feels like she’s in her pajamas—probably because she is.

Her eyes have most definitely adjusted, the green light making Peter look a bit odd, although it does nothing to lessen the intensity of his gaze as he peers up at her.

“You can sit down, you know,” he tells her after a few long seconds of her just standing there, a small note of amusement in his voice. “I promise to keep my hands to myself. As long as you do, too.”

He’s definitely being cheeky, now.

“Smooth,” Olivia breathes out with a hint of disapproval that isn’t entirely genuine.

And yet, as always, Peter nagging her works like a charm, having no other choice but to sit down to prove that this is fine, and that all hands will remain away from each other’s body.

do they smooch AGAIN? you should go find out, this chapter is M rated to be safe 😏😏😏

#peter x olivia #polivia #fringe #fringe fanfic #slow but steady #i mean she's not wearing a bra #yes it is relevant in this chapter if you know what i mean

[lovelywingsart]

Figured I'd give an update here as well as share the Gofundme again because we still need alot of help-

Today my mom was moved to a rehabilitation center, which is the last step before she can finally go home again. It honestly happened alot faster than we thought, though knowing her, its also kinda not surprising. The only thing now is working with all the legal things actually concerning my sister (a minor), but we're getting that done, too.

We don't know how long she'll be at the place, and she'll be out of work even longer until she's fully up and running, so to speak... We're working on getting resources, but it may take a while.

The only thing I was personally concerned with was memory issues she has been proven to have in recent days... They said it may have been a mix of the meds and the head injury she suffered, but mostly the injury... The rehabilitation center will supposedly help with that, but you're gonna be concerned when you're being misgendered by someone who was violently protective of your identity beforehand and then asked about your grandmother who died about 5 years ago.

Twice.

And then have to REMIND her that she died about 5 years ago.

Twice.

It's... difficult... She also doesn't remember the crash almost at all and has asked what happened the last few times we were there. She knew her name and that she was in the hospital, but yeah. So this absolutely will not be an easy thing to deal with.

I'm sharing the Gofundme again, and all shares are still highly appreciated...! We managed to make enough to take care of this month's rent, but the bills still haven't been able to be fully caught up, and we have next month very quickly approaching... I'm hoping we're able to get help soon, too...

https://gofund.me/e3833194

#slow but steady #gofundme #gofundme help #help #shares appreciated

[rorogolightly]

#tortoise #the amazing digital circus #slow but steady #climate change

[thestarspangledcaptain]

A Simple Song (TASM Peter Parker Pic)

(Hi! A few words before I start! This is my first time writing so I apologize if it is crap, second of all allow me to introduce myself. I am thestarspangledcaptain but you can call me spangles :). I like to write a bit and I mainly created this blog to write things I wanted to read but could not find. I will happily take requests for male and female characters from Marvel or any K-Pop group. I do ask for no smut requests though. That's all for now! I hope you enjoy and feel free to leave feedback!)

A Simple Song (TASM Peter Parker)

Set after Gwen's death, Peter and the reader have been acquaintances throughout their time in school.

Song: I Hear A Symphony by Cody Fry (this work is very inspired by this song)

After Gwen had passed, Peter went numb. The joy and life was completely sucked out of him, autopilot turned on. He stopped trying to keep in touch and Aunt May was worried sick. It had been years since she saw Peter with anybody and he was half the person he used to be. His smile faded and a song that used to be with subharmonics and melodies quickly faded to a monotonous, slow piece. (Reader POV)

I packed up all of my stuff and quickly made my way out of the classroom, not looking to see where I was going. I ended up knocking into someone and I heard faint groan. (Why is it always me?!) "Oh my God I am so sorry about that I can pay for whatever I damaged and I-" "It's ok y/n, don't worry about it" Peter had cut me off with a faint grin. I looked up to make eye contact, pleasantly surprised to see him. "Are you sure Pete? Please, at least allow me to buy you another coffee. I really insist it is the least I could do." With a slight chuckle, Peter replied "Ok, if you insist." His smile grew and I felt like all giddy inside, like a little kid with a newly discovered crush. I mean, come on, Peter Parker was always a super attractive guy. From the brains to the looks and the personality (plus he skated) what could I not love about him? "Uh y/n? You ok?" 'OH TOTALLY hehe- uh sorry just thinking! How about we go to The Brew by the Business building?" "That sounds great! I have never been there before, are their lattes good?" "Oh yeah, they're the best, they've totally fed into my caffeine addiction."

(Narrator POV)

Y/n grabbed Peter's hand and started to guide him to The Brew, little did she know that she had already made his month. Peter had always found y/n to be quite charming but he never noticed through his crush for Gwen. Gwen was his world, with her this inner melody in his head was like a bright love song that would put a smile on anybodies face, when she passed, his song grew into a dull hum. Now, years later, this song was already starting to add some new elements. Peter had snapped out of his thoughts when y/n came back with a bright smile and two lattes. "Thanks for this" "Of course, it is the least I could do! How has everything been for you Peter? I haven't seen you in a while." "Everything is fine as it always is nothing really new but how are you?" Small talk turned into laughter, conversations, and a wonderful time. By the time they realized they should be on their way it was already dark out. "Oh, I should get going, it's pretty late". Y/n began to gather her belongings and before she could finish, a nervous voice interrupted. "May I walk you home? It is pretty dark out and this part of town is quite dangerous to be walking alone at." Peter gave an adorable half smile while y/n looked at him. "I would really like that." A cheerful melody for Peter soon turned into a symphony, during their time at the coffee shop, Peter realized how much he cared for y/n and how much he loved to be around her. He liked her. Like a lot. Snapping back into reality, the adorable brunette made his move once they arrived home. "Uhm, would you like to go out for dinner sometime? I really enjoyed our time together today." "I would love that Peter." She gave him a slight kiss on the cheek and went inside, not noticing the red on his cheeks or the smile on his face. Peter no longer hears a simple song, now he hears a symphony.

I hope you enjoyed it! I apologize if it had too many cliches, I just needed a study break and decided to write this. Have a great day/night!

#tasm!peter x y/n #tasm!spiderman x you #tasm andrew garfield #tasm peter x reader #the amazing spiderman 2 #tasm spiderman #tasm peter parker #songfic #drabble #fluff #the amazing spider man #spiderman #peter parker #college #university #student #student life #slow but steady #coffee #latte #andrew garfield #tasm fanfiction #tasm!peter x you #the amazing spiderman #tasmedit #peter x y/n #incorrect quotes

[lightthewaybackhome]

Let this day stand as a reminder that when you tell yourself to go slow because you're feeling bad, you actually accomplish a lot!

Apple Cider Vinegar allready to sit and continue to ferment.

Actually made whey properly!

Did a tiny bit of upscaling in my kitchen by putting a lamp on my refrigerator. Just made things cozy.

I took a big break while my bread was rising, took a nice long lunch break, enjoyed folding fresh laundry warm from the dryer, and got a bunch of budget work done. I also got a rough outline hammered out for a new HearthKeepers article.

All in all, it was a productive day that didn't swamp me. Hopefully I'll feel stronger tomorrow and won't have to be quite so careful.

#homemaking #domestic artist #hearthkeeper #tending hearth and home #lighting the way back home #homemaking productivity #going slow #slow but steady #fermenting #kitchen stuff #a lamp on the fridge