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daisyblog · 6 months

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I Won’t Give Up

Too Young Masterlist Summary: Louis finds out YN is pregnant at his Mum's wedding.

It was the 20th of July, 2014. The day that YN had to see Louis for the first time, since their one night of passion. For the last fews weeks, YN had kept busy, uni assignments had helped with that but now that she had completed her second year she had time to think about the reality.

Louis' Mum was getting married today, and YN had been looking forward to the day. But since her and Louis steamy night and YN finding out she's pregnant, she was nervous to see him again.

YN arrived had the wedding venue with her Mum and Robin, and they were each handed a glass of champagne. YN looked at her Mum not knowing how to say no to the drink.

"Just hold it in your hand for now." Anne whispered discreetly in her ear. Her Mum and Robin were the only people to know that she was pregnant.

"C'mon...I can see Harry down there." Robin spoke to the two women, nodding his head in the direction where Harry was standing talking with Niall.

The three walked down to where there were groups of guests huddled together. Jay and Dan had got married a little earlier in the day, their ceremony was small and intimate with just their close family and friends. Therefore the other guests were invited to the afternoon and evening celebrations.

"Hey womb mate." Harry wrapped his arms around his sister after he had given his Mum and Robin a cuddle.

"Hi twin." YN gave Harry a slightly smile, one that didn't quite reach the top of her cheeks.

Harry knew his sister better than anyone. "You alright?".

YN nodded her head quickly, not wanting to make Harry any more suspicious. "Yeah..I'm fine.". YN heard Louis voice behind her, he was talking to one of the guests. "Niall...you can have my drink...I don't like it." YN lied and passed her drink to Niall before she excused herself to use the bathroom.

Once YN got to the bathroom, she touched up her make up, her way of procrastinating so she could hide away for longer. After she touched up her lipstick and fixed up her hair, YN took a deep breath and went back outside to find her family. As YN was walking towards them, she bumped into Jay and the one person she was avoiding.

"Aw YN, there you are." Jay greeted her with a warm hug. "I just asked your Mum where you were.".

YN avoided looking at Louis, who's eyes she could feel burning into the side of her head. "Toilet break." YN tried to joke. "Congratulations...you look beautiful.".

"Oh thank you my love." Jay smiled sweetly at the younger Styles. "But between us, I can't wait to get out of this dress.". Earning a giggle from YN. "Lottie is calling me over...I'll see you later sweetheart.".

On the inside YN panicked as Jay hurried off in the direction of her daughters because now she was alone with Louis.

"Not talking to me are you?" Louis wasted no time in calling YN out for giving him the silent treatment.

YN looked at the ground, not feeling confident to look at him. "I haven't seen you to talk to you."

"You won't look at me either." Louis continued to push for answers. "Look...if it's about what happened-".

"Just leave it Lou!" YN snapped, shocking Louis. "Like you said, no stings attached so stop talking about it.".

Louis wasn't expecting YN to be so defensive. "YN...what's wrong?".

"Nothing...just leave me alone!" YN huffed before she quickly went back to find Harry, leaving Louis stood in the same spot wondering what had just happened.

But little did the two know that Anne had been watching their interaction from a far, wondering why their conversation seemed so tense.

YN relaxed once they were all in the marquee and sat in their designated seats, her between Harry and her Mum. Niall, Liam and Sophia also sitting on their table too. YN had turned down many drink offers and continue to sip on her orange juice, she was glad that nobody had mentioned the fact that she was not drinking any alcohol. YN was talking across the table with Liam's girlfriend, when she saw Louis walking towards their table.

"Alright Tommo?" Niall asked as Louis stood next to his chair.

"I've got meself into a game of dare with me sisters." Louis began to explain, everyones eyes on him.

Liam's eyes scrunched up as he laughed. "What have they dared you to do?".

Louis eye's found YN's eyes. "Daisy dared me to dance with YN".

YN knew all eyes were on her now too. She wanted to say no but she didn't want any one to question why. So she put on her best fake smile and followed Louis to the dance floor.

Her hands rested on his shoulders, as his slipped around her waist. Goosebumps covered her arms from the touch, teasing her about what had happened the last time they were this close.

The song changed to I Won’t Give Up and YN tried her best to hold her tears back, trying to put on a good show.

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use the tools and gifts We got yeah we got a lot at stake And in the end you're still my friend at least we did intend For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn We had to learn, how to bend without the world caving in I had to learn what I got, and what I'm not And who I am

The lyrics were taunting her, her throat went dry and she was focusing on her breathing. “YN…you’re crying.”.

She shook her head slightly. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine.”

I won't give up on us Even if the skies get rough I'm giving you all my love I'm still looking up I'm still looking up

Louis was filled with worry and guilt as he saw a tear threaten to fall from YN’s eye. “Please tell me what’s wrong.”

“I can’t tell you here.” YN looked at him directly in the eye, silently pleading with him.

He guided her off the dance floor and outside to where the was a small building where his Mum had gotten ready this morning. Once he checked that the room was empty, he led YN inside.

Even though they were alone, YN still couldn’t find the words to say.

“I’m sorry about what happened between us…it probably shouldn’t have happened…I mean I don’t regret it but you obviously-“.

YN interrupted Louis. “I’m pregnant.”.

Silence.

YN’s heart was thumping against her chest now that she had said the words out loud to Louis. It was real now.

Louis was never speechless but his mind was completely blank as he stared at the girl in front of him. He didn’t really know what to expect YN to say, but her saying she was pregnant never crossed his mind.

“You’re pregnant?” Louis said out loud, looking to see if he had heard correctly.

YN sniffed from the tears running down both cheeks. “Yeah…about seven or eight weeks.”.

“Shit…fook…fookin’ shit.” Louis mumbled to himself. “Harry’s going to hate me.”.

“I won’t tell anyone you’re the dad, if you don’t want people to know.” YN offered to protect Louis.

“Hey…you’re not doing this alone.” Louis spoke. “I’m the dad and a dad to this baby I will be.”.

Hearing these words, YN pulled him closer and wrapped her arms around his torso, Louis following and holding her close to his chest.

As the pair stood as one in the middle of the room, the sound of the bathroom door opening caused them both to freeze. As they turned to look at who had heard their conversation, Jay was standing in the door way.

“I think you two have some explaining to do.”

Taglist: @jillsvalentinex @itsmytimetoodream @peterholland04 @youcan-nolonger-run @chronicallybubbly

#louis tomlinson #louis tomlinson fic #louistomlinson #louis tomlinson writing #louis tomlinson x reader #louis tomlinson fanfic #louis tomlinson fanfiction #louis tomlinson x y/n #louis tomlinson x oc #louis tomlinson x you #louis tomlinson series #louis tomlinson x styles!reader #louis tomlinson x yn!styles #louis tomlinson x harry's sister #louis x you #louis x reader #louis x yn #louis x y/n

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allwaswell16 · 7 months

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A fic rec of One Direction accidental courting fics as requested in this ask. If you like the fics, please leave kudos and comments for the writers! You can find my other fic recs here. Happy reading!

—Harry/Louis—

✧ Misbehaving Honeys by thinlines / @thinlinez

(E, 28k, football) In which Omega Louis can't figure out why the alpha newbie on their footie team seems to hold a grudge against him.

✧ balance between you and me by beckywritesthings / @beckydoesthings

(T, 15k, coworkers) He's confident, though, that he doesn't need an omega, doesn't even have the skills to court one if he tried.

✧ Everywhere And Nowhere by @2tiedships2

(M, 15k, neighbors) Louis couldn't contain his look of disbelief directed at Liam. "He's courting me. Like some sort of romantic shit they'd do in the 1800s or something?"

✧ baby, you're the end of june by @disgruntledkittenface

(E, 13k, co-workers) In which Harry courts Louis. Entirely by accident.

✧ you give me feelings that i adore by @alwaysxlarrie

(T, 7k, uni) 5 times Louis scents Harry's things and the 1 time Harry returns the gesture.

✧ Court Wine by @enchantedlandcoffee , red_panda28 / @red-pandaaa

(T, 7k, friends to lovers) after a misunderstanding during a scrabble game, Alpha Louis starts courting Omega Harry without the latter being aware of it.

✧ young hearts on the chase by homemotif / @polaroidlouis

(G, 7k, uni) harry’s a hopeless romantic, louis’ oblivious, and it’s going to be Valentine’s Day.

✧ Almost Misheard by @tommokat

(T, 6k, friends to lovers) “You also said you were almost out of toothpaste but kept forgetting to get more. And I needed more floss so I was already over in that aisle.”

✧ I Want You to Linger by @insightfulinsomniac

(E, 6k, alpha nesting) A friends-to-lovers fic in which oblivious alpha Louis courts his best friend, nests with the gifts he gets him, and is faced with the reality that sometimes telling someone you love them doesn’t go to plan (but turns out better in the end anyway).

✧ Definition of Beauty by zanni_scaramouche / @zanniscaramouche

(M, 6k, high school) Louis’ caught off guard by an omega he nearly takes out with an errant footie ball. It’s not that Louis’ never seen Harry before, it’s that he can’t stop looking, and he’s desperate to figure him out.

✧ Nobunny Like You by pluckedcherries

(G, 5k, hybrid) Louis Tomlinson is a bunny hybrid. Louis Tomlinson is in love with Harry Styles. Harry Styles is a human. He is also, clueless.

—Rare Pairs—

✧ start again at your beginnings by PostitBandit

(M, 115k, Zayn/Liam) Liam has an unhappy past and just a few things that he holds dear. Zayn would like nothing more than to learn about that past and welcome Liam into his clan, and into his life, but Liam does not seem keen on sharing anything with Zayn.

#ficrec #trackinghappily #1dficvillage #trackinhome #ficsfor4am #1dsource #tracksintheam #hltracks

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library-of-confusion · 10 months

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The Well With No Bottom

I've been meaning to write a post for all of the Louis haters out there who say that he never gave back any of the love that Lestat was constantly pouring out on him, but I got so caught up in the research that I never actually got around to actually writing the thing.

The main point that I want to make here is that Louis' love for Lestat is just as passionate as Lestat's love for him, if not more so. He just expresses it in a very different way. From books, to big screen, to theatre and television series, Louis has always been far more emotionally repressed than Lestat. Hell, most of the world is far more emotionally repressed when compared to the King of Emotional Expression himself! Louis loves Lestat fiercely, but in his own quiet way.

In Episode 1, on the night they first meet, well before any physical intimacy between the two had ever occurs, Louis, who should be furious with Lestat for snatching Lilly away from him, instead can think of nothing but Lestat. "My body was seized with weakness. His gaze tied a string around my lungs and I found myself immobilized." If that's not love at first sight, I don't know what is. He's fallen head over heels in mere minutes.

As their friendship progresses, Louis refers to Lestat as his "coal fire" in a cold winter. He points out that, for the first time ever, he found himself confiding his struggles to another man. While confiding in a friend is completely normal, the way it surprises Louis and catches him off guard is not. It becomes obvious that this relationship means something more than friendship to Louis.

Then, of course, we have the scene at the townhouse when Louis finally sets his pent-up desires free. It was him who made the first move to kiss Lestat, not the other way around.

And who initiates that kiss in the church, just before Lestat gives Louis the blood?

It's also important to remember the unreliable narrator of this tale. Louis has clearly left out many moments in his relationship with Lestat that would help the viewer to see it through his eyes. Lestat himself mentions some of these moments in Episode 2, when he starts out by calling Louis angry, stubborn, unaccommodating and maddening then changes his tone to remind Louis that he is also loving, dedicated and thoughtful. Louis may have failed to mention all the moments that cause Lestat to describe him in this way, but Lestat lets us know that they did happen and that no one has ever displayed these admirable qualities to him in quite the same way that Louis has.

While Lestat lavishes praise on Louis to make him feel better after almost killing his nephew, Louis tells Daniel of his feelings for Lestat. "There was present a kind of worship, on my part. The earth beneath me always felt liquid." How many of us can say such a thing about a lover?

To please Lestat, Louis attends another opera. He simmers in indignation as he plays the part of Lestat's valet and walks a few steps behind Lestat instead of by his side, where he wants to be. He tolerates the stares and comments of those around him to ensure that Lestat has a good time. He even drinks from the Tenor with Lestat, pretending to be enthralled by the experience because he doesn't want to disappoint. Louis sets aside his own comfort and happiness for Lestat.

"Aren't I enough?" Louis asks, in Episode 3, about Lestat's little fling with Antoinette. This question comes from a place of utter vulnerability. Louis is admitting his own jealousy and insecurity. And we all know how well Lestat's reaction went over. Of course, by the end of the episode, Louis shoots back at Lestat. Already upset about the way he is being treated and over his complete loss of control with killing Alderman Fenwick, Louis gets angry with Lestat and tells him that the two of them are never going to work and that Lestat will always be alone. He hits where it hurts the most. To quote author Valarie Kaur, "The opposite of love is not rage. The opposite of love is indifference." If Louis didn't love Lestat as much as he does, he couldn't be so passionately infuriated by him. If he didn't love Lestat, he would have no desire to harm him in a moment of rage.

Another perfect example of the above is in Episode 6 when Louis swims across the Mississippi River to confront Lestat about the song. "I hate you," may be the truth in that very moment, but can we truly know hate if we haven't first experienced love?

Also in Episode 6, Louis confesses that despite all that has happened between them, he still loves Lestat with a wounded heart. This is one of the few times that Louis actually uses the "L" word to express what he feels for Lestat. Lestat points out that the way Louis has been killing animals and how he acts somewhat superior about it makes Lestat feel as if he is being looked down upon for his body's needs. Claudia agrees. Once again, without an ounce of consideration for his own comfort or desires, Louis decides, on the spot, that he will hunt humans again for Lestat and for their family.

Episode 7 is a wealth of evidence to support Louis' love for Lestat. Yes, he's agreed to help Claudia with her plot to kill Lestat, but that doesn't make his feelings for Lestat any less valid than they have been all along. Claudia wants him to be a distraction for Lestat, to give Lestat all of his heart while she plans the rest. "I can't do that. I'll lose myself in him," is Louis reply. He knows that if he falls back into old feelings, he won't be able to turn them off. The connection between himself and Lestat is too strong.

When Louis first catches sight of Lestat at the Mardi Gras Ball, he is overwhelmed by conflicting emotion. "A cascade of feelings came over me as I watched him sponge up the adoration. I wanted him dead. I wanted him all to myself." And by the time their last dance begins, Louis has lost himself entirely. "It was my sole duty to distract Lestat, but in his mirrored eyes, the distraction reflected back onto me. And in the dead center of the whispering gallery, I lost the thread to my plotting and fell once more into the well with no bottom. I was his and he was mine." If his words were filled with any more adoration, they would be in a book of love poetry.

Once again, who make the first move to steal a kiss in front of a speechless crowd?

So, to the haters out there who say that Louis is ungrateful and that the only love he ever gave to Lestat was fake or for his own hateful purposes... what in the hell were you watching?

#iwtv #interview with the vampire #amc iwtv #amc interview with the vampire #loustat #lestat de lioncourt #louis de pointe du lac #louis loves lestat

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otb-mp3 · 10 months

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something so cool about getting to follow louis’ career into the future for as long as he goes no matter your degree of dedication like it’s really nothing but blue skies rn he’s the happiest and most confident he’s been while on tour; he’s writing incredible solo music and only getting better each album and it’s really only the beginning of something already so beautiful!!!! i’m just so emo 🥲 he deserves this so so so much he had been beaten down for the longest time with every reason to give up only to get back up again and again and keep fighting for his desire to perform to now wake up stronger and better and more confident than ever each passing day. and look at him now!!!!!!! it’s the coolest feeling to support a musician so dedicated to his craft who’s full of genuine love and adoration for his fans. proud is an absolute understatement. louis is the sweetest man with the biggest heart and sexiest brain and it’s so dazzling to witness this renaissance of his

#emo louis post don’t mind me #i can’t begin to describe the pride i have for him #i’m just so happy to see him so happy #want nothing but goodness and peace for him now and for eternity #louis tomlinson #<3

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thatsmzbitchtoyou · 3 months

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Breaking the Class Ceiling- Bucky Barnes fanfic/period piece series

NEW STORY!

Here's something I thought of. I hope you guys like it. I tried to write it as a "You" fic rather than Y/N, but there are a couple of Y/N's here and there for dialogue.

This is set in early 1900s U.S.A., during the Edwardian era with some style changes into the upcoming Art Nouveau period. I've changed history a bit for this. Pretending that America didn't have a full Civil War and trying to create a more optimistic outcome for the purposes of the story. I've also tried to research what the rules for society/socializing were back then, and tweaked some of them.

Warnings for upcoming chapters: minor character death, some sexual harassment/assault (but nothing too graphic or traumatic), smut.

Chapter 1

The year was 1904. America was in a technological boom and desperate to prove itself as a major power. After infighting and a near civil war there had finally been peace and treaties made just years before, and as everyone learned to live with each other and create equity within their communities, prosperity flourished. The World Fair was to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, that year, and the entire eastern seaboard was abuzz with excitement. As families who had been previously destitute were now doing better financially they were all making plans and investing in the finer things in life, including making the big trip to St. Louis.

James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes, the son of an office manager, was taking up on his father’s work under a local lawyer in Brooklyn, New York. He’d been working as a clerk in the office since he was a teenager, balancing books and ordering supplies. His penmanship was the best in the office out of all the other clerks and receptionists, thanks to his mother, so he was in charge of handling official letters and working with dignitaries in the area. It got him connections with the high class, and he was able to make good friends with business men’s sons, who were born into money. He was able to get invited to all the big parties, hitch along with the high-brow at sporting events, and court the higher class women.

His father, George Barnes, was proud of him for rubbing shoulders with the old money men. Bucky and George were able to make a good living, but nothing that compared to the types of things that Bucky had been able to experience. George encouraged him regularly to find a well off young woman to marry so that his future would be set. Bucky worked and saved to make sure he had the best clothes and accessories so he would blend in with his friends, saving for his future when he could. No woman in high society would give him a chance otherwise.

As Bucky was partying and scouting the local women, you moved back into town. A rich woman whose family had hit it big in the beginning of the oil industry, you were the only one left after a long bout of illness that took your family. All you had left was your uncle Alonso, who pretended to care for you, but was hitching his wagon to yours in hopes of a monetary gift and retirement. He acted as your chaperone and matchmaker, looking for promising young men that he felt were worth your fortune. Unfortunately for him, you were not looking for the same criteria of men he was. He wanted someone high class, also from a well off family, or someone who would add to your fortune. You wanted love, friendship, companionship, with someone who wouldn’t be intimidated by your fortune and your confidence. A rich woman with full access to her own money was few and far between in this century, and you knew it. You didn’t need a man, you wanted one. A good one.

The news of your arrival spread quickly. Your last name was plastered on many a product and business, as you invested heavily in your home state, and the idea of an American princess returning after years of traveling was an exciting change of pace for Brooklyn.

“Good morning Bucky!” Steve Rogers greeted loudly as he swung open the office door, making it bang against the window behind it.

“Jeez, Steve, don’t break the glass, will ya?” Bucky grimaced, but gave him a clap on the shoulder in greeting. “‘Morning, punk.”

“Oh, sorry,” Steve said sheepishly, checking on the glass then turning back to the front desk. “Hey, did you hear about the Y/L/N girl coming back to town?”

Bucky didn’t look up from his paperwork, “Yeah, I heard.”

Steve looked at him expectantly. “And?”

Buck glanced from the papers, the pencil in his hand hovering over the stack, “And what?”

Steve snorted at his best friend. “And what? She’s throwing a party! It’s gonna be the biggest party Brooklyn’s ever seen!”

“Yeah, and I’m sure you got your invite already,” Bucky looked back down at his paperwork. Steve came from a wealthy family who had made good money after selling a number of sugar and tobacco plantations. His father had invested well and they were able to live on without needing to work anytime soon. Of course he’d get an automatic invite.

Steve sneakily took out an envelope, a sly look in his eye. “Yep, and I may or may not have bribed the mailman to give me yours, too,” he waved the envelope in Bucky’s face.

Bucky gawked at him, his eyes widening as he stared at the envelope. Sure enough, his name was written on it in pretty script. He ripped it from Steve’s hand and hastily opened it. The paper was high quality, the writing done with a neat hand. His eyes flew over the page as he tried to comprehend the words.

“I got an invite?” he wondered quietly.

“Yep, that’s all you, bud,” Steve beamed at him. “And before you ask, no, I didn’t pull any strings or make any calls. She invited you specifically.”

Bucky was having a hard time understanding. He never got personally invited to things, he was always the tagalong, the guy who had to be let in by his friends who put a good word in for him and opened those doors for him.

“But…why?” he thought out loud, looking off through the window at the people passing by.

“Beats me,” Steve said nonchalantly. “But it’s gonna be the bee’s knees. That mansion we’ve always wondered about downtown? That’s hers! The whole place is being cleaned up and prepared for a big night. You’ll need new clothes,” he finished quickly, straightening up and dusting off his suit jacket.

Bucky sighed at that. “I don’t have enough savings for a whole new outfit, Steve.”

Steve waved him off, “Please don’t insult me. When you’re done today stop by Barton’s and he’ll get you fixed up on my tab. And I’ve given him strict instructions to not let you barter him down to cheap materials, so don’t you dare try it, Barnes. You will go to that party in glad rags just like everyone else.”

Bucky wondered what he’d done right in a past life to get a friend like Steve. “Thanks Stevie, you don’t have to do that.”

“Bullshit I don’t,” Steve countered.

“Language!” a yell came from the back.

“Sorry Mr. Fury!” Steve yelled back, looking sheepish again.

“Alright, I’ll go,” Bucky quickly agreed, knowing he’d have no other way of looking appropriate for such a fancy function. He knew of you, hell anyone would have to be living under a rock to not know who you were in America and many parts of Europe. He wondered how you’d heard of him and what made you want to invite him at all. Things were changing in society, but inviting a clerk to a multimillionaire’s mansion was still strange.

***

The weeks seemed to fly by as the party approached. Bucky had been fitted with a whole new suit from Clint Barton’s warehouse. Steve bought him a new straw hat for it being the first spring party with a crimson red ribbon, a matching crimson lounge coat and pants, white dress shirt, an off-white and navy plaid waistcoat, cobalt blue bow tie and cognac-colored Oxford boots that were shined to perfection. To up the ante Steve threw in gold chain cufflinks and a matching plaid pocket square. Bucky always brought his own pocket watch given to him by his father. It wasn’t in the best condition, so it could give away his status, but it was the one piece he wouldn’t compromise on.

Bucky had seen the hustle in town get worse as the party got closer. The women were desperately trying to find new fabrics and accessories to make them stand out and be in-fashion to catch your attention. The barbershops and salons were busier than usual as people got themselves cleaned and spruced up. There was one particular day where the sounds on the street had become quite intense as a crowd followed someone. He looked out the window and could only make out the top of the hat on your head as people not-so-discreetly-whispered your name repeatedly, some being brave enough to approach you on the street and introduce themselves to try and gain favor. He wondered what you looked like, what you’d be like, what things you’d seen on your travels. He didn’t want to get his hopes up. He was getting older than most of the upper class men around him, and hadn’t been able to peg down an upper class woman, let alone any woman yet, but you had invited him to what would be the biggest party of the season, so he hoped you were a little more open to people from all walks of life rather than just the upper crust.

Party day began with a buzzing excitement over the city. Bucky could feel it himself as he finished work that day and ran home to wash up and get ready. Steve was going to pick him up in his car so that they could come in style, and Steve was desperate to show off his new 1903 Pierce-Arrow. Bucky knew he wouldn’t be able to fool you into thinking he may be in a higher social standing than he was, but he would at least show you he could play the part.

The mansion was nestled in between other downtown homes that paled in comparison to its opulence. The gilded aged home was covered in turrets and filigree detail around the edges and doors. Fresh flowers were adorning every window facing the street and the front entrance that people were filing into by the time Bucky and Steve pulled up. Pastel floral colors and shining buttons with pristine white satin gloves shone in the sunset as they entered the front hall. Traffic jams were happening every ten steps as the partygoers got lost in the decor of the mansion, craning their necks as they looked up at the paintings on the walls and the murals on the ceilings. Bucky found himself getting caught up in the majesty of the mansion as well. He and Steve had peered into the windows through the years as it sat empty, wondering what it looked like inside. Nothing in his wildest dreams could have prepared him for what it was.

The ushers herded the people along the hallways towards the middle of the house, which opened up into a grand ballroom. Seating was scattered along the walls with waiters holding platters of decadent-looking food and sparkling champagne flutes. A small orchestra was playing in an upper balcony above the party, with another balcony across the way holding a band that waited for their turn to play. The fresh flowers continued inside along the walls and pillars providing a sweet smell to waft through the room. As everyone was finally admitted and waited in the ballroom the orchestra became louder to gain the attention of the audience.

Everyone fell silent as the orchestra finished and all turned their eyes towards the doors at the other end of the ballroom from where they’d entered. After a brief pause the doors opened and presented the host of the party. Good god, Bucky thought. You were dressed in a cadmium blue evening gown that had elaborate ruffles and appliques that shimmered under the lights. The neckline was wide, the off-the-shoulder sleeves hanging on your upper arms showing off your upper body, and the front dipping lower down your chest than what was considered normal or appropriate in American fashion, displaying a tantalizing view of your cleavage. Whereas all the other women had their hair curled and pinned up on top of their heads, your hair was in intricate braids and wispy curls with pieces deliberately falling out, the rest pinned up with sapphires. Instead of traditional white pressed gloves your hands were adorned with lace gloves that matched the color of your dress. You also weren’t wearing an overly restricting corset. Everything about your outfit made you stand out. Bucky could hear a few light gasps and whispers in the crowd at your dress choice, and it made him smile. As you confidently walked into the ballroom, smiling kindly at everyone, he noticed a mark on your upper left arm. Was that…a tattoo? Unheard of. You were a walking contradiction, and he felt like he was going to like you already. Just a step behind you was an older man that was dressed more in the British fashion, looking out at the crowd and scanning carefully.

“Well, this should be interesting,” Steve murmured next to him, raising his eyebrows and taking a sip of the champagne in his hand.

“Mmhm, this should be fun,” Bucky agreed, his smile widening.

A butler walked forward from the side where you entered and cleared his throat, “Presenting, Lady Y/N Y/L/N, and her uncle, Mr. Alonso Y/L/N!”

The band now took a turn as you let people come up to you first, greeting them politely and giving customary head bows and occasional handshakes. As you glided through the people Bucky pulled Steve along to a point where you’d be walking by soon. “Come on, Steve, you gotta introduce me,” Bucky urged him.

“Buck, you introduce yourself, you got a personal invitation. You don’t need me,” Steve protested, trying to finish his drink.

As they settled in their spot, slowly pushing forward to greet you soon, you finished talking to a man who evidently thought highly of himself, a Mr. Rumlowe, who eyed you like something to eat. Bucky knew him and his reputation. Seeing the tightness of your eyes as you dismissed yourself from him, he hoped you could already see past his facade. Your eyes fell on him and Steve and you smiled politely as you walked up to them.

“Miss Y/L/N, my name is Steve Rogers,” Steve spoke up first, giving you a head bow.

“Ah yes, Steve, your father was a good friend of my late father,” you said, your eyes shining at the recognition of his name. Your uncle behind you shifted as he recognized the name as well, his mood lightening. “He always spoke highly of your family. I am planning to call on your parents at a later date, I hope you’ll join them when I do.”

Steve seemed delighted at the prospect of the meeting, “Yes of course. My father has spoken of nothing else since your arrival. You may get his card before he gets yours.”

You laughed lightly at him, introduced your uncle to him, who was very interested in Steve, then turned your attention to Bucky. Your bright Y/C/E eyes gave him a quick look up and down, as if memorizing him. Bucky knew he looked a bit more colorful than the other men in attendance, a purposeful choice that he was now patting himself on the back for making.

“And you must be James Barnes,” you offered him in greeting.

Bucky’s eyebrows raised, “Yes, Miss Y/L/N, I’m surprised you know me already.”

You raised an eyebrow conspiratorially at him, “I do, your mother was a favorite of my mother’s. I do wish I had had a chance to meet her. My mother always spoke fondly of her,” you added, a look of mourning flashing across your face. “I have a photograph of them together, and you look just like Winifred.”

Bucky’s breath hitched at the mention of his mother. She had died suddenly a few years ago, taking his father’s cheerfulness with her. She had been a bright light in the community, always looking out for others and educating the girls in the neighborhood. He remembered her mentioning your family’s name before as being good people, but nothing concrete that would have made it seem like they were close friends.

“Oh, that’s very kind. I am sorry I didn’t know they were good friends, but she always spoke highly of your family,” he added politely.

You nodded, your eyes searching his face for a moment. You then surprised him by reaching your hands out for his. He quickly met you halfway, reciprocating the greeting so as not to embarrass or reject you. Your uncle scoffed and excused himself at your actions. If his dismissal bothered you, you didn’t show it. A quick glance at your hands and arms revealed that the tattoo peeking out from your sleeve was an elephant with an Indian print inside of its shape. He could feel the stares on him as you held his hands, stepping closer to him to speak lowly.

“I hope you and your father will accept my deepest condolences. Losing a mother is…” you trailed off, your eyes growing sad as you searched for the right words, “it is one of the worst things I’ve ever experienced,” you squeezed his fingers. “I plan to call upon you and your father as well, please promise me you’ll accept? I’d like to be your friend,” you proclaimed.

Bucky was floored. It was extremely bold for a woman to ask for friendship outright from a man, and yet you showed no signs of embarrassment or hesitation at the situation you’d just created with him. He lightly squeezed your fingers back, giving you a small smile.

“Yes, of course, Miss Y/L/N. I’d love to be your friend, as long as you save me a dance,” he teased her. He knew he was pushing his luck and protocols of manners, but he was rewarded when you gave him a hearty chuckle.

“Of course, Mr. Barnes,” you answered him, letting go of his hands and lacing yours together in front of you.

“Oh please, Mr. Barnes is my father. Friends call me Bucky,” he added. Although it was incredibly informal to give you the option to call him his nickname, he could tell you were more open to a break in etiquette.

You smiled widely at that, “Hm, Bucky. I like it. Well my friends call me Y/N,” you offered him your first name back.

“Y/N,” he repeated, liking the way your name sounded on his tongue.

You gave him a quick sly smile, “I like your candor Bucky. Come find me soon for that dance.”

“I will, Y/N,” he gave you a smirk back.

As you bowed your head in farewell and moved on to the next person Bucky couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. He turned to Steve whose wide eyes were gaping at Bucky in amazement.

“What just happened?” Steve asked once you were out of earshot.

Bucky shrugged as he picked up a champagne flute from a nearby waiter, “I don’t know, but I like her.”

As the night drew on and you had greeted everyone at least once, the dancing began. The orchestra and band took turns each song, playing slower European melodies and then switching to more American upbeat tempos. You flitted across the dance floor, taking short breaks here and there to speak to the groups of women in the room, making small talk and promising audiences and outings. Bucky was impressed with your ability to charm each person you talked to, ignoring the stares and sideways glances from disapproving eyes and enjoying yourself. You ate freely, which was also strange, as most women didn’t snack offhandedly in upper class dance settings, and you nursed a champagne flute between each break you took from dancing.

Bucky decided it was time to take you up on that dance, moving through the crowd until he was on the outskirts of the dance floor, waiting for you to finish your current dance with Steve. You spoke with him as you danced, your laugh ringing out periodically at something he said. As he watched he felt a hard nudge to his side.

“You’re a real popinjay,” Brock Rumlowe muttered, bumping his shoulder into Bucky.

Bucky rolled his eyes, not deigning to turn towards him, “And how’s that Rummy?”

“Don’t call me that,” Rumlowe grunted. He pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal a white powder. “Tonic?” he offered it to Bucky.

“No,” Bucky scoffed.

“Your loss,” Rumlowe shrugged, taking a quick sniff before pocketing it so no one would see. “You think you’re real big stuff, hm? Getting to hold her hand and get an invite?” He circled around Bucky’s back. “You’re nothing,” he spat. “Here among the high life, you’ve got nothing to offer her, or anybody for that matter. I wonder if she knows your clothes were bought for you, by your beau Rogers. Just go home, you mooching, freeloading, indigent bum.”

Bucky breathed deeply to calm himself. Normally he’d just sock Rumlowe, but not here. His father would never forgive him.

Rumlowe chuckled at his silence. “We’ll see who she chooses. Her uncle’s scouting for suitors. She’s getting older, needs to marry and hand down that fortune to somebody. Don’t want a spinster with that much money and a dead womb, such a waste. I think he likes me,” he added.

Bucky sighed, “A woman with her fortune doesn’t need an elder to decide her future for her, Rummy,” he chided, finally giving him a glance. “You’ll have to impress her, not the uncle. And judging from the look on her face after meeting you earlier, I’d say you’re not winning any prizes soon.”

Before Rumlowe could say anything the dance ended, everyone clapping as they separated from their partners. Steve saw Bucky on the side and led you over to him.

“Ah, there you are, Bucky!” you chimed, your eyes lighting up. “I was beginning to think you’d disappeared on me.”

“Never,” he said, placing a hand on his chest in jest. It made you giggle. “May I have that dance you promised me earlier?”

“Yes,” you answered, nodding resolutely.

Bucky offered his arm to you and led you out to the floor, giving Rumlowe a triumphant smile. Rumlowe gave him a scathing glare then stalked off. Steve laughed and pumped a proud fist in Bucky’s direction. As they got into position and the music started Bucky tried his best to look like he knew what he was doing. He’d had some practice in dancing at other parties, but wasn’t the best at remembering which dances went with which songs.

As you came together and he took your right hand in his left, then wrapped his left hand around your waist, he pulled you in a little closer than he would normally. Your eyes widened slightly but you smiled easily, letting him guide you across the floor.

“You’ve come back from some long travels, is that right?” He started the conversation, wanting to learn more about you.

“Yes, I’ve been working my way through Europe, Africa, parts of the Ottoman Empire, and then the East Indies,” you answered. “After my family passed, I was looking for an escape, so I quite literally ran away from my problems to tour the world.”

Bucky laughed at the forwardness in your answer. “Well what better way to handle grief than to ignore it?”

You chuckled at his joke, enjoying the fact that he was willing to entertain you and speak plainly without such pretense. You meant it when you said you enjoyed his candor. You were looking for someone to not only share your life and fortune with, to create a family, but for someone you would genuinely enjoy spending time with and who would let you live your life without constant chastisement about rules and standards.

“I wouldn’t say ignore it, more like work through it while working through the countries,” you explained.

Bucky’s eyes lit up, “Oh? And what did you find while you were out there?”

Your eyes glazed over slightly as you remembered your travels. “I found a new god in each place. Rejection of a god. A new way of living. A new way of grieving. Acceptance,” she trailed off.

Bucky tightened his hold on you, grounding you back into reality. You wistfully came back to the present, squeezing his arm that you were holding. “It was beautiful,” you whispered.

He smiled at your tone. “It sounds beautiful,” he agreed. “I would like to see more of the world someday.”

“I hope you do. It’s good for you,” she smirked at him.

“Is it?” he chuckled again. He then leaned in and lowered his voice, “If you don’t mind me asking, is that where your tattoo comes from? The east indies?”

You glanced at the tattoo and nodded. “Yes, India, it was amazing there. The air is filled with spices!” you whispered at him, your nose scrunching and eyes narrowing as if you were telling him a secret.

Bucky had never met a woman like you. All the etiquette and propriety that everyone else was adhering to you seemed to throw to the wayside. It was hard to get to know women in society well before courting them, and even then everything was watched by chaperones or the public around you. Finding someone with a full personality that she was unafraid to boldly show off was new. He wasn’t sure how to handle it, but he liked it.

“I’ve read about India, my father was always picking up books about far off places. He loves learning about tropical flora and fauna. He used to have quite a garden before my mother passed,” Bucky continued the conversation, not wanting to lose the momentum in their interaction.

Your eyes widened considerably. “Ooh! I have a greenhouse! In the back courtyard! I was able to bring home many tropical plant species, and I’ve had a gardener taking great care of them. I will show it to you when you and your father come to visit,” you offered excitedly.

The music died down and you both pulled away to give a proper bow. As you straightened up Bucky quickly took your left hand, and in a quick flourish pulled your glove off your hand and kissed over the knuckle of your ring finger. There were audible gasps around you at his brashness, whispers and gossip erupting in quiet fervor. Pulling off a glove was scandalous, seen as a form of undress. You gasped lightly, a look of shock briefly gracing your features, but you quickly schooled yourself and smiled widely at him.

“Thank you, Y/N, for this dance, and your offer,” Bucky held your bare hand in his for a moment longer, giving you a deep gaze before placing your glove back in your hand. “I look forward to the greenhouse tour. My father will be pleased.”

He bowed his head, gave you a wink, then walked away into the crowd. You stayed still, your right hand sliding over your bare left hand, gingerly touching the knuckle where his lips had been. A blush filled your cheeks as multiple women surrounded you, giggling, gossiping and fussing over getting your glove back on.

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes x reader #smut #marvel #period piece

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sgiandubh · 5 months

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Life beyond OL - Xmas movies and a short Bucharest tour

About three weeks ago, What Else Anon prompted me to tell her what else I was reading, watching or interested in lately (https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/734634576675274752/so-about-tcnd-no-im-kidding-dont-throw-me). That gave me an idea for a poll:

Should I turn this ask into a Life Beyond OL weekly, preferably on Tuesdays?

97,1% of the 35 brave people to answer said yes, so here we are.

Reading won't do it this hectic week: since Friday is my last day on the job before the holidays, I'm literally in a wrap-up frenzy, both at home and at the office. Let's say I am not exactly the type who buys her presents in July, which pretty much explains the circus.

As for watching, well: nope, I will not watch A Princess for Christmas if you'd pay me. It's both beyond and beneath my dignity, I am afraid and bless The Boy, but that is not enough for an incentive. By the same token, I shall not willingly acknowledge in public (at the blessed age of 45) that I know all the damn lines of Home Alone 1 by heart. With age, my absolute go-to Xmas movie has to be Love Actually. If only for this perfect opening scene with 0 cheesiness in it - you watch it and you are immediately hooked:

Interested in: going home for Christmas, what else? And before local exasperation hits hard (roughly two days after arrival, to be honest), I am still procrastinating on YouTube and watching those foot-in-mouth travel vlogs ('John and Jane Doe do ...'). In a sea of meh, you might find something interesting enough: I have no idea who Sammy & Tommy are, but they are smart people and they surely know a thing or two about travel. Once in Bucharest, my hometown, they followed their instinct and engaged with the natives - always the best plan.

Let's say it was worth it and probably went above and beyond their expectations: we tend to be obnoxiously hospitable. And I found the bakery people flawlessly endearing. I can confidently say it was something absolutely spontaneous and something I would do myself anytime for a total stranger:

youtube

A bit of context: the Cișmigiu Gardens look way better than the last time I ventured in there. It is probably one of the most beloved parks of the city, a stone throw away from the Old Town, and also a wannabe copycat of Munich's Englischer Garten.

The featured bakery & cake shop are actually quite decent, serving traditional pastries from Transylvania (the West of the country) and some of the local dessert mishmash fare. Despite what the very nice bakery guy is telling Sammy and Tommy, neither savarina, nor amandina are 'traditional ' Romanian cakes. Savarina is simply the Polish/French rum baba, Stohrer invented for Stanisław I Leszczyński, the exiled Polish king who was also Louis XV's father in law. As for the other one, let's say it could be the love child of a Sachertorte and a Rigó Jancsi cake - totally Austro-Hungarian (Wikipedia babbles: it has nothing to do with French cuisine!)! Both sickeningly sweet and both personal favorites, amen. The first one they tried, cozonac, is a babka spinoff: something I hate with a passion, but also something that is going to be literally every(fucking)where this Christmas ('oh, you don't like my cozonac?! huh, nonono, I do, it's so fabulous I am taking my time!').

Honestly? This is a place that suffered a lot, especially during the Eighties, when Ceaușescu thought it would be a great idea to bulldoze about 60% of the old neighborhoods, after the horrific 1977 earthquake (perfect pretext). Words could never decently describe the shock, the drama and the abuse: people throwing themselves under the first passing car as their beloved houses were torn down, people displaced in the middle of nowhere, a human chain of people holding hands in a failed attempt to stop the demolition of a beloved church. All that quiet, endearing charm suddenly replaced by a Pyongyang transplant smack in the middle of town. This explaining perhaps why Bucharest is not the best/most touted tourist destination in my country. Tourists usually choose Transylvania (absolutely deserved) or, if they really want to be adventurous, Bucovina (or Țara de Sus, literally: The Highlands, hehe) - an off the beaten track gem and a very special place to me (half of my family hails from there). Impressed to see these guys hit Timișoara - one of the most beautiful, interesting and definitely underrated cities, right next to the border with both Hungary and Serbia.

Nice guys or not, I would never take you to that bakery, though. Nah: I'd take you round the corner, at the Athénée Palace's English Bar - the red arrow marks my very own spot since, heh, forever? And we'd have the Amalfi Old Fashioned cocktails: they are mandatory, here.

PS: the Romanian guy kept his word and took them places the next day. I'd happily babble about this next week, though - from home. :)

#Life Beyond OL #Youtube

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sunflowervoltwentyeight · 10 months

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Happy 28th! Here's my July 2023 fic rec, organized by word count, from longest to shortest. Enjoy!

I Found Love In You (And I Learned to Love Me Too) by CuckooTrooke / @larrydoinglaundry (166k)

After months of battling with his own demons, Louis goes back to get what he once left behind, but Harry's not sure if he showed up in time.

A journey of remorse, healing and love that's strong enough to break them down and build them back up again.

Sequel to 'love is a word, you gave it a name'.

Wild and Unruly by 100percentsassy, Gloria_Andrews / @100percentsassy, @gloriaandrews (123k)

Harry is a cowboy sitting on the biggest oil reservoir in Wyoming, and Louis is the paralegal assigned to pressure him into selling his land.

I Don't Wanna Face the Music by hereforh / @hereforh (95k)

Louis likes to think he's a pretty normal, typical lad. He likes spending nights at the pub with his mates, he loves football and is very close to his family. So when he moves to London for uni, he doesn’t think much will be different.

Until he makes these new friends who are nothing like his mates back home and change his life for the better - and this one boy who messes with his head from the get go and makes him question everything he has ever thought about himself.

(Take Me Home) Country Roads by Awriterwrites (86k)

“Sir, I can help you. Just let me — “ He tried moving closer but the eldest child blocked his way. He backed off, putting his hands out in a passive gesture. “I’m a physician. I can help,” he tried again.

The man shook his head vehemently, passing the cup back to his grandchild. “Tol’ ya. Don’t need ya.” All of the fire had gone out of his voice, leaving behind a frail, sick old man with barely any breath to talk.

“I have medicines...I could make you comfortable…” Louis’ voice was still small, but pleading.

“Mountain Mama cares for wha’s ailin’ me. Don’t need no fancy city doctors.”

Louis blinked at the man, still shaking from the coughing spell. Mountain — well, fuck. That backwoods, uneducated scam artist…

“Of course he is,” Louis said curtly. ***** OR a Northern Exposure AU featuring Louis as the big city doctor, Harry as a natural healer, Niall as a secretive barkeep, Liam and Zayn head over heels for each other but they don't know it and a lot of hurt, comfort and moonshine in between.

King of My Heart by wildestdreams / @thelavendrhaze (83k)

Harry shrugged, his shoulders brushing against Louis’. “I think since I was young, I craved that feeling, though. I didn’t always hate being a prince, but over time, certain aspects of it just bothered me so much. I remember being four years old and realising that every person in the world knew my name, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted that. I told my mum as much and she tried telling me that being a prince is not a punishment. That it was a privilege that I should be happy about it, but no one asked me if I was. But looking up at the sky, I remember that all of this will one day mean nothing, and neither will I. All the pressure will then disappear and I could just be.”

Louis stayed quiet, allowing Harry the space to open up because he knew Harry wasn’t looking for advice, but just someone to confide in. What he wished he could tell him was that in the short amount of time that he’d known the prince, in Louis’ eyes, he couldn’t be insignificant if he tried. He was brighter than every star up there in the sky. He was all Louis could look at and think about.

or A Red, White, and Royal Blue AU where Hollywood elite, Louis Tomlinson, finds himself falling for the closeted Prince of England.

These Bad Omens (I Look Right Through Them) by likelarry / @likelarryfics (82k)

How on earth does someone his parents' age look so damn hot? All of their other friends look... bland and boring.

But Louis, fucking hell. He's something out of Harry's wettest fucking dreams.

Where Louis is Harry's parents' friend and teaches at Harry's university. Harry can't resist getting a taste.

So Keep My Candle Bright by whisperdlullaby (78k)

Louis returns to his hometown after four years to find that the reverend’s son has done some growing up of his own.

Elephant Juice by stylinsoncity / @stylinsoncity (32k)

Harry doesn't understand boundaries. Louis doesn't mind at all.

#28th appreciation #2023 fic rec #larry fic rec #trackinghappily #hlcreators #trackinghome #1dficvillage #read

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reyesstrand · 7 months

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wip wednesday

thank you for the tags @welcometololaland @rmd-writes @strandnreyes @orchidscript @birdclowns @alrightbuckaroo @carlos-tk @paperstorm @carlos-in-glasses @lemonlyman-dotcom @louis-ii-reyes-strand @inflarescent @heartstringsduet @theghostofashton @liminalmemories21 😚😚😚😚😚😚😚 here’s something from the bit of food fic i’ve been agonizing over for like a week and a half

Carlos does everything meticulously and carefully. He approaches laundry with a set routine; he tracks spending so they can splurge on date nights every couple of weeks; he’ll spend his Tuesday mornings, where TK works until noon and he himself has slept in after getting in late the night before, cleaning out the fridge and cooking meals that cross-utilize their most random hidden purchases so nothing goes to waste. It’s a routine that’s lingered throughout the stages of their relationship, and it’s something TK’s always loved about him. It worries him, sometimes, because it’s those particularities that make Carlos so hard on himself, but they make him who he is, and TK would never find anything unlovable about him.

That meticulous behaviour is coloured with something else when it comes to TK and making him feel good, though. There’s an air of devotion; an air of confidence that suits him well, as he allows himself to take up space and steal TK’s breath and bring himself pleasure, too. TK knows better than anyone how it makes Carlos feel; he knows because the long nights of sharing the same pillow after—both of them tacky with cooling sweat and deeply sated, legs woven together and their eyes heavy as the pale glow of street lamps poured into the otherwise dark bedroom—have resulted in more than one revelation, uttered aloud like a prayer. They were whispered confessions: about feeling right, about feeling whole in a way he never has before, about feeling a claim to the confidence set to the broad shoulders he’d never felt fully comfortable in, able to revel in this shining light of purpose as he brings TK over the edge and follows closely after him.

And even though it’s been months, the language only they speak comes back to them as if they never stopped using it.

Carlos returns to kissing down his body, teeth scraping in an untraceable pattern, though there’s more intent, now. TK’s leg falls open further, on display in a way that Carlos loves him for, and Carlos presses his lips to the inside of TK’s knee as he reaches over to the nightstand.

There’s another kiss to his stomach, to the trail of hair under his navel that he so desperately wants Carlos to follow down down down, and by the time his boyfriend is tugging at him gently to move him how he wants and angling a pillow under his hips, TK feels the heat travelling from his hairline down to his clavicle, feels coloured pink with desire.

going to leave an open tag since i’m getting to this so late, but please claim it if you haven’t been tagged and want to share!! <33

#tag games #my fic #tarlos #posting this and 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

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villaofthemysteries · 11 months

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...and yet he loved this thing

Hello, and welcome to The Devil’s Minion Week, which celebrates the relationship between Daniel Molloy and Armand in The Vampire Chronicles series, specifically from The Queen of the Damned. This chapter of the book, and the relationship it describes, is some of the best writing and characterisation in the whole series, and the layered, twisted, deeply romantic relationship that ensues is beloved by many fans.

To celebrate, this week is dedicated to quotes from the chapter, and fans are invited to make gifsets/photosets, artwork, fics or videos, that relate to, or are inspired by, each quote. This includes images from the recent TV version of Interview with the Vampire, as well as other onscreen appearances of both Daniel and Armand, as the aim is to appeal to both book and show fans. It runs from 10 o’clock in the morning of the 4th of September, to some time in the evening of the 10th of September (all times in Greenwich Mean Time).

You can submit your creation before then, or feel free to post it to your own account and tag @villaofthemysteries using the ‘and yet he loved this thing’/’the devil’s minion week’ tags, which we will track throughout.

The quotes for each day are below - you can use them directly, or relatively, or interpret them in a new and different way. The main idea is to have fun with them, and with the relationship in general, in whatever form that will take.

************************************************************************************************

Day 1 - I want it. I want to live forever. Daniel had sat up, climbed to his feet slowly, struggling to see Armand more clearly. A dim bulb burned somewhere far down the hall. I want to be with Louis and with you. Laughter, low, gentle. But contemptuous. "I see why he chose you for his confidant. You are naive and beautiful. But the beauty could be the only reason, you know."

Day 2 - Daniel was past all decision. Daniel lived only in two alternating states: misery and ecstasy, united by love. He never knew when he'd be given the blood. He never knew if things looked different because of it-the carnations staring at him from their vases, skyscrapers hideously visible like plants sprung up from steel seeds overnight-or because he was just going out of his mind.

Day 3 - “Armand [...] always knew where Daniel was. He could hear Daniel's call. The blood connected them, it had to-the precious tiny drinks of burning preternatural blood. Never enough to do more than awaken dreams in Daniel, and the thirst for eternity, to make the flowers in the wallpaper sing and dance. Whatever, Armand could always find him, of that he had no doubt."

Day 4 - “You came back to me because you wanted to, Daniel,” Armand always said calmly, face still and radiant, eyes full of love. "There is nothing for you now, Daniel, except me. You know that. Madness waits out there."

Day 5 - "Be alive, Daniel." A low whisper, like a kiss. "Let me tell you from my heart that life is better than death."

Day 6 - “… Let the demonic gods war with each other. This mortal has been to the top of the mountain where they cross swords. And he has come back. He has been turned away.”

Day 7 - “...the sight of Armand made him want to cry. Even in deep shadow, Armand's dark brown eyes were filled with a vibrant light. And the expression on his face, so loving. He reached out very carefully and touched Armand's eyelashes. He wanted to touch the tiny fine lines in Armand's lips. Armand kissed him. He began to tremble. The way it felt, the cool silky mouth, like a kiss of the brain, the electric purity of a thought!”

#the big damn quotes post #and yet he loved this thing #the devil's minion week #armand x daniel #the devil's minion #the vampire chronicles #interview with the vampire

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statusquoergo · 5 months

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do you think, when mike left the firm and stopped being a lawyer (that handshake gif you reblogged. sidebar: your tags 🥺), if mike had been single...do you think harvey would have tried to progress something romantic in this situation? he asks him out to dinner as it is...bc he just wants to be with him. he loves this man. their work arrangement was the obvious reason nothing could progress, and mike's developing relationship with rachel the obvious other. if, say, there was no rachel in the picture...I just wonder...

I could see the argument of harvey not wanting to risk their friendship and losing mike fully; he's one to take mike however much he's able to have him, and he'd take friendship over nothing any day. but, honestly...the way harvey just oozes love for mike (particularly in later seasons)...it might not even be an active choice; it might just be something that happens because he loves mike: he can't help being doe-eyed on dinner dates, and their flirty banter, and if mike is receptive then, well...full romance it'd become

(also, I don't buy harvey being too emotionally stunted or whatever to go after him. I don't think donna's all-knowing about him at all in this regard. he's a man who knows how he feels and what he wants.)

oh, and to add on to that. I haven't rewatched in a while, but a scene that sticks with me through EVERYTHING is harvey going to mike's office, "Flowers die. I thought I'd bring something better. Me" mike LOOKS UP like HELLO "...across the table from you." Like that was So charged and Mike was So receptive. he's been attracted to harvey from the beginning, too. obviously had no thought that that would ever be a reality lol and concurrently fell for rachel. but if there is no rachel, and no work relationship...mike is So down. he seriously would be. they flirt as it is...with no obstacles how could it not become something

Every time those two have to go their separate ways, no matter how long, they always have to do it in the most heartbreaking way they can come up with 😢

The thing about this is, I don't think Harvey's biggest obstacle is that he's not in touch with his own feelings. Or Mike's, for that matter. He knows he wants Mike, he knows he loves Mike, he knows he would give up everything he has and everything he is for Mike, and at the very least, he knows Mike is into him, too, although I imagine it would take some time once the barriers are all down for him to fully comprehend just how much.

As you said, the argument for him not wanting to lose his friendship with Mike isn't a hard one to make. For all his bluster and bravado, Harvey doesn't have a lot of friends; he has Donna, who's his nearest and dearest confidant but also kind of really controlling and a little manipulative, and he has Louis, who he treats like shit the vast majority of the time and prefers to toy with rather than bond with, and he has Jessica, who's mainly a mother figure and role model. And then he has Mike. Mike, who he fights with probably more often than he should because they both have absolutely godawful communication skills, but who he would (and does) tell literally anything and everything, no matter how personal; who he trusts to have his back in any given situation; who he tried to go to prison for; and who gives him all that back tenfold. Or at least in kind. This is in all likelihood the first and only relationship he's ever had of that caliber, and he'd be a fool to give it up, so why risk it seeking something more? ("More" as in "additional," not "more" as in "romance is more valuable than friendship." Just...clearing that up.)

The argument against that, however, is also an easy one: Since when has Harvey ever been afraid to take a risk? It's not even a big one, honestly. If Rachel is out of the picture, he's aware enough to realize that this thing between him and Mike has a shot, and it would be awfully foolish of him not to pursue it. He could go for it full tilt, running down the darkened city streets at the dead of night to show up at Mike's doorstep and make a full-on declaration of his intent, or he could soft-pedal it and leave himself room to back out if things start going south, but I don't think not wanting to risk their friendship would stop him completely from making a move if Mike is "in play," as it were. Even if it took him a minute to realize how much it hurt him to be apart from Mike for that long. Or at all.

Now, I hate to say this (I mean I really hate to say it), but I do think Harvey might be tripped up by (I really hate to say it) his own sense of misogyny.

I should break that down a little.

Harvey grew up in a very broken household. He and his brother don't seem to have had the best relationship (their camaraderie and fondness for one another is fairly superficial; they seem pretty friendly in low- or no-stakes situations, but Marcus only reconnected with Harvey to ask him for money, and he didn't even tell Harvey his cancer had come back because it wasn't worth the trouble); he childishly idolized his nearly-absent father to the point of hero worship; and his mother, well, let's not bother rehashing that for the hundredth time. His image of the "perfect family," however, isn't an unconventional one; it's a loving mother and father doting on one another, and taking care of their child, or children. He didn't have that, but it's what he always wanted, and what he's spent his life telling himself is what he should want. That is, he isn't interested in crafting himself a new ideal so much as recovering the one he missed out on.

On top of all that, he's chosen to wholeheartedly throw himself into the world of corporate law, which is an extremely male-dominated field (Jessica notwithstanding; even she has to play by the men's rules, and she knows full well that she was promoted to her position at least in part for the optics of the firm having a Black woman in such an elite role). If he's going to ride his life's mine cart rails along to a happy family, it's going to be with a woman in as traditional a household as he can scrape together.

What I mean by that is that he'd have to actively, consciously, purposefully choose to pursue any life that's not that one. He's not a misogynist by trade, I don't think, like I don't think he thinks men are inherently superior to women or any of that shit, but the overall model has been instilled in him so strongly and from so many directions that someone would have to sit him down and shove it in his face and teach him how to unlearn it, and unless Mike is the one to do that by way of making the first move, I don't really see it occurring to anyone that it's even necessary. Harvey might have his flings (Ted Phillips, anyone?), and he may be aware that a life with Mike is what he wants, but left to his own devices, I'm not convinced he'd realize it's one he can have.

This is where the "not wanting to lose the best friendship he's ever had" part comes into play. He and Mike flirt like a couple of hormonal teenagers, they're clearly both interested in going further, and if Rachel is out of the picture, there's nothing (external) stopping them, but Harvey has something deep down in his subconscious telling him that he's not allowed to have that, so the friendship alone has to be enough.

But you'd better believe they're going to push those boundaries as far as they'll go.

All that said, if someone, anyone, thought to give Harvey a nudge in that direction... I think he'd be all for it.

#marvey #anonymous #analysis

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