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eastertag · 3 years

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Pretty in pink

@fallenfurther gift for @willow-salix

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Her mobile, which had fallen into the crack in the sofa, buzzed violently. Wriggling to the side, Selene retrieved it and tapped open the new message.

Gordon: Please say you know who did it?

Gordon: I don’t want to get the blame.

Selene: Did what?

Gordon: Thunderbird One is pink.

Selene couldn’t believe the words before her, but her instincts told her Gordon wasn’t lying. Pushing John’s arms up abruptly, she went from lying on him to standing in seconds. Her man gave her a bemused look but didn’t move.

“Where’s the fire?”

“Thunderbird One is pink.”

“What? That’s a joke. Gordon’s pranking you.”

Selene thrust the phone under John’s nose and watched his eyebrow raise. He stood slowly, understanding all the possible implications of such a statement, and together they headed to the lift. Taking it down to Thunderbird One’s hanger, they joined Gordon in gapping up at the rocket plane. There before them was indeed a pink Thunderbird One. At least the details were pink. From the usually blue engine compartment with its white one and the blue detailing on the bottom fins were now the colour of FAB 1. Even the nosecone was a darker shade of pink. A grin crossed Gordon’s face as he started to chuckle.

“I look forward to your funeral,” John spoke entirely deadpan.

“I didn’t do it.”

“Then why are you laughing?”

“Because whoever did is a freaking genius!” Gordon exclaimed. “This is the prank of the year and whoever did it deserves a medal of bravery.”

“More like a medal of stupidity,” countered John, “if we get a rescue and Scott has to fly with One like this, all hell will break loose.”

“Should we tell him?” Selene asked, wondering if she should message her best friend or not.

“Be my guest,” Gordon responded cheerfully, phone in hand and snapping evidence of the crime. John wandered up to the Thunderbird, a frown of thought on his face. Selene followed, watching her man’s every move as he scrutinised the pink stripes. He opened his mouth to speak.

“What on earth? Who did that? What the hell is going on?”

Scott’s voice went from surprise to anger as he stormed up behind them. His fists were clenched and shaking. They all cared deeply for their individual craft and this was a complete violation of his. Had someone painted Thunderbird Four a new colour, Gordon would be just as furious.

“It’s not as bad as it looks.”

“Not as bad as it looks!?” Scott spat at John. “Thunderbird One is PINK! How would you like it if I painted Thunderbird Five pink?”

“I would like to see you try that, and it’s not like anyone sees Thunderbird Five that often.”

A growl came from the eldest Tracy, though John didn’t flinch. He knew even, as Scott was going red with fury, his brother was not a threat, so he continued to be the voice of reason.

“It appears to be a simple wrap, probably designed to be temporary.”

“I jolly well hope so.”

Selene just observed as Scott stormed off to the side of the hanger towards the adjustable platform. He jumped up into the driving seat and moved it up to his Thunderbird. Climbing on, he raised it so he could examine the damage. His hand reached out and stroked the darker pink hexagons that surrounded her white one, the hurt in his eyes clear to all. John shook his head, while Gordon sniggered to her left. No doubt the man was snapping more photos. Scott rose higher and let himself into the belly of his ship.

“On no! They are SO dead.”

The anguished voice from inside the Thunderbird had Gordon running past to call the platform down. Selene and John were right on his heels, climbing up and being raised above the ground. She was thankful the closest one had been the lift with the guard rail, as she held on tight. Carefully stepping into Thunderbird One the reason for the cursing became clear. Everything that had been blue was now pink. Even Scott’s seat, which he had climbed up to like a monkey, had been sprayed pale pink with deep pink cushions. Selene bit her lip to fight the grin, though Gordon just collapsed in peels of laughter.

“Incredible,” John gawked from her side. “I’m impressed by the effort they’ve gone to, though this definitely screams Brains’ handiwork. I suggest finding him to ascertain the best way to remove it all.”

Selene herself was struggling to take in the dramatic colour change. It was like being in a completely different vehicle. It was almost like Penelope had come in and redecorated to her tastes and claimed it as her own. The blue figure of Scott above them looked very much out of place in his own Thunderbird. The man jumped down before her, a frown creasing his forehead. He slipped a hand under Gordon’s elbow, lifting the crying man to his feet.

“Good idea, John. The sooner this is sorted the better.”

They watched the commander drag Gordon out, who was trying to dry his eyes and snap a few more photos at the same time.

“If you could keep those photos off social media, I��d be very grateful.”

“Hey!” Gordon yelped as he was dropped onto the platform bed. “The world has a every right to see these. They are golden!”

“I promise they won’t be released today, however Gordon has got a point. If released at the correct time, they could be invaluable.”

Selene looped her arm through John’s as they followed after the grumbling Scott, carefully stepping onto the platform. She did snap a quick photo for herself, just in case, knowing that John would have Gordon’s photos saved somewhere safe soon enough, which she could just ask to see. The platform lowered smoothly, and they clambered down the ladder. Scott decided the ladder was too slow and threw himself athletically over the rail to the floor. He started running only to grind to a halt when Sally rounded the corner with a pink baldric in hand.

“There you are Scott,” the wise woman smiled, “I’ve been looking for you all over. I need you ready to launch in the next half hour otherwise we’ll be late.”

Selene joined the men around her in shock. Not one of them had considered Sally would be culprit. The woman was a plotter and mischievous, but this took the biscuit.

“You did THAT?” Gordon gawked; arm thrown high in the direction of the Thunderbird.

“With Brains’ help, yes.”

“I’m not launching Thunderbird One until it’s all removed.”

Scott’s eyebrows knitted together as he crossed his arms. Sally didn’t falter, passing a data pad to Scott as she passed.

“Yes, you will. I just have to pack this, then we can launch.”

Gordon stared after his Grandma his wide brown eyes full of a newfound respect for the matriarch. John peered over Scott’s shoulder, reading whatever was meant to convince Scott the Thunderbird One needed to be pink. The man’s tense body slumped with a sigh.

“Don’t you dare call me out for a rescue or I’ll disable the bagel machine on Five AND ensure none make it safely to the island for the next month.”

John raised an eyebrow, and his emerald eyes glinted as a sly smile crossed his face.

“You know I can’t promise that.”

“I’m taking the second seat. I cannot miss this for the world.”

Gordon gleefully ran towards the stairs up to the changing rooms and docking area. The colour slowly drained from Scott’s face as he realised that having Gordon there would be worse than being called out on a rescue. Selene could almost here the jokes and puns Gordon would rain over Scott.

“No way. You are not coming.”

Scott shouted after the aquanaut, who had just lept up the first few steps. Gordon threw himself onto the handrail, cupped his hand to his mouth and bellowed.

“Grandma! Can I come?”

“It’s up to Scott who can come along, but I believe you are on standby for rescues.”

“John’s here. He can take my place.” Gordon latched the eldest Tracy and brought out the puppy eyes, “Please, Scott. Let me come along.”

“No.” The commander was back, standing straight and certain, “The only person who I will allow to come is Selene.”

“Sure, I’m in.”

Selene gave Scott an appreciative smile. She intended to make the most of this opportunity, as Thunderbird One would be reverted back to her original colours the moment she returned. A dimpled grin of gratitude was sent back.

“I need to go suit up. I’ll see you inside.”

The man jogged off towards the elevator, while John held the tablet out before her. Taking it, she scrolled through an email exchange that had occurred over the past few days. It was the first email that tugged her heartstrings and explained Scott’s quick change of tune.

Dear Make-a-wish,

My name in Leanne Darcy Brown. I am ten years old, and I have incurable medulloblastoma. I am having chemotherapy to help prolong my life so I can do as many things as I can, but I don’t have much time left. I have always loved planes and wanted to be a pilot. I have been to many air shows and love sitting in the cockpits of the planes they have on display.

My wish is to fly in Thunderbird One. It is my favourite of the Thunderbirds as it is the fastest, and it would be awesome to go at top speed in it. Although, if I was the pilot of Thunderbird One it would be pink and not blue, as pink is a much better colour. I know this might not be possible as Thunderbird One needs to be ready to help people, so my other wish is to go up in a stunt plane and do loop-the-loop, and other cool tricks.

Thank you,

Leanne

Selene blinked as John pulled her into his chest, resting his chin on her head. She rested her cheek against his shoulder and grounded herself, letting the world settle to the sound of John’s heartbeat.

“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

John’s voice was soft as his brushed against her ear. Twisting, Selene gazed up into his dazzling eyes and smiled. They both knew she would be going; she always went when she was need, and Scott would need her. The boys did charity events whenever they could, doing their best to spread hope and raise money to help those less fortunate. They experienced losses on rescues, each having people that held on longer than others, but at least they had tried to save them. Sometimes meeting the people they could do nothing for, despite all their resources, could be tough. Sally climbed down from the lift and set it moving to its original position, before heading towards them.

“Shall we get going?”

John pressed his lips to her forehead, and she stole a quick kiss, before breaking apart. Selene looped arms with the matriarch, and they headed towards the changing rooms. The spare seats for One were already in position for them, so they climbed in and allowed the mechanism to load them into the ship. Moments after they clicked into place, Scott’s chair extended out to collect him.

“Everyone ready?”

Scott glanced over his shoulder as Thunderbird One ascended to her launch station in silence.

“We’re A-okay back here. You just worry about getting to those coordinates on time.”

Sally chimed from beside her, clearly happy to be flying. There was a speed demon in her. The woman was buzzing, arms shaking slightly.

“It’s turned out perfectly, hasn’t it?”

“It definitely meets her pink dream.”

“Brains’ has done a fantastic job on such short notice. I was behind on the inbox, which I always regret as it means I miss emails such as these. When I saw it, I knew just had to do something. Brains was with me at the time. It was his suggestion that we make Thunderbird One pink for the day. He told me to just arrange it all timing wise and leave Thunderbird One to him. That man is a genus.

“You could have given me a warning, Grandma.”

Sally just waved away her grandson’s comments like an annoying fly, making Selene laugh.

“So why is today so important?”

“Oh, the foundation managed to secure Leanne on a stunt plane flight, so they’ll be at an airfield making all the clearances needed simple. The airfield was happy to accommodate us despite the short notice. Leanne is also taking a turn for the worst, her mobility is becoming poor to the point that she’s struggling to walk, and she’s on a fair amount of medication to keep her comfortable. It’s starting to become a now or never situation. The poor dear. Hopefully this will give her a day to remember.”

Selene reached out and held Sally’s hand as she wiped a tear from her eye. The doctor part of her must understand what’s going on with the child. Rubbing circles on the woman’s skin, there was a lot to marvel. The woman’s determination and care, efficiency and resolve. She had brought a girl’s dream into reality, and it was fantastic. Even if Selene didn’t appreciate pink as much as Lady Penelope, she could appreciate how Brains had used two shades to keep all the small details of the ship, including the logos and warnings located about them. The Thunderbird slowed and Scott landed effortlessly. They all disembarked onto the tarmac, where two suited ladies awaited with their wide eyes on the ship. Their name badges read Kaia and Dakota.

“Welcome and thank you for your response and generosity. May I be the first to say Thunderbird One looks incredible.”

“I’m sorry it was such a late response. This is Scott and Selene.”

There were handshakes all round before they were led into the nearby hanger and escorted into one of the offices. Selene quickly spotted Leanne, dressed in an International Rescue blue flight suit, chatting away to a woman in a similar, but white, flight suit. There was a spread of food and drink beside them, and there were three other adults standing to the side of the room. The couple with teary eyes and smiling warmly at the child were Leanne’s parents, and the other was a male nurse. Selene nabbed a sandwich from the platter and munched away as she stood beside Scott. Everyone stayed silent, letting the room be filled with the excited ramblings of Leanne, who still hadn’t noticed the newcomers. Stealing a ham sandwich earned a raised eyebrow from Sally, and a jealous side glance from Scott. Apparently, there was an etiquette she had forgotten. Finally, the nurse cleared his throat and Kaia introduced them.

“Leanne, this is Sally Tracy of International Rescue and her grandchildren, Scott and Selene.”

Selene held in a chuckle as the child’s jaw dropped and her eyes zeroed in on Scott. His uniform and tall certain demeanour clearly stating who he was. Her chestnut eyes sparkled with excitement as her hands flew to her cheeks.

“Hello Leanne.” Scott introduced himself, stepping forward and kneeling before her so he was at her level. His presence was calming, and he was giving her his best dimpled smile. “I hope you’ve had a fantastic time in the stunt plane. I used to enjoy performing similar manoeuvres when I flew in the Air Force.”

All Leanne could do was nod, completely star struck.

“Well, I can’t promise you any stunts, but I can show you around Thunderbird One before taking you and one of your parents up for a quick circle of the planet.”

“Y-Yes please!” She squeaked.

“Before we head out, I have this for you.” Sally stepped up behind Scott and held out the bright pink baldric, “so you can be one of us.”

The delight almost burst out of Leanne to the point she that she was shaking. Sally helped slip the loop over her head and secure the baldric in place. The child ran her fingers over the iR logo. With the blue of the flight suit, she really didn’t look amiss next to Scott. Her father stepped up and helped Leanne to stand, before looping his arm through her elbow. It was the moment the reality of the situation first hit Selene. With her father supporting her, she could walk but it was clear she was struggling to balance. Scott moved to be the other side of her and engaged them in conversation, though Selene knew he was primed to help if needed. They all followed out to the tarmac. There were many exclamations of wonder at the sight of Thunderbird One. A few tears were shed, and many photos taken. It was a pleasure to see Leanne’s face lit up and full of life as she posed next to Scott. Everyone was allowed inside for a view before Leanne and her father were strapped in for their flight. Selene put her arm around the mother as the air around them was whipped up by Thunderbird One’s thrusters.

“Thank you,” she sobbed, “You can’t imagine how much this means to us, and to Leanne. She fought so hard. Then to find out it had come back. All her dreams shattered, but this. This was just perfect.”

Rubbing gentle circles into the woman’s back, Selene guided her back inside to wait for their return. Selene gave her ear to the woman, letting her spill and release her feelings, knowing that the simple act of talking can help lift some of the weight. Her own heart ached for the family and their situation. Medical treatments had come so far, but there were still times when that progress had yet to come far enough for everyone. People were still being lost. Slowly the mood lightened, and the conversation moved on to lighter topics. The food was offered to them and they happily snacked as the spoke. They put aside a plate and bottle of pop for Scott. Sally’s wrist pinged to indicate the imminent return of the Thunderbird. Again, they all left to go to the tarmac, although this time the nurse had a hoverchair in tow. The grins on both Leanne and her father were priceless as they headed over laughing. Leanne was helped into the chair after a hug with each of them. Scott slipped his arm around Selene’s shoulder and gave her a squeeze, which she returned. They waved goodbye before climbing back into Thunderbird One. They launched immediately, allowing Leanne to watch the machine from below.

“Do you mind dropping me off in Kanas? I’ve planned a weekend away with some friends, and this saves me flying back out tomorrow.”

“Sure thing, Grandma. You got any requests Selene?”

“Just home for me.”

Thunderbird One landed beside the house and they waved goodbye to Sally. Scott sat in the vacated seat as he scoffed the sandwiches they’d saved gratefully. Selene could see the emotional weight that sat on the man’s shoulders. She leant over and rested against him. He would talk when ready. As the man glugged down the cola, the comm bleeped and John floated before them.

“Scott. There is a couple of climbers stuck on a mountain and Thunderbird Two is currently deployed.”

Scott sighed. The world knew when to pick its moments.

“You okay with a quick detour, Selene?”

“I’ll be here if you need me.”

Scott gave her a smile before climbing up into his seat.

“Send us the coordinates. Let’s just hope they don’t mind pink.”

#thunderbirds #thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds 2004 #thunderbirds fanfiction #thunderbirds 1965 #Scott Tracy #Gordon Tracy #sally tracy #John Tracy #easterTAG #submission

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in-flagrante · 5 years

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The wait is over

THE TIARAS HAVE BEEN DUSTED OFF AND THE PEARLS POLISHED. FOUR LONG YEARS AFTER THE FINAL INSTALMENT OF DOWNTON ABBEY, IT’S BACK, THIS TIME ON THE BIG SCREEN. BEN LAWRENCE WENT ON SET TO UNCOVER SOME FAMILY SECRETS

The Daily Telegraph

31 Aug 2019

As Downton Abbey sweeps majestically on to the big screen, Ben Lawrence joins the cast reunion on set

It is a crisp, clear morning at Wentworth Woodhouse, the stately home in South Yorkshire. Built by the 1st Marquess of Rockingham, it has the widest façade in Europe, boasts at least 365 rooms (no one is certain of the exact number), and represents two and a half acres of building. This perfect specimen of English baroque is the setting for the new Downton Abbey film – in which George V and Queen Mary tour the north of England (which also includes a visit to Downton itself, filmed as usual at Highclere Castle in Berkshire) – and today they are shooting a grand ball at the home of the Countess of Harewood in the film, attended by the royal couple and Downton’s Crawley family.

Inside the house, a production unit zigzags in and out of huge vaulted rooms with cables and film cameras, while extras in 1920s ball attire chat nonchalantly on makeshift chairs. Meanwhile in the ballroom – a giant marble space, adorned with deep-red damask wallpaper and enormous flower arrangements – Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton (two of the stars of the original series) slip through the lines of dancing couples in diaphanous silks, as a small orchestra plays a waltz. In the background, an assistant producer is being told off by one of the volunteers of Wentworth Woodhouse for wandering into a disused room. This isn’t jobsworthiness. The carpet in some rooms is nearly 300 years old and will disintegrate

if anyone breathes on it. The wallpaper, meanwhile, is laced with arsenic (as was the fashion at the time) in order to make it a certain shade of green.

Away from the action, Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary (the eldest Crawley daughter), is sitting in her trailer, her sharp features accentuated by period make-up, feeling slightly in awe of the whole process. ‘It was during my costume fitting when it hit me. I got really emotional.’

Downton Abbey made Dockery and many of her fellow cast members international names, and no wonder. The ITV series, which ran from 2010 to 2015 and followed the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, was sold to 220 territories worldwide, achieved a global audience of 120 million and was nominated for 53 International Emmys. In America, it became the most successful British drama import of all time. It also set the bar for costume dramas, at least in terms of visual sheen. The Crown, Netflix’s lavish regal series (which returns this autumn), has clearly been influenced by Julian Fellowes’ series, which cost, on average, £1 million per episode to make.

Everyone expected that a film would be made, but it was quite a feat getting the cast together. ‘It was like herding cats,’ says Dockery. ‘But I just love it. It’s so familiar and doesn’t feel like work.’

Despite rumours to the contrary, Maggie Smith is back as the Dowager Countess, famous for her

‘When we finished the series, we didn’t envisage a film. We had a party at The Ivy and everyone cried’

withering put-downs, as are Hugh Bonneville’s paterfamilias the Earl of Grantham, his American wife Cora (played by Elizabeth Mcgovern) and his two surviving daughters, Lady Mary, of course, and Laura Carmichael’s Lady Edith. Others involved include Penelope Wilton’s sensible cousin Isobel and many of the downstairs staff: Jim Carter’s stentorian Mr Carson and his wife, the no-nonsense housekeeper Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan); Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol), the plainspeaking cook with Escoffier abilities, and her protégée, the occasionally mutinous Daisy (Sophie Mcshera).

When I talk to Fellowes though, he is adamant that a film was never inevitable. Rumours circulated about a prequel, following Robert’s courting of Cora for her money and subsequently falling in love with her, but nothing came of it. ‘When we finished the series, we didn’t envisage a film. We had a lovely party at The Ivy and everyone cried, but that was it as far as I was concerned. Then, as the years rolled by, there was a sense that people hadn’t quite finished with it, and eventually I formed an idea for a feature film.’

The Downton Abbey film, directed by Michael Engler, is set in 1927, just over a year after the series ended, and focuses on the Crawleys and their servants as they prepare for a royal visit. It causes much excitement below stairs, but the staff soon find the monarch’s entourage taking over – including a temperamental French chef (played by Philippe Spall) and a pompous head butler, played by David Haig, who refers to himself as the ‘King’s page of the back stairs’. Other new cast members include Simon Jones and Geraldine James as the King and Queen, Imelda Staunton (real-life wife of Carter) as Lady Bagshaw, lady-in-waiting to the Queen and a relative of the Crawleys, and Tuppence Middleton as her mysterious lady’s maid, Lucy.

Fellowes was inspired, in part, by a book he had read called Black Diamonds by Catherine Bailey, which details a 1912 visit by King George V and Queen Mary to South Yorkshire. As well as tucking into lavish 13-course dinners, which included puddings served in sugar baskets that took four days to weave, they also met local miners and toured pit villages. Although the film is set 15 years later, the King and Queen did make similar, unlikely tours around the country, as Fellowes explains. ‘After the First World War, there was a period of unsettled feelings about things – not least the monarchy. It had to re-establish itself as many members of European royalty had disappeared – the German Emperor, the Austrian Emperor, the Tsar of Russia. The structure had to be restated as having an integral role in society and they [George and Mary] were very successful in doing so. By 1930, the Crown was back at the heart of English life.’

For Dockery, making the film was not only a chance to catch up with old friends, but also to further develop a character that the nation took to their hearts.

‘Mary is so complex. We met her at 18 and she was this rebellious teenager – she was bored, and

‘It is pompous, but if you are recreating the ’20s you may as well get it right’

because she was a girl, she wasn’t what her father wanted [an heir to Downton]. Ultimately he became very proud of her, though, and I think everyone really responded to that. Seeing her journey was what hooked people.’

Now we see Lady Mary very much in control, happily married (to Matthew Goode’s Henry Talbot) and more than capable of taking over the ancestral pile when the time comes.

‘Julian writes really well for women and I think that has something to do with his wife, Emma [a descendant of Lord Kitchener]. I see a lot of her in Mary, just her expressions and things,’ she says.

Dockery has had a particularly successful career post-downton. She brought rigour and a dash of fun to her part as an ambitious TV exec in Network (the National Theatre production based on the acclaimed ’70s film), and a sort of watchfulness to the role of a hard-edged widow in Netflix’s warped western Godless. Next year, she will be showing her versatility further in Guy Ritchie’s film The Gentlemen, in which she plays the wife of a drug lord (played by Matthew Mcconaughey).

One character who has a particularly meaty storyline in the film is gay footman Thomas, played by Robert James-collier. We meet at Shepperton Studios, where the kitchen scenes are being filmed. It’s a cavernous setting which production designer Donal Woods describes as ‘like a noirish, Scandi film, as opposed to the glorious technicolor of upstairs’. For the TV series, the servants’ quarters were created at Ealing Studios, but the set has been flat-packed and sent over, as have the copper jelly moulds, kettles and pans.

This time, we see Thomas befriend a footman from the Royal household (played by Max Brown), and he ends up in an illicit gay drinking den in York. This was an era when homosexuality could result in a prison sentence, but, says James-collier, for one brief moment his somewhat malevolent character is liberated.

‘He is introduced to this other world that he doesn’t know exists, and there is this sense of relief, this sudden realisation that there are kindred spirits and that he is not this “foul individual” as Mr Carson once described him.’

The irony that Downton Abbey has been sold to countries where homosexuality can be punished by death is not lost on James-collier, and he feels a grave sense of responsibility about his role. ‘I have received letters from young men who say that watching Thomas’s journey has helped them. All I can say is that it’s an utter privilege. It’s the reason why I do it.’

The film’s 1927 setting marks a period in Britain when country houses such as Downton were beginning to feel the austerity of the interwar years. Death duties had to be paid and households streamlined, which meant that many servants lost their jobs. Meanwhile, the General Strike of 1926 – in which the TUC fought against worsening conditions for the country’s miners – underlined a growing sense of solidarity among the working class. In the film, however, there are no such concerns, and that reflects the point that Downton is in many ways a fantasy. One criticism of the original scripts was that the Crawleys were too benign as employers, that the relationship between master and servant was much more remote, without any of the Earl of Grantham’s well-meaning paternalism. Fellowes disagrees.

‘This notion that people were horrible to their servants is wrong. Most of us, if you think about it logically, and putting aside the moral view that that life should exist at all, would want to get on with the valet or lady’s maid. When you see a character snarling at his butler, you think this isn’t a way of life. None of us would want to be in a position of speaking to people you disliked.’

If Fellowes is the arbiter of psychological accuracy, then Alastair Bruce is the gatekeeper of protocol. He was Downton’s historical adviser at the beginning and describes himself, among other things, as the posture monitor.

He explains. ‘The cast tend to put their bums here on the seat,’ he says indicating the back of his chair. ‘But in those days, you didn’t – you would sit at the front. Also, [people’s] shoulders have fallen forward because everyone is on their mobile phone all the time.’

Bruce also helps the actors with their diction and mentions the word ‘room’. Many tended to accentuate the ‘o’s when it fact it should be shortened, so they sound very nearly like a ‘u’.

‘It is pompous bollocks, but if you are recreating the ’20s you may as well get it right,’ Bruce adds. ‘Michelle would quite happily let me describe her evolution in life as a long way from Downton Abbey, but I have some pretty grandiose friends who can’t believe this is the case. I am very proud of the fact that she now has this incredible poise – you never see a curve in her back – and her accent is on point.’

Several months later, I ask Fellowes whether he has plans for a sequel (although in truth, certain scenes in the film suggest a full stop rather than a pause). ‘There is never any point in answering that,’ he says. ‘In this business as soon as someone says that’s the last time I’ll put on my ballet shoes, there they are, a year later, dancing Giselle.’ Downton Abbey is released on 13 September

#downton abbey #downton abbey movie #michelle dockery #robert james collier #alastair bruce #julian fellowes

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wittywallflower · 5 years

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Accidentally, Or By Fate Designed ch. 8

also on AO3

ch 8: accidentally an Alvarez

"Don't worry about it", she had said to him. Don't worry about it.

As if it was that easy, she thought as she paced her bedroom floor late into the night, unable to do anything else except worry about it. Worry herself to the verge of an anxiety attack.

Or maybe it would be easy for him. Maybe it was only hard for her to stop thinking about it because her brain was all screwy from the anxiety? Or maybe it was because her skin still tingling from his touch and she found herself missing the faint scent of the cologne she smelled when she was close to him? The pacing helped a little with the jittery feeling that kept running over her nerves when she remembered details like how he smelled, or how soft the hair at the nape of his neck was.

The park wasn't far from the apartment; they had left the batting cages in silence that lasted until they said goodnight when the elevator stopped at her floor. Once home she had immediately changed into her comfiest pajamas but couldn't bring herself to lay her head down. For hours she walked back and forth, worrying about what tonight would mean. What it meant to their friendship. What it meant to the way things worked with the family and in their tenant/landlord relationship. What it meant that she had liked kissing him in a big way and that both surprised and scared her. What it meant that Schneider hadn't wanted to pursue anything further.

She spent an hour on that last question alone before she finally buried her head under the pillow and let sleep silence her mind.

Maybe there wasn't anything to worry about, Schneider thought as he took his place at the table for dinner two night later.

He waited till he knew the kids were home before heading down to the Alvarez apartment. It wasn't the bravest way to face her, but it was effective. Schneider was immediately drawn into conversation with Elena and Alex. He got away with just a friendly nod to Penelope, who had strategically busied herself in the kitchen helping her mother. She hoped her smile in return didn't look forced.

The teenagers had so much to say they monopolized the conversation through most of the meal. Dessert was served before anyone asked about the fancy restaurant. Without awkwardly stumbling over each other's words, Schneider and Penelope managed to give a lively description of the venue and food, as well as a suitably romantic retelling of the engagement to please Elena. Neither mentioned the intimate picnic, or late night baseball practice. Alex lost interested once he confirmed they hadn't seen any celebrities, but apologized to Schneider for ditching him. The adults could tell he wasn't actually sorry to spend the night on a date with a cute girl instead, but Penelope was happy to see she had raised her son with enough manners to at least pretend to be contrite for canceling plans at the last minute.

Schneider caught her eye over papito's head and they shared a grin; he always seemed to be on the same wavelength as her when it came to the kids and she liked being able to share the secret amusement.

Penelope remembered saying to Lydia in one of their many arguments about Victor how she did want someone to raise the kids with, someone to help her handle their unique brands of crazy. Seated across the dinner table from him now, she realized that's exactly what she had in Schneider when she actually let him co-parent the way his heart desired. She dropped her gaze to her plate in confusion. Did that mean the two of them could actually build a life together? Or did she only want to because he was always there for her in the way a husband should be? Because he would be safe and convenient?

Wait, when did she even start wanting to build a life with Schneider?

After zoning out for a moment of internal panic, Penelope finally tuned back into the conversation to find that someone had decided a make-up meal was in order so all the family could go out together. As if they weren't all (except for Dr. B) already eating together right now. They couldn't possibly get reservations at the same place again, but Elena and Alex were just happy to give it a miss if it meant they didn't have to dress up. Lydia had scoffed at their descriptions of the menu and portion sizes. They finally settled on a Korean fusion place near the family's favorite ice cream parlor that weekend.

"That work okay for you, Pen? You don't have any other plans?" Schneider asked her.

He knew what nights she went to her therapy group. He also knew she wasn't seeing anyone and therefore wasn't likely to have a date. He was trying to give her an out in case she felt awkward, in case she didn't want to spend too much time with him. He certainly wouldn't turn down Alvarez Family Night Out for anything else. It was typical thoughtfulness from her best friend and made her smile back at him. Things being weird is exactly what they were both so anxious about, but it wasn't so weird.

It didn't have to be that way if they didn't let it.

"Nope, no plans. Sounds like fun." And so the dinner was set.

Saturday night found them in Button Mash seated around a large square table. The couples, Elena and Syd, Lydia and Dr. B, each took up a side. Penelope originally grabbed the chair next to Alex but the seating arrangements didn't last long. The restaurant had a collection of retro arcade games and after waiting long enough to put in their orders, everyone dispersed to play. Penelope tried a few games she'd enjoyed as a kid but when she spied the server deliver their drinks to the table, she sat down to enjoy her cocktail instead.

She wasn't more than a couple sips in when Schneider collapsed with his usual boneless grace into the chair beside her. Penelope raised an eyebrow at him. This kinda place was exactly his scene; she had expected to have to drag him away from the games to eat.

"I may have gotten a tiny bit over-enthusiastic," He held his thumb and forefinger a scant centimeter apart to show how little, but his face was sheepish. "Elena says I'm not allowed to play Mortal Kombat anymore."

Penelope couldn't help it, she cracked up. His rueful face, the mental image of him yelling at Liu Kang on the screen, and the idea of Elena scolding him the way Penelope used to scold her when she got all loco playing video games. It was too much and Penelope laughed herself helpless.

Schneider couldn't help but grin as he watched Penelope's fit of amusement. He was so, so glad they could still have fun together without things being stilted and uncomfortable.

They could put everything behind them and maintain their friendship.

Except he couldn't put it behind him.

He sat at the table beside her all night, as he hadn't surrendered the chair to Alex when the rest returned to join them. Schneider chimed in the family fun, accepting their teasing with a grin, and it was everything he'd wanted his family to be. But when Penelope threw back her head for another laugh, he realized the pretty picture in his head was incomplete. His gut twisted when he felt his arms itch to reach out to her, to brush her curls back from her neck, to throw his arm over the back of he chair, to trace the three little freckles on her shoulder with his fingertip. He wanted to make her laugh forever to hear her so carefree and joyful. He didn't just want to be in the picture of the family puzzle, he wanted his pieces to interlock with hers.

Throughout the meal he caught himself shifting closer to her as he talked, forcing himself to sit back in his chair whenever he unconsciously ended up in her personal space.

They were all replete at the end of the meal, happy with the food and planning to come back another day. Schneider wouldn't mind if it became a regular place for them. He'd be happy to treat them all any time.

When the bill came he guessed high rather than actually do the math to work out the tip. Then added another twenty bucks on top. It had been such a great night. He signed the credit card slip and passed it back to the server.

"You have a wonderful evening, Mr. Alvarez," the waiter said with such enthusiasm he had clearly noticed the generous gratuity.

Schneider picked up his glass for a last sip of water before the words actually sank in. The reservations were under "Alvarez", it was an easy (if somewhat hetero-normative) mistake to make. It just felt so right, so natural, that his brain hadn't even registered it at first. When he did, a slight jolt of reaction made him miss his mouth and spill his drink. He set his glass down and absent-mindedly swiped at the water on his chest.

He wanted to be an Alvarez. He wanted that more than anything. He had been mostly joking about changing his name; he hadn't actually asked his lawyer, just googled the process one night out of casual curiosity. Schneider knew it was silly to want the name, it was just a name and it was Victor's name at that, it wasn't important to him. Being one of them was. But he was one of them. He embraced that in every way: co-parenting the kids, being a companion to Lydia, helping out wherever he could, supporting everyone when life brought them troubles. He welcomed it all, the good stuff and the bad stuff, because it meant he belonged with them.

So why was he running from possibly the most meaningful connection he could make to the most amazing member of that family?

Penelope realized Schneider had zoned out. Turning to snap him out of it, she noticed his hand rubbing at the damp spot just above the hipster-low v-neck. It immediately reminded Penelope of her get-out-of-the-friendzone move. Which in turn reminded her that if you looked at it a certain way, he had friend-zoned her. Which still kinda threw her for a loop. She never dreamed they would end up in that situation but if she had, she would have bet money that she'd be the one pushing to keep things platonic.

Schneider surfaced from his thoughts in time to catch the direction of Penelope's gaze. He realized what he was doing and dropped his hand; she lifted her eyes to his. She knew he remembered her flirty move, he could tell she was thinking about it. For a long moment neither said anything. Neither looked away.

Did she think he was trying to use the move on her? That would be a really weird play on his part, if he had been doing it intentionally. He had been the one to call a stop to it the other night.

His brain unhelpfully intruded with a memory from the concert where they had spied on Alex. The incident with the bar-noculars had been an accident, but he had learned firsthand how effective her technique could be. Schneider had admired Penelope for years before then and flirted with her more than a little. But that day had seen the first urge he'd had to swoop in and kiss the woman, slip his arms around her and lift her clear off her feet. Papito had been an effective distraction in that moment, but right now...

God, why had he called a stop to things the other night?

When he finally managed to shake that train of thought off, he realized they were the only two left at the table. Penelope laughed when his face scrunched up in confusion.

"Come on, Mr Alvarez" she teased sarcastically, "everyone's getting rid of the last of their quarters before we leave."

Schneider swallowed. He hadn't realized Penelope had heard the server's comment. She hadn't spoken up to correct it, hadn't denied it with the peals of laughter that had met Victor's suggestion that she was dating Schneider. She wasn't even warning him not to get any ideas about making it legal.

She was instead rolling her eyes at him, with a grin that held so much affection, more than he was used to seeing but it wasn't new. Schneider had never really allowed himself to see it before. In part because he struggled some days to believe he deserved it, in part because if he did acknowledge it, he left himself open to too many impossible hopes and intangible dreams. It wasn't a vulnerability he didn't need on top of his sobriety.

But Penelope was someone he let himself be vulnerable with now. So vulnerable; open and honest about things in his past that would scare most people away. He was already laid bare before her, there was little risk she would decide to run away after she committed to choosing him. He knew his bestie, knew how much effort she put into the things she chose to spend her time on, how much time she chose to spend on those she let into her life. How she always had time for him.

Penelope Alvarez didn't settle for just anything.

Which meant she thought he was something special.

As he followed her toward the bank of arcade games, Schneider straightened unconsciously, head held high. Truth be told, one might even say he strutted a bit, suddenly feel 10 feet tall and indestructible. Thankfully Penelope didn't notice the ridiculous display of dignity behind her. The grin on his face grew a little dopey when the little voice (that had just the faintest Cuban accent) inside him reminded him she had seen him looking a lot dumber than this before.

And she still kissed him. With enthusiasm. Despite all the potential complications it could create.

She chose him.

#odaat #alvareider #fanfic #penelope alvarez #schneider

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ofpenelope · 5 years

Text

[ elizabeth olsen, twenty-eight, cisfemale, she/her ] ━ did y'all see [ penelope caulfield ] walkin’ into [ busy bee’s. ] don’t think i’ve seen ‘em too much around here, they must’ve gotten here about [ four months ago ], but i think you can catch ‘em around town working as a [ dance teacher & manager at dogwood bed and breakfast. ] I reckon they’re pretty [ ambitious & charismatic ] but I hear they can also be kinda [ defensive & obstinante. ] best make ‘em feel welcome. [ cancer, death, alcoholism. ]

GROWING UP --

penelope was originally born in frostford to jean marie remington and rhett caulfield. they were high school sweethearts, married the day after their graduation and out popped penelope seven months later.

sure, people talked about it cause clearly her mama had been pregnant before she and rhett got married. but everybody knew jean marie and rhett were gonna get married since they were twelve. ( some people say they knew it sooner, but jean marie and rhett went on their first “date” at the age of twelve so that’s what they go with ).

however, before penelope was two years old her parents suddenly moved out of frostford leaving behind their families and a small home they’d been gifted for their wedding without more than just a note, which they left addressed to rhett’s brother randy.

the note didn’t explain much, but it gave randy a contact address and said they’d send a note when they arrived.

jean marie and rhett moved off and on over the years, after they both graduated from school. jean marie became a designer and rhett was working as a chef. little penelope called multiple cities her home including new york, los angeles, denver, and phoenix.

over the years penelope would come and visit her uncle randy and her other family members. but the visits were usually just holidays. the only long time period she spent here growing up was when her mother was working new york fashion week and her dad was in europe working as a sous chef in a famous restaurant. she spent six weeks at dogwood when she was nine.

her mother and father had one other child, a boy four years younger than penelope.

penelope’s mom always had big dreams of being a fashion designer and she did make it, but she was never a household name. jean marie designs was usually the kind of thing seen a couple of times in new york fashion week and often on small time red carpets.

rhett however, after his time in europe came back to america with quite the following. he wound up opening a couple of restaurants.

penelope was always closer to her father, spending time in the kitchen with him and learning from him. sometimes, especially when rhett was first starting out, he would bring penelope in the kitchen and let her add a “secret ingredient” to one of the dishes or even create something herself and it would be featured on the menu.

penelope was always dancing as a kid, taking lessons in ballet and tap over the years. she went to one of the biggest performing arts high schools in new york when they lived there. and she wound up graduating at the top of her class in school and going to college for dance.

CAREER YEARS & TRAGEDY --

penelope left school after a couple of months once she got a job with a european dance company. she wound up living with her father in italy for a couple of years as she worked traveling around for the dance company.

she even worked off and on with her dad, once again.

she’s always been closer with her father than her mother. they were very similar in personality whereas, though penelope would never say it, she finds her mother to be very materialistic and more concerned with everything going on around her than everything she’s doing.

plus, her mother ( trigger warning ) is an alcoholic. penelope dealt with this knowledge once she was old enough to really understand what was going on. she didn’t really know ( it was suspected, but never confirmed ) until she was in her early twenties.

the reason penelope’s even still connected to frostford is because of her father. she even took to writing letters to her uncle over the years as well.

after her time with the dance company was over, penelope moved to new york city once again and worked for her father’s restaurant as a manager/hostess for a couple of months while she still looked for work.

she’d visit her uncle on holidays back in frostford still, but mostly when her dad could come with her. that was their thing. they’d road trip from wherever they’d been living at the time and go visit his brother and spend a couple of days or so there.

TRIGGER WARNING, penelope was working as a dance instructor in california when her mother called her. her father was diagnosed with cancer and it wasn’t looking good.

penelope quit her job and moved in with her father and mother and took care of him while her mother was off doing whatever it was she wanted to do.

six months ago her father died in the hospital. penelope was by his side the entire time. and she’s honestly crushed.

of anyone in her family, penelope was closest to her father and living in a world without him is hard.

CURRENT SITUATION --

penelope spent two months traveling around and working on pretty much nothing.

then she showed up at dogwood in the middle of the night randomly with her bags behind her. it was definitely a shock to her uncle, but he still let her in and took care of her when she got there.

uncle randy gave her a job as a receptionist at the b&b.

surprisingly, the house her parents had been given was still vacant, so penelope moved in there. it’s not that far from the bed and breakfast. and it’s a small place, but big enough for penelope. she’s even turned the old room that was once her own bedroom into a dance studio with some money she’d gotten from her father’s estate.

she’s been teaching dance as well, informally, but since she’s got her own studio in her place she’s been offering lessons through telling people about it. she’d have worked as a teacher if she could at the actually school, but she’s not certified to teach any classes other than just dance instruction.

POSSIBLE CONNECTIONS --

childhood friends / pen pals

neighbors

people who she knows from working at the b&b

fellow people who like to dance or who want to learn ??

oh maybe someone who’s kid is taking dance lessons from her

she’s new but not new new ??? so maybe friends she used to know from old visits

old flings or something

yikes check out other ideas here

@frostfordstart

#✦ ━━ out of char ❞#frostfordintro #this is a new blog so ??? the odds are it won't be in the tags #i love u guys #if u wanna plot like this and i'll hit u up #or just hmu #cancer tw #alcoholism tw #death tw

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