#yes aggie what did you think

[nicoliharu]

Gimme Pre-Relationship 4, 5, and 6 for Aggie please <3

AAAAAAAHHH MAR MY PRECIOUS TOT

Thank you very much for the ask! Your rules captain! ^^ 🧡💜🧡💜

Ship list here!

💟 Pre-Relationship !!!

4/ Who felt romantic feelings first?

Agatha!

In the event of book 2, she hated Ruggie due to his behavior and attitudes following Leona's orders but after a while, she began to realize how Ruggie was in fact, his skills, humor, responsibilities, intimidation and even his cute side. In love with the hyena boy? 100% yes!💗💗💗

5/ Did either of them try to resist their feelings?

YES Ruggie!

We know that Ruggie is canonically shown to be insecure and sensitive about his origins!

Several times and we also know how busy he's, with extra work, campus activities, studies, and Leona's chores. So he would be hesitant to accept his own feelings for all those reasons and also time! A relationship is a serious thing that takes a lot of responsibility and he knows that soon he can hesitate until his mood upsets some others or Leona so he gets momentum and realizes for himself that this is what wants and he's just worried. But he accepts quickly!!!💗

6/ If you had told one of them that the other would be their soulmate, what would they think?

I imagine they would be in shock for a while? It's just a little scary to think that your soulmate belongs to another world ( :'D ). Discovering this suddenly even before or in love with this person, it would be fun to see the two nervous, fidgety, and fumbling around each other.

But I think that Ruggie already accepting his own feelings for her, he would immediately think of sharing spaghetti and meatballs, a belief as he said right? With a beautiful meaning T^T/💗

#THANK YOU SO MUCH MY PRECIOUS FRIEND 💗 #I dream of drawing these two sharing spaghetti together! #OH GOD EVERY TIME I WATCH LADY AND THE TRAMP I REMEMBER THESE TWO #twst #twst ruggie #ruggie bucchi #twstagatha #agatha boreall #answered ask #ship list #my art #Aggie #twisted wonderland #twst oc

[hyperfixations-and-hecticness]

I hate when they change like vital plot points of a book to fit in a movie. I mean, first of all the iconic F outfits. The Circus of Talents. We lost Princess Uma, a bad bitch if there ever was one. Anyway thoughts below but I can’t add a read more on mobile so sorry. Spoilers obviously.

Thoughts on the School for Good and Evil movie

Good

- The design and aesthetic of all of it was beautiful. I mean like everything was elegant and stunning and just visually incredibly pleasing.

- Sofia Ann Caruso is a great Sophie, she’s cringey and mean and overdramatic. She is the love child of Megamind and Regina George.

- Also Theron and Washington made great professors.

- The Tedros had a cool sword, iconic dumbassery, was pretty and also had cool fits which is how I like my men personally.

- Sophie and Agatha’s friendship at the start was super natural and well written.

- Soman cameo.

- I loved the little addition of Professor Anemone previously being a history teacher. It was just such a nice little touch to the world building and her character.

- The inherent creepiness of the casting for Rafal. I mean I always imagined him looking like a teenager but him looking like he’s in his twenties and trying to claim Sophie as his child bride really adds that extra layer of ickiness.

- Literally everything with Gregor Charming. An icon, a legend, he is the moment.

Bad

- Sofie Wylie is a good Agatha but they wrote her so blandly. Also like where was the initial awkwardness? We deserved bitchy goth loner Agatha. And like it would’ve been cool if Agatha was more conventionally unattractive. Like no hate to Sofie Wylie she’s absolutely gorgeous but it would’ve been nice if she did have that whole thing of yeah people don’t think she’s pretty but then her personality begins to outweigh that.

- Where the actual everloving fuck where Anadil’s rats? I was promised little rats. I was robbed.

- Why were all the Ever girls such bitches? I mean like passive aggressive? Yeah sure. But they were outright bullies.

- The plot change of Rafal purposefully letting Good grow complacent and vain. I think it’s more interesting when you have Good who genuinely have grown complacent without the manipulation of true evil or whatever. It adds more weight to it.

- The Circus of Talents was iconic and we deserved to have the wolves and fairies reveal.

- The blood magic? I mean like what? You have regular magic, no deus ex machina necessary.

- More development between our girls and Teddy. Like I love him being a pathetic little scrunkly but it felt like everything happened in two days. This may have been better adapted as a show considering it’s meant to be covering a whole year of school.

- We deserved hot pink finger glows.

- Lack of iconic book characters: Princess Uma, Castor and Pollux, the Golden Goose, the little pets they had, Anadil’s rats (yes I’m bitter), the librarian dude whose name I’m forgetting, he has Giles vibes, the seer, you know the dude.

- I wanted to see Hort’s frog pajamas.

- The actual explanation for the nemesis stuff like in the books.

- Where was the witches/Agatha friendship? Sophie betraying Aggie to avoid going home? Dovey caring about Good?

- More mean Sophie. Give the people what they want

- It felt so queer-baity. I know the book three twist but like it was just annoying.

Edit - Also the iconic line ‘I’m worse than my father. Because I still love you.’

All in all it was a fun movie but having loved the books as a kid I felt like they didn’t really get done justice. Two and a half hours wasn’t enough to cover the whole story adequately in my opinion.

#school for good and evil #sge sophie #sge movie #soman chainani #agatha of woods beyond #charlize theron #kerry washington #lady lesso #kit young #sofia wylie

[mosneakers]

The spirit of Agnes and Coraleye enter the elegant Sunset Valley estate. Vintage melodies from a record player swirl, enveloping Coraleye in a sense of nostalgia that she had only known from classic romance films up until this moment.

Agnes: Welcome home, darling. 230 Redwood Parkway, fondly known as "August Moon" by some.

Coraleye: Wow, that's such a magical name. This home is breathtaking, Grandma!

Agnes: It's always been my envisioned haven for raising children. Coraleye: And you owned it? Even while you lived in Moonlight Falls? Who took care of it when you weren't here?

Agnes: My sister, Cornelia, tended to her in my absence. This home held a special place in my heart, and she, understanding its significance, made occasional upgrades, just in case we ever decided to sell. Or, perhaps... return.

Coraleye: Return? As in move back? Agnes: Come, dear. Looks like dinner is finished, and now we're clearing up. I want you to hear this conversation.

As they step into the kitchen, tension hangs thick in the air. Erik diligently washes the dishes while Agnes busies herself preparing ingredients for tomorrow's meals. Neither utter a word, until Agnes finally breaks the silence.

Agnes: Erik, I... I must apologize for snapping at you during dinner. That was quite unwarranted. You were right—I ought to have shared the news with you about the fire. I know the Seymour house was so dear to your heart. It was for me, too. I hope you're not angry with me.

Erik: Ain't mad at ya, Aggy. Gee, I suppose I overreacted too. It's not just about the house; I can live without that. My decent paying job in Moonlight Falls, no chance nobody here'll pay the same. Cost of living's a lot higher, and...well, I've been hoping you'd eventually come 'round to having another baby with me, honey...

Coraleye: [eyes misting] Grandpa really wanted another baby, didn't he? Agnes: [Smiles fondly] Oh yes. But I was quite stubborn. Coraleye: I think Janie mentioned a bit about the fire being the reason for you moving back here. Did you figure out how it happened? Agnes: No, we never did. But the Crumplebottom Sisters informed me that it destroyed everything. Even their great powers couldn't reverse the damage. I had planned to tell Erik, but Belinda beat me to it with a telephone call.

Agnes: [Continuing with Erik] You know I've always said that I'm content with our two. Erik: I know baby, I've just had my fingers crossed one day you'd change your mind. Just a pipe dream, that's all. Agnes: [Sighs] Well, darling... We'll need to sort through our finances. It seems you might just be getting your way, after all...

Erik: What are you telling me, woman? Agnes: It's still early yet to, but... I find myself a tad late.

Erik: Late for tea and crumpets with the ladies at the country club, or are we talking more along the lines of a bun in the oven? Agnes: It could be. Again, it's still very early. Just three days.

Erik joyfully sweeps Agnes into his arms, twirling her as they share a tender kiss. A soft giggle escapes Agnes's lips.

Erik: Aggy baby, you make me the luckiest man to ever live or die!

Coraleye's heart swells with emotion as she witnesses her great-grandfather express his unconditional love for Agnes with such passion and honesty. They follow the Darling pair into the living area to join the girls, particularly Gwendolyn, who are engrossed in the television.

Coraleye: Gosh, look at how you two lovebirds are gazing at each other. TV not holding your attention much, is it? [Grins]

Agnes: Well, I've always preferred books. [Smiles] The television often broadcasted troubling news, especially that year when the government confirmed the existence of aliens. I made the children turn it off promptly if I heard any talk of extraterrestrials.

Coraleye quickly averts eye contact, wondering how much Agnes knows about the current state of the world, particularly Sunglo, his abduction, and how those events resulted in the birth of his beloved daughter.

Knowing her great-grandmother's well-documented phobia centered around extraterrestrials, Coraleye opts to change the subject for the time being.

Coraleye: Hey, Grandma? How did you and Grandpa know to bring the family photos along on your trip to Sunset Valley? Most people don't bring all their family photos on vacations.

Agnes: [Grins] My, I did say you were observant, didn't I? Coraleye: Well, astute. But yes. I hope to land a career in journalism, just like Grandpa! Agnes: [Nods approvingly] A journalist in the making, just like your Grandpa. No, the decision to take the photos along was merely a coincidence. Like you heard your Grandfather say, I make him "the luckiest man to ever live or die!"

#ts4 #MD4season10 #MD4 #Coraleye Darling #RealmOfMagicGetaway #Agnes Darling #Many Moons Ago #Many Moons Ago: Gen 1 #MMA Gen 1: Ch. 16 #Erik Darling #Gwendolyn Darling #GIF #Persephone Darling

[axel-silverly]

Coversations that Aglas had at some point with the devils (3)

On an unusually calm day, Aglas, Paimon and Eligos decided to go watch a movie together, after it ended and the group exited the movie theater, this is what happened:

Paimon: stretches "Mmmhh! That was such a good movieee!"

Eligos: dries a tear from his eye "Yup! I don't think I ever laughed so hard, my tummy still hurts. Aggie, what did you think?"

Aglas: is unusually quiet

Eligos: "Uh... Aggie? Is everything okay?"

Paimon: "Mhhh? Is something wrooong?"

Eligos: "I'm not sure, he's kind of... Unresponding?"

Aglas: is thinking really hard about something, and his expression shows that

Eligos: "Which is weird, because you know how he gets every time we decide to watch something when we hang out!"

Paimon: "I knooow, he didn't say a word the whole timeee... I had to check if he was okay every so often, I was afraid he fainteeed!" Pulls at Aglas's hoodie "Aggieee... What's wrooong?"

Eligos: waves a hand in front of his face "Oooiii! Hell to Aggie!"

Aglas: suddenly pulls a notebook out of God-knows-where, opens it and starts writing at the speed of lightning

Pai & Eli: "Wha-!"

Aglas: mutters "Mhh.. I really liked how they handled the characters' introduction scenes, it didn't feel forced.. Will have to rewatch those later.."

Eligos: "Uhh... Aggie?"

Aglas: "Wasn't very sure on some aspects about the conflict... But then again, those could have been artistic choices."

Paimon: "Aggieee!"

Aglas: "Still, that one character completely disrupted the narrative flow in some points... I get he was supposed to be funny but the movie was already funny in itself, so it could have perfectly done without him... Moreover the music-"

Both: "Aglas!!"

Aglas: "Huh? What? What is it?"

Paimon: laughs "You were rambliiing!"

Eligos: "Yup! A lot, too!"

Aglas: "Oh, uh..." thinking: 'shitshishit-' "Ahem! Sorry guys, just had to note something down real quick, no big deal~"

Eligos: "Oh, note what down? You were writing quite a lot... Let me see, let me see!" Takes the notebook from him

Aglas: "No wait-!"

Paimon: "Woow! So many annotatiooons! Wait, didn't we watch this one togetheer?"

Eligos: "Oh, you're right! Wait, this one too! And you told us about this mistake, I remember!"

Aglas: thinking: 'fuuck... I managed to pass it as a cute quirk of mine, if they discover that I note down and take seriously everything I said... The reputation I worked so hard on... What if they get weirded out and- Well... The cat's out of the bag now, let's just tell them and hope for the best outcome.'

Aglas: "Yeah, actually.." takes a deep breath "Everything I tell you during our movie nights, I usually write it down once you two go away. Talking about it out loud helps me remember it better. Which is why I was writing so fast earlier, I was afraid to forget about something. I..." sighs "The thing is, when I eventually direct my own movie, I want to avoid making those mistakes I always point out. As easy as they are to spot they're just as easy to make so... Yeah... I sometimes get inspired by some scenes as well."

Eligos: "Oh..."

Paimon: "I seee..."

Aglas: thinking: 'Here we go... Brace yourself and prepare to react-'

Paimon: "Oh, why youuu! You scared uuus!"

Aglas: "Huh?"

Eligos: "Yeah, we thought you were going to tell us you wrote murder plans on this thing!"

Paimon: "And even theeen, it wouldn't be a big deaaal. I'm sure our kill counts are wayyy higher than his!"

Eligos: "Oh! That's true, that's true!"

Aglas: "Uh.."

Paimon: "Stiiill, these notes are so detaileeed, do you really think of all of this in an hour and an half?"

Aglas: "Well.. Yes, it's pretty easy once you learn the movie-making basics, actually."

Eligos: "Really? Can you tell us a bit more? You barely talked during the movie."

Aglas: "Hey, come now. I consider going to the movie theater as a ritual, it would be disrespectful towards the director, the actors and the whole crew if I were to talk during the projection."

Eligos: "Pff! So serious! Anyways, come on! Tells us, tell us!"

Paimon: "That's riiight! Come on, don't be shyyy!"

Aglas: thinking: 'Oh...' smiles "Why, if you ask me like that~ Well then. Firstly, you must know that..." and as he went on rambling, he couldn't help but think: 'I'm such an idiot...' as he looked at his friends, his smile softened 'Sure, there's not much good about me... But...' he laughed 'I love my friends so much...'

Note: I hated writing this so much. No, no, I'm not saying "Omg guys this is so bad uwu". It might not be my best work but I'm still pretty happy on how this turned out. I'm talking about the process: this took way longer than I immagined it would and I got a bad writer's block in the middle of creating this. In the end I thought this would be a good excuse to explore my baby's psyche, I'm sure it doesn't doesn't make much sense now but once I write down his backstory I promise you it will... Probably... Anyway! Thank you for reading and see you next time! ~🖤🔮

#what in hell is bad #whb #what in hell is bad mc #whb mc #whb eligos #whb paimon

[nik-jr-lit]

agnes grey x edward weston <3

after she sees him for the first time, rosalie asks what she thinks and she really says "nah, he's not as ugly as you said he is. but what i really noticed was how well he prayed and read; he's so earnest." *swoons*

nancy brown being the best wingwoman ever omfg

"i now saw that he could smile, and very pleasantly too" <3

agnes getting so flustered around mr. weston that she gets up to leave the instant he arrives at nancy's house, and then he urges her to stay and that he'll leave but then nancy begs them both to stay. then, still frazzled, agnes moves away to the window to observe mr. weston from afar so then he wants to leave again so she can be by the fire but then he notices how uncomfortable and embarrassed agnes is so he changes the subject to relieve her and aww

THE PRIMROSES!!!! so freaking iconic <3 but then agnes is, again, feeling super awkward and tries to speed-walk away but mr. weston is all "your young ladies don't care if you walk with them so don't trouble yourself to catch up" and so she walks with him :')

".....do you like flowers?" !!!!!!!

when mr. weston, agnes, and rosalie are walking together and agnes feels left out of the conversation, he makes an effort to draw her in and makes a remark specifically to her - this comes right after she admits to him that she feels like she cannot make friends and that she is unwanted in conversation. ofc rosalie butts in but he tried!

the fact that agnes is tormented with rosalie's plan to woo mr. weston not chiefly for herself, but for HIS sake

"no, thank you, i don't mind the rain." AGNES!!!!!!

AND THEN "one glance he gave, one little smile at parting—it was but for a moment; but therein i read, or thought i read, a meaning that kindled in my heart a brighter flame of hope than had ever yet arisen." !!!!!!!

the fact that rosalie & matilda keep agnes away from mr. weston during their scheme makes it clear that the two of them were OBVIOUSLY hitting it off & liked each other but were too oblivious to notice how the other felt and i just !!!!!

"and he asked after you again" omfg!!!! and the fact that rosalie doesn't want matilda to mention that he keeps asking about agnes speaks VOLUMES

agnes' poem is just - i simply cannot express how i feel about it i have no words

"i could think of him day and night; and i could feel that he was worthy to be thought of."

THE BLUEBELLS!!!!

when agnes tells mr. weston that she'll be leaving in a month the first thing he asks is "and you'll be happy to go?" and she's all "yes, but i'll miss some things" and he says "some things? what will you miss?" and she gets embarrassed and thinks, it's you, dammit! i'll miss YOU!!

"above all, that emphatic, yet gentle pressure of the hand, which seemed to say, 'trust me;' and many other things besides" this lady is so freaking smitten and such an overthinker and i love her!!

THE FACT THAT HE BOUGHT SNAP OMG AT THAT POINT THERE WAS NO GOING BACK SHE NEEDS TO MARRY HIM

"in what part of town do you live? i never could discover." uhm SIR!!!! he is just as smitten as her and i'm here for it!! and then he really says, "yes, i do like my new parish and have lots of plans for it, but the only thing i'm missing is a companion 👀" and aggy gets all flushed but she cannot possibly presume that he means what she hopes he means so she dodges him and says "well i'm sure you'll find the right lady for you at your parish" and ughgghhghg GIRL HE LOVES YOU C'MON!!

and bro when he says that he's been walking the beach and the town for the last month looking for her and asking around for her school it is just so FREAKING SWEET <3

"he even called me 'agnes:' the name had been timidly spoken at first, but, finding it gave no offence in any quarter, he seemed greatly to prefer that appellation to 'miss grey;' and so did i." !!!!!!!!!

"'you love me then?' said he, fervently pressing my hand. 'yes.'" AHHHHHHHHH i love them :')

#agnes grey #anne bronte #edward weston #mr. weston #unrequited but actually very much requited love #classic lit

[whinlatter]

do u have any fancasts for the characters in beasts?

i actually don't, really! i know i used sadie sink for ginny in the trailer, but that was mostly because the scene pack for the all too well music video was too good to miss out on for the red headed girl/outdoorsy vibes with some claustrophobic interior shots (she's gorgeous tho). for the most part, i'm not really picturing specific actors - certainly not the movie cast, with the exception of maggie smith for mcgonagall. the reasons for this are quite flippant and dumb and more functional than they are a matter of principle. it's partly that i find the age issue too tricky - the bulk of the characters are supposed to be teenagers, nineteen/twenty at the oldest, and i don't have a huge repertoire of teen actors/actors who convincingly played teenagers in my head to work with. plus any actors i can think of just tend to be too implausibly good looking to be able to meaningfully project characterisation onto them.

to be honest i also would want actors who could plausibly play a british/irish person, so usually - sorry to my country folk - much less well groomed and conventionally attractive than a north american actor, let's face it. and because most famous british actors tend to be (with exceptions) from a certain class background, and i am relentless in my class politics, i find it hard to imagine these characters that come from a wide range of different walks of life and backgrounds played by the same bunch of like 20 people who all come from the same postcode. yes this is shade at the british actor pipeline and i'm not sorry about it!

the only sort of exception to this rule is michael corner. when i was trying to develop him as a character i did try and go looking for fancasts to help me get somewhere with how i was imagining him. i thought it might help flesh out his characterisation to get a sense of how he might speak or move, to help me come up with a sense of his presence and vibe, and therefore a plausible backstory for him and a set of motivations (so someone late teens who can do prickly and be a bit of an arsehole, but also ends up a hero and went out with ginny for a whole year, so must have something redeeming and endearing about him in there somewhere). the closest i got with that was amir wilson, because he's got a good set of brows and a cracking scowl on him, but to be honest even he's a bit too cool and handsome for what i was going for with michael.

for ocs, i tend to pull more from vibes than specific people or actors. though i don't think they look alike, rina is named after and is supposed to have some of the vibes of pop queen rina sawayama, partly because rina's kind of intimidating and deliciously aggy, but also because her song catch me in the air is about coming of age and mother/daughter relationships told through the metaphor of flight, and i liked those vibes for the character and the fic as a whole.

thank you i loved thinking about this one!

#beasts #thank you for this question! #remember when i named a character graves and everyone had to politely inform me that graves was already a character in fantastic beasts #so if you picture colin farrell when you read scenes with graves in them that's absolutely on me my b

[imdoingsortagay]

The Dabloons

Summary: Agatha understood what TikTok was, but this new trend confused her.

word count: 1.5k

a/n: yes I am writing a blurb of this don't @ me, i just wanted Agatha and fluff so this is it ig

warnings: dabloons, fluff, cooking, sweet stuff, Wanda and viz are here, and so are the kids.

Reblogs are appreciated! Happy reading !!!

“ Babe,” 

“ yes aggie ?” you yell back to your girlfriend. 

“ Did you take out the trash as I told you? “ she asks, trying her best to get the house cleaned up before the Maximoffs came over for Thanksgiving dinner. 

Could she have easily used her magic to clean the whole house? Yes 

Was she convinced by you to not use magic all the time as she wanted to be “ normal “? Yes, and you even used puppy eyes too. 

When she got to the living room, Agatha expected it to be clean but is shocked to see you on the couch with your phone in hand and a piece of paper in your lap. 

“ Babe what the heck did I tell you ? “ and you look up from your phone to see a very mad Agatha, apron around her , looking tired as hell and you think of a way how to not piss her off even more. Both of you stay in silence as she waits for an answer from you, wondering what you must be doing. 

“ well you told me to pick up the trash and I was gonna do it but I had some important matters to attend and now I’m here, “ you explain, Agatha’s not reacting at all to this. 

“Dabloon bank,” she reads aloud,” why the heck are you keeping track of pirate currency honey?”

“ because it’s fun?” no reaction from your girlfriend. 

“ Explain later and just throw out the trash honey,” she tells you. 

“ let me just write down the last of what I got from this person's shop Aggie and I’ll-” 

“ y/n, if I don't see all the trash in the house thrown out in 20 minutes, you aren’t getting some of my special brownies after dinner,” she says which of course gets you right off the couch to get all the trash, brownies made by your sweet Agatha always are your weakness. Agatha makes her way back to the kitchen to continue preparing what’s left of the dinner when you walk into the kitchen with your phone in hand along with the same paper from earlier. 

“ Aggie,” you say and make your way to the counter, sitting on one of the stools as she prepares the batter for the brownies. 

“ what do you need sweet superstar? “ she asks. 

“ Can I explain to you what the dabloon economy is? “ 

“ When I’m not busy babe,” she tells you, sad that she can’t hear whatever weird trend is going on with the app you seem to be attached to nowadays. Humans always seem to come up with the silliest things to keep their minds entertained, Agatha has been witness to this in her 300+ plus years of living, and even with you showing her every trend that went on in the app it always left her confused.

3 hours later 

The food was done in the kitchen, you were eagerly waiting to see your friends after weeks of being busy, and Agatha was just about getting done getting ready when the doorbell rang. It was the first thanksgiving that she’d be celebrating with people so everything had to be perfect as she did not want to disappoint her friends. 

“ Don’t worry Aggie i got it,” she hears you yell from the living room, not a second later hearing cheers from her friends along with the twin boys. As soon as she got the rest of her makeup done, Agatha made her way to the front where everyone is. While you are dragged to the living room by the twins, she takes a moment to talk to the couple. 

“ You look amazing Agatha! And I love what you’ve done with the place,” Wanda exclaims, happy to see her friend thriving and well. 

“ I could say the same about you superstar,” she shoots back at Wanda while Vision is just happy to see that his wife is in a good mood. 

“ And you Viz, How has life been treating you? She asks the man and she lets out a sigh of relief. 

“ happy to play the part of stay-at-home parent for now but the boy could not stop talking about this silly little dabloons trend,” he explains to her. 

“ Dabloons? Isn’t that pirate money ?” Agatha asks them. Wanda takes over on explaining what dabloons are to her dear old friend while Viz listens to the conversation. 

Agatha thought it was just a silly little game going on within the app and didn't realize there were whole governments, jobs, and even governments being formed over this. It’s no wonder you got all excited earlier to explain how all of this works. 

While this conversation was happening, the boys were in the living room with you, papers in hand given by you as they try their best to remember how many dabloons they have. 

“ you don’t have 1000 dabloons Tommy, remember the rule about getting anything over 100 in each video,” billy tells his brother as she erases the amount he had on the paper. 

“ Not if you get caught dummy, no dabloon cops have gotten me,” Tommy says and you giggle at how invested these two are with this as much as you are. Within two days of the dabloon trend, you have earned alot of dabloons, gotten robbed, given a cat, and even bought a house with said dabloons.

It was a trend that made you very happy and you wanted to very much explain to your girlfriend, but sadly understood she had to make the dinner for today so you decided to wait until she wasn’t busy. 

“ How many do you have y/n?” Tommy asks you, as he tries to take a peek at the paper in the notebook but you are smart enough to know. 

“ Just to steal them Huh Tommy?” you ask and billy giggles at you. After a couple of moments, you get distracted and you fail to notice when the young boy gets your paper as a way to steal some of the dabloons. Agatha hears laughter erupting from the living room so she leaves the couple to talk amongst themselves to see the boys chasing you around as both of them work together for stealing the dabloons. 

“ Agatha help me please, my dabloons have been stolen by these robbers,” you say dramatically running to her, playing the part as the boys look at the older woman, trying their best to appear innocent. 

“ Did you protect them with your energy baby?” 

“ Well um,” you say quietly to her and she giggles a bit.

“ Rule number one honey: protect what’s yours. Lucky you, i’m here in your honor, “ she says and kneels down to the same height as the boys to negotiate with the twins to give you back the dabloons. 10 minutes of talks later, Agatha gives you back the paper, promising to give the boys some of her special brownies to take home with them after dinner but you didn't need to worry about that. 

Dinner after that is all good ad you praise Agatha for how well of a cook she is, over the moon at another one of her talents which makes her blush a bit. Her guests said the same thing as well, calming her mind down a bit after worrying all day as to whether the food would be up to their standards. Dessert went super well as she decided on making apple pie for the adults and brownies for the boys and by the end of the night, everyone is full from all the food cooked but Agatha provides them with enough leftovers to last them a week. 

Once the Maximoff have left for their home, Agatha quickly uses her magic to clean the kitchen, not wanting to waste time on that so she could spend the rest of the night with you. 

“ Hey superstar,” you hear Agatha say as she walks into your shared room to find you in bed, under the blanket watching tiktoks as usual. 

“ hi aggie,” you say as she uses her magic to get out of the clothes into comfier ones. 

“ What happened to not using magic all the time Aggie? “

“ I do not want to waste time, just wanna spend it all being close to you, and maybe you can also explain tha dabloon thing now,” she tells you cuddling with you. 

“ Are you sure? I don’t want to annoy you and you must be tired from cleaning, i don’t want to -” 

“ honey, you can never annoy me,” she pauses,” I always want to hear anything new about you, don't you ever think that.” 

The rest of the night is spent with you in Agatha's arms going over anything and everything that has to do with the dabloon trend until you get too sleepy to go on and fall asleep in her arms. It doesn’t take too long for Agatha to fall asleep right after you.

The older woman holding you is forever grateful to have met you, able to see you all happy about what makes you smile. 

#agatha harkness #agatha harkness imagine #agatha harkness x reader #lizs writing

[lowkeyerror]

Agatha Harkness x fem! Reader where they fall in love in middle of the Westiew event… please 🙏

Real

Word Count: 1k

Warnings: None

Masterlist

Falling for Agnes shouldn't have been in the cards. She was a married woman, a nosy neighbor, but something about her just stood out to you. How could you have allowed yourself to fall for an illusion of a woman.

Though you knew Agnes not to be true, that didn't stop you from having brunch with her every Thursday. It didn't stop you from inviting her over to your house for dinners on Sunday. Dinner's that Herb never attended, much to your delight.

It didn't stop you from staring at every chance you got. Enticed by her beauty and charm. Agnes was wonderful.

If falling for Agnes was a misstep, then falling for Agatha was a true mistake.

It was dinner on a Sunday. The two of you had eaten like you normally did. Then talked with the tv on as background noise. You were listening to Agnes, you really were.

However, your eyes were trained on her lips. You couldn't help it. In the middle of her talking, you moved quickly, pressing a kiss on her lips.

She sat shocked for a long time. A million thoughts raced through your mind. Why had you done that?

Before the thoughts could consume too much of your mind, her lips were back on you. You hadn't imagined her kiss like this in your mind. It was a contrast to the woman you knew.

Her lips moved hungrily against yours. She hovered over you, forcing your back against the couch as she controlled the kiss.

It made your head spin.

" Please tell me you aren't affected by the hex," Agnes breathed out against your lips.

You let out a small gasp," I'm not, but I was certain you were."

She laughed, and it was music to your ears," I'm a good actress, what can I say?"

" Y/n."

" Huh?"

" My real name, it's Y/n."

The woman on top of your smiles," Agatha."

From there on, there was a safety you found in Agatha. A part of this weird town that was finally real. You told her that you were a witch that had settled in Westview, your house was protected by your ruins. That was the main reason the hex didn't affect you.

She told you that the hex is what drew her here in the first place. She didn't hide her intentions from you. Nor did you hide your apprehension towards her idea.

If Wanda could hex an entire town, unintentionally, her powers were beyond any witch you'd ever known.

Agatha insisted she could handle it. You two didn't discuss it anymore. Too wrapped up in each other. Most nights you convinced her to stay at your place.

You loved lying next to her at night. Her arms wrapped securely around you, a secret promise that she'd keep you safe. Wanda's magic was unstable and though you were safe in your house, it was dangerous.

Life with Agatha felt domestic. It was something you had always secretly craved. It had been too long since you'd been romanced. Agatha was the most charming woman you had the pleasure of knowing.

She'd bring you gifts every time you saw her. Whether it was flowers or small jewelry, she said she was always thinking of you. She'd cook for you without asking. You hadn't felt so cared for.

As her plan started to work more and more, the nerves inside you built up. She was in the final stages, and you could see subtle changes in her that scared you. You weren't scared of Agatha, but you didn't want her to choose the power of you.

" Aggie?"

You drew patterns on her arm as she held you in bed.

" Yes, darling."

You sighed," I'm- please be careful out there."

She placed a kiss on the top of your head," I'm always going to come back to you."

The battle was worse than you could imagine. There was too much going on; between the fight between the two Visions, the special agents, and Wanda and Agatha, your head was spinning.

It was hard to follow. Yet you were trying. Agatha made you promise not to get involved, but the more you watched the two witches fight, the more your nerves began to act up.

Just being around Wanda, you could feel the power radiating off of her. Maybe she didn't know what she was doing, but with power like that, it hardly mattered.

The more unstable the town got, the louder your heartbeat was in your ear. You'd lost track of the two in the sky. It felt like an eternity, but it was truly only a few minutes until they were back on the ground.

Agatha was on the floor and Wanda stood over her. You were within ear shot. You heard what Wanda had planned to do, you heard Agatha begging.

You couldn't stand by any longer. Before you knew what you were doing, you ran straight for Wanda. You placed your body between her and Agatha.

The red head was caught off guard by your action.

" I won't let you take her from me."

Your body trembled, but your eyes were locked on hers. At this moment you'd do whatever it took to keep Agatha.

Wanda's gaze moved between the two of you a few times. She didn't say anything. Her exterior deflated and she glared at Agatha.

" Don't ever come looking for me again, Agatha. She won't be able to save you if there is a next time."

The witch calmly walked away from the two of you. When she was out of sight, your legs became unstable. You dropped to your knees, your eyes welled with tears; a mixture of anxiety and relief.

Agatha wrapped her arms securely around you, holding you as tight as she could. Her own fear craved something to ground it.

Once the tears stopped, you went home. Agatha was quiet, but her hand latched on to yours.

" You saved me," was the first thing Agatha said as she walked into the home.

You reached to grab her other hand. With both of her hands in yours, and you're staring into hers, you spoke, " I love you."

Agatha’s breath hitched for a fraction of a second," I- I love you too."

You nodded," Run away with me?"

" Ok."

" Really?" You asked, checking her certainty.

She pulled you closer to her," Yes, really. Now shut up and kiss me."

#agatha harkness #agatha harkness x reader #agatha harkness imagine #lowkeyerror #lowkeyasks

[bad-at-names-and-faces]

A New Dream

ao3

ffn

chapter index

November 1st, 1875

Dear Rapunzel,

Please let me know immediately if you’ve heard news from Henry or Inga recently.  I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I have reason to worry.

Elsa

Rapunzel looked up from the letter she had just received from Elsa, quickly handing it over to Eugene, who looked over it quickly. 

“Well,” Eugene said, “when was the last you heard from them?”

“It’s been several weeks,” she replied. “And the telegraph has been down the whole time.”

“I hadn’t noticed that.”

“It’s working everywhere except between Corona and the Southern Isles,” Rapunzel explained. “That seems odd, don’t you think?”

“Very odd.  I hadn’t even heard anything about it.”

“I was already worried, but Elsa’s note makes me think there’s really something going on.”

Eugene put his hand on hers.

“Has Hilde heard anything?”

“No, though she’s been busy, of course.”

“Still, maybe you should ask her?”

“Of course I should, obviously.” Rapunzel sighed. “I should write back to Elsa, first.”

“Good idea.  I can send a note to Hilde, if you’d like.”

“Please do,” Rapunzel said as she sat down and scribbled out a quick reply to Elsa, folding it up, and calling up the wind spirit, the way Elsa had taught her over a decade before. 

***

Anna and Kristoff sat in the library silently.  Their younger children were all noisily enjoying themselves, and they didn’t want any curious attention. Elsa was talking with Linne about something unrelated. 

Sofia and Marie were talking amongst themselves.

“If the weather allows, we should go visit Isabella tomorrow,” Marie said. “Siggy has been away visiting his family, after all.”

“How long has Siggy been away?” Anna asked.

“Oh! Mother! We didn’t know you were listening!”  Sofia exclaimed. 

“Sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing.”

“Siggy went to visit a cousin in Bergen,” Sofia said. 

“He didn’t come back right after Inga went to the spa?” 

“You didn’t know?” Marie asked, glancing at Sofia.

Anna glanced at Kristoff, who raised an eyebrow.

“Perhaps, Kristoff, we should visit Inga tomorrow.”

***

Henry stood in the back of the cathedral in Corona. Everything was draped in black, and a somber hymn was coming from the organ. Everyone was dressed in full mourning, and he could just make out his family near the front, standing silently with their heads bowed. He hurried forward, but nobody seemed to pay any attention to him. He reached the front.  His sister’s face was covered with a veil, but he could see hints of tears streaking her cheeks, and their grandmother was holding her. He looked at his parents, and his mother in particular looked silently inconsolable, and his father was focusing on her, not looking up. 

“Mother, I’m here!” he announced, reaching for her hand, but it was like touching a statue, and no one seemed to see him. 

He realized that Inga wasn’t there.  Looking around, he saw Aggie to the side, with an unfamiliar governess holding his hand.

“I want to go home,” his son whimpered. 

“You’re next in line now,” the governess whispered. “You need to stay here for your education.”

***

Henry gasped for air, and looking around, realized that he was in Arendelle, sitting in a meadow overlooking the fjord.  Some people walked past, in the direction of the town below. 

“Very sad, isn’t it?” the one said.

“Yes, and both so young. Senseless, if you ask me.”

Henry stood up and chased after them.  “What happened? Who are you talking about?” he asked.

They ignored him. 

“Splitting up the children like that, too. Everyone says that the Queen in Corona will never die, anyway, so why do they have to take the boy away from his family here?”

Henry felt a pit in his stomach.  Was he dead? And what did they mean by both of them? 

“Please, stop!” he shouted, trying in vain to pull at the two.

***

Henry woke up to the sound of someone walking in the corridor.  It was the dreary room he had been in for what had to be at least a month now. He had forgotten to keep track. He stared at the window up above. It was sunny again, that much he could see. He hadn’t seen any people walking by, so he supposed he wasn’t in a basement room, but of course he couldn’t be certain. 

The dreams lingered in his mind. He wondered what they thought about him being gone so long.  But why would Inga be in any danger? It was just a dream, though.  Inga was safe at home. He was sure of it.

Just then he was startled by a knock at the door.

“Yes?” he asked.

The door opened and a man walked in. Henry didn’t recognize him, but something about his appearance made him think that he might be related to the royal family.

“Your Highness,” he intoned, “someone of your station deserves much better accommodation than this.”

The man gestured at the room.

“Who are you?”

“I am someone interested in your well-being,” he replied mysteriously.

Henry rolled his eyes at the man’s vague reply. 

“Well, anyway, the accommodation isn’t what bothers me,” Henry replied. “Can you tell me why I’m here?”

“We will determine that later. The important thing is that we come to an understanding.”

“Excuse me, but I think I deserve to know why I’m here. If you don’t have a reason for holding me-”

“We haven’t yet told anyone where you are. There are some people staying at your embassy who seem to be old friends, but our sources can’t tell us much more.  Depending on your cooperation here, before we reveal where you are, we can come up with an unfortunate accident, during which some kind soul was unaware of your identity, or we have the power to turn it into a scandal. The choice is yours.”

“What are you even talking about? What kind of choice are you talking about?”

“My sources tell me that you know something of use to us.”

“Once again,” Henry asked, increasingly agitated, “can you please tell me what this is about? If it’s about marrying off one of my wife’s sisters, that’s out of the question.”

“Oh, no,” the man laughed. “Some of them might be interested in that, but I’m more interested in the instability that will come when the line of succession goes to some distant duchy.”

“I don’t see how that’s in anyone’s interest,” Henry scoffed. “Besides, we all know that the Duke of Bielko is in line for practically every throne, however distantly. He was even third in line for Arendelle for a while.”

“I believe your own wife knocked him off of that position when she was born,” he chuckled.

“That is true,” Henry acknowledged. “And we all hope that Arendelle’s line of succession will remain secure. I mean no disrespect to the Duke of Bielko, of course.”

“The Duke of Bielko has a very nice life,” the man smirked. “One you yourself might find enviable. His duties extend little beyond that of running a large estate, and I’ve been told he is quite content with his lot. He gets to spend most of his time on his hobbies and relaxing with his family.”

“Yes, that does sound quite nice,” Henry agreed. “From what I’ve heard, I don’t believe he has any interest in taking on the leadership of a vast colonial empire like the Southern Isles. So explain what you’re thinking.”

“You were very young in 1848, of course, but there are those who were left disappointed.”

“Yes, of course,” Henry nodded, not needing a history lesson. “So a succession crisis would be quite useful. I think I understand now. What does this have to do with me?”

“Does the name Ludvig Holst ring a bell?” the man asked him.

“I remember Prince Ludvig mentioning someone by that name before I found myself here,” Henry answered. “But that’s just about the only thing I can tell you. I know he’s in newspapers.”

“Yes, well, he was in newspapers.”

“Was?”

“He came to an unfortunate end earlier this week.”

“Oh!” Henry gasped. As much as the name had sounded almost sinister when he was contemplating meeting with the proprietor of cheap papers focused on royal gossip, he wished nobody ill.

“You may have guessed his relation to Prince Ludvig,” the man hinted.

Henry thought for a moment. “Indeed, I hadn’t thought about that. Ludvig is a common enough name. But I assume you’ll tell me that he was more than simply a business associate?”

“Indeed, Ludvig had acknowledged as much, legally, though being in the position of controlling the press, he had managed to keep this quiet for the time being.”

“I see,” Henry said. “That is indeed unfortunate, but as you may be aware, I never met Ludvig Holst. I still fail to understand what role I have in all of this.”

“Your position, or rather, your close connection to Arendelle, is what we’re interested in. You see, we have reason to believe that there is another potential heir, yet to be publicly acknowledged, living in Arendelle.”

“This would be news to me,” Henry said, remaining technically honest. “I am aware of no such person in Arendelle. Do you care to tell me what you do know?”

“I only know what has been rumored,” he said, handing Henry one of the more notorious gossip papers from Corona. “For example, there are rumors of your wife’s activities since you’ve been gone.”

Henry looked at the paper. Assuming the paper was real, it seemed that October had already passed. For all the promises he had made Inga for when he would return at the end of the summer, he never thought he would still be away after this much time.

He skimmed the front page, which spoke of Inga running off to Bergen with the captain of the Arendelle guard. He knew her friendliness with Siggy was something people whispered and speculated about, though why they would think she was going all the way to Bergen with him, he didn’t know.

“This is nonsense,” Henry declared. “And I can only assume this supposed heir you’ve heard about is nonsense as well.”

“And yet, that is the same captain of the guard who has been rumored to be your wife’s lover since before you were married. Some even suspect-”

“I’m familiar with these rumors,” Henry retorted. “There’s nothing to them.”

“Are you saying there was nothing irregular about your wedding, then?”

“That’s not what I said,” Henry replied bluntly. “But bringing in people who had nothing to do with it doesn’t help anything.”

***

It was a dark, windy morning, and Arianna woke up in the nursery to see everyone else still asleep, and the nanny presumably gone to take care of their breakfast. She left quietly, but her brothers were fast asleep, so it probably didn’t matter. She wanted to see her grandmother, because something had seemed not quite right. 

She gently knocked at the door of the study, which swung open to reveal an empty room. Walking to the window, no one was outside, but that wasn’t much of a surprise given the weather. She heard some commotion coming from the library, and found Sofia and Marie on the sofa, looking over a stack of newspapers. 

“Good morning,” she said.  “Where is everyone else?” 

“Oh, good morning, Arianna,” Sofia said. “Everyone else is asleep, except Mother and Father and Aunt Elsa, but they left late last night.”

“Left?” Arianna asked. “Where?” 

“They wouldn’t say,” Marie said. “Mother said she wanted to see about some business matters in Bergen.”

“I think we know the real reason,” Sofia smirked. “They could have just sent Father if it was a trade guild matter.”

“What do you mean?” Arianna asked.

“Sofia, she doesn’t need to hear about that,” Marie whispered.

Sofia blushed, and started gathering up the papers. Arianna noticed that they were from Corona, not Arendelle.  Her parents never let her read the papers from Corona.

“You’re right, Marie,” Sofia sighed.  “Ariana, you probably don’t want to read any of the newspapers right now.”

“Oh! What’s this?” Olaf had entered the room without anyone noticing, and was reaching for one of the newspapers still on the floor. “That looks like it’s about Inga!”

Sofia and Marie were shaking their heads. 

“Nothing interesting,” Sofia insisted, grabbing the paper from Olaf. “Just some gossip from one of the Corona papers.” 

***

The road toward Bergen was well-maintained, but the wind and drizzle made the journey miserable.  Kristoff drove them silently, while Anna rode in back with her sister. Sleep was a good excuse not to voice her thoughts of what they might find. Part of her almost hoped to find out that Inga was having some kind of affair. They could figure something out. People did that, didn’t they?  But the Southern Isles, she didn’t want to think about that. Corona had taken care of dealings with the Southern Isles for thirty years now on behalf of Arendelle, and it seemed to be working.

The wind had died down and the drizzle subsided when they pulled up at the end of the path leading to the spa. The establishment showed all the signature details of an Oaken establishment, except a sign outside told passers by that they were closed for a private party.

“Elsa?” she said as they pulled to a stop.

“I think I’ll stay here for now,” her sister replied. 

Anna nodded, glancing at Kristoff, who gave a quick nod in return to go ahead.  

She walked up to the door and knocked.

“Your Majesty!” Renata gasped as she opened the door.

“Hello, Renata, I hope I’m not troubling you too much,” Anna apologized, “but I need to speak with my daughter, and I understand that she’s reserved your entire resort for the past month.”

“That’s true,” Renata replied nervously, “Her Highness has reserved the place.  We haven’t taken any other guests since her arrival.”

“Thank you,” Anna said cautiously, realizing that the family were probably following Inga’s own orders. She would save any possible anger for her own daughter, not Renata or anyone working here.  “Wait here a moment, please?”

Anna walked to the main road where the wagon had stopped.  

“Is she here?” Kristoff asked as he came down from the wagon.

“I don’t think so,” Anna replied. “I don’t want to go charging in making them think they’re going to be arrested for treason or something.”

“No, of course not,” he nodded.  

Elsa stepped down from the back. “I told you I was fairly certain she’s not here.”

“Yes, but we need to find out where she actually is,” Anna insisted,  “And maybe find out why she felt compelled to just leave like that.”

Kristoff took Anna’s hand.  “We’ll wait here.”

Anna took a deep breath and walked back to the door.  “Can you tell me if Inga is here now?”

Renata looked uncomfortable, glancing back inside.  “Your Majesty, please, I don’t want any scandal.  Nobody has spoken to anyone.”

“I… I hadn’t thought there would be a scandal,” Anna replied.  “I promise you won’t be in any trouble with me.  May I come in?”

Renata nervously opened the door wide, and Anna stepped inside.  Several members of the extended Oaken family had gathered in the kitchen, and Anna felt the strong urge to apologize for her interruption, but then reminded herself that they were covering up Inga’s whereabouts. 

She stopped right behind Renata, anxious to find out what they had to say.  There was some commotion by the main stairway in the front hall, and she saw Inga’s maid being led downstairs, looking terrified.

“Your Majesty,” she said with a deep curtsey.

“Oline?” Anna asked.  “Where is Inga?”

“Your Majesty,” the maid replied, sounding like she was ready to cry, “Her Highness left me here.  I was ordered not to say anything.”

“Did she tell you where she was going?”

“She was going on to Bergen, but she didn’t say if they were staying there.”

“They?”

“Oh…” Oline sighed.  “She didn’t want him to get in trouble.  It was all her idea.”

“What?  What was her idea? And who is going to be in trouble?”

“Can you promise that you won’t get anyone in trouble?”

“I promise to be fair,” Anna told her.

The maid looked around nervously, and took a deep breath.  “Captain Olsen took her on to Bergen, but I swear I wasn’t the one who told the papers.”

“Which papers?”

“One of the papers from Corona.  The family here gets several of them each week.”

***

Eugene stood alone on the terrace, pacing nervously.

“Father?” Hilde asked. “I came as soon as I got your letter. What’s going on?”

“Has Henry written to you recently? Or maybe Inga?” 

“No. Inga hardly ever writes to me. Henry hasn’t written since the summer, but he sometimes forgets, you know.”

“Have you heard from anyone in the Southern Isles?” Eugene asked her.

“No, but the Dowager has mentioned some gossip that never makes it into the newspapers.”

“I haven’t seen her since your wedding, how’s she doing?” 

“Quite well, but she’s very worried for her daughter, the one married to the Duke of Bielko.  It seems that anyone with a connection to the Southern Isles family is starting to worry.”

“I hadn’t heard about that.” 

“I’m surprised. Henry has been complaining about the succession crisis in his letters to me.”

“Really?” Eugene asked. “He doesn’t bring up politics in his letters to us.”

“He knows I like some good gossip, I guess. Some of the princes are trying to get married again, and they think Henry could connect them to the young single princesses of Arendelle.”

“Well, they do have a few of those,” Eugene laughed in spite of himself. He was not feeling any less nervous, but at least it almost made sense now.  Almost.

“Hilde, do you have any of those letters with you?” 

“Not with me here, but they’re at the cottage,” she said. 

“If you don’t mind sharing them, they might be helpful.”

***

Eugene found Rapunzel in their room.

“I just talked to Hilde,” he announced. “She has letters from the dowager Princess of Glowerhaven with information that might be of interest, and she left to get them.  None of this is showing up in any of the newspapers, but the Duke of Bielko seems to be worried that he’ll actually be in line for succession.”

“I know they’re having a bit of a succession crisis

“Is there anything we can do right now?” she asked him.

He stood silently for a moment.

“Has anyone been in their room?” he asked.

“Just the cleaning staff once a week, I think,” Rapunzel said. “It seems invasive.”

Eugene sighed. “They might both be in trouble, we need to go.”

Rapunzel was relieved that her spare key still opened the door to their son’s room, but of course the servants would have a working key, as well, but she didn’t want the questions that would come from asking them.

The place was obviously not lived in.  Henry had visited briefly during one of his diplomatic trips during the past year, but Inga had been in Arendelle for over two years now with their children.  Rapunzel knew it wasn’t personal, but she wished she could see them more often.  

She and Eugene stood at the door, looking around. In one corner were several of Henry’s paintings, partially finished, simply leaning against the wall behind an easel. Inga had left very few things besides a closet full of dresses that were obviously only worn in Corona. Rapunzel walked over to the small bookshelf by the bed, next to Inga’s writing desk. The top of the desk was completely empty, except for a small portrait of her, obviously Henry’s work, and from the look of Inga’s hair, possibly painted soon after the two had met.

“Should we look in the drawers?” Eugene asked.

“Oh, of course!” Rapunzel said, wondering why she hadn’t started with that.  The first drawer contained a single sheet of paper, carefully folded. She opened it up, quickly folding it back.

“What was that?” Eugene asked.

“It’s from Henry.  It’s- I think they had a sort of game of leaving notes for each other… here.” 

She felt like she was invading their son’s privacy, but perhaps Eugene would notice something in it that she hadn’t.

November 2nd, 1869

Dear Inga,

I’m going to be traveling again. I’ll see if you can find this note.  I already miss you.  I’ve left a surprise for Ariana in the nursery, and I’ll get something for both her and Aggie while I’m in the Southern Isles. 

Much love,

Yours,

Henry

“This was five years ago,” Eugene observed, setting the letter back into the drawer. 

“Six years ago,” Rapunzel corrected, then shook her head. “Not that it matters…”

“What about the other drawer?” Eugene asked. 

Rapunzel felt a small frame, and pulled out a miniature painting, about the size of a book. She turned it over and held it up to reveal a painting of a mermaid resting on a half dressed young man.

“We weren’t meant to see that, put it back,” Eugene said quickly. 

“Why?” Rapunzel asked, then looked closer, realizing that the faces were those of Henry and Inga. “Yes, that’s going back where it came from.”

She closed the drawer as quietly as she could, as Henry or Inga might walk in at that moment.

“Is there anything on the shelves?”

Rapunzel squatted down and looked at the shelves underneath.  There were novels in various languages, and a Portuguese phrasebook.  Then she saw a book at the back with nothing written on the spine. She pulled it out from the shelf, carefully opening it to the first page.  

“I’m pretty sure this is Inga’s writing,” she sighed. “I can’t read this, though.  Now I wish I’d put in some effort to learn the language…”

“Let me take a look,” Eugene said, taking the book. “This is from nine years ago. Nothing too astounding, pretty much the usual stuff someone would say starting out a diary.”

***

Inga sat in the Embassy dining room with Lars. John had just returned from the staff outing, and most of them were heading to their rooms to sleep the rest of the day, as the rain had meant that most of their revelries involved the beer hall rather than outdoor amusements. 

John walked in with a bowl of soup.

“Here, Inga, I know that you haven’t had much appetite lately, but I think this will help.  You should eat more.” 

“Wait, carrot soup?” Inga asked, smelling the familiar odor.

“Yes, I remembered Halima telling me it’s what you usually eat if you don’t have a good appetite.  She said it was a family favorite.”

“Well, thank you, John,” she said. Inga never remembered actually ordering it from Halima, but it did always seem to be on hand when she claimed she had no appetite.

“Some food would do you some good,” Lars said. “By the way, John, did you see this?” 

Lars showed him a card. 

“Bielsko is hosting a party tonight?” John asked. “You want me to find out who’s going to be there, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

“The Duke of Bielsko is next in line for the throne of the Southern Isles after the royal family, isn’t he?” Inga mused between bites of soup.

“And for Arendelle’s after your family,” Lars said. “They’re married into nearly every family. I wonder if Glowerhaven will be there. Have you met the Princess of Glowerhaven?” 

“No,” Inga said. “Only her younger daughter, once, in Corona. She was interested in Frederick, of course.” 

“Of course,” John laughed. “But who wasn't?” 

Lars took back the invitation, and rubbed his beard thoughtfully. “Wait… Maldonia… Inga, which ones have you met?”

Inga hesitated, remembering exactly what Lars was referring to. “The older brother… oh, and his sister.”

“Which one is the older brother?” John asked. 

“Tarkan is the older one,” Lars replied. “Good thing, too, since we know he’s not in town.” 

Inga relaxed a bit. “Still, I suppose I’d be recognized by someone if I went.”

“Not necessarily,” Lars said.  “You have a reputation for not being seen at foreign events, you know.”

“Do I?” Inga asked.

“Honesty may be the perfect disguise, as you learned when you arrived here,” Lars said.

“What do you mean?” 

“You will go as my half sister Ingeborg. You will dress up, of course, that much is expected.”

“Are you sure about this?” John asked. 

“Yes, quite sure,” Lars said. “That is, if you agree.”

Inga thought about it. It was tempting.  “It might be interesting,” she admitted. 

“Good,” Lars said, standing up. “Even though we didn’t learn very much at the opera, I think that you will hear things that neither John nor I would be able to learn.”

“When should I be ready?” Inga asked. 

Lars looked at the card, then the clock. “We should probably be ready to go in an hour.  John, why don’t you get the carriage ready, and I’ll let the maid know. You should finish that soup.”

#frozen fanfic #tangled fanfiction #prince of two realms #1875 #kristanna #OC Inga #OC Lars Nilsen #rapunzel #eugene fitzherbert

[floopers]

Bearly Beloved

Series: Octopath Traveler II Pairing: none Word count: 673 Rating: G Summary: Ochette takes things a little too literally.

[AO3]

——

It had been several days since Ochette had left on a days long excursion, promising to be back within the week. No one knew where she was going, other than "it was a very important mission for Néné."

When asked, Throné did not know what she meant.

Every night though, Mahina would come back to their group, perch atop a tree above them, and give them daily updates on her wellbeing.

"Ochette is doing well! Do not worry, human friends," she would say before flapping away, more than glad that Ochette had found companions who had learned to understand her.

("So, uh, anyone know what all that hootin' means?")

But, when Ochette had finally come back to their group, they were none the wiser for the chaos that would happen.

Except Agnea.

Because a few days ago when the group had made a stop by Wellgrove, Agnea had sat on a bench near the department store, pondering. She wanted to plan a nice surprise but questions burned inside her mind. She hemmed and hawed, and no good answer came to her.

That was when Ochette came wandering over, seeing her pondering so hard in the distance. "Aggie! What are you doing? You look like you ate something bad and now you need to go—"

"Uh!" Agnea stopped her before she went too far. "I'm just thinking about something."

"About?"

"Well... I was just thinking about Throné and how she mentioned the other day that when she was young, she always wanted a cute bear to play with... and I was just thinking I wanted to make that happen for her! But do you think she'd like one now? At her age?"

Ochette tilted her head, her ears flopping over as well. "Huh? What are you talking about? Why would she be too old for a bear? They're perfect for all ages!"

"You really think so?"

"Yeah! You know what, I'll go get one for her!" Ochette puffed her chest out. "I'll find her the biggest and best one!"

"B-best one?" Agnea looked at her strangely. "Do you mean... like the fluffiest one?"

"Yeah! Even fluffier than my tail!"

"Oh!" Agnea clapped her hands together in glee. "Incredible!"

"Yeah! Anything for Néné! Just give me a few days!" With that, Ochette sprinted off into the wilderness.

Agnea watched her go, looking forward to what Ochette would bring back, until she blinked. "Wait, why... did she run off into the wilds?"

And true to her word, Ochette did come back several days later, and the rest of the travellers screamed, scrambling away from where Ochette had burst out of the bushes. All except Throné, who held out her knife in front of her, eyes wide. Very few things surprised her—she must have been so happy and surprised! This gift giving was already going great.

"Here you go, Néné!" Ochette called out. "Aggie told me how much you wanted a bear when you were little and I went and got one for you now!"

Throné opened her mouth, held it open for a moment before closing it. Then, she stepped back so she could crane her head up, and up, to look at Ochette.

Agnea rushed in, screaming. "Ochette! I meant a stuffed animal not a real bear!"

"... no? This isn't what you wanted?" Ochette frowned, peering down at where she sat atop the bear's head. "Mahina, didn't you tell them about how it was going?"

"Yes, but it appears they might have misunderstood me," Mahina said, and both Agnea and Throné shared a look, wondering what the malamaowl was hooting insistently about now.

"You know what, though, I think this works," Throné said, nodding in approval.

"What—really, Throné?" Agnea looked at her, skeptical.

"Just look at its ears," she said, and Agnea did and gasped because ooh! they were so perfectly round and cute—

"Throné." From behind was Castti and though her smile was gentle, all of them including the bear felt a shudder of fear. "You are not keeping that bear."

"... tch."

#octopath traveler 2 #octopath traveler ii #ochette #agnea bristarni #throné anguis #writing floops #I love ochette I need to write more things with her clowning on everyone #and also more things with her grabbing fluffy monsters for throne to pet

[subway-boss-jericho]

Hey all! Announcement stuff!

Thank you to everyone who has been very patient with me. I swear to god i could turn into one of those Ao3 authors thats like "hahaha sorry i havent updated in so long i died and then came back to life and then i had to work 7 jobs" and im being so fucking brave about it!! ANYWAYS THATS NOT WHAT THIS IS ABOUT!

Tomorrow is the 1 Year anniversary of steady tracks chapter 1! 🥳(and also my birthday. yes that was on purpose)

So! I wanted to give you all some updates and stuff to look forward to because oh god it sure has been an entire fucking year since I uploaded stuff and I refuse to feel bad about it but my brain is trying so hard to make me! I am working on chapter 2. Progress has been terribly slow because of severe life events, thank you for your understanding.

So!! What's next? Well, over the summer I am really fucking hoping to finish chapter 2. I know I keep saying this but literally i stg. I'm going apeshit. do you know how hard it is to think about something for an entire year and never have the time, motivation, or energy at the same time to make it exist?? fucked up!! Before that though, I have a few things.

I TOLD you all that I would talk about an AU of mine, whichever was highest voted in that strawpoll I did, and then surprise i fuckin didnt do that. I would very very much like to do that! The problem, I realized, is that I operate super hard on a reactionary basis so I am not prone to talking about anything that is mine until prompted about it or given permission. Fucking, Wack. This is my house. I should be cringe and free but nooooo. Anyways, because of this, I am planning on doing 2 things -> Actually tell you guys about spirit keeper! You all voted for him back when, and especially with that ✨Fucking, Gorgeous✨ commission from Fronomeeps I got (for me birthday :]) I really really really want to do that. And post my art more. and shit like that. seriously i need to get out of my head or I'll explode. someone needs to scream about how cool these stories are with me or I'll dissolve. -> I am thinking of doing a day long event where I stream an Aggie/(Magma?) where I draw my AUs and let people hop in to join in (as long as it stays on topic!) as well as answering as many asks as I can about my many aus and basically setting you guys up to trick me into infodumping. Because let me tell you i have a year and a halfs worth of words in my head and i am 100% confident ingo and emmet enjoyers would really like to hear them. So I wanna do a big ask party Q&A and really get things rolling!! Hopefully with drawings and doodles involved! as a celebration for myself, and as a way to open up to the greater fandom (Please leave a comment if you think that sounds cool, I'm trying to gauge interest because if i went all out and no one showed up it would be Extremely Depressing!)

ON! THAT! TOPIC!!! I am actively (literally interspersed with as I am typing this) making a UQUIZ about all of my significant AUs. For the record, there are 23 results on this quiz. I currently only have 3/23 final results completed, but it is my active focus over the weekend to finish as many of those as I can to try and complete the entire thing within a week or less. Also poking at my phrasing here, when I say my significant aus I Mean It, I have more than 23, but these 23 are the ones with stories tangible enough to start somewhere and elaborate on. I have about 10 that I would consider my main AUs, but some of the smaller ones are huge sleeper favorites.

SO YEAH!!! PLEASE LOOK FORWARD TO THAT AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU'RE INTERESTED!! I really wanna do fun stuff and get to know people in the fandom more than just. that person who wrote 1 chapter of a cool fic that one time. I have so much more to offer and I struggle so much to offer it. Please draw me out of my shell, I wish to enter the fandom sphere 🥺

thank you for giving me a great year <3 ((and hopefully the next one will be better <3))

#Status Update #AUs #Long Post #Ingo pokemon #Emmet pokemon #Submas #i feel a little bad about putting this on the main tags but im not joking when i say i really wanna break out of my head and do something #fun and exciting #Subway Boss Jericho Taking The PA System Aux

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

💄 Anomalous: Chapter Seven

Anomalous: You are attending a make-up artist convention in London, England for your work as a MUA yourself. Little do you expect to meet a handsome stranger at a bar, proceed to ditch your friends with him, have a one-night stand, and then flee because you are late for a convention event. Unbeknownst to you, that will not be the last time you see that handsome stranger, and now that you think about it… you really should have gotten his number. 

Warnings: None.

To Note: Tom Sturridge x MUAFem!Reader, Respect The Actor! (This is Fiction), Reader has long hair for reasons, You can thank @pinksirensong for this lovely mini series.

Word Count: ~2.9k

Previous | Masterlist | Next

You were sure that the costume department had an obsession with your and Tom’s relationship, whatever it may be. How did you know that? Most of Agnes’s close friends were currently gathered around you, ‘watching’ the current scene being filmed. You knew better, they wanted all the details on how you knew Tom. It was hard enough keeping them quiet on set with Neil around, the last thing you wanted was for their chatter to interrupt filming and subsequently get in trouble because it would become apparent that you were the source of the conversation. 

“Come on, Y/N,” Agnes whined in your ear, hanging close to you and peering at you while batting her eyelashes. You rolled your eyes and sighed heavily. 

“I swear to god, Aggie, does it really matter where I met him?” You softly complained, waving your arm around. “We don’t know each other very well.” The other costume designers, which you knew through your work and Aggie, joined in on the batting eyelashes and pleading looks. “Don’t you all have better things to do right now than give me pleading looks?”

“No, not really,” Keisha replied frankly. “Now spill girl. You groaned again, rubbed your face with your hand in defeat, and sighed once more. 

“Do you remember passionfruit milkshake guy from last year?” You softly asked. They processed your words for a few moments and then gasped dramatically.

“Oh my god!! He’s passionfruit milkshake guy!?” Agnes exclaimed, her eyes wide as she realized exactly what you were insinuating. “Y/N tell me you didn’t!” Your face grew warm as embarrassment filled you once more. 

“I did.” You admitted, your eyes trailing along Tom’s figure as he moved about the set with Vivienne. He moved so naturally, each twist of muscle or move of limb precise and coordinated. It was admirable and enviable how controlled he was with his body and muscles. The micro expressions alone… Agnes grabbed your arm and hung from it, her eyes peering up into yours with insistence. 

“I can’t believe you left him there,” She hissed up at you. “You left Tom Sturridge in hi—“ Your hand snapped up and you covered her mouth to stop her from blurting out the fact that you had slept with Tom. “God, Y/N, were the sheets still warm?” 

“For the love of god, Agnes, respectfully, shut up.” You told her, your cheeks on fire as the girls around you cackled. “I was going to be late for my convention talk, you know, the entire reason why I was in London in the first place!” 

“I bet he has a glorious ass,” You closed your eyes and counted to ten, willing yourself to not snip back that, yes, he did in fact have a glorious ass (Well, his whole damn body was glorious). Were you really having this conversation in your workplaces?

“Would you please shut up, we are at work,” You told her, your own eyes on the pleading side this time. Agnes decided to take pity on you. 

“Fine, but we’re getting all of the details tonight.” She huffed at you, complete and total seriousness in her eyes. 

“I’m not divulging my sex life to you, Agnes,” You snorted at her, crossing your arms. Agnes raised her eyebrow in skepticism. “Ever.”

“Well see about that,” She smugly replied, knowing that when push came to shove, you would give in if she pushed hard enough, long enough. Agnes’s eyes caught sight of something behind you and twisting on the ball of your foot, you turned to see what had caught her attention. Oh, that would definitely do it. Apparently, the shooting was finished and Tom was striding towards you with a set gaze. Even an idiot would know he was coming for you. 

You couldn’t help but bite your lip as you appreciated how well simple jeans and a t-shirt looked on Tom and were still in the middle of your appreciation when he reached you. So when he caught your hand and started tugging you along, you were caught off guard and scrambled to catch up to him. Naturally, your friends giggled and cackled behind you. 

“Tom?” You asked as you finally caught up with his strides, he was taking you back to his dressing room. He came to a stop and pulled you around so you were facing him. 

“Give me your phone,” He prompted, you blinked at him, your eyebrows pinching together in confusion as you did as he asked. 

“Why do you want my phone?” You asked as you handed your phone over to him regardless and he started fiddling with it. His face was entirely focused on the device in his hand. 

“Adding my number and texting my phone so I don’t lose you again,” Tom explained, squinting at the screen and slowly typing. Your eyebrow went up and you bit your lip. “Speaking of which,” He continued, his eyes looking up from your phone. “Some of the main cast is having dinner tonight, a little party, you should come.” 

“I should, should I?” You returned, your eyebrow popping up. “I’m not a part of the cast, Tom, wouldn’t I be out of place?” He countered your eyebrow raise with one of his own. 

“No,” He straight up told you. “Besides, you don’t know anyone and it’d be great for you to meet them outside of work!” His dog ears were standing up and if he had a tail it would be wagging. “It’s at the Galvin at Windows.”

“That sounds fancy,” You remarked skeptically. 

“It’ll be a relaxed environment, you just need to wear something nice, which won’t be hard because I’m pretty sure you look amazing whatever you wear.” He was almost begging and you were rolling your eyes. “Pretty please? They’ll like you and I love your company.”

“We literally spent less than twelve hours together, Tom,” You pointed out. He wasn’t deterred and continued to give you puppy eyes. 

“All the more reason for you to go, I want to know more about you, Y/N.” A good point. You hardly knew each other and while you had no idea what the relationship you had with Tom was, you should probably get to know him better. 

“Fine, but no hogging me,” You replied with a hint of a smile at the corner of your mouth. That blinding smile of his reappeared and in a flash, he was leaning down and pressing a quick kiss to your lips.

“Perfect, the party starts at six and the drivers will start shuttling people at five-thirty!” With that, Tom dashed off, yelling over his shoulder about having to speak with someone from special effects. While you were wondering why you had even said yes because you didn’t bring any nice dresses in your rapid packing, Agnes, and Simoné, the art director, sidled on up to you. 

“Girl he just planted one on you like it was nothing!” Simoné exclaimed, fanning herself as Agnes giggled. You rubbed your face with your hands and tried to beat back the heat climbing up your neck. 

“We aren’t talking about that right now, I’ve got a much bigger problem at the moment,” You told them massaging the bridge of your nose. “I just said I would go to dinner with the cast, but I have absolutely nothing to wear.” 

“This dress is tight,” You rumbled, having uncomfortable memories of being stuffed into a dress before and then proceeding to spend a night with Tom. Well, a repeat of events will probably won’t happen again but it was strange that you were once again seeing Tom wearing a dress that was too small on you. He would appreciate your curves, at least, right?

“Tight and fantastic,” Simoné murmured beside you as Kielce, one of the regular makeup artists on set, worked on your face. 

“And you know I can do my own makeup… right?” Kielce, Simoné, and Agnes snorted at you and rolled their eyes. 

“If we left your makeup to you, you’d wear mascara and foundation, that’s it.” Agnes chided you, giving you a knowing look. “For a makeup artist, you sure don’t wear much…” 

“I’m special effects, Aggie,” You reminded her with a sigh as Kielce brandished a mascara wand at you. He must be finished then. You looked upwards as your lashes were given some attention. “My job is special effects makeup, I don’t work mainstream often.” You pointed it out. “Also, do you know how much I sweat while on the job? Even the best sweat-proof makeup runs on me.”

“Excuses,” Kielce clicked his tongue. “You just don’t care about how you look.” You huffed but couldn’t refute his words. The time you spent doing other people's makeup left you feeling ill-inclined to do yours. So you went au natural almost 100% of the time. Kielce capped the mascara tube and stepped back. “Okay babes, how does she look?” 

Agnes and Simoné crowded around you and peered at your face while you scowled at them. 

“Scowl all you want, Y/N, you still look fantastic,” Simoné stated frankly before tugging at your wrists. “No come on, the shuttle should be getting back here soon and you have a hot date to meet.” 

“It’s not a date!” Your protest was waved off and you were shooed from your seat. 

“It’s a date, Y/N, stop protesting.” Anges spoke, shooing you in the direction of the cars that were taking the actors and actresses to and from the main set hub. “And I want pictures and details!”

“Whatever keeps you happy,” You grumbled, drawing your coat around your shoulders and buttoning it up. You were happy to tell your friends about what happened at the dinner, you were happy to tell them what the actors were like outside of work. But if they pestered you about what you and Tom had been up to? Your mouth would stay shut to the details. 

You caught a ride to the Galvin at Windows and took your phone out to research a little on the Galvin at Windows. Your eye twitched when you realized how nice of a restaurant it was. Hopefully, you wouldn’t be too out of place. Walking into the London Hilton, you glanced around and looked for the signs to the restaurant. Your eyes caught sight of a sign that read Galvin at Windows and promptly realized that the hotel was at the top of the hotel. At least you would have a view. 

You had to show a hotel worker your set badge to get past the main entrance, but once you did, they offered to take your coat and hang it for you while at dinner and directed you to the elevator. Nervously tapping your phone against your thigh, you looked up to the ceiling of the elevator and let out a breath. 

“Okay, Y/N, you can do this, it’s not like you slept with an actor and now are going to dinner with him and a bunch of other famous people.” You weren’t doing a very good job of reassuring yourself. The elevator let out a ding and the doors opened. You stilled your feverous tapping and slipped your phone into the little clutch you had. You stepped forward and approached the group of people, glad to see at least, a few familiar faces such as Justin and Neil. Not saying that you were going to talk to them the whole evening… but it was somewhat intimidating to be around people of such caliber.

Naturally, it didn’t take long for Tom to spot you. Heads were turning at your entrance and as you ventured closer to the talking group, Tom’s face brightened up and he trotted forward with a wide smile on his lips. 

“You made it!” He exclaimed, reaching you and unconsciously leaning down to kiss your cheek. You were sure he didn’t even think about that action. Your lips twitched in response as Tom wrapped his arm around your back and guided you back to the others. 

“I may or may not have been threatened by Agnes and our friends to come or else,” You admitted with a soft chuckle, eyeing Tom’s beaming face. “I believe they said something about wanting all the details? Just so you know… you tell them anything? I know where you sleep.” You said the last part so matter of fact that Tom just stared at you as those around you snickered and laughed. “Comprende?”

“Entirely,” Tom replied, his eyebrow going up at the blatant admittance that you knew where his flat was and most likely, had been in it. Well, you were pretty sure everyone on set knew something was going on since Tom could not, for the life of him, hide his excitement.

As it turned out, the cast were very nice people and made very good company to be around (ignoring all the teasing remarks you received). Naturally, you and Mason ended up thick as thieves, and you and Vivienne took pleasure in trash-talking about Tom’s character, Dream… which the man took great offense to and ardently defended like his life depended on it. But really, you were fairly sure that Dream of the Endless could use a major attitude adjustment. 

It was probably only forty minutes into the party dinner, and only the appetizers were out as cast members milled around, still happily talking, when you started to crash. Coffee and espresso only worked for so long. You needed food… but you also needed sleep. Luckily, Tom had been watching as your fatigue slowly came back, and chose this moment to step up to your side and whisper in your ear. 

“Something tells me that you’d rather have a quick meal at take-away and go to bed than stay and eat five-star food…” Tom softly spoke, the heat from his body warming yours and only dragging you further toward your want to go to sleep. Your painted lips twitched and you turned your head, your face mere millimeters from touching Tom’s. 

“You know a place?” You questioned with a cheeky smile and a raised eyebrow. Tom’s smile widened as he giggled and took your hand once more. He swiftly pulled you away from the group of chatting people and led you back to the elevator. You suppose you should feel bad for ditching everyone without a word of thanks or goodbye… but with how quickly Tom had you bundled up in your coat and directed towards a certain food hall, all the while grinning, you couldn’t bear to break that childlike giddiness. Not to mention you absolutely loved the feeling of his hand grasping yours. So you ended up at the Arcade Food Hall once more, but rather than fuss over what to eat, Tom brought you over to a stall named Manna, and you ordered burgers and fries. 

You probably looked ridiculous in your nice clothes, hair, and makeup, eating a greasy burger and fries. You most definitely earned yourself looks from those around you because who dressed up that nicely for takeaway? But the only thing you were paying attention to was your burger (which was delicious), and Tom, who was just as excited to eat as you. 

“As nice as that food was, nothing beats a good burger,” Tom sighed as you licked your fingers and chuckled. His phone started beeping with text messages. Fishing it out of his blazer, Tom took one glance at the screen and snickered. You eyed him, guessing that those at the restaurant, had probably realized that you and he, were gone. 

“I’m not going to apologize for ditching them,” You spoke, pausing in consuming your burger as you smiled happily. “I would gladly have a burger over paté any day.” Tom hummed in agreement before raising his phone and snapping a picture of you in the process of chomping on your burger. You blinked and looked at him with a raised eyebrow as he fiddled with his phone some more before returning it to his blazer.

“Vivienne was wondering where we had disappeared to,” Tom explained, then he grinned unapologetically. “I figured a picture would be a better answer than any text.” The cheek of this man! You had to admit to yourself that his cheekiness and carefree (albeit sometimes childish) demeanor, was what drew you in. He was not afraid to have fun, and you loved that.

“So?” Mason asked, fluttering their eyes at Vivienne who was looking at her phone with a raised eyebrow. “Where’d they disappear to?” The other cast members were looking at Vivienne as well after everyone had realized that Tom and Y/N, were nowhere to be seen. With a huff, Vivienne reversed her phone screen to show the picture that Tom had texted back. 

“It seems that they snuck out to get fast food,” Vivienne explained dryly, her lips twitching in amusement. 

“Well, at least he’s not pouting anymore,” Gwendolyn murmured before taking a sip of her wine. “He’s been moping for months. Though I do wonder how they met.” The rest of the cast hummed in agreement. They’d find out by the end of shooting, surely. 

Date Published: 1/5/23

Last Edit: 1/5/23

Previous | Masterlist | Next

#tom sturridge x you #tom sturridge #tom sturridge x reader

[gothgalpumpkin]

Nah, bc I have tingz to say about Halloweentown!

I'll start off saying that I wouldn't really want a re-write or a reboot or something like that, but the way it could have been spread out was a missed opportunity I'll always lament on. What do you mean Gal? I'm glad you asked ghost in my corner! I mean to say that HT really could have been the Cromwell series and not just about my gurl Marnie. But instead ALL of the Cromwell children and their relations with magic and the magic worlds.

(Is she about to go into a tangent? Yes, yes she it)

Let's talk about little Sophie. Movie one demonstrates just how much more powerful she was to Marnie with her being much younger and already using magic without her knowledge. Now the argument could be that its just how all the children were since at that age of course they wouldn't know how to control their magic. However, never once was it mentioned either offhandedly or directly that Marnie or Dylan also experienced such a thing. Perhaps they did, but for argument sake, I'm only using the facts shown in the movies and the fact is, Sophie wanted that cookie and gonna get that cookie 🍪. All that being said, I wish we got more of Sophie and that struggle of obviously being the Family's prodigy but being overlooked by Aggie's favoritism towards Marnie (*I'll be going over this much much later in a different post 👀).

Perhaps we could have seen the fear that she'll never be as good as Marnie despite being stronger and since she's not getting that same level of training, Sophie might fear that her abilities will diminish instead of flourish into the Witch we all know she could be. I think the third movie should have been more about Sophie and that internal struggle of knowing deep down she's naturally stronger, but could never measure up to Aggie's high expectations. I'm not saying I'd like to see Sophie suffer or turn "Evil" but I'd love to see the turmoil that would arise from that internal struggle and how she views her relationships with her grandma and Marnie. Maybe she sees Aggie the way that her mother sees Aggie, maybe Sophie gets Gwen a little deeper. Maybe she understands Dylan in a way that makes Sophie a bridge between him and Marnie.

Speaking of Dylan. My poor boy, Dylan. OK, where to start. Oh, I know! (Bit of a rant incoming) How about the blatant disrespect for his boundaries and preferences? How many times has he stated he doesn't want to identify as a Warlock or that he doesn't feel comfortable with Magic to begin with? Since movie one this man has stated that he didn't like magic and that's more of a science guy. Cool, that's cool right? Nope, not for Marnie and Aggie apparently.

Yes, we all know that Dylans isn't the strongest warlock and that's because he has successfully locked it away within himself, that's his prerogative, he's happier with the "Normies" he's comfortable. Yet time and time again he's pushed into uncomfortable situations for the sake of Marnie's comfort (end of rant). Dylan is a muti-layered character that's actually very complex, however the story seems to continue this one note narrative of him being the "buzzkill" the "party-pooper" the one always complaining about having an amazing gift. But what may be a gift to you can be a curse to someone else. To Marnie, discovering that she's (genetically and historically) special was one of the greatest days of her life while simultaneously, it was crushing to Dylan. That gap of weirdness to normalcy has just widened and now its not as simple as being an outcast (for early 2000s standards lol) but it's inherently linked within. To Dylan, he knows he could never really be normal. Like Sophie, we really needed to see that turmoil played out without it being a joke because after the first and second movies, it's not funny anymore. He's not Marnie, he doesn't see Magic as a deep fundamental part of his being.

Can you imagine the feeling of being told your family name is important enough that it links to the founding of an entire world and that very world expects so much from you, but you don't have the drive to deliver? And why should you, it's just a name, right? You didn't choose to Heir from greatness, why is there so much pressure to do what you don't want to? That's what I think rings through Dylan. Because even in a place of Monsters and ghouls and magic, he's still the outcast. A Cromwell who doesn't have the ambition to become as great as their line before them? It's unheard of, it's strange. So, something must be wrong with them right? I think the fourth movie (we will FOREVER ignore HT4, what HT4?!) Should haven been about Dylan and his full acceptance as he is without the influence of his family. I think it should have been him going to a college of his own choosing (bc why would you make one child attend the same college as the other child just to keep an eye on them – uh, huh!?) we watch him find his footing and meets another witch/warlock who also finds mortal normalcy comforting. I think if he finds people like him who validates his feelings Dylan would be able to come to terms with so many internal struggles that be has such as he quiet resentment towards Marnie and Aggie. I think at even at a young age, Dylan truly understood Gwen and that's why he was always on her side with everything (also bc he's a mama's boy. Let's be real ✨️).

Often times I just that there were several missed opportunities for flesh out these characters and their importance in the world of Halloweentown and how they each interacted with their magical roots and culture.

I want to talk about Gwen as well, but I think that deserves its own post so I'll be doing another long one on her (and Aggie). But I will say you do look at things from her perspective as an adult in comparison as a child. I actually feel sort of sad for her, but I'll get into it soon. I have so many things to say about Halloween town and alot of the old 2000s disney spooky movies we grew up with and how they connect. I did an entire video on TT on how I believe HT and nightmare before Christmas is connected which I'll be placing here but in a more written cohesive format.

That's all I have for now, there's still so much i want to talk about, I'll be back soon 🖤

#halloweeniscool #halloweentown #halloween #marniepiper #sophiepiper #dylan piper #long post #rant mostly #sorta #what do you think? #idk lmao #is this considered analysis

[brendughh]

COC DAY 2: AU!

It's my first fic! Here's a milkshake scene au from Heartstopper I did at 2 am, hope you enjoy. I also posted it on a03

For @ic3-que3n and @erzbethluna, your tags are not in vain

"Oh my god, no, that is a crime." Simon misses the snarky comments Baz used to make about his everything that he was almost caught by him in surprise. Almost.

"I can't believe you've just disrespected Unicorn Frappuccino infront of me." I thought you are fond of rainbows, Simon decides not to add.

"Unicorns don't taste like that, Snow." It tastes like lavender, actually. Baz knows this.

"All right let me try yours" Simon reaches for the cup that says 'Pumpkin Mocha Breave' and takes a sip. "wow. "

"See, I make good choices." Baz says, and the barista, (he likes to refer to himself as one) Levi, winks at him.

"We should share!"

"No Snow, you made your choice."

"But we are on a date. This this is what people do on dates, I think. Or maybe. Yeah I could just stick with my-"

Baz is proud at Simon for speaking his mind, but honestly, who does he think Baz is to say no to his gorgeous face? "It's alright, it's what people do."

And, with a little more confidence– " We should go on a real date you know, just us. If you want to."

"I'd love too, Baz."

"Im not interrupting anything, am I?" Agatha chimes in, popping their rose colored bubble.

Agatha. She doesn't know anything about Simon and Baz. Simon knows she likes Baz. Baz knows he really don't. Like. Agatha.

"No Aggs, uhm, me and Baz, we're just talking about-" he raise his hands to his chest, providing some life to his lie "milkshakes. Whose taste better."

"Hmm. If that is what I think it is, " she points at Baz's cup, "then Baz, you have my vote."

"Thank you, Wellbelove."

—

Penelope, Simon, Baz, and that girl in boycut all sit around their table waiting for Agatha and the rest of the milkshakes . Simon and Baz are side by side, facing Niamh and Agatha. Penelope wonders when did the two become friends. She and Agatha used to sit beside each other after all.

"So, Niamh, I didn't know you and Agatha are close friends."

"We are not," Niamh immediately regrets what she said adding "I mean, she asked me to be her train mate for lacrosse and I said yes." They were supposed to share the thing with them together.

The two boys are hoping for the exact same thing too. What is taking you so long, Agatha?

"I guess lacrosse has it’s way bringing people together. Just look at those two." Penelope gives a look at the boys. "They were literal enemies, and now I think Baz has replaced my title as Simon's best friend."

Best friend , Simon is turning red all while Baz's cough sabotages his own smile.

Thank Merlin, Agatha is finally here.

"What are you guys talking about?"

"Oh, babe. Penelope was talking about how good friends Simon and Baz are being these days. I think Penelope is jealous."

" I am not." says Penelope at the same time Baz said "Babe?"

Subtlety is not Niamh best suit.

"We actually invited you to tell something." Agatha carefully look at each person's eyes landing on Niamh the last. She is scared.

" I'm so sorry Baz, I know that it seems that I was attracted to you, but I don't want to give you false hope." Baz isn't sure if his snort is only audible to his head, or is also seen by everyone at the table.

"When Simon and I broke up, I thought you were the solution. I joined lacrosse to get close to you, then I met Niamh and I realized that you are not the solution neither Simon is the problem. I've been trying to solve something that is not made for me.

"Me and Niamh are dating. I am sorry if this hurts you Baz, but I am not sorry for who I like."

That is it. Agatha's petty face is the last straw. He is laughing, crying, and screaming, Simon- all of them- never heard Baz like this. He is manic.

"I'm sorry, do you find it funny that I like girls?"

Penny can see all the emotions passing through Aggie's face, she decides to call Baz out "Stop laughing Baz, nothing is wrong with being gay."

And then Simon is at it too. All the laughing is turning him into a tomato.

"You know what, I actually think this would go okay. You're a bunch of dicks." Standing up, Niamh goes to comfort her girlfriend. She thought that this would go okay too. Maybe she is wrong about Baz.

"Wait, Aggs, WAIT!" Suspending his laugh is not that hard for Simon when something special is at stake. They will all make a core memory of this.

"Wearenothomophobic"

"Simon, let me"

"But I want to be the one to tell them too!"

"Wellbel– Agatha. I don't find it funny that you like girls. It's just ridiculous that you think I would be hurt from that. I dont like you that way, I like guys. Me and Simon—

"Meandbazaretogetherandheisgay"

"I am gay. Simon and I are dating since last year, fifth grade." Baz let Simon join their hands together, completely smitten, he kisses it.

"I still don't know what I am but I really like Baz."

"I have something important to share with you guys too" they all face Penelope.

"I am straight."

They only stop laughing at each other when the ice in their drinks are melted.

#coc 2022 #mine #carry on #carry on countdown #fic #fanfic #snowbaz #snowbaz fanfiction #wayward son #awtwb #heartstopper

[litgwritersroom]

DATES ALL AROUND

Love Island, Actually Chapter Six

read it on AO3 | chapter one | chapter five

Jules makes some new friends and tries to make amends with her former FWB, while Bruno and Delila enjoy their first date. Lottie talks with her bff about men while Thea can’t help but think about a certain guy she just met, and River heads out to do something secretive behind closed doors while Bridget deals with moving into a new place.

JULES: girl chats and text messages

“Thanks,” Jules told the pretty bartender serving them when she finished pouring her wine, turning her attention back to the group of girls sitting next to her a moment later.

“I’m sorry but Suresh? Really? God, I know he’s good-looking but I don’t know how you put up with that for as long as you did,” Blake said, shaking her head. “He’s always such an ass. I don’t think we’ve had a single staff meeting where he hasn’t tried to mansplain something to one of us.”

“We get to get away from him at the end of the day; I don’t know what I’d do if I had to live with him,” Jen said, looking genuinely appalled at the thought.

“You know what, all I have to say is good for you, girl,” Hope said, stretching across the bar to clink her wine glass against Jules’s. “I know this sounds crazy but I always got a terrible vibe from him, which made no sense at all because you’re so lovely. Seriously, how does a guy like that even land a woman like you?”

It had only taken a glass of wine for Jules to spill all the dirty details on her relationship. It wasn’t anything the girls hadn’t put together already considering the entire office knew about Talia’s fiancée leaving and Suresh spending way more time than normal in her office, but they hadn’t really known the extent of it. Besides, there was something fun about gossiping over wine that she wasn’t sure she’d ever experienced.

Not only that, but Jules felt validated in a way. Listening to how other people perceived her ex made the entire situation so much easier to stomach; it made her feel as if she had made the right decision moving forward without Suresh by her side.

“You know how it is. You meet at Uni, you fall in love, you think you’ll be together forever…” Jules’s voice trailed off and she waved her free hand, picking up her wine glass with the other to take a deep drink. “I should have known the separation was a stupid idea. Everyone knows men just suggest that so they can sow some more oats and run back to you when they’re done.”

“And you think he was sleeping with Talia even before he suggested the separation?” Blake asked, arching a dark brow at Jules over the rim of her own glass.

“I mean, who knows? My gut says yes but it’s not something I’m going to ask him,” Jules said, shrugging her shoulders. “We both saw other people while we were separated, but I saw one person, and I swear he saw half the city,” she mumbled, tossing back the rest of her wine.

Allegra was there in a flash with another bottle for them, the neck of it poised over Jules’s glass. “Tell us all about this guy you were hooking up with or I won’t pour you another,” she warned, and Jules rolled her eyes though she was unable to keep the smile off of her face.

Allegra seemed a bit aggy at first but she was actually pretty lovely; she definitely had a sort of sharpness to her but Jules enjoyed that about her. Granted, she wasn’t Jake…

She’d felt silly for hoping the bartender would be working that night; a part of her missed him and it was a startling realization for her to have. She didn’t know how she could miss someone she barely knew. Then again, most strangers didn’t give her incredible pep talks and tell her that they were proud of her. But that was something she’d need to confront another time (preferably not in the bar he worked in but still with just as much wine).

“I was out drinking one night and feeling sorry for myself and he was there. There’s nothing much to tell. It wasn’t so much a relationship as it was a…friends with benefits-type thing, I guess. But ‘friends’ implies we were actually friends. I kind of just…kept things surface-level, I guess. I think some small part of me thought Suresh and I would get back together. And it was just sex between Bruno and I so I didn’t see the problem with it.” Jules gave Allegra a grateful smile as the bartender filled her glass.

Jen tilted her head at her. “Did Bruno know it was just sex?”

“I don’t know,” Jules admitted. “It was never a conversation we had. That was mostly my fault, though. Like I said, I refused to let it become anything besides sex.” She sighed, rubbing her temple. “God, but then he invited me to this comedy show he was performing in and I totally bailed on him. It was the same day Suresh had me served with the divorce papers and I was a fucking mess.”

“Have you guys talked since then?” Hope asked, leaning forward a bit, and Jules shook her head.

“No… God, is it crazy to text him? Just to say hi and I guess apologize for blowing him off?” It wasn’t something she’d really considered before tonight, but something about talking about him aloud made her realize just how shitty she’d been to him. 

The other three girls shared a collective look before shaking their heads in unison. “Not crazy at all,” Blake confirmed. “Here, let us help you draft a text,” she said, and the four of them (five if you counted Allegra) set to work crafting the perfect message that one could send to their former fuck-buddy that they’d stood up.

“‘Hey! I’m sorry I missed your show. Hope you’re doing well,’” Hope read aloud before handing the phone back to Jules. “I think it’s perfect. Casual, cool, friendly—exactly the vibe you’re going for.”

Jules hit the little send icon and put the phone to the side. Why was she nervous? She’d been adamant that she and Bruno weren’t even friends, what did it matter if he ignored her message? She’d given him no real reason to want to talk to her…

Her phone buzzed on the counter and she picked it up, tension she hadn’t even realized had been gripping her shoulders melting away as soon as she saw the response waiting for her. 

No worries, we’re cool. Hope everything is good with you x

“Aw,” Allegra said from over her shoulder. “That’s cute!”

Jules smiled a bit, shooting off another message to him before she tucked the device back into her purse. “Nice to know I didn’t royally screw things up, then,” she mused, taking another drink from her glass. 

“Okay, well, now that we have all of that out of the way, how was the sex with your little friends with benefits?” Blake asked, and Jules nearly spit out her wine at the question. She was almost positive that a little went up her nose.

Once she’d stopped choking, she took a deep breath, fixing her brown eyes on the three girls looking expectantly back at her. When she realized they weren’t going to relent, she sighed. “Okay, okay…it was fantastic, all right? Are you happy?” she asked, and the resounding squeals and giggles from the other girls seemed to confirm that yes, they were very happy with her response. “That’s all I’m saying, okay?”

The girls continued to giggle, pressing Jules for more details that she refused to give. She rolled her eyes, looking away from their little group for a moment, and in doing so she caught sight of a familiar face bouncing from table to table in the restaurant’s main dining room. Jake Wilson was in deep conversation with an older couple, both of them smiling widely at him, the man shaking Jake’s hand before letting him go.

As soon as he did, Jake’s eyes found hers and he smiled, immediately making his way towards the bar. “Well, hello, Jules Taylor,” he said, and she couldn’t help but smile, herself.

“Hello Jake Wilson,” she greeted him, watching as he turned to the other girls and politely introduced himself in that ridiculously charming way. As it turned out, he knew Blake through a mutual friend and the two chit-chatted for a moment while the rest of the group continued their conversation.

And by “continued their conversation,” really it was just Hope leaning over to ask Jules about the hunky restaurant employee. “If you’re looking for a rebound, babes, I’d say Jake is going to be your best bet,” she whispered, and Jules felt herself flush.

Was she looking for a rebound? A week ago, she would have said no. But now…well, now she wasn’t sure she was entirely opposed to it. Maybe it was the wine talking or maybe it was the girl talk, whatever it was, Jules knew she was going to have to move on eventually. She was twenty-three for Christ’s sake, she had her whole life ahead of her.

Jake glanced back at her and she offered him a small smile, the one he gave her in return shining as warm and bright as the damn sun. “It was great talking to you girls but I should get back to work. But I’ll see you around,” he said, his eyes fixed on Jules as he spoke before he was gone, off to chat up more of the guests.

“God, he’s just absolutely gorgeous,” Jen said, watching him walk away. “Jules, if you don’t want him, I’ll gladly take him,” she added, looking back at the brunette.

Jules shook her head. “You girls are insane,” she mumbled, finishing off her glass of wine before waving Allegra over. “Could we get the check, babes? All on one is fine.”

“Jake took care of it,” Allegra said with a shrug before moving down the bar to serve another group that had just sat down, leaving a gaping Jules in her wake.

She turned to look at the group, all of whom looked just as surprised as she was. All except for Blake who merely gave her a shrug of her own, finishing off her own glass. “What can I say? He’s a friend of a friend. Now come on, we should head out. Allegra said they’re closing a little early tonight for whatever reason.”

RIVER: from the dinner table

River quickly adjusted her hair and applied her gloss. The cream-coloured, knitted dress she had picked for the occasion was already starting to bother her, but at least it was doing its job of keeping her warm. She took a deep breath and opened the door, stepping out of her bathroom as she tried to calm herself down.

She was never a fan of first dates and, even if she knew him already and had even slept with him, she couldn't stop worrying about messing something up. In the end, the truth was that she liked Noah, for real. River found him intelligent, way too good-looking for his own good, and so more mature than the rest of the boys she had dated before.

It was almost childish of her to say so, but she really wanted him to like her too. Her whole life she tailored a chilled, oh-so-cool-about-what-the-others-have-to-say personality, and she had learned not to really care about boys but this time it was different. She felt a need to be liked she never had felt before. 

"Hey, Sunset," River called for her orange-fur cat before enveloping herself in her black coat. With a 'meow', her cat appeared from one of her room's corners and rubbed its cheeks against River's legs, making her stop what she was doing just to pet it. "It's fine, girl, I'll be out for a little while but I'll be back soon."

Startled by the sound of her phone announcing a notification, Sunset left River and made a beeline to her food bowl as quickly as she had come. Giggling, River stood up again and checked her texts.

Noah: I'm here.

It was simple and direct as every single text of his had been up till now but it was enough to make her heartbeat quicken. She grabbed her stuff — purse and keys — and left her place with a smile from ear to ear, barely thinking of anything else during the whole way from her flat to Noah's car.

He had stopped a little further away — it was fine, she could have a walk — and waited inside it. When she got closer, she heard the door unlocking, his hand reaching the handle from the inside. Even when he didn't need to, Noah was overly sweet and polite.

She hoped not that much, though, because her goal was for him to be taking that damn dress off her as soon as possible.

"Hey," she greeted as soon as she got in, "sorry if I took too long."

Noah had the same soft expression he had but somehow, that night, he had stars in his eyes, almost a constellation. River blushed when her own met them and she giggled softly, a joke on the tip of her tongue but before she could say anything else…

"You look beautiful," he said under his breath but loudly enough for her to believe in her own ears.

The whole car trip to the restaurant was much more pleasant than she had thought. Noah had some way of making it all so natural, she had barely noticed the time pass them by. He asked her about her job and she told him about the children in her class, the pair of twins that would drive her crazy every single day. He laughed at their antics and nodded when she shared her struggles.

Soon enough, they were slowing to a stop. Noah craned his neck, taking a look at the restaurant. Not a single light was on, as expected. It was past ten, after all. "Are you sure it's ok?"

She smiled at him and he seemed to ease at that. "Of course, love, the owner is a friend of mine. Plus, like this is much more fun, don't you think?"

With a shake of his head, Noah chortled before turning off the car and opening his door, stepping out into the cold night but not before making a point of circling the car and opening hers as well. As she stepped out of it and he held her hand, River was sure her cheeks would be hurting by the time the night was over, because she couldn't keep the smile off her face.

"I still can't believe you convinced the owner to let us have it," Noah said as soon as they stepped inside the place. "It feels a little… too much for a date, doesn't it?"

"Only the best for you," she joked, making him chuckle. As she made her way to the light switches, her clicking heels serving as their soundtrack. "Let's just say Jake owes me and leave it at that."

With a last look behind her shoulder, River turned the lights on. The place lit up and so did Noah's eyes as he looked around. She beamed at the sight, admiring the enthusiasm that rarely showed up on his face before walking to him and grabbing him by the hand.

"C'mon," she called, "let's go to the kitchen."

Noah offered himself to cook them dinner as soon as he saw the magnificent kitchen Jake owned. Even though River had promised her friend she wouldn't let anyone else touch his stuff, she figured that what was out of sight, was out of mind as well, so she let Noah cook them some delicious fish while they shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

River was sure that if she could, she would spend her life talking to Noah. They talked about her family, how her siblings drove her mad, how her mother was going through some shit at the moment — yet, she decided to keep the cheating part omitted for… obvious reasons — and how, even though it seemed not like it sometimes, she really loved her job.

While they had dinner — a delicious meal, by the way — Noah told her about his younger brothers, about how hard it was being the older sibling, about his Uni years with Bridget, and how he loved the 80s and 90s hits. They even bonded over vinyl, even though he had much more knowledge on the subject than her.

It didn’t take long for the main topic of the conversation to turn into books. That was probably the biggest thing they had in common. Even their book lists were pretty similar, with their favourites being almost the same. When that was the subject, Noah seemed to be extra chatty.

“Ok, but why Dorian Gray?”

He had a tea towel hanging on his shoulders, a grin on his lips that matched the flush on his cheeks, and his sleeves were rolled up, showing his toned arms. They had eaten already, and Noah had insisted on doing the dishes. River was sure she had never seen a man look that handsome in a kitchen before, but again the only other man she had ever seen doing something in the kitchen was Bobby.

Propping her elbow on the counter, River laid her head on her hand and watched him move around the kitchen while he was waiting for an answer. Her coat was long gone missing and she was a little tipsy already. “I don’t know, it’s just really,” she sipped from her glass. “Impactful, I guess… Wanted in my skin and did it. With a female artist.”

“Oh,” Noah raised his eyebrows. “Now that that’s answered…” she giggled, “do you have any others? Except for the stardust one, of course.”

“Well,” she stood up again, walking straight to him. Noah smiled bashfully, drying his hands on his tea towel before turning to her, hips against the sink. River rested her hand over his chest as soon as she got close enough, standing on her tiptoes. “Don’t you wanna find out for yourself?”

His low chuckle didn’t take long to become a smirk and that smirk didn’t take long to be pressing itself against her grin. He had a hand holding her back as she leaned into it, and he kissed her like she was air and he had been breathless. River held his face and brought him closer, fingertips exploring his hair.

Soon enough she was sitting on the counter and her dress was rolled enough for her to say she had reached the goal for the night.

Jake would have to forgive her.

THEA: speaking of hot men

The whole day had been hijacked by meetings and more meetings, and when Thea finally had a chance to relax, her team texted her saying Priya had finally touched down, which meant they would be going out for drinks to welcome her aboard. You would think that a work trip to Spain would have much more fun things to do than drinking at the hotel's bar.

"So, how's everything going over there?" Lottie asked with too much interest. "Is that the dress I packed for you?"

Thea had her phone resting against the bathroom mirror as she brushed her hair and tried to turn that mess into an elegant ponytail. Her dress was made to replicate naked shoulders, with the sheer black fabric that made up the sleeves over the strapless cut. Now that she knew her counterpart in the music video was an international hottie, she was thankful Lottie had packed her a couple more dresses than she originally had planned.

Not that she was thinking about coincidentally bumping into him at the hotel's bar, not at all, that never even crossed her mind and was definitely not the reason why she had chosen the shortest of dresses.

"This?" Thea made a point of looking down, trying to pass it as if she didn't even notice what she was wearing. Because of course, she didn't. "Was the first thing I found in my bag."

Half-true. It was the first dress she found in her bag after… rejecting three others! But to be honest, it was the first decent one. 

"So what's the meaning behind the pile of clothes in your bed I can see from here?"

With a quick movement, Thea moved her phone around and closed the bathroom door with her feet, a smile on her face. "Which pile? I can't see any…"

Lottie rolled her eyes in return. "Stop that!" She demanded, but Thea never obeyed her best friend's demands. "Tell me, what's going on, why are you so… glammed up."

"I'm not!" Thea insisted as she applied some of her not-at-all-glamourous highlighter. "We are just getting out to have some drinks, you know, me and my team."

"Yeah, sure…" Lottie huffed, a little disappointed that wasn't the time she cracked Thea. 

“Never mind me, what’s going on with you?” Thea asked, knowing if she could get her talking about her own life she might be able to dodge any more questions until they would hang up. "Ever heard back from Rocco?”

“Ugh, that snake?” Lottie said, her tone becoming unmistakably acidic just as her whole attitude changed instantly to match the scowl on her face. “He could drop off the face of the fucking earth for all I care. Although I heard he’s apparently fucking his way through America or something.”

“What?” Thea actually paused on doing her makeup, blinking up in confusion at the screen. “Hold on, back up a little. I’m gonna need more context here ‘cause last time we spoke you were still all upset he hadn’t called you back.”

“I wasn’t upset!” Lottie’s indignant gasp was nothing short of theatrical.

“Yes, you were.” Thea replied in an almost bored tone, somehow conveying the action of rolling eyes even as she actually had them fixed on the mirror as she applied some eyeshadow. Nothing too much, of course, just something flattering and that would make her eyes pop a little. “You were upset and pining and going all, ‘why does this always happen to meeee?’ Don’t make me pull my receipts, Charlotte.”

“Fuck you with your ‘Charlotte’, Dorothea!”

Thea gasped in response as if she’d been slapped but it wasn’t long before the two of them collapsed into giggles, somehow still managing to connect so well via video phone call. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that they’d been friends since grade school.

“Okay seriously now, what happened?”

“I found out that fucking idiot was cheating on me, can you believe that?” Lottie explained with a huff. “Apparently he was also going out with some waitress.”

“Not one of the girls from The Sterling?” Thea asked with concern, glancing back at her phone. Imagine how awkward if Rocco had been running around with one of the girls from the pub and Lottie would put the place on her black list of places they could never ever go back to.

“No, of course not, the girls you worked with know about girl code.” Lottie said, before crossing her arms. “Not like those bitches at the restaurant I used to work.”

“Yeah, yeah, never mind them.” She replied, applying her eyeliner and trying to move quickly along before Lottie got into one of her girl code rants. “Who was Rocco going ‘round with then?”

“Some Irish girl who works at a bakery or something.” Her friend said, apparently not too worried about finding out more about the girl’s identity. “Then I heard through the grapevine that the fuckwit had some laughable idea that his Irish charm was being wasted over here and that he needed to go to America as once the girls over there heard his accent they’d be throwing their panties at him or some bullshit like that.”

“Whoa.” Thea found that was all she could really say as she took all of that in. Somehow it was a very Rocco thing to do (and a part of her could see he may have a point, but she’d never say that out loud to Lottie). “I’m sorry, babes.”

“Hope someone over there teaches him a lesson. Fucking dipshit.”

“Y’know we really need to study the way you always seem to pick out the worst men possible,” Thea said teasingly as she reached for her mascara, subtly trying to change the subject a little and maybe uplift her mood. “It’s like a gift.”

“More like a curse. I swear, no more men at least until I can consult one of my sisters and have a cleansing ritual.”

“Hopefully the next guy you get a crush on is a better one.” Thea said with as much optimism as she could, but a part of her knew Lottie really had a thing for bad boys.

“Ugh I shouldn’t even say this, but I kind of do have a crush on someone, but…” She trailed off for a beat, biting on her lower lip before continuing. “He’s from work.”

“So? Aren’t you there as a temp anyway?” Thea pointed out with a shrug, as her friend had only started working at this company a couple of months ago after she’d decided she was done with bartending while she figured out what she would do next. “It’s not like you’re gonna make a career working as someone’s secretary.”

“Yeah, I know it’s a short contract. But the problem isn’t exactly that I work with him. It’s more like… he’s married.” Lottie mumbled the last part, as if by saying it as quietly as possible it would not be as impactful as it actually was.

“Lottie!” Thea exclaimed, her voice conveying her shock, dismay and disapproval all at once. She couldn’t believe her friend would even entertain having a crush on someone taken, as Lottie had always been so big on loyalty and especially after what Thea had just been through with Talia.

“What? It’s not like I’m gonna do anything!” She was quick to say in an appeasing tone before shrugging a little, as if it were no big deal. “I just think he’s hot, that’s all.”

“You and your hot men.” Thea rolled her eyes even as she applied her lip gloss.

“Yeah? How about you, any hot men over there?” Lottie asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow, trying to steer them back to her side of things.

“Oh my, will you look at the time! I’m gonna be late.”

“Hey! Don’t you dare─”

“Sorry, really gotta go! Love you, bye!” She grinned and winked at her friend before closing the call and heading out of the bathroom. Thea knew Lottie wouldn’t be too annoyed at what she’d done, and besides she really was just short of running late to meet her team.

A few minutes later, she was at the hotel bar clicking glasses with Priya, Tim and Valentina and sharing appetisers as they enjoyed the little bit of downtime they had now before they could go full steam ahead with the work they’d need to do starting the next day. 

She had to admit that even though she’d initially been exhausted at the thought of going for drinks after the long day of meetings, now that she was here with them it was actually quite nice. It was funny at least to hear about Tim’s past experiences in Barcelona or his attempts at rapping or Valentina gamely laughing at his attempts to charm her or telling her own funny stories from other jobs.

“So,” Priya said with a smile as she turned to Thea. “How was it meeting the star of this whole production? Did you and Nicky get along?”

“Well as much as we could, seeing as we don’t speak each other’s languages,” she laughed a little in response. “His translator was a great help and yeah, he seemed very nice.”

“Only nice?” Priya asked, one eyebrow flickering up teasingly. “I know it’s completely unprofessional of me to say this, but since we’re off the clock I’ll admit that I’d love to eat him up with a spoon.”

“Oh totally,” Valentina chirped in from the other side of their table. “If the off the clock thing goes for me too, then oh my god! I knew he was hot, but up close? I was not prepared for that!” She fanned herself with one hand and feigned swooning in her seat.

“Even I have to admit the lad is fit as fuck,” Tim said with a shit-eating grin.

Everyone laughed a little at that, and even though she was also smiling Thea could feel a hint of an unpleasant feeling coiling in her stomach. It couldn’t be jealousy, she’d barely met the man and they were literally nothing to each other. Okay, maybe not nothing, but they were professional colleagues for the next few weeks. Totally professional and platonic. Besides, who was she trying to kid? He was insanely hot and it would be ridiculous to deny it or expect other people to not think the same. The man was an international superstar, for chrissake!

And speaking of him… Thea had taken this specific seat because she was facing the entrance of the bar which was right next to the hotel’s main exit to the street. She saw his profile as he crossed the lobby and damn if that wasn’t her heart speeding up just at the mere sight of him.

Nicky was heading out with his own team. They saw Thea and her group at the bar and they all waved politely at each other, but Nicky, AJ and his manager continued on their way out the door.

Her heart sank a little that they weren’t headed towards the hotel bar, but they probably had dinner plans with the execs from the production company and the record label. She knew she was being silly, she’d see him very soon, after all. But as she glanced back at the exit she’d swear Nicky seemed to hesitate for a moment before heading outside and that he’d looked as disappointed as she felt.

That thought put a smile on her face that stayed with her until she got into bed that night.

DELILAH: get to know yah

Dressed in something simple and nice for her date, Delilah headed out the car park for the short trot across the road to The Little Tandoori. She shot a text off to Bridget as another text from Bruno showed up.

Bruno: Just here x

Without replying, she set her sights on scanning the street and spotted him immediately. He had on a nice, grey peacoat and was looking down at his phone.

“Bruno!” Delilah called out, her heels clacking onto the pavement as she hopped over a puddle, hoping it wouldn’t splash onto the ends of her trousers. She waved for some extra oof, the rolled-up sleeve of her blazer falling an inch down her arm as she did so.

Bruno looked up and cracked a smile the moment he saw her. “Hey,” he said, arm outstretched towards her in preparation for a half-hug, “fancy seeing you here.”

“I know, right? You better not be on a date with someone.”

He made a show of a grimace as they pulled from their embrace. “Er, yeah, sorry, I am! She’s really pretty and she’s gonna be here any second now, I’m sure.”

“Well, if she doesn’t turn up then you need to let me buy you a drink.”

“You know what, why wait?” His brows rose into his hairline as a delighted smile spread across his face and he held his arm out to her. “Come, M’lady, I could never leave you out here in here in the cold,” he added in a silly macho voice as he led her towards the restaurant door. “Speaking of, are you not freezing?”

She pointed back to the car park. “My car’s just there. Not a long walk. Where are you parked?”

Again, his brows rose, but this time there was only surprise. “Oh, I don’t drive. London, and all –”

“Ah, gotcha.”

Bruno opened the door for her before the host inside got it for them. “Oop, thanks,” Bruno said, his arm sliding around Delilah’s shoulders. He felt so warm; it radiated through his coat and drew her closer to him. “I phoned up earlier for a table of two at seven.”

“Lovely, sir, and what was the reservation under?” The host asked back, the reservation book open before him.

“Kaminski.”

The host nodded. “Right this way.”

Delilah huddled in closer. “Ooh, it’s so cosy in here,” she said. “I love it.”

“Yeah,” Bruno smiled. “I wasn’t too sure how fancy to go for the first date, to be honest.”

“Well, this is perfect. Not too fancy at all,” Delilah smiled. She caught his expression freezing up a little before the host announced they were at their table.

It was a small circular seat in the middle of the restaurant, completely open all around. Not ideal seating, but the place was nice. Delilah couldn’t help thinking about how Lucas would have requested a quiet spot in one of the back booths, away from as many prying eyes as they could be. Delilah wasn’t sure if she liked that better or if she was just used to it.

The host pulled Delilah’s chair out for her before handing them each a leather-bound menu. “Here’s the wine list,” he said, handing a menu just as big as the first to Bruno.

Bruno nodded. “Thanks, mate.” Once he was gone, he gave it straight to Delilah. “Do you have a favourite?”

“I do, actually, but I’m not sure what I’m ordering yet.” She placed it down on the white tablecloth. “I don’t really have Indian food a lot.”

“Ooh, I love an Indian. It’s my go-to takeaway.”

“Oh really? I’m a Chinese food girl myself.”

“We’re going to have to find a way to make this work somehow.”

“We can alternate who gets to pick the takeaway each time. It’s only fair.”

“I’m glad we could clear this up now, so we’re not five years down the line and crying over spring rolls and poppadoms.”

Delilah snorted. “While we’re on the subject, if I’m serious with someone and they get a takeaway without offering me, I will get deeply hurt over it.”

Bruno cracked a smile. “Valid, noted. My own little thing is if I do offer and the other person says no, they then can’t decide they want some of my food when I come in the door with it.”

“We can avoid that because if I ever say no, just get me something anyway. I know already I’d regret turning that offer down.”

“I’m glad we’re on the same page.” Bruno held his hand out for her to shake. “Pleasure doing business with you, Delilah.”

“Likewise,” she grinned. “So, go on, tell me what you usually go for in someplace like this. I’m going to defer to your expertise.”

“First off, how are you with spicy food?”

“I love spicy food, but in a white person way.”

Bruno nodded respectfully. “All right, I can work with that. This stuff is good for sharing between two if you’re up for that.”

It wasn’t something she was used to, but she actually really liked the idea of sharing their food. Especially on the first date. It was an intimacy she was all for seizing.

In the end, they ordered more than they would eat there and agreed to split the leftovers. Delilah ordered a few things she knew, but mostly let Bruno take charge, wanting to see how he would do. He made sure not to just order everything he liked and hoped she’d like it too, but he made more enquiries as to her taste and made sure to get things he thought she’d go for. So far, Bruno was doing excellent.

The wine Delilah picked out came first. She’d gone for a red because Bruno liked it best and she didn’t want him not to enjoy it. It was great to sit down with him and share food and personal facts. He had two sisters who he clearly adored, and was a big football fan – Liverpool FC, of course – the only subject they touched on that he appeared unhappy with was his job.

“So, what’s the plan with that?” Delilah asked, circling her wine in hand. “Is comedy something you’re just getting started in or are you really pushing for it at the moment?”

He paused for a minute, the longest silence had passed between them all evening. “Well - I’ve been looking into it a lot, and while I can’t quit the job at the firm yet, that is the aim. That one day I’ll be doing well enough that I don’t need it. Sooo, yeah. Just trying to get my foot in the door, really.”

“But you’re already performing?” Delilah said, trying to sound encouraging.

He nodded. “Here and there. Things are picking up a bit now that it’s getting colder. Going to comedy nights isn’t the hottest thing to do in summer for some reason.”

“That’s good, I’m glad it’s going well for you. I love seeing people getting the chance to do what they love.”

“Is that what you love to do? Being a music manager?”

She shrugged a little. “I enjoy it. I’ve found something that I can thrive at and I love that it continues to challenge me.”

There was another small pause before Bruno asked, “Does it keep you busy?” Despite him trying to play it off as a casual follow-up, Delilah suspected what he was really asking was how much time she would have for him.

“It does,” she answered honestly. “It’s not a 9-to-5, that’s for sure, but that’s part of why I love it. It doesn’t offer a stable routine, but I’m not fussed about that so long as I can still live.”

He nodded. “How many clients do you manage?”

“Well, I used to have a few smaller acts signed on to me, but I’ve been trying to focus on having less and doing more with those I’m working with. My biggest client at the minute is vying for the Christmas number one, so it’s pretty hands-on right now, I won’t lie.”

“All hands on deck,” Bruno said, half a smile on his face, obviously impressed. “That’s insanely cool. Christmas number one. Hey, it’s not FourWay you manage, is it? My mum and sisters are obsessed.”

Delilah screwed her face up and shook her head, lips pursed. “Nah, FourWay is the enemy right now. That blond one – Eddie – is actually the brother of a friend of mine.”

“Awkward,” he laughed. “I think Eddie is my youngest sister's favourite. I’m blaming it on the blond hair, though. I vow, out of solidarity with you, that if a FourWay song comes on ever, ever then I’ll skip it.”

“You mean you wouldn’t have skipped it before?”

“Not a chance, I’m the world’s biggest fan, but I’m willing to give them up just for you.”

“Modern day knight in shining armour.”

He winked. “You know it.”

The silence fell over them like a blanket; soft and warm, keeping the moment cosy. Being with him was easy. It felt good to be laughing with someone new. As they sat opposite one another with the rosy glow of the candlelight flickering between them, Delilah felt the very epitome of comfortable.

Delilah was stuck in never wanting things to end, but wanting all the moments to come to happen now. Should she linger on now, drawing things out, or move on in anticipation of what’s to come?

After finishing her glass, she asked, “When do you have to be at the club? Should we settle up?”

His heavy eyes had been watching her right back and she had seen all the thoughts dancing through his mind. She couldn’t wait to learn all the little ticks he had, to know him so well that she’d know what he was thinking without even seeing his face. Bruno Kaminski was very quickly becoming one of her favourite people.

“Yeah, we probably should if we want to grab a drink before the set begins,” he said. “I’ll, uh, find our waiter and pay.”

“Do you want to split?”

“Nah, it’s all good. You can pay me back in Chinese food.”

“Consider yourself swindled, I’m taking you to a buffet.”

He grinned. “As long as there’s a second date, you can take me wherever.”

As Bruno flagged down their waiter, Delilah nipped to the bathroom to freshen up. One mint and a redo of her lippy later and she found him waiting by the front door.

“Got everything?” He asked, reaching his arm around her.

They headed out the restaurant, Delilah saying, “All sorted. So, how are we getting to the club?”

Bruno stared blankly at the building opposite once they were out on the street, the thoughts taking their time to form. He sounded mildly embarrassed as he said, “I was just gonna grab the bus, but I can get us a taxi or an uber or something.”

“Taxi sounds good. I’d offer to drive, but I’m a bit over the limit.”

“Yeah, no worries, I’ll order one now. Do you want my coat while we wait?”

“You’re only wearing a shirt under that.”

“I’ll survive,” he said, already taking his coat off. “You’re already shivering.”

“I probably have a coat in my car. I can go grab it while you call.”

“All right, but take mine while you head over.”

“God, you’re persistent.”

“If you start sneezing during my set I’ll have no choice but to call on you from the audience and you already said you didn’t want that.”

She grinned. “All right, have it your way.”

As Delilah slipped away to her car in his warm coat, she sent off a message to Bridget who had already messaged for an update. She sent five emojis of the smiling face with the hearts floating around it back.

BRIDGET: cheers to the new place

Overall, Bridget liked to consider herself a very reasonable individual. She was the type of person who’d usually wake up with a sunny disposition and she went about her days being her goofy, good-humoured self. She figured life already had a way of bringing you down to your knees when you least expect it, so anything she could do to make it easier for herself and others around her was a good thing. She’d rather people think of her as a happy-go-lucky girl or even a shameless flirt than a grumpy, down-in-the-dumps sourpuss. After all, who wouldn’t like putting smiles on other people’s faces?

Right now, Gary really was testing what she had so far thought was a quite limitless well of patience.

It was the Saturday after their wedding and they’d just got back from their honeymoon in Gstaad the previous day. But what should’ve been their first weekend to decompress and settle into their newly married life was taken over by getting most of their things out of storage and moving into their new place.

It would come as no surprise that Bridget hated moving. Granted, she’d never met anyone who would be crazy enough to claim they loved moving day, what with getting all the boxes, cleaning the new place then unpacking everything and moving furniture around. It was always an exhausting day, and not only that but in her case in particular it always brought back somewhat unpleasant memories.

When she was little, her parents moved houses almost yearly. Money had been tight when they first got married and they always leased places for the minimum amount of time rent contracts would allow because they were constantly on the lookout for something more affordable. She knew her parents had tried to shield her from their money worries as much as they could, but she was a smart kid and she’d picked up on their anxieties anyway. She did what she could to help, making jokes to make them laugh and she never complained, but she hated how they’d move to a new neighbourhood every two years or so and she was forced to go to a new school and make new friends.

Which was probably why she’d always been so forward and eager and maybe even a bit desperate to be friends with everyone she met.

Anyway, her family’s home life only became a bit more stable around the time she was about to start sixth form, when some great uncle of her father’s who had lived up in Scotland had suddenly passed away and left him a considerable inheritance. Apparently he’d been the only family member who hadn’t been against their marriage and that still kept in contact throughout the years. In his will, Uncle Iain had said her father had been his favourite great-nephew and the only one in the family that he’d felt was decent enough to inherit his estate. Which certainly didn’t help ease any tensions with other family members, who’d been counting on receiving at least a share of the money. 

By then, however, her father couldn’t have cared less about the so-called relatives of his very traditionally white British family who’d shunned him away only because he had chosen to marry an Asian woman. The inheritance helped them buy The Sterling and build quite a nice life for the only family he’d cared about anymore, which consisted of only Bridget and her mother.

Still, Bridget tried to see this moving day with other eyes. She wasn’t moving out due to something bad, she was starting a new life with Gary and it was supposed to be a joyous occasion, just like their wedding day. But a part of her still couldn’t let go of that thought that when Gary had initially proposed to her she’d thought she would just be moving into his loft, not moving into what she considered a freaking huge townhouse.

Juliet had insisted on it, of course. She’d argued that since they were getting married they should ‘do it the right way’, which meant they wouldn’t be living together until after the wedding ─ even though they already spent most nights at each other’s places anyway. Her mother-in-law had also pointed out they should get a bigger place than Gary’s bachelor pad, as someday (“hopefully soon!” Juliet would hint with glee) they’d have children and they’d need a proper house to raise them in.

It all made perfect sense and Bridget knew to pick her battles: she got to organise the wedding exactly as she wanted, going against pretty much everything Juliet had suggested (read: wanted), and she’d let Gary and his mum take care of the details for their new home. But of course, a new place meant renovations which always got delayed and even though Gary hired the best people he knew and even his own crew from his company, the townhouse only got ready to move in right as they’d come back from their honeymoon.

Once again, Bridget thought Chelsea Edwards was something of her personal lifesaver, as she was building her business as a party planner and as a decorator. She’d taken care of overseeing colour schemes for the walls and the installation of any built-in furniture while the happy couple had been away for their honeymoon and the bubbly blonde had even spent most of moving day with them, directing movers into rooms, angling furniture here and there and hanging decorations in all the right places.

Around lunchtime, Bobby came by to feed them with an order he’d picked up from Sweet Cheeks and lend them a hand in the afternoon. By the end of the day, they’d made tremendous progress into getting the new place at least partially liveable. The kitchen would be fully functional right away and the master bedroom and adjoining bathroom were also good to go. They’d still need to put away most of their clothes and personal effects, but they should be able to spend the night in their own bed. The other rooms weren’t as urgent and they could get them settled in the upcoming days.

All things considered, Bridget thought it was as great an outcome as she could expect. Or she would’ve, except for the fact that Gary’s mood had steadily and quite obviously taken a turn for the worse for the past few hours.

She got it. They were jet-lagged from the trip, they’d spent the previous night at a hotel since they’d given up their old places before the wedding, and no one liked moving day. It sucked. It was a whole day of moving things around, opening boxes, cleaning surfaces and cupboards and arguing about inane stuff like where to keep the fucking spoons (cutlery should obviously go in the top drawer of the kitchen island; why the hell would they keep them in the drawer next to the fridge?). But she was doing her best to keep good vibes and a light mood going, and her new husband snapping away over literally nothing was causing her to become bad-tempered as well.

“Oh that’s just great,” Gary muttered under his breath as he took a few steps in the area between the kitchen and the dining room.

“What?” Bridget asked, her tone perhaps a little sharper than usual and she felt herself rolling her eyes, wondering what it was that he was complaining about now.

He grumbled something under his breath in a distracted manner, holding his phone in his hand. “I need to go into the office,” he said, already seeming to brace himself for an argument. “There’s a major issue that’s come up for the bidding for one of the biggest construction contracts we could get for next year.”

“Really?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. “You need to go look at it now, on a Saturday night?”

Gary turned to her with a scowl. “The bid defence is first thing on Monday morning. I want to get this solved ASAP, ‘cause I don’t wanna spend the whole day tomorrow at the office, seeing as our home office isn’t set up yet.”

She opened her mouth to interject, but then she just closed her lips and took a deep breath in. A part of her really wanted to pick that fight and make him feel like shit for leaving her in their new home on their first night there. But she knew it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t his fault. He’d delegated what he could while they’d been away, but this looked like something he needed to see for himself. 

“You’re right,” she forced herself to say in a softer tone. “The sooner you get it done, the better.”

His sour expression cleared a little and he gave something of a grateful nod back at her. Gary quickly grabbed his coat and keys, pocketed his phone and gave her a quick kiss, muttering, “I’ll be back as soon as I can, darling.”

Bridget looked down the hall, watching quietly as he went out the front door. She just stood there for a few moments, her arms crossed as she shifted her weight from one leg to the other before she let out a sigh and turned to go back to what she was doing before. Then she saw Bobby casually leaning against the kitchen island and nearly jumped a foot in the air.

“Jesus Christ, Bobby!” She exclaimed, pressing one hand over her heart but then she laughed at herself and blushed a little.

“Okay, not the usual reaction I get when people see me in their kitchen,” he quipped with a smile. “Although I have heard word that my chocolate éclairs are divine.”

“Sorry, I thought you’d left earlier with Chelsea?” She replied in a questioning tone, shaking her head a little, as Chelsea had left only a short while ago since she’d had dinner plans.

“Nah, I just walked her to her car.” He clarified with a shrug. “Figured you could still use some help around here to get the Attwood & Rennell household into order.”

She couldn’t help but grin back as he referenced her own words when she opened the door for him earlier that day ─ ‘Welcome to the Attwood & Rennell household!’. 

“That’s sweet, but you don’t have to stay. I’m sure you have dinner plans or something,” she said. “Besides, I’m knackered now. Might as well just call it a day and get back to it tomorrow.”

“Yeah, you should take a break. You’ve been at it nearly nonstop,” Bobby commented, concern flashing across his face for a brief moment before he gave her one of his charming and easygoing smiles. “And seeing as no, I don’t have any dinner plans, I thought I could fix us something to eat.”

“I’m serious, don’t feel like you have to stay around just to keep me company, Bobby.” She also gave him a smile, as she could see what he was doing. “And I’m sure whatever you cook up would be amazing, but I don’t think we actually have anything in the pantry or fridge. I had no time to do any shopping yet.”

“That’s okay, I brought a few things over when I brought lunch and Chels also ordered a quick delivery of a few essentials for breakfast while you were upstairs working on the bedroom,” he said, surprising her a little.

She had a moment where she was almost overcome with a wave of affection for all these wonderful people who surrounded her now. She had no way of knowing this back then, of course, but it had been such a momentous event when Gary had walked into The Sterling, as he not only would become such an important, central figure in her life but he’d also brought along so many others that she never would’ve met otherwise. These fairly amazing people were her friends and had become her new family.

Bobby seemed to misinterpret the emotion flashing across her face, as he furrowed his brow. “But I can go if you’d rather be alo─”

“No,” Bridget interjected, perhaps a little too quickly as she saw him raise his eyebrows a little in surprise. “I mean, please stay for as long as you want. After all, I’m sure Gary said, ‘our casa es su casa’.” They exchanged a grin at that before she continued. “I just didn’t want to take even more advantage of you, seeing as you already spent your Saturday afternoon helping us so much.”

“Please, what else would I be doing on a Saturday afternoon?” He said with a jokey dismissive hand wave.

“Probably getting into mischief with River,” she volleyed back with a teasing smile.

“That’s actually very likely.” Bobby chuckled at that.

“It’s been a while that I haven’t seen you around without her, it almost feels weird,” Bridget commented with a chuckle of her own. “I thought Gary said she’d be here, but I can’t blame her for wanting to get out of helping on moving day.”

“Oh no, she was gonna come too but then she needed to go to her mum’s last minute and help her out. Something to do with Chelsea’s birthday party maybe? I dunno, I can’t remember the details,” he said, shaking his head a little then finishing with a casual shrug.

Bridget almost raised an eyebrow at that, because she was pretty sure Chelsea had said her mum had gone to Southampton to visit a friend and would only be back tomorrow, some throwaway comment when they’d been discussing the weather and how apparently it was much nicer over there. But maybe River needed to stay at her mum’s exactly because she wouldn’t be there?

She almost shook her head to get away from those thoughts and focus back on Bobby, as he said, “anyway, I’d say we did a pretty good job today and we deserve a reward.”

“I agree and nice try on convincing me to let you cook something, but we actually still have plenty of leftovers from lunch that should be more than enough for the two of us.”

“Okay, fiiiine. Can I at least make us cocktails or are you gonna go all ‘I’m the bartender of this house’ on me?”

“Nope, I’m so exhausted that I’ll gladly let you have your way around the bar.”

He fake cheered as if he’d won a tough battle and Bridget laughed as she found the leftovers on the fridge, taking the food out of the containers and arranging it in a casserole dish so she could put it in the brand new electric oven that sat on a custom-built niche in the kitchen cabinet ─ Bobby insisted it wouldn’t take long and it made a lot of difference from just microwaving it. She wasn’t so hungry that she couldn’t wait and she trusted his judgement for this kind of thing anyway.

She got rid of the containers and retrieved a couple of plates, and she was surprised to find that Bobby was already done fixing them cocktails when she turned back to him.

“Sit,” he said, pointing at one of the stools that stood at the marble tabletop portion of the kitchen island. “Drink,” he added, placing a cocktail in front of her when she walked over. “Smile.” He finished as he gave her one of his very own bright smiles.

She couldn’t help but smile back even as her brow furrowed a little as she sat down on the stool. “What’s this?” Bridget asked as she inspected the cocktail glass.

“St-Germain Spritz,” he answered as he sat next to her with his own cocktail and they clicked their glasses with Bobby making a quick toast to her new home, which made her smile again. “I saw you had elderflower liqueur and I brought you this nice sauvignon blanc so I thought it’d be a good shout.”

“Mmmm.” It was all she could say in agreement after she took a sip. “Oh yeah, definitely a good shout. I love cocktails with elderflower wine, I always keep at least one bottle at home and one at the pub.”

“You’re such a bartender cliché.” There was a teasing gleam in his eyes.

“As if you weren’t your own cliché just a couple of minutes ago, insisting on cooking me something,” she teased him right back.

“Excuse me, I’m a pastry chef, so the cliché would’ve been if I’d insisted on making us chocolate croissants from scratch to have for dessert.”

“Oh damn you, Bobby! Now forget about dinner, I just want chocolate croissants.”

“Funny you should mention that,” he said with a grin as he stood up and walked across the room before bringing a cardboard box with his bakery logo on it, flicking it open for her to see. “I made a batch this morning.”

She found herself grinning right back at him. “You’re literally the best.”

#litg #litg writers room #writers room #love island the game #lia #love island actually #litg jake #litg bruno #litg suresh #litg bobby #litg noah #litg gary #litg nicky #litg ff #litg fanfic

[fruttymoment]

is Aggie like a mobile app or do you just doodle on the website on your phone

aren't you like afraid to lose your data because of tabbing out of your browser for a second

Aggie is a website, where i doodle more polished stuff compared to PENUP ! I used to use PENUP but it doesnt even have a stabilizer lol, and Ibis Paint never worked for me soo,

Your drawings doesnt get lose that easily, actually! For example, tabbing to another thing or straight up closing my Internet app never really lost my data! However, i do heavily suggest you open an account for it first. From what i understand, Aggie seems to save your work automatically the moment you stop drawing.

But, did i encountered some data loss at all? AH YES. YEP.

Aggie likes to glitch sometimes. Rarely, when i go back to my drawings the save system seems to not work on my recent doodles. So i sometimes saw that my work i completed is a bit back to being unfinished, only missing small stuff tho.

Aggie experience HEAVILY depends on your INTERNET. If your internet is great, strong signal, no pings, then your experience would be great! (There were some cases where aggie somehow disconnects EVEN if i had great internet, no idea why. But your overall experience should be fine with a good internet!)

If you have bad internet, low signal and sone pings, pray.

One thing i dont like about aggie is it usually DOESNT TELL YOU IF YOU ARE DISCONNECTED. When something goes wrong with the connection, our bro aggie doesnt even tell you usually and because of that you think there isnt no issue and continue drawing. Thankfully, aggie doesnt stay too long disconnected. Only for like 3-5 seconds i suppose. After several seconds, aggie suddenly stops and that horrific "Connecting..." message pops up in the top right.

I see that message in my nightmares.

When you encounter that "Connecting..." message, first of all, ANYTHING you draw in lets say 10 seconds recently probably has been completely fucked. If you are lucky, aggie immeditely tells you the message and disconnects you so you dont lose big stuff. But mostly, when it comes to ping or lagging, aggie struggles to tell you. Bro is shy and waits several seconds to tell me "um you are actually disxonnected something is wromg with th internet im so sorry im gonna reconnect you ok??? Oh and everything you drew in last 5 to 10 seconds are gone probably. Am so sorry"

You lose your data because you draw when aggie isnt even connected. And the problem is, like i said, aggie has some trouble to tell it.

The last type of error i witnessed is just straight up corrupted data.

Oh god.

I dont know why and how, but RARELY, your drawings suddenly gets fucked up. Like it looks like you accidently tapped on the screen and i dunno?? Here is an example;

Everything is What the fuck

finee :3 just happened

This can happen either in your very own eyes, or when you are away and open aggie again. Now this glitch thing is pretty rare i experienced it only few, but its so annoying because you cant even get rid of it simply by pressing the "undo" button. It does not delete it that way and you have to delete whats wrong manually.

On some cases, some pieces of your work even may get erasee in this glitch aswell. Its like your cat smashed your drawing tablet or something, just completely random stuff happens and you cant even undo your way out of that one bruh.

..what was i talking about?

OH YEA

Aggie is a website :>

Data loss only happens if your internet bad, and sometimes, rarely, with strange glitches

Also important to note that the point of aggie.io is to draw with friends, aggie itself is not an professional drawing service i think. Its still neat tho!