#*whispers* the assassin (2015) did this a lot

[thequeensjester]

I’ve been thinking about the choice in cutting away Arondir x Bronwyn’s close-up kiss to a wide shot. Ep 6 uses several creative shots and framing for unspoken storytelling.

In Arondir x Bronwyn’s case, that moment was for them and only them.

Using the wide shot creates a sense of privacy and intimacy where they are briefly in their own world, surrounded by the last visage of beauty in the Southlands.

#rings of power #*whispers* the assassin (2015) did this a lot #cinemaaaaaa

[stealingpotatoes]

Trying to Explain the Desmond (sorta) Lives AU: Part 2

(part one)

(hi I’m back and I was bothered to write more explanation. bla bla sorry for the mess also this bit was acccidentally lengthy and 2.5k words, whoops)

> > > >

Shaun and Rebecca more-or-less knew they were going to find Desmond. They more-or-less knew they were going to see him. They more-or-less knew that he was going to be all glowing like he was in the footage. This being said, they weren’t really prepared for um… any of that to actually happen. 

Desmond is standing here, he is talking. He is moving.  Alive. Shaun and Becs are across from him, silent and dumbfounded at the sight of their long-dead friend. 

(I need you, my darling reader, to think of the most confused and shocked you’ve ever been in your life, and then bap, you’ve more or less got what’s going on in this room tbh.)

“Desmond?” Shaun finally asks in shock. 

“...yeah?” Desmond answers, obviously very confused at Shaun’s tone. 

“Holy shit,” whispers Rebecca. 

“What happened? We were in the Temple and- and then suddenly I’m here and I’ve got… these?” He gestures vaguely to himself-- the Isu markings.

What he said is enough to sort-of snap the duo out of their shock enough. “What?”

“Yeah, what?” Des agrees.  

“No, no. The temple-- 2012… that was six years ago. And you...” Rebecca says (still looking at Des with an expression that can only be described as ‘what in the genuine fuck’). 

Shaun and Rebecca wouldn’t have even noticed Galina coming up behind them if it hadn’t been for Desmond’s slight shift into near ready-to-fight, tho he relaxes after a second (his eagle vision’s still there and says she’s an ally). 

Shaun and Becs manage to take their eyes off Desmond for long enough to glance back at Galina, who’s come to find them. 

“You were not replying on your comms--” Galina stops and takes a proper look at the man behind them. “Oh. He does not look dead.” Then back at Shaun & Becs; “We all need to go.”  

Desmond is somehow even more confused than he was earlier. “Why would I look dead? And-- who are you?” 

Shaun has manners, even in very confusing situations; “This is Galina. She’s an Assassin. And Galina, meet… Desmond Miles.” (audible question marks) 

Shaun and Rebecca share an awkward glance. “We’ll explain everything when we get to safety?” Becs says, though she’s really not sure how they are going to explain, or what they’re even going to explain.  

The two random assassins who don’t have names also came out of the fight fairly unhurt and meet up with the rest of them. They’re pretty weirded out to see a person with glowy lines on his face, and have heard of Desmond Miles’ death. However they’re obviously not as weirded out to see him alive because they just didn’t know him. They’re probably doing the best here lol. 

Galina’s pretty confused but she’s become very good at compartmentalising over the years, so isn’t dwelling on things right now. 

Shaun and Rebecca are-- okay, to say Shaun and Becs are “dealing” with this is definitely the wrong word. They’re moving forward like Assassins should, while trying to comprehend that Desmond is right there… and also trying not to look at him too wide-eyed and shocked.  To them, everything feels like it’s going way too fast and way too slow all at once.

The trio and Galina all get into a van and head out of there, not planning on waiting for more Abstergos. 

//

They reach an old Assassin safehouse outside of the city after a very Odd drive. The two unnamed Assassins stayed in the city to keep investigating and keep up their work before, so now it’s just Shaun, Becs & Desmond in the safehouse with Galina on watch outside. 

They get in, make sure they’re safe -- protocol stuff. But Des really needs some answers. Like right now.

“What happened?” Desmond asks. This time it’s very serious, and you can almost feel the hundreds of years of killers’ lives he’s lived behind his voice. 

Shaun and Becs share yet another look. The disbelief hasn’t worn off at all, but they’re, as I said, moving forward. “What’s the last thing you remember?” Shaun asks. 

It quickly comes to light that Desmond has no memory of what happened after touching the Eye-orb-thing in the Temple. It’s just “a helluva lot of pain” in December 2012 and then boom, waking up in the middle of a city (shut, i know i still haven’t thought where), in October 2018. He also can’t recall bursting out of that Abstergo facility either -- his memory seems to start from where the weird glowing-eyes-and-apple-light thing he had going on stopped. 

“But the Temple was six years ago?” Desmond quietly half-asks, half-states. 

“Yeah...” says Rebecca. 

“Then where have I been for that time.” 

“You died.”

“What?!”

Shaun takes over; “Or at least, we thought you died. In 2012, we got clear from the Temple as you told us to. But then Abstergo, they--” (how on earth do you say this) “They got there before we could. They took your body and...” 

“But obviously you didn’t die because you’re here.” Becs gestures at Des. 

“Right,” Shaun agrees unsurely.

Des nods slowly, trying to take this all in. “But that doesn’t explain… all this.” he gestures to the Isu markings on his face. “Or what I can do.” 

“Do you know what you can do?” Becs asks. She and Shaun don’t really know what was happening w Des’ whole abilities thing at ALL because they only saw a small bit recorded.

Des shrugs, but then unzips the definitely-stolen-hoodie a bit and pulls the opening to the side so his bare collarbone is on show. “I got shot when I… when I woke up.” Rebecca makes yet another confused expression. “There’s nothing there?” She’s right; there’s no wound, no blood there. Not even a scar.

“Exactly.” 

“Oh.” 

“I heal faster, I know that. And--”

“What’s that?” Shaun numbly gestures to his own chest where a scar starts on Desmond’s. It’s not like either of them have seen Des shirtless much at all before, but that wasn’t there in 2012, they’re pretty sure. 

Des looks down then unzips the hoodie a bit more and oh. 

Shaun and Becs didn’t notice that on the security footage. Tbh Desmond barely noticed it, too busy looking at the glowiness. But that’s an autopsy scar. Des has an autopsy scar. That’s...

Desmond zips his hoodie back up, but everyone in the room is Very Confused. 

This is even more question-mark-inducing and raises about a billion questions; Did they do an autopsy on an alive person (for the sake of taunting the assassins)? Shaun and Becs wouldn’t put it past Abstergo; the Templars are messed up like that. 

Or… did Desmond genuinely die? And did Abstergo… bring him back somehow? 

Either way, Shaun’s mentally decided the “weird Isu clone of Desmond” idea is probably wrong because why would they autopsy a clone of a dead man?? makes no sense.  

There’s more long pauses of bewilderment before Rebecca makes the very good suggestion that they all have something to eat. So yeah, they eat, they’re chatting. It’s mostly basic stuff. They should definitely have all had medical checkups first, but they’re all very much too confused and in shock to do like… anything. 

It’s a bit awkward at one point (more awkward than the ENTIRE ordeal of seeing your dead friend again has been) because Shaun catches himself before telling Des a part of a story that involves secret Assassin crap and stops awkwardly. 

Desmond seems to catch on, and he’s like “I get it. Abstergo might have done something to me.” Made him a mole or a sleeper agent like Daniel Cross. 

Shaun and Becs feel really bad, but Desmond’s got this weird air of resignation about him. He understands. He knows he might be all messed up and controlled by Abstergo. That being said, the general resignation might just be pure shock at everything. A Lot Has Happened to him in a Very Short Span of Time (to him). 

They continue on chatting, mostly inane shit. Desmond asks if his parents are… still around. Shaun and Becs assure them they’re fine, though still fighting. Say a little about how William took Des’ death really hard, (no duh), and dropped out of the fight for a year. Only came back after finding out what Abstergo did to Des’ corpse (or… alive body???) -- tho the duo try to avoid saying what Abstergo did for now. 

However there’s another pause when Rebecca is, in very vague terms, explaining what happened in London in 2015. Rebecca starts telling Des what the Shroud is when she pauses and looks like she’s just solved some complicated code.

“I thought you were skipping the secret details?” Des asks.

“This isn’t that-- the Shroud heals people. Like, really fast,” Rebecca says.

Shaun gets where she’s going. “Ah... so say if someone got shot, it would heal almost immediately. And there would be no scar or visible wound afterwards.” 

Desmond takes a moment, and then he’s like “...you think I have the Shroud’s powers?” 

Now this doesn’t really solve any questions, and if anything creates more… but it adds something? Heck, this is all so confusing for everyone involved.

Anyways at some point they decide to actually all go to sleep. Galina’s still here btw, she also goes to sleep lol. Though before they do go to their own beds, Shaun and Becs have a quick chat about how weird this all is. Very Weird. 

Uh yeah so shrugging noises, Galina at some point the next day is assured the trio will be fine on their own and heads back to the city to investigate with unnamed Assassins. 

At some point they do actually do medical checkups lol, and comes up as, overall, Good. Desmond is pretty spritely for a dead guy. 

However they run into an issue: the DNA thingie just Isn’t Cooperating. It won’t sequence it. Probably definitely because they don’t have any tech that can get his wacked-up now-a-lot-more-isu DNA. But it also means they can’t check to see if he’s got the same DNA as he did. So yeah. 

For Rebecca and Shaun, it’s weird how quickly everything starts to feel like old times. As if they might be back in Monteriggioni, or the Temple, hiding out from the Abstergo and the Templars, as if the six year gap never happened. I mean- it’s not quite the same, obviously. Desmond glows now, and there’s always Something to remind them that they thought he was dead, that he was gone -- that something might be Wrong with him. 

Desmond’s, on the other hand, in this very awkward place. Aside from the fact he now has superpowers (which he doesn’t yet know the extent of), he’s also dealing with the fact he was supposedly dead for 6 years. That the world moved on without him and his friends haven’t seen him for six years. 2012 feels like days ago to him, not years. Shaun and Becs are very happy to have him back -- but Desmond didn’t know he was ever gone . So where they’re nostalgic for old times, he can’t help but only notice the differences? 

They need to find out what the heck happened in the 6 years they thought Des was dead. Seeing as the Abstergo facility that Desmond escaped from is -- funnily enough -- crawling with Abstergo agents that would very much like to get the three of them, (and that the trio has been told to lay low and try to go as dark as they can for now, while they all try to figure out what’s happening w Desmond) going back there to find crap out isn’t an option right now. So what Rebecca and Shaun are doing -- with a bit of help from Desmond, though he isn’t a tech guy or necessarily allowed to go into the Assassin database stuff yet -- is trying to scrounge up anything they can on Des and the missing six years.

They’re also slightly trying to work out some of Des’ powers, but they’re wary of him using them too much as Abstergo might pick up on whatever power traces he’s giving off. Shaun thinks Desmond definitely has a second PoE-based ability, and thinks it may be the Apple. 

One of the first nights, Desmond asks Shaun and Rebecca what they are going to do if Des turns out to be a sleeper or something. They can’t actually come up with an answer. 

Tbh, the search for info isn’t going brilliantly, even with two of the Assassin’s best searchers on the case. There are other assassins and PLENTY of Initiates looking for info across the world too -- Desmond just… coming back is a very big thing, and moreso is how he came back (ie all Isu-y). They haven’t heard any word from their mentor, Mr Miles senior, though. 

But then Rebecca has an idea! If Desmond’s conscious memory doesn’t know what happened, maybe his genetic memory does? Small issue: they don’t have an animus with them. So they ask for one ig lol. 

Anyways, they’re all chilling, researching, and trying to get to grips with the INSANE idea of EVERYTHING, ya know? Friendship hours. Catching up -- tho Des doesn’t have much to tell. There’s also emotional times!!! Shaun and Becs getting to say what they never had the chance to say while Des was alive, hugs, talking a little bit about the fact that his death (or “death”, perhaps) hit them Hard (though it’s difficult to talk about for all three). 

The first piece of the puzzle that they get isn’t from somewhere they expect. 

About a week after Desmond showed up (so after about 4-5 days of them being at the safehouse), Layla Hassan gets out of Atlantis. She’s just done the Trials via Kassandra and got the staff of Hermes Trismegistus (...in doing so, losing one teammate and gaining some anger issues. oops). Layla’s not that important yet. What is important right now is when she opened Atlantis.

Layla doesn’t have an exact time as to her opening the gates, but guess what happened very soon after the rough time she opened it? One Desmond Miles burst out of an Abstergo facility, glowing like your overly-dramatic neighbour’s Christmas lights display. 

So then this all just adds more mystery to the uh... Mystery™. Did opening Atlantis resurrect him? Did it give him these powers for some reason? If so, why?? The gang also find out/ the Assassins overall realise that opening Atlantis caused some weird powersurge in every PoE -- but if that caused some kind of surge in Desmond too, does that mean he’s a Piece of Eden now? He has the powers of at least one, PoE now, they know, so…? There are too many questions and nowhere near enough answers. 

The trio is itching to get out there and start investigating themselves -- but they’re told that there’s another assassin coming to join the three of them soon (it’s protocol to not say Who), before they start doing anything, and that they should wait for them. Also said Assassin is bringing one of them mini-animuses (animi? whatever; the one Layla has in ACOd) so they can do the genetic memory thing like Becs suggested. 

So I guess it’s time for more waiting, for whomever the assassin may be...

#desmond (sorta) lives au #desmond miles #shaun hastings #rebecca crane #galina voronina #idk what im doing words are just coming out #ONCE AGAIN AM JUST EXPLAINING NOT FICWRITING #THIS IS A MESS #asscreed #assassin’s creed #potes wrotes #at this rate we’re gonna get to like part 4 or 5 before I explain how he actually got rezzed #the night that the sun came up

[wiypt-writes]

Riding High

Ch8: Adler vs Adler

Chapter Summary: The gloves are off in court as Frank faces off against his mother.

Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words. Talk of suicide.

Chapter Pairings:  Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

A/N: Contains SPOILERS for the film!!!!! If you haven’t seen it please be aware of that before you read on. Also, those of you who do know this film well will see that I’ve changed the dates referenced in the court case, that’s because I brought the timeline of Gifted forward from 2015 (when it was filmed) to 2017 (when it was released). This was mainly to suit Fliss’ backstory of the Olympics. 2015 is too close to 2012 for me to make it work. Also Frank’s middle name is an absolute H/C too as I couldn’t find it anywhere so, sorry if this annoys any of you but, to quote @icanfeelastormbrewing- “my coffee, my fic, my rules…”

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Fliss Gallagher and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Riding High Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 7

“And love, if your wings are broken, borrow mine so yours can open too…’cause I’m gonna stand by you”

 The first bit of evidence the next morning was the findings of the Welfare Department’s investigation. It had thrown nothing out of the ordinary up. The house was clean enough, Mary was fed, but they did point out that their current living arrangements wouldn’t be suitable for much longer as Mary would need her own room as she grew older, something which Frank’s attorney accepted on behalf of Frank, stating to the court that Frank had already considered this. Which in fairness he had. The Welfare Department continued then, stating that Mary’s interview the previous day hadn’t thrown up anything of concern, even if there were some questionable TV viewing habits, namely Ultimate Fighting on a Saturday night, but they were satisfied that overall Mary was suffering no ill effects, mentally or physically from being with Frank.

This took them just under an hour, as they were factual reports. Both Attorney’s requested clarification on certain points but there were no questions or cross examinations to be done. As such they had concluded just after eleven am and there was then a small ten minute break to allow a quick consultation between clients and attorney’s before Evelyn was to take to the stand. As people moved around, passing papers and files to one another, Frank turned in his seat and just as he glanced round, someone left the courtroom and through the open door Fliss walked in, dressed in a smart pair of black jeans and a light blue strappy top. He flashed her a smile and she gave a small wave, settling onto a seat next to Roberta who gave her a hug. She’d missed the early session due to having to sort the horses out but she’d cleared her diary and brought in cover for the rest of the day so she could be there to lend him support.

And even though the morning had, all in all, been favourable to him, Frank felt his spirits raise even more at the sight of her there in his corner so to speak. Tearing his eyes away from her, Frankturned back to Greg who was watching him, eyebrow raised.

“Well that’s a mighty big smile Frank.”

“I just spotted some additional back up, that’s all.” Greg turned to see the woman who was now talking to Roberta and he grinned, spinning back to Frank “Let me guess, Fliss?”

Frank nodded “Yeah, I’ll introduce you later.”

Greg raised his eyebrow, smiling a little. “I look forward to it. Anyway, back to business. That opening report from the Welfare Department was good, well as good as it’s gonna get. But dude, Ultimate Fighting? Really?”

“It’s harmless fun.” Frank shrugged

Greg shook his head “Whatever. This next bit ain’t gonna be as easy.” “No shit.” Frank mumbled, looking at his mother as she said something to Highsmith, her attorney. “She’s going to rip me to pieces, and no doubt enjoy doing it too.” “Yep.” Greg nodded “But just keep doing what you’re doing. No outbursts, stay quiet, focussed and listen. If she says something that isn’t accurate, or you think of anything we can use, note it down and I’ll use it in my cross examination, okay?” Frank nodded as Judge Nicholls banged his gavel down and issued instructions for everyone to reconvene. He called Evelyn to the stand where she was sworn in and Highsmith stood up and began firing questions at her, a well-practiced dance, Frank could tell.

From the gallery Fliss watched intently. She’d been missed the first session but Roberta had hastily filled her in, telling her it had gone well. She shot Frank another encouraging smile, just as the judge called them back to order, and couldn’t help but notice how good he looked in his suit. A far cry from his dirty jeans and ratty work t-shirts. Which, if she was honest, she preferred…

Evelyn took to the stand and Fliss felt herself bristling as she proceeded to utterly character assassinate Frank, depicting him as nothing more than an irresponsible bum, floating around with no purpose to life, a man who didn’t care about Mary’s welfare, preferring to simply fly by the seat of his pants instead of giving her any decent roots or thoughts to her needs. At one point, they started to question his motivations towards taking Mary being more about punishing Evelyn that actually caring about the girl. To this Frank’s attorney objected and as the two lawyers began to argue, Fliss found her nails cutting into her palms as she clenched her fists. Roberta gently reached out and squeezed her arm and she turned to the woman next to her and gave her a tight smile.

“Frank’s attorney, Greg Cullen, he’s good…” Roberta whispered, “He’ll go at her when he gets his chance, you’ll see.”

The objection was overruled, the judge telling Cullen he would get his chance to challenge that statement in his cross examination, and Cullen sat down, leaning over to whisper something to Frank who nodded, his eyes not once leaving his mother. Cullen jotted something down as Evelyn continued.

By the time she finished it was almost one pm so they broke for lunch, Judge Nicholls instructing everyone to be back in an hour. Fliss and Roberta headed outside to wait for Frank who met them shortly after.

“Hey.” Fliss gave him a gentle hug. “How you holding up?”

“About as well as I can for someone whose own mother just tore them to shreds under oath.” Fliss’ eyes narrowed “I hope your guy is gonna give her as much of a shredding as she gave you.” “I’ll do my best.” A voice spoke from behind them. Fliss spun round to be greeted by Frank’s attorney.

“Fliss, this is Greg Cullen, Greg, Fliss Gallagher.” Frank introduced them to one another. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Greg smiled at her, shaking her hand. Fliss looked up at Frank and was surprised to find a faint flush of red on his cheeks.

“All good I hope?” she grimaced and Cullen nodded.

“Oh, very good indeed. I’ve been dying to meet the woman who’s made such an impression on him.” “Greg, piss off.” Frank groaned in a tired voice before he nodded over the road to the café “Shall we grab some lunch?”

They ate together, making small talk, before Greg requested Frank join him alone for fifteen minutes to go over their plan for the rest of the afternoon. Frank stood, and without even thinking about it gave Fliss a quick peck on the cheek. He winced as soon as he had, noticing that Cullen and Roberta were watching him and, knowing Fliss was going to get an absolute drilling from Roberta, he shot her an apologetic look as he walked away. She simply smiled through her blush and shook her head, turning to Roberta who nudged her arm.

“Okay, what was that?” Greg asked as they walked back over the road. “Are you two erm…”

“It’s complicated.” Frank shrugged after a little pause. “We both, well we both like each other but with everything that’s going on we’re just kind of waiting, I suppose. I’m focussing on getting through whatever it is that happens with Mary and then hopefully...what?” he trailed off as Greg was smirking at him.

“Frank Adler. Finally found a girl he likes that much he ain’t simply trying to get her into bed. Wait till I tell the guys.”

Frank rolled his eyes and pointed to the courtroom “How about you concentrate on what’s gonna go on in there instead of what is or isn’t going on in my bedroom?”

Greg gave out a chuckle and patted his friend on the shoulder as they made their way in and headed into the side room they had reserved.

****

“Mrs. Adler, in your earlier testimony here today, you painted a pretty dim picture of your own son don't you think?” Cullen asked, tapping his pen on his note pad. Frank remained stony faced, watching his mother.

“I'm under oath, I take no pleasure in it.” She said with a glance at Frank before she looked down, almost convincingly.

Frank just about managed to refrain from rolling his eyes.

“So, your son is a failure in life, your daughter took her life, you know, you're oh for two.”

Fliss winced and glanced at Roberta as Highsmith said “Objection” in an almost bored voice

“Withdrawn.” Cullen’s voice took on an amused edge but as Fliss watched as Evelyn simply eyed him, completely un-phased.

“If I go one for three, I'm in the Hall of Fame.” she shot back.

“You know baseball.” Cullen pushed his chair back. “Fenway Park.”

At that something flickered in Evelyn’s eye as she glanced at Frank. Fliss followed her gaze and watched, just able to see the side of Frank’s face. His eyes were locked onto her, his expression never faltering.

“You know, I'd like to go there sometime.” Cullen stood up, pushing his glasses up onto his head as Evelyn turned back to him “How often in a year did you take Diane to the baseball game?”

“Diane wasn't interested in sports.” Evelyn replied

“She never wanted to go to a game? Ever?”

“I don't recall her ever asking.”

Cullen moved forwards a step and Fliss saw Frank’s eyes flick to him as he continued to question his mother.

“Just out of curiosity, Fenway, that's a tough ticket. Where do you get yours?”

“My husband has season tickets.”

“And how long has he had them?” Cullen enquired

“Thirty years. But I've only been married to him for twenty.” Evelyn informed him.

“And Diane never went to one game?”

Evelyn didn’t reply, simply raised her eyebrows slightly as if she was failing to see the point. Fliss’ eyes once again flicked to Frank who still hadn’t moved an inch.

“What colour was the dress Diane wore to prom?” Cullen changed his line of questions.

“Diane didn't attend the prom, because she didn't attend the high school.” Evelyn replied calmly

“No prom.” Cullen mused before he asked suddenly.“What sports did she play?”

“As I told you earlier, she wasn't interested in sports.”

“She’s calm.” Roberta whispered to Fliss as Cullen continued to question Evelyn about Diane’s lack of interaction with other children her age.

“Too calm.” Fliss nodded. “But I can see what he’s doing, trying to paint a picture of how she isolated Diane to imply that she’d do the same to Mary. You’re right, he’s good.”

As they tuned back into the examination again, Cullen took a deep breath and glanced to his left

“Mrs. Adler,” he looked back at her, “who's Paul Riva?”

At that Evelyn glanced at Frank, her calm mask slipping ever so slightly but still Frank didn’t move. Fliss could see his expression now carried a faint, and every so sad, smile.

Evelyn gave a silent huff before she looked back at Cullen “He was a boy from the neighbourhood.”

Her tone was clipped and Fliss noticed the judge sit forward slightly at her shift in attitude, narrowing his eyes a little as he watched her curiously.

“Oh, come on. He was much more than just a boy from the neighbourhood.  Paul was Diane's first love. Wasn't he?” Cullen asked.

Fliss and Roberta exchanged a glance.

“I wouldn't characterize it that way, no.” Evelyn shook her head.

“And how would Diane characterize it?”

“Diane was seventeen years old at the time. She didn't know anything about love.”

At that Fliss caught the first movement Frank had made since his mother had started talking. He took a deep breath and looked to his left before turning back, his shoulders moving slightly in frustration as he shook his head slightly, his eyes locking back onto his mother who was carefully avoiding his gaze.

“Mrs. Adler, in January 2000 didn't Diane and young Mr. Riva run away together?” Cullen looked at her.

“He coerced her.” Evelyn corrected with the air of someone picking her words carefully.

“And where did they go?”

“Vermont.”

“And you called the police, didn't you?” Cullen stated rather than asked.

“Yes.”

“Because he kidnapped her?”

“Yes”

“And where did the police find young Mr. Riva and Diane?” Cullen looked at Evelyn

“I told you, Vermont.” Evelyn looked at Cullen, her voice suddenly taking on an icy edge which made Fliss lean forward slightly.

“Stowe, Vermont. Wasn't it? A resort town.” Cullen looked round the court room as Evelyn shifted uncomfortably. “Stowe Mountain. He took her skiing. You see, kidnappers don't usually take their victims skiing.” Cullen paused from his explanation. When he spoke again his voice was calm, and slow, stressing the point perfectly “But this is what Paul did because he and Diane were in love.”

“No.” Evelyn refuted firmly

“And when they returned, you pressed kidnapping charges.” Cullen’s voice rose in volume and speed as he spoke. “You filed a lawsuit against his parents, until Paul stopped calling Diane. Didn't you?”

“Yes.”

“And Diane never heard of or saw Paul Riva again. Did she?” Cullen’s tone was harsh, accusatory as he stared at Evelyn.

“Poor girl.” Roberta mumbled besides her and Fliss shook her head, in utter shock at how a mother could be so damned cruel and out of touch with her own daughter. It made her feel a pang of sympathy for Mary’s mother despite never having known her. Fliss couldn’t imagine what she would do without either of her parents being as supportive as they were.

Evelyn must have answered as by the time Fliss turned her attention fully to what she was saying, as Cullen had asked another question.

“And how did she take it?”

“She was upset for a while. She lost focus.”

“She lost focus.” Cullen turned back to the desk and picked up a small file. “Mrs. Adler,” he turned back, file in hand, “in March of 2001 didn't Diane Adler attempt to take her own life?”

“This episode was minor. It was nothing.” Evelyn replied, her tone harsh.

“Nothing?” Fliss drew in a breath, shaking her head. For a moment she almost lost herself in another memory, of one rainy afternoon in Boston in October 2015, but she took a deep breath and focussed on where she was, as Cullen flashed the file at Evelyn.

“I have the hospital report in my hand.” he informed her

“It was nothing.” Evelyn said again, and now Fliss could see she was rattled. “Diane was not like regular people. She was extraordinary. And extraordinary people come with singular issues and needs.”

Fliss watched as Evelyn leant forward, her face creased in anger as she hissed “You have no idea of the capability she possessed. One in a billion. And you would say fine, let's throw that away, so the boy who cuts our yard can make a sexual conquest? Well maybe before you make that decision, you stand in my shoes. I had responsibilities, which went beyond the mother-daughter relationship.”

She took a deep breath and spoke again, her voice louder this time “The greatest discoveries, which have proved life on this planet have come from minds rarer than radium. Without them, we'd still be crawling in mud. And for your information, counsellor, a year after this incident with this boy Diane thanked me for my intervention. She realized she'd made a mistake and she thanked me. You see, Diane understood. She was accountable for the gift she'd been given. And she didn't shy from it.”

Every inch of Evelyn’s face was contorted with a mixture of pain and anger, and she radiated absolute fury across the courtroom as her rant built to its climax

“And I think, if she were here today, Mr. Attorney, she would refute your baseless insinuations, that she would give up her brilliant future and take her own life just because mummy didn't get her a little red wagon

There was a pause as she took a breath and sat back.

“No more questions.” Cullen said simply, turning back to his seat.

Fliss watched Frank who shifted, rubbing his chin with his left hand, his fingers curling round his jaw in an L shape as he stared at this mother, his face completely unreadable to anyone who didn’t know him, but to her she could see the pain in his eyes.

And from the look Evelyn gave him, it was obvious she’d seen it too.

***** When Mary returned home on the school bus that afternoon, Frank did his best to remain positive and keep his broodings to himself, and was thankful when Fliss suggested they head out for dinner with Roberta. The four of them went to the same restaurant he had met his mother at not long before where he ate, not really tasting his food, or listening as Fliss and Roberta chatted away. Instead his attention was completely on Mary who was stood with one of the waitresses at another table, pouring sand out of one of the bottles that was used to keep the tablecloths from blowing away. The thought that she could be without such simple pleasure of looking through sand for shells, and lost to a world of pressure and solitude like Diane had been, was breaking his heart.

He felt someone squeeze his hand at the same time Mary held up a shell and showed it to him. He took a deep breath and tried to rearrange his face into a smile as he turned to face Fliss.

“It’s going to be okay, Frank.” She looked at him and he swallowed, unable to form his words. Instead his fingers tightened around hers and she simply held his hand whilst they finished up their drinks.

Later that evening, once Mary was asleep inside the apartment, Frank and Fliss sat outside the kitchen door, shoulder to shoulder along the top step.

“You know, until I met you I thought sitting on a porch drinking beer was something only red necked hillbillies did.” Fliss teased him.

“Well, according to my mother that’s what I am.” he scoffed.

“And according to me your mother is a callous, cold hearted bitch.” Fliss spat, with such venom it made Frank look at her, his eyebrow raising a little. She took a deep breath, her voice softening “How can anyone dismiss a suicide attempt as nothing.”

Frank looked away, taking a pull from his beer. They sat in silence for a moment before Fliss broke it.

“You know back in 2015, about five months after I’d gotten married, I almost did it you know? Killed myself.”

Frank’s head turned to face her. She wasn’t looking at him, instead she remained focussed on a spot in the distance as she stared straight ahead. “My life was out of my control, and it was the only way I could think of getting some of that control back. So I took a shit load of buproprion and washed it down with half a litre of vodka.”

“Shit, Lissy I’m sorry, I had-” She waved his sympathy off and continued “After that I was offered all this help and support and-” she snorted bitterly, “I still went back to him. He convinced everyone, including me that the issue was the fact that I was still brooding over my career being cut so short, and then told me that having a kid would fix the issue. In reality there was no issue to fix. I wasn’t depressed as such, I was abused. And that was simply another way of him taking control.”

After a moment she turned to look at him, “I’m not saying your mother abused Diane, not as such but she isolated her for her own, selfish reasons, no matter how she tries to dress them up or convince herself that it was for Diane’s own good. That first suicide attempt your sister would have made a normal, loving parent sit up and pay attention to what was going on. I know it did mine, as Bill never trusted John’s explanation, not one word.” “I should have done more too.” Frank’s voice was choked as he looked down at his feet. “But I was so busy, wrapped up in my finals and…”

“Frank, Diane wasn’t your responsibility, you’re not her parent.”

“No but when Dad died, I promised I’d take care of her, always be there for her. I should have done more, and I should have known, when she turned up that day at mine with Mary…”

“Frankie.” Fliss cut him off, her hand taking his. “Take it from me, my mum and dad and brother went through all of this in their head. Did Diane give you any warnings at all because I know I didn’t?  Look at the lies and the world of fantasy I let John build up round me and detract from what was going on. I told nobody I was gonna do it Frank. And I told no body why I did it either.”

Frank sniffed and wiped at his nose slightly with his free hand.

“So you can either carry on beating yourself up over something that isn’t your fault or you can concentrate on getting the best outcome here for Mary.”

He reached for his beer which was on the step below him between his legs and nodded. She was right, he knew she was, but there would always be that part of him that wondered if he could have done more, it he should have done more.

“Are you planning on coming tomorrow?” he asked, looking at Fliss.

“Yeah, Joanne is covering again.”

“I don’t want to put you out.” he said gently, but she shook her head.

“It’s sorted.” Fliss smiled. “She wants the week of Thanksgiving off so she’s racking up the favours.”

“Well, from a purely selfish standpoint I’m glad.” He flexed his fingers against hers, looking down at where they were entwined.

“I’m not missing your testimony, if only for the sole reason of discovering what your full name is.” she teased as he looked at her. Frank gave a huff of a laugh “Francis Preston Adler, nice to meet you.” He tipped his bottle in her direction. “Preston?” She snorted “Get out of town! There’s a place in England called Preston, it’s like thirty miles away from my home!”

Frank smiled, before he sighed.

“Last day tomorrow isn’t it?” Fliss looked at him as he stared straight ahead.

He let out a breath “Yeah, well last day of evidence. Then we have to wait for however long it takes the judge to read all the reports and make a ruling.”

“Well then, I suggest you get some sleep, or as much as you can.” Fliss kissed his cheek, and with that she released his hand and stood up. Frank followed her lead, rising to her feet. “Oh, and FYI I got an absolute interrogation off Roberta before when you did that to me. Felt like it was me in the dock, not Evelyn.” For the first time all evening Frank laughed.

******

The gloomy, rainy morning matched Frank’s mood perfectly.

He sat in the dock dressed in his suit, feeling as out of place as anyone could. Greg went through the questions he had coached Frank on, questions designed not to paint him as a saint but to simply be real and portray him as a normal person, doing the best he could for his niece in line with his sister’s wishes. Frank answered them honestly. Was he perfect? No. Had he done things correctly? No. Did he wish he had spotted Diane was struggling? Yes. Did he love Mary and want the best for her? With every breath he had.

The questions continued along those lines until they broke for lunch. And then came the cross examination, and Frank knew he was in for a beating.

“Mr. Adler where are you currently employed?” Highsmith asked sitting on the desk to the left of Evelyn.

“I repair boats.” Frank answered clearly

“Oh, really? At which marina?”

“I don't work at a marina. I freelance.”

“So, safe to say, no health insurance.”

“No.” Frank shook his head

“About a week before your sister took her life what were you doing for a living then?”

“I was a teacher.” Frank replied.

“You're being modest, aren't you?” Highsmith said, standing up and walking towards the dock “You were a professor at Boston University Isn't that right?

“Yes, well, assistant professor.”

“And what'd you teach?”

“Philosophy.”

“Truth and logic. That sort of thing.” Highsmith gestured with his hands and Frank simply smiled as the man continued. “Your attorney said that the primary reason that you took Mary is because it was what your sister would've wanted you to do. Is that a truth?”

“Yes.” Frank implored

“So Diane had visited Pinellas County before?”

“No.” Frank said with almost an air of amusement on his face as he looked at his mother for a second before he glanced down and joined his hands in front of him in his lap.

“She indicated she wanted her daughter uprooted and moved here?”

Frank shook his head, closing his eyes. “No”

“No.” Highsmith repeated “So you decided to bring Mary here, didn't you?”

Frank licked his lips and drew in a deep breath as he simply stared as his mother. He was pleased so see her shift in her seat

“Did Diane had a problem with your health plan at Boston University?” Highsmith pressed.

Frank wanted to laugh. The guy was doing exactly what Greg had warned him he would do, attack his lack of healthcare, insinuate he wasn’t able or fit to provide for Mary. When he spoke his voice was calm, and he fought to keep his face as amicable as possible.

“Not to my knowledge.”

“Do you think she would want her daughter to have access to healthcare?”

Dumbass question

“Of course.” Frank nodded.

“So what do you do, when little Mary gets sick? You repair a doctor's boat?”

Frank scoffed a laugh as Cullen objected.

“Sustained.” Judge Nicholls shot Highsmith a look and Frank stole a glance at Fliss. If the situation wasn’t so serious he would have laughed at the identical look she wore to Roberta, both glaring at Highsmith like they were plotting his very painful death.

The rain outside continued to drive down as did Highsmith’s questions, the air punctuated every so often by a low rumble of thunder from the outside storm echoing what Frank was feeling inside.

“Prior to Mrs. Adler giving her one. Did Mary have a computer?”

“She used mine.”

“Mr. Adler, does Diane's daughter have her own bedroom?”

“No.”

“Does she sleep in a bed that you bought in a second hand shop?”

“Yes.” Frank looked ahead, focussing on keeping calm as Highsmith walked towards the dock, gesturing now with his hands, his tone winding up

“So, the truth is, Mr. Adler, that you didn't come down here because your sister wanted it to and you certainly didn't come here because it was good for Mary.”

Frank swallowed slightly and shifted a little, avoiding looking at the man as he tapped his hand on the side of the dock.

“No, it was personal. Diane was a star. You weren't. Diane got the attention. You didn't.”

Frank scoffed silently, oh please, and turned to look in the opposite direction.

“..and over the years You got angry. And here comes Mary. What a great way to get even.”

At that he audibly sighed. He had known this was coming, that his mother’s attorney would try and paint him as petty and vindictive but it still hurt to hear it. Hurt that his own mother would have someone attack him in such a way. He’d defend Mary to the hilt if someone was doing this to her…

“You've uprooted that little girl and brought her here for one reason only. To do harm to your mother. You blamed her for your sister.”

“No, I don't.” Frank broke his silence.

“And Mary to you is just a pawn in all this.”

And that did it, Mary wasn’t a pawn. She was a little girl, a little girl who he was doing is best by.

“Diane wanted Mary, to be a kid” Frank’s voice betrayed his desperation and emotion, and he knew that, but now he was past caring, this was the truth, it was how he felt, and he was nothing if not honest. He locked eyes with his mother as he spoke, driving his words home “.She wanted her to have a life. She wanted her to have friends and to play…”

At that his mother looked away, her eyes glistening but Frank kept his on hers as she turned back to him, his final words were almost whispered

“…and to be happy.”

“You realize the consequences of boredom for a gifted child, Mr. Adler? They become resentful and sullen.”

“Mary's not an angry kid.” Frank’s voice was calm once more.

“Really? Did she not attack a child on the school bus?”

Shit.

“A twelve year old tripped a seven year old and she came to his defense.” Frank shrugged slightly

“Did she break the boy's nose?”

“Yes.”

“On October 16th last year, were you arrested for assault?”

“Oh, my God.” Frank groaned, and he looked down before he glanced back up, momentarily locking eyes with Fliss who he noticed had taken a deep breath. He looked back down, shaking his head

“You have to answer the question Mr. Adler.” Judge Nicholls reminded him

Frank swallowed and focussed on a spot on the varnished surface of the wood in front of him, just by the microphone. “A drunk idiot attacked me and I defended myself. What does that have to do…”

“Did you spend the night in jail?” Highsmith cut him off.

“Yeah.” Frank nodded.

“You are in way over your head here. You're depriving that girl…”

Frank stayed still, shaking his head and glaring at his mother, all the while Highsmith continued ranting on at him

“…you're gambling with her future and now you’re being presented with an opportunity to do right by her.”

“Does council have a question for my client?” Cullen asked loudly

“Take the high road, Mr. Adler before she's rapidly damaged.”

“Does council have a question for my client or not?” Cullen repeated, this time standing up.

“Yes, sir. I do have a question.” Highsmith said. “Tell us. Is your continued guardianship really in the best interest of this little girl?”

“You do your best, Frank. And that’s all any of us can do…” Fliss’s voice rattled in his head, and he took a deep breath. No he wasn’t perfect. Yes, Evelyn could provide for her better than he could but could she love Mary like he did. No, no she couldn’t

He stared at his mother, as he lifted his chin and spoke loudly and clearly.

“Yes.Yes, it is.”

“I have no further questions.” Highsmith spoke.

Frank scratched at his head and left the dock.

***** Following the summing up, they were all dismissed. Frank shook Greg’s hand who told him he would be in touch and Frank left the courtroom with Roberta, Fliss nowhere to be seen. He took a deep breath, realising she was probably going to run a mile after hearing about the assault. That wasn’t how he wanted her to find out. However, to his amazement and joy she was waiting for him by his truck. Roberta nodded to him and made an excuse to nip over the road to the store for a water leaving them to talk alone.

“Thought you’d gone?” he said gently.

“No, I had to take a call from Joanne about a lesson. Why would I leave without saying goodbye?” she frowned

“The assault”

Fliss sighed “Okay, I admit it was a shock to hear but…”

“At least let me explain.”

“There’s really no need. You said you were defending yourself and I believe you.”

“He was a drunk idiot.” Frank continued anyway. “I was actually out with a friend, Jacob and his fiancée, Lisa. Jake had gone to the bathroom and this guy bumped into us and sent Lisa flying into the table, knocking a load of glasses over. When I told him to be careful he took a swing at me only he missed and, well I didn’t.”

“You’re a regular knight in shining armour, Sailor.” Fliss smiled before she looked at him softly. “I know that was hard today. I was so angry and the things he was saying to you but it’s done now. Try not to think on it because you can’t change the outcome. Whatever it is, you did your best.”

“You know I remembered you saying that to me.” he smiled, “Right as he was telling me what a lousy life I give Mary.” “It’s not lousy.”  Fliss shook her head. “She’s loved Frank. And she’s happy.”

He smiled again as she took a deep breath.

“Look, I have to go, I have a lesson in an hour now this rain has let up, but what are you doing tomorrow night?”

“Working.” he said, chuckling as she raised her eyebrow. “Yeah I know, second Friday night in a row but, well I’m behind thanks to this case and whilst Roberta has Mary I can get a good few hours in during the night and then get my head down for a few hours before she comes back.”

“How about I keep you company?” Fliss offered. “Only if that’s ok?”

Frank smiled “As long as you don’t distract me too much.” “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

**** The next evening, Frank and Fliss were in the workshop at the Marina, Frank explaining to Fliss the different components of the oil filter he was stripping down. She gave a loud, exaggerated yawn and he nudged her playfully. She grinned at him, and he didn’t miss the flash in her eyes as she looked him quickly up and down, taking in his dirty jeans, hands covered in oil and his long sleeved thin blue sweater which he knew fit him pretty well. Part of the reason he had worn it.

“Hey.” a familiar voice said, and they both looked up to see Cullen as he stood in the entrance.

“Hey.” Frank frowned “What’s…” “I got some news, and I wanted to give it to you in person.”

“I’ll er, give you a moment.” Fliss offered, and she went to leave but Frank caught her elbow gently.

“No, stay, please.”

She looked at him for a second and nodded as Frank turned his attention to Cullen.

“What is it Greg.”

“Highsmith called. They want to cut a deal.”

“What kind of deal?”

Cullen took a breath. “A foster family.”

“No way.” Frank dismissed the notion straight up and Greg continued to try and win him round, informing him that they could cherry pick and that it would be mutually approved and he’d already found a family in Tampa, which was what he had been working on all day.

“She’ll attend the Oaks, you and Evelyn will get visitation right, and then, when she’s twelve, you can go back into court and Mary can decide where, and with who, she wants to live.”

“You’re supposed to be on my team.” Frank cut his friend off, glaring at him “Why are you bringing me this deal?

“Other than I'm required to by law?” Greg looked back at him, and then suddenly Frank understood.

“You like this deal.” he stated and Greg nodded.

“I love this deal.”

“They think they're gonna lose.” Frank leaned on the work-desk in front of him, looking at Cullen.

“Yeah. They do.”

“You think we're gonna lose.”

“Yes.” Greg replied honestly. “I do, Frank.”

Frank looked down, swallowing before he turned to his friend who sighed.

“I gotta go put my kids to bed. I'll do whatever you want me to do. But, if we leave this up to the judge, Nicholls, he's old school, Frank. Does he like your mother? No. Does he like her income? Does he like her health plan? Does he like her home? You better believe it.”

Frank looked down again, shaking his head, unable to do anything else.

“I've been in his courtroom. A hundred times. And if it's a coin toss...Look at me.”

Frank turned to Greg, his arms still leaning on the top, muscles straining as he grasped at a wrench in front of him in frustration.

“If it's a coin toss, that old boy is going to side with the money.” Greg said gently “So, do me a favour, Frank. Just meet the family. See how it feels. It's all I ask.” With that he took a deep breath. “I gotta go, I’ll see you later. Goodnight Fliss.”

“Night.” she replied, watching him leave.

There was a pause before Frank picked up the wrench in his hand and threw it hard against the wall at the opposite side of the garage, before he stood up tall and turned to Fliss who was watching him, her face contorted in sympathy and sadness.

“I don’t know what to do.” He looked at her, and every single emotion he had been holding back cascaded over him in a wave as he felt utterly and hopelessly overwhelmed. He couldn’t stop the tears brimming in his eyes and he bowed his head, once more leaning on the desk. He felt a warm pair of hands gently on his arm, nudging him to turn slightly and he did so to look at Fliss as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down into a hug. He pressed his face into the crook of her shoulder, his tears falling onto her soft skin as she smoothed a hand through his hair, gently soothing him.

“Sorry.” he mumbled after a moment pulling back.

She placed her hands on his face, wiping his tears with her thumbs, her own filling her eyes. “Don’t ever apologise to me for being upset, Frankie.”

He let out a soft, watery laugh as he dropped his forehead to hers, his eyes closing as he took a deep breath, composing himself.

“You now no one’s called me Frankie since I was a little kid” he smiled.

“Well it suits you.” she pulled away slightly. “You good?” He nodded, moving back out of her arms. “Do you think I should go?” he asked “Meet this family?”

“Frank, I can’t answer that.” “What would you do?”

“I honestly don’t know.” she shook her head. “I suppose there’s no harm in meeting them. But you have to be sure this is what is right for Mary. I do know one thing though, whatever you decide to do, I’ll be there all the way. I told you, I was here for the road trip, no matter how bumpy it gets.”

He nodded, taking a deep breath. He gently took her hand and raised it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles. “Thankyou.”

**** Chapter 9

#riding high #frank adler #frank adler x ofc #frank adler x original female character #gifted #gifted fan fic

[crispyliza]

Spamano multi-chapter fanfiction recommendation masterlist!

For all you home-quarantined people that have nothing to do and also because I’ve been meaning on making one of these since 2015 (took a global pandemic to get me started lol) 

These fanfics are all with multiple chapters and listed in no particular order. Of course some are better than others, but every single one has its charms! I added only a few with 3 or 4 chapters because i liked them too much not to whereas the rest of the fanfics have at least 5+ chapters. So without further ado, here they are:

Una Notte A Napoli “One night in Naples, by the moon and sea, my heart was stolen by an angel who had forgotten how to fly.” (completed)

Per Sempre Tuo “Lovino Vargas, better known as Romano, is a famous TV actor. He has everything anyone could ever want. The only problem is that the thing he wants, over-night singing sensation Antonio Fernandez, is married.” (completed)

HOVA “The Nova Sagittarius was a ship that would take myself and countless other passengers on a one month trip around our solar system. But things went wrong; the ship changed and just like that, we were stranded. We got to know each other but more than that, we got to know ourselves.” (completed)

What We’d Do Without Gravity  “While lost in a hospital Antonio comes across young terminally ill patient, Lovino Vargas. With Lovino left only six months to live it’s an awful time a romance to blossom between the ill fated pair, but with a bucket list to race through as the clock ticks down, the two find that love is very hard to avoid.” (completed)

Numbered Lithograph “When Lovino starts attending art school with his brother he finds his most important lesson doesn’t come from his professors, but from a culinary student at a sister school: sometimes the flaws hold the beauty.” (completed)

Tienimi Streto “Lovino Vargas is a detective with a poor attitude and a dark past, driven to the side of law by pain and revenge. After his partner quits, he is paired with specially recruited Antonio Carriedo, who becomes something more than just a co-worker. When deaths linked to the Italian start popping up over the city, Lovino begins to question everything he thought he knew.” (on-going)

More than attraction “Antonio says he met his love’s eyes over the bin of tomatoes. Lovino says he was stalked relentlessly until he was forced to give in.” (completed)

Credo “AU, 1502. Fueled by revenge, Lovino Vargas hasn’t failed an assassination job yet - but when a new Spanish captain comes to Rome, killing the unorthodox Antonio Carriedo might just be the death of him.” (completed)

Secret Tunnels from Madrid to Sicily “When Antonio Fernández Carriedo begins work as a professor at a prestigious university in Britain, one of his students, a Sicilian boy who goes by the name Romano, immediately catches his eye. He is a clearly gifted writer, who closes himself off in the wake of a dark and painful history. Even wrapped in his darkness, pushing everyone away, Toni finds himself determined to bring out the potential within Romano…They drag each other into a passionate, inevitable affair–doomed, they know, to end in flames.” (completed)

Why Did it Have to be You? “Lovino’s parents are tired of his horrible behavior, and hire Antonio to babysit him. But time is a cruel mistress, and in absence the heart grows fonder. These are just some of the things Antonio and Lovino will learn.” (completed)

And the Birds Sing No More “Don’t ever leave me.” Lovino said nothing. He allowed the tense heaviness to settle among his shoulders, tighten his lungs, and spread between the space from where he stood to where Antonio was seated lethargically. Antonio’s gaze sharpened. Lovino, inclining his head slightly, whispered, “I won’t.” (completed)

A Dancing Star “Antonio is the easy-going, life-loving art professor and Lovino is the Italian exchange student who walks into his art studio. When Antonio falls in love he thought he only had his job to worry about, but maybe it’s Lovino’s dark secret that’ll push him away. Trigger warning for self-harm and dark themes.” (completed)

Kismet “Lovino learns the hard way that things change and that they can change quickly. The necklace fell and now he’s in a strange land far from home. Will he ever see his brother again? Will he find his way home? Or will he discover home is where the heart is? Fate is a strange woman and can work in mysterious ways.” (completed)

Let that be enough “Lovino had given up hoping for someone who’d care about him. Antonio never expected to fall for the most tormented guy in town. But dark secrets and hidden dangers threatens their blooming relationship. Is it over before it even begun..?” (completed)

Child services “Romano and Feliciano Vargas have just lost their parents. Romano, who is 22, must care for his 6 year old little brother. Enter Antonio Carreido, the agent from Child Services who must record his progress, however, it’s hard for the cheerful Spaniard to keep from falling in love with this little broken down family and with Romano.” (on-going)

Loving a Stranger “You don’t remember, but I know you. We were- I don’t even know how to describe our relationship. That sounds bad, I know. I think you might have been in love with me, although I cannot see why. That’s just what I’ve been told. I acted as though I hated you, but I never did. I was afraid, because you were kind to me. I didn’t know I loved you until you forgot me…“ (completed)

The Many Personalities of Spain “England casts a spell to rid himself of Spain. As expected it goes wrong; leaving Romano to deal with the many personalities of Spain. That sounds like a normal day for Romano, right? It would be if the personalities not had their own personifications.” (on-going)

Daisy Genocide “My name is Lovino Vargas but that’s not who I actually am. I’m my brother. They put his DNA into a little ball of jello and grew me like a house plant. To say it blatantly, I’m a clone and I’m in a disturbing amount of trouble. I’m about to tell the story of my fight to preserve my humanity followed by a vicious history of crime but it’s a secret. Nobody has to know.” (completed)

More Than Meets The Eye “Striving to find approval and meaning, Antonio throws himself into the world of art determined to come out on top. Yet, in all of his searching, burning, and pain, he never thought that a single culinary student could ever manage to tear down his walls and make him face his biggest fear; himself.” (on-going)  

Cryonic “After suffering a fatal attack from an unknown illness, Lovino Vargas underwent cryopreservation, leaving behind his only family, his boyfriend, and a blooming company. Years later the effects are only just coming into play causing more problems than his preservation was supposed to solve. Human AU; T for language; pre-established Spamano.” (on-going)

All of Our Flaws “Antonio is a man whose world revolves around anyone but himself. Lovino is a man with dreams bigger than a job behind a drugstore counter. Antonio is broken; Lovino is incomplete. Will a chance meeting lead them to mending their cracks and finding their missing pieces? Human AU, trigger warning for self-harm.” (on-going)

Truly an artist “Having already completed college, Lovino Vargas lives in Madrid as an artist suffering from severe artist’s block. In one of his visits to his old school he runs into a new teacher, Antonio Fernández Carriedo, who decides he’ll be the one to help Lovino in his endeavor to find himself. However cheerful and optimistic, Lovino still feels there’s more to Antonio than he’s letting on.” (completed)

The Heartbreaker “Sometimes the best things happen unexpectedly. Certainly this is Antonio’s opinion at the moment. The handsome stranger he met upon moving to a new town in Italy seems to be able to do almost no wrong. Until he digs a little deeper below the surface and begins to discover an unsettling reputation. And if the rumours are true, is it wise to trust a man known as ‘The Heartbreaker?” (completed)

We sing, We dance, We eat tomatoes “When Lovino Vargas takes in a starving guitar player called the Curbside Prophet from the streets of Philadelphia, he isn’t expecting the man to tolerate him for more than a couple weeks, much less fall in love with him. Based on the the music by Jason Mraz.” (on-going)

Underwater Land “Antonio was a merman. Lovino hated water. It was truly a match made in heaven.” (completed)

Flashlight “If I throw a tomato at you, vampire bastard, will you still sparkle under the sauce?” Twilight parody. (completed)

Catch you, Catch me “Clumsy, clueless detective Romano is on the trail of the infamous handsome and charming thief El Apasionado Caballero. But there’s more to this, what seems like a simple game of cat and mouse, than meets the eye.” (completed)

Blackbird “Antonio walks into a small coffee joint, hoping for just some caffeine to take the edge off of late-night studying for midterms, and gets a whole lot more than he bargained for in the form of a snarky, foulmouthed, Italian barista.” (on-going)

Counting Stars “Antonio, failed writer and journalist, thinks things are finally going his way when he lands an interview with actor Lovino Vargas. But it’s only the start of a long line of problems… the biggest of which may be Vargas himself.” (on-going)

Cosa Nostra “Based on the historical background of the Sicilian Mafia during the First Mafia War starring Mafia!Romano.” (completed)

Tight Rope “Rich, spoiled kid Lovino Vargas hates pirates. Pirate captain Antonio Carriedo hates rich, spoiled kids. None of them ever thought they could feel something different from hatred towards one another. However, Fate seems to have different plans for them, and twists their lives in unexpected ways.” (on-going)

When You Recover “Nurse Lovino Vargas has to take care of brain damaged patient Antonio Carriedo, who seems to have a strange affection towards him. N-not that Lovino likes it! The Italian is determined to make the man recover, no matter what it takes. What will little Lovino get himself into with this patient?” (on-going)

Like All Things, It Ends “Lovino doesn’t want his family to know how much his childhood trauma still affects him and he does a good job at hiding it. That is, until he moves to a new town and meets Antonio, someone he is unable to hide anything from. (Warnings for PTSD, Depression, harmful thinking of oneself, and violent death of a loved one)” (completed)

Wish upon a star “A drunken wish on a star lands Lovino back in the time of pirates, and when he runs into a familiar face with an unfamiliar personality, he’ll start to question his own heart. Pirate!SpainxRomano. Rated for language, violence, and maybe mature situation” (completed)

Crooked Timber “As an artist, Lovino understands that perfection doesn’t exist. If only Antonio agreed with him, and stopped trying to hurt himself. -Human (College) AU. Spamano multi-chapter with other minor pairings. Depressed!Antonio, Writer!Antonio, Artist!Lovino- TW for self-harm.” (completed)

Just Pretend! “Romano liked Emma- a lot. Except her stupid big brother was too overprotective (and, okay, a little scary)! He wouldn’t allow any guy near her- unless they weren’t romantically interested in Emma. So, Romano decided to pretend to be gay, with the help of Antonio, in hopes of getting Emma to fall in love with him. Perfect plan, right?” (completed)

The Duty of an Elder Son “Lovino Vargas knew a lot about duty.” His Grandfather’s swollen empire puts all of his family in danger, the other gangs are massing, the police are on their tails and Lovino is given a bodyguard in one Antonio Carriedo. 1920s Mafia AU fic. (completed)

Flatmates “They were flatmates, they were best friends and they were really frustrated about relationships. So what would two young men do about this?” (completed)

Zero Tolerance “Lovino lives a perfect life. Or atleast thats how he is suppose to appear. Antonio lives a life as a dangerous gangbanger. North Side meets South Side as these two are partnered in their Chemistry class. But there is one chemical reaction these 2 arent prepared for- Love. AU, human names used. Based on the book “Perfect Chemistry” by Simone Elkeles.” (completed)

Your Love Can Be My SIght “Seventeen year old Lovino Vargas lost his sight in a terrible car accident. Antonio, a teacher at Lovino’s school was born without it. Can Antonio teach Lovino that even without sight, life can be beautiful?” (completed)

The Greatest Treasure, You Idiot! “Spinoff of the “Sea Foam” chapter in Hetalia Fairy Tales. Captain Carriedo of the pirate ship, Buscador Dorado, seeks a legendary treasure “that is worth gaining” with the help of the infamous wish-giver, Lovino. But what is the true treasure?” (completed)

Crowns of Triple Gold “Things are rarely simple for Romano in the Eternal City, especially when he falls for one of his clients, a Hispanian senator up for consul against his father.” (completed)

Prisoners on the Slave Ship of Love “Lovino Vargas has been captured and taken hostage in a pirate raid led by Captain Antonio Fernandez Carriedo and his band of Spanish buccaneers. Tensions grow high and hearts are tested when Lovino becomes Captain Carriedo’s personal prisoner…” (on-going)

The Lemon Tree “Lovino didn’t want to be a slave in that scary mansion. He needed to break free. The fight for independence, however, is a difficult path, and falling in love with the man that destroyed his life doesn’t make things any easier.” (completed)

Sun Kissed “A powerful man once created gods to rule the sky as the creatures of the land lives. The Sun and the Moon. Brothers since birth, and all powerful, they rule side by side. As time passes, the Sun realizes how unhappy he is watching people hide from him. What happens when he discovers a man who isn’t afraid to live under the harsh sun?” (completed)

Tesoro Mio “Antonio’s the charming, handsome farmer with an infuriating Spanish accent, and Lovino is the mysterious wine entrepreneur who comes and goes. When Antonio falls in love, he throws society, expectations, and religion to the wayside, but can a strict Catholic like Lovino do the same?” (completed)

Because of the war “A first person POV for Romano during and after WW2. His thoughts as he fights and survives. Beware of angst.” (completed)

Just Add one Mermaid’s Tear “To gain something of ultimate value; the unthinkable must be preformed. The line is etched upon the brow of every nation, the taste of the water still on their lips. What happens though when one nation desires the fountain of youth once more?” (completed)

Until the Moss Had Reached Our Lips, and Covered Up Our Names “In a city filled to the brim with gangs, all the territory split between them, peace has lasted for the past sixteen years. It’s a tentative peace, won after the last massive gang war reshaped the entire city. Except all it takes is one domino to fall, and the Vargas patriarch is dead, leaving behind Antonio to lead his house, who isn’t even his blood relative. With an untried Head, the balance of power has started to shift again, and it seems as good a time as any to start calling in old debts and revenges.” (on-going)

The Bet “When someone kisses you, and then moves away you’d think that would be it. But when Antonio comes back from Spain he wants Lovino to be his again. Except Lovino now hates Antonio…which sucks for Lovino because Antonio isn’t going to let go that easily.” (completed)

Wings “People ask me a lot why I love him. Why I spend so much time chasing him when he never returns my feelings. It’s because I see something they don’t.” (on-going)

My Heart is Drenched in Wine “Wine and romance. More importantly, when you cut through my wine!fangirling, this is a story about Lovino and Antonio and how they find their way back together (in spite of the past and occasionally the present) as they attempt to make wine and sometimes love.” (completed)

Of Two Minds “Feliciano and Lovino are living on the streets, with a secret that keeps them from getting close to anyone. Will their lives get better or worse after being forced to join a pirate crew, and what will happen when their secret finally comes out? Rated T for some (minor) violence, Romano’s mouth, and some angsty feelings. Pirate AU.” (completed)

Beats of Fever “Antonio Fernández Carriedo is a doctor working in Madrid dealing with a crush on an Italian tourist when the tensions in Spain reach a head and Civil War breaks out.” (on-going)

All of Our Sins “Lovino is Catholic, but he’s not entirely sure what he believes. Nevertheless, he and his brother Feliciano are forced to attend confirmation classes. When Lovino meets their group leader- bizarre, cheerful Antonio; one of the first people to treat Lovino like he matters- things get complicated. When they find this church is much darker than it appears, things get terrifying. Fast.” (completed)

Es Sólo Tu Corazón “Lovino has been in love with Spain for as long as he can remember. All he wants is to be with his former caretaker, but he soon finds out that the Spain he knew as a child is no longer there…and the real one is far more dangerous.” (on-going)

There Goes My Life “Antonio, 26, a old gourmet chef, a bachelor who’s all party. Lovino a 20 y/o premed student who only has one goal, to be become a doctor. He is determined to let his feelings for the Spaniard fade away, but after receiving devastating news, a drunken one night stand leads to the end of life as Lovino knows it.” (on-going)

As We Were “Rich, bored and unhappy, Lovino Vargas is the heir to his grandfather’s wine brand. Antonio is the restless young traveller prone to attacks of claustrophobia. For them, falling in love is a journey. Literally. Spamano, Human AU, multi-chapter. Warnings for language and sexual themes.” (completed)

NekoRoma “Antonio has been feeling lonely with his recent break up with his on/off boyfriend. The solution: a new kitten that his boss doesn’t want. Just as he gets used to this cat, a new challenge is thrown at him. How do you teach a cat to be human?” (completed)

Summer Sensations “The hot summer nights of Madrid bring many things, but one very special night changes two lives forever. Lovino learns that love is not such a frivolous thing after all.” (completed)

Fools Like Us  “What starts out as a normal Friday night for the “Bad Touch Trio” soon becomes an opportunity for Francis to use his favorite word in reference to his best friends. Unfortunately, Gilbert and Antonio couldn’t possibly have fallen for people who would return their feelings easily, but Francis is determined to help them out despite his own relationship-or lack thereof.” (completed)

Hear Me “Antonio and Lovino are trying their best to get by in high school, but between the stresses of grades, family, friends, and heartache, it’s a lot harder than it looks.” (completed)

Fame and Fortune “Lovino Vargas is a barkeeper and reluctant Stasi informant. As much as he despises what he does, he obeys the terrifying Red Army colonel, Ivan Braginsky. That is, until the secretive and frustratingly attractive Antonio Fernandez Carriedo arrives in his life and breaks all the rules. Inspired by the Elvis Presley song of the same name.” (on-going)

It’s all Antonio’s Fault “Condoms, footballs to the stomach, fake nurses, confusing hallways, and flying backpacks. Lovino Vargas’s first day at World Academy was already one of his worst, and he could only imagine that it would spiral downwards as he got to know the tomato bastard, otherwise known as Antonio Fernandez Carriedo.” (on-going)

My Antonio “Going against everything in his strict, Catholic upbringing, Lovino has fallen desperately into love and lust for his family’s Spanish stable boy, Antonio.” (completed)

Sound Life “Spain is dead, leaving Romano distraught and wishing for there to be a way for him to see his beloved Spaniard alive and healthy…Only to wake up in a strange alternate world… with another Spain seeking his affection.” (completed)

Possessively Scary “Romano begins college late with his brother after their nonno passes away. When entering, he meets a very strange Spaniard. The man is odd but still attractive at the same time. As they get closer, Romano learns more about Antonio and doesn’t know if he should be scared of the man or not. Can he get out of something he got himself into?” (on-going)

This Dance “Antonio wants Lovino to be his dancepartner at Austria’s ball. Lovino, struggling with his growing feelings of love and affection for everyone’s favorite tomato-bastard as always, agrees. Now, there could be worse things, right?” (completed)

Powdered Sugar “Truth, like powdered sugar, tastes sweet but goes down cold. If a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, we might need a bit more.” (completed)

Singles “Antonio, Francis, and Gilbert are three friends who suffered their first heartbreaks at the age of fifteen, and made a pact to never fall in love again. That will change for Antonio when he first lays eyes on a brown-haired young man in a club…” (completed)

A Heated Story “Sky High / superpower hs au. wip. Lovino Vargas is a new kid at Sky High with his brother. He has the power to control fire. Only one problem, he hates the heat. Spamano, and other ships. Doesn’t actually have anything to do with the movie, just used the school.” (on-going)

I Don’t Hate You “Lovino and his brothers face the unknown while on a mission to Earth. The Italian angel comes up against more than he bargained for when a dark angel takes a liking to him and now he and Feliciano might be cast out.” (completed)

Like all things, it ends “Lovino doesn’t want his family to know how much his childhood trauma still affects him and he does a good job at hiding it. That is, until he moves to a new town and meets Antonio, someone he is unable to hide anything from.” (completed)

Disegno e Colore “A young, apprenticing artist, Lovino craves rationality, perfection, and self-possession, and has curated his life to one day attain that. He never expected a chaotic and brash painter to barrel into his life and test everything Lovino thought he wanted and knew of himself, his art, and his heart.” (on going)

Land Beyond Dreams “Antonio is saved from death by someone he’d spoken to only a few times, but who lost his life in the process. Grief-stricken, he only wishes he could have gotten to know his savior, when his dreams suddenly become reality…or are they still only dreams?” (completed)

It’s All Antonio’s Fault “Condoms, footballs to the stomach, fake nurses, confusing hallways, and flying backpacks. Lovino Vargas’s first day at World Academy was already one of his worst, and he could only imagine that it would spiral downwards as he got to know the tomato bastard, otherwise known as Antonio Fernandez Carriedo.” (on-going)

A tale of endurance “Lovino had no idea what to do. Knowing that your life will be over in half a year tends to do that to you. Well, one thing he knew for sure. No one would ever discover this until the day he was pushing daisies. And that was a fact.” (completed)

The Risk of Love “Romano is dead and Spain is broken, spiralling into the deep, blackness of depression. And as he locks himself from the outside world, isolating himself from his friends, from everyone, in his oblivion of pain, Romano find’s he’s the only one who can help. Only, how can useless ghost like him even dream to help the slowly dying love of his life?” (completed)

Dance with me “Lovino Vargas started taking tango lessons completely by accident. Who would have thought that one day he wouldn’t mind those hands roaming over his body? That he would be dancing with his teacher as if there was no one in the room but the two of them?” (on-going)

Fireflies “Lovino was abandoned in Italy with his grandfather at age seven because his parents liked his little brother better than they liked him. On his way back from America, he sits next to a far too happy Spaniard. But, when this childish Spaniard turns out to be his new teacher, what will happen? And with a field trip to Venice on the way, what antics will they get up to?” (on-going)

El Corazón del Pirata “Fate is once kind, twice cruel. And Captain Antonio Fernandez Carriedo does not have a heart, nor does he fall in love with his prisoners. But Lovino Vargas might just be the fuel to his flame - certainly there’s more to him than meets the eye.” (completed)

More Than Lust “Why did the Spaniard always hope for the impossible? That Romano would come to him one day, confessing his feelings, and they would make LOVE? That they would cry out each others names, he could hold the Italian, wake up the next morning, and he would still be there?” (completed)

The Prince and the Pauper “When Prince Feliciano goes missing, it is up to a poor servant boy Romano to step in to take his place and thwart an evil plan to take over the kingdom. However, falling in love was something neither one anticipated. Based off of the Princess and the Pauper.” (completed)

Talking to My Shadow “Lovino spends his life telling doctors about his brother, Feliciano. They hear about his look-alike brother everyday but never see him. Lovino is finally taken to a new physiologist and he meets the doctor’s son, a springy little Spaniard who’s excited to help his new friend, no matter the difficulty. Will this illness mean a life time of seclusion for Lovino or can he win?” (completed)

Spend my time dancing “As much as Lovino loved seeing the upperclassman in his soccer jersey, he’d much rather help him take it off. It’s about time they started playing on the same field. AU. SpaMano. Various others. All’s fair in love and soccer.” (completed)

Maybe, Just Maybe “Romano couldn’t help but be instantly attracted to the stranger on the train, the one with bright green eyes and an unforgettable smile. How could something so simple end up changing his life so much?” (completed)

Dead Alone “Lovino drains the life from anything he touches, seriously. It seems that he’s the embodiment of death while his lively twin brother is his counterpart life. He has isolated himself from everyone, for their own protection. So what happens when a new transfer student decides to take an interest in him his freshman year of high school?” (on-going)

Lovino and the Conquistador “Lovino lived a life of simple pleasures; a good book, his own little world and an odd, but loving, family. However, in order to save his family, he must take their place as prisoner of a hideous beast within a gloomy castle. Based on “Beauty and the Beast” (completed)

Truth Be Told “The Well of Uncomfortable Truths is discovered & deals Spain a hard fact- "Whenever you said you loved him, you didn’t really mean it. You were thinking of his brother. They were empty words.” Can Romano be convinced about whom the Well was talking about?” (completed)

Scaliest “When his entire life is taken from him, Antonio vowed to slay the beast that ruined his life no matter the cost. But on his travels he meets a secretive, sassy bard who might be more helpful than either of them realize. Is vengeance the answer or is there more at stake?” (on-going)

All I’ve lost “Lovino Vargas has slowly fallen into the trap that is Anorexia. He meets Antonio who is a strangely kind kid. Lovino thinks maybe, just maybe…there is hope. Warnings: Depression, anorexia, bulimia, mental illness and bullying.” (completed)

Infection “Antonio didn’t know what to think of the man who randomly showed up in his home… completely naked. Yet, he still found himself drawn to this “Lovino”, only to be thrown into his worst nightmare.” (on-going)

Tomato Angel “What happens when Antonio get’s jealous? (Aftermath of ‘Awesome Being Evil’)” (completed)

Step-Lovers “King Romulus is getting married to Queen Isabel. While the wedding goes smoothly, things don’t go all that smooth for Antonio and Lovino. The heat is especially turned up when it’s decided that there will be a competition for who gets to be heir to the throne.” (completed)

There goes my life “Antonio, 26, a old gourmet chef, a bachelor who’s all party. Lovino a 20 y/o premed student who only has one goal, to be become a doctor. He is determined to let his feelings for the Spaniard fade away, but after receiving devastating news, a drunken one night stand leads to the end of life as Lovino knows it.” (on-going)

Broken Wings, Healed Hearts “Junior Lovino Vargas, a broken angel, has a dark secret he’s determined to keep to himself, now matter how much of an outcast it makes him. But will his new neighbor, Antonio, change that?” (completed)

The Reunion “Light or Dark?” Lovino asked. Feliciano studied him before answering. “Light. Light always wins” When Feliciano Vargas catches the eye of a mysterious man only by the name of “The Lord,” he finds himself and his brother on an adventure ending in Germany’s infamous Black Forest. However, the Lord’s affections are not what they appear to be and Lovino finds himself worried there is a worse threat other than some creep trying to get into his brother’s pants. (on-going)

Slowly But Surely In Love “Lovino Vargas turns fifteen, the age at which the words of peoples’ soul-mates say to them when they first meet is branded onto their wrists. Feliciano has a brand as soon as the hand strikes midnight, but why doesn’t Lovino?” (completed)

Life with Lyrics Lovino Style “Lovino struggles with what he believes is a one-sided crush and his completely oblivious, also entirely too cheerful, brother. Mentions of suicide, but not a death fic!” (completed)

Walking the Line “Maybe stumbling into Walmart in search of supplies during the end of the world wasn’t as good of an idea as Lovino initially thought. Nothing screamed desperate like raiding the aisles of a fucking Walmart for food while a hoard of the undead snarled at him from outside, but that didn’t seem to matter to the armed trio he stumbled into, or more specifically, the odd Spaniard munching on Skittles. His ideas were getting to be pretty lackluster these days.” (ongoing)

Hymn to the Sea “Please, call me Antonio,” he says. “Oh, and Lovino?” “What?” Lovino snaps, a little sharper than he wants when his brain has finally caught up to his embarrassment and he realizes he’s acting like a love-sick child. He finds he still can’t keep up when Antonio’s smile changes into something different: not the friendliness it was earlier nor the comforting warmth it was moments ago. No, this one is affectionate. “I prefer your smile over Feliciano’s any day,” he says, quiet and honest. (completed)

I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You “Throughout the 500 years they spent together, Antonio never stopped reminding Lovino of how special he was, and Lovino never stopped making Antonio the happiest man on earth.” (completed)

Lentamente “Antonio and Lovino are struggling with catastrophic life changes. A traumatic event leaves Antonio scared of his own shadow; a romantic betrayal destroys Lovino’s ability to trust people. And when coping seems impossible, can dance save them?” (completed)

We’d Be Together “Something felt off about Antonio’s new home. The stairs creaked, the windows groaned, and in the mirror he saw a face he didn’t know. The face was young but the gestures old; Toni began a romance untold. He felt an issue new to most… if only he could touch Lovino the ghost.” (completed)

Blessed WIth A Curse “Monsters are real… and they didn’t just hide in your closet or under your bed. Too bad they came in the form of Antonio Fernandez Carriedo- a Spaniard too sexy for his own good. / AU Vampire!AntonioxLovino” (on-going)

Speak  “Lovino is shy. So is Antonio. Oh dear…” (completed)

You Belong With Me “Lovino wished for a lot of things. He wished he had a family or food or fitting clothes or friends but mainly just wished to belong. He doesn’t quite get what he wished for when he meets filthy rich Antonio, who just came from Spain and has settled in the same town as the little thief. Still…it’s a start.” (completed)

The Witch of Sicily “There were still whispers, rumors that the witch of Sicily remained in that forest, cursing all who would come near. It was a place many feared to tread, treated almost as sacred ground. Only fools would dare incite the wrath of the witch by entering that place. Only fools…and pirates.” (on-going)

We the Dreamers “New York City, 1940: Antonio is a recently arrived refugee from Spain, a scarred soldier with firm political convictions. For Lovino, everything is pointless and nothing ever lasts. The two of them live, love and dream desperately, as World War Two threatens to take it all away.” (completed)

Guide Me “After witnessing a startling event, Lovino Vargas finds himself stricken with blindness from a psychological misfortune called ‘conversion disorder’. Without anyone to guide him, he is placed with Antonio Fernandez Carriedo, a novice seeing-eye counselor, who will try to help him regain his sight and if not, teach him how to live in the new dark, lonely world ahead of him.” (completed)

Pirate’s Lullaby “It was the last thing in the world that Lovino Vargas wanted. To fall in love with Antonio Fernandez Carriedo. But when the pirate takes him aboard his ship, Lovino learns that maybe it’s not so bad to be a pirate.” (on-going)

Infamous “Lovino was a childhood actor, but once the show he was a part of got canceled he thought he was free and could leave all the acting and fame up to his brother Feliciano. However, when a 'follow up’ episode is decided upon ten years later, he ends up going back. There he sees a familiar, face; Antonio Carriedo, a singer with his eye on Lovi making normal impossible” (completed)

Guilty Bliss “Lovino has had a drug problem for years that he’s never been able to stop. With his debts getting out of hand, Lovino finds himself in situations that made him wish he had quit.” (completed)

Bottoms Up! “Follow Lovino on his weird and, well, at least quite interesting trip around Europe in order to find out some of the greatest secrets ever about himself, Europe, tomato-shaped alarm clocks and the past of his lovely, but complicated Spanish partner.” (completed)

A Trip To Spain Could Only End In “Lovino is a foreign exchange student in Spain. Things were going just brilliantly before he happened upon a Spanish restaurant in the heart of Madrid where he laid eyes on a certain Spanish Sex God…” (completed)

The Pirates Treasure “Pirate Captain Antonio wants one thing, and one thing only; a mermaid. Boy or girl doesn’t matter, as long as they are royalty and can make him jewels.He’s got his wish, but dealing with this prince is going to be much harder than he thought.” (completed)

Strike a Pose, Fake a Smile “Antonio loves the stage; Romano hates it. So when he’s “convinced” into coming to drama club, he’s not gonna like it. In fact, he’s going to say things that he’ll regret. And because he’s such a good actor, this time Antonio believes him. Uh-oh.” (completed)

A Helping Hand “Antonio owns a cafe low on business. One day a strange boy comes in, running from a group of men and covered in wounds. Antonio offers for him to stay and repay him with work. As payment, the boy Lovino begins to make new dishes to bring more people into the cafe. Who is this boy and why won’t he tell Antonio anything but his name and age?” (completed)

A Beautiful Story “Lovino Romano Vargas is a suicidal designer who is unhappy with his fate. One day, he chances to meet Antonio Fernandez Carriedo, who turns his life upside down.” (completed)

Careless “This year, Antonio had priorities: grades, girlfriend and the Football competition, securing college with his two best friends! But that was before the Vargas moved in with all their drama including kidnapping, threats, and football talents. If anyone asks Lovino, not getting killed would be a clear ecstatic success. He is just what Antonio needed, or not.” (on-going)

This is it for now but I might update this if I get any suggestions, if I remember any fanfic that I missed or if I find any new good ones. If you’re an author and want me to add your fanfic or if you just want to suggest me one don’t be afraid to PM me! (because this is a masterlist after all)

#spamano #aph romano #aph spain #aph south italy #hws romano #hws spain #hws south itay #lovino vargas #antonio fernandez carriedo #sparoma #fanfiction #fanfic rec list #this took me so long..... #my eyes hurt #but it's worth it :') #hope it's useful to someone #axis powers hetalia #axis powers ヘタリア #hetalia world stars #text

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Riding High Ch 8- Adler Vs Adler

Chapter Summary: The gloves are off in court as mother and son go head to head.

Chapter Warnings: Bad Language words. Talk of suicide.

Chapter Pairings:  Frank Adler x OFC Fliss Gallagher

A/N: Contains SPOILERS for the film!!!!! If you haven’t seen it please be aware of that before you read on. Also, those of you who do know this film well will see that I’ve changed the dates referenced in the court case, that’s because I brought the timeline of Gifted forward from 2015 (when it was filmed) to 2017 (when it was released). This was mainly to suit Fliss’ backstory of the Olympics. 2015 is too close to 2012 for me to make it work. Also Frank’s middle name is an absolute H/C too as I couldn’t find it anywhere so, sorry if this annoys any of you but, to quote @icanfeelastormbrewing- “my coffee, my fic, my rules…”

This chapter is a mix of Fliss and Frank’s POV…hope you all enjoy it. As always I’m a ho for a REBLOG and COMMENT! 

Series Masterlist  Main Masterlist

Chapter Song: Stand By You- Rachel Platten

And love, if your wings are broken, borrow mine so yours can open too…’cause I’m gonna stand by you

The first bit of evidence the next morning was the findings of the Welfare Department’s investigation. It had thrown nothing out of the ordinary up. The house was clean enough, Mary was fed…but they did point out that it wouldn’t be suitable for much longer as Mary would need her own room as she grew older, something which Frank’s attorney accepted on behalf of Frank, stating to the court that Frank had already considered this. Which in fairness he had. The Welfare Department continued then, stating that Mary’s interview the previous day hadn’t thrown up anything of concern, even if there were some questionable TV viewing habits, namely Ultimate Fighting but they were satisfied that overall Mary suffering no ill effects, mentally or physically from being with Frank.

This took them just under an hour, as they were factual reports. Both Attorneys requested clarification points but there were no questions or cross examinations. As such they had concluded just after 11 am and there was then a small 10 minute break to allow a quick consultation between clients and lawyers before Evelyn was to take to the stand. As people moved around, passing papers and files to one another, Frank turned in his seat and just as he glanced round, someone left the courtroom and through the open door Fliss walked in, dressed in a smart pair of black jeans and a light blue strappy top. He flashed her a smile and she gave a small wave, settling onto a seat next to Roberta who gave her a hug. She’d missed the early session due to having to sort the horses out but she’d cleared her diary and brought in cover for the rest of the day.

Frank turned back to Greg who was watching him, eyebrow raised.

“Well that was a mighty big smile Frank…”

“Yeah, well just spotted some back up, that’s all.” Greg turned to see the woman who was now talking to Roberta and he grinned, spinning back to Frank “Let me guess, Fliss?”

Frank nodded “Yeah, I’ll introduce you later.”

Greg nodded “I look forward to it. Anyway, back to business, that opening report from the Welfare Department was good, well as good as it’s gonna get. But man, Ultimate Fighting?”

“It’s harmless…” Frank shrugged

Greg shook his head “Whatever. This next bit ain’t gonna be as easy.” “No shit…” Frank mumbled, looking at his mother as she said something to Highsmith, her attorney. “She’s going to rip me to pieces, and no doubt enjoy doing it too.” “Yep.” Greg nodded “But, keep doing what you’re doing. No outbursts, stay quiet, focussed, listen. And if she says anything that isn’t accurate, or you think of anything we can use, note it down and I’ll use it in my cross examination, ok?” Frank nodded as Judge Nicholls banged his gavel down an issued instructions for everyone to reconvene. He called Evelyn to the stand where she was sworn in and Highsmith stood up and began firing questions at her, a well-practiced dance, Frank could tell.

From the gallery Fliss watched intently. She’d been late due to having to open up at the yard but had rushed home, changed and got here as soon as she could. As such she had missed the first session but Roberta had hastily filled her in, telling her it had gone well. She shot Frank another encouraging smile, just as the judge called them back to order, and couldn’t help but notice how good that man looked in his grey suit, light grey shirt and maroon and white speckled tie. He certainly looked the part.

Evelyn took to the stand and Fliss felt herself bristling as she utterly character assassinated Frank, depicting him as nothing more than an irresponsible bum, floating around with no purpose to life, who didn’t care about Mary’s welfare, preferring to simply fly by the seat of his pants instead of giving her any decent roots or thoughts to her needs. At one point, they started to question his motivations towards taking Mary being more about punishing Evelyn that actually caring about the girl. To this Frank’s attorney objected and as the two attorneys began to argue, Fliss found her nails cutting into her palms as she clenched her fists. Roberta gently reached out and squeezed her arm and she turned to the woman next to her and gave her a tight smile.

“Frank’s attorney, Greg Cullen, well he’s good…” she whispered, “He’ll go at her when he gets his chance…you’ll see.”

The objection was overruled, the judge telling Cullen he would get his chance to challenge that statement in his cross examination, and Cullen sat down, leaning over to whisper something to Frank who nodded, his eyes not once leaving his mother. Cullen jotted something down and then sat back to allow Evelyn to finish speaking.

By the time she finished it was almost midday so they broke for lunch, Judge Nicholls instructing everyone to be back in an hour. Fliss and Roberta headed outside to wait for Frank who met them shortly after.

“Hey…” Fliss said, giving him a gentle hug. “How you holding up?”

“About as well as I can for someone whose own other just tore them to shreds under oath.” Fliss’ eyes narrowed “I hope your guy is gonna give as good as she did…” “I’ll do my best.” A voice said. Fliss spun round to be greeted by Frank’s attorney.

“Fliss, this is Greg Cullen, Greg this is Fliss Gallagher.” Frank introduced them to one another. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Greg smiled at her, shaking her hand. Fliss looked up at Frank and was surprised to find a faint flush of red on his cheeks.

“All good I hope?” she grimaced and Cullen nodded.

“Oh…very good indeed. I’ve been dying to meet the woman who’s made such an impression on him…” “Greg, piss off.” Frank said in a tired voice, before he nodded over the road to the café “Shall we grab some lunch?”

They ate together, made small talk, before Greg requested Frank join him alone for 15 minutes to go over the rest of the afternoon. Frank stood, and without even thinking about it gave Fliss a quick peck on the cheek. He winced as soon as he had, noticing that Cullen and Roberta were watching him and knowing Fliss was going to get an absolute drilling from Roberta he shot her an apologetic look as he walked away. She simply smiled through her blush and shook her head, turning to Roberta who nudged her arm.

“Ok, so…what was that?” Greg asked as they walked back over the road.

“It’s complicate.” Frank sighed “we both…we like each other but with everything that’s going on we’re…well I suppose we’re taking it slow. I’m focussing on getting through whatever it is that happens with Mary and then hopefully…what?” he trailed off as Greg was smirking at him.

“Frank Adler. Finally found a girl he likes that much he ain’t simply trying to get her into bed…”

Frank rolled his eyes and pointed to the courtroom “How about you concentrate on what’s gonna go on in there instead of what is or isn’t going on in my bedroom?”

Greg gave out a chuckle and patted his friend on the shoulder as they made their way in and headed into the side room they had reserved.

****

“Mrs. Adler, in your earlier testimony here today… you painted a pretty dim picture of your own son don’t you think?” Cullen asked, tapping his pen on his note pad. Frank remained stony faced, watching his mother.

“I’m under oath, I take no pleasure in it.” she said with a glance at Frank before she looked down, almost convincingly.

Frank just about managed to refrain from rolling his eyes.

“So, your son is a failure in life, your daughter took her life…you know, you’re oh for two.”

Fliss winced and glanced at Roberta as Highsmith said “Objection” in an almost bored voice

“Withdrawn.” Cullen said, his voice taking on an amused edge but as Fliss watched Evelyn simply eyed him, completely un-phased.

“If I go one for three, I’m in the Hall of Fame.” she shot back.

“You know baseball.” Cullen said, pushing his chair back “Fenway Park.”

At that something flickered in Evelyn’s eye as she glanced at Frank. Fliss followed her gaze and watched, just able to see the side of Frank’s face. His eyes locked onto her, his expression never faltering.

“You know, I’d like to go there sometime.” Cullen said standing up, pushing his glasses up onto his head as Evelyn turned back to him “How often in a year did you take Diane to the baseball game?”

“Diane wasn’t interested in sports.” Evelyn replied

“She never wanted to go to a game? Ever?”

“I don’t recall her ever asking.”

Cullen moved forwards a step and Fliss saw Frank’s eyes flick to him as he continued to question his mother.

“Just out of curiosity, Fenway, that’s a tough ticket. Where do you get yours?”

“My husband has season tickets.”

“And how long has he had them?” Cullen enquired

“30 years. But I’ve only been married to him for 20.” Evelyn informed him.

“And Diane never went to one game?”

Evelyn didn’t reply, simply raised her eyebrows slightly as if she was failing to see the point. Fliss’ eyes once again flicked to Frank who still hadn’t moved an inch.

“What colour was the dress Diane wore to prom?” Cullen changed his line of questions.

“Diane didn’t attend the prom, because she didn’t attend the high school.” Evelyn replied calmly

“No prom.” Cullen mused before he asked suddenly “What sports did she play?”

“As I told you earlier, she wasn’t interested in sports.”

“She’s calm…” Roberta whispered to Fliss as Cullen continued to question Evelyn about Diane’s lack of interaction with other children her age

“Too calm…” Fliss said “But I can see what he’s doing, trying to paint a picture of how she isolated Diane to imply that she’d do the same to Mary. You’re right, he is good…”

As they tuned back into the examination again, Cullen took a deep breath and glanced to his left

“Mrs. Adler, he said, looking back at her who’s Paul Riva?”

At that Evelyn glanced at Frank, her calm mask slipped ever so slightly but still Frank didn’t move. Fliss could see his expression now carried a faint, and every so sad, smile.

Evelyn gave a silent huff before she looked back at Cullen “He was a boy from the neighbourhood.”

Her tone was clipped and Fliss noticed the judge sit forward slightly at her change in tone, narrowing his eyes a little as he watched her curiously

“Oh, come on. He was much more than just a boy from the neighbourhood.  Paul was Diane’s first love. Wasn’t he?” Cullen asked.

Fliss and Roberta exchanged a glance.

“I wouldn’t characterize it that way, no.” Evelyn shook her head.

“And how would Diane characterize it?”

“Diane was 17 years old at the time. She didn’t know anything about love.”

At that Fliss caught the first movement Frank had made as he took a deep breath and looked to his left before turning back, his shoulders moving slightly in frustration as he shook his head slightly, his eyes locking back onto his mother who was carefully avoiding his gaze.

“Mrs. Adler… in January 2000 didn’t Diane and young Mr. Riva run away together?” Cullen looked at her.

“He coerced her” Evelyn corrected with the air of someone picking her words carefully.

“And where did they go?”

“Vermont.”

“And you called the police, didn’t you?” Cullen stated rather than asked.

“Yes.”

“Because he kidnapped her?”

“Yes”

“And where did the police find young Mr. Riva and Diane?” Cullen looked at Evelyn

“I told you, Vermont.” Evelyn looked at Cullen, her voice suddenly taking on an edge which made Fliss lean forward slightly.

“Stowe, Vermont. Wasn’t it? A resort town.” Cullen said, looking round the court room as Evelyn shifted uncomfortably. “Stowe Mountain. He took her skiing. You see, kidnappers don’t usually take their victims skiing.” Cullen paused from his explanation, when he spoke again his voice was calm, and slow, stressing the point perfectly “But this is what Paul did because he and Diane were in love.”

“No” Evelyn said firmly

“And when they returned, you pressed kidnapping charges.” Cullen’s voice rose in volume and speed as he spoke “You filed a lawsuit against his parents…until Paul stopped calling Diane.  Didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“And Diane never heard of or saw Paul Riva again. Did she?” Cullen’s tone was harsh, accusatory as he stared at Evelyn.

“Poor girl…” Roberta mumbled besides her and Fliss shook her head, in utter shock at how a mother could be so damned cruel and out of touch with her own daughter. It made her feel a pang of sympathy for Mary’s mother despite never having known her. Fliss couldn’t imagine what she would do without either of her parents being as supportive as they were.

Evelyn must have answered as by the time Fliss turned her attention fully to what she was saying, Cullen had asked another question.

“And how did she take it?”

“She was upset for a while. She lost focus.”

“She lost focus” Cullen said, turning back to the desk and picking up a small file “Mrs. Adler,” he turned back, file in hand “…in March of 2001 didn’t Diane Adler attempt to take her own life?”

“This episode was minor. It was nothing.” Evelyn said, her tone harsh.

“Nothing?” Fliss drew in a breath, shaking her head. For a moment she almost lost herself in another memory, of one rainy afternoon in Boston in October 2015…but she took a deep breath and focussed on where she was, as Cullen flashed the file at Evelyn.

“I have the hospital report in my hand.” he informed her

“It was nothing.” Evelyn said again, and now Fliss could see she was rattled. “Diane was not like regular people. She was extraordinary. And extraordinary people come with singular issues and needs.”

Fliss watched as Evelyn leant forward, her face creased in anger as hissed “You have no idea of the capability she possessed. One in a billion. And you would say fine, let’s throw that away, so the boy who cuts our yard can make sexual conquest? Well maybe before you make that decision, you stand in my shoes .I had responsibilities, which went beyond the mother-daughter relationship.”

She took a deep breath and spoke again, her voice louder this time “The greatest discoveries, which have proved life on this planet have come from minds rarer than radium. Without them, we’d still be crawling in mud. And for your information, counsellor, a year after this incident with this boy Diane thanked me for my intervention. She realized she’d made a mistake and she thanked me. You see, Diane understood. She’s was accountable for the gift she’d been given. And she didn’t shy from it.”

Every inch of Evelyn’s face was contorted with a mixture of pain and anger, and she radiated absolute fury across the courtroom as her rant built to its climax

“And I think, if she were here today, Mr. Attorney, she would refute your baseless insinuations, that she would give up her brilliant future and take her own life just because  mummy didn’t get her a little red wagon

There was a pause as she took a breath and sat back.

“No more questions.” Cullen said simply, turning back to his seat.

Fliss watched Frank who shifted, rubbing his chin with his left hand, his fingers curling round his jaw in an L shape as he stared at this mother.

***** When Mary returned home on the bus, Frank did his best to remain positive and keep his broodings to himself, and was thankful when Fliss suggested they head out for dinner. The four of them headed to the same restaurant he had met his mother at not long before. He ate, not really tasting his food, or listening as Fliss and Roberta chatted away. Instead his attention was completely on Mary who was stood with one of the waitresses at another table, where Mary was pouring sand out of one of the bottles that was used to keep the tablecloths from blowing away. The thought that she could be without such simple pleasure of looking through sand for shells, and lost to a world pressure and solitude like Diane had been killed him.

“Hey…” he felt someone squeeze his hand at the same time Mary held up a shell and showed it to him. He took a deep breath and tried to rearrange his face into a smile as his fingers tightened around Fliss’s.

“You know until I met you I thought sitting on steps drinking beer was something only red necked hillbillies did.” Fliss teased him when they were alone later that evening, Mary asleep inside the apartment as they sat outside the kitchen door, shoulder to shoulder along the top rung.

“Well, according to my mother that’s what I am.” he scoffed.

“And according to me your mother is a callous, cold hearted bitch.” Fliss said, with such venom it made Frank look at her. She took a deep breath, her voice softening “How can anyone dismiss a suicide attempt as nothing.”

Frank looked away, taking a pull from his beer. They sat in silence for a moment before Fliss broke it.

“You know back in 2015, about 18 months after we’d gotten married…I almost did it you know? Killed myself.”

Frank’s head turned to face her. She wasn’t looking at him, instead she remained focussed on a spot in the distance as she looked straight ahead. “My life was out of my control, and it was the only way I could think of getting some of that control back. So I took a shit load of buproprion and washed it down with half a litre of vodka.”

“Shit, Lissy I…” She waved his sympathy off and continued “After that I was offered all this help and support and…” she snorted bitterly “I still went back to him. He convinced everyone, including me that the issue was the fact that I was still brooding over my career being cut so short…and then told me that having a kid would fix the issue. In reality there was no issue to fix. I wasn’t depressed as such, I was abused. And that was simply another way of him taking control”

After a moment she turned to look at him, “And I’m not saying your mother abused Diane, not as such but she isolated her for her own, selfish reasons…no matter how she tries to dress them up or convince herself that it was for Diane’s own good. That first suicide attempt your sister would have made a normal, loving parent sit up and pay attention to what was going on. I know it did mine, as Bill never trusted John’s explanation, not one word.” “I should have done more too.” Frank said, looking down “But I was so busy, wrapped up in my finals and…”

“Frank, you were what? 20 and preparing for finals at Harvard.” Fliss frowned “Diane wasn’t your responsibility, you’re not her parent.”

“No but when Dad died, I promised I’d take care of her, always be there for her. I should have done more, and I should have known…when she turned up that day…”

“Frankie…” Fliss cut him off, her hand taking his “Take it from me, my mum and dad and brother went through all of this in their head. Did Diane give you any warnings at all because I know I didn’t?  Look at the lies and the world of fantasy I let John build up round me and detract from what was going on. I told nobody I was gonna do it Frank. And I told no body why I did it either.”

Frank sniffed and wiped at his nose slightly with his free hand.

“So you can either carry on beating yourself up over something that isn’t your fault or you can concentrate on getting the best outcome here for Mary.”

He reached for his beer which was on the step below him between his legs and nodded. She was right, he knew she was, but there would always be that part of him that wondered if he could have done more, it he should have done more.

“Are you planning on coming tomorrow?” he asked, looking at Fliss.

“Yeah, Joanne is covering again.”

“I don’t want to put you out…” he began but she shook her head.

“It’s sorted.” Fliss smiled. “She wants the week of Thanksgiving off so she’s racking up the favours.”

“Well, from a selfish reason I’m glad.” he said, flexing his fingers against hers, looking down at where they were entwined.

“I’m not missing your testimony, if only for the sole reason of discovering what your full name is.” she teased. Frank gave a huff of a laugh “Francis Preston Adler, nice to meet you.” he tipped his bottle in her direction. “Preston?” She snorted “Get out of town! There’s a place in England called Preston, it’s like 30 miles away from my home!”

Frank smiled, before he sighed.

“Last day tomorrow isn’t it?” Fliss looked at him as he stared straight ahead.

He let out a breath “Yeah, well last day of evidence…then we have to wait for however long it takes him to read all the reports and make a ruling.”

“Well then, I suggest you get some sleep, or as much as you can.” she said, and with that she released his hand and stood up. Frank did the same and he smiled as she leaned up and he ducked his head so she could kiss his cheek. “Oh, and FYI I got an absolute interrogation off Roberta before when you did that. Felt like it was me in the dock, not Evelyn.” For the first time all evening Frank laughed.

******

The gloomy, rainy morning matched Frank’s mood perfectly.

He sat in the dock dressed in his suit this time paired with a light green shirt and a dark blue and silver tie, feeling as out of place as anyone could.  Cullen went through the questions he had coached Frank on, questions designed not to paint him as a saint but as a normal person, doing the best he could for his niece in line with his sister’s wishes. Frank answered them honestly. Was he perfect? No. Had he done things correctly? No. Did he wish he had spotted Diane was struggling? Yes. Did he love Mary and want the best for her? Yes.

The questions continued along those lines until they broke for lunch. And then came the cross examination, and Frank knew he was in for a beating.

“Mr. Adler where are you currently employed?” Highsmith asked sitting on the desk to the left of Evelyn.

“I repair boats.” Frank answered clearly

“Oh, really? At which marina?”

“I don’t work at a marina. I freelance.”

“So, safe to say, no health insurance.”

“No.” Frank shook his head

“About a week before your sister took her life what were you doing for a living then?”

“I was a teacher.” Frank replied.

“You’re being modest, aren’t you?” Highsmith said, standing up and walking towards the dock “You were a professor at Boston University Isn’t that right?

“Yes, well, assistant professor.”

“And what’d you teach?”

“Philosophy.” Frank said, looking at him

“Truth and logic. That sort of thing” Highsmith gestured with his hands and Frank simply smile as he continued “Your attorney said that the primary reason that you took Mary is because it was what your sister would’ve wanted you to do. Is that a truth?”

“Yes.” Frank implored

“So Diane had visited Pinellas County before?”

“No” frank said with almost an air of amusement on his face as he looked at his mother for a second before he looked down and joined his hands in front of him in his lap.

“She indicated she wanted her daughter rooted and moved here?

Frank shook his head, closing his eyes “No”

“No.” Highsmith repeated “So you decided to bring Mary here, didn’t you?”

Frank licked his lips and drew in a deep breath as he simply stared as his mother. He was pleased so see her shift in her seat

“Did Diane had a problem with your health plan at Boston University?” Highsmith pressed.

Frank wanted to laugh. The guy was doing exactly what Greg had warned him he would do, attack his lack of healthcare, insinuate he wasn’t able or fit to provide for Mary. When he spoke his voice was calm, and he fought to keep his face as amicable as possible.

“Not to my knowledge.”

“Do you think she would want her daughter to have access to healthcare?”

Dumbass question

“Of course.” Frank nodded.

“So what do you do, when little Mary gets sick? You repair a doctor’s boat?”

Frank scoffed a laugh as Cullen objected.

“Sustained.” Judge Nicholls shot Highsmith a look and Frank stole a glance at Fliss. If the situation wasn’t so serious he would have laughed at the identical look she wore to Roberta, both glaring at Highsmith like they wanted to kill him. Which, to be fair, the probably did want…

The questions continued. He was asked why he turned down the scholarship at the Oaks in favour of learning at a first grade level, a level way below that she was capable of. The rain continued to drive down as did Highsmith’s questions, as they were punctuated every so often by a low rumble of thunder from the outside storm.

“Prior to Mrs. Adler giving her one. Did Mary have a computer?”

“She used mine.”

“Mr. Adler, does Diane’s daughter have her own bedroom?”

“No.”

“Does she sleep in a bed that you bought in a second hand shop?”

“Yes” Frank looked ahead, focussing on keeping calm as Highsmith walked towards the dock, gesturing now with his hands, his tone winding up

“So, the truth is, Mr. Adler that you didn’t come down here because your sister wanted it to and you certainly didn’t come here because it was good for Mary.”

Frank swallowed slightly and shifted a little, avoiding looking at the man as he tapped his hand on the side of the dock.

“No, it was personal. Diane was a star. You weren’t. Diane got the attention. You didn’t.”

Frank scoffed silently, oh please, and turned to look in the opposite direction.

“..and over the years You got angry. And here comes Mary. What a great way to get even.

At that he audibly sighed. He had known this was coming, that his mother’s attorney would try and paint him as petty and vindictive but it still hurt to hear it. Hurt that his own mother would have someone attack him in such a way. He’d defend Mary to the hilt someone was doing this to her…

“You’ve uprooted that little girl and brought her here for 1 reason only. To do harm to your mother. You blamed her for your sister.”

“No, I don't” Frank broke his silence.

“And Mary to you is just a pawn in all this.”

And that did it, Mary wasn’t a pawn. She was a little girl, a little girl who he was doing is best by.

“Diane wanted Mary… to be a kid” Frank’s voice betrayed his desperation and emotion, and he knew that…but now he was past caring, this was the truth, it was how he felt, and he was nothing if not honest. He locked eyes with his mother as he spoke, driving his words home “.She wanted her to have a life. She wanted her to have friends and to play…”

At that his mother looked away, her eyes glistening but Frank kept his on hers as she turned back to him, his final words were almost whispered

“…and to be happy.”

“You realize the consequences of boredom for a gifted child, Mr. Adler? They become resentful and sullen.”

“Mary’s not an angry kid.” Frank said, his voice calm once more.

“Really? Did she not attack a child on the school bus?”

Shit.

“A 12 year old tripped a 7 year old and she came to his defense.” Frank said, shrugging slightly

“Did she break the boy’s nose?”

“Yes.” Frank said, a little louder as he nodded.

“On October 16th last year, were you arrested for assault?”

“Oh, my God.” Frank groaned, and he looked down before he glanced back up, momentarily locked eyes with Fliss who he noticed had taken a deep breath. He looked back down, shaking his head

“You have to answer the question Mr. Adler.” Judge Nicholls reminded him

Frank swallowed and focussed on a spot on the varnished surface of the wood in font of him, just by the microphone. “A drunk idiot attacked me and I defended myself. What does that have to do…”

“Did you spend the night in jail?” Highsmith cut him off.

“Yeah.” Frank nodded.

“You are in way over your head here. You’re depriving that girl…”

Frank stayed still, shaking his head and glaring at his mother, all the while Highsmith continued ranting on at him

“…you’re gambling with her future and now you being presented with an opportunity to do right by her.”

“Does council have a question for my client?” Cullen said loudly

“Take the high road, Mr. Adler before she’s rapidly damaged.”

“Does council have a question for my client or not?” Cullen said, standing up.

“Yes, sir. I do have a question.” Highsmith said “Tell us. Is your continued guardianship really in the best interest of this little girl?

“You do your best, Frank. And that’s all any of us can do…” Fliss’s voice rattled in his head, and he took a deep breath. No he wasn’t perfect. Yes, Evelyn could provide for her better than he could but could she love Mary like he did. No, no she couldn’t

He stared at his mother, as he lifted his chine and spoke loudly and clearly.

“Yes.Yes, it is.”

“I have no further questions.” Highsmith spoke.

Frank scratched at his head and left the dock. Following the summing up, they were all dismissed. Frank shook Greg’s hand who told him he would be in touch Frank left the courtroom with Roberta, Fliss nowhere to be seen. He took a deep breath, realising she was probably going to run a mile after hearing about the assault. That wasn’t how he wanted her to find out. However, to his amazement and joy she was waiting for him by his truck. Roberta nodded to him and made an excuse to nip over the road to the store for a water leaving them to talk alone.

“Thought you’d gone?” he said gently.

“No I had to take a call from Joanne about a lesson… why would I leave without saying goodbye?” she frowned

“The assault”

Fliss sighed “Frank, I admit it was a shock to hear but…”

“At least let me explain.” he shrugged.

“There’s really no need…we all do dumb shit right?”

“He was a drunk idiot.” Frank cut her off “I was actually out with a friend, Jacob and his fiancée, Lisa, that night. Jake had gone to the bathroom and this guy bumped into us and sent Lisa flying into the table, knocking a load of glasses over. When I told him to be careful he took a swing at me only he missed and, well I didn’t…”

“You’re a regular knight in shining armour Sailor.” she smiled before she looked at him softly. “I know that was hard today. I was so angry and the things he was saying to you but…it’s done now. Try not to think on it because you can’t change the outcome. Whatever it is, you did your best.”

“You know I remembered you saying that to me.” he smiled, “Right as he was telling me what a lousy life I give Mary.” “It’s not lousy.”  Fliss shook her head. “She’s loved Frank. And she’s happy.”

He smiled again as she took a deep breath.

“Look, I have to go, I have a lesson in an hour now this rain has let up, but…what are you doing tomorrow night?”

“Working.” he said, chuckling as she raised her eyebrow “  Yeah I know, second Friday night in a row but…well I’m behind thanks to this case and whilst Roberta has Mary I can get a good few hours in and then get my head down before she comes back at midday”

“How about I keep you company?” she asked, “Only if that’s ok?”

Frank smiled “As long as you don’t distract me too much.” “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

**** Turns out Fliss wasn’t the distraction, Cullen was. He rocked up at the garage Frank was working at just as he was explaining to Fliss the different components of the oil filter he was working on, nudging her as she gave a loud, exaggerated yawn. She grinned at him, and he didn’t miss the flash in her eyes as she looked him quickly up and down, taking in his dirty jeans, hands covered in oil and his long sleeved thin blue sweater which he knew fit him pretty well. Part of the reason he had worn it.

“Hey…” Cullen said.

“Hey.” Frank frowned “What’s…” “I wanted to do this in person.” Greg said.

“I’ll er, give you a moment.” Fliss said. She went to leave but Frank caught her elbow gently.

“No, stay, please…” he said. She looked at him for a second and nodded.

Cullen explained how Highsmith had called him first thing that morning saying that they wanted to cut a deal which would see Mary in a fostering situation. Frank dismissed the notion straight up and Cullen continued to try and win him round, informing him that they could cherry pick and that it would be mutually approved and he’d already found a family in Tampa, which was what he had been working on all day. He continued to explain how Mary would attend the Oaks and Evelyn would get visiting rights and that when Mary was 12 she could go back into court and decide where, and with who, she wanted to live.

“You’re supposed to be on my team.” Frank cut his friend off, glaring at him “Why are you bringing me this deal?

“Other than I’m required to by law?” Greg looked back at him, and then suddenly Frank understood.

“You like this deal?” he asked

“I love this deal.” Greg noded.

“They think they’re gonna lose.” Frank leaned on the work-desk in front of him, looking at Cullen.

“Yeah. They do.”

“You think we’re gonna lose.”

“Yes.” Greg replied honestly. “I do, Frank.”

Frank looked down, swallowing before he turned to his friend.

“I gotta go put my kids to bed. I’ll do whatever you want me to do. But, if we leave this up to the judge…Nicholls, he’s old school, Frank. Does he like your mother? No. Does he like her income? Does he like her health plan? Does he like her home? You better believe it.”

Frank looked down again, shaking his head, unable to do anything else.

“I’ve been in his courtroom. A hundred times. And if it’s a coin toss…Look at me.”

Frank turned to Greg, his arms still leaning on the top, muscles straining as he grasped at a wrench in front of him in frustration, something to squeeze.

“If it’s a coin toss, that old boy is going to side with the money.” Greg said gently “So, do me a favour, Frank. Just meet the family. See how it feels. It’s all I ask.” with that he took a deep breath. “I gotta go…see you later. Goodnight Fliss.”

“Night…” she said to him, watching him leave.

There was a pause before Frank picked up the wrench in his hand and threw it hard against the wall at the opposite side of the garage, before he stood up tall and turned to Fliss who was watching him, her face contorted in sympathy and sadness.

“I don’t know what to do.” he looked at her, and every single emotion he had been holding back cascaded over him in a wave and he felt utterly and hopelessly overwhelmed. He couldn’t stop the tears brimming in his eyes and he bowed his head, once more leaning on the desk. He felt a warm pair of hands gently on his arm, nudging him to turn slightly and he did so to look at Fliss as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down into a gently hug. He pressed his face into the crook of her shoulder, his tears falling gently onto her soft skin as she smoothed a hand through his hair, gently soothing him.

“Sorry…” he said after a moment pulling back.

“Hey…” she said, ducking slightly, her hands now on his face as she wiped his tears with her thumbs, her own now filling her eyes. “Don’t ever apologise to me for being upset, Frankie. I told you, I was here for the road trip remember? However bumpy the ride. I’m not going anywhere Sailor.”

He let out a soft, watery laugh as he dropped his forehead to hers, his eyes closing as hook a deep breath, composing himself.

“You now no ones called me Frankie since I was a little kid” he smiled.

“Well it suits you.” she smiled, pulling away slightly. “You good?” He nodded, moving back out of her arms. “Do you think I should go?” he asked “Meet this family?”

“Frank…”she said gently “I can’t answer that.” “What would you do?”

“I honestly don’t know.” she shook her head. “I suppose there’s no harm in meeting them but, you have to be sure this is what is right for Mary. But I do know one thing, whatever you decide to do, I’ll be there all the way.”

He nodded, taking a deep breath. He gently took her hand and raised it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles.  “Thankyou.”

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#frank adler x ofc #frank adler #gifted #gifted fan fic

[d-criss-news]

Over the course of a few months in 2018 and 2019, Darren Criss won the Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG award for his portrayal of serial killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story—and checked off nearly every red carpet best dressed list, to boot.This spring he might have to brace himself for an even busier season. In May he will star in and executive produce Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood series for Netflix; he is the star, executive producer and writer of Royalties for Quibi, which launches April 6; and beginning March 24 he will return to Broadway for the Atlantic Theater Company’s revival of David Mamet’s 1975 play, American Buffalo,alongside Sam Rockwell and Laurence Fishburne, with direction by Neil Pepe. (The stars are pictured here together for the first time in this exclusive first-look image.)

Criss will play Bobby, the youngest of a trio of petty thieves who conspire to steal a rare coin collection. Last seen on the Broadway in 2015, dancing on top of a car in six-inch metallic heels in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Criss is itching to get back on stage. “I’m excited to get my hands dirty and put all the pieces together,” he said on a recent phone call while driving around Los Angeles, where he’ll spend another few weeks before moving to New York to start rehearsals on the hustler drama. “It’s all speculation until you really get there and see the characters on the page and how they live in the world.”

Criss has had his sights on American Buffalo for a while now—eight years ago, he first did a reading of the Obie winning play, but nothing came of it. “I’ve always wanted to do this,” he says. “When I found out about the revival, my tail was wagging off of my body.”

What is your relationship to American Buffalo?

I always say that American Buffalo is an American standard, in the same way that we have jazz standards. If you’re a musician, you have a pretty comprehensive familiarity with Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, and if you’re studying theater, American Buffalo is a really big fixture in a drama student’s upbringing. It’s a heavy-hitter play.

How were you cast?

I did a reading of American Buffalo around eight years ago. It was put together by Jeffrey Richards, who is now the producer of this play. Being in that room was wildly exciting to me. I remained in and out of touch with Jeffrey, and I remember reading an article online that Sam Rockwell and Laurence Fishburne were going to star in a limited run of American Buffalo, produced by none other than the same Jeffrey Richards. Within three minutes, I emailed Jeffrey and asked, ‘Hey, do you guys have a Bobby yet? Did my window of opportunity close eight years ago?’ I thought that ship had sailed, but they were very receptive of my enthusiasm and we made it work. It was hot and heavy very quickly.

When did you first meet David Mamet?

We all met for the first time a few weekends ago while we were doing a photoshoot. I was thrilled to be able to connect the dots between the playwriting voice and the human voice. He was very lovely to me and I was thrilled to have the support to be in his play.

Have you ever seen a production of American Buffalo before?

I’ve read it two or three times in the past, and I’ve seen people do scenes, but I’ve never actually seen a full-blown production of it. That’s neither a good or bad thing. There’s this learning curve of how the play exists in time and with audiences now—you have to work the piece itself as you work on your character. Getting to put my own DNA and fingerprint on these notes is a really cool assignment. And getting to do that at the highest level possible with Neil Pepe, who is the Broadway Whisperer, and with an American master writer and two American master actors is a real honor.

Did you know any of your co-stars prior to being cast?

Well, I have a lot of great memories of dancing with Sam at the Vanity Fair party the night he won his Oscar [in 2018 for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri]. I’m a massive fan of Sam’s—we’re both from the Bay area and he has always checked all of the boxes for me. He was a character actor who wasn’t necessarily mainstream, but was widely respected by his peers, and he was always working on cool projects that were wildly different than the last. I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve and have been profuse about my admiration for him. And of course Laurence Fishburne is no slacker, either. He’s a hugely magnanimous actor that has influenced a lot of people, much less actors.

How do you feel about heading back to Broadway?

I do a play every two or three years and find any excuse I can get to be back on stage—it’s an opportunity I relish. I’m all about taking hard left turns and hard right turns, and versatility, dexterity and unpredictability is kind of the name of the game for me. When I found out that they were doing the play, I couldn’t believe it. It was just too perfect.

#darren criss #vanity fair #american buffalo bway #press #feb 2020

[fallintosanity]

What are your thoughts on 7 Remake’s ~controversial~ ending? It’s been a few weeks now since I finished and I legit feel like I’ve journeyed through all 5 stages of grief and finally landed on Acceptance 😅

haha that’s fair! I have a lot of thoughts about the remake, but they’re coming from three different angles. 

(Spoilers under the cut obvs; also this got fucklong even after I cut a bunch of non-ending-related thoughts, and I apologize to those of you on mobile)

From the POV of someone who played and loved the original

Overall, I really enjoyed the remake, ending and all. I replayed the OG prior to the remake’s release, finishing literally four hours before the remake became available in North America, but it had still been months since I did the Midgar parts so it wasn’t too immediately fresh in my mind. Still, I was impressed by how faithful the remake is to the OG for the vast majority of the game. They noticeably cleaned up a few things, like Tseng slapping Aerith, which didn’t age well or stopped making sense with regards to the greater Compilation, which was nice to see. But they also doubled down on some of the ridiculousness of the original. I can’t tell you how much I cackled when the Hell House showed up, or how many times I said to my fiance in joy/disbelief, “They really managed to fit that in!” 

I also love all the little nods to the greater Compilation. I saw one interview excerpt from like... 2015 or 2014 or something that said the Remake is considered canon to the Compilation, and the content of the Remake itself suggests this. While some of the cameos could be considered nothing more than cameos (as much as I love Kunsel, I don’t think his name being dropped means anything other than that they needed a name and wanted to give a nod to him), there are other clear hints that Crisis Core and The Kids Are Alright, at minimum, are canon to the Remake. Hojo mentions “S and G type” SOLDIERs, i.e., Sephiroth-type and Genesis/Gillian-type. (Roche is a G type I am not taking arguments on this point) The description of the Buster Sword says it carries the hopes and dreams of those who came before, implying more than just Zack (i.e., Angeal). Zack’s scene right before he charges the ShinRa army is shot-for-shot the one from Crisis Core, which could have just been a nod, but the fact that he also says the same lines as the original is telling. There’s a lot of lore loaded into those lines. Leslie and Kyrie are both from The Kids Are Alright (which makes me wonder if the third ShinRa half-brother is floating around somewhere). You could make an argument for Before Crisis being partially or completely canon to the remake as well, since someone mentions a previous assassination attempt on the President, which happened in BC. 

But now we get into the issue of whether Advent Children is canon to the remake, i.e., the ending and the thing you actually asked about. ^^; This is where I’m more torn. My initial reaction to the ending was “Oh crap, we went from FFVII-Remake to Kingdom Hearts - oh shit now we’re in Advent Children - oh fuck now we’re in fanfiction-land.” Which... is definitely not what I was expecting from the ending of Part 1. 

On first playthrough it feels a bit like they overplayed their hand with Sephiroth in the ending: “everyone wants a Sephiroth fight in a FFVII game, so we’ll give them a Sephiroth fight”. I’ve seen a lot of complaints about the fact that Sephiroth appears in person in the Midgar sequence, when in the OG all we see of him before Kalm is the aftermath of President Shinra’s murder. I do think Sephiroth’s appearances prior to the ending were done well - the writers clearly intended to emphasize Cloud’s mental issues, and Sephiroth is too big a part of them to ignore. His appearances prior to the top of Shinra Tower both serve as a bone tossed to those who wanted to see him in the remake, and set up the Cloud-Sephiroth relationship a lot earlier and in more depth. You can see how utterly terrified Cloud is every time Sephiroth is around - even sometimes frozen into immobility. Depending on how things go with the Kalm flashback, this may also help cue new players in to just how wrong things are with Cloud. (After all, a SOLDIER First shouldn’t be afraid of another SOLDIER First, should he?) But the final fight against Sephiroth, or at least, a clone wearing Sephiroth’s face, felt premature, out of place, something that’s only there to appease people who wanted to fight Sephiroth now. 

Aside from the Sephiroth thing, I’m reserving judgment a bit on the ending as a whole. On the one hand, I’m deeply curious to see where the story goes from here, and how the writers use their newfound freedom (more on that in a minute). On the other hand, I don’t want this to turn into Kingdom Hearts 4, and I don’t trust Nomura in that regard, especially after all the bullshit that went on with KH3, Verum Rex, and FFXV/versus 13. I love Nomura, but like George Lucas, he desperately needs someone to rein in, edit, and shape his ideas.

I’m also not sure how I feel about all the theories being thrown out there - such as that at least one of the Sephiroths we see is the one from after AC, somehow flung back in time to fuck things up; or that the OG was, 999-style, Aerith seeing into the future and now in the remake she’s taking control to put everything on the path she wants. They’re interesting, for sure, and I think that with careful handling, it’s possible Squenix might be able to pull one of them off - but given what I know of Squenix (again, more on that later), I don’t trust them to do it well. I am, to be blunt, very concerned that later installments of the remake are going to turn into an incoherent tug-of-war between those who want to be faithful to the original, and Nomura’s desire to inject weird Kingdom Hearts nonsense everywhere. 

I say this with all the love to Kingdom Hearts, but it’s a very specific kind of story and it’s not what I want to see in my FFVII.

On a writing meta level

On the meta level, I’m fascinated by the choice to go with the whole Whispers/Arbiters of Fate thing. I don’t know how much of that is pure Nomura-injected BS vs how much was a deliberate choice by the writing team, but for right now I’m going to assume it was mostly a deliberate and unanimous choice. 

I’ve seen a lot of other Remake opinions along the lines of a reluctant, “I guess they had to put the Whispers in there because a perfect remake wouldn’t have been satisfying to everyone. There’s always someone who would have complained.” I... don’t think that’s entirely true. Like, yeah, sure, someone’s always going to complain if it’s not a pixel-perfect remake, but based on the overall satisfaction I’ve seen from OG fans (including myself) regarding the parts that are true to the original, I think Squenix would have done just fine if that was the path they chose. And given how much attention they paid to making most of the game into a nearly-perfect recreation, I think the writers knew it. 

So why’d they go the whole Whispers route? 

My guess would be that the writers were giving themselves freedom, on a meta level, with the Whispers. It’s a way of both poking fun at, and solving, their own dilemma: do we make a perfect, hi-res copy of the original? Or do we change things to make it our own? 

The “change something to make it your own” is a longstanding trope when someone new is put in charge of something old. You see it in everything from Disney live-action remakes to new managers who change their employees’ routines just to “make an impact”. Most of the time, these changes are neutral / un-impactful at best, or outright frustrating / terrible at worst. I wonder if the Remake writing team wasn’t fully aware of this, and possibly tangled up in knots internally about how to handle it. Would it be seen as a bad, “make it their own” change to have Tseng not slap Aerith? What about adding Chocobo Sam, Madam M, and Andrea Rhodea to the Wall Market sequence? What about the changes to how the Avalanche gang reacts to Cloud, now that we have full animation and voice acting and it’s clear Avalanche has no reason to want to keep him around except for Jessie being horny on main? Where’s the line? 

I could see the Whispers being the writing team’s way of making sure they stay in line where it’s important, while also giving themselves the freedom to make the updates needed to allow the remake to work. They’re kind of a meta nod to the audience, a “don’t worry! If we get too far out of line, the Whispers will bring us back.” In that sense, the entire ending where you (the player) kill the Whispers and free yourself (the player) from destiny is you giving the writers permission to continue making those small changes. 

In FFXV, almost the entire ending sequence is a cutscene: Noctis on the throne, being murdered by his ancestors and descending into the spirit realm. But there’s one single quick-time event in there, one point where the player has to take action and push a button. It’s not even difficult, and on the surface it seems pointless. Except, if you don’t, Noctis lives. (Trapped in purgatory maybe, but he’s still there.) If you never push that button, Noctis doesn’t sacrifice his spirit and those of the Lucii to destroy Ardyn and wipe the Scourge from Eos. By asking - requiring - the player to push that button to commit that final act, the game makes the player complicit in Noct’s sacrifice. It’s a powerful moment, and similar to what (I suspect) the Remake writers intended with the Whispers. 

Because they could have left the Whispers in forever. They could have had them be a continuous presence throughout all episodes of the Remake, a little reminder that no matter what tweaks the writers might make to update the story, to “make it their own”, the Arbiters of Fate will ensure things are on track. That things will play out exactly as in the original. But by asking the player to destroy the Arbiters, the writers are asking for the player’s permission to make changes. And by killing the Arbiters, you’re granting it. Because, just like you can keep Noctis alive by not pushing the button when prompted, you can keep the original game more-or-less on track by never stepping through that portal, never killing the Arbiters. But if you do step through that portal and go through with it, you’re agreeing to accept that things might change, thus freeing the writers from the constant double jeopardy of changing things vs keeping them exactly the same. 

On a business meta level

As cool as (I think) that all sounds, the bigger question is, can Square Enix actually pull it off? And here’s where I start to have my most significant doubts. After the FFvs13/FFXV debacle and the hopeless mess that was KH3, I do not trust Nomura to tell a coherent story, even if it’s supposedly a retelling of an existing, well-known story. I don’t know anything about the inner workings or politics at Square Enix, other than that there are politics at play, so in fairness to him I can’t really say it’s because he himself is bad at telling a story, or just doesn’t have the support he needs to convey his vision well. But that gets into other issues with Squenix. We know their last several major games have had long and troubled developments. Someone way more attuned than me to the Japanese video games industry can talk in depth about why; all I know is that it happened (is happening?) and that it’s something of a miracle the remake came out as well as it did. 

On top of that, I’m a bit concerned that even if Squenix can get (and keep) its shit together, it might be up against external forces that constrain how it can tell the story of FFVII in the present. For example, from what I’ve heard, the reason Crisis Core never got ported the way so many other games did, and the reason Genesis Rhapsodos has never been seen outside it and a Dirge of Cerberus cameo, is due to image licensing fights with Gackt, Genesis’s face model. CC established Genesis as a key player in the events leading up to the original game’s story, and enough hints have been dropped about CC in the remake that, like I said earlier, it appears to be canon. But if Squenix can’t reach an agreement to use the character again, they might be trapped in a corner where they either have to completely rewrite the parts of the story involving Genesis, or dance around his existence. 

And on top of all that, it’s just expensive and time-consuming as hell to make games on the remake’s scale. Everyone expects the PS4 to be retired by the time Remake Part 2 comes out, which is going to pose huge logistical issues for releasing it. Squenix has been having a rough time of it lately, from what I’ve heard - are they, as a company, capable of handling all those logistical issues? I don’t know, and that makes me nervous. 

Still, they did do a remarkable job with the remake overall, even grappling with the pandemic around the launch date. So maybe they’re getting their shit together again, and things will be smooth sailing from here. We’ll have to wait and see. 

#anonymous #final fantasy vii #ffvii #ffvii remake #spoilers #meta #sanity replies #sanity talks a lot #tumblr massively fucked up the formatting somehow sorry

[darrencrissarmy]

Over the course of a few months in 2018 and 2019, Darren Criss won the Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG award for his portrayal of serial killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story—and checked off nearly every red carpet best dressed list, to boot.This spring he might have to brace himself for an even busier season. In May he will star in and executive produce Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood series for Netflix; he is the star, executive producer and writer of Royalties for Quibi, which launches April 6; and beginning March 24 he will return to Broadway for the Atlantic Theater Company’s revival of David Mamet’s 1975 play, American Buffalo, alongside Sam Rockwell and Laurence Fishburne, with direction by Neil Pepe. (The stars are pictured here together for the first time in this exclusive first-look image.)

Criss will play Bobby, the youngest of a trio of petty thieves who conspire to steal a rare coin collection. Last seen on the Broadway in 2015, dancing on top of a car in six-inch metallic heels in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Criss is itching to get back on stage. “I’m excited to get my hands dirty and put all the pieces together,” he said on a recent phone call while driving around Los Angeles, where he’ll spend another few weeks before moving to New York to start rehearsals on the hustler drama. “It’s all speculation until you really get there and see the characters on the page and how they live in the world.”

Criss has had his sights on American Buffalo for a while now—eight years ago, he first did a reading of the Obie winning play, but nothing came of it. “I’ve always wanted to do this,” he says. “When I found out about the revival, my tail was wagging off of my body.”

American Buffalo opens April 14 at Circle in the Square Theatre.

What is your relationship to American Buffalo? I always say that American Buffalo is an American standard, in the same way that we have jazz standards. If you’re a musician, you have a pretty comprehensive familiarity with Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, and if you’re studying theater, American Buffalo is a really big fixture in a drama student’s upbringing. It’s a heavy-hitter play.

How were you cast? I did a reading of American Buffalo around eight years ago. It was put together by Jeffrey Richards, who is now the producer of this play. Being in that room was wildly exciting to me. I remained in and out of touch with Jeffrey, and I remember reading an article online that Sam Rockwell and Laurence Fishburne were going to star in a limited run of American Buffalo, produced by none other than the same Jeffrey Richards. Within three minutes, I emailed Jeffrey and asked, ‘Hey, do you guys have a Bobby yet? Did my window of opportunity close eight years ago?’ I thought that ship had sailed, but they were very receptive of my enthusiasm and we made it work. It was hot and heavy very quickly.

When did you first meet David Mamet? We all met for the first time a few weekends ago while we were doing a photoshoot. I was thrilled to be able to connect the dots between the playwriting voice and the human voice. He was very lovely to me and I was thrilled to have the support to be in his play.

Have you ever seen a production of American Buffalo before? I’ve read it two or three times in the past, and I’ve seen people do scenes, but I’ve never actually seen a full-blown production of it. That’s neither a good or bad thing. There’s this learning curve of how the play exists in time and with audiences now—you have to work the piece itself as you work on your character. Getting to put my own DNA and fingerprint on these notes is a really cool assignment. And getting to do that at the highest level possible with Neil Pepe, who is the Broadway Whisperer, and with an American master writer and two American master actors is a real honor.

Did you know any of your co-stars prior to being cast? Well, I have a lot of great memories of dancing with Sam at the Vanity Fair party the night he won his Oscar [in 2018 for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri]. I’m a massive fan of Sam’s—we’re both from the Bay area and he has always checked all of the boxes for me. He was a character actor who wasn’t necessarily mainstream, but was widely respected by his peers, and he was always working on cool projects that were wildly different than the last. I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve and have been profuse about my admiration for him. And of course Laurence Fishburne is no slacker, either. He’s a hugely magnanimous actor that has influenced a lot of people, much less actors.

How do you feel about heading back to Broadway? I do a play every two or three years and find any excuse I can get to be back on stage—it’s an opportunity I relish. I’m all about taking hard left turns and hard right turns, and versatility, dexterity and unpredictability is kind of the name of the game for me. When I found out that they were doing the play, I couldn’t believe it. It was just too perfect.

#darren criss #american buffalo #sam rockwell #laurence fishburne #david mamet #neil pepe

[aka-willow]

When We Come

gif

Words: 1298

Characters: Willow Wren, Father Jake, Gooblin, Pip, Pingu, Burr, Spark, Danny, Manny, Dew, Fanisimo, France, Sabbath

Prompt/Tag:

“have you lost your mind?”

“I’m a monster.”

Summary: Willow creates a new game plan, one that her siblings oppose

Timeline: December 2015

Song: Little Drummer Boy - Low

A/N: is my “raised catholic” showing? oop thanks fam

—————————————————————————–

I left that same night, Christmas Eve. The bombshell of a discovery on the flash drive was enough to get me running again, and now, I felt like I couldn’t stop. I had never felt this angry before. This robbed. My time as a kid… gone. I’m never getting that back. Those weren’t even assassinations… those were just murders. That family… they were innocent. They made us do that and we didn’t even fight back, we didn’t even try to stop them. All for whatever fucked up 4-D chess game they were trying to play.

I packed my bags and my laptop, zipping my coat shut for the freezing flight back. I could feel the wind gathering at my hands again—I was close to losing it.

“Are you seriously leaving now?” Pip asked. “Right now? After all…”

“Yup,” I said. “The only thing that’s going to make me feel better is a few more old Facility agents down. I’m going.”

“We should stop that plan,” Danny said. “I think we should put a pause on the Rat Revolution.”

“Are you kidding?” I asked. “They’re still out there, possibly hurting other people, other experiments. I know we’re not the only ones. You’re going to sit there and say we should stop?”

“It’s not safe,” Manny, said, agreeing with his twin. “We have to look out for ourselves.” He sighed. “I don’t want to hurt anyone else. I just… I need time.”

“Pingu,” I said, turning to her, the friend that always seemed onboard with my schemes. “Can you talk some sense into these guys?”

The look she gave me nearly made me lose it then and there. “I can’t,” she whispered. “I’m done trying to save the world. I’m so tired. This isn’t the way to do it.” Pingu looked up at the sky, then back at the sparks leaping from the fire. “The best thing we can do is live our lives as normally as possible. Put all this behind us. Don’t be what they made us.”

“Whatever, I’m going,” I said, again. “See you on the front-page tomorrow.”

“Are you out of your mind?” France said.

“We are what we are,” I said. “They gave us these gifts and they’re going to regret it.”

“No,” Pip said firmly. “This isn’t us.”

“I’m a monster,” I said. “You’re a monster. That’s what we are. That’s what they made us to be. You saw the files just like me. You saw what we did. So, instead of being useless and tapping out, it’s time to balance the scales.” I snapped my fingers, trying to remember the phrase. “It’s like in the Bible,” I said. “Penance.”

“I’m not doing this with you,” said Burr. “I love you, but I’m not doing this. Pingu’s right.”

I stared at the Lab Rats in disbelief, even though some part of me always knew this was coming. Even back at the Facility I had been the one with a grudge, the one who refused to give up on a fight. It’s what got me put in isolation so often. It’s the reason I remember being put in that chair so often. But I didn’t fight back on Monster. And now I have to.

“Well, I’m leaving. See you guys.” I started walking towards the open clearing beyond the tower, looking for a place to take off and start on back to my base. It was around nine at night, still early. I bet I could get another two agents out by tomorrow. There were footsteps in the grass behind me, someone running, and when I turned, I saw Fanisimo jogging after me.

“Wait, Heckergal, wait.”

“Are you coming?”

He cast his eyes down and shook his hand, his mouth turned downward. “No. But I have the chip for you. To inhibit your powers. Let me at least insert it before you go.” He held it out and I watched as the metal glinted in the moonlit.

“No,” I said quickly. “I changed my mind. I don’t need it.”

“Look, you really should…”

“No!” I said again. “I’m fine. I’ve got it under control.”

Fanisimo sighed and dug into his backpack. “Then at least take these.” He passed me a pair of goggles, metallic and built to last, well-made. “It’s for when you’re flying. You know, for the wind. I know you used to use all sorts of things. These are better, and there’s a bunch of screen functions on these too. Super useful.”

I took them from Fanisimo and tucked them over my head as I took a breath. “Thanks, dude.”

He ran a hand through his black hair and scratched under his nose as he looked down at the ground. “Yeah. You know we’re always here for you. Stay safe?”

“I’ll be safe,” I said, but as I took off, I had a feeling it would be a long time before we met again.

I flew back to New York City in record time, the goggles allowing me to go faster than ever without my eyes completely drying out or being sealed shut by the wind, and I played around with the display as I shot across the sky, the wind like a cannon around me. I looked up two more agents from my files. Oliver and Lisa Bassi. Married, met on the job, based on their shared Facebook account. Home for the holidays. Merry fucking Christmas.

I had too much nervous energy that night when I got in, around midnight, and instead of sleeping, I stood in the back of Father Jake’s midnight mass at St. Giles. I hadn’t been in a while, but if I was going to do what I planned to do, I should at least make an appearance. I knew I was spiraling, on a collision course to disaster, but I couldn’t stop myself. I was going to find Doctor Turner. Destroy the Monster Book. Those were my only objectives. What happened after didn’t matter.

HYDRA made a mistake. I have nothing left to lose now.

In the back of the candlelit mass, I said a prayer, even followed along in the second-hand bible that Father Jake had given me ages ago. This is what they wanted. This is what they’ll get. After the service, I found Father Jake back at the altar, long after everyone else had left. He put out the remaining candles and nearly didn’t see me in the deepening gloom of the church.

“Willow?” he asked. “You’re still here? Santa’s not going to come if you’re still up.” He chuckled a little at his own joke, but then sobered up. “Is everything okay? I know you’ve had a rough few weeks.”

“I don’t think Santa’s coming for me this year,” I said, reflecting back on his previous statement. “I guess… I just wanted to… I don’t know. I have a lot of things I regret and I don’t know what to do, or if was even my fault. I… found out about it. Tonight.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, not really,” I sighed. “Um… when it comes to penance, you’ve mentioned it before, what do I have to do? I mean, what do you usually tell people to do?”

“Do you want to do a confession?”

“Not really.”

The stained glass above the altar seemed to glow as the moonlight poured in. “Well, it comes down to serving others. What can you do to help others? Will that make it right?”

Oliver and Lisa Bassi were dead by seven the next morning. Two bullets from Heidi Rye’s gun. Two more HYDRA agents gone. By eight, I was visiting the old lady to deliver her daily grilled cheese sandwich and wish her a Merry Christmas so that she would not be alone.

#ww writing #willow wren #father jake #gooblin #pip #sabbath #spark #burr #pingu #danny #manny #france #fanisimo #dew

[unto-myself-together]

Of Stories and Songs: Ch 7

A Haunted Mansion fanfic (Disney).

Author notes: So now we have come full circle here.  We've come back to the original short prompt story that I wrote way back when on Tumblr.  Now, since then, I think I've gone over and given this scene very important (but very subtle) changes.  And Solomon Gracey did end up changing from the original person I had him be.   Also this chapter.  Took.  Forever.  To complete.  It doesn't help that it seems to be the longest so far.  Eventually, I did have to just cut it at some point, because it just didn't seem like it was going to stop anytime soon.   Lots more references to Haunted Mansion myth/lore and media.  I think one of the most important is the sailor aspect of it.  The original story idea the Imagineers had was to write sort of a pirate tale, which some say is the reason for the ship weather vane attached to the Disneyland mansion as well as a certain blocked off tunnel.  And so, I did very much plan for/liked the idea putting a more sea-worthy, sailor-y aspect to the story.  It's interesting to note that ships of about this time period (late 19th century) had both engines and auxiliary sails (in case the engines failed, mostly).   It remains to be seen whether sailors in the late 19th century shipping industry had accents, but I thought that, perhaps, since this character has likely seen many sights and was practically raised off of the sea that he'd have some unique way of speaking.   Speaking of which, though, I didn't quite realize that the song from Pirates of the Caribbean 4 was an actual song from way back in the 17th century (guesstimate).  Nobody knows for sure how old it is, because like most folk tunes the origins are unclear.  It was collected by a man in the late 19th century, and published in a book alongside other folk songs and sea shanties.  He didn't create the song, simply collected it.   Finally, I would like to take this time to dedicate this chapter to my friend, Majora.

@majora-the-trekking-hobbit

Reasoning is partially because of a...erm...particular character that shows up here.  But also because of all the support you've given me and this story!  Thank you for always reblogging, and thank you for always taking the time to listen to me and give me advice! I really appreciate it!   Art references used: Staircase:http://www.doombuggies.com/secrets_conservatory.php https://themeparkuniversity.com/disney/disneys-haunted-mansion-man-spiderweb-real-hoax/ https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Endless_Staircase Hattie:https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2015/07/15/disneylands-hatbox-ghost-mystery-solved/30216909/ https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS720US720&biw=1293&bih=665&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=yAuDXI2SD-vK5gLxtLPoAw&q=haunted+mansion+hatbox+ghost&oq=haunted+mansion+hatbox+ghost&gs_l=img.3..0j0i5i30l2j0i24l2.43127.44878..44976...0.0..0.210.1061.6j3j1......1....1..gws-wiz-img.......0i8i30j0i30.9t6rb10BpQM#imgrc=zew4FFwUqtcCOM: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatbox_Ghost Cape (because I needed extra help with how to fold it): https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS720US720&biw=1293&bih=665&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=GAyDXLGEDIfZ5gKeoZjgDQ&q=assassin%27s+creed+cape&oq=assassin%27s+creed+cape&gs_l=img.3..0j0i8i30l8j0i24.120121.124788..125000...0.0..0.93.1629.22......1....1..gws-wiz-img.....0..0i67.bP3kELME6yc#imgdii=XUa-qMHbTqdtkM:&imgrc=yAsMXH24fr3GUM: ~~~~ Trigger warnings: ghosts, death concepts/discussions, murder, suicide, abuse, blood, lots of scary stuff (horror), implied sexual abuse, cursing (damn and hell), drug abuse, domestic violence, attempted rape (never completed; in a later chapter). 

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Table of Contents:

Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 ,

Chapter 6 , Chapter 7

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~~~Ch. 7:  The Fearsome Foursome~~~

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~ My heart is pierced by Cupid, I disdain all glittering gold, There is nothing can console me, but my jolly sailor bold. -1891 collection, Real Sailor-Songs by John Ashton ~

~~~ ~~                     

                     “Good evening, Master Gracey.”

The Ghost Host politely responded.

“Don’t give me that.  You know precisely that my evening cannot possibly be good with you banging about the house.  Must you ruin my reading?” Karen shifted back; the floor beneath her creaked.   Solomon caught sight of her cowering against the wall, and he stared at her dispassionately.   “Who is this?” He scowled, and it made him look all the terrifying because it gave an impression that he held no sympathy for her. “A mortal?  Damn it, man. How many times must I tell you to stop letting mortals inside?! Get her out of here, now!”     “With or without her companion, who seems to have been…mislaid?” 

The man spun round, away from her, and stared at the empty void, the source of the voice, and the air seemed to shift dangerously around him.

“You’ve lost track of one of them? You’ve done that on purpose, haven’t you?!”              “Perish the thought. I’m sure they can be reacquired.               I’ve heard some of the vases in the west end shattering.     Perhaps it’s them lugging their…hmmm shaken physical presence through                                                      the halls….”

Everything fell into an uneasy, unsettling stillness. “The west end…vases…you mean the burial urns?” Somehow, the anger that seethed off of the man was palpable, much like a thick fog permeating the air.  Only it was a weighted sensation and not a physical appearance.   “The burial urns?  Where my mother’s burial urn resides?”  

She could swear she could feel a rumble coming from the house, as if the floorboards had responded to his words. Underneath her palms, the wood began to tremble.   “Breaking the burial urns?! You..You!  Breaking the west end vases!  Oh I’ve no doubt those urns are breaking, but it isn’t the mortal breaking the urns, now is it?!  You vile, disgusting twisted little demon!” The man spat, and if anger had been a liquid she had imagined that it would have come spilling from his mouth straight to the floorboards with the way he spoke.                “Come now. I can’t imagine why you would care…”  

The voice purred in a low tone.                               “It’s just a speck of dust.                                  And after all….                    You never were that well acquainted with her anyways…” 

That was the wrong thing to say that was the wrong thing to say That was the wrong thing to say.   She wanted to scream at the Ghost Host, but she was quite sure he wouldn’t listen because his voice sounded far too pleased with himself.

The shaking had abruptly gone silent.  Solomon Gracey stumbled back a moment, before his clenched, shaking fist mimicked the tremors.  And the rumbling began anew, only this time it was STRONGER. “Care to repeat that statement, sir?”

The various vases and objects that scattered the halls seemed to dance and jump; some of them even floated in midair. Every breath she took became almost painfully heavy, as it had seemed that the air had availed itself of logic and chose to be swept up in some invisible gathering vacuum.                                    “Now, now.                          Think of all the priceless objects you yourself                                      are on the verge of throwing.”   Master Gracey did not appear swayed, and Karen wasn’t willing to stick around any longer.  It was getting far too difficult to breath, and she wasn’t exactly sure she knew what was happening to the hallway.  She lunged for the nearest door, practically tripping through it as it swung open.   And instantly fell into darkness.   Not just fell though; she rolled.   The room before her apparently wasn’t flat or level at all, and the act of falling through the door caused her to tumble down, down down. Until she managed to catch hold of a piece of wood and cotton.   Her legs were dangling, a frightful change in orientation that left her clinging to the wood and cotton by hands alone.

She could hear the door swing close, and a whispering echoed off the halls before the room began to brighten.  Candelabras quite near to her up on a pedestal inexplicably came aflame, and she dared to look behind and below. Staircases. Staircases as far as the eye could see. Going up, going down, going sideways, going upside-down.  Any which way you looked, with no rhyme or reason or even a contextual explanation for why there was a gigantic, chasm-like room full of staircases.   Her eyes grew wide to see it, and grew wider still when she felt the lifesaving wood she clung begin to creak and give way.   She was apparently on a staircase too, albeit a decrepit one that was torn off into a sheer drop.  Her legs flailed as she struggled to get back up, but she could not swing them properly to hoist herself up the sides.  Already, it took all of her strength just to hold on, and with each attempted swing she could hear the wood creaking and tearing further.   “H-Help…”  She weakly cried out towards the door.  Why oh why did the door have to close? She looked all around for another staircase to jump onto, but none of them looked close enough to make it.   The pressure of gravity and the weight it bore down on was numbing her hands.  She again attempted to hoist herself up, but only managed to get the length of her arms to cling to the wood.  A relief to her fingertips, but the muscles of her upper body still screamed at her to release. “Help!  Help me!”  She cried even louder, hoping to attract the attention of either of the two bickering ghosts.  Or any ghost at all.  But only the echoes of her own voice came back to haunt her.   Were they just going to leave her?  Did they care?  Did they even notice she wasn’t in the hallway anymore? She was quite sure that the Ghost Host wouldn’t care, but that man, Solomon, too? The wood bent further underneath her, and the resulting lurch held a tone of finality that she was forced to acknowledge.  

….. This was it, wasn’t it? This was how she died.   She tried to keep her eyes from watering up as she thought about Michael.  He was already dead, wasn’t he?   If he survived that fall, he likely had to deal with a lot of the same stuff she did.  It would be just like that Ghost Host to string her along on a thin thread of hope.   She tried another swing to hoist herself up, but wood bent again in a dangerous direction and she was frightened to continue, even as her arms were getting exhausted.   Her parents.   Her parents didn’t even know she was here.  They were off on vacation visiting relatives in New York and wouldn’t be back until the day after tomorrow.  What would they do when they came back and she wasn’t home? Would they even know where to look for her? Tears streaming down her face, they fell off her chin to the deep chasm below.                             This was how she died, wasn’t it?

The tears were making her eyesight blurry.  The door in front of her, out of reach, taunting her with safety, started to wiggle in her vision.   Bright and murky to her tear smudged eyes.   “Please help….”  Her cry was even weaker now.   The strain of holding up her own weight. Feet dangling below.   The crackling of wood underneath her arms.   

                                         Crack.                                             No. Nothing to lose now, she swung herself again.  The wood bent once more.                                         CRACK.                                          Please! One tip of her foot managed to make contact with the top of the wood she clung to.  She tried to maneuver it so that she could use it as a hook to get the rest of hers--                                          SNAP!            The light of the candles moving further and further….away….                                Tears falling upwards.                              Stomach dropping down.                           Arms wildly reaching around.                                        Something.                                        Anything.                                             .... .                                     …Nothing… ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                              Falling Falling Falling.                                 We all Fall down.                           A little teeny tiny speck.                                 In a Giant Well. The girl fell faster than expected.                             Gravity is so funny, isn’t it? Just before her body struck the ground, a flash of light came.                                Funny, funny, Gravity. And the girl was held, suspended and unconscious.  Her tiny mortal frame, still breathing, looked so small against the majesty of the never ending stairs.                      Here it is.  You’ve hit rock bottom, child. And the flash of light coalesced to wrap around the cut of her figure.  

Floating. Glowing. She lay there. Inches from the ground…. ….But it would not be the ground for long. For the light twisted her around; the orientation of the staircases was too lopsided.   Indeed, she was not facing the floor at all.  For she had fallen upwards. She had just avoided the fate of becoming a splat on the ceiling.   Another flash of light, this time pulsating.  With each rhythmic spurt, the light turned into the shape of a spider’s web.   And the girl like a fly in its center.

                         Foolish mortals they say.  Foolish mortals.                                  Why am I here again?                                   What was I doing?                        Foolish mortals.  The sound of the sea.                                Gentle waves, gentle.                                     I smell a rat.                              Wiggling up the stairs.                                       No. Not a rat.                                      A gentleman.                                      Who is that?                                       Good man.                                   Very nice man.                                      I like him.                            Oh, I like him.  He can pass.                                Sheep and shepherds.

A man appeared.  Or rather, a figure materialized.  Out from the wind of the hallway, his head, then his body, then his arms. Bent over, he walked with a cane.  Even in spite of the fact that his legs had yet to appear.

                                   There was a crooked man.                                  He walked with a crooked cane.                                    But everybody loved him.                                     Just and all the same. On his head was a top hat.  In his ghostly smile, a gold tooth. A cane in one hand.  And in the opposite, a box.   He raised the box up like a lantern as he came to the chasm that was filled with the staircases.   And he tapped his cane.  Once.  Twice.   The floating mortal’s body jerked in mid-air, another flash of light scattering and breaking the glow that had held a tentative spider web pattern.  The body fell a few feet to where he was, before stopping again in mid-air right before it hit the ground.   The man leaned forward, as if to inspect the mortal’s face, before letting out a grumble.  In a swoop of his cape, he turned to go back down the hall whence he came from.  And the unconscious body of the mortal floated along behind him akin to being pulled by invisible balloon strings.   Down, down the hall, the unconscious mortal in tow. ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Babbling and gurgling as it trickled along; it was a delight to hear the river and give herself a reprieve from the nightmares of the house.   That’s why she came here…That’s always why. Her voice was carried along with the sounds of the water, just as the leaves were swept up in the current.   She sang low enough that any passerby would have to strain to listen in, but that likely wasn’t even necessary.  The little open space among the density of the trees wasn’t something people were likely to look for to begin with. And her emerald green uniform would surely provide camouflage at any rate.   Her voice was wordless.  It was just tones, going from high to low in whatever fashion pleased her.  And she had loosened her hair so that the blond locks hung around her face like a curtain protecting her from the outside world.  The tears would come to fall behind them. She sung of the pains of the day.  She sung of what she would have to face should she return. She sung to escape. A bit of peace, a bit of paradise, a bit of comfort, a bit of calm. It would not last forever. Singing her life away in that glade. But in that moment, she sang for herself, even if it was just to bemoan the inevitability that she would have to stop. “They’ll take yer offer, you know.” Her voice caught off in a startle, and she turned to see a man beside her. The weathered state of his skin suggested long hours working in the sun and made him look older, but there was a certain youthfulness about his eyes that suggested he was perhaps only a handful of years away from her own age.   He smiled rather good-naturely and openly, even as his back was bent over in an uncomfortable state and he leaned heavily on the gnarled cane in his hand. “Is this spot taken?”  He asked with humor, nodding to the very empty surroundings beside her, “Or would you wish me to leave you be?” “You….are more than welcome to it, sir.  I cannot stop you.” “But you can say ‘no’, miss.  And I’ll honor that and be off with myself.  Though not before I compliment the owner of the very pretty voice that I happened to come upon while looking for a spot meself on the river…”  He had a strange accent about him. 

“You come here often, then, sir?” “Aye.  To fish.” “You’re a fisherman?” “Used to be more than that.  I was a sailor once.  But I’m content to dabble in what fish I can sell now.” “What happened?”  She asked, a glance towards his crooked back. “A storm we happened upon, and one of the riggings broke and snapped me back as I tried to secure our cargo.  Cargo ended up securing me; right on the deck I was pinned.  Neither my leg nor my back have ever been a right straight since.”

“That sounds so awful.  I’m so sorry…” But he waved her apology away. “It’s all right.  My ol’ Captain gives me a stipend now.  For bravery and the loss of my good work, and on the account that I’m young.  Can’t do much anymore, but the fishing helps.  And I can still manage to go out on the water a bit whenever I get lonely for the open sea.  The adventure of it.” His eyes glistened.  “I may not be the richest in the world, but I count my stars every day that I’m alive.  And I’m happy where I’m at, and that’s really all that matters, isn’t it?” “Yes…”  She agreed, solemnly going back to staring at the river.  Before she realized he was still standing.   “Oh! Won’t you sit?  That must be painful.” “Now is that what you want, Miss?  I ask again, because I am not one to intrude upon a lady if she means to have a private moment to herself.  And I didn’t mean to disturb you if that’s really what you came out here for.” Her eyes snapped to his at this.  His chocolate brown eyes softening as she did, and they proved that he was genuine in his statement. People usually didn’t ask her what she wanted.  Raised as a servant all her life, kept in that house all her life, it wasn’t really a concept that she was used to.  It was hard to maintain ‘privacy’ or any semblance of independence when you had to share a room with three other girls, and were at the beck and call of others.   “I want...I want you to join me,” She said. ”Please.  And, perhaps, tell me what you meant before.  That they would accept my offer…who is ‘they’?” “The mermaids, of course,” He said, grinning at her as he carefully settled down with his good leg going first.   “They’ll come to ya, lured by the singing.” “I thought they were only out on the ocean.”  She smiled back at him.  The thought of mermaids never crossed her mind.  She wasn’t even sure if she believed in them, but the man’s smile was infectious.  And his relaxed air about him as he spoke was addicting. “No no, miss.  Sure, they love the open sea air better, but they’re just as likely to be spotted in the rivers.  Anytime you see a glint of scaly tails that looks too big to be a fish…and beautiful hair that’s too impossible to belong to a human….That’s when you’ll know.  Mermaids about in these waters.” “And they’ll come to me to eat me, right?  I’ve heard stories about their appetites.” “Appetites they have in spades, true.  But it’s for sailors like meself or pirates that they’re most brutal.” He patted his chest. “Don’t completely blame them none either; a right lot of us ain’t always the pleasant sort.  But for the young ladies who sit so mournfully, they’ll come to you and say so sweetly ‘Why, what a lovely voice you have!  And how sad you look!  Will you tell us whatever is wrong, that we might fix it?’” Here she gave a smile both sad and amused, because he had clearly noticed her distress and thought to ask about it in a roundabout method with a little story.   “I’m a servant in a household…” She paused, thinking to edit out too many details.  He was a stranger.  “The eldest son of the master has been making things…difficult for me.  He asks for things I do not wish to give. And I cannot garner sympathy from the other servants because they all either lecture me or shun me.  I feel alone.” 

The man was silent.  She looked over at him to see him pensively staring out into the water.  The river bubbled along the banks where they sat. “Well,” He said, flashing her a kind smile. “I suppose the mermaids would say then ‘Come away come away with us!  We’ll take you down to the depths of the sea, and none will be able to reach you!’” She laughed, a noise that was nearly unknown to her at that point.  “But I would drown!” “Not so!  The kiss of the mermaid would give you the lungs of a fish, and you could wander the depths at will!  And they may do more than that, and grant upon you the chance to join among their immortal selves.  To swim freely through the ocean, and have all the reefs as your personal boudoir, and to dance among the dolphins as they leap into the sky!” He accented this note with a hand waving stretching into the heavens. “And then…” he continued. “You needn’t ever come back.  Or, if the thought fancies you, you could return and unleash torment upon the young man of your former master.  He will never know peace after hearing the siren’s song of the mermaids!” As his tale grew more wild and fanciful, she couldn’t help but giggle along to it.  It sounded like the sort of story of her girlhood dreams, all the fairytales she grew up with.  And she couldn’t help herself but to continue playing along.   “Oh but I couldn’t!  If the lovely mermaids would have me, I would be far too busy making friends with the fish and the whales.  And learning about all the ocean life.  Or perhaps simply gazing upon the waves as they crash on the shore.” But her smile faltered, and the solemnity returned a bit.   “Besides which…I don’t think I could stomach taking revenge.  Even if he is a beastly man at times.  I suppose that makes me weak willed, doesn’t it?” “Not at all.  I think that shows a strength of character.  Few others would even hesitate; don’t judge yourself by their standards.” He touched her very gently at the shoulder, so much so that she thought she imagined it at first.  But when she went to turn, it was clear he meant to attract her attention. “Even if you were not to return for the sake of revenge,” He repeatedly tapped his chest with a single finger with a sheepish demeanor, “Won’t you take pity on this poor fisherman, and perhaps return to show him all the best spots to catch his favorite striped bass?” And she laughed again, this time more freely and warmly as he grinned from ear to ear. “Of course, of course sir! And you will never go a day without a full boat or a full stomach!” “Aha!”  He cried, and he held his cane to the sky like he’d proudly pulled Excalibur itself from the waters, “And I shall be wealthy!  Wealthy in fish, that is!” He laughed alongside her, the two of the chuckling more like school children than the young adults they were.  As they sat, leaning on each other for support, by the banks of the river. “…My name is Emily…” she said, as she continued to lean on his shoulder, not caring at all for impropriety in that moment. “May I ask yours, sir?” “Roland is the name, miss.” He said, making no move to push her off nor to take advantage of it.  “Although folks always call me ‘Rolly’…”                                                 “Rolly…” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everything ached.  Her head, her arms, her legs.  Her vision was blurry, but it became clearer as she attempted to sit up and gaze her surroundings.   The actual attempt at sitting up, however, failed.   She flopped back onto whatever soft thing she awoke on, a new ache of pain accompanying her back.  Whatever did she do to cause this? Where was she? She remembered a river.   …..No.  That wasn’t her.  That was someone else.   ….That was another memory. And a hazy one, at that; she knew enough to recognize Emily as the one crying, but the man remained a bigger part of a mystery.  He seemed so eerily familiar, yet the image of his appearance could not stay in her attention and blurred out like the remnants of a recently forgotten dream. A more comforting dream than she was willing to admit; though she ached, she felt calm.   Complete calm.  At peace with herself.   But her backtrack through her own memories brought with it a steady uneasiness.  She remembered that she was in a mansion, but she couldn’t remember the last thing she…. The fall!

Karen shot up in place, newly wide eyed, hands grasping around for purchase. She grabbed more soft things, her brain finally starting to wake up enough to register that she was laying on an old, but clean looking, mattress.   A mattress on top of an old brass bedframe, a bundle of blankets piled on top of her explaining the warmth.  Now that those selfsame blankets were removed from her upper half, she got a sense of how truly freezing it was.   The cold was turning the gears in her head.   If there really was life after death, how did you know if you’ve already died? She frantically grabbed at her own wrist, and was rewarded with a strong but quickened pulse.  The remnants of spider bites still layered over her hands.  She painfully pinched one of them to the point where a tiny drop of blood oozed out.  Those were the telltale signs…right? A sigh of relief left her lips, and settled down under the blankets for a moment.  Her aching limbs and even her head were starting to feel a little bit better, as if the little bit of movement eased her body back into remembering how to work.   She wondered what part of the house she was in.  The room was slightly illuminated with a bluish-green glow.  And all around her were piles of…the best way she could describe it was “junk”.  There was junk everywhere.  Old trunks, old books scattered about, chairs, wicker baskets, vases, tableware, small statues and figurines, model boats, and portrait frames without any portraits in them.   Her chest heaved as she took in a deep breath as she nuzzled the pillow.  There were no Ghost Hosts to pester her, no memories currently assailing her, no creepy statues chasing after her, no dark chasms full of staircases to fall into.  The bed, even though it sadly was not her bed, brought with it a sense of complete peace.   She could get used to this.   There was a gentle scratching sound in the room.  She had ignored it until now, but her thoughts had come full circle and began to wonder how she had gotten in this bed. Surely, someone had put her here.   And that, perhaps, they were still in the room with her.   The bed dipped and creaked as she slowly rose.  Her body was mostly better, but her arms still hurt.  The result, no doubt, of hanging on for dear life not too long ago.   The chill in the air forced her to take one of the blankets and wrap it around herself like a cape before she made her way through a tentative path marked through the junk piles.  In a different setting, back in Mr. Vance’s shop, she’d have loved nothing more than to go through all of these old things and admire them.  Perhaps even wonder about their histories.   But now she wondered if touching things was partially to blame for all the memories she’d been seeing.  She wondered if she would not cause herself more grief than it was worth to trudge through mountains of books or a pile of…

….Boxes…. She stopped at the boxes.  Unusually shaped boxes…like luggage. They must have had a specific purpose, since they all looked similar, but she didn’t know quite know enough about travel history to be able to place what they were for.   But one of them… …looked just like the strange fishing tackle that Mr. Mortimer always carried. She heard shifting nearby, she was getting closer to the glow, and she looked around the corner to find… A man with no head. She stumbled back into boxes, partially tripping on the blanket.  In spite of all the creepy things she’d seen so far, this was still a sight she hadn’t been expected.   The headless body was clothed in what looked like a buttoned down sailor’s raincoat, with a high collar cape paired over it.  An overly fancy top hat hovered in midair above the blank space where a head ought to be.  And the whole being was glowing in dull blues and greens.   

Her noisy retreat apparently caught the attention of the headless man, or it would be assumed to be the case, for he stopped wilting a stick of wood and straightened up. “Awake, are we?” The voice caused her to shriek and back away from the boxes she’d just stumbled into.   There was a head in one of them, shining with such a strong, green light that the box itself may as well have been made of a see-through material.  Perhaps it was.   The head chuckled at her reaction, and the whole box toppled over to roll across the floor towards the body.   Denying physics, the box and its contained head roll jumped as it reached its destination, the degree of spin it displayed was just enough so that the handle of the box easily snagged the waiting hand of the body.   Box in hand now, the body took a few steps towards her, the head disappearing from the box only to reappear moments later atop the pair of shoulders.  The ghost giving her an all too familiar gold toothed grin all the while.   Now that the two were reunited, and she had a moment to fully look at him… “…Mr….Mortimer…?” “Aye, young’un.” She did a double take.  Looking from his newly completed self, all green and bluish see through glow, to the box he held.  She recognized it as the very same box he often used as fishing tackle. Her mouth agape, she took in his extremely skeletal, glow-y appearance. “What….you…you can’t be dead!” “Oh?  Am I not?” He said, clearly amused as he made a show of examining his own arms. “We just talked to you this evening!  You…You were alive just this evening!”   “A lot can happen in a few hours, young’un.”  He said, completely stoney-faced. “Did you…did you die since then?  It wasn’t of old age was it?  It can’t be.  You don’t look more than 40—“ “Thank you kindly,” He said, this time with a smile and even greater amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Who killed you then?! What happened?!  It was that Ghost Host, wasn’t it—“ He raised a hand to stop her. “Young’un, it was a joke.  Believe you me, I’ve been dead since long before you were even born.” It took her a few seconds to process those words. “But…..but you were alive…” She said again, softly this time, as she stared off at nothing in particular. “Was I, young’un?  Or did I just look alive?”  

She attempted, again, to think this through.  He still glowed with an unearthly light, and she realized she could count ribs underneath the sheen of the raincoat.  He was like a skeleton.  A talking, walking skeleton in clothing.   “…I’m still dreaming, aren’t I?  Or maybe I’m dead.   I-I’m dead…I…I-I-I really fell to my death off that staircase, and now my body is just lying there, or maybe it’s just gone splat and there’s nothing left but a bunch of c-cracked bones and blood an-“ “--Young’un, you’re not-” He stepped forward, and she stumbled back.   He raised his hand again, but this time it was a gesture of surrender.   “It’s all right, young’un.”  In spite of the skulled visage, she could still see traces of the Mr. Mortimer she knew.  It was there in the way he now looked at her; full of concern and consideration. “It’s all right,” He said again, softer now, “You aren’t dead, and I’m not gonna hurt you.  I’m no different than all the times you’ve seen me before.  You just know a bit more about me, that’s all.” Again, the gears in her head tried to work themselves around this.  All those moments she’d seen him in town.  All the people he’d talked to.   “You’re dead…All this….all this time…?  The.  The people.  In town…” “Been doin’ this for decades now.  Not always here, you see.  Every forty years or so, I’ve had to go the town over to make sure no one got too suspicious that I hadn’t died off yet.  Age myself here and there so I look like I’m gaining years like everyone else.  I fancy I put on a right good show; no one ever questions whether that ol’ fisherman stumbling around is alive.” He gave her a winning grin.   “Although I reckon it’s pretty common to assume anyone and everyone who can stumble around is alive, eh?”  He said. Her mouth went dry as she looked back up at him. “All the…all the times I sat by you while you fishing at the river...a-and you would tell me stories…” His smile disappeared as he nodded solemnly.  “Yes….I was dead all of those times, too.” Her head was spinning.  She felt betrayed, but for reasons beyond her grasp or understanding.  He had felt cold all those times she had been near him.  Cold to the touch, cold in his presence, cold just by looking at him; those inexplicable feelings were beginning to make sense. And something else clicked. “…That was you in the memory…” “That was what now?” “You’re Rolly…Rolly Mortimer…Is that…?  That has to be…Your full name.  And you were by the river.  Emily Slater,” She said, facing him fully, the anxiety replaced with a strange sort of excitement as she regained the energy to stand. 

Flickers of emotion consumed his face, but they settled on furrowed concern. “Emily…How did you come by that name?” She shifted uncomfortably.  “I’ve been seeing strange things.  Ever since I came here. I don’t know.  They’re kinda like funny daydreams.  And bits of info just sort of pop into my head all the time…” His concern wearied off into contemplation.  “Daydreams, you say?  And do they happen a lot whenever you happen to touch something?” She nodded glumly.  “Especially this.” Her hand almost automatically went straight for it; the ring in her jacket pocket. She had to stop herself and overturn her jacket instead.  Guilt tripped her a little as the ring tripped out onto the floor. “Sorry, I just.  I just don’t want to-“ “Touch it.  I know.” Whatever he was thinking, it was certainly emotional.  The profound sense of sorrow in his eyes laid bare the reasons for his slow reluctance to set aside his box and pick the ring up.   “Is it yours, Mr. Mortimer?” He did not say anything immediately, but turned the ring over in his hand admiring its every facet.   “….No, it is not.  It belonged to Emily’s mother, and it was the only thing she had left to remember either of her parents by.” He tenderly put the ring into a hidden compartment in one of the old dressers nearby.  His gaze still entranced enough to stare at the dresser.   “I will have to...I will have to try and return to Emily when I get the opportunity…” That peaked Karen’s interest…and she couldn’t understand why.  It felt like an urge, much like all of the strange emotions and images that had been assaulting her up until this point. “Is Emily here?  In this house?” Mr. Mortimer paused.  “She…is present in the house, yes.  But…” “….Is….there something wrong with her…?” Mr. Mortimer stood staring at the dresser he’d put the ring in.  Silently, he was shaking his head.  Shaking his head and going to fetch a gnarled old cane from nearby that held all the markings of being a wilting project itself.   “It doesn’t matter much, young’un.  We aren’t likely to meet her at this time of night, so you needn’t get your hopes up too much.  Besides, she’s not…” A wince of sorrow. “…She isn’t quite able to have visitors.  She doesn’t respond much to any of us who knew her in life, she’s not likely to respond to a stranger.” “Is she like the ghost that I met that was stuck in the wallpaper?” “…One of the Wanderers…” “Wanderers?” He grumbled.  “Now see here, young’un.  Unlike some people ‘round here, I don’t mind too much the questions.  It’s only natural to be curious.  But that don’t change the fact that you have no business being here in the first place.” He lifted his cane and waved it in the air alongside his scolding.  Never hit her, never touched her, but the way it danced it was clear he was a little peeved about this.  And, for her part, she felt a little guilty.   “I did tell you, didn’t I?  I warned you not to go off and follow Nell home!  And just what did you do, hmm?”  His cane settled down again and he gave her a hard stare. “B-but we didn’t!  At least, not really…” She thought back to Michael, insisting they get out of the rain… that Nell said Tom Sawyer's Road was said to be a faster.... Wait.  We. 

Michael! “We indeed.  I’ll take a gander and assume that both you and young Michael came in here together, am I correct?” Michael!  Her face went hot as she grew very angry at herself.  How did she forget about him?  Why was her head all full of concerns about Emily and not Michael???  

Again, an eerie sensation overtook her, and nausea waved up.  It was like her own thoughts and feelings were slowly being replaced, one after the other. 

“The floorboards.”  Her voice was meek as she tried to clench her stomach against the nausea.  “We were together, but that Ghost Host pulled him underneath the floorboards and I haven’t seen him since.”   She looked over with fearful eyes, “I don’t..I don’t even know how long I’ve been here, how long I’ve been asleep up in this room. You don’t think he’s…” “Doubtful.  That wretch has been tricking mortals into coming inside for ages now, but he doesn’t often kill them.  I think he finds it part of the ‘entertainment’.  But we ought to leave right away, before he comes looking for you.  Especially if you have the ‘gift’.  This place isn’t kind to amateur psychics; there are too many of us for it to be safe…” “Wait.  What do you mean, ‘safe’?  What will….what will happen to me if I stay and be, I don’t know, ‘un-safe’?”

He paused again, as if deciding whether or not to give an explanation. “You said you met a soul who had been stuck in the wallpaper, right?” “Yeah.” “Was there anything you found a bit odd about them?” She thought about it.  “She had pale white eyes and no pupils.  And she thought I was Emily.  At least, at first she did.  After she got a good look at me, her eyes started to look more normal…” When she looked back at Mr. Mortimer, he had cautious hope in his eyes.   “She managed to see you, did she?  See you as you really are…” “What does that mean?” “Poor souls like that, they all have stark white eyes.  Like the pupils had right been stolen from them.  They’re called Wanderers.  Or Wandering Souls.  Or the Lost.  It’s all the same meaning.  They don’t immediately recognize you for a mortal because oftentimes they can’t.  Most of the time, they don’t even realize what year it is….or that they’re even dead.  Stuck in the past, some might say, and certainly not by choice.  And many of them have to relive the same old horrors of their life again…and again….and again…” “That’s….that’s horrible!  Isn’t there any way to help them or something?  Free them?”   Mr. Mortimer shook his head.  “None of us really know how to help them.  We have suspicions…” And here he looked her over with sorrowful eyes. “…But those suspicions have been met with disagreements.  And they don’t always come with permanent solutions either.  Not even the Madame, as all-knowing as she seems to be, knows exactly what to do for them.  Elsewise, I’d think we wouldn’t have any Wanderers at all.” He tapped the side of his head, next to his own eyes. “When they get their pupils back, it usually means they’re starting to see their surroundings as it is.  And we’ve managed this a few times for some of them, but they often just lose them again.  And again….and again....” Karen grew silent.   “The reason I mention them…young’un.  Is because.  If you remain, untrained, in this house where there are so many of us souls…You’ll become Lost as well…” She felt her own eyes grow as wide as saucers. “I’ll be stuck in the wallpaper??!” Mr. Mortimer opened his mouth, but that quickly spiraled into laughter.   “N-No…No…young’un.  You…You still got a body...Bodies can’t go off and melt themselves into walls, ya know…” He settled down into a cough. “But it’s your mind you ought to be concerned about.  If you keep on like this, having everyone’s feelings and thoughts going through your head, you’ll eventually start to think they’re yours.  You’ll start to forget stuff about yourself and start to ‘remember’ stuff about some of the souls here.  And with nearly a thousand of us…well…you’ll be right swallowed up like a boat capsizing out in a storm.” “And I’ll…be someone else?  I’ll forget myself …forever?” He gave her a kind smile and shook his head. “No, not forever.  Mortal psychics have an advantage here; you’ve got a body still.  That alone can help anchor you to the present in ways that we can’t.  Mortals don’t get Lost for long, but that may require that they’re removed from us souls so they can recover…” “But if I’m not!  If I end up trapped here.  A-and I get Lost…” “Now don’t you go and worry about that.  There’s a whole crowd of us here in this one single house; someone would find you and let you out.  It’d be impossible for you to go unnoticed.”

“If I’m found by someone nice, you mean…” Karen said bitterly, thinking back to the Ghost Host. “Most of us are a right sort.  A lot of the nasty fellows are locked up nice and tight; ya shouldn’t come across any of those.” “But what about the Wanderers?” “Wanderers are a right fright to a mortal, I imagine, since it can be hard to understand why they do what they do.  There off in their own little world; can be hard to figure out what they’re planning next and how to react.  But they’re not scary on purpose.  Not vicious.” He went to go and grab his box.

“And they’re mostly harmless.”  He said, “In all the century I’ve been here, never known one of them to kill a mortal.  And never known them to hurt one on purpose either.  Accidental injuries we’ve had, often cause the mortal’s busy scrambling to get away, but never death.  Which is about twenty less than what I can say of the Host.” “The Ghost Host killed twenty people?”  Her mouth felt dry. “That I’m aware of.  Won’t be surprised if he’s killed more and did off with the evidence.”  

“But why do you—“ “Now young’un.  We’ve got to get you home and find poor Michael.  We can’t spend all night talking here.”  Mr. Mortimer motioned for her to follow as he began to hobble his way out of the room, a cane in one hand and his box in the other.  “You’re both gonna need to get home, and the sooner the better.” She willingly followed him into the dark hallway, still burning with questions, but just was desperate to find Michael.   The unearthly glow he gave off lit the way, and illuminated floorboards full of dust and cobwebs.  She was just about to question him some more when the door slammed shut behind her on its own and she visibly jumped some feet into the air.   “Sorry.” He said, looking genuinely guilty. “I’m so used to being free to do that here that I clean forgot you’re probably not.” He just opened up a million other questions related to how ghosts manipulated physical objects, but as they began their trek down the hall she went with something she was most concerned about. “Why do you all let a murderer free like that to torment…erm….m-mortals?  What happens if he decided to go into town??? You’ve been to town, so he should be able to leave too, right?”

“That fellow is only free on the account that he’s one of the four most powerful in the whole house.  Otherwise, I tell you, Young’un, he’d be locked up just as much as the other malicious souls.  But the Madame likes him free, and I can’t be damned to know what goes through that woman’s head sometimes.” His cane clacked against the floorboards with each swing. “And yes, he can go into town.  But he doesn’t like to do so, and I can’t be damned to know what goes through his mind either.” The dark gloomy hallways looked a lot like all the ones she’d seen before; stretched out and going on for miles.  Yet it was remarkable how much friendlier it felt walking beside someone she knew who had their own built in flashlight.  Who was their own built in flashlight.   “Who are the other four?” “The Fearsome Foursome.”  He gave a snort, “There’s the Madame Leota; I believe I’ve mentioned her before.  She’s was a powerful psychic in live, and an even more powerful one in death.  That damnable wretch, the so-called ‘Ghost Host’.  There’s also meself.  And Mr. Solomon Gracey.  Any one of us is a match for the other, or so they say.” “Then…then you could drive off the Ghost Host?  I don’t have to deal with him anymore??”  Safety.  Real safety.   And she felt so much relief, even just thinking of it.  The Ghost Host not even being able to touch her.   “Normally I could… And I would…”

He gave her a sideline look of stern disapproval. “And he is exactly the reason why I didn’t want either of you coming ‘round here…” She winced and gave a half smile as an apology. He continued walking.  “…But I don’t think you have a know-how into how much effort it takes to go into town like I did all this afternoon and evening.  In here, the Madame’s power helps with making us…you know.” He waved his cane hand up and down his form to draw attention to it.

“Look like something.”  He said. “Out there, you’re left to figure yourself out.  Put up a complicated illusion that gets people thinking you’ve got a body like them; solid and everything.  Takes the wind out of you, even after all these years of practice.  May not have a body anymore, but can still tire out; remember that, young’un.  So we best be avoiding him, just in case.” As they reached the length of the hallway, he opened up an old door with a gargoyle statue framing the top of it.  Even in the gloomy darkness, she could see a set of stairs going down.  Giant spider webs stretched from one end of the stairway to the other, and her queasiness returned to see what looked like a pair of eyes staring back at her.                                The house was still watching.

#fanfiction #haunted mansion fanfiction #the haunted mansion fanfiction #fanfics #my fanfiction

[hellholland]

A Queen and Her King || Tom Holland x Reader [Part 1][Gang/Assassin AU]

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is my very first action AU, so I apologize for things that seem oddly unrealistic in the crime world. I obviously don’t know much about it. If you have tips or feedback, please message/ask me about it! I created the idea for this fic through a song called Natalie by Bruno Mars, but I also want to credit @hollandroos​ for her fanfiction, Blow A Kiss, Fire A Gun. It was the very first Mob!Tom fanfiction I read (The first AU like that I’d ever read, actually.) and it still inspires me as I hope to continue this series. I hope for this to get better as it goes along. Just so you have the basic knowledge, this is kind of like a Mobster!AU meets Assassin!AU and a lot of wild crossover shit. 

TRIGGER WARNING: Violence, language, guns, knives, suggestive sexual actions, mentions of pedophilia (It’s not any more graphic, it might even be less, than basic horror movies you might’ve seen. The description is mostly about action, not in depth detail of what it looks like. It’s an assassin/gang/mafia AU, so it’s kind of fucked up anyway.)

DISCLAIMER: This story contains content that I am just writing for the sake of the story. I do not condone/support it. Your “character” as the reader, may also do things you personally would not do. Please don’t read if you can’t handle that. THIS DOES NOT ACCURATELY REPRESENT TOM, HIS MORALS OR ANYONE HE’S ASSOCIATED WITH. I’M MERELY USING HIS IMAGE AND A NAME TO CREATE THIS STORY. PLEASE DO NOT EVER TAKE THIS AS AN ACCURATE PORTRAYAL OF TOM. (This is more of a movie in my head, and a character Tom is playing)

I have trigger warnings at the scenes that should need them. Please let me know if there are other subjects that need warnings!

Prologue

As three shrill beeps replaced dialing noises, Tom’s anger skyrocketed. He began to pace and repeatedly clench his fists at an attempt to hold back everything he was feeling. 

 “We’re sorry, you’ve reached a number that is either disconnected or no longer linke-“ Tom spun around and threw the phone, sending it flying into his bedroom wall and crashing to the floor. “Goddamnit!” He sat down on the corner of his bed, staring out through the wall-to-wall glass pane that separated him from the rest of the world. The skyline was a vibrant dark blue, turning to purple and black. 

 Every  dollar in his safe he’d worked his ass off to get was gone. There was no trace, no logical reasoning as to how it got stolen. That safe was one of the most protected vaults in the world.

 Natalie, or Natalia as Tom used to call her endearingly, was gone too. 

Disappeared. No word, no warning. 

 Not only had she cheated on him, she robbed him.

 “Tom, what do you want to do to respond?” His best friend and co-leader Harrison asked, frustration clear in his voice.

 “I don’t fucking know. Nothing yet, we’re too vulnerable. We’ll...need alliances.”

 She took his heart out of his chest and walked all over it, puncturing it with her stiletto heels.

 He found out everything she’d done after she left. Of course the man was riddled with sadness and hurt, but the only feeling he let control him was anger.  

He couldn’t be weak. Not now, not ever. 

 After willingly letting her in and finally bringing his guard down, she wrecked him. You know what everyone says? That Natalie Rose Giovanni can never be overthrown. She’s notorious for the lives she takes and everything in between. That she’s untouchable. But in the end, the greatest revenge is going out and accomplishing what is said to be impossible. And that is exactly what he would do.

 This was personal now.

 Natalie, Europe’s top drug queenpin with a terrifying hidden past, versus Thomas Stanley Holland, the most notorious mafia leader in almost every corner of the northern eastern hemisphere. 

 She took everything he had, even some of his very best men.

 His team.

 His power. 

 His reputation. 

 His empire. 

Soon enough, he was going to take every single bit of it back, even if it meant ruining her fucking life. 

 Even if it meant killing her.          

One

“Hang on,” you giggle softly, looking up at the man in front of you. “Why don’t we go back to your room?” 

 His hands had made their way under your thighs and he had you up against a wall, giving him easy access to touch your body. “We’re not exactly in the most private area of the hotel.”

 “If it gets that dress off you, then that’s fine by me,” he replies, kissing down your neck.

 “Eugene!” You push his hands down and stand straight up, smiling coyly at the millionaire while listening for any instructions in your earpiece.

 “You’re doing good. Get the card to his room and be quick with this, (Y/N). This operation has some complications.” 

 “I’m just telling you how I really feel, Allison.” Of all the names Felix could pick for an undercover op, why choose such a plain one? 

 You slip your hand into his pocket, pulling out the key card and tucking it into your bra, all without breaking eye contact with him. “I’ll meet you there in ten,” you whisper in his ear, running a finger down his chest as you walked away.

 “Fucking pig,” you mutter to the man behind the earpiece, making quick time to the elevator.

“Right?” The man in question is Felix Sternberg, (Known as Judas by his “enemies”) one of the most elite proxy murder directors in the world, or at least the most famous among federal government organizations and operations that do things not commonly associated with the human moral code. (Murder, drug dealing, etc.) He’s one of your newest co-workers. The brains behind your newest weapons, technology and escapes. It’s possible that without him, you would’ve been in a supermax prison by now. 

The most intensely protected in the U.S filled with the worst kind of people imaginable.

 People like you.

 “What’s his deal again?” You ask, shaking your head away from the doubting thoughts that often plagued you. 

“Rape, robbery, embezzling, pedophilia, the usual.” Felix says nonchalantly.

 “God, I cannot wait to shower tonight, that’s disgusting...” 

 “You’re also technically a contract murderer for a living, so I don’t know if you’re one to judge, (Y/N).”

“But I’ve never done shit to kids or forced myself on a person. I only kill people who deserve it.” 

“That last part is debatable, but we’re moving on. Wait for the bellboy in the elevator to leave before going up.”

“Sounds good.” 

The red silk dress draped on your body was apart of the job, a request made by the contract. The person who hired you was actually his wife, Valerie Pence. She wasn’t much better than him when it came to money, but once she found out what he’d done, the decision was easy. There also might’ve been infidelity involved in her reasoning.

She’d informed you that the best way to get to him was probably seduction and that his favorite color was red. The combination of the two would make it easy to get him alone. She took you shopping for the dress herself, an odd way of saying thank you (other than money) for the favor. When you stepped out of the changing room to show her, she simply smiled, but her watering eyes displayed a different emotion.

“You look stunning. This’ll work.” You wonder what her thought process was with hiring you, how their relationship came to be and everything in between. Getting personally involved with clients was a beginner’s mistake, but in some cases it was incredibly hard not to even think about what happened between some duos.

“He’s gone, move fast.” Felix interrupts your recollection, snapping you back to your work.

Eventually, you end up in his room, only stopping for a minute to marvel at the lavish decor and to peek around. White silk sheets dressed the king sized bed, complimenting the other colors in the room. Dark reds, black and grey all combined to give the room a sensual and eerie feeling.

Eugene appears soon after, hastily moving toward you, lust in his eyes. “Hang on, let me just go get something ready okay?” You stopped him, one hand steady on his waist the other over his shoulder.

 “Alright...”

“I want you to wear this, though.” You found some questionable fabric, presumably left behind the last hotel-goer, and started to tie it around his eyes as a blindfold. “Now lay here,” you pushed him down on the bed, a little too roughly, but he didn’t question any of it. 

You enter the bathroom swiftly, the door clicking behind you. 

“Felix, where’s my stuff?” You whisper. 

“Underneath the sink. There’s a silenced pistol. The bag has a change of clothes in it and some sunglasses. Put your hair up, too. I have someone ready to tamper with the security footage, but just in case I want you to try and be very discreet and exit through the fire escape. No one should see since you’re on the back of the building. Your ride will be waiting to take you home.”

“Thanks.” You grab the bag and begin to undress, leaving only your satin gloves on. This replaced the fancy dress and heels with what you could only describe as an outfit straight off if 2015 grunge tumblr, doc martens and all. 

Not the worst, but not the best outfit choice.

“I have one more...treat for you you, Mr. Pence.” You call out through the door, smirking to yourself. 4 sets of handcuffed glistened in the bag, and a gag. 

“Thanks for leaving them in there Felix. Did you put her fingerprints on them?” 

“You’re sadistic, but yes. The police and FBI will likely arrest Kathryn and any of her employees. I planted stuff to lead them to the kids. You’re in the clear but you need to get a move on, even if that includes speeding up your ‘process’.”

Kathryn Moseby, a “friend” of the millionaire. She holds a position in congress. She’s also the ringleader of a pedophilic sex trafficking ring. 

“Like I said, he deserves my ‘process’. They all do. I’m doing the world a favor right now.”

“Whatever you say.” 

 You sigh, plucking the bag off the ground and walking back to the bedroom. “I hope you like your girls dominant, Eugene.” You quickly click the handcuff onto his hand and to the bed frame before he could even respond. His breathing started to become uneasy, but he nodded. 

 “It’s new...but I’ll try.” 

“You don’t have a choice.” You whisper, clicking the second handcuff shut. The other two might’ve been too loose, but they’d restrain him. “Final touches,” you smile, climbing into the bed and almost straddling him. He seems taken aback as you jerk the gag tightly to make sure it stays on. “We don’t want anyone to hear us, now do we?” He shakes his head nervously in response.

 As an extra precaution, you switch on the TV to a music station, turning the volume up just enough to mask loud conversations. “Alright Eugene. Let’s begin.” You pick up the pistol and a small knife, crawling on the bed.

You run your fingers along his chin, feeling less gross about touching him because of the fabric between you two.

“I fawt yoo changfed?” He tries to ask in reaction to feeling the gloves, barely audible or intelligible.

“Oh, I did.” You giggle, removing his mask.

[TW: Violence]

He’s shocked, confused, and now scared. His eyes take in your figure and then the gun in your hand. He starts to panic.

“You didn’t think I was gonna let you off easy, did you?” The knife from earlier now glints menacingly in the soft lighting. “I don’t normally do it this slowly, but you’re a special kind of messed up. We’re all fucked up, especially me, but you, you’re a rapist and a pedophile. A cheater. Kind of the scum of the earth.”

He still wasn’t processing his situation entirely, but his chest was rising and falling rapidly. 

He wasn’t screaming. 

He wasn’t begging.

 Yet. 

You jabbed the knife directly above his knee. Angling it towards the bone. This time, his entire body jerked and he started to yell, but the music drowned out his shouts.

“That was for every child and person you’ve ever touched.” You pulled it out, watching the tears stream from his eyes, then ripped past the buttons on his suit shirt. “And this is for Valerie.” 

You slowly carve the knife into his skin, toward the right side of his stomach. It was a number that you carved. 334. 

“I wonder who my 335th will be?” 

“Hey (Y/N), as much as I enjoy tuning your weird shit out and waiting for you, you need to be fast. Like now. We’re cutting our time too close.” 

“I got it.” You frown sarcastically at the pathetic, convulsing man beneath you. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to go.” You pull the knife away, wiping the blood off with your gloves. 

The red contrasts the starch white in a disgustingly satisfying way. You stand up, brandishing the pistol excitedly. His screams are becoming increasingly louder, and more annoying. 

Watching him writhe in pain and desperation filled you with a twisted sense of pride. You keep telling yourself that he deserves it to justify your actions, but there’s still that one ounce of innocence in you that rejects those thoughts. 

Then you remember Valerie’s voice on the other end of the phone when she called, tearfully begging for help. She sounded desperate and sad, not angry.

She just wanted him gone. 

Had she tried to divorce him, she might’ve been endangered. If she turned him in for his crimes, he’d send people after her. 

That’s all you need to get the job done.

“I’ll see you in hell.”

Bang.

Please leave feedback! I will gladly accept civil/kind worded constructive criticism. -Ciel

#tomhollandfanfiction #tomhollandxreadersmut #tomhollandxreader #tom holland x reader #tom holland smut #tom holland x reader smut #tom holland mobster #tom holland mob au #peter parker x reader #Mob!Tom #mob!tom smut #assassinau #gangau #mobau #spiderman x reader #spiderman x reader fluff #spiderman x reader smut #marvel fanfiction #marvel #sebastian stan x reader #harrison osterfield #tom holland #tom holland imagine #harrison osterfeild x reader #like4like #Smut #fluff #bucky barnes x reader #steve rogers x reader #tony stark x reader

[tuxiedjabberwock]

Some of my fav fics from back then + today

Fairy Tail

Life After Near Death - Wild Rhov (just want to take a moment to gush that I love her writing, characterization, her storylines, her everything)

Gray nearly dies in battle. Although Natsu saves his life, Gray is left severely handicapped and may never walk again. Now Gray despises Natsu, feeling weak and indebted, while the Dragon Slayer is confused with why he feels possessive over Gray. The team falls apart as both deal with intense feelings of regret, shame, desire, and both physical and emotional agony.

Fairy Tail - Rated: M - English - Tragedy/Romance - Chapters: 57 - Words: 237,370 - Reviews: 1220 - Favs: 566 - Follows: 617 - Updated: May 7 - Published: Dec 1, 2014 - [Natsu D., Gray F.] Lyon V., Juvia L.

Beastly Possession - Wild Rhov

Something is murdering people in Magnolia. When Lucy is attacked, Natsu goes on a rampage to find the culprit, and everyone in Fairy Tail wants revenge. But could this bloodthirsty attacker be someone they know? Warning: High octane nightmare fuel! Do not read while eating, and beware of red eyes in the dark!

Fairy Tail - Rated: M - English - Horror/Suspense - Chapters: 37 - Words: 160,165 - Reviews: 1588 - Favs: 1,741 - Follows: 1,279 - Updated: Aug 12, 2014 - Published: Feb 1, 2012 - [Lucy H., Natsu D.] - Complete

Lions Pride - Wild Rhov

When Lucy gets pregnant with Loke's child, Fairy Tail must protect her from the harsh laws of the Spirit World and enemies who want her half-spirit baby. The Lion fights for his lover, his child, his guild...his PRIDE!

Fairy Tail - Rated: M - English - Drama/Family - Chapters: 50 - Words: 196,375 - Reviews: 1305 - Favs: 1,437 - Follows: 732 - Updated: Sep 1, 2012 - Published: Aug 5, 2011 - [Lucy H., Loke/Leo] Gray F., Zeref - Complete

The Soul’s Inferno - MizzyPlatinum

The summer before her first year at university, Lucy Heartfilia never imagined she would find her soul mate and she certainly didn't imagine he would already be dead. Ghost AU. NaLu.

Rated: T - English - Romance/Supernatural - Chapters: 24 - Words: 79,722 - Reviews: 1813 - Favs: 819 - Follows: 1,012 - Updated: Jun 23 - Published: Jul 12, 2016 - [Natsu D., Lucy H.]

Demons of Redemption - Mnemosyne’s Elegy

When Zeref sends an emissary to Fiore to prepare for the coming war, things quickly go wrong. Gray's darkest secret is torn out of him, and the demons in his past are bigger than anyone ever realized. It's hard enough to fight against the most powerful mage in existence without having to fight against your own allies and yourself at the same time.

Fairy Tail - Rated: T - English - Angst/Drama - Chapters: 8 - Words: 79,972 - Reviews: 90 - Favs: 87 - Follows: 43 - Updated: Jul 13, 2017 - Published: Jun 2, 2017 - Gray F., Natsu D., Lyon V., Team Natsu - Complete

Detach - LoadedEel

Everything was gone. His mind was empty and brain fuzzy. His memories were erased and his magic stolen. He woke up to a blonde woman calling him Natsu and a guild full of people expecting him to act a certain way. They want to get to the bottom of this, but you know what they say...curiosity killed the cat. (Cannon divergent) Rated M for adult situations.

Fairy Tail - Rated: M - English - Adventure/Romance - Chapters: 9 - Words: 39,775 - Reviews: 71 - Favs: 129 - Follows: 196 - Updated: Feb 10 - Published: Dec 6, 2017 - [Lucy H., Natsu D.] Erza S., Gray F.

Kidnapping Erza - CrimsonStarbird

After inclement weather causes Erza and the others to cancel their trip to Akane Resort, thus ruining Jellal's plan to have her captured and brought to the Tower of Heaven, he is forced to take matters into his own hands. Needless to say, things don't quite go to plan. They never do when Fairy Tail is involved. COMPLETE.

Fairy Tail - Rated: T - English - Humor/Romance - Chapters: 27 - Words: 248,055 - Reviews: 205 - Favs: 118 - Follows: 93 - Updated: Jul 2, 2017 - Published: Jan 1, 2017 - [Erza S., Jellal F./Siegrain] Levy M., Natsu D. - Complete

Wild Card - xxIAmTheSkyxx

"At the end of the day, whether someone had a motive to kill or not, they're still labeled a murderer." Delving into the psyche of a serial killer isn't a pleasant endeavor, no less so than trying to understand it—and being sucked into a game of life and death with one is outright torment. Present for @kagero-assassin on Tumblr. **WARNING: THERE IS BLOOD, MURDER, AND SOCIOPATHY**

Fairy Tail - Rated: T - English - Angst/Suspense - Chapters: 1 - Words: 10,089 - Reviews: 13 - Favs: 31 - Follows: 23 - Published: Feb 29, 2016 - Lucy H., Natsu D. - Complete

Kiss Me, Kill Me - kiss.pink

So a confused zombie, his sexy vampire girlfriend, her bossy witch-bitch roommate, his annoying soul-shifting neighbor, a grumpy werewolf and a random human walk into a bar...yeah, there is no punchline. "Okay, rules. Lucy, no blood. Erza, no spells. Gray, no pranks. Gajeel, no howling. And Natsu—oh my god, Natsu! Don't eat the bartender's brain! We're in public!" Only chaos. [AU]

Fairy Tail - Rated: M - English - Romance/Supernatural - Chapters: 4 - Words: 20,143 - Reviews: 64 - Favs: 144 - Follows: 194 - Updated: Apr 24, 2016 - Published: May 9, 2015 - [Lucy H., Natsu D.] Gray F.

Parallels - Mslead-Ktrin

Lucy always knew books opened roads to new adventures, but never had she dreamed she would be falling into one herself. When she comes across a dusty old book, Lucy finds herself thrust into a journey filled with evil wizards and a tricky dragon who kept looking at her like she was lunch. She had to find a way to return home, but at the end of the day - would she want to? NALU

Fairy Tail - Rated: M - English - Fantasy/Romance - Chapters: 61 - Words: 265,197 - Reviews: 2959 - Favs: 1,892 - Follows: 1,293 - Updated: Feb 13, 2016 - Published: Aug 18, 2015 - Lucy H., Natsu D. - Complete

With Our Love Comes Patience - luclipse

(NALU) This story takes us through the progression of Natsu's and Lucy's relationship through a series of events, starting with a failed Valentine's Day. Rated T for suggested sexual content and slight swearing, though there is the possibility of a rating change in future chapters.

Fairy Tail - Rated: T - English - Friendship/Romance - Chapters: 5 - Words: 37,387 - Reviews: 159 - Favs: 254 - Follows: 349 - Updated: Mar 8, 2016 - Published: May 27, 2014 - Lucy H., Natsu D.

Avatar

Another Brother - AvocadoLove

It was a mission of revenge. There weren't supposed to be any survivors, but Chief Hakoda couldn't bring himself to kill the Fire Nation boy. Against his better judgment, he brought him home. A Zuko joins the Water Tribe story.

Rated: T - English - Adventure/Hurt/Comfort - Chapters: 28 - Words: 224,540 - Reviews: 3727 - Favs: 5,439 - Follows: 5,178 - Updated: Mar 20, 2017 - Published: Jul 22, 2008 - Aang, Sokka, Zuko, Katara

The Undying Fire - Boogum

"He has the eyes, Princess Ursa." They were half-forgotten words, a whisper of fears never explained. Zuko had dismissed it all as nothing to worry about—until he somehow healed the Avatar. Fire healers weren't meant to exist, except he did. He'd saved the kid's life. Naturally, he wanted answers. Too bad finding them wasn't so simple...

Rated: T - English - Adventure/Friendship - Chapters: 62 - Words: 427,058 - Reviews: 2036 - Favs: 2,459 - Follows: 2,761 - Updated: Jul 22 - Published: May 6, 2012 - [Zuko, Katara] Aang, Azula

Bringing Out the Blue - maguena1

AU.  The arrow injured the Blue Spirit instead of knocking him out, and Aang never found out his identity.  Zuko made a Plan to find out more about the Avatar.  He didn't expect so many truths to come from the lies.

Rated: T - English - Adventure/Friendship - Chapters: 26 - Words: 249,291 - Reviews: 1188 - Favs: 2,550 - Follows: 2,507 - Updated: Jun 25, 2015 - Published: Apr 14, 2011 - Zuko

Zuko’s Tiny Dilemma - Boogum

It was the kind of thing that happened in folktales: a cursed prince, a transformation that could not be broken. Except those princes usually became monstrous-looking creatures who needed true love's kiss to return to normal. They did not get stuck as a six-year-old boy depending on a bald runt and two Water Tribe siblings.

Avatar: Last Airbender - Rated: T - English - Friendship/Humor - Chapters: 24 - Words: 140,976 - Reviews: 761 - Favs: 532 - Follows: 507 - Updated: Mar 31 - Published: Jan 4, 2017 - [Zuko, Katara] Aang, Sokka - Complete

In His Shoes - AvocadoLove

In order to fully understand a man, you must first walk a mile in his shoes. Sokka and Zuko are going to find that out the hard way.

Avatar: Last Airbender - Rated: K - English - Drama/Adventure - Chapters: 19 - Words: 101,987 - Reviews: 924 - Favs: 1,263 - Follows: 710 - Updated: May 31, 2012 - Published: Jun 5, 2008 - Sokka, Zuko - Complete

The Problem With Zuko - AvocadoLove

When Prince Lu Ten returns with the Avatar and his Water Tribe companions in chains, Zuko is put in charge of their imprisonment. But things are not what they seem, both with the child Avatar and his own family. And soon, he will have a decision to make.

Avatar: Last Airbender - Rated: K - English - Drama/Suspense - Chapters: 1 - Words: 26,298 - Reviews: 253 - Favs: 1,475 - Follows: 232 - Published: Sep 29, 2010 - Zuko - Complete

God of War

Silenced Tongue - 2space_lesbo1

 Atreus has picked up the title of "Silver Tongue" throughout the Nine Realms, and he is quite proud of his ability to talk his way out of situations. Until he's not, anyway.

The Tales of an Angry Father and his Small Son - 2space_lesbo1

Since God of War(2018) came out, my writing creativity has returned fully and I've been writing and writing tons of one-shot stories of my fave characters. There will be violence and gore because it's a God of War game, but then there will also be fluff and more fluff because it's me writing it. Have fun

Carry My Fears as the Heavens Set Fire - furtivus

Kratos doesn't reach the Travel Room doors in time. Now his son is lost to him, swept away by Baldur and held captive in the grasp of the Æsir. Only the gods are a lot more hospitable than Atreus imagined - and certainly nowhere near as bad as his father ever made them out to be. This is really what it's like to be a god, isn't it? While Kratos is doing everything in his power to bring his son home, Atreus is relishing in everything that was denied to him for so long. And deep inside, a seed of resentment begins to bloom. Maybe being a god isn't so bad after all.

When No One’s Watching - Baknami

Kratos can only do certain things when no one else is watching.

Miraculous Ladybug

You Don’t Know Me - Ferisae

When Ladybug suffers a near-fatal accident and is presumed dead, it is up to Adrien/Chat Noir - who has discovered Ladybug's secret - to help her through her painstaking recovery and reacquaint her with herself. All this while trying to save Paris on his own without losing himself in the process. Adrinette/Marichat/Ladynoir

Rated: K+ - English - Hurt/Comfort/Angst - Chapters: 17 - Words: 143,440 - Reviews: 857 - Favs: 1,203 - Follows: 1,467 - Updated: Nov 24, 2017 - Published: Feb 20, 2016 - Marinette D-C./Ladybug, Adrien A./Cat Noir, Alya C./Lady Wifi/Rena Rouge, Hawk Moth

On the Prowl - ghostgirl19

"I'll be fine, Alya. It's only a couple blocks." "But it's ten at night, it's not safe. Especially with that Chat Noir prowling around." AU

Rated: T - English - Romance/Drama - Chapters: 23 - Words: 56,929 - Reviews: 1368 - Favs: 2,097 - Follows: 1,082 - Updated: Aug 2, 2016 - Published: Jun 24, 2016 - [Adrien A./Cat Noir, Marinette D-C./Ladybug] [Alya C./Lady Wifi/Rena Rouge, Nino L./Bubbler] - Complete

I Saw Mummy Kiss Chat Noir - RicardianScholar Clark-Weasley

Emma Agreste thought she had the perfect life...until she saw her mother kiss the superhero Chat Noir. With the help of her twin brother, Hugo, Emma is determined to stop Chat Noir from ruining their family and stealing away their mother. Meanwhile, Adrien is convinced his children hate him.

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir - Rated: T - English - Family/Drama - Chapters: 11 - Words: 32,103 - Reviews: 469 - Favs: 1,116 - Follows: 630 - Updated: Dec 21, 2017 - Published: Oct 31, 2016 - [Adrien A./Cat Noir, Marinette D-C./Ladybug] [Alya C./Lady Wifi/Rena Rouge, Nino L./Bubbler] - Complete

Lucky Fox Paradox - imthepunchlord

After the failure with Stoneheart, Marinette had successfully given up the earrings and thought that was that. That she was done with the hero business. Done with anything miraculous. She was wrong. And her actions sparked off a great change of events.

Rated: K - English - Drama/Friendship - Chapters: 24 - Words: 241,176 - Reviews: 470 - Favs: 562 - Follows: 654 - Updated: May 22 - Published: Jan 25, 2017 - [Marinette D-C./Ladybug, Adrien A./Cat Noir] Alya C./Lady Wifi/Rena Rouge, Chloé B./Antibug

Disenchanted - yonderful

She was in too much pain to realize that the impact caused her to detransform. The crowd stared in shock. Many gasped. Some screamed. Alya's phone clattered to the ground. Tikki cried. And Chat's expression had never looked more horrified. "...Marinette?"

Rated: T - English - Angst/Hurt/Comfort - Chapters: 11 - Words: 46,462 - Reviews: 434 - Favs: 724 - Follows: 977 - Updated: Jul 2 - Published: Jun 16, 2016 - Marinette D-C./Ladybug, Adrien A./Cat Noir

Fullmetal Alchemist

A Boy Named Ed - BelloftheSea

Ed knew he was different. It wasn't just that he was smarter than the other kids or even that he had automail. No, it had more to do with the way people would occasionally look at him, like they were expecting somebody else. It was the way his mechanic cried the day she met him. It was the way his dad would sometimes slip – and call him Fullmetal.

Rated: K+ - English - Family/Angst - Chapters: 41 - Words: 302,732 - Reviews: 1222 - Favs: 1,097 - Follows: 1,191 - Updated: Oct 7, 2016 - Published: Aug 24, 2014 - [Roy M., Riza H.] Edward E., Alphonse E.

Bury It Forward - KawasakiTriple

Mustang is forced to decide on the best way to cope with Edward's broken, tortured mind; his first task is to decipher why Ed will stop at nothing to escape his custody when the weather turns foul.

Rated: T - English - Drama/Angst - Chapters: 38 - Words: 460,881 - Reviews: 893 - Favs: 894 - Follows: 698 - Updated: Oct 23, 2014 - Published: Sep 13, 2008 - Edward E., Roy M., Alphonse E. - Complete

My Master Ed - Blue Teller

Slave number Twenty Three didn't know what to make of his new Master. The strange boy was nothing like other slave owners. Short on both height and temper, yet strangely kind to him, Master Ed seemed to know something about him that he didn't himself. Just what was it? Time-travel fic.

Rated: T - English - Friendship/Hurt/Comfort - Chapters: 8 - Words: 46,413 - Reviews: 212 - Favs: 544 - Follows: 618 - Updated: Sep 6, 2015 - Published: Apr 19, 2015 - Edward E., Hohenheim

Harry Potter & the Alchemist Brothers - Blue Teller

A few years passed since the Promised Day. Ed and Winry are happily married, Al proposed to May, everything is just like it's supposed to be... What can go wrong? But then, a foreigner with strange powers steals the last Philosopher's Stone from Central and of course Ed and Al have to go after him. But what will the Elric brothers do when they end up in an entirely different world?

Crossover - Harry Potter & Fullmetal Alchemist - Rated: T - English - Adventure/Hurt/Comfort - Chapters: 11 - Words: 131,139 - Reviews: 246 - Favs: 436 - Follows: 606 - Updated: Jul 11, 2017 - Published: Mar 22, 2015 - Harry P., Nicolas F., Alphonse E., Edward E.

Sonic the Hedgehog

(this first happy few is all by Taranea)

Burning Arrow, Wildfire Heart

After receiving an ancient book for his birthday, Sonic finds himself transported to a fantastic world of magic and heroes - which is threatened by an evil Djinn! Cursed by a flame arrow when he dares to rise against him, Sonic will need the help not only of the genie Shahra, but also of his oldest friends to survive this adventure...Full Secret Rings game adapt, with everyone in!

Rated: T - English - Adventure/Humor - Chapters: 42 - Words: 234,629 - Reviews: 1177 - Favs: 397 - Follows: 354 - Updated: Jun 23 - Published: Aug 29, 2007 - Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shahra

Life Could Have Been So Different

Someone has died and Sonic finds himself unable to pick up the pieces. But when Mobius has already given up on its hero, Shadow drops in from a storm, intent on finding out whether there isn't a bit of spirit left. To coax Sonic out of his shell, the black hedgehog starts to tell him about his past...and what REALLY happened aboard the ARK. Shadow's childhood, now COMPLETE.

Rated: T - English - Drama/Humor - Chapters: 56 - Words: 209,438 - Reviews: 1525 - Favs: 624 - Follows: 342 - Updated: Oct 21, 2014 - Published: Feb 23, 2007 - Shadow, Sonic, Maria R., Gerald R. - Complete

Advent of Equinox

Post-Unleashed. The Curse of the Werehog is over - or so Sonic had thought. But when the sun is eclipsed from the sky by a comet and Shadow undergoes a violent transformation of his own, the two heroes will now have to work together to save the world...

Rated: T - English - Adventure/Humor - Chapters: 11 - Words: 74,510 - Reviews: 421 - Favs: 372 - Follows: 340 - Updated: Aug 2, 2016 - Published: May 2, 2010 - Sonic, Shadow, Tails, Rouge

Shadow The Hedgehog First Class

He can outrun a missile. He can shoot a man at 100 paces. He just can't do calculus...In a world where Shadow, Maria and Gerald survived the ARK massacre, the Ultimate Lifeform now struggles to get used to ordinary life. Only people at his new school are clearly insane, the local hero 'Sonic' as well, and *someone* might still be after his family -welcome to the Robotnik household!

Rated: T - English - Friendship/Humor - Chapters: 11 - Words: 51,910 - Reviews: 398 - Favs: 245 - Follows: 276 - Updated: May 31 - Published: Oct 27, 2014 - Sonic, Shadow, Maria R., Gerald R.

Alternate Reality - thekyuubivixen

Shadow had never been so confused in his life. Tails painfully shy? Knuckles apathetic toward the Master Emerald? Sonic...less pleasurable to be around than normal? Shadow expected a lot of things waking up from his concussion induced sleep...this was not one of them. Rated T for language.

Rated: T - English - Adventure - Chapters: 44 - Words: 192,476 - Reviews: 335 - Favs: 212 - Follows: 161 - Updated: Jan 18, 2016 - Published: Jul 16, 2014 - Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow - Complete

Freak of Nature - thekyuubivixen

Werewolves. They were nothing but fantasy. They didn't exist separate from the intricate words written down on a page, or from the oral folklore that would leave children guessing at the world around them. There was no reason for Shadow to believe otherwise. Well...until he hit one with his car. Rated M for language and violence.

Sonic the Hedgehog - Rated: M - English - Supernatural - Chapters: 14 - Words: 71,025 - Reviews: 63 - Favs: 47 - Follows: 56 - Updated: Mar 17, 2017 - Published: Jul 6, 2016 - Sonic, Shadow, Silver

Premonition - thekyuubivixen

When fighting Eggman, Sonic is hit with a peculiar ray. The Blue Blur then discovers some kind of power that activates when he least expects it. But, is it a blessing…or a curse? Whatever it is, he shouldn't lose sleep over it, right?

Rated: T - English - Drama/Humor - Chapters: 28 - Words: 159,035 - Reviews: 184 - Favs: 141 - Follows: 111 - Updated: Sep 27, 2015 - Published: Jun 18, 2014 - Sonic - Complete

#fanfiction

[resurrectionlily]

Old Roommate convos with Ashlee 2015-2018. Miss her!

Roommate: Do you think the reason no one hit on you tonight was that people thought we were a couple. Megan: I think it might have more to do with the fact that I was singing along to all the party songs the DJ was playing and dancing around your chair with kitty paws.

-

 (My roommate, everyday) Ashlee: can we get an alpaca. Megan: no. Ashlee: why not? Megan: where could we keep it? Ashlee: in the back yard. - Ashlee: can we get an otter. Megan: no. Ashlee: why not? Megan: where would we keep it? Ashlee: in the bathtub? Megan: where would we shower? - Ashlee: can we get a pet fox. Megan: no. Ashlee: you never let me get nothing!

-

Roommate: Remember that weird sexual thing you were talking to me about a few weeks ago? Megan [not looking up from computer] I say a lot of weird shit, you'll have to be more specific.

-

Megan: Like my sides hurt and my fingers hurt and my wrists hurt. Ashlee: Well, you're sick. Megan: I hate it! Ashlee: That's life. Megan: Well I also hate that!

-

Roommate: what's this word? Megan: (looks at crossword puzzle briefly) Strap? Roommate: ah! Megan: what's this game? I wanna play. Roommate: word a lot. Megan: like sir mix a lot. (Tries to type in sir word a lot in to search bar) I like big words and I can not lie. Ahhhhhh fuck me up. Roommate: (laughing at me, goes up stairs to her boyfriend) it was strap. Her boyfriend: seriously?! Megan: what??? he couldn't figure it out either??? Her boyfriend: nope. Megan: HAHA! I am so smart.

-

Me: [sees attractive person and makes an audible gasp] Roommate: What is wrong. Me: That. I want that for Christmas. Roommate: [laughter] - Roommate: [makes eye contact with me] Me: [Poses] ASHLEE THIS IS HOW YOU GET THE GUYS. [Guys come over] Me: [leans over to Roommate] Oh, no...what have I done?

-

Roommate: Are you writing about The Flash? Me: I am telling facebook about how you told me they were fictional as if I didn't already know that. Roommate: You could have been a delusional fangirl. Me: [offended] I AM A DELUSIONAL FANGIRL!

-

Roommate: I got you A FOX because it looks like you. Megan: (in her room, whispering) Chubby face and looking permanently annoyed...hmmm (loudly) We're practically twins.

-

Megan: [staring at her computer with her hands half-covering her eyes] Roommate: You look tired? Megan: I am tired. I need to go to sleep. Why am I still awake? Roommate: Because you're addicted to your computer. Megan: I AM READING BLOGS! I like to read. Roommate: Yeah....on the computer. Megan: I like to read on not-the-computer but that isn't where the blogs are.

-

(My roommate was having a conversation with her boyfriend about my sexuality last night. She was telling me about it today.)

Ashlee: He (Nick) was like, "Wait is she bi?" I said, "Yes and no. She goes for people she has a mental, emotional, and spiritual connection with them doesn't matter if they're white, black...alien." (with mouth full of chicken, points at me with a fork) I could see YOU being with an alien.

-

Roommate: You should hear my ringtone it is very violent. (goes to play ringtone and kpop love song starts playing) Megan: Your definition of violent and my definition of violent are wildly different.

-

Roommate: My coworker asked me if I was drinking yet because my boyfriend got hurt. I was going to ask you if you would drink in this situation but you drink for any reason. Megan: Truth though.

-

Roommate: Do you think the reason no one hit on you tonight was that people thought we were a couple. Megan: I think it might have more to do with the fact that I was singing along to all the party songs the DJ was playing and dancing around your chair with kitty paws.

-

[Watching a TV show with my roommate where two white people are like super white-people dancing to a mariachi band then they cut away to the band.] Ashlee : Is that how you dance? Megan: [offended] NO I HAVE STANDARDS, Ashlee! [The show cuts back to the white people and they are spinning each other around and stomping like godzilla while dancing] Megan: [points at screen] I dance like that. Ashlee: [DYING]

-

Me playing Down The Mountain in the quiet darkness:FUCK YOU YOU PEANUT BUTTER JELLY DOUCHEBAG! Roommate: [uncontrollable laughter from the next room]

-

Me: [in sing song voice to my dog] Nubie I hate when you do that it makes me feel really sad, no don’t do that. [dog starts barking] I don’t know why you’re barking, please shut up, Anubisssss do you know that you can be an asshole? Here comes the cat please don’t chase her… well fuck youuuu thanks for knocking over my laptop.

Roommate: [uncontrollable laughter]

-

Me, playing the Skyrim: I am not following this fucker around right now, I have to go to work I don’t have time to kill this dude everyone will hate me if I kill this dude. God damn, why did I become an assassin/good guy/imperial/werewolf? NOTHING ABOUT ME MAKES SENSE! I am having an existential crisis about a video game.

Roommate: [uncontrollable laughter]

-

Roommate: I don’t understand this usps verification thing? Megan: Bring it to me, I understand all the mail. Roommate: Look at all these coupons they sent through (tosses them on my bed and starts going through them) Oh my god, I am turning into you. Megan: I can’t make it rain 100s, so I make it rain coupons.

-

Ashlee: I want chicken fingers!!!! Megan: Well let's go get you some chicken fingers. Ashlee: Where are there chicken fingers? Megan: Uhm every restaurant up and down this road. Ashlee: Not Taco Bell. Megan: They have taco fingers! Ashlee: ? Megan: Burritos! Hahahahahahahahah

-

[I am reading critiques drunk. Ashlee comes into my room.] Megan: I almost posted on your wall, "Let's go get sheetz." Ashlee: Do you wanna go to sheetz? Megan: No, I am just drunk. [hold wine glass up to face] I wish my wine had a straw. [pretends to suck at a fake straw and Ashlee is laughing] I am going to die alone. Ashlee: Do you want me to buy a body pillow and put a man on it for you. Megan: Ash, I'm lonely and drunk not weird and desperate.

-

Ashlee: I got bit. Megan: Probably a spider. Ashlee: [tries to shoot web from hands] Ashlee: ...Nope. Megan: I mean, they're not radioactive.

-

Megan: Ashhhhh my nose is all stuffy. Ashlee: Why? Megan: I dunno, from the weather and like turning the heat down, I guess. Ashlee: Yeah, probably. Use your oil diffuser. Megan: I guess, I might have something that will help. [looks at oils that came with her diffuser] Yeah, they gave me eucalyptus and peppermint. I could use those. Ashlee: See, I knew you had something weird like that.

-

Megan: You have a lot of good things going for you that are in your favor. First of all, you have a degree in education. Ashlee: AH! I do! Don't I? (Laughing while eating thin mints) Megan: Did you forget? Ashlee: Yeah! You just reminded me.

-

Megan: I was thinking of getting us a wall mounted tv. Ashlee: What about the cat? Megan: If it is mounted well it'll be fine. Ashlee: Are we going to have someone mount it for us because if we do it... Megan: Do you know anyone who can mount things well, Ashlee? Ashlee: (laughing) That sounded wrong in my head. Megan: It sounded wrong to me too, that is why I said it.

-

Megan: I bought us this kit full of nails and screws. So we can nail and screw things. Ashlee: I already do that. Megan: (with toothbrush in mouth) Well, I don't! Megan: Ahaha, SICK BURN to myself!

-

Megan: I boiled some water, do you want some tea? Ashlee: No, I don't like your mint tea, it reminds me of gum. Megan: Okay, do you want some of your tea. Ashlee: No. Megan: Well, the water is still hot if you want some. Ashlee: Like you. Megan: [weird 1950's mom voice] Oh, shush you, you're such a flirt. Nick: [turns around from washing dishes] WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU TWO? Ashlee: NOTHING! Megan: Yeah, Nick we're just flirting and shit, god.

-

Ashlee: (comes out her bedroom) Hey.. Megan, I need to talk to you about something... Megan: (playing Pokemon) what? Do you need condoms? Her boyfriend: (obnoxious laughter) Ashlee: NO! I wanted to tell you about my day!

-

(Watching Sense and Sensibility for a class discussion.)

Ashlee: Sounds sappy and stupid. Megan: Well it is based off a classic romance novel from the 1800s, not sure what you are expecting from it. Ashlee: It sounds boring. Megan: Well, I mean, I watched these girls get fucked around with by assholes for the past two hours and I am finally being rewarded with a character's wedding to a non asshole so..

-

Ashlee: [sees Megan cuddling with a pillow on her bed looking angry] What's wrong? Megan: [into pillow] I'm lonely and I hate it. Ashlee: Do you want to cuddle with my panda head. Megan: [looks up] ...I'm good.

-

Ashlee: You're down here on your computer, I am up there watching videos of Korean people I think are hot. Megan: I am also making FOREVER ALONE soup. Our lives are so sad. We really gotta go out and meet people. This is stupid. Ashlee: We went to the store last night. Megan: I mean, that is true, good for us. Though, not many people to meet in the produce isle at the Mentor Giant Eagle at 10:30 on Wednesday. Ashlee: Well this one guy was following me when I ran off by myself.

-

Megan to Ashlee: You're not a child. Children don't pay rent that is why I don't have any.

-

Megan: Come look at this thing I found on the internet. Ashlee: [comes into my room] Did you do your homework? Megan: I am, I am two paragraphs into this story. Ashlee: Do your homework! Megan: I am. Ashlee: No, you're messing around on the internet! Do your homework! Megan: [screaming turkey noises] Ashlee: [screaming turkey noises] DO IT! Megan: [whispering turkey noises]

#roommates #memories #conversations #nostaglia #real life

[thebibliomancer]

100 Days of Comics! 088/100: Mrs. Deadpool and the Howling Commandos #2 (2015)

Today’s selection from the box of exactly twelve remaining mysteries comes to us from Secret Wars! No, not that one. N-no not that one either. N- the most recent one. Where everything blew up and Doom became God-Emperor of Battleworld.

The main story was... serviceable. It wasn’t really bad. It had some good moments, like Carol Danvers beating her way into control of the Sinister Hivemind. It probably all comes down to how much weight you give the Doom/RICHARRRRRRRRRRRRDS dynamic.

Where it really shined was the tie-ins. Which mostly did not tie-in. When reading the main story, I was sure that some of the stuff there was going to get more fully explained in the tie-ins but mostly no, not really.

But they did explore this crazy new mixed up patchwork world. Many of the tie-ins were not very good. Superficial retreads of the stories they were inspired by. Looking at you, E for Extinction and Age of Apocalypse Secret Wars tie-ins.

But some of them were bonkers enough to be worth it.

So here we have Mrs. Deadpool and the Howling Commandos. Which is a bit of a misnomer.

Ghost Deadpool: “Hey there gang! Deadpool here -- emphasis on the dead! Because I am a ghost. Because I am dead.

Crazy right?

Anyway, this series takes place on Battleworld -- it’s like this “everything bagel” but where all the sesame seeds and poppy seeds are bits of different realities. It was made by Doctor Doom after all of everything everywhere died.

(That was how I died too.)

My wife Shiklah is still alive in the little slice of our world that got preserved... but Doom done doomed-up everyone’s memories so they don’t remember things the right way. Shikkie-poo doesn’t remember being my missus -- in this world she’s still Dracula’s betrothed!

Don’t worry -- the Shikster is not really into Drac. She’s got half of an ancient weapon and plans to betray him as soon as she gets the other half.

Only problem? The Howling Commandos -- Dracula’s top warriors comprised of Werewolf-by-Night, the Living Mummy, Frankenstein’s Monster, Man-Thing, and Marcus, the Roman centaur with a symbiote and diabetes -- have been sent along with her on her quest... and told by their master to make sure she doesn’t survive the deal!”

As we pick up, Deadpool sits in a fancy chair and reads Daredevil, throwing it away when he notices us come in. But also Shiklah is still on her fake quest to spread her brothers’ ashes.

Shiklah doesn’t trust the Howling Commandos because on top of being Dracula’s stooges, they killed one of their own for displeasing Dracula. But Werewolf-by-Night Jack reveals that Invisible Man had been leaking secrets to the Thor Corps and its not a good sign that they are interested in Dracula’s realm. But Jack doesn’t think its a big deal. He figures that Invisible Man was just making stuff up to get cool mole money. Frankenstein confides that he thinks the Invisible Man watched him change for bed.

But then they arrives at the river styx and Shiklah demands the boatman ferry them across. He refuses. They’re not dead yet.

Shiklah: “You’ll be dead if you don’t move our asses across this stupid river!”

Living Mummy: -whisper- “She’s a terrible negotiator.”

And then zombies attack and the Howling Commandos and Shiklah leap into action.

Living Mummy tells Shiklah to just dump her brothers’ ashes on this beach so they can leave but she refuses.

And they’re fighting. Its a pretty cool monster mash. Maybe even a graveyard smash.

Shiklah wonders why Man-Thing doesn’t help and the Mummy says he’s sensitive to emotions. And I guess the zombies don’t have any. But Frankenstein is afraid of zombies and has been covering his face. So Man-Thing comes up and gives him a reassuring hug- OH GOD EVERYTHING IS FIRE

The ferryman comes back and offers to bend the rules this one time since they did kill all the zombies. But Frankenstein puts his fist literally through the boatman’s head. So they steal his boat.

Not that they needed it. Apparently the river Styx is just a shallow stream. You could walk across.

When they reach the other shore, Shiklah dumps out her brothers’ ashes in a heap. In reality, she thought they were boobs who underestimated their enemy.

The Howling Commandos keep trying to tell Shiklah something but she pulls out a watermelon with bananas taped to it.

Wait, what?

Oh, that wily Living Mummy pickpocketed the Medusa head from her and hid it in his wraps. That zany mummy.

The Howling Commandos come clean. Dracula ordered them to kill her but they don’t want to. They actually want to help take Dracula down. Oh and they didn’t kill the Invisible Man. He’s back in Dracula’s palace invisibly spying on Dracula right now.

Jack and Shiklah get into an argument about who the leader should be. Shiklah settles it by kissing Jack into a stupor.

Deadpool is unhappy with this and floats into the comic to demand a talk with Shiklah. But he dead. She can’t see him. Its like It’s A Wonderful Life. But at least he doesn’t have a guardian angel.

Bob, Agent of Hydra, shows up to be Deadpool’s guardian angel. So Deadpool karate chops him in the neck. “Ain’t got time for your &#$%&%#$, Bob.”

Meanwhile, at Dracula’s palace. Invisible Man invisibly eats a chicken drumstick. And then angry Dracula angrily barges in, stops in confusion and asks why there is a cooked bird. Dracula’s nosferatu-esque servant thought Dracula asked him to fetch it as a test of his abilities. It was hard to find. They had to cut it from the belly of a poisonous orc.

Dracula continues his angry storm-off and when he’s alone, the Invisible Man invisibly vomits after learning where the chicken was from.

And then we see why Dracula was so angry. Some Thors came to see him. The jivest Blade Thor and a Lizard Thor.

Blade Thor: “Here’s the deal: I’ve been hearing a lot of gum bumping up in the streets about friction down here. Like some crazy exorcist jive. So nip it in the bud, you dig? Otherwise you’re gonna be mixing it up with the bad brothers of the Thor Corps.”

Geez. It makes so much sense to have a Thor’d Blade be the one who oversees the monster mash realm. And to some extent, the Lizard too. He’s a monster. He can speak their language. “Sssskgk!” And Blade hunts vampires. Good, inspired selection for Thors, Gerry Duggan.

And I like this book. I already read it when I was reading every Secret Wars tie-in. But there’s just something fun about a group of Howling Commandos that are a bunch of Hammer Horror monsters, and Marcus the Roman centaur with a symbiote and diabetes.

Its just a great concept. Unfortunately limited to four issues because of the nature of Secret Wars.

I know there was another Howling Commandos book with monsters. It had Hit-Monkey, Manphibian, Man-Thing, Teen Abomination, Orrgo, undead Jasper Sitwell, vampire Nina Price, and LMD Dum Dum Dugan in command. I won’t say no to Hit-Monkey but as for the others, they’re okay monsters but they don’t really match up to the same bonkers feel that the Hammer Horror squad had.

DC also had a similar team concept. The Creature Commandos. Basically following the Hammer Horror idea. They had a normal human, a werewolf, a vampire, Frankenstein, and a gorgon. Initially. The team make up changes. At one point it included a mummy and a bogman.

The point being that Hammer Horror superhero team is a great idea and I would read it a lot. Especially if they then also included Hit-Monkey. He’s a monkey who is also an assassin who assassinates assassins.

Pander to me, comics! Pander to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

#100 Days of Comics! #Mrs Deadpool and the Howling Commandos #this comic watered my crops and etc #Hammer Horror #i love ridiculousness in my comics #dark and gritty photorealism is fine for those who like that #i want a girl with squirrel powers befriending Galactus #and a werewolf leading a squad with a mummy and frankenstein

[orion-lake]

Hey guys, so if you are newly stepping into the winteriron fandom and want some fics to start you off on your adventure (if you’re in the fandom I think most of these would be old hat to you), below the read more I have quite a few suggestions. 

Beware: a lot of these will make you cry. 

I would also encourage you to follow imaginetonyandbucky to keep up to date with the latest fics and updates.

Autonomy by Amethystina - Words:127,373

After spending years under HYDRA's control the last thing Bucky wants is to return to their ranks. Three months is all he can take before he decides to throw his cover and find his way back to Steve, HYDRA hot on his heels. All Bucky wants is to deliver the information to Steve and the Alliance and finally return home, but when his ship is damaged he has no choice but to stop for emergency repairs. He's directed to 'The Mechanic,' but with HYDRA breathing down his neck Bucky doesn't have a choice — he's going to have to trust this Tony, whether he likes it or not.

Sins of the Father by AvocadoLove - Words: 11,196

Tony's practically become an old hat at being taken hostage, but something's fishier than usual this time around: his captor looks twenty-eight but claims to know Howard Stark, the NYPD negotiator is a SHIELD plant, and what's this about a fleet of helicarriers set to launch?

The List by Finley Honed (jaqen_hgar) - Words: 1,304

Slipping through the place undetected shouldn't be so easy. The fact that it is annoys him. "Improperly secured perimeter"; can be item one on his Reasons Why They Should Ditch Tony Stark list, so when Steve asks—and he will ask—Bucky has something better than: he dresses like a jackass; he talks so much he digresses within his digressions; he's too damn smart for his own good; same as #3, only replace smart with rich; same as #4, only replace rich with good looking.

Wrong Number by Finley Honed (jaqen_hgar) - Words: 1,575

Bucky ripped open the packaging of his new phone, spent twenty incredibly frustrating minutes getting it activated, then plugged the stupid thing in to charge while he paced around his kitchen table. He looked at the clock, did some mental arithmetic, and decided there was no way he could wait until Steve was home. If he didn’t vent, he’d punch a hole in the fucking wall, or maybe even set the building on fire. Hands shaking, he hurriedly dialed the number from memory, and slouched down against the wall the phone was plugged into. As soon as he heard the line pick up, he started talking.

Talk Dirty to Me by Finley Honed (jaqen_hgar) - Words: 2,255

Love at first sight was fairy tale nonsense, and not something Bucky believed in, but lust at first sight? That was straight up primal, and not to be ignored. If given a chance, he would have acted upon it, and how. Except, that didn’t seem likely to happen, as the target of his newfound desire was very much taken.

Even Darkness Must Pass by Finley Honed (jaqen_hgar) - Words: 15,689

“Fake it till you make it,” Bucky whispered to himself, swallowing around his panic. Sam had drilled the idea into him, and it had become a mantra of sorts, something to hold onto when all he wanted to do was blend into the shadows and disappear.

Winteriron Prompt Gills - 2015 by 27dragons - Words: 76,312

Short (under 3000 word) prompt fills originally written for the imaginetonyandbucky blog during 2015.

The Silver Age Series by copperbadge - Words: 87,348

An alternate universe in which Tony Stark was born in 1950 and the Winter Soldier was recovered in 1967, after a failed attempt to assassinate Howard and Maria Stark.

It's Not a Question by SleepWithCoyotes - Words: 343

Tony's got this thing figured.

111+1 by by SleepWithCoyotes - Words: 9,655

Bucky knows a thing or two about taking care of people. It's just been a while since anyone's tried to do the same for him.

Regression Analysis - Finley Honed (jaqen_hgar) - Words: 64,635

His heart was still lurching around his chest in alarm, and it was taking every bit of his self restraint to keep himself from tearing at James’s uniform, stripping him down in order to look him over, every last little bit of him. He seemed unharmed, but as far as explosions went, this one had been magic. And magic could most definitely go fuck itself.

Dildos? by punygod - Words: 970

Steve should've known - nothing good ever comes from eavesdropping.

Cat Nipped by Akira_of_the_Twilight - Words: 71,976

When cats and dogs collide there is bound to be trouble.

The Road Less Traveled at the End of the Line by NarutoRox - Words: 27,889

To say Steve is surprised to wake up haunting his loved ones after sinking his plane into the ocean would be an understatement. To say he enjoys it would be just plain cruel. For starters, there’s the ‘minor’ problem of said loved ones being unable to see or hear him, which is bad enough. Things only get worse when he finds out Bucky is alive, but held prisoner by the very people he and Steve had fought against, leaving Steve to watch as HYDRA slowly tries to unmake his best friend. Then there’s Tony, Howard’s genius son, whom Steve loves dearly and may or may not be a little protective of after watching him grow up under Howard’s less-than-stellar care. Steve doesn’t know if they keep him sane or drive him crazy, but he does know that Bucky and Tony are the two most important people in his world. He also doesn’t know if it would make his life easier if they knew each other or not, but it doesn’t matter; they’ve never met, are on opposite sides of the world, and other than being cared about by Steve, have nothing else to do with each other. Until Tony is kidnapped by the Ten Rings…and HYDRA thaws Bucky for a mission…And Steve decides it’s about time these two met.

It's the Little Things in Life by NarutoRox - Words: 4,382

Though Barnes had been living in the tower for almost six months now, things between him and Tony were still a bit awkward. Which is why Tony is a tad confused when Barnes starts leaving him strange little gifts.

How to Date your Asexual by TenSpencerRiedPlease - Words: 6,227

In which Tony has a blog dedicated to talking about asexual issues, his own funny stories, and his lovely partner Bucky- who finds said blog.

Justin Case VS The World by Rahn (Rahndom) - Words: 15,156

He wakes up without a name and without memories. Mr. Stark holds his hand and tells him everything is going to be okay, that he will take care of him. He believes him.

I'll be your Bodyguard If you'll be my Security Blanket by NarutoRox - Words: 4,993

When one of Loki's pranks gone wrong leaves the team with a young Winter Soldier in their care, they know they're going to have their hands full. Especially since this newer, tinier version of Bucky seems to have a bodyguard complex - and a particular attachment to Tony.

What the Heart Wants by NarutoRox - Words: 84,117

Between his best friend’s upcoming nuptials, said best friend’s new status as future ruler of the kingdom, and trying to fit back into his old life while dealing with the aftereffects of his imprisonment during the war, Bucky has more than enough on his plate. But when an attempt on Howard Stark’s life leaves the royal court in chaos, Bucky still steps up and offers to go fetch Stark’s son, Lord Anthony - the future heir to the throne, and Steve’s fiance - in Steve’s place, in part because keeping Steve safe and out of trouble is second nature, and partially in the hope an actual mission will distract him from the difficulty that has become his life. What Bucky doesn’t count on is Lord Anthony getting himself kidnapped before Bucky can bring him home, or getting captured himself during his attempt at a rescue. But a promise is a promise, and Bucky has sworn to return Tony to Steve safe and sound - no matter what.

Retrofitting by Finely Honed (jaqen_hgar) - Words: 3,387

No one expected them to get along. They didn’t come right out and say it, didn’t have to. Leaving it unspoken was telling in and of itself. Even with a head full of shredded memories, the parts of him that are Bucky Barnes can read the tension in Steve’s jaw, picks up on the way he positions himself between Stark and what is left of his best friend.

Winter is Coming (aka Fifty First Avengers Dates) by 27dragnons & tisfan - Words: 109,839

Bucky Barnes is still mostly The Asset, and he's pretty sure Hydra is going to come back for him soon, so in the meantime he's just going to keep an eye on the Avengers for them. But then Clint spotted him hiding in the shadows, so Tony came out and dragged Bucky back to the Tower, threw him in the shower, and fed him cheeseburgers. Now The Asset is having anomalous feelings. In his pants.

World War Me by TenSpencerRiedPlease - Words: 90,400

Tony was more than aware of that fact, had been kept awake the last three nights knowing that, and his being exhausted now made him nervous. God even knew what would happen if he fell asleep. FRIDAY was under strict instructions to keep Barnes the hell away from him at all times.

Full Disclosure by Finely Honed (jaqen_hgar) - Words: 33,097

In which Bucky and Tony forget that sex and love are not a game. A game is something you can win.

The Roommate Situation by The Roommate Situation - Words: 27,842

At loose ends after his release from the Army, Bucky finds himself with a crappy job at Hydra Securities and an even crappier living situation, sharing a studio apartment with a roommate who thinks a tacked-up sheet creates sufficient privacy to engage in BDSM while Bucky's trying to sleep. Bucky is counting down the days until the end of the lease and spending as much time as he can at Steve's already-overcrowded apartment... Until one night he overhears his roommate ignoring a clear "no" from his latest one-night stand and decides to intervene.

Scars by Arvensis5 - Words: 26,243

When Tony tried to urge the homeless guy sleeping on the steps of the Tower’s loading dock to move, he never expected that he'd found Hydra’s pet assassin—James "Bucky" Barnes. Now, after months of keeping his presence a secret from the Avengers and helping Barnes learn to cope with both his returning memories and the modern world, Hydra is back for their favorite toy and Tony must call in old friends to save the life of the man he just might have come to care for a little too much.

Murderers and Thieves by 27dragons - Words: 36,689

For a man capable of disappearing so utterly that even the international intelligence community thought he was a myth, it didn't take them long to find the Winter Soldier.

All the Broken Pieces by Shi_Toyu - Words: 12,755

Tony is a Sub who has spent his entire life pretending to be a Dom and Bucky is a Dom forced into the position of a Sub by HYDRA. Could it be possible for these two horribly broken individuals to find a way to fit together?

Meet Me Again, Time After Time Series by syriala - Words: 58,937

"Where have you seen me? Did anyone else see me?" Tony turned around and the Soldier put the gun to his forehead. Tony couldn't decide if he wanted to lean into the door or the gun. "You come to me all the time. I took care of your arm the first time" he said and pointed at it. It was clad in leather today and through the glove Tony could only see the silver fingertips. The Soldier took a step back and shook his head. He seemed to concentrate hard on something and then said "No. You cried."

Tempest in a Teapot by AvocadoLove - Words: 30,742

Or, how Bucky watches his best friend die in his place, wakes seventy years in the future, takes up Captain America's shield, joins a group of super heroes, and finally begins the process of forgiving himself.

The Soldier And The Hurricane by copperbadge - Words: 18,899

When the Winter Soldier fails to kill Howard and Maria Stark and is taken prisoner in the summer of 1967, his salvation comes in the unlikely form of a Russian-speaking, father-disobeying, endlessly-tinkering seventeen-year-old: Tony Stark.

дезинформация by Finely Honed (jaqen_hgar) - Words: 162,304

Bucky had only known Anthony Edward Stark for a few hours before he found himself compelled to share a secret that had been eating him alive since he began to once again reclaim the right to his own thoughts and feelings.

Warmth by thecitylightshow - Words: 3,620

Imagine WS is in love with Tony but Bucky is not. Noone has any idea why WS constantly spends time with Tony, noone but Bucky who does not want to admit that WS is capable of any emotion. Thanks to WS Bucky falls in love with Tony too.

#winteriron #fic rec #autonomy is my fav!!! #buckytony

[anewhope4change-blog]

Girls Gone Wild, Wishful, and Wearisome

Since the dawn of time women have always been seen as the weaker gender and the lesser sex. We are seen as the weaker sex when in reality women have had it harder since the beginning and have proven to be stronger than many have claimed. One of the hardest things women have had to deal with is being oppressed by men. Woman have been humiliated, degraded and looked down upon for centuries. Along with that women deal with the pains, complications, and dangers of childbirth, the aches of menstrual cycles, “boys being boys” and last but least, the pressure to be perfect. Even after managing and coping with all of these battles, women still have to fight for their voices to not just be heard but to be listened too. Woman are fighting for their words to be considered and not just thrown into one ear to tumble out of the other. Woman are fighting to be able to make choices about their own body’s, fighting to be seen as more than a mom, more than a wife, more than a homemaker. Woman are fighting to be seen as equals and will continue to fight until demands are met. 

In these recent years there have been women all around the world fighting for the rights their male counter parts are given. One of those rights is the right of education. This is a more a problem in the middle east where the laws for women are more extreme than on this side of the world. Young girls are forced to age without the concept of going to school. One remarkable woman by the name of Malala Yousafzai fought for the rights of young girls and woman in Pakistan to be able to go to school, she spoke out against officials and for that she was awarded a bullet to the head. In an academic article by TIME Magazine stated that on November 27th 2011 a young girl by the name Ayesha stayed home from school because a bomb that was put under her fathers car. She was scared and remained coiled up in the corner for majority of the day, around 10:30 pm her father handed her the phone and said “She wants to speak to you.” This is a quote from the article. "This is Malala," said the girl on the other end of the line. Malala Yousafzai, 15, was calling from the hospital in Birmingham, England, where under heavy guard she has been undergoing treatment since Oct. 16. "I understand that what happened was tragic, but you need to stay strong," Malala told Ayesha. "You cannot give up." This was quote from the article written by TIME magazine. 

This was one of the first times that Malala had called anyone in Pakistan since she had left from England to receive medical treatment after “Taliban assassin climbed onto her school bus, called out for her by name and shot her in the head on Oct. 9.” She did this because she knew the older girl needed her, she needed the encouragement from someone who understood what she was going through, she knew she needed the support from a strong female. Malala told the girl to stand up for her father even if it would cause problems, she told her she had to be brave and fight her enemies. This just goes to show that women will always stand together in this endless war. No matter how far away they are from each other, no matter how well they know each other, they will always remain in unity. Malala and Ayesha are warriors standing along side all other women in the world who are doubted because of their gender. 

In a short story called “The Story of an Hour” by the author Kate Chopin she tells the story a woman who finds out that her husband has died and is going through the motions dealing with it. Throughout the story the way she is dealing with her “grief” is physically described as her shaking, sobbing, motionless and her eyes glazed over, almost like her soul had left her body. “When she abandoned herself, a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: "free, free, free!" The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body.” This is quote from the story describing more in detail how she felt after finding out that her husband died. From a first look at the story one would think she was dealing with grief, but sorry to spoil it for you this woman was actually overjoyed that her husband was dead. She was chanting “free, free, free” because now that her husband was dead, she could actually be her own person again. This story was written in 1894 which was a time that the women’s suffrage was continuing to be fought. Woman could not own property, they could not earn a salary and in most eyes were still seen as an object. They were seen as something that was owned by their husbands. If a woman wasn’t married during this time they were seen as crazy or uncanny. “And yet she had loved him--sometimes. Often she had not. What did it matter! What could love, the unsolved mystery, count for in the face of this possession of self-assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being! "Free! Body and soul free!" she kept whispering.” This quote from the text shows that even though you can have a good relationship with your husband during this era, it could still feel good to find out you were free of his holding. 

During this era a lot of times women married for security, for support, to make their families happy, or just because they felt like it was what they had to do. Marriage rarely happened because that man and women truly loved each other, and if it did than I hope they thanked their lucky stars. During these ages from woman it was better for your husband to die than to get a divorce. The first reason is because you would be seen as distasteful to even speak about divorcing your spouse. The second reason was because if a woman and her husband did get a divorce, how would they split their property and belongings? The husband would get everything, he would get the house, and everything that came with it, including the children. This would essentially leave the woman homeless and lonesome. 

The woman in this story was ecstatic that her husband died, and by the end of the story her world came full circle.  She had found out that he hadn’t been in a train accident and that he was actually alive. When she was alerted of this news she died. “Some one was opening the front door with a latchkey. It was Brently Mallard who entered, a little travel-stained, composedly carrying his grip-sack and umbrella. He had been far from the scene of the accident, and did not even know there had been one. He stood amazed at Josephine's piercing cry; at Richards' quick motion to screen him from the view of his wife. When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease--of the joy that kills.” She died from the alarming news that her husband was still alive. Everything she thought about while she was “grieving” was now gone. Her freedom was snatched from her, as well as the thought of living the rest of her life in peace. This story is evidence of a time that has yet to end, women are still being seen as object’s in todays world and they are still being pressured to marry. Woman are still put into boxes and expected to live up to the standards that society put into place for them. Though the walls of these boxes are not as strong as they were in 1984. Then they were made out of steel and stone and now, they still are. Woman have developed iron fist and hammers to break out of these boxes. They will soon arrive at a point where it’ll be nearly impossible for society to even manufacture one of these boxes. 

Little mix is a British pop girl group, they are known as one of the most successful music groups of all time. They were the first group to when the X factor UK singing competition and has since them sold over 90 million albums and 15.8 million singles. They have broken records that were previously held by the spice girls and the pussy cat dolls. In 2018 the group released and album title “LM5” which held a strong them of women empowerment. The album includes a a sound track with songs titles, some for example would be: “Joan of arc,” “Woman like me, ”The National Manthem,”” love a girl right,” and “strip.” One song that stood out the most to many was the song title “Woman’s World” This song holds lyrics that are powerful and have been used for many signs during the most recent woman’s marches. That song starts of with the lyrics

“Every day she tells her daughter

"Baby, you're not just a pretty face"

She says "you gotta work much harder

Than every single man, that's just the way

"But she goes to the same job everyday

She's overworked and underpaid

Just 'cause the way her body's made

Ain't that insane?”

This part of the song is addressing the well-known fact that woman are receiving less pay in this world than the men are for doing the same work. Why are they Receiving less pay? Because they are woman. In many fields, particularly S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) fields woman are seen as nothing more than a pretty face. They are often doubted of their skills and have to work ten times harder just to be noticed and twenty times harder to be respected. Though at the end of the day, after working hard to prove herself, a woman will be paid less for doing the same work as her male counterpart. They will be paid less for doing better work than their male counterparts. 

The US woman’s soccer team is a prime example of this fact. The USNWT has one four world cups while the men are always kicked out in the beginning stages. The USNWT scored 13-0 during their most recent world cup, the most goals for a game in world cup history while the men’s team has never achieved anything close to this. “Overall, from fiscal 2016 to 2018, the women’s games generated about $900,000 more revenue than the men’s games. In the year following the 2015 World Cup win, women’s games generated $1.9 million more than the men’s games.” This is a quote from the Washington post stating the amount of money generated from the revenue of the USNWT in recent years, and how much more they generated than the men. Even with the woman’s team bringing in more money and being more successful they are they paid far less than the male counterparts. If the men’s team loses a game, they are paid 5,000 dollars. If they woman’s team loses a game, they are paid nothing. The men’s team are paid 9 million dollars for losing the 14th round of the world cup while the woman’s team are paid only 2 million for winning the entire competition. The woman’s team is fighting everyday for equal pay when they should be fighting for more pay. The entire team recently sued the U.S Soccer federation for gender discrimination which is still on going and active, may the odds be in the favor. The Little Mix song continues with the bridge and the chorus. 

“If you never been told how you gotta be

What you gotta wear, how you gotta speak

If you never shouted to be heard

You ain't lived in a woman's world

And if you can't see that it's gotta change

Only want the body and not the brains

If you think that's the way it works

You ain't lived in a woman's world, no

Try living, try try living

Try living, try try living

Try living in a woman's world”

This part of the song describes how hard it can be to actually be a woman and live in the world they do. It is physically and mentally exhausting. Woman are told everyday how they should dress, that they should smile more, that they shouldn’t be so loud when in reality they have to be loud, they have yell just to be heard, though they are being listened too. The lyrics than challenges the listener to “try living in a woman’s world,” because that’s exactly what it is, a challenge. It is one of the hardest things a person can do because a woman’s world is filled with constant fighting. Even during times where woman would rather sit back and be quiet, they are still forced into the light. In an article called “Shouting into the void” by Lyz Lenz a story is told about a woman by the last name of Ford. This woman has made allegations against the politician Brett Kavanugh. 

She tried to keep her story private, but it soon got leaked into the media and the encounter became something that was far from private. She decided she had to tell her story. “I AM HERE TODAY not because I want to be. I am terrified. I am here because I believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school,” This quote from the article shows that talking about this stuff is never easy, it is terrifying. Even when you’d rather not talk about it, you still have to. Most choose to because they are helping others but a lot of woman choose to do it to also help themselves. “Now she was sitting in front of a panel of politicians, who were frowning, judging, as she excavated her trauma for an unforgiving and violent nation. In the end, the political process ran right over her, as if she were a speed bump, nothing more than an annoying slowdown on the march of a patriarchal agenda.” This quote from the article describes how things ended in the courtroom. 

Even though Ford told her story, it was worth nothing. She told her story to people who didn’t care, who didn’t want to listen. This is where the title of the article comes into play because Ford was shouting into a void. She had to take her mind through the memories of that traumatic experience just for it to be thrown away. This is nothing new to woman in the world. To this day the voices of woman are still being thrown away, they are still shouting into a void. How many more young girls have to be shot? How many more woman have to be raped/sexually assaulted? How many more woman have to shout? How many more woman do we need to be seen as disposable for all the hardships to end? How much more blood has to be shed? The article also talks about how woman in ancient roam were not allowed hold office or even speak on the senate floor. The only time these women were able to speak were when they were a victim, a martyr, or a person protecting their family. 

This shows that even during ages as early as ancient Rome woman were still seen as the lesser. In the bible Eve is seen was less value than Adam. She was made for him, she made the mistake, she got them banished from the good lands. Woman are always portrayed with a negative conation. Joan of Arc was seen as crazy, Audre Lorde was portrayed as an angry black woman, Anne Frank was a helpless girl, Queen Elizabeth was depicted a prude tyrant and Helen Keller was thought to be unintelligent and mindless but learned to speak and write. She even went on to graduate college and earn the degree she very well deserved. Malala was seen as a defiant girl who was shot in the head for wanting an education.

Woman are polishing their armor and sharpening their spears. If you want to join the fight and help end this gender inequality than stand up and support your fellow woman. March alongside them, you your voice to speak up even though there may be consequences. Tell your daughter she is amazing and tell your sister that no one compares to her. Tell your more you love her and tell your grandmother thank you. Let’s make this a world where woman wont have to pry open elevator doors, instead they’ll just open and allow them in. How about we end this boring and repetitive fight together.

 Sources:- 

Lenz, Lyz. “Shouting Into the Void.” TIME Magazine, vol. 194, no. 13, Sept. 2019, pp. 48–52. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=138707943&site=ehost-live&scope=site.- 

Baker, Aryn, et al. “No 2: THE FIGHTER MALALA YOUSAFZAI.” TIME Magazine, vol. 180, no. 27, Dec. 2012, pp. 96–107. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=84628093&site=ehost-live&scope=site.-

Das, Andrew. “U.S. Women's Soccer Team Sues U.S. Soccer for Gender Discrimination.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 8 Mar. 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/08/sports/womens-soccer-team-lawsuit-gender-discrimination.html.

-Kelly, Meg. “Analysis | Are U.S. Women's Soccer Players Really Earning Less than Men?” The Washington Post, WP Company, 8 July 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/07/08/are-us-womens-soccer-players-really-earning-less-than-men/.