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cheekyowldraws · 8 months

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Wedding Proposal

Series: Pokemon Horizons

Characters: Main plot: Friede, Murdock / Side plot: Orla, Mollie

Ships: FriedexMurdock also called Capncrunchshipping

Summary:

The Brave Asagi was docking on a small island, due to the crew having to refill their proviant. A normal and ordinary day you could say. At least for everyone else. Because for a certain chef this day had the potential to become special. A good or a bad one? That depends on the reaction of a certain white haired man.

Murdock was standing in the kitchen nervously looking around to check if he really is alone, staring at the door for a while until he convinced himslef that the coast is clear. The big man proceeds to pull something out of his pocket and started to fidgeting the round object within his hands. Shimmering in a bright red and white color. It was a Pokeball, but not a normal one. This one could change his life forever. For the better or the worse? That's something he has no control over and that made him even more anxious. „Come on!! Pull yourself together“ he thought to himself while heaving out a big sigh. The brown haired man opend the Ball and in there was a ring. A combination of silver and gold fusing together.

How many times had hepracticed the probably most important question of his entire life already? He couldn't tell, but what he certainly knew was the fact that all those rehearsal sessions didn't took away his nervousness. The fear of making a mistake, just a small unpleasent misstep that could ruining the whole moment constantly lingering in his mind. What if Friede isn't ready yet? Or even worse...what if he says no...what if he actually doesn't love him that much to actually wanna marry him? Murdock started to sweat and tremble a little, heart beating fast and unsteady.

The chef didn't realized how deep he got lost in his thoughts until a famiiar voice popped up right behind him. „Hey Murdock what are you doing?“ Friede suddenly stood right behind him with a geniune soft smile. The brown haired man almost started to panic, cursing himself for not hearing the other man coming in and in an attempt to act natural he turned around quickly while hiding the Pokeball behind his back holding onto it like a Komala clinging on its log. „H..H..Hey Friede! Wh..What are you doing here?“ he stuttered praying to Arceus that Friede didn't see anything! The white haired man immediatly lifted one of his brows in confusion „I could ask you the same question. What on earth are you doing?“ while trying to peek behind Murdocks back „N...Nothing!“ he said fastly turning around to put the Ball back into his pocket. He heard a unsatisfied grunt followed by absolute silence. The time was ticking and Murdock couldn't bear this tension for long anyways so he had to act now „Do you...ehm...I mean... care to join me for a walk?“ The cook nervously tapping his index finger together several times. Friede was still a little confused why his lover was acting so strange lately and especially today, but he actually came here because he hoped Murdock would be able to kill his boredom so a walk together souned like a nice idea „Sure! I would love too“ he replied smiling. Murdock instantly felt relieved and beamed a happy smile towards Friede „Alright then let's go“

The two man got ready to leave the ship and walked into Orla on their way out. She was maintenance the keel of the Brave Asagi and just finsihed her work for today. „Hey you lovebirds care to tell me where you are going?“ she playfully asked with a mischievous grin. „WE ARE JUST GOING FOR A WALK!!“ both of them shooted out simultaniously like they had to justify themselves, looking at each other in surprise, their cheeks shining in a soft pink. „Ooooohhhhh a walk you say?“ she sarcastically added not believing a single word. „Yes just a walk any problem with that?“ Friede countered with a light blush on his face, because he knew Orla just tried to tease them. The woman just looked at the two men in disbelieve. Especially Murdock was awfully quiet avoiding eye contact. But right this moment the Brunette got a wonderful idea and couldn't help but let out a small giggle. “Well then have a nice time and enjoy the sunset together“ and waved her goodbye to them returning to the ship. When she was out of sight she took out her phone to make a call „Oi Mollie I need your help“ Orla said with a scheeming face.

Murdock and Friede just looked at each other for a while slightly confused what that all was about. „Come on let's go shall we?“ Friede said and already started to slowly walk towards the beach, when he realized Murdock wasn't following him. „Do you want to put down roots there?” He jokingly shouted waving at the other man. Murdock not realizing that he got lost in his thoughts again got snapped back to reality “So...Sorry! I..I'm coming!” he nervoulsy shouted back before running to the other man to catch up. A normal walk? He sure hopes that's not the case.

Only a few minutes have passed until they finally arrived at the beach. They both haven't said a single word since, silently walking next to each other in a comfortable pace. Suddenly Friede spotted something and started to sprint towards a small stone wall jumping onto it with one big leap. Carfeully balancing his weight, with his arms spread out he walked across the slim wall. „Don't hurt yourself when you fall down“ Murdock said with a sassy undertone. „Nah I'm good“ Friede confidentally countered. „Says the most reckless person I know“ the cook couldn't hold back a laugh. „Laugh as much as you want, but I know you gonna catch me if I fall“ Murdocks laugh got cut off within a second, his face promptly turning red. Of course he would catch him. Friede seemingly happy about the reaction he got out of the chef now started to walk a bit faster and even spun around in a circle just to impress his boyfriend „See I'm just fi...“ in that moment he stepped on a unsteady part which led to a small stone breaking away under his feet, loosing his footing he tried to keep his balance but failed. „WATCH OUT!!“ Murdock yelled and without hesitating immadiatly reach out to catch the reckless idiot. But the ground was slippery so even though he DID catch the other man he slipped himslef right after and hit the ground himself.

Everything went so fast that Friede needed a moment to process what just happened. It took him a while to realize that he landed soft on his stomach and actually was laying on something soft. The something soft turned out to be Murdocks chest. Now it was Friedes face that chaned into a bright red shade, but he tried to overplay his embarrassement and keep it cool. „See? You catched me“ he cheekly stated while grinning widly at the other man, placing both hands on his hip in a triumphant pose, still sitting on Murdocks stomach. One brown eye now staring at him half open. „Don't tell me you fell down on purpose“ he responded rubbing the back of his head to ease the pain he tried to sit up all unfased, when in reality he was about to freak out and just has to get Friede off from him as fast as he could. „I would never do that“ the smaller man tried to sound offended. The cook then gently grabbed him at his hip to lift him to the side. Friede now sitting on the cold ground couldn't decide if he was happy or not that Murdock pushed him away so fast, but it probably was for the best. They went here for a normal walk after all. He eventually proceeded to stand up, brushing the dirt off his pants. Back on his feet he now offered his hand to help Murdock who accepted with a „Thank you“ and reached out for the helping hand.

After that they just kept walking along the beach enjoying the fresh breeze and the chef suddently had to remember the faithful day they first met. The day his life was turned upside down so he needed to know „Do you believe in Love at first sight?“ He felt his heart skip a beat after asking this question out loud eagerly waiting for a respond...but he didn't got any...did Friede not hear him? Or is he ignoring him in purpose? He felt his blood pressure rising with every second passing and had to muster all his courage to check what the other man is doing.

Friede actually just stared at Murdock for some time before he started to pose, pointing at his own face „I mean how could you not fall in love with this beautiful face?“ the man stated with a big confident grin. Honestly the chef couldn't denie this statement, but that wasn't the point here! Murdock couldn't help but to let out a annoyed soft „Idiot...“ turing his head in the opposite direction so Friede wouldn't see him pouting, questioning himself how he could fall head over heels for this moron!? He loved Friede with all his heart, but sometimes he just wanted to punch him.

Friede still had this big grin on his face, but it got washed away promptly when he noticed that Murdock is facing away from him. Nice...that's a way to destroy the mood.. The smaller man scolded himself. Of course he believed in that, because he experienced it first hand. But the question took him so off-guard that his coping mechanism took over. He didn't knew how to anwer this question at first but his heart told him.

Murdock stopped pouting at this point...but he felt like crying...that wasn't even THE question and he already thought he fucked up big time so he asked himself if he should call it a day and label todays attempt as a failure...but before he could speak it out loud a warm and comfortable touch distracted him. Friede was now holding his left hand very gently, squeezing it slightly. His heart started to beat faster and hope came back to him when he was met with the warmest smile. Friedes yellow eyes shining brightly, almost burning with how full of love they were.

„You made me believe it“ the white haired man said those words with such a soft and sweet voice while holding eye contact. Now it was Murdock that was left speechless, his heart racing faster and faster. There it was again this feeling!! A swarm of butterfrees in his stomach going wild, about to break out! After taking a deep breath without breaking eye contact he finally was able to speak „I'm so glad I did“ the cooks voice was filled with pure joy and love. His cheeks shining is a beautiful pink and his brown eyes glittering, because of the tears he tries to hold back. Friedes heart was beating like crazy, it felt like it's gonna bust out his chest any moment. HOW IS THIS MAN ALWAYS MANAGING TO MAKE HIM FEEL THIS WAY!?? He asked himself not being able to look away from this beautiful view right before his eyes. And before he could continue thinking his desire took over and he leaned forward to catch those lips and was surprised when the other man followed his lead. Still holding hands both of them melted into the kiss, their hearts fluttering hoping this moment would never end.

„I knew it was a good idea to follow them!!“ Orla let out proud, looking at the photo she just made. „Keep quiet or they gonna hear us“ Mollie whispered. The two woman were hiding in some bushes „Tehehe sorry I got to fired up“ she apolgized while hitting her head playfully with her fist while sticking out her tongue. „But I knew something was fishy!“ Mollie let out a long sigh „I only tagged along because you begged me“ „Come on your curious as well“ Orla cheekily stated while gently knocking her elbow against Mollies arm. „Or didn't you find it odd how Murdock did act today?“ she ask the nurse „Right he really acted different today. He was jumpy and lost in his thought all day“ The pink haired woman muttered thinking about a reason for his behaviour. „Bingo!! And the dessert he made today were extra breathtaking don't you think?“ Mollie just nodded in agreement „But why all of that?“ A big grin formed on the brunetts face „L.O.V.E~~~!“ she spelled out. „What if he finally propose to Friede?“ Orlas eyes lit up. She knows how much Friede loves Murdock and as his childhood friend she don't wanna miss this sweet moment. „Don't you think they would be happy to have this speical moment banned on camera?“ the mechanic ask with a twinkling eye. Mollie finally was convinced and smiled „I bet they will freak out first when they realize that they have been watched“ she laughed slightly thinking about that. „They started moving again!“ Orla suddenly shooted a bit louder then she intended. „Okay lets keep following them“ Mollie herself was now fired up as well and so the two woman stealthy continued with their plan.

Back to Friede and Murdock:

Due to the need of getting in some oxygen the two man had to part their lips, slightly whining about the sudden loss of warmth they now looked deeply at each other, their eyes filled with desire and passion. Totally consumed by the heat of the moment they were about to go for a second round when they suddenly got startled by a loudly rustling bush. Out of reflex they looked into the direction the unknown sound came from. „Probably just a wild Pokemon“ Friede stated with a nervouse laugh „Y..Yeah“ The cook answered with a slightly trembeling voice. Noticing the other mans uneasyness/discomfort Friede gently pressed Murdocks hand while softly smiling at him. „Let's continue our walk shall we?“ and a smile was forming on the cooks face „Yeah I would love that“

Murdock loved the constant touch of Friedes hand around his. It felt so comfortable, soft and also save. That's right he trusted him with his life and knew the other man felt the same. Minutes passed and the chef enjoyed this pleasent feeling with all his heart BUT he was on a mission today. The proposal he had planned for weeks is within reach. Not long until the sunset paints the sky in a beautiful red. That will be THE moment! The only problem: He needs both of his hands and even though he doesn't want to let go of Friedes hand, he needs to. But that might make Friede suspicious. Murdock starts to get nervouse again not knowing what to do when all of a sudden Friede actually let go of his hand and running excited towards the water „Look Murdock!“ The man pointed at the slowly red turning Horizon. His eyes sparkeling even brighter than the sun itslef.

This was the moment of truth. All the practice and preperations were for this exact moment. He swollowed hard, his heart racing at top speed. Trying to calm down his nerves he takes in a deep breath. Everything around him seemed to slow down, his head became clear and when Friedes attention traveled back to admire the beautiful sunset that was his signal. He sprinted to the other mans side, biting his lip in anticipation, his eyes burning with determination. On last time he inhaled deeply before falling on his left knee pulling out the special Pokeball and finally asking the question he died to ask for so long „Friede“ He resolutely started to get the attention of the love of his life and it worked. Friede turned around and what he saw was something he didn't expect at all. His eyes widened as he looked at Murdock opening what looked like a Pokeball, revealing a ring. „Am I allowed to catch you?“ Murdock finally asked.

Friedes POV:

Friede stood there, speechless, not being able to move a muscle, totally taken aback. Is this really happening right now?! It fells like a dream come true. Murdock, the man he wants to spent the rest of his life with just ask him to marry him?! He had to gasp for air, because he didn't realized that he stopped breathing for a few seconds. Tears started running down his face. He tried to blink them away, but to no avail as he already was bawling his eyes out at this point. He felt so happy and blessed. Did he even deserve this?! Doubts started to fill his head...Is he really good enough for him? Can he make him happy? He looked at Murdocks face...he looked worried...and on the verge of crying. YOU IDIOT!! He wouldn't have asked you if he doesn't mean it!! JUST SAY YES YOU COWARD!! Friede finally tried to speak...but no words came out...only a broken sobbing and he started to panic.

Murdocks POV:

Okay there it is! He finally asked the question! Now he only had to wait for Friedes answer. Easier said then done...he was an emotinal mess. His heart beat so fast, making him lightheaded. He felt like he could pass out any moment. Every second of silence passing felt like a eternity. Never had he felt so stressed in his life. WHY ISN'T HE SAYING ANYTHING!?! Then Friede started to cry and he felt his heart dropping to his stomach...No..No..NO NO NO NO NO NO!! Why is he crying!?? What did he do wrong!?? He felt his biggest fear coming true...he wanted to cry himself, but for some reason he couldn't...He didn't know what to do...normally he would just pull the other man into his embrace to calm him down...but what if Friede didn't want this right now...what if he is upset...What if..........he doesn't love him that much to marry him...The cook almost started to hyperventilate and was about to accept Friedes reaction as a rejection...looking away in defeat. But his eyes instantly snapped back when he heard a broken sobbing coming out of the other man. Was he trying to speak? What did he try to tell him!?? Could it be that...In this moment hope flowed back into his body and his eyes lit up again. He started to tremble, his breath unsteady he had to swallow harshly before he could speak. Pushing away all his doubts and worries he finally mustered all his courage „I...Is that a yes!?“ he ask cautiously. Friede wasted no time and desperately tried to speak, but he still was to overwhelmed so insted he nodded his head vigorously as confirmation.

Murdock felt like a big weight fell down his shoulder, all the tension and anxiety, his fears and worries, all of that got washed away in an instant. What remaind was the pure feeling of happiness that rushed through his body. Completely overwhelmed by his emotions he pulled Friede into a tight embrance and couldn't hold back his tears. „I...I was so scared you would say no...I'm so glad...“ the cook sobbing heavily while pressing his face on Friedes shoulder. „YES!!!“ Friede finally screamed out of the top of his lung after his voice finally returned to him „OF COURSE I WANNA MARRY YOU!!“ the smaller man tightly hugged him back. „You are my everything...I love you!“ he said with a soft voice. Murdock sobbed continuously, not believing how blessed he was „I love you too...I love you so much“ Both men didn't want to let go and lay in eauch other's arms treasured this special moment to the fullest. They will never forget this unique sunset.

„FINALLY!!“ Orla yelled out loud, totally forgetting that they were hiding. This startled the shit out of Friede and Murdock „O...ORLA!!?? IS THAT YOU!?“ the white haired man asked absolutely embarressed, blushing like crazy. After Mollie shortly glared at her for blowing their cover they revealed themselves and jumped out of the bush „Congratiolations for finding a new Horizon together“ Orla happily wished. Realizing they have been watched, their faces were now glowing red. „Sorry I couldn't resist to film your Proposal“ she admitted, waving her phone around. „Wait...WHAT!!??“ the two men yelled fully bamboozled, sweating like crazy. The two woman just laughed at the hilrious sight. They surley will never forget this fateful day.

#pokemon horizons #Professor Friede #Murdock (Pokemon)#pokemon #capncrunchshipping #Pokeani #Friede (Pokemon)#Friede/Murdock #friede pokemon #Murdock pokemon #Mollie (pokemon)#Orla (Pokemon)#cheekyOWL writes stuff

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minyare2906 · 2 years

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[RELEASE] HANAKOI TSURANE CH54

Title: Hanakoi Tsurane | Dance of Love | 花恋つらね

Author/Artist: Natsume Isaku Rating: +18

Summary: The self-destructive type, Sougorou is the heir of one of the well-known families in Kabuki world. He has no interests in other actors his age with the exception of Gensuke who he recognizes as his rival and never wants to lose to no matter what. However, fate plays a cruel trick on him and the two of them end up as classmates… How will their relationship develop…?!

Chapter 54 Download/Read online: Here

Note: Hello!! How are you doing my fellow readers? Hope you’re fine and resisting this hellish summer. Seems like the heat is subsiding here, but it still shows its ugly face from time to time.

Volume 9 starts now, yay! Sensei offers us a beautiful coloured cover of the 2 lovebirds, I've cleaned it completely for your enjoyment, hope you like it. I don’t know you, but I think that Sougo looks great with those tattoos, even if they’re fake. I’m dying to see how he does playing Benten, but for now we can only see him being eaten by anxiety, he’s really worried about how this character will turn out. I hope sensei lets us see the result soon, she’s already announced the paper release of chapter 55, so the digital will be out soon ;)

Oh, before I forget, to those of you who read Hanakoi on Mangadex, I’m really sorry! I totally forgot about uploading the chapters, I’ll start today and chapter 54 will be up in a month, as our usual schedule, if I see it up in Mangago sooner, I may upload it sooner as well.

On a side note, I may end up adding a watermark on the Mega release (I’m still mulling over it), because I’m tired of asking not to upload it to Mangago, now they don’t even wait until it’s up on Mangadex, the upload it on the same day or the day after our release. So, if you start seeing huge watermarks, I apologise, but please be understanding. I could talk to the uploaders before to ask them to bring the links down, but I can no longer do it, as now the uploaders’ name is hidden.

For now, I’ll withhold the Mega release for a week, as that’s what I guess they use to upload to aggregator sites. Again, sorry to those of you who are good, respectful readers, but I need to protect my colleagues and myself and aggregator sites are not protective towards the scanlating groups, just think about how many groups have gone private or how many have had to drop projects because the author (with all their right to do so) discovered their pages on those aggregator sites, and the ones who’ll have to do it in the future due to the same thing. I know it’s unfair, but it’s also a way to reward all of you who read it here, you’ll have it available a week before the ones who read it in aggregator sites ;)

I know GDrive is not the most comfortable to read, but it’s the best to not get the pages stolen for now.

After this long testament, I want to thank Adamay for translating so fast and to Toshirodragon for accompanying me into making the texts the best possible, I know you both have little time and you spend it in Hanakoi, I appreciate it so, so much and I know we share our love for those two, thanks so much! A big thank you to @rosesquadscans, you saved this project when I thought it was lost, thank you.

And thanks to all of you! See you in chapter 55!

@cm-scans - @ikahomine

#Hanakoi Tsurane #Natsume Isaku #CM Scans #Download #!Hanakoi Tsurane #Min manga edits

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onaperduamedee · 1 year

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Notes on The Dragon Reborn

I went almost straight from The Great Hunt, but never edited my notes. As I am jumping in The Shadows Rising immediately after, I felt the need to clean up my impressions if only to come back to them later.

Full spoilers for The Dragon Reborn under the cut :

Also Perrin arguing with Moiraine that Rand knows what he is doing the day after Rand accidentally caused an earthquake that hurt people and destroyed buildings.

Moiraine: states facts about Rand being both dangerous and extremely vulnerable, is straightforward about her being only here to keep him alive for the last battle

Perrin: this is your fault, you meddlesome hussy, what are you trying to do with him, stop lying, stop manipulating, just be niceee

Me: ????

Regarding this tension between Moiraine and the boys, I wish I understood better the sexist kool-aid the three boys drank, because otherwise I like their POVs and arcs, but every time they so much think about Moiraine or Aes sedai it devolves into resentful post-feminist paranoia. However, their behavior is consistent with the defiance some male students had toward female teachers in High School: they would aggressively challenge their authority, but never with male teachers, even with the ones who were notoriously lax. So it's something RJ really nailed here, even if it can be exhausting to read.

The running gag of Nynaeve having to get angry to heal people or channel is comical, but could have major unwanted implications in the show.

The EF5 really are sharing a single wandering brain cell with Elayne. They are impulsive and reckless to the point of angering Verin, of all people. I do feel this is a very strong argument in favour of Nynaeve and Egwene being ta'veren too: they have such a talent for pandemonium, all of them. The trail of chaos that Rand was leaving behind wasn't that different from Mat, Nynaeve and Egwene's path, although on a different scale.

Siuan… I swear her mind is a kink at this point: she's so sharp and commanding. I am sorry Nynaeve and Egwene, you must be straight, because I would have been on my knees in the gayest sense during the scene where Siuan recruited them against the Black Ajah. I have never been more attracted to a fictional character as I am with SIuan in those scenes.

I do understand her reasoning when it comes to hunting the Black Ajahs (and it reinforces the parallel with young Moiraine and Siuan in New Spring), but Egwene is too damn young to be dragged into this. Also, it makes me a little disappointed we're never going to see them really study as Accepted.

Absolutely obsessed with Perrin prattling in front of Faile and an innkeeper and then cursing Moiraine for not telling him enough. Amazing.

I adore her, by the way

Moiraine: is aware of the general public perception of Aes Sedai, gets repeatedly cursed at by Perrin for not being trustworthy, has Lan not trusting her anymore because of the bond

Also Moiraine: doesn't lift a finger to appear less suspicious, cryptic or uncaring

Perrin walking in on Moiraine half-naked and then having a little bit of a case of MILF panic was weird, but still not as disturbing as the entire contingent of Aes Sedai leering over Rand and the boys in early TGH.

I am at a point where I love Nynaeve so much more than Lan, to say nothing of interest. I hope it gets better because he is inextricable from my two favourite characters. And I do wish Nynaeve wasn't taking love advice from two sixteen-year-old ta'veren-struck lovebirds.

Egwene snapping at Nynaeve about her manipulating as well as Moiraine and Elayne slapping her, while Elayne has spent months with someone as blunt as Nynaeve… After New Spring and TEotW, I remember complaining about Jordan writing women as petty in a way that feels a tad sexist. With women so far, disagreement devolves too often into cattiness. Watsonian hat on, I absolutely see why this scene happens (Egwene’s trauma that gets triggered by Nynaeve’s authority, Elayne who’s been dealing with Nyn and Egwene for weeks, the Forsaken’s influence), but with a Doylist hat on, it’s merely another instance of the books being Like That™ about gender.

It's implied Moiraine did some pretty impressive sleuthing this book and it's so frustrating that we only get the aftermath. How did she know Sammael was in Illian incognito, about Be'lal in Tear? Why was Lan so afraid for her, since she wasn't going to kill Sammael anyway? Why did she have to go alone? TELL ME

The Wild Hunt after Perrin and Moiraine’s group getting balefired was such a striking scene. I hope the show keeps that scene.

Am intrigued by the geographic progress of the characters. With the Perrin and Moiraine group, it's straight-forward enough, but with Mat, Thom, Nynaeve, Egwene and Elayne, there is a lot of going somewhere to get information to go somewhere else and yeah, although it feels realistic, it's a tad confounding. Not necessarily bad, but striking enough that I wonder if it's supposed to call back to a circular progression.

Absolutely in love with the circularity of the girls, more specifically Nynaeve, being convinced they can rely on their strength in the One Power to defeat their enemies and then being obliterated the moment they face Black Ajahs because yeah, Verin was right, there's a reason they cannot use their power like that. No matter how strong, they shouldn't want to hurt people this way and Darkfriends, particularly the Black Ajahs, will always play dirty.

Jabs at Perrin and the girls aside, I believe this may be an underlying theme of the book: the belief that honesty equals knowledge, and recognition of lack of knowledge equals dishonesty. It's particularly blatant in Perrin and Moiraine's dynamic, where Moiraine keeps repeating she doesn't know, doesn't understand yet, and Perrin cannot see it as anything but duplicity, while his straightforwardness must mean he knows better. And conversely, there is a reason why the moment Nynaeve offers a magistral demonstration of knowledge - her Wisdom trade, mind you - it's immediately followed by a comparison to Aes Sedai and accusations of hypocrisy by Egwene.

It's a nice exploration of growing up too, because as I entered adulthood I expected older people to know all the answers and just give them to me. And here, Moiraine, Siuan, Thom, Verin… All of them are trapped in circumstances of their own, hindered by their lack of knowledge. The EF5 get angry at them, even when they find themselves in circumstances they can't control and flail through inexperience. Growing up and taking responsibility for your place in the world means understanding there is no universal answer and the work is never done: power, knowledge, luck - they aren't a panacea, especially when fighting against the end of the world. If you've ever felt utterly hopeless before events beyond your control - pandemic, war, climate crisis, late-stage capitalism, rise is fascism and white supremacy - it's a familiar sentiment.

From the fandom's perception of the Forsaken, I was skeptical about the Forsaken being goofy because the concept is really cool in theory. The fandom was absolutely right and the Forsaken are goofy in the best of ways. They remind me of Grand Guignol theatre, which was a famous French theatre in the first half of the XX c. specializing in gory, over-the-top and dark plays. It has become a term to refer to work of fiction that's melodramatic and horrific, often verging on ridiculous. I get a kick out of such camp characters.

By the light, the payoff for Egwene's multiple ventures in the dream world was extremely satisfying. I am taking back all my reservations about Tel'aran'rhiod. I still could do with fewer dream sequences overall.

On that, Perrin's hunt for Faile in Tel'aran'rhiod felt redundant, even if the narrative lays the groundwork. And I am not fond of Perrin, and Mat, and Lan being deadset on rescuing the women.

I say that and then Lan yet again does not do much to save Moiraine from being obliterated in battle and Moiraine does the saving when it comes to Rand. So there's that.

And, oh, Faile? Love at first sight on my end. I want her to be played by Erin Wu.

Everything in Tear filled me with Joy and not only because everyone was reminded of Siuan. Jordan is really good with worldbuilding. The Wisdom betraying the girls, the Aiel, the Black Ajahs, the Forsaken trying to trap Moiraine, Mat running around with hunters and gleemen... It's too much, but in the most enjoyable manner, like carnival or a Doctor Who finale. Parts of it are delicious slices of cloak and dagger, others pure esoteric gothic-ish nightmare.

If I had a nickel every time Moiraine shields Rand from a Forsaken and then gets obliterated before the final battle while Nynaeve and Egwene are running around and Mat is hiding, I would have two nickels, which isn’t much but it’s funny it happened twice.

So far, this book is the one I enjoyed the most. The pacing is miles better than the first two. The treatment of the different plots is much more satisfying and equal, which goes a long way to improve the rhythm. Rand is almost completely absent from this book, which is an interesting choice given what he goes through, but more on that in another post because it is a very deliberate shift in POV.

Although I still maintain the middle part is meandering, it's thoroughly jolly meandering, like the kind of adventure you could get in Alexandre Dumas' serialized novels. There is so much tension between the characters, but it's mostly compelling tension for now, coming from people being flawed and foolish and human. The final battle is again an explosion of chaos and barely adaptable to the screen as it is, but SO BLOODY ENJOYABLE. At moments the writing veers into straight-up Symbolism and Surrealism, particularly with the emphasis on dreams, and it's often messy but the result is strangely compelling. Like, if the writing stays on this level and above for the whole series, I will be more than content.

#the dragon reborn #wheel of time #wot book spoilers #the wheel of time #remblai #wot review #I have two other posts on Rand specifically and character ranking #interest in certain characters has changed in unexpected ways after this book #other meta-ish post will be on Rand and his title and the book's title and we're going straight into metadiegetic territory #Wot meta #Meta

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cornus27florida · 1 year

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x"D IDK what's this anymore : Episode 147th The BBQ (Barbeque) part 1

-> no Patreon leak image for the change, I forgor where and I feel it will be nice to have Curtis in appron (actually not the first time, we seen once before when Nell warning him about Gwen going to the barn with were-spider Prez inside) - as the first image of the post. Also I want do simple for the change

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Curtis looked nice with an apron there, but Syrah - he definitely won’t wear that apron `kiss the cook` you prepared ahahahah. Also foods in Whitney’s slumber party really banging it, if only I didn’t need to watch my calories intake (and diseases histories in my family lineage) - I’ll inhaled those perfectly cooked meat steaks, burger patties, french friends, cheeses and more! Also bag of chips sounds nice as well for warm welcome and nice barbeque >w<

Laverne really clings to Whitney ahahaha, very fluffy Llama kinda like a very warm and thick blanket that wrapped Whitney from his head to mid body with a very tight nuzzle there -> like many confused where Laverne's appendages where as it seems seeped inside to Whitney hahaha

Also nice to see NelLie again! and poor Renee, your best friend currently going to Pastel palace with likely headaches due to reading some diary in a rushing carriage without blinking there! -> Renee’s note kinda cute there:

Bernadette and the OP background character congratulating Prez’ that she didn’t turns to be were-spider this month, but Prez looks unhealthy (few waves of intense cramping and splitting headaches every minute of every day) - I really hope that she won’t be turned to be were-spider anytime, because that cursed transformation makes her uncontrollable unlike Monika when turned to be crow. Later on Prez looks healthy enough when giving a demonstration though.. so I think she kinda OK, and even if worse will happen (feels like want to enters period, I think the answer is for her taking the delaying period pills again -> the side effects could be much worse, but the most important thing is Prez could keep her mind and avoids to do things that uncontrollable for her (like, I know some wished for Leland to be killed by Prez in cursed form or something, but that’s not the answer as making Prez a murderer (even though we know how evil Leland is) will affecting her really greatly in bad ways).

Now Frederick’s time! Poor the tiniest prince with the tiniest voice and his worst enemy: terrifying skill of communication - and I try to react his interactions with CPC members in parts ; with the trio (Abbi, Syrah, Monika), Saffron, and Prez.

A) With the trio Abbi, Syrah, Monika: Frederick hesitated because he thinks he’ll ruin the good mood of them during the slumber party, but turns out they are also missing and wondering about Gwen’s too that hasn’t shown up since ‘the romantic, end-of-the-night rendezvous. Syrah’s comment ``We get it, you two lovebirds are probably making out every day and we’re not gonna pry`` makes me giddy in chuckles. But IG the misunderstanding with the trio due to Frederick’s reply in tomato face, ``I haven’t seen her at all! I’ve been locked in a dungeon by my dad ever since the gala!`` → made the trio think the reason that Frederick locked up is due to being grounded because something too intimate makes Frederick and Gwendolyn need to be separated.. <Hence the blushing face of the trio espc from Monika there>

Oh boi, if only that’s the case but the locked up is literal punishment by Leland to Frederick’s “failures” and to make sure he won’t mess things up again - This my attempt to find excuse of the somewhat seeming OOC-ness of the trio to not thinking that Frederick being locked up seriously, they simply misunderstanding things espc after Frederick outburst with red face telling that he never seen Gwen since the gala due to being locked up by his dad

B) With Saffron -> thanks a lot for being supportive, bro!

Sorry I have nothing much to say because it's distracted to Saffron's heart-shaped 'tattoo' - RIP Saffron's first date ;-;

C) With Prez -> sadly Prez still not grabbing the situation, but one thing I love is we finally have more deeper interactions between her and Frederick (like, I am counting the days when Frederick realizes from Prez retelling that Gwen shackled her own self-worth's opinion to him and his love - similar to what Lilyth does to Jackie) - she even saying things that total opposite of what Frederick used to hear (small, weak boy).

Well at least Frederick won't be throw up vomiting due to being 'flipped over by princesses' because he likely been days starved by Leland at the prison *smiling sadly in anguish*

=========================================== Theory's ramble portion - is about Frederick to his brothers

Frederick trying to explain that he ruined everything with Gwen (as he thinks he's the sole reason of all of her pains and sadness, when we know things actually more complex than that : blaming solely Frederick isn’t the answer) and there’s fights between Pastel princesses and Plaid princes - that he thinks because the awful thing that he did when first meeting Gwen (calling her ugly), but CPC already knew it - so it’s the reason why he got attacked when first meeting CPC

The trio still thinking Frederick misunderstanding things, but one thing is clear: he finally connected the dots of the reason Gwendolyn is the part of the CPC (ran down after crying heard that she’s called ugly - into the forest and stumbled upon CPC ‘really kind people that helped her in a lot of ways’ + Gwen confronted about it to him once already, but due to their poor communication skill - Gwen cutting the confrontation speeches while Freddie thinks she confronted him due to pulling off to cliff not the awful comment) and why CPC is so hostile towards him the first time they’re meet -> Agreed with comment that Freddie isn’t playing dumb during CPC intruder arc), he’s just truly dumb there (but to be fair on idiocy level, he’s smarter than Jackie because he realized what’s wrong about their love interest much quicker and also more aware of things around) TvT

Poor Frederick sprawled in the ground part 1

When Abbi reassure Freddie to chills out and forget everythings the night (even handed a bag of chips, that later on be comedic aspect as breathing bag for Freddie who got panic attack later on), Frederick stands up instantly and exclaimed there’s no time to chill - as Leland, Blaine, and Lance are on their way to Pastel palace to do something to the Pastel Princesses. He doesn’t know because purposely not getting in the plan, but I hope the conversations in the prison could helps Frederick to connecting dots which are; Leland want Frederick to stay back so his plan won’t be ruined anymore [but here we are with Frederick out there, the catalyst of Leland’s plan breakage], coming to the Pastel kingdom tonight is considered ‘an errand’ but there’s troop involved, everything that Plaid kingdom do is for power - the all-knowing power/the Omniscient Clam, the big event is tomorrow at Corduroy canyon and Frederick will be included.

The engagements were fake (told by Leland actually, and we know Blaine and Lance doesn’t give definite answer to how they actually feeling for the Princesses) -an act `of affections for few princesses`, their relationships for Leland is just some scheme for Plaid kingdom’s power grab → actually we know it’s more petty obsession to wrecking Jack

his brother told him themself, for the power grab by Leland

That’s one thing that Frederick (and us readers as well) could misunderstand, does Blaine and Lance really couldn’t care less about an alliance between the Pastel and the Plaid kingdom - or about Frederick? As at the Gala, CPC teamed up with Blaine and Lance to stop the bullies to harassing him.. but there’s concern which could make it or break it the piece of trust that Frederick to his brothers, which as the followings that Syrah said;

`Frederick's a part of the Plaid kingdom, and we'll rip the limbs off of anyone who interferes with the Plaid kingdom`

Because that statement will strengthen Frederick’s trust _if_ Blaine and Lance considers him as their precious little brother Poor, but will breaking the trust in dust _if_ Frederick spat out to not being part of Plaid’s kingdom anymore <which I feel the latter is likely that will happen due to me tend to be pessimistic, and Blaine that likely spat out that while Lance keep silent again/could he finally stands up for his lil’ bro?

-> Learning that CPC+Blaine+Lance might kill the bullies, Frederick fell to panic attack again and wondering if the bullies even still alive (imho doesn’t matter, as long the bullies out of the sight and never appears again)

Frederick sprawled in the ground part 2

===========================================I also want to talk about 2 biggest cockblocker in CPC history told in this episode: Saffron's cursed hand (fanon named: Thaddeus) & Curtis (for WhitnErnia ship) - haha poor them

Welp well like what Whitney's feeling, I feel now enough. ADIOS

I am leaving but if anyone want to interact anything be it comment - reblog - or anything, I am still there ><

#cursed princess club #spoiler #newest free pass episode of CPC #episode 147th the barbeque part 1 #mostly trying to be objective there but indeed poor Frederick

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villainedit · 3 months

Note

Hello! I hope this ask *(appreciation letter) finds you well.

I was never a die-hard taizu shipper to begin with, leaning more towards to lesbianism & ploy side of the fandom (or just single gremlin mizu all the way tbh). But!! I've decided to give your story a try and it has been one of the best written works I've encountered in the fandom since I've watched the show. The characterization, building and sceneries you've captured are all so, so well done, I can see the deck, the ocean, can hear their voices in the lines, as well as all the lovable original side characters that adds to the plot <3 (Hikaru is so silly i love him sm) sailor crew is just a big found family watching these two fighty gay lovebirds and it is wholesome and hilarious and I love it lol

Another thing I'd like to share is despite the fact the I am not one for nsfw (I can handle reading it but it's just not my tea), the non-smut interactions and conversations you've had them have are extremely well-constructed and delivered, it feels like things they would say, the characters growth of taigen is compelling(and I guess that is one of the reasons I've fell for your version of this pair cuz taigen is really rightfully Alright now), and there are many sweet or funny moments sprinkled in this that just made my eyes water or snort out loud while reading :> just those non-sexual intimacies and care (and fluff&angst combo) that takes up the majority of the fic is what got me continuing the reading journey. Beautifully done:)) If taizu really becomes a thing in season 2, I will say that this fic is what convinces me to this ship lmao

(and thank you for putting up the nsfw reminders in the chapters they take place too! it really helps readers like me who live for fluff and fizzle out at smut to know when to scroll really really fast and get to the next part)

Hope you have a nice day :]

OMG this is like one of the nicest things i’ve ever read hahahha thank you so so much!!!! this means loads!

i’ve never really posted my writing before and i wasn’t sure how my work would be received / if i was any good so this has really made my week hahah

i also see the crew as like a bunch of silly men who are all probs a bit gay and are just like 🙄 yeah classic at Mizu and Taigen lmao, and i’m so glad you liked my work despite not really being a taizu fan!!!!

honestly such a lovely thing to read really thanks so much, also thanks for your feedback on the content warnings / nsfw alerts - really want to make sure i get that right for people so pls (this goes to anyone) feel free to let me know how/if my current system works for you

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

#saved #wow this was so nice to read after a looooong day at work hahha #thank you anon #:))

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oceanblueeyesoul · 1 year

Note

hello can i get a pjo cabin + s/o and a wensday match up ? ( a male match is fine for the s/o’s )

my name is Ziah, i use she/her pronouns and im like 5’3-5’5, 5w6 enneagram, an aries sun + libra moon + a scorpio rising. my hogwarts house is a ravenclaw and my mbti is an intj. i have dark brown skin and eyes with jet balck curly hair above my shoulders with bangs covered with a headband. I have a couple moles and a scar like a line down my forehead tho its kinda fading ngl. im mostly calm/humble & nonchalant but make jokes 24/7 in secret. My personality is described as “elderly ”by others because im serious at times but im more goofy once i get to know people also that im mad lazy when i want to be. pretty much the quiet friend whos an accidental instigator but everyones chiil with plus im the kinda strong friend who carries in arm-wrestling while holding on to the title as the “nerd” despite giving no enthusiasm in schoolm. i get laughs out of pestering friends/family with harmless debates and small things like people ik falling/tripping . i play basketball and work out every now n’ then doing miles on the treadmill. i actually do enjoy running when i actually am not procrastinating. the only thing i dislike is people who talk unnecessarily to much at times and being forced to do things that i don’t enjoy if i think about it. id say im decently smart for 99% of the time get good grades & A’s. tbh i just mostly observe others than be then main man talking. tho i have to admit i do get competitive when it comes to awards being involved & like taking on bets!! especially ones involving money or sweets as prizes. i guess my hobbies could be considered drawing, some piano,reading and listening to rap/rnb whenever im not knocked out asleep from sports practice. other random stuff i like is animals, science, history, psychology, marvel, drake, the weeknd, greek mythology, rain, j.cole , art museums or museums in general, harry potter on some days of the week and all that other stuff that falls under those categories. idk if this is useful but my style is tomboy-ish but you’ll catch me in a skirt or dress just not as often . though you mostly catch me neutral tones and nikes, converse or doc martens on average. i apologize if this long but i thank you it in advance !!!

Hi there, Ziah! I really hope you like this a lot!

PJO Cabin Matchup

You give me Cabin 1 (Zeus) vibes! You and your siblings would have fun competing against each other for having fun with each other when it comes to running competitions.

PJO Matchup

Your PJO soulmate is...

LEO VALDEZ!!

He would definitely going to be releasing your goofy side a lot more on the outside because he is very good at making you laugh a lot.

The two of you would be definitely playing the piano together all the time because it makes you guys feel safe with each other a lot.

He would be the man talking to all kinds of people because he knows that you prefer to watch and observe people rather than talking to them.

Cancer x Aries lovebirds!

Hufflepuff x Ravenclaw soulmates!

ENTP x INTJ sweethearts!

Wednesday (Netflix) Matchup

Your Wednesday (Netflix) soulmate is...

XAVIER THORPE!!!

The two of you would definitely be drawing together as a couple and an individual art project because the two of you are each other's muses when it comes to drawing something.

He would definitely like the fact you are competitive a lot because it means that you are not afraid of anything at all when it comes to beating your enemies fair and square.

The two of you would definitely be watching Marvel movies together because the two of you likes the characters growth development, the sense of humour and the art design of each Marvel characters' costumes.

Aquarius x Aries lovebirds!

Slytherin x Ravenclaw soulmates!

ISFP x INTJ sweethearts!

#oceanblueeyesoul #matchups #wednesday netflix #wednesday netflix matchups #xavier thorpe x reader #xavier thorpe #pjo cabin matchup #pjo matchups #leo valdez #leo valdez x reader

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oh-my-damn · 2 years

Note

Hey, gorgeous 💕💕

So i was reading part 141 of The Stranger and losing my fucking mind! when i got to the end of it however i was going to click the read more tab like i've been doing for the past week or so only to be met with a different tap and that has shattered my entire existence i'll have you know 😫😫😫

I can't believe i got caught up to the latest one 😭😭😭i completely lost track of time reading this magnificent and brilliant series! 😍😍

Honestly, bestie, there are no words that can convey the love i have for these two lovebirds. To say they're #relationshipgoals is a damn understatement!

Your incredible writing has made my heart ache and bleed for Christopher because there is nothing in this world that i want more than for him to have that kinda love with someone that he deems worthy 😭😭

It has also made me tear up more times than i'd like because it reminded me in the cruelest ways of how very single and very lonely i am 😅

But that what good stories do! They make you feel things and though some might be of a sad nature, the good glorious rest makes it all worth the while!!!

I will be forever enchanted by how brilliant you are at building characters, - for they always have their special tics and antics that makes them all the more real - by how mind-blowing you are at dialogue! My god! Not one word coming out of any character's mouth wasn't pure fucking gold!

Your sense of humour is IMMACULATE! And the addition of the instagram posts was just fucking genius!

Thank you for gracing us with this breathtaking series, brilliant Mandy! ❤️❤️

I cannot WAIT to see where you take this story from here and you've mentioned a curveball last night and now i'm shaken like a fucking leaf scared shitless! 😫😫😫

AWWWW

I kept this in my inbox for longer than I should bc I just liked it so dang much

So so sweet

I'm very happy it made you feel stuff, even if its sad sometimes! Sometimes it makes me feel sad, too

I want that love for him as well (he can find it right here, btw, the proof is in the pudding) and i love those two to DEATH i tell you that

I hope you read the new chapter !! I updated yesterday ! hehe (or was it friday? who can remember these things, certainly not me lmao)

A curveball is coming and it will test them and their relationship A LOT

lets hope theyve built up enough of a bond to get through it, shall we?

ALSO im happy you like the insta posts, they take such a long time but i LOVE doing them and i think theyre so fun !!! hehehehehe

Thank you again for being the bestest of the bestest always and forever <3

#bestie oula #the best #friendo hehe #the stranger #chramelia #mandy answers

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melancholic-hues · 2 months

Text

spectators of this dance

posted on AO3

kafblade week 2024: prompt - to build a home

fandom - honkai: star rail

rating - general audiences

warning - no warnings apply

category - f/m ; gen

pairings - blade/kafka ; blade & kafka & sam & silver wolf

tags - kafblade week 2024 ; out of character ; maybe? ; stellaron hunters as found family

word count - 2485 words

Silver Wolf does not like beating around the bush. That is an established fact, and her bluntness is often commented on by her fellow Stellaron Hunters. Namely Kafka, sometimes Blade. Sam just notes how blunt she’s being, stating them as facts that are just as true as the universe is vast and not really holding much personal opinion behind them.

But, you know who is beating around the bush? Like, a whole lot? Like, enough to get on her nerves? Nothing gets on her nerves more than Herta’s puppets and that damn Screwllum robot. Yes, she is still salty for the deletion of her game accounts.

Kafka and Blade. They are beating around the bush.

She swears to all the Aeons out there, it can’t be a coincidence how many times those two get assigned to the same missions more often than she can count. Elio literally has to be in on the trickery here. She simply refuses to believe it’s all “destiny” and “it’s what the script says” out there.

Anyway. Back to these two lovebirds.

Silver Wolf flicks her gaze to Kafka from her game console then back to her game. Kafka and Blade just got back from a mission. Well, Kafka did purposefully prolong their mission to go to a night market with Blade. Kafka is telling her all about it now.

For someone as collected and calm on the outside, Kafka is a legit mess of a woman on the inside. Silver Wolf found it funny at first; how sappy and cheesy with love the other Hunter can get when it comes to romance. Personally, she cannot relate.

Kafka hugs Silver Wolf’s pillow and sits up on her bed, legs crossed. The woman had taken off her work clothes and immediately came to Silver Wolf’s room to rant about whatever it was she was going through on Earth.

The three million something (a huge exaggeration) shopping bags sitting at the edge of her bed says a lot. Two of which are sitting on Silver Wolf’s desk filled with various games and posters and figurines.

“Wolfie,” Kafka says. “He took all of these bags from me without asking.”

“And it must’ve clipped off his arm from all the weight,” Silver Wolf drawls, hoping to drench her words in as much disdain and boredom as possible. She needs to focus on her game and not someone’s personal, love-related problems.

“Bladie’s strong enough to carry everything on one arm,” Kafka brushes her remark off like it’s nothing. “He carries all of your packages for you, no?”

Silver Wolf shrugs, her brows furrowed and lips downturned. He does, whenever she manages to convince him to go to the nearest video game store. They usually end up spending a few hundred, sometimes a couple thousand, credits at these stores. Blade always pays for her, even though she can very well hack some credits into existence.

“Except when Sam’s around,” Silver Wolf says instead.

Kafka is unfazed. Again. Nothing can stop this woman when she’s In The Zone like this. Though Silver Wolf isn’t sure what particularly causes her to be In The Zone. “He took them! Without asking! Sometimes directly from the shop owner’s hands! Wolfie, that is another level of manners, do you understand?”

And Kafka still persists that their relationship is purely professional, and that they are friends. Which is, Silver Wolf will give her credit for that, better than saying co-workers. But. Still. Still, still, still.

“And then, then, we went to this little trinket stand. I bought this — ” Kafka holds up a keychain with two cats and some cute snack accessories attached — “For him. It came in a pair of two. I also got him this little crystal statue of spiders, since you said how spiders are my entire theme. The woman at the stand eyed Bladie and assumed he would be the one paying. I didn’t want Bladie to feel pressured about it, you know?”

Kafka drones on and on about this, so Silver Wolf just tunes her out to focus on her game instead. It’s shocking how she can act so sly and threatening just by standing still but be this complete chatterbox (from what Silver Wolf has gathered, all of this chatting is exclusive to her only, which, why). It’s annoying, that’s what.

“When I turned back from the fireworks,” Kafka rambles, “He was there. All of the bags in one arm. A vinyl and a box of chocolates in the other. Wolfie. Are you hearing this right now?”

The round ends, and she is given a few seconds of intermission. “Yes, yes, yes, I am hearing all of this, okay?” Silver Wolf groans, throwing her head back in her gaming chair and arms splayed on the armrests. She is careful not to drop her expensive gaming console onto her carpeted floor. Console screens are crazy fragile these days.

“I was just saying,” the other clasps her gloved hands together, “He gave me ‘Interstellar Journey.’”

Silver Wolf shuts her game console out of shock. “What?”

“I know !” Kafka makes a noise that’s awfully similar to a squeal with the vinyl and box of chocolates in her lap. She hands the vinyl oh so carefully to Silver Wolf. “He left me to get chocolates and to find me ‘Interstellar Journey’! The only copy in the little tent! Isn’t that so wonderful of him, Wolfie ~”

Silver Wolf’s initial shock dies down, her hands pinching the sides of the vinyl. Does — does Kafka know that isn’t platonic? Or is she aware and is just avoiding facing the real issue? What is she even so afraid of? What?

She stares at Kafka, dumbfounded. “What.”

“He’s a great person, you know. Underneath all that coldness, he’s actually quite shy and awkward,” Kafka continues, opening the box of chocolates. The box is quite ordinary: pink cardboard with plastic inside to separate the different types of chocolate. There are chocolates varying in color, shapes, and sizes; a piece of paper the size of the cover falls out with images and descriptions of each chocolate.

“Where did he find the vinyl?” Silver Wolf asks, nudging her hovering gaming chair closer to Kafka to take a look at the vinyl. She isn’t that interested in the song or the vinyl; she’s just curious as to how exactly Blade got his hands on a physical copy of it. Even she isn’t able to hack it into existence because of how limited it is outside of Earth; yet, he is able to just, like, grab it in a local night market? No way.

“On the floor,” Kafka reveals.

“On the floor,” Silver Wolf deadpans, her brows raised in an “are you serious?” manner.

“I know! How did we not see that, no idea. But! And then I held his hand!” Kafka’s eyes gleam in the hazy glow of Silver Wolf’s neon light signs hung all over her room.

Wait, what? Wait. Silver Wolf waves both her hands, sitting up in her gaming chair. “You held his hand?” she splutters. What in the name of IX? What in the name of Nanook? What in the name of Destiny’s Slave, as cryptic as they are?

“He was so gentle. A weapon, Wolfie, think about it. A man who has turned himself into nothing more than a blade, who’s fights are such a pleasure to watch, holding your hand like it’s a fragile porcelain doll. Do you understand, Wolfie?” Kafka chats, completely unaware of Silver Wolf’s comments.

She lays down on Silver Wolf’s mattress, the back of her hand resting on her forehead, letting out a dreamy sigh. Silver Wolf gags. Kafka turns her head to look at her, a smug smile on her bold red lips.

“Please never talk about this again,” Silver Wolf says, hoping she conveys enough disgust and disdain and agony. To her, this is like seeing two people kiss, except there aren’t two people, and the two people are playing this bo-o-oring game of will-they-won’t-they.

Kafka doesn’t listen. She starts droning on about Blade holding her hand back and datamines the Aeons out of that small action. Seriously, it’s not that deep. He obviously likes Kafka. Kafka obviously likes him back.

Silver Wolf doesn’t tell them though. No matter how annoying it is. Let them find out for themselves. From personal experience, they are both extremely, annoyingly stubborn, and she, frankly, does not want to lose a limb from trying to convince either of them to confess. Haven’t tried the latter one before. Not planning to.

Kafka pops a chocolate in her mouth. “And it’s delicious too ~ What a gentleman with taste.” The other is so deep in denial that she’s drowning in it. It’s almost stupid, how ridiculous it is.

“Kafka — ”

“Wolfie, do you know the possibilities behind him buying me chocolates?”

SIlver Wolf’s eye twitches so violently she has to press on it to stop.

“Kafka.”

“He actually listens to me, Wolfie. Wolfie, whatever shall I do about this — ”

“SHUT UP, KAFKA.”

***

Sam’s internal engines tick, and he patiently sits on the couch, reading a book. He acutely senses heat traveling through the bundle of wires and such forces he is made up of, emitting a low, faint buzz if one is to listen close enough.

Kafka and Blade have returned from a mission on this Earth planet approximately four system hours ago. It only took them twenty minutes to report back to Destiny’s slave.

Now, Kafka and Silver Wolf are most likely, with an eighty-percent accuracy, in Silver Wolf’s room. This is a common pattern for Kafka, and the probability only gets significantly higher when she returns with shopping bags, unless Silver Wolf is annoyed or really anticipates downloading and playing any new games she bought.

Speaking of shopping bags, the two had returned with Blade carrying quite a lot of them. Sam had scanned the two over for any injuries, then the bags for any suspicious material. There were none, mostly filled with clothes and more items for the entire group, and the two were free to continue to Elio.

Sam scans the page of the current Earthian novel — Twilight , the cover reads — he is reading. The two bags with the rest of the novels Kafka has bought for him are leaning against a leg of the coffee table in the center of their common room. The writing quality is in no way professional, and he will go as far to say it is subpar. The characters are terribly written, all “toxic” by human standards. But it’s captivating, and that’s the bare string that’s keeping him engaged.

Blade shifts in his spot, again, on the couch opposite to Sam’s. Sam looks up from his book. The immortal has been like this ever since he settled on the couch to meditate. Blade often meditates whenever he and Sam are alone or in the privacy of his own room. Today, though, he is not at all calm.

Sam closes his book, the sound of the book snapping shut alerting Blade instantly. The man’s eyes crack open, red eyes staring at him with his head slightly tilted in question.

“There is something abnormal about your behavior, Blade,” Sam speaks, voice gruff in the usual automaton manner. His statement is true — Blade can go for hours without moving once he is at peace. The longest he has gone without moving is fifty-three system minutes. Not even an hour.

“It… is the fireworks,” Blade explains, “From Earth.”

“It is not just the fireworks. Your hormones are mixed, and your blood vessels in the head area are widened. You are either flustered or embarrassed, or a combination of both,” Sam states, scanning Blade twice over for any signs of mara activity or other eccentric internal behavior. “I have not missed any internal wounds, and even if there are any, they should’ve healed by now. What is wrong?”

Blade’s hands reach up to touch his neck, ears, then cheeks. These areas are all mildly red. “Nothing.”

“False.”

“It’s something foolish. I will get over it,” Blade says, eyes fluttering closed again. But Sam is not yet done with the conversation. Blade is rarely flustered; something drastic must’ve happened. Sam is concerned.

Sam continues to stare at Blade. He sees it: a new accessory, far too colorful to complete the rest of Blade’s usual oriental-style outfit. Two cats, each with a flower-shaped cake covering as a hat, hanging off a keychain clipped onto the left chest area of Blade’s clothing, amongst other acrylic sweets charms. That is all.

Blade brows dip, and he slowly opens his eyes again, frowning. The man follows Sam’s gaze before the automaton can pull it away, and his eyes briefly widen.

“Is that from Kafka?” Sam asks.

“Yes,” Blade admits, and he turns more red. That’s his answer; his investigation is complete.

Sam is not typically one to dredge into other peoples’ business. He does not care about this situation either. He leaves it at that. Flipping open his book, he continues on the page he left off on.

After a while, with Blade getting distracted several times, the man opens his eyes again and stands. Sam’s gaze flickers to him, then back to his book.

“Sam,” Blade calls, body turned away from him and avoiding eye contact.

Sam looks at him. “Yes?”

“Does… does Kafka like chocolate?”

Sam looks down at the floor, sifting through all of the data in his memory storage. He is still as he searches for any relevant information regarding Blade’s request.

“Mmm ~ Wolfie, these chocolates are good ~ ”

“I know, my favorite.”

“These are marvelous in flavor. I love chocolates. Have you heard of — ”

Sam finishes replaying the recording, his voice mimication system impeccable.

Blade tightly nods. “Thank you.”

“Your heart rate spikes whenever Kafka is mentioned,” Sam notes when Blade is almost out of earshot.

The man pauses in his step, then strives forward like he heard nothing.

Sam knows.

***

“Have you noticed Blade and Kafka, recently?” Silver Wolf mentions out of nowhere, sliding down the armrest of the sofa as her fingers nimbly toys with the joysticks on the console. Her bubblegum pops, and her chewing is atrociously obnoxious.

Sam employs his characters’ ultimate before responding, “What about them?” He scans the television set and the game mechanics, carefully calculating his next moves for maximum efficiency and damage output.

“Haven’t you noticed how different they kind of… act around each other?” Silver Wolf’s brows furrow. “Kill that! Come on!” She groans, dragging it out.

“You used two fire characters against another fire-type enemy, and I was preoccupied with the other enemies. Perhaps think about your character choices before urging me to save you,” Sam replies, trained on the game.

“I think… hey, you haven’t answered my question,” Silver Wolf rolls around, laying on her stomach. “Have you?”

“Yes.”

“We should do something about it.”

“Do what, exactly?”

Silver Wolf grins.

#melancholic-hues #writing-hues #kafka x blade #blade x kafka #honkai star rail #blafka #kafblade #kafblade week 2024 #sam hsr #silver wolf hsr #stellaron hunters

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merrock · 2 years

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CHARACTER INFORMATION

face claim: Joe Keery

full name: Dylan Cameron Price

nickname(s): Dyl

pronouns & gender: he/him, cis man

sexuality: straight

birth date: December 3rd, 1992

birth place: Merrock, Maine

time in town: Since birth

housing: Coast & Pier

occupation: Owner of The Creamery

family: Caleb Lucas Price (son) born October 20th, 2012. Dylan also has a younger brother.

personality: Dylan is an energetic and fun loving guy who can find common ground with just about anyone. He’s incredibly family oriented and would do anything to provide for those he loves and cares for. He has a tendency of being a bit loud and goofy at times, but he can also be quite the charmer.

BACKGROUND / BIO

Tom and Julia Price were a couple who moved to the Merrock suburbs shortly after getting married in the year 1988. They settled into the quiet neighborhood and a few years later opened up The Creamery. It wasn’t until December 3rd, 1992 that their little family expanded with the birth of their son, Dylan Cameron Price. Their family grew once more a few years later with the birth of Dylan’s little brother. Dylan had a fairly normal childhood filled with little league practices and bi-weekly family game nights. By the time he reached high school, his interest shifted from sports to music. He taught himself how to play the guitar and a couple years later formed a band with some of his friends. They mainly played cover songs at their high school talent shows, but were lucky enough to play a couple small scale gigs around the neighborhood. By the time his junior year had rolled around, the band had dissipated. Around the same time, he got into his first real relationship with a girl named Alli. They had the typical type of high school sweetheart romance. They graduated high school together in 2010 and went off to college together at the University of Maine. The two lovebirds moved into a small apartment off campus. It was the perfect place for them to gain some independence and get a taste of the real world. At first, everything was picture-perfect between having a place of their own to their beautiful and loving relationship. However as time went on, the pressure of school, work, and other adult responsibilities began to weigh them down. It wasn’t until 2012 when their entire world turned upside down with the result of a positive pregnancy test. On October 20th, 2012 Alli gave birth to their son Caleb Lucas Price. They tried their best to keep their relationship together for the sake of their son. Dylan dropped out of college and took a full time job managing a local retail store. It wasn’t his dream career, but it gave him enough money to keep a roof over their heads and to take care of the baby. Both he and Alli grew tired of trying to make things work. They realized their relationship had run its course and they were much different people than they were in their high school years. They amicably decided to split and got joint custody over Caleb. Both he and Alli knew the best thing for everyone would be to return back home to Merrock to get back on their feet. Dylan temporarily moved back to the suburbs and into his parent’s house and even picked up a full time job at The Creamery. It took him a couple years of saving up and with the help of his parents chipping in, he managed to find a beautiful home on the beach by the coast and pier. In 2017 his parents decided to pass on the family business of The Creamery to Dylan. He was more than happy to carry on the legacy, since the ice cream shop had been a staple in his life since he was a child. And with a son of his own, he hopes to create plenty of new memories and maybe even pass the business along in the future when Caleb is old enough.

#merrockbio #dylanprice

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verxsyon · 3 years

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·:*¨༺ ❝ 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐒 ❞

your new friend misunderstands your rather close relationship with two particular pyro vision wielders.

✧ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠. arataki itto x gn!reader

✧ 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭. drabble ; 0.4k

✧ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞. f2l au ; fluff

✧ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. character speculation

Arataki Itto is quite the character as your friend Thoma had said. Although he may appear to be ill-mannered and rough around the edges, he’s actually a nice guy. He’s also competitive, which you first witnessed outside of Naganohara Fireworks, racing against the kids in the city with a butterfly net.

You meet him again at the same place. This time is with Thoma to help Yoimiya deliver fireworks supplies to Ritou. He enters the shop, hoping to buy anything that would “defeat his archnemesis once and for all”. Briefly making eye contact with him, he suddenly becomes flustered and points at Yoimiya and Thoma that he won’t lose to them.

You accidentally bump into him on the streets of Tenryou. He catches you from falling onto the ground and asks if you’re okay. For some reason, you cannot contain your excitement seeing him again.

“Oh, Arataki Itto! We keep crossing paths, don’t we? Thanks for saving me from falling. How are you today?”

Archons, you know his name. That’s enough for him to drown out the rest of your dialogue.

The two of you become fast friends, earning smug looks from Yoimiya and Thoma. Itto glares at them, declaring again that he refuses to lose to them. All three of you are confused, but dismiss it because it’s typical of him to act that way.

“Hey, beautiful.” Itto shocks you one day with that tone of voice in your ear. He smirks at Yoimiya, who is actually enjoying the scene way too much. “Would you mind, Naganohara? We’re having a moment here.”

“Oh sure, Arataki~.” You internally panic, desperately sending SOS signals to her. Unfortunately she interprets them differently, and all hope is lost. “I didn’t know you two are together. My bad~.”

First, Itto flirts with you by calling you a pet name, and Yoimiya thinks she connected the dots. You’re going to fight him later for this. “Miya, it’s not what it looks like.”

“Trust me. I know it when I see it.” She ushers the two of you outside. “Now run along, you lovebirds. Go and have fun with your date. I can’t believe Thoma is missing all of this!”

“Wait—” At the slam of the front door, your eyes train to the man who started the whole charade. “Care to explain why you called me a pet name when we’re not even dating? Now Miya thinks we’re actually a thing.”

“That’s what I’m going for.” Itto haughtily points at the entrance. “Oi, Naganohara! Pretty blonde boy with the cool horns too! I, the Great Arataki Itto, will never lose to you two! My love rivals!”

Ah, so that explains a lot why he acts hostile against those two. To clear up the misunderstanding, you grab his face and kiss him on the cheek, leaving him in a daze. “You idiot Oni. They’re just my best friends; nothing more. I only like you.”

A smirk spreads across his face. He tugs you by the wrist into his arms to smash his lips on yours, knocking the air out of your lungs. “Good, ‘cause I’m the only one who can kiss you like that. And for the record, beautiful, I can do way better.”

✧ 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬. if your url is in bold, it means i can’t tag you!

@bluexiao ; @help-wtf-am-i-even-doing ; @lilikags

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crzredhead44 · 2 years

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Look how happy these two are!!! I don’t care what anybody says, that’s love in both Tim’s and Lucy’s eyes! ❤️

I’m incredibly happy that Chris, nor Ashley we’re in sight at this little reception. As much as I didn’t want them there, I do find it odd that neither Tim, nor Lucy brought their gf/bf to this little party. I thought I had hated Ashley’s character most, but after last week when Chris started humming that song and threw all those red flags, he’s surpassed that boring girl and made his way to the top of the list. Point being is Chris & Ashley need to go and let these two dance their way to happiness with each other. I can’t get over how happy they both look dancing with each other. Tim most definitely doesn’t look at Ashley like that, and Lucy didn’t look at Chris like that last week when they were leaving the office for dinner.

Also, last week didn’t make sense to me. I find it weird that Tim had no interaction with Lucy regarding Going to the DA’s office to deal with something about DOD. I really wish we got a scene where Tim found out about what Chris did. Oh man, I would’ve loved to be a fly on that wall if Tim confronted Chris about that insensitive crap that he pulled. I kept yelling at my tv “red flag, red flag, Lucy!” I just wish they didn’t brush past it. DOD was a big deal to us as fans and I’m sad that we’ve waited this long to get a mention of it regarding like the anniversary and that’s what they give us. Oh well, I guess.

However, as short as the dance scene was, I was content just seeing how stupidly happy these idiot lovebirds are. Hoping that someone at the reception noticed it too, so the whispers and bets start on Chenford!

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justapurrcat · 2 years

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Unscripted | t.s.h

Part Two

Pairing: Tom Holland x actress!reader

Excerpt: “This curly-haired boy had the surprising ability to make you feel like an open book. A book he couldn’t fully comprehend yet, as he was still learning you like you learn a new language. Though at this rate, he would come to know you by heart someday. A day that you dreaded, and at the same time eagerly awaited…”

Word count: 9.954k

Chapter Warnings: English not being my first language, possible typos, all the weird dialogue I “promised” you, a bit of angst, mostly fluff.

A/n: The second chapter is here, y’all! Are you ready for Tom??? I’m a bit nervous about this chapter, tbh... I really hope it won’t suck and that you will like this 💜

Unscripted Masterlist

Tom Holland Masterlist

General Masterlist

Previous chapter/Next chapter

“No…”, you murmured, wrapping your arms around your trembling frame, your hands restless on your skin, your head shaking lightly, your vision blurred with unspilled tears. “No, that would mean–” You didn’t finish the sentence, as if you were afraid of what you were about to say, so you simply closed your eyes and stood still, not daring to move nor speak.

You were rehearsing the scene opening the second act, which took place in a completely empty stage. You’d begin your monologue under a spotlight, standing right in the middle of it, and then you’d slowly make your way to the proscenium, until you’d reach the edge, the last word being pronounced just as you were about to step into the void.

It was a decisive point for your character, a moment of transition, almost as if there were not one, but two ‘Anaïses’, who were the same and yet completely different from each other.

In hindsight, her story was told in a peculiar way, with a substantial difference between the first and second act. While the first part was romantic and delicate and all about her falling in love, there was a complete shift of tone ad themes in the second one, metaphorically resembling a violent slap across the face for the audience.

Even the time period Thecla had chosen underlined that difference, the story beginning in 1899 and ending in 1900, with the intermission being set at the exact turn of the century.

Such duality permeated the entire play, from its structure, to scenes and dialogues mirroring each other, to the choice of having only two actors in it.

It all started with Anaïs, a young orphan, adopted by a rich Lady who intended to mould her into the perfect bride for her eldest niece. Fresh out of finishing school, the girl returned to the ancient castle where she spent her childhood… only to discover that her betrothed died in a tragic accident right the day before her arrival, the heartache aggravating the poor old Lady’s already fragile health conditions.

In addition to all of this, the woman would die during the first act, leaving Anaïs lost and without a parenting figure for the second time in her life. Under those circumstances, she would grow closer with Rowan, the Lady’s youngest niece… who also happened to be her childhood sweetheart. The first portion of the story would focus on them, facing grief side by side, learning to love each other as adults, and the act would end on the 31stDecember, with the two lovebirds happily married and ready to face the new year as a couple.

A perfect conclusion for a perfect fairy tale.

However, during the second part, the audience would uncover the sick twisted truth with Anaïs – through Anaïs –, following her exact same journey.

Rowan’s castle of cards would slowly start to fall apart, his mind game getting completely exposed in the last scene, when she would confront him about his actions. A pact with the devil to murder his brother and aunt, so that he could have her to himself for eternity. So that she could never leave him. Literally. Because immortality and eternal youth were not definitive: the mere act of setting foot outside the estate without the other would result to an immediate death.

She was bound to him.

The striking contrast between the events and the narration was vital to the director, so the apparently lightest, most reassuring scenes followed her manipulation, whereas the shadiest, more unsettling ones were actually telling the tale of her fight for freedom. A freedom that would cost her life.

And it would all begin on their wedding night, triggered by a terrifying nightmare. A nightmare that wouldn’t wake her up, but would instead fade into something lighter: a hypnopompic state empty enough to be filled with all her questions. The exact moment where your monologue would take place.

So, the point of the whole scene was to represent the first spark of suspicion for Anaïs and that was the reason why you considered it the most important part in the entire act, if not the entire play. Because, while still being under Rowan’s control and unaware of everything, the seed of doubt was planted in the girl’s mind, starting to change her from the inside.

And you loved the way Thecla had decided to stage it.

At first, your character was in the dark of a non-place, surrounded by all of her lover’s lies. Then, the spotlight shining on you and your walk towards the end of the stage was her trying to decipher her dream, starting to put some pieces together, the fourth wall acting as the last layer, the last invisible door she had to walk through to see the truth.

A shiver ran down your spine. “No”, you repeated, your right hand slipping to the pair of imaginary rings – the engagement one and the wedding one – on your finger, playing with them nervously. “No, it cannot be…”

The time was not ripe yet, and the simple sound of Rowan calling her name would be enough for her to fall back in his arms, tangled in his web of manipulation and deception. And that was when you were supposed to step back, returning to the centre of the stage and standing there until the lights would go off to move onto the next scene, which would take place in the bedroom, where Rowan would wake Anaïs up.

And then, with your head hung and your eyes never leaving your fidgeting hands, you waited. And waited. And waited…

Why isn’t he–

“Tom?” It was Thecla’s voice.

When no answer came after that, you raised your head, your confused gaze scanning the stalls. You found what you were looking for in no time.

Sitting in the third row, arms crossed over the backrest of the seat in front of him and chin resting on them, Tom had his eyes riveted on the stage, gawping in pure amazement and looking completely enthralled.

Enchanted.

And it was in that exact moment, when you locked gazes with him that you realized it: he wasn’t just staring at the stage, no.

He was staring at you.

You felt your mouth run dry, unable to look away as your whole face started to heat up.

Why the hell was he looking at you like that?

“Tom!”, Thecla called again, louder this time. She didn’t shout, but it was enough to for the poor boy to get back on planet Earth, causing him to advert his eyes from yours, thus allowing you to breathe again.

“Your line!”

“Shit!” Tom stood up and frantically rushed away from his seat, trying to get back on stage. “Sorry! I’m so sorry, I–” He yelped in pain. “Fucking hell!”

A string of muttered profanities followed up, as the task proved to be harder than expected. Usually so athletic and agile, he now looked like one of those goofy Alaskan Malamute puppies in the videos you received from Cindy on a daily basis, as he kept tripping on everything he could find on his way, eliciting a few laughs.

“I’m an idiot!”

You didn’t feel like laughing, instead finding the view to be quite endearing. Puckering your lips, you forced yourself not to smile like an idiot.

“What were you doing there?”, Thecla asked with a chuckle.

“You said we would take a break after this scene”, Tom explained quickly, making it to the apron. “And, since Rowan has nothing to do…” He paid no attention to the side stairs – maybe not to waste any more precious time –, effortlessly climbing onto the stage with a jump that made him appear weightless.

And hot.

Not so goofy anymore, huh?

“I took it as a chance to…” Your flustered co-star stood up right next to you, a hand over his chest as he finally caught his breath. “To be part of the audience, I guess?”, he added sheepishly, an apologetic look on his face. “I was planning to say the line from here, but then I just got caught up in the scene and, I’m sorry, it’s just…” He went quiet, lips pressing into a thin line as his gaze landed on you, like he was looking for something.

Whether it was approval or permission, you couldn’t tell. But you still gave him a soft smile and small nod, encouraging him to go on, and that seemed to do the trick.

“This is one of my favourite parts in the show and I really wanted to see y/n performing it”, Tom continued, those chocolate eyes never leaving yours, the intensity lightening them up once again causing your breath to itch in your throat.

Stop looking at him like a dead fish, y/n.

You didn’t, and he ended up being the one who looked away first, resuming to talk like nothing happened.

Because nothing happened, y/n. Nothing.

“But I’m always there in the backstage, so…”

“That’s okay, Tom”, Thecla raised a hand, interrupting him with a reassuring expression. “I get it.”

“It won’t happen again, I swear”, he said with a serious tone, only to be met with complete silence. “… Thecla?”

“Hold on, now that I think of it, you kinda just gave me an idea…” She was scratching her chin, a vacant look in her eyes and the tickling in her brain filling the silence.

You all did as she asked and waited for her to speak again.

“Okay, hear me out.” Standing up from her sit in the front-row, she came on stage too, choosing the safer path and taking the stairs. “We could move the scene to the bedroom, and have Rowan sleeping during the monologue.”

It took you nothing to understand what was going on inside her head. And, apparently, it was the same for Tom, because he didn’t skip a beat and moved to the exact spot where the bed was supposed to be situated.

“The stage is no longer empty, but everything is still dark, so that nothing of the bedroom can be seen and it will still give the idea of a non-place”, Thecla explained, then directed her attention to you. “y/n, you still do everything you just did. But when Rowan calls for you, you take just one step back.”

You obeyed and she nodded. “Yes. And then you stand there and wait. The lights go on, we’re in the next scene and the room comes out of the darkness. We see that Rowan is in bed.” Her arms and hands moved in a hypnotizing way as she paced back and forth, illustrating the scene.

Then a finger was pointed towards you. “But you’re not. You’re standing in front of the window–”

“Because I’ve been sleepwalking”, you finished for her. It wasn’t a question, but a statement. The invisible barrier in her dreams would transition to the glass of a physical one as Anaïs’s body would instinctively try to get away from Rowan in the only way possible: death. But her mind, still unaware that she had no other option, was holding her back.

“Yes, so the only difference will be that, as the lights go on, you’ll be closing your eyes”, Thecla confirmed, the glimmer of pride in her gaze speaking louder than words. “He calls for you a second time, asking you to get away from the window – because we won’t use a real window, so you have to let the audience know that there is one – and you shiver, because you’re unconsciously afraid of him now, but you don’t move and stay asleep. So, he comes to you.”

She motioned for Tom to come closer, and waited until he was standing by your side to continue. “You see that she doesn’t respond, but don’t think much of it and blame her shaking on the cold: while this is a confusing moment for her, for you, it’s pure bliss”, she told him, passion dripping from her every word. “You got what you wanted and you couldn’t be any happier.”

“Got it.”

“Great”, she replied with a pleased clap of her hands. “Now, hug her from behind.”

Oh.

You had done several table readings, and were now rehearsing on stage to figure out whether a scene would actually work or not and how, but you were yet to bring actions and details into a lot of parts, including the most intimate ones.

Especially the most intimate ones.

At the moment, you were focusing more on the movements and on the composition. You and Tom would kiss when it was required, but it was always nothing more than a quick peck – sometimes embarrassingly missing the aim and laughing it off or playfully bumping foreheads together –, and even on the physical aspect everything was still very light and shallow.

Well, apparently things were about to change today.

After a brief moment of silence, Tom followed Thecla’s instructions, positioning himself right behind you. While doing so, he spared you a quick glance, to which you responded with an encouraging wink.

You knew that something like this was going to happen: this wasn’t your first rodeo at playing a romantic interest: you were prepared. But the thing that took you by surprise was that Tom didn’t hold back like the two of you normally would, nor did he give you one of those normal ‘fake hugs’ your former colleagues had gotten you used to. No, he wrapped his arms around your hips and torso, resting his chin on your shoulder and pulling you so close that your back was practically attached to his front.

You tried to think nothing of it, concentrating all your efforts on ignoring the warm tickle spreading all over your skin under his touch, on maintaining a regular breathing, on reminding yourself that, despite his debut, he was a cinema bloke now: he came from a different world, a more realistic one. Obviously, there was no space left for fake hugs when you had a camera shoved straight in your face. It was normal.

“Yeah, just like that”, Thecla eyed the both of you up and down. “And that’s what definitely wakes her up. Then you can say something sweet and give her a kiss on…” She stopped, pondering the options. “Tom, temple or neck?”

Tom hummed, the low sound vibrating in your ears and resonating in your mind. “I feel like Rowan would go the extra mile and do both”, he said, absentmindedly tightening his hold on you. “This”, he murmured before placing a delicate kiss to your temple. “… for affection.” You didn’t even have the time to process his action, as he delved in again, this time aiming for your neck. “And this…” His lips brushed against your skin, his soft breath tickling you lightly. “To make sure he stakes his claim on her.”

You gulped silently, hoping the crazy rhythm of your pulse went completely unnoticed.

“Claim? It’s just the two of them”, Thecla commented, a line forming between her brows. “They barely had any contact with other people ever since Anaïs came back, and they’re beginning their life as a married couple after a private wedding…”

You didn’t need to look at him to know that he was smirking. “But it’s Rowan we’re talking about, after all.”

Thecla’s frown vanished in an instant. “I see you’ve done your homework, I was testing you”, she nodded with a matching smile. “So, it’s actually you who’s guiding her back to reality – because, y/n”, she turned her attention to you. “You start to react and act normally with these actions –, even though you’re not aware you’re doing it”, she described, adding the final details. “And the next scene starts right now. What do you guys think?”

“I like it. It’s much more powerful.” Releasing you from his embrace, Tom came back to your side, his eyes still fixated on you with an expecting look. “What about you, y/n?”

“I agree”, you replied with a smile that he instantly returned. “The manipulation and the fact that Anaïs is still dreaming are even clearer.”

“Plus, the transition from one scene to the other will be more fluid”, he added, eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

“And you’ll get to see y/n performing one of your favourite scenes”, Thecla cut in with a playfully mocking tone. “She won’t be facing you, but it’s still better than nothing, right?”

“Right”, Tom agreed. “I like how my fanboying ended up changing an entire scene”, he tried to joke in an attempt to dissimulate his embarrassment.

“You mean improving an entire scene”, Thecla corrected him, gesturing at him with her rolled up copy of the script. “That’s some serious hidden screenwriting talent there. I’ll keep an eye on you, boy.”

“I’m literally twenty-five.”

She raised her hands. “My apologies, grandma.”

You giggled and Tom rolled her eyes at the both of you, realizing he was outnumbered.

“Alright everyone, we’re taking a break: see you all in thirty minutes!” Thecla announced, using what she used to call her ‘Big Director Voice’ and clapping her hands.

But just as you began to walk away, you were stopped by a hand placed on your arm. “Great job, y/n”, she told you, giving you a light squeeze to let you know how proud of you she was.

You bowed your head, both in understanding and gratitude. “Thanks”, you murmured, before heading back to your dressing room.

A few minutes later, you were rummaging through your bag, looking for your lunch, when you heard a gentle knock on your door.

Looking up, you found Tom standing there awkwardly, his own lunch box and water bottle clutched in his hands. “Hey, y/n…”

“Hey, Mr. Screenwriter”, you smirked, winking at him and secretly relishing the coy smile and the lovely shade of pink spreading on his cheeks. Secretly and a bit too much for your taste…

Fuck, he’s cute.

“Yeah, about that…”, he muttered under his breath, but didn’t seem to have the courage to continue. You didn’t know where all that unusual shyness came from, but it was obvious that something was bothering him.

“Do you wanna have a seat?”, you offered. “Join me for lunch?”

“If you don’t mind…”

You shushed him with a glare, tilting your head towards the chair right next to yours. Tom immediately understood what you meant and silently proceeded to come in and sit down, setting his stuff on the make-up table and waiting until you found your food and did the same.

You pulled your legs up and crossed them, smiling to reassure him and to tell him that you were ready to listen to whatever he had to say.

Lowering his eyes on his fidgeting hands, Tom sucked in a sharp breath. “Were the kisses too much?”, he asked you bluntly, looking back at you. “I feel like I should’ve asked you first.”

You blinked a few times, the question catching you completely off-guard. “Not… not at all.” You shook your head, trying to overcome the surprise. “I mean, you were right: it is what Rowan would do”, you added to motivate your answer. “Besides, we’re playing a couple: and yeah, we’ve kissed before, but I think we’re gonna have to loosen up a bit more…” Your voice vanished to silence as you realized what you just said. “… it sounded better in my head.”

“I get what you mean.” The corners of his mouth quirked slightly, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I also wanted to apologize.”

Your eyebrows knit together. “Apologize?”, you repeated, as if you wanted to make sure you heard correctly. “For what?”

“For ruining your monologue”, Tom revealed quietly, nervously playing with the ring on his little finger. “… and stealing the spotlight, back then.” He looked like a child waiting to be yelled at and scolded. None of that came from you, though, who simply stared at him with a bewildered expression.

“You’ve been amazing, but the only thing we were talking about was how to change the scene.” He licked his lips, looking down for a moment before raising his head again, a mixture of embarrassment and genuine regret animating his features. “And all you got was a simple ‘Great job’…”

This time, you didn’t even try to conceal your shock. “A simple ‘Great job’?”, you almost yelled, eyes going round and eyebrows shooting up to your hairline. You were aware of how dumb you probably looked, repeating his words like you’d never heard them before. But at the moment, you really couldn’t care less.

“Yeah”, he confirmed with a decisive nod. “And you deserved so much more.”

“I…” The reply died in your throat, burned to ashes by his words, by the strength in his gaze. A strength that hit you in the stomach like a single perfectly aimed blow, almost leaving you gasping for air.

“Tom… it’s fine”, was the only answer you managed to formulate with a small voice.

“No, it’s not–”

“Yes, it is”, you rushed to interrupt him, raising your hands and silently asking him to listen to you. “I mean it, I…”

God, this is gonna sound so stupid…

But still, you braced yourself and carried on. “I don’t do well with praise and attention”, you finally admitted. “Like, it’s okay until I’m acting, but the moment I stop I just…” You paused, not really knowing how to explain it in better words. You let out a sigh, running a hand over your face. “It makes no sense, I know.”

“No no.” Tom shook his head with a serious look. “It does make sense, actually.”

That was new. Unusual. So unusual it rose a strange suspicion in you. Talking about this was usually a taboo for you, since it usually lead to the same result: automatically being classified as a hypocrite.

It happened with your co-stars and colleagues. It happened with your friends, with the only exception of Cindy, who not only had never called you that, but actually came to your defence every single time she would hear that word.

And it had happened with your dad, back when you told him you wanted to do this professionally. You still remembered the way he had yelled at you: it was engraved in your memory, a scar that would never fade from your skin.

“Actors love the attention! You can’t accept a single compliment without crying! And now you’re telling me you want to act?!”

“I-I actually enjoy it… I can see it in my future–”

“Are you doing this on purpose?”

“What do you mean, dad?”

“So this is the real act.”

“… what?”

“All this ‘Nooo, I’m too shy! I hate it when people look at me!’. And now you wanna be an actress. Such a fucking hypocrite…”

You forced yourself to snap out of it. “I mean, it’s not like I don’t like compliments”, you blabbered in an attempt to justify yourself before he could say anything. Whether you were trying to do it with Tom or your father, you didn’t know. “But I–”

“You feel like you don’t deserve them”, he completed the sentence for you, not a single track of mockery or disdain in his tone.

You weren’t used to it: being taken seriously on that matter. It still partially felt like some kind of a sick joke.

“… yeah.”

“Got it”, Tom nodded, sounding like he meant that: like he wasn’t saying it just because. Like he truly understood what you were telling him.

Realizing that the cruel remark you were preparing yourself for wasn’t gonna see the light of day, you were left speechless. And Tom seemed to catch up on that as well, remaining silent and giving you the time to process the situation.

“Well, despite what you may think, my words were true, y/n”, he carefully spoke after a while, reaching out to touch your arm, but deciding otherwise and immediately lowering his hand. “That scene was incredible. You are incredible. I have no idea how you do it, but you keep getting better and better, like, that’s just…”

“Is that a nice way to tell me I sucked when we began rehearsing?”, you joked, clinging onto sarcasm to stop the tears that were threatening to form in your eyes. They weren’t bad tears. Quite the opposite, really, but you didn’t want to weird the poor guy out.

“W-what?!” Tom jumped in his seat, eyes widened and voice going up an entire octave. “No! No, I meant–”, he began to apologize, but suddenly came to a halt when he saw your smirk. “Bitch”, he spat, feigning offence.

“Well, Lady l/n”, he continued, lifting his chin, his voice sounding snobbish and measured, reminding you more of a mocking of his actual accent. “Will you do me the greatest honour of forgetting about your Imposter Syndrome for a brief moment, thus accepting my undying admiration for you?”

You fanned yourself aggressively. “Oh, you’re flattering me, my Lord”, you squeaked. “But, when being asked so charmingly, how could I ever refuse?”

“So do not, dearest. Just say yes.” Tom offered you his hand, the gesture dramatic and exaggerated, and you moved to take it with a matching attitude. Just before you could touch him, you stopped, letting a few seconds go by.

“Baby”, you corrected him, and lowered your palm on his.

That simple word was enough to throw Tom into confusion. “… what?”

“It’s ‘baby.’ Baby, just say yes”, you clarified with a serious look.

“Wait…” He narrowed his eyes at you, studying your face for clues. “Was that–?”

“From Love Story?”, you asked nonchalantly. “Yes. Taylor’s included in price.”

He dropped your hand, bringing his own to his chest. “You ruined my big dramatic moment!”, he sighed, drying waterfalls of non-existent tears on his cheeks.

“I guess we’re even now”, you replied, but as soon as you said that, all the guilt came back to his face with the power of an avalanche. “I’m kidding!”, you exclaimed, smacking his arm playfully. “You can breathe, mate, I’m kidding.”

That seemed to lighten his mood, but neither of you talked for a while, instead taking the opportunity to start eating.

You wouldn’t have called it an unnatural silence, though. It felt nice, just sitting next to him like that, your arms brushing casually against each other, your gazes meeting through the reflection of the mirror every now and then. Definitely something you could get used to. However, there was still something you needed to say.

“All jokes aside…”, you began when you were halfway through your meals. “Thank you for everything you said, Tom. It really means a lot to me.” You kept your voice to a whisper, sparing him a quick glance through the mirror, only to immediately lower your eyes when you discovered that his reflection was already looking at you.

“The World, actually”, you murmured at a barely audible volume.

“The World, no less?”, Tom let out a giggle, giving you a shoulder nudge. “Now you’re flattering me.”

“Hey, I’m being serious here!” You countered, returning the light shove, maybe using a bit more strength than he had. Of course, he didn’t even flinch – not that you were expecting anything different.

Returning serious, you put down your fork and pushed your plate aside. “You’re a fantastic actor”, you went on, this time raising your voice a bit more and finally facing him. “Not only having someone with your talent as my partner, but even hearing you say something nice about my acting skills is… a total dream come true.”

A small part of you felt a bit stupid because of your choice of words: they were sappy, and by no doubt one of the most cliché things ever. On the other hand, you kind preferred it that way, no matter how naïve they could make you sound. To you, the most important thing was to get through to your interlocutor, to let them know what you truly meant. And if that translated to using simple words, then so be it.

Thankfully, the boy sitting next to you seemed to be of the exact same opinion, appearing truly touched by what you said.

Or maybe he was just too kind to make fun of you for that.

“y/n…” Tom paused. He had already stopped eating, but pushed his own food aside as well to fully turn his body towards you. “Thank you, I really appreciate it.”

The kind, genuine smile didn’t remain on his face for long, as it slowly started to morph into a different one. At first, you couldn’t quite place it, but the light tint of read appearing on his ears told you everything you needed to know.

“… but at the same time you’re making me feel awful for never having seen one of your plays before.”

“Shut up!”, you groaned, rolling your eyes at him. “It’s not the same thing.”

“You must think I’m a terrible co-worker”, he insisted, trying to play it off as a joke. “Which I probably am. Unprofessional and self-centred.”

“Oh, stop it, will you?” You were joking, and you were positive that Tom got it, but – probably due to the embarrassment – he still didn’t reply, gave you a small nod and then lowered his head, focusing entirely on playing with a loose string of his ripped jeans.

You bit your lip. “I shouldn’t be telling you this”, you began hesitantly. “… but I’ve had my fair share of bad co-workers, and there’s no way you’re ever gonna feature amongst them, trust me.” Tom shot you a questioning look and you nodded lightly to reinforce the message. “Some of them knew who I was before they met me and still behaved like jerks.”

“Who?”, he frowned.

You shrugged. “You tell the sin, but not the sinner.”

“I got time for a sinner.”

You gawked at him, not knowing how to respond to that.

The sudden change on his face, the low deep voice, the heavy Southern American accent, even the shift in his posture… he really pulled Arvin out of his pocket just like that.

Having seen the film a few times – maybe a few times more than you liked to admit – you had gotten used to that character… or at least you thought you had, because seeing him, hearing him, and overall experiencing him in person was a whole different story.

You cleared your throat to mask your loud gulp and immediately hurried to change the subject. “Did you just misquote your own film?”

Yeah, the film. Talk about the film.

“The things you make me do, baby doll…”, Tom replied with a breathy chuckle that almost made him look like he was blowing the smoke of his – no, Arvin’s – signature’s cigarette –, narrowing his eyes at you… and you could’ve sworn you just saw him wink.

Well, he wasn’t supposed to do that. Because you definitely weren’t ready for Arvin Eugene Russell to be sitting next to you in your dressing room while acting all flirty.

“Come on, I’m simply curious”, Tom tried again, switching back to his usual voice, finally letting you breathe.

It wasn’t like you didn’t enjoy his English accent as well, in fact you liked it even more than his Southern American one… but, thanks to all the actual exposition, you could handle it in a much better way.

“… curious about the sound their noses are gonna make when making contact with my fist, in case I ever happen to meet them”, he specified in a half-whisper.

As terrible as it sounded, you were grateful for what he said, since it helped you get your mind off things you weren’t supposed to be thinking.

“Now I’m even more motivated not to tell you”, you stated, grabbing your lunch box once again. Instead of facing the table like you did before, you sat cross-legged, simply placing it in your lap.

Tom gave you a lopsided grin. “Fine. I’ll ask Cindy.”

“Good luck with that”, you commented without batting an eyelash, keeping yourself busy picking at your food.

Your lack of reaction did nothing to calm him down: no, motivating him even more. “I’ll follow your lead”, he declared, stubbornly determined to convince you he could do it. “I’ll use your cat as a weapon.”

Luckily, you had already swallowed the mouthful or you would’ve spat it all around the room. “Oh, good luck with that!”, you sneered, already picturing the scene. Or rather, the disastrous outcomes, his allergic reaction being the least bad thing that could happen.

“y/n!”, he eventually whined, trying to play the puppy-eyes card.

Your expression softened. “It’s water under the bridges, Tom. Seriously.”

Seeing that insisting was pointless, he reluctantly gave up, but still made one last try. “If you change your mind, just know that I’m at your orders.”

“That’s so Arvin of you”, you fake-gasped. “I certainly won’t forget that.”

“Please, stop making me feel like a jerk”, he pleaded, his voice muffled against the hand he ran over his face.

Lowering your gaze on your plate, you played around with what was left of your couscous. “… if that’s the effect my knowledge about your filmography has on you, I really shouldn’t tell you where I saw you for the first time”, you pondered quietly.

When you looked up, you found Tom already staring at you. “… I’m torn”, he admitted with a gulp.

“… do you want to know?”

He took his time giving you a definitive answer, wide eyes exploring your face, searching for clues, jaw clenched and lips pressed into a hard line. “… yes.”

“It was with–”

“DON’T!”

It was so sudden, so loud that it caused you to jump in your seat, almost making you drop your lunch box. Your heart was going crazy, beating so loudly that you could basically hear it in your ears. And you wouldn’t have been surprised if Tom had been able to hear it too. You observed the source of your fear with shock written all over your face.

“Sorry, I don’t know why I did it”, he quickly apologized. “I… I guess I kinda panicked for a moment and…” Guilt-filled eyes bored into your worried ones, as he inhaled and exhaled a couple of times to calm down and get ready. “… okay, go.”

Despite the huge jump scare he’d just given you, you couldn’t find it in yourself to protest. Not when that usually bright and light-hearted young man was looking like a small kid, both equally anxious and puzzled.

“I…” You decided to start him off easy. “I discovered you with Pilgrimage.”

A crease formed between his eyebrows. “Really? I wasn’t expecting that…”

“Well…” You bit the inside of your cheek, hoping this wouldn’t make you sound like the fangirl you actually were. “To be completely honest, the first time I heard of you was with The Secret World of Arrietty, when I literally heard you. But it wasn’t until I watched Pilgrimage that I made the connection.”

“I see…”, Tom nodded at your words, looking a bit calmer now, the reaction reassuring you that your answer wasn’t that weird, after all – suck on that, Albert.

“So… did you like it? Pilgrimage, I mean…”

“I did. Maybe it was a bit too violent for me… but yeah, I liked it.” You even felt comfortable enough to add more details. “Middle age. Ireland. Religious themes. The love story in my head between yours and Jon Bernthal’s characters…”

“The what?”

“Oh, don’t tell me it never even crossed your mind!” You squinted your eyes at him, not even knowing where all this boldness was coming from. “That scene where you’re holding him and your face is just inches from his?!” With an emphatic sigh, you brought your hands to your chest. “If that doesn’t scream ‘couple’ to you…”

Tom wasn’t able to hide his smile. “That’s a… really interesting take on that”

“It’s not”, you corrected him in all seriousness. “In my mind, it’s canon.”

“Noted.” He looked at you with a peculiar, inexplicable combination of amusement and tenderness… then, something clouded his gaze. “But wait… aren’t you an atheist?”

“Yes.” You tilted your head to the side at the random question. “And?”

“You mentioned religious themes…”

“Oh”, you realized what he meant, then proceeded to give him a quick explanation. “I saw it as the perfect example of where blind, irrational Faith can lead you.” Pausing for a moment, you checked on him, silently asking him if you should end it there.

Apparently, Tom wanted more details, because not only didn’t he stop you, but he actually leaned towards you, resting his elbows on his knees as if that could help him to pay more attention to what you were telling him.

“Uhm… I’m not saying that Faith itself is a bad thing”, you clarified. “But, even if it involves an exemplary superior entity, it’s still a very human thing, and, like every human thing, it can be wonderful or it can be terrible.” You stopped again, wondering if you were being boring.

But, just like before, Tom encouraged you to go on.

“Stanley Weber’s character, that Geraldus guy” – you grimaced when you pronounced that name – “relied on that alone, used it to justify violence and the sacrifice of others, refused to use his head and ignored the other monks’ advises.”

Maybe you were being too harsh, listing all the errors of a fictional character. And annoying, too, you were talking too much. Albert’s voice overlapped with your father’s one, reminding you over and over again how ridiculous you sounded whenever you tried to explain your vision about one thing or another, how stupid it made you appear when you tried to face serious topics, how prettier it made you look to keep your mouth shut.

You gulped, attempting to free your mind from those memories, when you saw that Tom was staring at you through narrowed eyes, giving off the impression that he was going to ask you something.

“y/n, are you–”

You immediately cut him off. “… and look where that brought him: almost everyone in his group is dead and he got himself killed by the final girl”, you joked.

It was clear as day that he wasn’t buying it: he knew that something was up with you. And you had no idea how or why, but you knew that he knew.

This curly-haired boy had the surprising ability to make you feel like an open book. A book he couldn’t fully comprehend yet, as he was still learning you like you learn a new language. Though at this rate, he would come to know you by heart someday. A day that you dreaded, and at the same time eagerly awaited…

Luckily, Tom wasn’t planning to use that ability against your will: sensing that you didn’t feel like talking about that something, he simply decided not to pressure you. “Never thought I would live long enough to hear a monk being called a final girl”, he laughed softly. “Let alone if that monk was played by me.”

“Life’s full of surprises.”

“And I have the living proof right in front of me”, he gestured at you from head to toe, that tenderness back in his eyes. “I truly wasn’t expecting that”, he remarked. “I mean, Pilgrimage’s pretty under the radar… n-not that I’m saying that it’s bad, I had a lot of fun working on it!”

Overcome by those fond memories, Tom smiled to himself and you just took him in in awe, wanting to kiss the cute tiny wrinkles forming around his eyes…

No. No, I don’t want to do that. What a stupid thought.

“By the way…”

You snapped your head towards him, eyes wide open and breath held, like you just got caught saying that out loud.

“I loved hearing your opinions”, the cheeky bastard told you with a goddamn lovely wink. “I just… I’m a bit surprised, that’s all. In a good way, of course!”

Blinking again, breathing again, you also felt the need to match his cheekiness. A weird self-defence mechanism against the embarrassment, probably. “What can I say?”, you shrugged. “Looks like I have a magnet for cute monks.”

“You thought I was cute?”, he inquired with a pleased grin.

“Oh, come on”, you glared at him with a scoff. “A pouty Irish novice with curls? The crush was immediate!”

Tom lifted an eyebrow, his interest apparently growing by the second. “So the habit has that effect on you?”

“Blame Victor Hugo”, you told him, raising both your hands in an apologetic gesture, even though you didn’t sound like you were sorry at all. “He ruined me with his Frollo.”

That name seemed to awaken confusion in him. “But isn’t Frollo like, an old ugly judge or something?”

Good, think about Frollo. Don’t make me think of those cute little wrinkles.

“You’re thinking about Disney Frollo”, you pointed a finger at him, then did the same thing to yourself. “I’m talking about Book Frollo.”

Tom cocked his head to the side, the confusion still occupying his face: a silent way to tell you he had no idea what you were talking about.

“He’s an archdeacon in there. Plus, he’s thirty-five – which was considered old back then, I get it – and Hugo doesn’t say that he’s ugly”, you clarified. “I actually don’t like him, ‘cause he’s still a horrible person who does pretty messed up stuff, but I like his complexity, the conflict inside of him between love and Faith.”

“Sounds fascinating”, he observed.

“It is”, you confirmed, only to realize you had once more monopolized the conversation. “But yeah, weird fixations aside, we were talking about your film.”

“A film almost no-one mentions to me when they meet me…”, he muttered and, from the way he looked at you, you had no choice but to look down, unable to handle such intensity.

Bowl resting on your lap, you were still fidgeting with your hands, not knowing what else to say and wondering if that meant it was the right time to resume eating.

Tom didn’t seem to be on your same page, the sound of his voice making you raise your head again. “Okay, now I feel even guiltier”, he cackled a bit nervously. “Enough with me, then: it’s your turn to talk now.”

“My turn?”

“Yeah, I wanna know your origin story.”

“You mean how I became an actress?”, you asked.

“If you prefer”, he conceded, though everything in the way he said it suggested that this alternative wasn’t very appreciated by him. In fact, he made sure to let you know, to clear any possible doubt you might had. “Doesn’t sound as cool as ‘origin story’, though.”

You cracked a smile, jumping at the occasion to use that joke one last time. “That’s why I’m an actress and not a screenwriter”.

Without a reply, Tom stuck his tongue out at you, scrunching up his nose like a little kid. But, despite that funny little moment, it soon became clear that he wasn’t going to give up.

So it was you who had to give up. “Well, long story short”, you sighed. “I started acting because I was shy. Pretty classic, right?”

He nodded. “So far. But I want the details.”

You chewed on your bottom lip. “Okay. My grandma was a singer at the local theatre of the town I was born and raised in.”

The sweet memory brought a smile to your face, the feeling of her hand holding yours on the first day she brought you to her favourite place on Earth, more vivid than ever.

“He hates me.”

“Stop crying over what he said, honey. That idiot’s not worth your tears.”

“He’s your son, nana.”

“And that’s one of his only two good qualities.”

“What’s the other one?”

“Being your father.”

“That explains it”, he said, the satisfied expression on his face making him look like a detective who had just solved a case. “Talent runs in the family.”

His words flattered you, but at the same time, you couldn’t help shooting a glance at the ceiling. “God, I wish. She was a soprano with a vocal range of like four octaves.”

Tom’s eyes went round, shining with admiration. “Holy shit, that’s a lot!”, he exclaimed, his mouth agape… at least until hesitation took over his features. “It is a lot, right?”, he timidly asked, no longer fully convinced that his statement was correct.

Luckily, you were there to reassure him. “It is a lot.”

“Do you have it, too?”

You plastered a sweet smile on your face, your voice dripping honey as you answered him. “You’ll never know.”

“Fine”, he pouted. “I’ll just ask Thecla to make Anaïs sing.”

“Very fitting with the tone of the whole play”, you mocked him. “I’d like to see you try.”

“I can be very persuasive, love, you’ve seen what happened with the scene”, he smugly reminded you. “Just you wait.” And of course he had to wink again.

Cocky shit. Charming cocky sh-y/n, stop it.

“So, what happened next?”

“She started to take me there with her every time she had rehearsals to–”

… to make sure my father wouldn’t beat the shit out of me.

You managed to stop just in time, right before the worlds could roll off your tongue, the smile disappearing from your face like a mask falling to the ground. Though you were quick to pick it up and put it back on, ready to act like that didn’t happen, Tom was equally just as quick at noticing the pain that crossed your eyes.

For a moment, he debated whether he should say something or keep quiet, but then eventually chose the latter, as it was clear that you didn’t want to talk about it now, and he had no intention to force you to revive something that would just upset you. If one day you’d ever felt like telling him, he would be willing to listen.

But today was not that day.

“Didn’t force me to do anything, though”, you continued. “She’d just let me wonder around backstage.”

You remembered everything so clearly, as if she was still alive in your head. Her voice – now soft and faint – now loud and clear, would follow you around as you explored that place high and low, her songs and vocalizations guiding you like a personal North Star, as you learned how to navigate through it.

“A little girl wondering around in a mostly dark space…” He squinted his eyes, the grin contradicting the worried creases forming on his forehead. “I’ve seen horror movies begin in the exact same way, do you have something you want to tell me?”

“I’ll leave that up to your imagination.”

“Ah, the beauty of mystery…”, he sighed dramatically, with a few nods of approval. “I like it. Then?”

“Then I started going there by myself, because I discovered that I liked that place and the way it made me feel.” Right after you said that, one specific memory came back to you, and you couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped your lips.

“What is it?”

“The people who worked there even started calling me ‘Erika’.” You gave him no further explanation, curious to see if he would get it.

“Erika”, Tom repeated slowly, concentrating on that single word until recognition dawned upon his face. “… as in Erik? Erik The Phantom of the Opera? That Erik?”

“Yup.”

“That’s it!”, he exclaimed, slapping his thigh. “I knew you looked familiar!”

“Asshole”, you played offended, biting the inside of your mouth not to laugh.

But that didn’t seem to kill Tom’s enthusiasm: without missing a beat, he came up with another question that almost made you drop your lunch box in absolute shock.

“So you’re into that kind of role-play? Besides the monk thing, of course.”

“Tom!”

“I’m taking notes”, he said, as if it was the most natural thing ever.

You blinked in confusion. “… notes?”

“I like to be prepared, darling.” He smiled at you with fake innocence. A fake innocence that made your mouth water. “You said so yourself, remember? We have to loosen up a bit.”

To say that your cheeks were burning was an absolute understatement: your entire face was enflamed, embarrassment spreading in waves under the surface of your skin. “I didn’t mean it like that!”

“So, tell me…” Tom leaned back, resting his elbow on the table, his serious voice not matching whatever the hell he was doing with his body. “You want me to be your ingénue? And then your Irish novice?”

No. Just be my Irish novice–oh, for fuck’s sake, y/n!

“Oh my–” You couldn’t finish the sentence, hiding your face behind your hands, mostly because if you had looked at him doing that for just one more second, you weren’t sure you’d be able to think straight. You didn’t know what was wrong with you, right now, you just wanted to crawl into his lap and– “Shut up!”

“Can I ask you something, y/n?”

“No.” You dropped your hands, grabbing your food and placing it on the table, maybe with a bit too much energy, considering the loud thud caused by the impact. “I don’t like where this is going”, you pouted, or at least pretended to. “You seem way too comfortable when talking about the kinks I might have!”

Might. Yes, ‘might’ is very important.

“I swear it’s a serious thing.”

You finished closing your lunch box, facing him again to point an accusing finger at his face. “That’s kinda hard to believe when the word ‘serious’ is coming out of your mouth.”

Tom gently smacked your hand away. “Says the girl who called a tandem for ten people a ‘tendem’ and then kept laughing like an idiot for something like twenty minutes”, he smugly reminded you.

“Yeah, and who was the other idiot who dropped to their knees begging said girl to marry them?”, you bit back.

“A very smart guy indeed.” He proudly lifted his chin with a knowing look. “Certainly knows a keeper when he sees one.”

“And all it takes him is one stupid joke? That’s a talent.” You raised your eyebrows to mock him, his words making it hard for you not to crack a smile.

“The devil’s in the details, darling”, he replied, the unexpected shift in his accent hitting you like a wall of bricks. “Even the most insignificant or apparently stupid ones.”

You side-eyed him, voice reduced to a whisper. “Was that an Irish accent that I heard?”

“Do you want it to be?”

Yes.

“Thomas.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll stop”, he apologized, raising his hands as a peace offering. “All jokes aside, can I ask my question, now?”

You took your time before answering, eyes roaming his face to make sure he wasn’t bluffing. “Fine.”

“Do you get off asking people to sing for you in bed?”

Jaw slack and eyes rounded, you stared at him, unable to believe nor process what you just heard. And the effect it was having on you. “Fuck off”, you finally snorted, moving to punch his shoulder.

“It is a serious question!”, Tom protested, dodging the blow and grabbing your wrist. He didn’t let go. He had succeeded in blocking you and could’ve just released you. But he didn’t.

And you could’ve easily freed yourself. But you didn’t.

“You do know I have a musical background, right?”, he spoke, seriousness lacing his voice. “I mean, it was for a short period of time, but I’d love to try again.” And there it was, that cheeky grin again. “Who knows? I might even last longer now…”

“You’re disgusting, Thomas”, you spat, leaning forward and narrowing your eyes at him. “Don’t you ever dare to talk to me again.”

“That would be extremely unprofessional, my dear. Rowan is not mute”, he pointed out, mirroring your action, still not letting go of your hand.

… not that you were complaining, even though, officially, you were.

“But, as a novice, I could take a vow of silence”, he added in a whisper. “… only to see if you can get me to break it.”

An image flashed in your mind. One that involved him falling to his knees in front of you, his hands resting on your hips, the fabric of your dress crumpled up in his fists, his forehead pressed against your abdomen as he clung onto you for dear life.

You forced yourself to hold his gaze, taking it as a personal challenge not to make that thought could your mind. “You could always try a different interpretation, then”, you suggested with a sweet venomous smile. “I’m sure it would be very much appreciated.”

“So you want to silence me?” He looked genuinely hurt, those damn puppy eyes always ready to be used. “Don’t you want me to plead for forgiveness while I give into temptation with you? I’ll even grow my curls back for the occasion.”

You hated that you could already picture that, the unruly chocolate curls literally asking you – begging you – to bury your hands in them, comforting him as he prayed God through the altar of your body…

God yes…

“Don’t you wanna be my Angel of Music and have a passionate love story with me?”

And, just like that, all the magic vanished.

That sentence alone was enough to make you dryer than sandpaper, something you’d never thought you could ever be grateful for. But, after all, it was helping you keep your mental health in place, so who where you to complain?

“Absolutely not.” You pulled your wrist from his hold, sitting back with a disgusted look on your face. You rolled your eyes in an exaggerated motion. “Compared to them, Anaïs and Rowan – Anaïs and Rowan, Tom – are the portrait of a perfect healthy couple.”

“Just wanted to test your knowledge, love”, Tom chuckled, amused by your over-dramatized outrage. “But I see. You’re a Raoul stan, aren’t you?”

“Not really”, you responded, dragging the ‘n’ a bit. “I’m more of a ‘let Christine Daaé breathe for a moment you psychos’ stan, you get what I mean?”

He nodded. “I do, and you’re completely right. Even though I am a Raoul stan.”

“Well, he’s alright”, you conceded. “Not exactly my type, but he’s alright.”

“Got it. You’re more on the Billy Elliot side, right?”

“Yeah, sure”, you scoffed.

This time, you were the one on the receiving end of the accusing finger. “You totally are”, he reiterated. “I bet you had a huge crush on Jamie Bell, back in 2000.”

You did. But there was no need for him to know that. Enough with revealing the crushes of your younger self.

“And then you met me”, he continued, puffing his chest and straightening his neck, talking like a bard narrating a fairy-tale. “Which made your dreams come true. Now it all makes sense.”

“You wish, Tommy”, you giggled.

Unexpectedly, his face softened at that, a tender look appearing in his chocolate eyes. “I like it when you call me ‘Tommy’”, he told you with a sincere smile. “It has a nice ring to it when you say it.” He wasn’t being ironic or suggestive: he truly meant what he said.

And you… you were just one step away from melting. “… that was quite smooth, I’ll grant you that”, you admitted, still trying to play it cool.

“Glad I managed to impress you, darling”, he smirked proudly, then brought a finger to his lips. “But keep quiet about it, you’re the only one who can do it”, he spoke in hushed tones.

Remaining seated, you faked a courtesy. “Oh, what an honour!”

“So”, he clasped his hands. “Going back to people calling you ‘Erika’ due to your love for infesting theatres…”

“Oh, so you were listening!”, you joked, but, to tell the whole truth, you were actually positively impressed by his interest.

“And I still want to know more”, he confirmed. “Keep going.”

“It’s nothing special, really”, you shrugged. “After a couple of years, when I was around six, a director got sick of me wondering around like a ghos–” You stopped mid-sentence, noticing the look Tom was giving you.

“Yes?”, he prompted you, the innocence in his voice clashing with his shit-eating grin.

You pressed your lips together, thinking about how you could rephrase it. “Like a shadow”, you eventually decided. “So she took me on stage and told me that, now that I could read, if I wanted to stay there, I had to prove that I deserved it. Then she handed me a script and made me rehearse a scene with another kid.”

“And next thing you knew, the leading role was yours?”

“If Maiden Number Three sounds like a leading role to you, then yes”, you cackled.

Tom shook his head, pretending he hadn’t heard that. “I bet it was the title of the show”, he stated proudly. “And then?”

Then my parents divorced, my grandma died and we moved here.

“Then we moved here”, you cut it short: you didn’t need to bother him with tones drama. “And since nobody talked to me at school and I had zero to no friends, my mom insisted that I kept acting. It was like she was afraid I would lose my voice”, you attempted to end your sentence on a humorous note, then paused, thinking of your mother’s worried face, the endless apologies and words of encouragement she would murmur in your ear every time she held you. The way she basically begged you not to give up theatre, one of your few sources of happiness.

“So I did and I never stopped. The rest is history. I think acting literally saved me from…” You stopped again, a bit mad at yourself. You really just couldn’t avoid drama, could you? Well, better keep it vague: you’d already said enough. “… a lot of things.”

Your father, the bullying, the language barrier, Albert, to whom you had given your heart, only for him to treat it like a toy with his dark twisted games… all of that faded to nothing when you found your place on the stage. You’d pour your entire being into acting, processing your emotions through it, trading the sufferance for healing, the anger for peace.

After your grandma passed, theatre felt even more like the only right option for you, and you were grateful to your mother for being there to help you see it: through all those backlogged dreams your nana had left you, she had gifted you her World, a beautiful part of herself that you would cherish forever.

Tom said nothing, but his gaze, the way he wasted no time in reaching for your hands and taking them in his, spoke more than a thousand words.

You smiled thankfully, returning the light squeeze, your issues with physical touch completely forgotten.

The playful banter faded into a comfortable silence, as you simply stood there, sitting next to each other with your hands intertwined like it was the most normal and natural thing ever.

For a moment, you almost got the impression that he was about to bring your hands up to his lips to kiss them. He didn’t, but you might’ve sworn you saw something flicker in his eyes. Something you couldn’t quite place or name, that both enthralled and worried you at the same time.

“Just so you know, y/n…”, he finally spoke up. “I was a wonderful soprano until my voice dropped.”

“Div.”

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A/n: ... yeah, this is what I meant when I talked about weird dialogues... hope you don’t hate me after this hahaha. But no, all jokes aside, thank you so much for your support, I love you all so much and I’d love to know your thoughts 💜

Taglist: @isory @onewithnomightypowers @wildxwidow @harryhollandsgirlfriend @omegadumb42069 @thisisparadisemylove @tom-softie @jeyramarie @mn-jun @enilemes

(Let me know if you wanna be added or removed, add yourself to my taglist or follow me on my writing side-blog @lia-s-liabrary and turn the notifications on)

#tom holland #tom holland fanfiction #tom holland x fem!reader #unscripted #tshwritersnet #tom holland imagine #tom holland angst #tom holland fluff #tom holland smut #tom holland x actress!reader #unscripted series

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lordoftherazzles · 2 years

Note

ALSO! You should do the dinner scene of the new Bookbinder chapter from Nori and/or Dwalin’s POV. 👀👀

Hey look I'm finally posting this!!

This was in response to a Wednesday Word Play where you write a scene from a different POV. AND, doing this for a Wednesday Word Play to write a new character/ship/etc that you've always wanted to try.

Two word plays, one stone!

It gave me an excuse to get off my ass and finally answer this ask, so without further ado, have some Nwalin (primarily Dwalin POV) from Chapter 7 of Bookbinder//Songwriter!

Dwalin had tried to warn Thorin that weaseling in on he and Nori’s dinner date for Valentine’s was a recipe for disaster, or at least it was likely to be one knowing Nori’s cheeky behavior. However, being the absolute best friend that he was to Thorin, Dwalin was doing his part in ensuring some of that tragedy never came to light. He didn’t mind Bilbo, and he certainly liked seeing his best buddy in high spirits, so it was an effort he was willing to make.

Which meant a chat with Nori before the two lovebirds ever showed their faces.

“I’m begging you, please act like…I dunno, a normal human being tonight?” Dwalin huffed a bit, swirling his glass of water around as he eyed those coming and going within the restaurant.

“You’re begging me, hm?”

Dwalin’s gaze shifted to the side to catch a glimpse at Nori’s shit-eating grin, and nothing about Dwalin’s expression seemed to shift from that neutral look it had. “It’s their first Valentine’s together and I get the holiday is a bunch of shit, but it’s kind of a big deal, I think. We like this one, remember.”

“Yes, I know. Not that was a high bar to reach to surpass the last man of Thorin’s life. Thrandumb Oropher was a fellow with poor taste, even for me. Really bendy though, if you want my opinion.”

“I don’t want your opinion on him whatsoever.”

“I will be on my best behavior, but if there’s low-hanging fruit, you know it’s only natural for me to grab at it,” Nori chimed in a sing-song voice as he leaned against his boyfriend’s arm. “It will be a fun night, I promise and don’t worry so much. Thorin does enough of that for all of us.”

With a small sigh of acknowledgment to Nori’s words, Dwalin finally spurred a small grin, leaning into Nori’s touch against his arm before the two special guests to join their dinner table just stepped inside the restaurant.

==========

Low-hanging fruit was always something Dwalin had to watch out for it seemed. While the evening had gone primarily well, there was always the hiccup or road bump that seemed to cause a little pause within the conversation. Small comments from Nori, a bit of blushing from the two across the table, and Dwalin felt more like a third wheel than anything, even if he was one quarter of this double date thing happening.

He was watching from the sidelines, just waiting to have to grab Nori by the scruff and haul his ass out, but no such moment came. Perhaps it was foolish on his part to assume that this meant they could relax. All of them were chatting a bit over wine and poking a little fun at how Thorin and Bilbo had met. The exact details of the story were still rather hidden. No one knew why, but Nori was currently needling in on that to try and fish out as many details as possible.

It was harmless, mostly.

“Yeah, and I hope he learned a lesson on showing up late to practice,” Dwalin huffed, amused in tone as he eyed Thorin and Bilbo from across the table as a grin was sneaking across his own lips at the memory. “Though it wouldn’t be the first time I’d tossed his ass into a dumpster.” Sometimes those punishments were deserved, and sometimes they weren’t even remembered, it all depended on the bullshit of the hour. In this case, Thorin didn’t show up late to practice and didn’t have to end up picking garbage out of his hair. A lesson learned.

“Just taking out the trash, I see!”

And that’s when Dwalin’s sense of comfort and ease at the dinner table began to melt. It was like placing a challenge down on the table, just ready for Thorin to pick at and he knew it. Side eyeing his boyfriend for a moment and noticing that very impish look, Dwalin wasn’t sure what to say to get them back on track–Thorin had spoken up far too quickly in unknowing retaliation.

Every good relationship starts with an interesting story, and yadda yadda, Dwalin wasn’t listening as he rolled his eyes and tried to focus on the expression of both Nori and Thorin, wondering just when that particular volcano of agitation was going to erupt. Sometimes it was a curse to be far too knowledgeable about their tell-tale signs in expressions. Nori always got a particular sparkle in his eyes when he was ready to make a verbal leap, and Thorin’s eyes always seemed to darken to something deep and thunderous like rain clouds whenever he was ready to go for the kill.

There it was, that mischievous little sparkle that had Dwalin straightening up in his seat some with his hands resting behind his head.

“Nori I wouldn’t–”

But the other man just kept going. Nori even went so far as to bring up a piercing that had….an embarrassing tale to it, which made even Dwalin pause!

Watching Thorin fly out of his seat and ready to leap over the table–if not for Bilbo’s interference–Dwalin reached over and latched a hand onto Nori’s thigh with a death grip to keep the auburn-haired menace seated.

“I want my bill.” And there went Thorin, stomping off and looking like a mess of embarrassment if Dwalin didn’t know any better.

Fixing Nori with a glare and removing his hand, while Dwalin could admit that this could have been a lot worse, Nori clearly didn’t know what ‘best behavior’ truly meant. “Great job,” Dwalin hissed.

“What? He never talks about these things and it’s nice to know he’s being taken care of, yes?”

“You have zero tact.”

Though as attention shifted to Bilbo, noticing the blushy look the newcomer was wearing, it didn’t seem as if he was completely put out by everything that had been said. Dwalin knew more than he was letting on about Thorin and had an inkling as to why it had bothered his best friend so much. It wasn’t so much the content as it was…well, the actual doing. It had been a fleeting conversation, what with Thorin asking for advice on how to properly approach the subject of intimacy and what not with Bilbo, but it seemed that both Thorin and Bilbo were of the same mind, but having issues getting to that point. Well, at least they were on the right track, and then Nori had to open his fat mouth.

“Well, to be honest…that was something I wanted to approach with him tonight, you know? Not just because of the holiday but…you know, I just wasn’t sure when the right time would be after the utterances I’ve heard about his relationship with Thranduil.”

“Oh, Bilbo, I don’t think you need to worry about anything. Thorin knows I love to jerk his chain, but if you want to jerk something else, I’d say he wouldn’t complain–ouch!”

Dwalin wasted no time in jamming his elbow into Nori’s ribs with a scowl.

“If it helps, he’s been considering the same thing. He even asked for advice. I don’t think he liked my ‘take him in the bathroom before dessert’ suggestion though,” He chuckled lightly. “It was a joke, but in all honesty, don’t compare yourself to Thranduil. All I ask is that you treat him right.” And now the ‘best friend’ voice came out. “I should have snapped that platinum blond twig long ago, so don’t fuck it up.” It was one of many threats that entered Dwalin’s tone whenever he spoke to Bilbo, or around Bilbo, or that had anything to do with the nerdy little book lover. Like Nori had said before, it wasn’t a high bar to reach when it came to Thorin’s choices in men in comparison to Thranduil, but by god, Dwalin would not see his best mate destroyed by yet another heartless piece of shit. Thankfully, Bilbo truly did seem above that.

Thorin had returned with a box, and a paid bill and was leaving without so much as a proper goodbye, not that anyone could blame him, but as the table was abandoned, Dwalin flagged down their server to take care of his portion of the bill.

“You really couldn’t keep your mouth shut tonight, huh?” He grumbled a bit before feeling a pinch at his leg. “Don’t try and weasel out of the doghouse, man, did you see Thorin’s face?”

“I did, but did you hear what Bilbo said? They’re both pining for it, and so now that he knows, perhaps that really good fuck will become a reality.”

Dwalin sighed. There was some truth to Nori’s words, but it would be foolish to admit as such. Nori would never let him hear the end of it otherwise.

“I want Thorin to be happy too, you know. Sometimes it takes a none-too-gentle push to get someone there. He can deck me at band practice on Thursday if he still has any of that pent-up agitation left by then. I did them both a favor.”

“You’re gonna apologize.”

“What?” Nori practically screeched, eyes wide and latching onto Dwalin’s arm. “Like, genuinely? Or in a ‘sorry for bringing up the piercing’ way?”

“Genuinely, or you’re on the sofa tonight. Might be nice having the big bed to myself and not being latched onto by a little gremlin all night,” Dwalin teased, but there was some sternness to his voice as he finished signing off on the bill and removing himself from his seat. “Just say sorry, and you’re out of the doghouse.”

“And into your bed?”

“I’ll allow it.” Leaning down and pressing a raspberry of a kiss to the top of Nori’s head, and earning a hissy fit in retaliation, Dwalin was sure that the night wasn’t totally ruined due to a vulgar mouth. So long as Thorin got some form of apology before Thursday’s practice, that’s all he cared about. Besides, would he have actually kicked Nori out of bed for tonight? Probably not, it was one of the few places where Dwalin didn’t mind Nori’s vulgarity.

And it was Valentine’s Day, after all.

==========

“How does this sound? ‘Hey, sorry for bringing your dick into the conversation. Happy Valentine’s Day.’”

“Try again.”

“Too late, already sent it.” Nori was in high spirits regardless of being halfway in the doghouse, but it was an attempt at a truce at the very least between the bass player and bandleader. No doubt the topic of conversation later in the week would be interesting. “If he doesn’t reply within the next ten minutes, I can only assume my theory was correct.”

“Which was?”

“My prodding and finally making Bilbo open up about his intentions was just the push they both needed to finally do the deed. I bet they’re having a really great time.”

“You better hope that’s what it is, or Thorin’s still gonna wring your neck.”

“Trust the process, Dwalin dear, I know exactly what I’m doing here. I’m sure we’ll hear something about it on Thursday, or at least you will, and then you can share with me the juicy details.” Nori pinched at Dwalin’s arm as they pulled into the drive of their shared, and very small, home. “Now, there’s a card waiting inside for you–”

“It’s not another ‘my dick springs forward for you’ card is it?”

“Even better! Now run along, I’ll be right behind you.” Likely in more ways than one if Nori had it his way.

“You’re a fucking menace,” Dwalin grinned after putting the car in park, leaning over to press his forehead to Nori’s in a small loving gesture that the two both delighted in, soft as it was. “But I love you anyway.”

“I know you do, just as I love you, Dwalin dear.”

#the hobbit #nwalin #nori #dwalin #thorin oakenshield #bilbo baggins #bagginshield #thilbo #hobbit fic #hobbit fanfic #razzywrites #fic: bookbinder//songwriter

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