#I feel like if he told him earlier Arthur would pretty easily forgive him

[null-skull]

Monsters learning to be human is one of my favorite tropes in stories and I love the way Malevolent handles it. Yes, John learns that he’s more than his past and learns to love Arthur and humanity, but not only does he “become good” he is also gains all the selfish emotions that come with being human.

Take lying for example. In seasons 1 + 2 he lies because that’s what he knows as the King in Yellow. He lies and manipulates for his own benefit. He does so uncaring how that affects Arthur because he is just an end to a means. And it’s hard to tell when he’s lied as he only points it out when he knows it would hurt Arthur.

Compare that to season 3 + 4. Despite lying being the core of who he was as the king, he gets kinda bad at it. It’s pretty clear that John is hiding things from Arthur about what happened to him when they were separated and why John wants to go to New York. He begins to sound so unconfident in his words because he now understands what he’s doing is wrong. Instead of lying to manipulate and hurt Arthur, he’s lying to try and hide the fact that he’s hurting him. He’s so scared of the repercussions of the bad thing he knows he did, that he lies to cover it and pretend it will all blow over. It takes a lot of guts to admit your own guilt, and deciding to shrink away from it instead is so human.

When John admits all his lies to Kayne in part 40 he just sounds so desperate. He truly believes that he’s in the home stretch. That just a little more lying and everything will be done and he won’t feel guilty anymore. He decided he’ll tell Arthur when it’s over because he believes Arthur won’t be that mad, that he’ll think “you did something bad, but it all worked out in the end so it’s okay”, but we all know that’s not how that works. He’s so horrified when it’s revealed Arthur heard his confession because he knew what was coming, all of Arthur’s feelings of betrayal, disappointment, and anger, and he wasn’t ready to face it. He feels so guilty that he probably can’t imagine Arthur understanding and forgiving him.

Of course Kanye’s deal makes this worse. John once again knows that this is wrong as he hesitates at the beginning. But once Arthur begins to threaten him to not take the deal, John decides to take it, once again trying to run away from the repercussions of his actions. John doesn’t know yet that lying more only makes things worse, and Kayne knows this and gives him one more bump to trip on before leaving John to the fate that he has been avoiding for so long.

Of course it’s enjoyable to see John gaining his humanity. Him showing compassion, sympathy, and enjoying the mundane parts of life like admiring the view or wanting to watch a movie. But humanity is a double sided coin that comes with emotions like jealousy, selfishness, and envy. It’s frustrating to see John make all these decisions that we know are wrong and will have bad consequences, but he hasn’t been in this position before doesn’t know how this will all play out yet. And we just have to watch him learn the hard way.

#it’s john apologist hours #and while Arthur definitely would be upset #I feel like if he told him earlier Arthur would pretty easily forgive him #he already knew John was lying and went along with it anyway #but now that johns actions lead him to be stuck in the literal Middle Ages with nothing #it’s definitely not gonna go well #malevolent #malevolent spoilers #john doe malevolent #malevolent analysis

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Roguish Women Part 35

Summary: Kate is an American who fled to Paris to escape her past life. Now she's dancing and playing the part of a courtesan at the Moulin Rouge. There she meets Tommy Shelby who thinks she can be useful in expanding his empire. But has he been blinded?

Part 35: The past can easily leave its mark, and it’s hard to let go. 

            Tommy almost knocked over the phone as he pushed Kate up against the wall as she kissed him so roughly that he could feel his lips bruising. But he didn’t dare let her let up.

            He groaned against her lips when she tugged on his hair playfully. “Don’t rush.” He murmured when she pulled away to start undoing his shirt buttons.

            “I’m fine.” She frantically rid him of the shirt and dropped her hands to his waistband.

            “Kate…” He took her hands in his. He realized there was something wrong. It was almost like she was forcing the act, pushing through to prove herself something. “There’s no need to rush.”

            Her lower lip quivered. “He’s not taking this from me, Tommy. He doesn’t control me anymore. He-he can’t ruin me anymore.”

            He could feel her hands trembling. “Sh, love, just take a deep breath.”

            “It’s not fair!” She cried out of frustration at the things she couldn’t control.

            “Kate, just sit down for a moment and take a breath.” He coaxed again.

            “Unzip me.” She huffed turning around with her arms crossed. He did and she stepped out of the dress, leaving it on the floor. She walked to the in-suite bathroom and turned on the sink to splash water on her face. Grabbing one of the washcloths, she scrubbed at her face.

            “Kate, just come in here and talk to me.” Tommy waited in the middle of the room, not sure what else to do.

            “Look at this, Tom. Look!” She held out her arms.

 ��          It was hard not to see what she was referencing. She was riddled with scars, ones that looked old, and ones that looked more recent. Each one of them told a story that Tommy wasn’t privy too, but he knew that they haunted her.

            “He left his mark on me. That bastard took everything and I still remember him every time I look in the mirror.” It almost felt like each scar that Santo had left was burning with anger. Granted, she had acquired some of the scars from much earlier in her life. A bicycle incident as a young girl, a knife wound from an attempted mugging as a young ballerina, and other minor nicks and marks. But the freshest ones were the most painful. The scars around her knuckles from when she shattered the bathroom mirror. The time Santo threw a vase at her and it cut her arm as she ducked. When he pushed her so hard into the sidewalk it shredded up her knees. Of course, there were times that he never left a mark. Like when he pressed a knife to her cheek and threatened to cut her if she didn’t sleep with him.

            “Good.” He purred when she finally agreed. “Wouldn’t want to ruin that pretty face of yours. It’s all you’re good for.”

            Kate’s breathing became shallower and she started to lose all sense of where she was. The memory wouldn’t stop playing over in her head and it was consuming all of her senses. It felt like every inch of her skin was crawling as the memories charged into her brain.

            She finally collapsed in on herself, crumbling to a ball on the floor. Sobbing, she wrapped one arm around her stomach and knotted the other in her hair.

            When she felt Tommy try to embrace her, she lashed out. Pushing him away, her breathing became more warped and frantic. But he didn’t push the matter because she didn’t feel him try again. She was having a hard time hearing him if he was even talking to her at all. Her mind felt too loud to hear anything. Tommy could’ve gotten up and walked out of the room without her fully knowing.

            But he didn’t. After trying to hug her, he withdrew, but not by much. He sat down on the floor, his back resting against the bed. It destroyed him to see her in such a panicked state but didn’t want to further upset her with physical contact. It seemed to get them in that situation in the first place.

            It took nearly an hour before Kate became coherent enough. She reached out a hand to Tommy and he took it gently.

            “I’m sorry.” She hiccuped.

            “Don’t apologize.” He murmured. “What’s there to apologize for, aye?”

            “I just don’t know how to handle it anymore. I feel so broken.”

            He sighed and stood up. He scooped her up off the floor and brought her to the bed so she could be a bit more comfortable. “You’re not broken. I know you feel that way, but you’re not. You’re still strong.” He laid down on the bed and let her curl up in his arms. “These scars are reminders that you survived. Despite everything.”

            Kate buried her face in his chest, right next to the scar leftover from Black Star Day. It felt so long ago. All those years ago, in the Garrison, holding Tommy back as Jeremiah removed the bullet. She could remember never doubting that he would survive. Even so soon in their relationship, she saw a resilient person. Perhaps that’s what Tommy saw when he looked at her. Resilience, even when she felt like she was just a shell of a person.

 ~~~~~~~~~

            The next morning, Kate slept in. She was tired from the emotional night before. From getting engaged to becoming a crying heap on the floor, she felt like she’d gotten whiplash.

            Tommy let her sleep as he went downstairs for a smoke and to get the paper. He returned a couple of hours early to find her stirring. He leaned over the bed to give her a kiss.  

            She hummed softly, waking a bit more when she felt his touch. When she reached up and grabbed his shirt to stop him when he tried to pull away, he chuckled.

            “So, you are awake then?” He murmured against her lips.

            “I am now.” She opened her eyes and smiled.

            Tommy touched her cheek and kissed her forehead. “Feeling better?”

            Her smile faded a bit. Of course, she wanted to tell him that everything was perfect. She wanted to tell him that she was all better and had gotten it all out of her system. But that would only be lying to her fiancé. Still, she skirted the question. “I’m just glad you were there for me. That means a lot.”

            “Is there anything I can do?”

            There wasn’t. Kate knew that and she had a feeling that Tommy knew that too. “No.” She said quietly. “Thank you, Tom.”

            His brow creased but he didn’t push the matter. “Are you hungry? I can have breakfast sent up.”

            “Okay, then can we take a walk on the beach?”

            “Of course.”

~~~~~~~~~~ 

            Tommy noticed that Kate was much touchier that morning. She stayed close to him and wasn’t keen on letting go of his hand as they walked down to the beach. Tommy obviously didn’t mind, but he wondered if she was trying to prove something. As if she was worried that he was rethinking the engagement after how the night ended up. He wanted to put her mind at ease without accusing her of anything.

            “So, I was thinking Arrow House would be a nice place for the wedding reception. If that sounds nice to you.”

            She glanced up at him. There was a bit of relief in her eyes but there was still a block. “I think that would be perfect.” She agreed but hesitated.

            “What is it?” Tommy felt he was hypersensitive to the little tells that were usually so subtle.

            “I just…I don’t want to force you into a corner but I would rather wait to get married. I want your family to be there.”

            He didn’t want to show any disappointment but he certainly felt dread seep into his blood when she mentioned them. “Can I ask why?”

            She raised an eyebrow. “Why? Tommy, they’re your family. And in case you haven’t been paying attention all these years, they’re very important to me as well. I miss them and I know you do too.” She insisted.

            “Kate, I can’t force them to do anything. If they don’t want to forgive me, then that’s their issue.” He replied, keeping his eyes forward at the beach ahead of them.

            “What have you said to them?”

            “Nothing. They won’t answer any of me calls. Ada and Michael said they won’t even speak about me. I’m practically dead to them.”

            “It won’t be like this forever.” Kate stopped walking and reached for his other hand. “I promise it won’t.”

            “Do you remember what you said to me, while back when John cut Angel Changretta?” He asked.

            Kate could remember the occasion. It had been such an upset time for her, it was hard to forget. But she wasn’t too sure what she said as she was in such a charged-up state. “I’m not sure. What did I say?”  

            “You asked how I could gamble the lives of my family.” His eyes were downcast, not able to meet her face. “I’ve always thought I knew what was best for the family. For the company. I’m not confident about that anymore.” He admitted.

            Kate knew that he would never say such a thing to anyone Not to his enemies, his employees, or even his family. But he said it to her. “We all make mistakes. You know me, I’ve made so many in my life.” She lifted his hand to kiss his knuckles. “But I think right now you can’t stop. With the potential threat from the Changrettas, you need to keep moving. And you know that I’ll be next to you the whole time. Polly, Arthur, John, they’ll come around I promise. We’ll rekindle those relationships. But there are things that still need to be dealt with. And I’m not going anywhere, I’ll be by your side.”

            Tommy finally lifted his eyes. It reminded him something Polly constantly said.

            “Behind every great man is a powerful woman.”

            “Alright. We keep moving then.”

 ~~~~~~~~~~~

            That night, Kate and Tommy were in their hotel room getting ready for dinner. They were in a noticeably better mood after talking a few things through. It seemed they had finally worked through enough to enjoy their holiday and their engagement. Kate was sitting on the edge of the bed pulling up her stockings when the phone rang.

            “Hello?” She answered.

            “Katie?”

            “Frank?” Kate glanced over at Tommy who was putting in his cufflinks. He paused and they shared a look of confusion.

            “Frank from Boston?” Tommy asked quietly and she nodded in confirmation.

            “Oh, thank God.” Frank Wallace sighed in relief. “I tell ya, it took me calling like ten people to try ‘n figure out where you were.”

             “Why are you calling? Is everything okay?”

            “’Fraid I have some bad news, Katie girl,” Frank admitted.

            Panic flooded Kate’s system and she looked frantically at Tommy. He recognized her stress and he moved to take the phone out of her hand to take care of it himself. “Frank? It’s Tommy.”

            Kate retreated from the phone, chewing on her nail as she paced around the room. Every possible scenario ran through her head. Each one was worse than the last.

            “Alright. No, I understand perfectly. Let me get back to you and I’ll tell you what I think we should do. Yes, I’ll call back as soon as we get back to Birmingham. Do you want to talk to her?” Tommy looked up to Kate but saw she was in no state to have a nice conversation with one of her oldest friends. “Maybe I’ll have her call you back another time. I’ll tell her. Okay, thank you.” He hung up the phone and ran a hand over his face.

            “Tom…just tell me,” Kate whispered.

            “Frank said there was someone at the docks when I came to get you in Boston. They recognized you and told Santo’s men. I guess they put two and two together and figured it out that I had come and brought you back here.”

            Kate knew deep down that her kidnapping ruse wouldn’t have worked forever. At some point, she had a feeling they would discover that nothing added up. If she was still active in Britain than it would probably be noticed by people in the States. “They’re weak without Santo.” She tried to sound confident. “Without him, they have no power structure.”

            “That’s what Frank said. That’s why they allied with Luca Changretta.”

            Kate’s stomach dropped. “Oh, God.”

            “We already knew he was a threat. This doesn’t change things.” He tried to assure her.

            “I might have been able to settle things with Luca. Maybe, I-I don’t know but now that he has the North End…” She sat down at the vanity, the troubled look on her face only getting deeper. “They now have vendettas against the both of us. And not just you, against your whole family. Tom, you need to make John and Arthur understand that a war is coming. None of you are any good alone, you need to be together.” She insisted.

            He trusted her judgment but there were some things that just couldn’t be forced. “I don’t think a war would change their minds.” He mumbled.

            “Well, tell Ada to tell them this. If you’re all spread out, you’re going to be picked off one by one. As a unit, we’ll stand a chance, alone? We won’t last more than a few days.”

            “Alright.” He finally ceded. No matter how splintered the family was, he didn’t want anyone to die. “I’ll call Ada tomorrow morning.” He promised. “Frank said he would keep an eye on the Italians’ movements. That way we’ll at least have eyes on them.”

            “Okay, good.” Kate stood up and wandered over to him. It was clear there was still a lot on her mind.

            “Do you want to have dinner sent up to the room instead of going downstairs?”

            “Oh…” She looked down at the evening gown she forgot she was still wearing. “No, we can still go. I don’t mind. I’d like to take my mind off of things.” She had to remind herself that there was an entire ocean between them and the Changrettas. But the threat was still there and she knew it would always be there in the back of her mind until it was time for battle.

Permanent Tag: @papa-geralt-of-cirilla​ @biba3434​ @kimmietea​ @karmezii​ @enrapturedbythemoon​ @vampgirl1997​ @tarafaithe​ @evelynshelby​

Tag list: @radical-gecko​ @actorinfluence​ @meltingicequeen​ @merlettina​

Masterpost

PB Masterlist

#tommy shelby #tommy shelby x oc #tommy shelbyxoc #tommy shelby imagine #peaky blinders #peaky blinder imagine #peaky fookin blinders #peaky blinders fanfiction #fanfiction #ofc #oc #ada shelby #season 4 #season 3 #luca changretta #cillian murphy character #cillian murphy #cillian murphy fanfiction #cillian murphy thomas shelby

[chocolate-parfait]

Fluff alphabet - ikevamp headcanons (Theodorus Van Gogh)

A ctivities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

Depends tbh

He takes you out to see an art exposition (which basically is kinda like work for him,,, but he still enjoys it nonetheless)

Spends time with you and Vincent!!! If it's sunny then you're probably going to have a picnic in the garden, enjoying the warm rays of the sun as his brother paints

SOMETIMES!!! IF YOU ASK HIM TO!!!! He'll let you come with him and Arthur to the pub

He'd rather you not come bc it's full of drunkards who just want to hit on pretty women and start a fight

But every once in a while it's nice to enjoy a drink with you and his bestfriend although he'll admit it with flushed cheeks

B eauty - What do they admire about their s/o? What do they think is beautiful about them?

He loves your determination and your courage even if they might get you in trouble sometimes

He finds it kinda hot when you stand up for him, for Vincent, for artists' rights and all of the like

He also finds you unbearably cute and he loves all your facial expressions, he finds them entertaining and he loves how easy to read you are

He's used to put on the tough guy facade when he's at work but he's extremely grateful that he can let his guard down whenever he's around you or Vincent lmao

Loves. Your. Smell.

You smell super sweet and???? It makes him go crazy???? He'd cover you up in syrup and eat you as if you were a pancake if he could

It's intoxicating tbh

Probably cuz hes a vampire lol

C omfort - How would they help their s/o when they feel down/have a panic attack etc.?

 Whenever you're feeling down he'll take a break from work and stay with you

Cuddle time hell yeah

Holds you as you cry/vent to him

Tones down the teasing A LOT

He tries to be as "kind" as he can although he's still a bit rough sometimes (it's not his fault, he's too used to treating people like dogs)

When you're having a panic attack, he'll be a bit taken aback at first, but then he tries to be as helpful as he can

He gives you some space but at the same time he keeps his big, reassuring hand on your back, tracing soothing circles with his palm as long as the episode lasts

He'll also be hyper aware of your surroundings, searching for anything that could make you feel even worse, and takes you to a secluded place

He's a bit awkward with words when it comes to being kind and to anything that isn't businesses-related, he's more of an action-first-talk-later type of man

D reams - How do they picture their future with their s/o?

 He's so busy he doesn't stop to think about it unless someone actually asks him what his plans with you are

He wants to marry you, that's for sure, so that everyone knows you're his and he is yours

When it comes to kids he wants to wait a bit, he's super busy and honestly he' a tad bit insecure, too (who wouldn't be?)

If it happened "by accident" he'd still be happy of course, but I think he spends so much time and energies on his job that handling kids would be too much for him

So he'll wait for things to calm down a little, he wants to be there for the kids after all

If he knows you really want them though, he'll happily comply

E qual - Are they the dominant one in the relationship, or rather passive?

Dominant

He's so used to being with Vincent (which is rather passive) that he tends to be the leading one in relationships

This doesn't mean he doesn't take into account your feelings and always acts on his own though

He often knows what you're thinking about so he'll act accordingly

He LOVES it when you stand your ground though!!! It's hot 👀👀

Play hard to get and he'll get back at you with twice the teasing

F ight - Would they be easy to forgive their s/o? How are they fighting?

 Your fights with him aren't really angry screams, throwing things at each other or anything like that

They're pretty calm (on the outside)

Usually they happen because of pent up frustration or because he was hiding something from you, taking all the burden himself

When you finally call him out for it, he'll act as if he doesn't know what you're talking about at first, then he just,,, says some theo style mean stuff and that's when you snap

Your reactions change depending on the topic but they can vary from sulking to stomping away in tears

He sighs to himself and gives you some time and space, then he comes to you and you sort it out one way or the other

So basically your fights are just because he doesn't want to burden you too much

G ratitude - How grateful are they in general? Are they aware of what their s/o is doing for them?

Of course he's grateful

He's grateful that someone as sweet and caring as you fell for him

He's grateful for all the times you worry for him, even if he thinks he doesn't really deserve it

He's grateful for your happy smiles and kind words

He's grateful you acknowledge his passion, his job and most of all you understand his goal and ideals

H onesty - Do they have secrets they hide from their s/o? Or do they share everything?

Like I previously said, the fact that he usually tends to keep things for himself tend to bring you two to fight

He hides things from you because he doesn't want to worry you more than necessary and he sure as hell doesn't want to put you in danger (especially when it comes to the Academy)

He also doesn't say all the kind words of appreciation he has for you because he wants to appear tough and he's just a tsundere

On certain occasions though, when he truly feels his heart brimming with warmth and love for you, he'll just tell you how much he loves you, how beautiful you are, and every little thing that passes in his mind

I nspiration - Did their s/o change them somehow, or the other way around? Like trying out new things or helped them overcome personal problems?

You helped him see things from a different perspective and to take things slower

You also helped him understand that he doesn't necessarily need to put others first and that he doesn't need to suppress his needs to give space to others

On the other hand he showed you how some ideals are worth fighting for and how seXY A MAN CAN BE-

ahah jk....unless...?

J ealousy - Do they get jealous easily? How do they deal with it?

Since he's pretty possessive it's more common to see him jealous than not. Hell, he'd be even jealous about Vincent if you spent too much time with him.

He doesn't really get flustered when he has to say and show that you are his, why do you think he chooses to call you Hondje even when in public huh?

He glares at whoever tries something on you and if they don't give up, he punches them

If you're in a situation in which he can't immediately intervene he just trusts that you won't choose some random guy over him. After it though, he'd want to spend some time with you (either cuddles or something else wink wonk), to let you know that he loves you and that you are the only one love of his heart.

K iss - Are they a good kisser? What was the first kiss like?

If he's in the right mood for it he'd be able to make your knees weak in seconds.

His kisses are usually a bit rough and they sometimes involve some pulling and groping here and there.

You first kiss together was actually more tender than what you'd expect from someone like him. It was your first one together and he wanted you to enjoy the experience as much as possible.

Anyways his kisses make your head spin and he always makes sure to leave you wanting for more because,,,, he's a tease

L ove Confession - How would they confess to their s/o?

 In a tsunder-y way

You have to read between the lines tbh and at first you didn't even realize it

It just didn't register and then you're like 👁👄👁what

With flushed cheeks and a frown he just "what, you need me to repeat that, Hondje?" Then he turns a switch flip flip and the situation escalates quickly

"I'll repeat it for as many times you need to hear it. You're the only one I need."

M arriage - Do they want to get married? How do they propose? What would the marriage be like?

 He doesn't really think about it, it feels so natural for him to be with you that marriage would only change your civic status. You two are already bound for eternity wedding or not.

That doesn't mean he doesn't want to take the big step though, it's still symbolic (the only symbolic thing he actually cares about lol)

He'd totally surprise you with his proposal. It'd be a bit like Jumin's valentine date.

Important day, he's not there because of work/"I have forgotten", actually not it's just a prank, takes you by surprise bc he actually comes home earlier!!!! And he remembers too!!!, you're delightedly surprised, proposal, happy ending

The wedding is quite small, just your friends (he's not inviting anyone from work bc they'd just end up causing a scene because of nOBle PeoPle blAh BlaH tHe AcAdEmY BlaH bLah TheO YoUr DrEAm iS StuPid Blah BlAH BLAh) although Comte insists on paying for everything and putting some grand gala decorations everywhere

Despite this being your wedding this little shit just won't stop teasing you

The reception is 80% sweets (PANCAKES) and 20% actual food = everyone is dying of diabetes

Dressing code: white

Everyone is dressed in white clothes and the decorations are as candid as clouds

Don't ask me why. His wedding card told me so.

N icknames - What do they call their s/o?

Hondje (top 1 of course)

Mc

My love (when he's feeling particularly soft)

O n Cloud Nine - What are they like when they are in love? Is it obvious for others? How do they express their feelings?

 He's less snappy and despite his remarks, you can see the h a p p i n e s s in this man's eyes.

It's quite obvious to everyone that he's in love because he's super overprotective all the time

Also, he doesn't directly express his feelings not because he's shy or anything, but because he believes actions count more than words.

P DA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

 He doesn't mind it, although he tries to avoid anything too SCANDALOUS when Vincent's around

He likes holding your hand and slipping an arm around your waist TO MARK THE TERRITORY

He tends to be more pushy with pda when someone's flirting with you, that aside he generally keeps hugs and kisses for when the two of you are alone.

Q uirk - Some random ability they have that’s beneficial in a relationship.

He's a natural persuader and it's pretty amazing how he can twist other people's thoughts and mold them as he pleases

He does this for a living so of course he's good at it

But! it doesn't work with you. You can see through his words and right into his soul, he's powerless when it comes to you

Something that comes in handy though is his quick wit and firmness that grant you stability in moments where you feel at a complete loss. He's the rock you can rely on.

R omance - How romantic are they? What would they do to make their s/o happy? Cliché or rather creative?

He's a simple person and he likes simple things

He's not really cliché nor goes to great lengths to show you his love for you, he's in the middle

Sometimes though he lets his feelings flow freely without any mean comment nor anything, knowing it's just the two of you.

He knows you're pretty easy to please so even if he takes time off work and/or does a simple little gesture, it means the world to you

S upport - Are they helping their s/o achieve their goals? Do they believe in them?

Of course he believes in you!!!

If you ever need them, he'll get in contact with the thousands of connections he has

If you're in a slump he'll give you an encouraging speech and then end it with some teasing remark, loving to see you all fired up for what you love doing

Since you believe so fiercely in him, he doesn't see why he shouldn't return all that support, doubled

T hrill - Do they need to try out new things to spice out your relationship? Or do they prefer a certain routine?

Contrary to Leonardo and Arthur who love a bit more spice in their relationships, seeing how hectic his schedule is, a routine might be more comfortable for him

He enjoys spending his time with you doing calm and relaxing activities like picnics, visiting art galleries or going out for a drink

To him your cute reactions are all the spice he needs

U nderstanding - How good do they know their partner? Are they empathetic?

More often than not you're pretty easy to read, but sometimes you DO surprise him with your recklessness though

He knows whenever you're feeling down and he'll try to cheer you up with actions more than words (you can't trust him on that front)

Since you have a completely different mindset than his, he might get surprised at the reasons why you're actually upset and if he finds it pretty trivial he'll say something along the lines of "you're upset over that? You dummy."

V alue - How important is the relationship to them? What is it’s worth in comparison to other things in their life?

You and Vincent are the most important people of his whole life, and his job is pretty much the reason he's alive

You and Vincent are almost on the same level but he'd never give you up to him,,,, so you miiiight be a more dear to him than his big bro

Everything he does with Vincent he'd do it with you, but it doesn't really work the other way round (if you know what I mean)

Also we're comparing his big brother and his soulmate so,,, of course there are bound to be some differences

W ild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

When he's overworking himself you just drag him off to bed where he lays his head in your lap and falls asleep as you play with his hair

You have such a calming presence that he can't help but relax and feel at ease so you often find him dozing off when the two of you are together

X OXO - Are they very affectionate? Do they love to kiss and cuddle?

He loves patting your head

Cuddles time are usually for when he's feeling stressed, you're in a bad mood or for making up after a fight

If the two of you see each other firdt thing in the morning when no one's around he'll give you a kiss on the lips and a warm smile

okay but imagine a kiss from theo im-

Hugs from him are for special occasions

When you don't see each other for some time the first thing he'll do when he sees you is giving you a tight hug

When something dangerous happens and he sees you're safe, he hugs you

Hugs you when you're sleeping too

Y earning - How will they cope when they’re missing their partner?

When he's missing you he tries to take his mind off of thoughts of you

He buries himself in work

He stays at the mansion as little as he can, because everything reminds him of you

At night he often goes drinking with Arthur because he can't bear the feeling of the place next to his in bed empty and cold

Let's not talk about the way your pillow emanates your scent :)

It's basically a living hell for him

The first days he does pretty well at hiding the fact that he misses you

Then he starts to get irritated and snaps at everyone

Cue Vincent helping him relax

Z eal - Are they willing to go to great lenghts for the relationship? If so, what kind of?

Who are we even kidding he'd give his life for you if it ever came to it

Just please don't make him choose between you, Vincent and/or his job

If he had to, he'd probably give up his job but you'd lose big part of him

But on the overall he'd give up anything for those three things

#sometimes i rlly portray him like a dog owner im so sorry #ok u know what i refuse to be a dog now ur the dog theo arf arf #feel like im your cat im your dog nananana i dont wanna be a friend nanananana can i be your pet? nananana #ok im done now #happy birthday theo #ikevamp theo #ikemen vampire #theodorus van gogh #my writing #fluff alphabet #ikemen vampire imagines #ikemen vampire scenarios #ikemen vampire headcanons

[the-awkward-outlaw]

i’m so excited your inbox is open!!😁😁can i request an arthur x fem!reader where he’s insisting he’s “an ugly, old outlaw” and all that bs and she gets really emotional and gives this speech on how handsome (adorable) and loyal and caring he is? basically just tooth-rotting fluff😊😊love your work!!🤍

I hope I ticked all the boxes for this one, lol. But it definitely turned out very fluffy (which is good, because I live for fluff! They are my favorite to write, especially with Arthur). Enjoy! 

Masterlist

Read on AO3

You stand on the edge of Horseshoe Overlook, repeater in hand, waiting for an improbable attack. Of course, you can’t be entirely sure there won’t be one. Arthur mentioned a couple days ago running into some Pinkertons while he was out fishing with Jack. Something tells you that if they found this place, they’d have no problems marching in. 

An hour later, the sun’s beginning its slow descent into the sky and you hear something: a horse coming down the path. Just as you lean around a tree to see who it is, Arthur comes into view. 

“Oh hey, Arthur!” you say excitedly. Not only does he carry heavy weight in camp, he’s one of the nicest men you’ve ever met (despite being an outlaw), and he’s also the man you’re in love with. You haven’t had the courage to tell him this, the thought alone terrifies you. 

He gives you an adorable “gun” finger salute as he trots past, but you notice his eyes don’t crinkle the way they do when he smiles, almost like he’s faking it. He goes on towards the camp and you follow him, wondering if something’s wrong. 

When you get to camp, you ask Karen to take guard duty for now, explaining you’ll make up for it later. She accepts, saying you owe her a whiskey, to which you agree. Arthur dismounts his horse, feeding her a treat. You hear him say, “rest now, girl. You did good.” God, he’s so cute the way he talks to his horse. 

He continues on towards his tent and young Jack crosses his path as he walks. “Hiya, Uncle Arthur!” 

“Hey there, Jack. You keepin’ safe?” Arthur’s been worried about him ever since he ran into the Pinkertons. Of course, Arthur’s always been protective. 

“Yeah.”

“You still reading with Hosea?” 

“Yeah! He read me a story about a prince! I did a page all by myself!” 

“That’s excellent, son! Good for you!” 

Jack skips off and Arthur continues on towards his tented wagon, his shoulders rolling as he walks. You melt at the exchange he had with Jack. He is the most adorable, gentle man you’ve met. How is it that he’s a wanted man? 

Arthur shuffles around his wagon a bit, adjusting some things on his little table. Then he grabs the flaps of the canvas and pulls them down, clearly wanting some privacy. 

Silently, you go over to his tent and peak in. The sight breaks your heart. He’s sitting on the cot, hunched over, his hands clasped together as his elbows rest on his thighs. You can tell he’s upset about something. 

“Mr. Morgan?” you ask. 

He looks up and clears his face. “Oh, hey there, Y/N. What can I do for ya?” 

“Nothing. I just wanted to check on you. I was… I guess worried. You okay?” 

He smiles a little, huffing a bit. “Oh I’m doin’ just fine.” 

You can tell he’s lying, and you’re nervous to stay any longer. It’s clear he wants to be alone. However, you swallow your fear and walk into the tent. 

“Can I ask what’s wrong, Mr. Morgan? Whenever I have something weighing heavy on my mind, I find it’s helpful to tell someone.” 

“Oh trust me, no one wants to hear about my problems. I’m just… just a sad, miserable ol’ outlaw.” 

Your heart feels like it’s going to break. How can he think such awful things about himself when every time you see him, he’s doing something good to those around him? Bringing Mary-Beth a pen, reading stories to Jack, giving that one-armed man in Valentine money. Every time you’re with him, he proves the exact opposite of what he’s saying now.

“You… don’t really think that’s true, do you, Mr. Morgan?” 

“Oh trust me, I ain’t sayin’ bad enough about myself. I’m… a no-good killer, a fighter. And uh, just a bad man.” 

A tear slides down your cheek and you go sit down next to him. “Mr. Morgan, forgive me, but that’s not what I see. Every time you’re around, I see you helping folk, making people smile. I see you doing too much good to believe that a bad man is all you are.” 

“You don’t know me very well, Y/N. Hell, you only been with us a few months. Wait a few years, you’ll be sayin’ somethin’ different.” 

“I don’t think so. If anything, I’ll probably be sayin’ even nicer things about you. And honestly, Mr. Morgan, I’ve never lied to you. I ain’t startin’ now.” 

“Trust me, you won’t. No one does, everyone who spends any length of time with me knows how horrible I am.” 

“I’ve spent plenty of time with you,” you say. “I don’t think you’re horrible. Sure, you’ve made some bad choices, but who hasn’t? I… I’ve made choices that I regret too. But you can’t look at the world with people split in two based on good and bad. People are complicated. You’re complicated. That’s how the world is, and you ain’t doin’ yourself any favors by seeing it that way.” 

He sighs heavily, looking away from you. He doesn’t speak for a few moments and when he finally does open his mouth, you’re sure he’s about to tell you to leave him alone. 

“To be honest, Y/N, I really am a bad man. The only thing I’m good for is fightin’. All I ever been good at.” 

“Mr. Morgan, can I ask who told you this?” 

“No one told me, Y/N. I… I always known. And the other night, robbin’ that train full o’ city folk. Well, I robbed and beaten plenty of people before, they was really no different. But… I was over near Strawberry earlier. Some guy challenged me to a race. Guess he just bought a new horse, wanted to show off. Anyways, ol’ Artemis and I gave him a run for his money. I won, of course.” He scratches his chin. “When that other bastard got there, he was real angry. So angry he shot his horse in the head, so I shot him. Don’t quite know why I did neither. When…. When I shot him, I realized I felt nothin’. Not joy, not regret. Just nothin’.” 

“Maybe because there was nothing to feel, Mr. Morgan. After all, a man who can so easily shoot his new horse he was so proud of moments ago cannot be much of a man at all. Perhaps… perhaps you killing him was a good thing.” 

“How do you mean?” he asks. He finally turns to you, his blue eyes searching yours. 

“Well, if he can so easily shoot a horse in that fashion, something tells me he doesn’t know how to rein in his anger, that he lets it get the better of him. Who knows? Maybe he was constantly hurting his wife or kids if he had them. Maybe you killing them will send them relief, freedom. That’s the way I have to see the world, Mr. Morgan, that our bad deeds have a positive effect somewhere in the world.” 

Arthur grunts a bit. “Maybe. But… but I’m still nothin’ more than a fighter.” 

“No you’re not. Forgive me, Mr. Morgan, but I’ve been watching you probably more than you think. You’re a good man, a wanderer, a hunter. An artist too I bet.” 

“How do you figure that?” He cocks his eyebrow a bit, staring at you from the side of his eye. Part of you thinks he’s on the verge of smiling, which encourages you. 

“I’ve seen you sitting on the edge of camp, writing and doodling in that journal of yours. John told me Dutch taught the two of you to draw, but it didn’t take with him.” 

“Hmm, a lot of things didn’t take with that boy.” 

You giggle, but don’t really want to lead this conversation into a heated discussion about John Marston and his flaws. “I bet you’re good though. Could… I mean, would you hate me for asking if I could see your drawings?” 

You are extremely doubtful that he’d give you that privilege. After all, you and Mary-Beth talked about journaling and she mentioned how Arthur is notorious for it, but how no one has ever seen the inside of his. However, Arthur surprises you by sighing heavily and taking his journal out. He flips through it quickly, finding a page that has a drawing of a large wolf on it. He hands you the book, though he seems nervous. 

Gently, you take it from him and inspect the drawing. It’s beautiful, professional even. You can so easily see the textures of the wolf’s fur, the bristles of the pines behind it. It’d be impossible to not admire the strokes put down, each one with their own intention and purpose. 

“Mr. Morgan, this is incredible. I knew you were an artist, but I didn’t think you were this good.” 

“Oh nonsense. Anyone can draw like this. Hell, I bet you ain’t that bad of an artist yourself.” 

It’s your turn to raise your brow. “You wanna bet? Give me your pencil.” 

He hands it to you and, in the lower right corner, you draw a small version of his wolf, which is far more than laughable. You’ve never been very good at drawing, but even this version is pathetic. After a few minutes, you hand him back his journal. 

“There. Now your wolf has a badly deformed companion.” 

Arthur takes one look at it and then he lets out a laugh. “I like it,” he says after a moment, his eyes meeting yours. This time, his eyes crinkle. 

You can’t help but giggle. “I’m glad you like it, Mr. Morgan.” 

Still grinning, he straightens up a bit. “Why you always callin’ me Mr. Morgan? You can call me Arthur on occasion, you know.” 

“Oh I… I know,” you say, looking down at your lap, your cheeks burning. “I… I don’t know why I do.” 

He admires your features for a moment. Arthur knows you’re sweet on him. He clued into it pretty quick when he first asked you to call him by his first name weeks ago and you refused. Then he heard Tilly and Mary-Beth joking about how they knew. He also noticed you did things for him no one else did: bringing him coffee in the morning, offering to clean his guns, how he was the only person you asked to teach you how to play poker and black jack. Other small things you did only for him. It didn’t take long for him to realize he felt something for you too.

He finds your behavior now endearing and you’ve helped cheer him up immensely. He grabs your hand and lifts it, placing a soft kiss to the back of it, which causes you to look up at him. 

“Thank you, Y/N,” he says. 

You’re blushing hard again. “You’re welcome. Arthur.” 

Just as he’s about to lean over to try and place a kiss to your lips, Grimshaw’s shrill voice carries across camp. 

“Where the hell is Y/N?! That damn girl, always disappearing! I swear when I find her…” 

“Shit,” you say and quickly yank your hands out of Arthur’s grasp and then darting outside to subdue Grimshaw. 

Arthur chuckles, his heart much lighter than it was before. He looks down at his journal, finding your poor rendition of a wolf. Little do you know that it brings him great comfort and always will. In the future, when things go bad, he opens to this page just to look at it, to remember the things you said. It’s a moment he’ll never be able to forget. 

#rdr2 fanfic #red dead fanfic #arthur morgan #arthur morgan x female reader #awkward asks

[vexedtonightmares]

La Fin Des Temps Chapter 19 (Elu Hogwarts AU)

Mardi 17:21 - “The chosen one”

Eliott had practically been living in Lucas’ dormitory since Friday night, and Lucas was glad for it. Thankfully, none of his roommates had complained about it, and it's not like they weren't already used to living with four other people and their pets anyway. What was one more?

Eliott also hadn’t been back to class yet, but he’d talked with the headmistress about the plans that had been made without his consent to send him to St. Mungo’s. She’d reluctantly agreed to let him stay at school and gave him a week long grace period to get back into the swing of things, not fully understanding how difficult that might be. At least it was something, Eliott had told Lucas before burying his head in Lucas’ chest the night before.

Lucas had been cautiously optimistic all weekend. He and Eliott had basically spent the entire day in bed on Saturday, not talking much, kissing every once and awhile, mostly just cuddling and falling asleep in each others arms. Eliott didn’t smile easily and Lucas knew not to take it personally, that this was something Eliott would have to go through, but at least he knew now that he wasn’t alone.

Sunday Eliott had felt good enough to move down to the common room, spending most of the day with his legs draped over Lucas or playing with Ouba while Lucas worked on his homework. The smiles were still few and far between, but when they came they lit up the entire room. Lucas did everything he could to make sure Eliott knew that he didn’t have to pretend at all, that he could let him know if things were too overwhelming or if he just wanted time to himself. Things had been so good on Sunday that Lucas had been unprepared for Monday.

He’d planned to skip his classes to stay with Eliott, but when they woke up in the morning, Eliott had snapped at Lucas and shut him out completely, leaving Lucas conflicted. On one hand, he wanted to be there for Eliott, but on the other, he didn’t want to smother him with unwanted attention. He’d eventually decided to go to class, leaving a note for Eliott and trying his best to get on with his day.

The boys had noticed his uneasy demeanor, and had encouraged him to take some time for himself. Yes, Eliott’s health and wellbeing was important, but so was Lucas’. He couldn’t put his entire life on hold to take care of Eliott who, from his earlier comments, hadn’t wanted to be taken care of all the time anyway. Basile had shared some more experiences about his life with his mother, and it had allowed Lucas to exhale and gain some insight into how he should approach their situation. The last thing he wanted to do was act like a parent to Eliott, but he still wasn’t certain how to strike a balance between caring too much and too little.

That night when he’d returned to his dormitory, Eliott had been absent, leaving a note that he was sleeping in his own room. Lucas’ heart had sunk upon reading it, but maybe it was a good thing. Maybe Eliott needed alone time to feel a bit more like himself. Fuck, Lucas really had no idea what he was doing. But that’s ok, he’d told himself. He didn’t have to know how to handle everything in his life perfectly all the time, as much as he wished he could.

By Tuesday morning, Lucas had still been a mess, but had accepted the fact that he may very well feel like that for quite some time. Maybe that made him less of a mess than he thought.

When he got back to his dormitory after classes he sent Eliott a simple message telling him that he hoped he was doing well and to let him know if he needed anything, hoping it would suffice. Arthur had said he’d been sleeping in the Ravenclaw dormitory all day, so Lucas wasn’t expecting a response, at least not a quick one.

He flopped back onto his bed and pressed his hands over his eyes, sighing deeply. Pulling out his phone, he scrolled mindlessly through his Instagram feed to distract himself.

He sat up in his bed as he looked at the last picture, posted from the account he and Eliott had made for Brian as a joke. The timestamp said that it had been posted minutes ago, which meant that Eliott was probably awake and, from the looks of it, on his phone. As if the thought had prompted a response, Lucas’ phone vibrated with a new message. He took a moment before looking at it, not wanting to appear like he had been staring at his phone waiting for a response.

srodulv: i’m doing ok. can we talk?

Lucas bit the inside of his cheek, mulling over a proper response in his head. He knew that the words can we talk shouldn’t strike such a chord of fear inside him, but wasn’t that what people always said when they were going to break up? The past weekend had its ups and downs, sure, but he’d thought that they were at least on the same page, relationship wise. Maybe he was just overthinking.

lucallemant: Of course, do you want me to come to your dormitory?

srodulv: actually, could you meet me under the stadium?

lucallemant: In the place I took you to?

srodulv: yes.

srodulv: i hope that’s ok…

lucallemant: Of course it is, meet you there in 5?

srodulv: meet you in 5

A part of Lucas was deeply satisfied that Eliott had felt a similar connection to his refuge, while the other part remained worried, especially given Eliott’s cryptic and somber responses. He stood up, looking around for his favorite hoodie to throw on before he went outside, brows furrowing when he couldn’t find it. Maybe Yann had taken it or something. Instead, he found one of Eliott’s hoodies lying on the edge of his trunk, basically asking for him to wear it. If he was lucky, Eliott wouldn’t recognize it and he could keep it for as long as he wanted, relishing in the scent.

He became more and more anxious as he made his way to the stadium, conflicting emotions running through his head. By the time he arrived he nearly felt like he was going to piss himself, which probably wasn’t a good thing but he couldn’t help it.

“Eliott?” he whispered, lighting his wand. It was still light out, but the area under the stands was always a bit dim, even when the sun was high in the sky.

“I’m here,” Eliott responded, stepping into Lucas’ view. Oh, so that was where his hoodie had gone. Lucas knew that wasn’t the reason Eliott had asked him here, but he couldn’t help but be dumbfounded for a moment by how good the hoodie looked on Eliott. He could find a different favorite hoodie if Eliott agreed to wear this one forever.

“Hi,” Lucas said, stepping closer. His gaze flickered down to Eliott’s lips, then back up to his eyes. Eliott’s gaze was resting on a point just above Lucas’ head, something Lucas noticed that he tended to do when he was uncomfortable.

Eliott finally brought his eyes down to rest on Lucas’ face and his whole expression softened a small amount. “Hi.”

“So what’s up?” Lucas asked, trying to sound casual. The last actual words they had exchanged hadn’t been entirely civil, at least on Eliott’s part, and while it had taken Lucas a total of ten minutes to forgive him, he wasn’t sure Eliott knew that.

As if he’d read Lucas’ mind, Eliott sighed, “I’m sorry, for yesterday. You didn’t deserve that.”

Lucas shook his head immediately. “It’s fine, Eliott, I get it.”

“No, you don’t.” Eliott’s voice was soft, but firm, a bit like he was frustrated and dejected at the same time. “And it’s not fine. No one should treat you like that, and you shouldn’t just accept it.”

“Eliott, I promise, it’s ok,” Lucas emphasized, “This is all just a bit new to me, which is ok. New doesn’t mean bad, it just takes getting used to.”

Eliott scoffed ruefully. “You say that now. I won’t always be nice to you, or anyone, like I was yesterday. It hurts me inside after the fact, but in the moment I don’t care as much. It’s a big part of why Lucille and I aren’t as close as we once were. I mean, we’re still pretty close, but the relationship will never be what it was. Somewhere along the way she became my mother or my nurse, not my best friend. I can’t let the same thing happen to us. “It won’t,” Lucas promised.

Eliott blinked up at the ceiling. “And how do you know that? Will you say the same when I lie to you about taking my meds? Because that will happen. It’s why all this happened in the first place. I tend to do it when I feel good, and I feel good with you.”

Lucas reached up to cup Eliott’s face with his hands. “I feel good with you too.”

Eliott shrugged out of Lucas’ grip, walking around him to lean against one of the stadium’s support beams. “Maybe, but it will change. I know it will. And it will be my fault. I--” he broke off, tears filling his eyes. He coughed, continuing in an unsteady voice, “I don’t want that. It’s the last thing I would ever want.”

“You don’t know that,” Lucas cut in, adapting Eliott’s earlier statement.

“Lucas--” Eliott tried, but Lucas wasn’t done.

“You don’t know that. Some dark wizard might come and invade the school tomorrow, then none if this will matter at all. Sure, that seems pretty unlikely, but it doesn’t mean it could never happen. And on the other side, just because something seems likely to happen in your mind, that doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. I’ll fuck up too, I’ll yell at you, I’ll get angry and ignore you, and I’m not even bipolar.” Lucas looked into Eliott’s eyes pleadingly.

Eliott just shook his head. “Lucas, you don’t understand.”

“Yes I do, Eliott. So what, you’re bipolar? So what, you experience some emotions a bit more than everybody else? Maybe that means you get angry with me more often than I get angry with you, but if that’s true then that means you also probably show me more love than I could ever even try to show you. And it’s not because I’m not trying, either, you just experience life and love a little bit differently than I do, and that’s ok. It’s ok. We are who we are, and we just have to accept people as they are. Understand them instead of trying to change them. I’ll fuck it up sometimes, and so will you, but all that matters is that we’re trying.” Lucas took a step towards Eliott, a tear forming in the corner of his own eye.

Eliott was silent, but didn’t argue as Lucas lifted his arms and wrapped them around Eliott’s neck, pulling their faces close together. “I’d rather have you annoy me or make me angry than not have you at all,” he said softly, with a feeling that he couldn’t totally identify.

The corners of Eliott’s mouth turned up into a hesitant smile and he closed his eyes, pressing his forehead further into Lucas’. Lucas’ heart pumped steadily against his ribcage, threatening to burst its way through as a wave of love surged through him at the sight of even such a small smile. It was the most genuine one he’d given in weeks, since before their night in Paris. The first time they’d said I love you.

Lucas brushed his thumbs on Eliott’s cheekbones, and Eliott opened his eyes. “From now on, we’ll just take things day by day, ok?” Lucas suggested. Eliott didn’t look totally convinced, so Lucas shook his head, amending his statement. “No, we’ll take it minute by minute. Minute par minute, if you prefer,” he added, smiling.

“Minute par minute,” Eliott repeated.

“Minute par minute.”

They look at each other for a moment, neither one saying a word. Lucas loved moments like this, where the two of them just existed together. It was these moments that Lucas could convince himself that they were the only two people left on Earth, soulmates from the beginning of time to the end. “La fin des temps,” he said finally, and Eliott’s expression closed off somewhat.

“It doesn’t have to be a bad thing,” he decided, and Eliott’s face went from shameful to a bit curious. “La fin des temps means the end of time, sure, but it can also mean that’s how long I’ll love you. Until the end of time. It’s you and me, me and you, from now until la fin des temps, if you’ll have me.”

Eliott’s eyes shone as he gazed deeply into Lucas’ eyes, and, by extension, his soul. “I’ll have you. Of course I will.”

“Until la fin des temps?”

“Until la fin des temps.”

Eliott’s first kiss was soft, a bit unexpected, and it warmed Lucas from head to toe. There was a hesitancy to it, and that was part of what made it so special. There was no reason for either of them to be hesitant with one another, but they both respected the other enough to try, knowing that their relationship had a lot of room to grow from where it was now. Now was good, though, now was exactly what it was meant to be.

Lucas put his hand in Eliott’s hair on the second kiss, letting Eliott know that yes, this is good, I love this, I love you. Eliott’s hands cupped Lucas’ face on the third kiss, confirming that he knew what Lucas was feeling and that he felt the same. On the fourth kiss Lucas forgot that his lips were meant for anything other than kissing Eliott. On the fifth, Eliott thought the same thing. They broke apart after the sixth, gazing into one another’s eyes before Eliott wrapped his arms around Lucas’ head, and pulled him into the crook of his neck, laughing softly. It was the most glorious sound Lucas had ever heard.

“You’re beautiful when you laugh,” Lucas murmured into Eliott’s skin, not even knowing if Eliott had heard him or not.

A few smiles and a lot of kisses later, they emerged hand in hand, finally ready to take on the world and to take it on together. The Slytherin team was emerging from the changing rooms as Lucas and Eliott made their way across the field, earning them confused looks.

“All good?” Charles asked Lucas as he walked by, and Lucas nodded.

“Don’t worry about it,” he reassured him, and Charles nodded once, narrowing his eyes, before turning back to his team and letting Lucas and Eliott walk the rest of the way across the field without interruption.

“Want to go back to my common room?” Lucas asked as they made their way back into the school. Eliott squeezed his hand, though Lucas didn’t know if it was meant to be a response or not.

“Aren’t your roommates sick of me?” Eliott asked.

Lucas scoffed. “Please. As if anyone could ever be sick of you. Also, they all like you better than me anyway, so there’s that.”

Now it was Eliott’s turn to scoff. “Please,” he imitated, “What’s not to love about a grumpy hedgehog?”

“That’s what I’m always saying…” Lucas joked, smiling as Eliott laughed though his nose, squeezing his hand more intentionally this time.

Lucas was surprised to find most of their friends lounging in the common room as they entered, all of them looking up and grinning when they saw the two of them together.

“Did I miss an invitation of some sort?” Lucas asked, making his way over to where the boys and girls were gathered and talking. Daphné perked up and widened her eyes at him. “No, but it’s good that you’re here. We could use your insight,” she said excitedly.

Eliott sat in the single empty chair in front of the fireplace scooting over enough that Lucas could sit with him. Lucas merely raised his eyebrows before sitting on Eliott’s lap, legs stretched out over the armrest. Eliott chuckled and wrapped his arms around Lucas, placing a small kiss in his hair before tuning in to the conversation.

“We’re planning something special for the inter-house unity club this Friday. The weather is supposed to be nice, so we were thinking of doing something outside, but we don’t know what,” Daphné explained.

“I voted party,” Alexia chimed in.

“We all did,” Emma added, laughing.

Daphné huffed at both of them. “Parties are not what this club is about.”

“There is no better way to unify the houses than a party,” Lucas pointed out, and Arthur quickly picked up his train of thought.

“Whenever there are parties, they’re always house specific, you know? Quidditch parties, house cup parties, whatever. They’re always in the common rooms, and they’re always limited to one house. Why not have a party for everyone?” Arthur suggested.

Daphné considered the idea carefully. “That’s a good point…”

Manon glanced at Lucas while Daphné weighed the idea, nudging her head up at Eliott, who wasn’t really paying much attention anymore, focused on playing with Lucas’ hair. Lucas smiled softly at her and glanced back up at Eliott. She grinned back, shooting him a covert thumbs up that he rolled his eyes at, but was appreciative of all the same.

There was a sudden absence of Eliott’s hands in his hair and Lucas looked up at Eliott again out of curiosity, but Eliott was just fiddling with his phone, typing something before setting it aside. Lucas wondered if he’d maybe reached back out to Idriss and Sofiane, but then he felt a buzz in his pocket. An Instagram notification from Eliott, who avoided Lucas’ gaze innocently as Lucas opened it.

It was a photo from their night in Paris, one that Lucas hadn’t entirely understood why Eliott had wanted to take it so badly. The caption explained it all, though. Sens de la vie, meaning of life, minute par minute, and la fin des temps. Without saying anything, Lucas pulled Eliott into a chaste kiss, letting him know that the message he’d chosen to write in his caption was exactly how Lucas felt as well.

“Get a room, please,” Imane said from across from them. Lucas flipped her off before pulling Eliott into another kiss out of spite.

“Forget house unity, our party should be a celebrating Elu party,” Alexia suggested, earning quite a few confused glances. She rolled her eyes and explained, “Oh come on. Elu? Eliott and Lucas? It’s their couple name.”

Lucas laughed quietly into Eliott’s chest and Alexia grimaced at him. “It’s not my fault you guys stole the ‘best couple’ position from Manon and Charles.”

“Hey!” Manon exclaimed, hitting Alexia playfully.

“Elu,” Eliott mumbled softly so only Lucas could hear, “The chosen one.”

“Hmm?” Lucas asked.

“In French. Elu can be translated to the chosen one in English.” Eliott’s face was radiant and soft at the same time, and Lucas fell in love for the millionth time that minute. “Because I choose you,” Eliott continued, “I’ll always choose you.”

Lucas’ heart was going to burst, and he wasn’t even a little mad about it. “I choose you, too.”

It was the easiest decision he’d ever made, even though it was a decision he’d actually made weeks and weeks ago. Because Eliott also gave his life meaning, because they’d both decided to take things minute by minute, and because all of those moments, all of those minutes would take them to the end of time.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16

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#skam france #elu fic #elu hogwarts au #lucas lallemant #eliott demaury #la fin des temps

[mtraki]

“I’m trying to decide which of you is the bigger fool…” It was early morning, just before sunrise, but Catherine was not taking her usual early respite.  Instead she was saddling Woden and packing her saddlebags.  Hosea was leaned against the nearby wagon, arms folded. “Let me ease your mind, Mister Matthews: it’s most assuredly me.” She answered offhandedly, voice soft.  She wanted to be on her way without much fuss. 

Arthur counted horses again before realizing who it was that was missing. Cursing under his breath as he dropped the afternoon hay bale, he whistled for the silver buckskin as he bent to cut the twine so he could kick the leaves apart for the horses. But Woden didn’t answer his call, which was unfortunately not surprising. “Where th’hell did that damn horse go now…?” It wasn’t uncommon for the stallion to untie himself and trot off to find something to get into. He was about as much trouble as his rider. It was at that moment he noticed that Miss Schofield’s saddle and tack were missing as well. Icy dread clutched at his guts, clawing slowly up his throat. Surely she hadn’t run off on her own. Maybe she was just out for a ride? He still didn’t like that she’d gone alone— after all she was still a novice rider, and though Woden treated her particularly well, he was still a somewhat unpredictable, testy mount. If something were to go wrong… Maybe she was just cleaning her tack? A brief investigation of the camp and immediate area uncovered that she was not under the women’s canvas— which he didn’t expect anyway— nor anywhere else. How long had she been absent? He hadn’t looked for her this morning, before leaving with the old conman tracking leads. Meanwhile, there was Hosea, looking troubled watching him skim the camp. The old man’s eyes must have read the concern on Arthur’s face as easily as Arthur’s eyes read it on his. “She’s not here,” Hosea told him. “She said she was going to town to get some money like Dutch told her. This morning. A little before we left.” “Well, who went with her?” Arthur asked, wondering if he’d miscounted horses even still. Frowning deeper into his coffee, Hosea answered, “Nobody did. She went alone.” “Alone—” “— I told her it was foolish. She wasn’t about to listen to me, though. Said she can’t trust me anymore.” Hosea was trying to sound reasonable and matter-of-fact, but it was clear that he was deeply troubled about it— by Catherine’s distrust of him. Arthur knew he was fond of her— that they shared a great many skills and interests, as well as a very similar approach to problem-solving. It explained his somewhat distracted behavior during the day as they investigated the grifter troubles they were planning to take advantage of. Likewise, he’d been certain that Catherine at the very least deeply respected, if not truly admired, Mister Hosea Matthews. He would have wondered what in the world had happened to divide them this way so suddenly, but Arthur was too immediately concerned with her departure. Men had been offered large sums to hunt her down. She knew this. What was she trying to do? Was she running? He’d heard the whispers too— people in camp wanted to know her motives and the extent of her loyalty. This was a fair enough question— after all, they had all more or less been driven to the outlaw life because there were no other viable options, but she certainly had another life waiting for her. Folks wondered around the campfire when she might decide she’d had enough of rough living on the wrong side of society. Things were tense in camp, too. Those who’d been friendly toward her— including himself— were now cold or even antagonistic to her. Whether deserved or not— and Arthur didn’t think he was in the best position to pass judgment— things were certainly harder for Miss Schofield now. Was she running? Even despite his more personal feelings about that possibility, there was the threat to the gang to consider. She knew where camp was. She knew their plans. She knew the personal business of various members. She knew far too much to just be let go. Not when her loyalty to Dutch was questionable at best, and her loyalty to the rest of them had been so abruptly disincentivized. And that was before anybody started trying to work her over concerning how own involvement with them and their activities. Seeing the big outlaw’s expression, Hosea quickly spoke up, “Calm down, Arthur. No good will come of you getting all worked up. I’m sure she’s fine…” “I’m going to get her,” He announced, turning to march back to the horses. “Hold on—” It was Jenny, however, not Hosea, who stopped Arthur, hands on her hips, leveling him with her dark eyes, “… Goin’ to get who?” “He wants to go bring Miss Schofield back. She’s gone on her own to town and hasn’t come back yet.” Hosea supplied while Arthur furrowed his brow and gauged his odds at success with tangling with the woman. She was one of few people who could holler him down and refused to be hollered down in return, and she looked primed for an argument. That sharp look under raised eyebrows only intensified, “Oh, is that a fact, Morgan?” “She’s—” “—After all your nonsense, and all this foolishness after whatever happened in Tumbleweed? Can’t even look her in the eye, but now you want to go chargin’ off after her?! Why, ain’t you just the most decent man, worrying about poor Miss Schofield?” Arthur tried again, “That ain’t—” “— I’ve got a better idea: how about you leave her alone like you’ve been doin’? I’ll go into town and make sure she’s alright. Don’t you get yourself in a fuss…” “You ain’t goin’ alone,” Arthur retorted, “There’s men hired to hunt her down—” “—You think I’m afraid of some bounty hunters?!” Miss Kirk’s tone pitched toward personal affront and Hosea spoke up quickly. “You should probably go together, anyway. Though, I’m sure Lenny—” “—I’m goin’. Stop arguin’ with me about it…” The big outlaw huffed. They eyed each other up over the matter. Every inch of Arthur seemed to vibrate with urgency and irritation. He really didn’t want to fight further with Miss Kirk, but neither was he alright with backing down from her this time. Neither she nor Catherine had witnessed the sort and caliber of men Mr. Schofield’s obscene wealth had procured… Scoffing, Jenny dropped her arms and turned for where the horses were hitched up. Saddling and mounting quickly, they were soon on their way. “… She talk t’you before she went?” Arthur asked abruptly, “Say anything about what she was plannin’?” “No.” Grimacing, Arthur said, “… You think she’s runnin’?” Scoffing again, louder this time, Jenny drew back on the reins of her bay mare, so that she sidled up beside Slim who dwarfed her considerably, “Oh, I see… Tell me, Morgan, what are you more in a twist about? That she’s off on her own, maybe in danger… or that she might be fed up with your and Dutch’s shite and made tracks?” “Either one. Both.” He grumbled. “You damn fool…” “I guesso…” “If you had any sense at all, you’d know she ain’t runnin’ off, even if you an’ them others are treatin’ her like a scorpion in yer boots. She ain’t about to let you have the satisfaction. I hope you know she’s gonna give you an earful— either in laughter or somewhat else. Not sure which, but I hope you’ve a good appetite for it. You fool.”

It had been an interesting, but productive day. Instructive. Catherine had learned a great deal about her limitations, but fortunately none of those lessons had been terribly harsh. She’d only lost her seat once, when Woden plunged after a snake she never saw, and had spent the better part of half an hour chasing and calling him on foot through the scrub. After arriving in town, one of the working girls informed her that her riding skirt was torn, but not so badly that the garment no longer preserved her modesty. Still, it was very visible damage and would be incredibly humiliating to a more fastidious woman of her status. Deciding to use the situation to her best advantage, the pale-eyed lady availed herself to the wide-eyed sympathy of a few wealthy European gentlemen finishing up their holiday in the ‘frontier’. It was much easier, of course, to do unaccompanied. A woman alone was no threat to anybody. The gentlemen had taken a good bit of her time, but in fairness, they’d paid her handsomely for it— though of course, in their good opinions, they were assisting a woman in need. Therefore, it was late afternoon by the time she left the general goods store, with the young man hired on there for heavy lifting trailing behind her, her roll of canvas over his shoulder. Together, they loaded it comfortably on the mildly perturbed silver buckskin, and he showed her the best way to tie it secure. She thanked him, tipped him, and was turning to unhitch Woden and be on her way when she saw a familiar face on the other side of the horse’s back. “Miss Kirk!” “Been busy I see,” The other woman smiled, “Though I’d’ve thought your usual sort of business wouldn’t leave your clothes so dirty…” “Admittedly, my usual sort of business doesn’t unseat me in the desert…” Jenny laughed and quickly tried to stop herself, “Why, you aren’t hurt are you?” “No. I’m alright. The clothes took the worst of it, though my pride in my horsesmanship is quite bruised. What brings you to town?” Jenny’s grin was clever, “Oh, they’re all upset, you know. Hosea and Arthur, I mean.” Giving a delicate snort, Catherine unhitched her horse and maneuvered around the front of him so she could stand beside Jenny to talk with her. “They’ve no reason to be. I’m perfectly capable of handling my own affairs.” “In fairness, they ain’t so pleased for any of us ladies to go out alone. Even me. And I know how to defend myself proper.” “Such gentlemen we keep company with!” “Ain’t they, though?” Jenny laughed, “You’d hardly think it with all the cussing and drinking and belchin’ an’ fartin’ an’ fightin’…” “I must make a better effort to remember their graciousness…” Catherine rolled her eyes, then said, “You didn’t really come all this way just to fetch me, did you?” “I’ve no business this way… Well, in truth, I wouldn’t mind a drink at all, but I doubt Morgan’s in the mood for such…” “… Mister Morgan is here?” “Oh, yes.” Jenny grinned, “He couldn’t be convinced to stay behind since you were involved…” “Don’t be silly. He cares little—” “—He’s a fool for you.” Jenny told her bluntly, “A crazed fool. And you’re a fool if you think otherwise.” Catherine didn’t know what to say. She worried the reins in her hand idly, searching Jenny’s face for a hint of condemnation. “…But he’s an alright sort. Better than most, at heart, I suppose,” The other went on, “So don’t be cruel to him.” The pale-eyed lady was about to ask if Jenny thought she was being cruel to Arthur, but she cut her off with a wave of her hand, “Don’t give me that look. Unless you are a fool, or think me a fool, we both know what you’re about. It’s one thing to play with a man’s fickle desires an’ affections. Quite another to play with his heart when he’s lost his fool head over you.” “You think he loves me?” “I dunno ‘bout that.” Jenny shrugged, “Morgan might pour out his heart to them other girls, at times, but he an’ I… He knows me better than that. If he told me he loved you, he knows I’d laugh him out of camp.” “… Why?” “Partly because I’ve no patience for his moody sentiments. There ain’t drink enough for that. Partly because he knows as well as I do that he ain’t good enough for you.” Jenny shrugged. Laughing lightly, Catherine said, “But you don’t think any man is good at all— with the exception of Mister Summers, of course.” “Oh, that’s not what I meant— though it’s true, you know— Don’t be a fool. You know the sort of man he is, and the company he keeps, and the business he is about. You’re a fine lady, Catherine, with fine tastes and high ideas. He can’t do nothin’ for you but give you troubles. He knows that.” “I’ve never known a man to give me anything else,” Catherine sighed, “Fine manners and tastes or otherwise...” “Sure. That’s men, though.” Nodding, Catherine gestured to the street, “Where’s your filly?” “On the corner.” Jenny pointed. Indeed, the little bay mare was hitched up over a water trough down the street next to a large iron grey warhorse Catherine recognized immediately. Nearby, Arthur Morgan leaned back against the hitching post, smoking, radiating anger that she could see from where she was standing. Others, too, could sense his black mood, and the danger it might bring, and gave him a wide berth. Sighing again, Catherine gestured, “Well, my business is finished. Unless you want to step into the saloon, I suppose we should go.” “As much fun as he is to fight with, it ain’t wise to get in a shoutin’ match in the middle of town.” Together, they walked the length of the street to meet him. He pushed away from where he leaned at their arrival, and dropped his cigarette into the dust of the road, stomping it out. His eyes were sharp as they swept over Catherine and her mount, taking in the condition of her clothes and the bundle strapped to the back of her saddle. If he noted the unrepentant look she gave him in return, it didn’t change anything in his own expression. “Here she is, you sour-faced mule. I tol’ you she’d be fine.” Jenny announced as she mounted up. “I am fine, thank you for your concern—” He interrupted her, voice growling low from his broad chest, “—You know you ain’t—” “—You know,” Catherine cut him off with a finger pointed directly at his face, “that I won’t suffer to be lectured in the street like a child. Accost me with your scathing looks all you like, sir, but you will hold your tongue until we’re in camp!” Then she turned and mounted with only a touch of struggle and smiled down at him where he stood staring at her, half in outrage, half in bafflement. “I had a good day, today, off my leash and out of my pen. Even our esteemable leader will be pleased with the purse I bring back. Therefore, you’ll oblige me to not ruin it until after you pen me in once more.” Arthur said nothing, instead unhitching and mounting up himself, gesturing for them to go on ahead of him.

It was perhaps to his credit that Mister Morgan neglected to upbraid her— both on the road, and when they arrived back at camp. Instead, he hitched up his mount, unsaddled him, and proceeded to wipe him down with a soft cloth. Catherine unsaddled her own horse, shouldering her saddlebags on one side, and struggling with her canvas roll on the other. Jenny left her mare in Arthur’s care— as was her usual— and went to get herself a drink. The lady knew Arthur was witness to her struggle, but he made no offer or move to assist her. She wasn’t sure whether she was gratified by it or not, as she couldn’t be sure of his intention. Perhaps he was spiting her, or perhaps he was trying to respect her independence and desire for self-sufficiency. She didn’t care much, either way. She was too busy bubbling with excitement over her accomplishments and the acquisition of her prize. A tent. Her own tent. She just needed to put it together…! But first… first she needed to put the camp’s share of her earnings in the box. She made sure Mister van der Linde saw her do it, meeting his dark eyes with a sweet smile.

#my mic #rdr2 fanfic #red dead redemption 2 fanfic #arthur morgan #hosea matthews #revolver fic