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haveanotherkpopblog · 3 years

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Vive la Revolution

Prologue

Genre: Cyberpunk!AU, Dystopian!AU, Gang!AU, Rivals-to-Lovers!AU

Pairing: TBA

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: Sexual Situations

Masterlist || Next Part >>

Society fell when the game came out. It was supposed to be a game for children, where they could let their imaginations run rampant. The game was meant for them to have an escape from everyday life. But then they didn’t stop playing. They spent all day in the game. Nothing else mattered except the game.

The game--the game wasn’t like other games. It was the future of virtual reality. It was a game where you didn’t need to stop to sleep or even use the bathroom. Your consciousness was transferred into the game, putting you in a deep slumber, a coma almost. The only downfall was you had to leave, until you didn’t have to.

The kids turned to the black market for medical IV’s so they could keep playing. Crime began to rise significantly over the mere months since the game’s initial release. The police did their best, but with limited resources and limited money, there was only so much they could do.

Then the adults started playing. In an attempt to save their children, adults entered the game. The only problem was, they never left. The curiosity of what had captured their children’s minds so effortlessly and quietly. Slowly, the adults stopped leaving the game. They followed in their kids’ footsteps, buying IV’s and locking themselves away in the game.

Businesses began shutting down from the lack of customers and the employees seeming to vanish into thin air. Life began slowing down, the only thing thriving in the dying country was crime. The police slowly began to stop doing their jobs, letting the country run rampant with illegal activities.

The worst of it was in the capital. The most powerful people, the socialites, lived there, including the manufacturer of Virtual Paradise-- the game responsible for capturing half the nation’s mind. The game went world-wide, and soon everyone who was anyone had purchased the game. People, desperate to escape their lives, stole the game from anywhere they could get it. The company, Tempestechnologies, had become the company.

However, that was the capital and all major cities of the world. What was really scary was the rest of the country that couldn’t afford the game. Or if they could, they were smart enough not to buy it. With the world and the nation in chaos, the country had been divided into three districts.

The first was the JYP District. It covered most of the coastline and was the mediator between the other two districts. The leader of the District referred to herself as Queenie. As the only female leader, she gave herself a fitting title. While rather small in size, she was a force to be reckoned with. She and her husband had made a quiet, but successful, living working mainly with oversea gangs. She kept the other two districts as close allies.

The second was the SM District. This District covered the northern side of the country. It just also happened to be the richest amongst the three Districts since the Capital fell within their territory. The leader was Leeteuk, a successful businessman turned into an even more successful gang leader. He knew where the game would lead the country from a young age, and he’d been preparing ever since for the inevitable.

The last District was the scariest. YG District was made up of the southern side of the country and what little bit of the coastal region JYP didn’t control. The crime rates were so high, the police had completely given up and worked for the District’s leading gang and the leader. The leader--the leader was so many things, finding one word to describe him was impossible. G-Dragon had done so many unthinkable things, had seen the unimaginable, and he had laughed at it all.

Now while Queenie had aligned herself and JYP with SM and YG, the two didn’t like each other. In fact, if it hadn’t been for her, there certainly would have been a civil war unlike any before. That’s where the story started, at the end of a feud that started before either of them reached double digits.

Queenie sat in one of the clubs in her District. For the best outcome, everyone needed to meet on neutral territory. That meant her territory, which she didn’t mind at all. Her turf, her rules. She smirked, eyes scanning the club, skimming every face she recognized and every face she didn’t. She watched as A, one of her informants, flirted with some random guy at the bar. He wasn’t bad looking, but Queenie knew A was simply biding her time.

“Are you sure they’re going to show?” JB, Queenie’s second in command, sat perched at the edge of his seat. He was staring directly at her, his eyebrows halfway up his forehead. His drink sat on the table in front of him, barely touched as the ice slowly watered it down. She smirked, reaching to grab her own glass off the table.

“Have patience. They’ll show up.”

As if on cue, Mandu, JB’s personal bodyguard, escorted four men in. Mandu had dark brown hair parted away from his face. His muscles bulged against his tight shirt, giving everyone a clear image of his strong physique that detoured most people, as long as he kept his mouth closed. Once he opened his mouth, any intimidation the other party felt disappeared. Even with his deep, intimidating voice, Mandu was simply too sweet and kind for his own good.

Leeteuk sat in the chair opposite of Queenie. His pink hair fell into his eyes, making him squint and occasionally toss his head. His suit jacket was undone, revealing the tight, black dress shirt that hugged his toned chest. It was a well known fact that he had quite the fascination with her. Whether it be because of her stunning beauty or the power she held was of little consequence.

Next to him was Suho, his second in command. Suho was to keep himself more put together than Leeteuk did when she was around. His black hair was combed away from his face, and his suit was well-put together, albeit more casual than what he usually wore. They were supposed to be more casual, relaxed, with each other. Hence them meeting in some bourgeois club. And that was strictly on Queenie’s request.

Behind them were their bodyguard, arms crossed over their chests as they eyed Queenie and her subordinates half-heartedly. They never saw her as a real threat. Whether it was because of their alliance or because they truly believed she wasn’t a threat to anyone was unknown to her. But she knew she could handle herself, and should the time ever come, she would show them just how well.

“Gentlemen. Welcome. I hope the journey wasn’t too hard,” she greeted.

“Seeing you again is worth every second,” Leeteuk said, shooting her a wink. Queenie peered over her glass, sparing a glance to Suho who was staring at Leeteuk with a slight scrunched face. He rolled his eyes, taking a prolonged sip from his cup. “I only wish it was under better circumstances.” She carefully set down her cup.

“I think these are the best circumstances. You’re finally putting that silly little feud behind you,” she said. She leant forward, placing a delicate hand just above his knee, giving it a light squeeze. “You know how much I dislike conflict.” He watched her hand with a dark gaze, his leg tensing under her touch. Suho and JB shared an unimpressed look before they both took a sip of their drinks. Queenie pulled back, crossing her legs as she observed Leeteuk.

Leeteuk observed her too, taking in her now short hair, the subtle makeup around her smoldering eyes and luscious lips. His eyes trailed down her body, admiring how the dress hugged her curves and even gave him a glimpse of what the thin fabric was covering. She was temptation. He knew that, she knew that, he knew she knew that, and he was more than aware she used that knowledge to her advantage, yet he let her pull him in. What they knew was of little consequence to them.

“I see they’re just letting anybody in here now.” Queenie and Leeteuk looked away from each other to the three people that had entered the room. DaH, Queenie’s personal bodyguard, had brought in two more people for their little celebratory party. Her long blonde hair fell down her back as she shot a harsh glare to the pair she’d brought in. DaH wasn’t built like Mandu, she was small and petite, but she made up for her lack of bulging muscles with speed and agility. And unlike Mandu, when she spoke, her words were laced with venom.

G-Dragon gave DaH a cheeky wink, to which she replied by narrowing her gaze more. She shot Queenie an unimpressed look before moving to stand behind her. G-Dragon oozed confidence. His hair was a disheveled mess, dark marks covered his neck and most of his chest from what could be seen of his unbuttoned shirt. She gave Queenie a sly smirk as she stood to greet him, a smirk of her own on her face.

“Well we let you in here don’t we?” she teased. G-Dragon chuckled, leaning forward to place a kiss on her cheek. He shot Leeteuk a wink as he did so, enjoying seeing him get worked up from a small action. Suho leaned over to whisper to Leeteuk, calming him down somewhat.

CL, G-Dragon’s second in command, sat next to Suho. She had at least followed Queenie’s request. Her curled, blonde hair fell over one shoulder, exposing her back and drawing attention to cleavage. She kept her eyes focused between Queenie, Leeteuk, and G-Dragon. She flicked her wrist, glancing down at her watch.

Suho, despite his best efforts to keep a bored air around him, watched CL carefully. He took in her poised posture and the unreadable mask that hid her emotions too well. He took in how her dress exposed her back, letting his eyes trail down the length of her spine. He felt his blood heat up the longer he stared at her back.

“I’m so glad we could have this little sit down,” Queenie said. She watched both men carefully, observing their subtle glances at one another. “I think it’s about time you two put this silly feud to rest.” Both men tensed at the statement, avoiding each other’s eyes. “JB, if you will.” JB cleared his throat, regarding each man and their associates.

“Queenie and I agree that the best way to show peace is to build trust. We’ve talked with each of you separately and from that we’ve come up with a plan. G-Dragon is being gracious enough to send someone to stay in the SM District for one year with absolutely no contact.”

“How exactly does that establish trust?” Suho inquired, leaning forward so his arms rested on his knees. “If anything, that causes more trust issues. One year to gather information to be used against us? I’m failing to see how that works in our favor.”

“Well firstly, the agreement is that our person lives with you for a year without any harm,” CL said, turning to look at Suho. “Meaning if you want to keep them locked in a dungeon, as long as they’re fed and clean, you can do so. Second, we’re not sending just anyone. He’s sending in his only living relative to live with someone he hasn’t gotten along with in years. If anything, that’s the most trust I’ve seen him give anyone.” Suho and Leeteuk both stared at her in shock.

“I wasn’t aware you had any family,” Leeteuk said.

“It’s not something I like to advertise. People like to use them against you. I’m sure you more than anyone can understand that,” he replied. “Now I’m sending them to show my complete trust. If and when they return, as long as they’re in good health and have been treated with respect and dignity they deserve, then I will let bygones be bygones.”

Leeteuk regarded G-Dragon carefully. Something wasn’t sitting right in the pit of his stomach. This seemed too easy. After years of them being at each other’s throats, G-Dragon was going to gift wrap his own blood to him? Leeteuk narrowed his eyes slightly, his fist tightening around his glass.

“I wouldn’t read too much into such a generous offer,” Queenie said. She leant forward, facing Leeteuk directly. “He’s giving you unsupervised access to the closest person to him, and all you have to do is keep them healthy and safe. If anything, I think you’re getting the better side of this deal.” She placed her hand on his knee again, tilting her head slightly and staring up at him with her big, round eyes.

“Unsupervised?” Suho said.

“Yes. One whole year of unsupervised access to them. YG will have absolutely no access to them while they stay with you,” JB said, shooting Queenie a pointed look.

“Don’t mistake me for a blissfully blind fool, Leeteuk,” G-Dragon said, pulling Leeteuk’s attention away from Queenie. “I don’t expect you to trust me or my family. So as a sign of good faith, they’re going in unaccompanied. Even their own personal bodyguard won’t be with them. That’s how you’re going to show me your trust. Return them to me unharmed and in good health, treat them like family, or at least better than the men you’ve so graciously returned to me before, and I won’t murder everyone in your district.” Leeteuk clenched his jaw. Suho leant over, lowering his voice.

“Wait. We can use this to our advantage. How much information do you think our people could get out of him? Who would know his deep secrets better than his own blood?” Leeteuk weighed Suho’s words carefully, slowly relaxing into his seat.

“So you want me to keep them for one year, three-hundred and sixty-five days, and then return them safely?” Leeteuk clarified. G-Dragon nodded, moving to lean back into his seat. Leeteuk drummed his fingers on the armrest, staring at G-Dragon thoughtfully. Something still didn’t feel right, but Suho had a point. His second in command gave him a subtle nod. Leeteuk smiled smugly, tossing his hands up slightly. “I have to agree with you Queenie, I’m definitely getting the better deal.”

G-Dragon smirked, outstretching his hand. Leeteuk grabbed it, giving him a firm handshake. Queenie clapped her hands together, a genuine smile on her face. JB let out a shaky breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Suho and CL shared a knowing look before turning back to the two leaders.

“I’m so happy everything’s worked out,” Queenie said, moving to stand up. “Now, I believe you gentlemen and lady have earned a night of relaxation. My club is all yours to enjoy.” She turned to G-Dragon, a smirk on her face. “I believe A is waiting for you downstairs.” G-Dragon returned her smirk, running a hand through his hair. Leeteuk held his hand up to the two District leaders.

“As much as I would love to, I should get back.” He and Suho, along with their bodyguards, headed towards the door. He paused briefly, turning to look back. “Just one quick question,” he said. “Who exactly is this relative of yours?” G-Dragon smiled, a genuine, scarily normal smile.

“My baby sister.”

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missmonsters2 · 5 years

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Drive Her Crazy || Part X

PAIRING: Wanda Maximoff x OFC/Reader

Summary: AU. Meet Wanda, the new ‘It’ girl. She’s built her social standing as a social influencer through Instagram and vlogging on Youtube. Queen Bee in her social circle, she’s got everyone wrapped around her finger. She’s perfect, you think. Girls like that require a little finesse, and you’re ready to play the game.

Warnings: Non-healthy relationship, psychological games, smut. 18+ only.

NOTE: Wow, I can’t believe we are finished. Thank you to everyone who read this story, enjoyed it, liked it, reblogged it, or commented! My heart is super full. This is the happiest ending for our lovely crazies 💛

[Please watch out for my next series which will feature Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader, The Color of You 😊]

PART I || PART II || PART III || PART IV || PART V || PART VI || PART VII || PART VIII || PART IX

PART X of X

Count: 5231

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“Great work, Vision! You’re good for today.”

Vision sighed, pulling off his headphones, and walking out the recording studio.

He thanked everyone for their hard work on his way out.

The single he recently released was doing quite well, and he was quickly gaining a fanbase.

His breakup with Wanda had actually inspired some pretty good lyrics, and with some help to finesse the finished product, the single was becoming a hit.

Vision hadn’t spoken Wanda since they split up at the party, but it’s not like he could avoid the headlines Wanda and her new girlfriend made. It was everywhere because you were so famous.

He still often spoke to Tony who updated him with what everyone’s been up to and Pepper was kind enough to give him advice from time to time.

Digging his hand into his pocket, he felt his ring there. He couldn’t bear to get rid of the engagement ring he got Wanda yet. It felt like it was the only thing left of her he had.

As he walked out of recording studio, the exit he usually took was blocked off by cleaners, so he turned another way.

It was a hall of records. Vision smiled slightly as he passed by each one.

But then he saw one that made him stop.

It was your record, for the first album you released that has now gone triple platinum.

He saw a couple more of your records framed up.

He was reeling.

This was too weird.

Someone was passing by, and Vision stopped them. It was Ryan, the engineer that would be helping him with his album.

“Ryan...what’s this? Why are her albums framed up here?”

Ryan gave him a weird look as he gazed over your albums.

“She’s an artiste at this company. Has been for a really long time. You never see her around, though. She’s been here long enough and produced enough results that they just let her do her own thing. In fact, you guys share the same manager.”

“What?” Vision choked.

Ryan had his eyebrows scrunched at Vision. Maybe he was a fan?

“I-I gotta go,” Vision said as he turned around and bolted out.

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“Can I look yet?”

“No, and don’t you dare peek.”

You have your hands over Wanda’s eyes as you safely guide her into your guys’ new home. She had mostly been busy with work, so you had taken the liberty of making sure everything would be set up.

Of course, you still had sent her a billion texts to see what type of furniture and color theme Wanda preferred.

Today was the move-in day, and you had picked your girlfriend up when she was done work for the day.

“Please, I just want to see now,” Wanda whined, and you hushed her.

“Patience is a virtue, love,” you tease her. You hear her huff slightly.

“Well, I’m very naughty,” she teased you right back, and you had to bite your lip.

Dear lord, you needed to move faster before Wanda decided she wanted to have her wicked way with you without you being able to show her the whole place.

Once you’re in the perfect spot, you smile as you kiss the back of Wanda’s head gently before releasing your hands.

Wanda’s eyes flutter open, awe washing over her as she takes a look at the entire place.

It was big.

It was beautiful.

It was her dream home.

The soft, pastel colors and marbling of the furniture was a dream. She turns around, jumping into your arms, kissing you right on your mouth.

“I love it,” she gushes. “Thank you for taking care of all this.”

You merely hum happily, leaning in to kiss her again. Wanda walks around the house, touching nearly everything and gushing about how everything looks perfect.

By the time you make it back to the living room, she turns to you, head tilted to the side with her fingers on her chin.

“You know, maybe there is one thing that’s missing,” she says, taking a look around herself.

“Really? What?” You ask, trying your best to think if you missed anything.

Wanda looks back at you with a wicked grin.

“I think we need to christen the house.”

Before you know it, you’re revisiting every room in the house again.

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Wanda is on cloud nine by the time she reaches her friends for brunch the next day.

“Hey, girls. Sorry, I’m late,” she greets them as she takes her seat next to Lily. Her other friend Anna from her party and at the charity was there too. Finally, Stacey had been invited by Anna.

Lily was snickering as Wanda took a seat. “What happened? Miss DJ didn’t want to let you out of bed?”

Wanda immediately flushed red at her cheeks, the heat traveling all the way to her ears.

Because that’s exactly what happened.

You had tried to convince her to stay in bed longer using your sexy, cocky smirk she liked, and your deft fingers and tongue.

Managing to keep in her in bed for another half hour, Wanda put all her willpower into getting up and running to the bathroom where you couldn’t follow.

She definitely wanted to stay in bed longer too.

“Damn, girl, you really getting it,” Lily whistled, and Wanda had to push her friend playfully.

“I’m so jealous of you,” Anna whined as she sighed wistfully with her head in her hands. “I can’t believe you’re dating Lady Phantom. I had no idea she was so romantic. Everyone’s been talking about how she serenaded you at your party.”

Wanda only lightly chuckled, cheeks warm from the praises.

“Oh!” Anna exclaimed as she sat upright, pulling her phone up and searching for something before showing it to Wanda. “Since your last interview where you revealed you were dating her, so many other tabloids are picking it up.”

Wanda grabbed the phone, looking at the headlines.

LADY PHANTOM HAS A GIRLFRIEND?

INFLUENCER WANDA MAXIMOFF BAGS ELUSIVE DJ.

LADY PHANTOM AND WANDA MAXIMOFF CAUGHT HOLDING HANDS AND KISSING WHILE WALKING

DJ LADY PHANTOM AND INFLUENCER WANDA MAXIMOFF BUY A HOUSE TOGETHER? IS THE ELUSIVE DJ SETTLING DOWN?

Wanda bit her lip as she clicked on one of the headlines, skimming through it.

A close source says that Lady Phantom may have whisked Wanda Maximoff right off her feet from new artist Vision. The source says that the DJ romantically serenaded Wanda at her birthday party recently. Swoon! What a lucky girl!

The smile on Wanda’s face was so broad as she passed her phone back to Anna.

She was the girl who locked you down.

“It’s crazy how they’ve already got this much information. We just bought the house in Los Altos Hills,” Wanda says offhandedly, casually dropping the neighborhood she now resides in.

“What?” Stacey exclaims, surprised, and a little bit jealous as well. She had tried to cling to you during the party, but you didn’t seem interested at all.

“Nice houses there aren’t under $1.6 million and the photos you posted to Instagram...shit, how much was it?”

Wanda just smiled and shrugged, she wasn’t about to brag how you and she got a $5 million dollar house.

It was crazy to her. She would’ve never been able to buy one of the beautiful houses of Los Altos Hills with Vision.

It just felt like her dreams of having everything she wanted in her life and to share it with the person she loves was all coming true.

The rest of the brunch went on as usual. The girls were screaming in excitement that she would be doing a photoshoot with David King. Wanda hadn’t even told them that she would be auditioning for a movie soon after.

“Excuse me,” Wanda called the waitress as she was passing by. “Could I get an order of the traditional breakfast bowl to go? Medium poached eggs and extra hollandaise sauce, please.”

The waitress nodded with a smile before leaving.

“You bringing some for your girlfriend?” Lily asked with teasing in her tone.

Wanda nodded with a smile, “Yeah, we, uh, didn’t have time for breakfast this morning, and she had to go to the studio right after. I’m going to visit her with food.”

Lily sighed adoringly, “Oh, young love, how it is...”

“You’re younger than me, Lil,” Wanda said, and they both laughed.

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Wanda was on her way, closing in on the studio to see you when her phone started vibrating.

She transferred your food into her other hand that was holding up her bag as she dug her free hand into her back pocket, tongue out as she picked up.

“Hello,” she answered, not being able to check the caller ID before she picked up.

“Wanda--” The voice was frantic.

“Vision?” Wanda answered confusedly. Why was her ex calling her?

“How’ve you been? I heard your single is doing well. I’m happy for you,” Wanda told him warmly regardless of why he was calling her.

“Yeah, Wanda, listen, you need to break up with your girlfriend. I told you there was something wrong with her!”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Wanda said heatedly. How could he just call to say that?

“I knew this opportunity to sign on was too good to be true. She’s from the same company, even has the same manager as me! I know she sent her manager to recruit me on the day of your birthday. She set me up to not show up!”

“Did someone tell you that?” Wanda asked, her walk becoming brisker as she was getting heated.

“No, but--”

“Then how the hell do you know that’s true? So what that you’re in the same company with the same manager? She tells me she hardly talks to her manager as she essentially handles her own work. Also, even if that were true, no one told you to drink yourself to a blackout state and miss my birthday. You could’ve signed on, had your celebratory drink, and left,” Wanda huffed.

“I am not hashing this out with you again, Viz,” Wanda said finally.

“Wanda, please, listen to me. There really is something off about her. She’s clearly obsessed with you. Who knows how long she’s been plotting to get you.”

“You want me to be offended my girlfriend wants me and finds me desirable?”

“No, I want you to be offended that she has no boundaries and sabotaged me to get you!”

“That’s seriously insane, Vision. She’s a famous DJ, and I’m just a social influencer. Does that make any sense to you?”

“Wanda--”

“Vision!” Wanda interrupted him. “I don’t want to hear about this again. We’re supposed to have an amicable breakup. Seriously, don’t call me again if you’re going to just say this.”

She could hear him saying something else as she hung up. She huffed again, rolling her eyes slightly.

Wanda tried to shake off the icky mood that the call put her in. She didn’t want to be grumpy when she saw you.

She placed her knuckles against the door softly as she knocked.

It wasn’t you who opened the door, but the guy seemed to have recognized her and let her in, putting his finger to his lips to signal her to be quiet.

She sheepishly shrugged her shoulders as she tiptoed in.

There she found you, your back facing her as you were looking over the recording, playing it with headphones on.

Wanda heard you hum lightly before you pressed a button to speak to the singer inside the recording studio.

“That was pretty good, but can you try redoing the last line? Instead of just holding the note on the last word, do a vocal run.”

The singer nodded, clearing her throat as she got ready.

Everyone watched as she redid it, and it sounded amazing. The difference was so subtle, but it sent chills down their spine.

“That’s perfect! Great job. Why don’t you take a break?” You suggested.

Once everyone began to relax, you turned around, surprise in your eyes as you saw your girlfriend standing there.

Wanda immediately went over to embrace you, kissing you softly.

Damn, you were so sexy when you worked.

You hummed into the kiss, clearly enjoying it.

“Mm,” you pulled back slightly. “What are you doing here? I thought you had brunch with your friends.”

Wanda gave you a half-smirk, holding onto the lapels of your leather jacket. “Well, I thought since you weren’t able to get breakfast this morning due to your shenanigans, I thought I’d bring you some.”

“What kind of shenanigans?” A dude from the back yelled, and everyone laughed as you rolled your eyes.

You looked back at your girlfriend, adoration just filling your eyes as you looked at her. Grabbing her hand and the food off the table, you led her out.

“C’mon, let’s eat outside. There’s too much testosterone in here.”

The boys laughed again, and Wanda giggled.

You led her out to the back where a lovely table and bench were in the shade under a tree.

Taking out the food, your stomach nearly ate itself, smelling the aroma.

You really were hungry.

But the hunger was definitely worth keeping Wanda in bed as long as you could this morning.

“So,” you said as you scooped some food onto your spoon. “How was brunch?”

“It was good. Lily, Anna, and Stacey were there.”

“Stacey as in...that girl from your birthday?”

Wanda scrunched her nose up at that but nodded. “Yeah...she totally wants to kill me so she can date you.”

You laughed, bringing your hand to your mouth. You swallowed your food before talking again.

“I highly doubt she could get the drop on you, so no worries there.”

“You’re damn right,” Wanda mumbled as you smiled.

Wanda watched you eat, her mouth curling upwards without her even realizing. You were always so focused on your food while eating, and she thought it was endearing.

“So,” Wanda says. “Have you...seen the tabloids by any chance?”

Your licking remnants of hollandaise sauce from your lips as you hear Wanda ask that. You nod, scooping more food.

“Mhm,” you say, spoon in their air as you have yet to put it into your mouth. You tilt your head, brow quirked as you look up slightly. “I hear a very, very attractive social influencer has bagged an elusive DJ. Apparently, they’ve been spotted buying a house together. How scandalous.”

Wanda is grinning ear to ear. God, why were you also so funny?

“Yes,” she plays along. “All the tabloids are saying that the DJ is settling down, can you believe that?”

You’re trying to hide your grin as you reply. “Buying a house is now settling down? Whew, that is quite the leap. What will the public say when she gets married?”

“Do you think she’s considering marriage?” Wanda asks, biting her thumb lightly as she regards you. God, she hopes you are.

You’ve finished your food, packing it away back into its bag to be thrown away later.

You look at Wanda.

And by God, she just might be everything you’ve ever wanted.

The thought of someone else won’t even cross your mind.

If it isn’t Wanda, it just won’t do.

You brush your leg against her lightly under the table, gently smiling as you lean back on your hands a little.

The two of you are gazing into each other’s eyes, just feeling like everything is right in the world.

“I would say that now she’s found the right person, it’s a part of her plans.”

Wanda beams.

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The next two week passes by quickly, and before Wanda knows it, she’s heading over to meet up with David King at his studio bright and early.

Her stomach is exploding with butterflies as she walks in.

Wanda wishes that you could be here with her, but you were stuck doing an interview with someone for a magazine today.

David’s assistant recognizes her for today’s appointment, greeting Wanda with a friendly smile and a handshake.

She leads Wanda over into the room where David is just finishing setting up the lighting.

“Hey!” He greets as he comes in to hug her with a kiss on her cheek. “Are you ready for some collaborating today?”

Wanda nods excitedly.

“Great! Let’s talk about what you want your theme to be. Once we have that, I’ll know what other magazines to send your photos and interview to in addition to posting it on my website.”

Wanda and David sit at the table, he pours her some tea while they work together on what she wants out of this photoshoot and interview.

“I want to show my personality, that I’m not just some dumb social influencer. I won’t just rep anything, and there are brands I really care about working with. I also want to show that I have other interests as well, like...acting.”

David smiles, kindly at her. “Yes, I’ve been told you’ve secured an audition in two weeks.”

Wanda bashfully smiles and shrugs, “Not so much me who secured it, but I definitely don’t want to disappoint her.”

David snorts, “I’m pretty sure you could murder someone, and she wouldn’t be disappointed.”

Wanda just boisterously laughs because she does get that vibe from you, but that just makes it all more endearing to her that you love her so.

After they’ve settled on themes, they immediately work on taking photos as David wants to use as much natural lighting as he can. David finds that the whole process is really smooth because Wanda is someone who wants to be a part of the process, not just doing everything he tells her.

It’s much more fulfilling to work with her. He is quite happy you got him to take a chance on her.

Once they’ve taken photos, they’re both looking over them. Wanda gives her opinion on some of the selections as an amateur photographer herself, and David finds it so refreshing.

Wanda was definitely not afraid to give her opinions, ask for perspective, or ask for his reasonings.

In the next part, they work on the short essay David can post to his blog along with the photos. Additionally, he gets her to answer a few interview questions so the magazine he picks to give his photos to can use the answers she provides too.

The entire collaboration takes the whole day, so by the time they finish, the sun has just finished setting.

“It was so great to work with you, Wanda,” David gushes as he goes in to hug her again. “Seriously, I haven’t had such a great collaboration like this in a long time.”

“Oh my god, no, please. It’s such an honor to work with you,” Wanda modestly says, while she raves about him.

David just grins as her while she turns to get her things in order.

“I’m so glad your girlfriend was able to get me to meet you. I was honestly surprised by the whole thing.”

“What do you mean?” Wanda asks as she starts to pack her things back into her bag.

“Well, you know,” David says with a shake of his hand. “I actually usually have a very strict rule about not working with social media influencers. I’ve tried a couple in the past, but I found them to be incredibly vapid.”

Wanda just smiles, unsure how to answer but pleased that he obviously found her different.

“I’ve actually seen your vlogs and Instagram before, it was my boyfriend Liam who had originally discovered you months ago. Your girlfriend was over that day, and I showed her your profile. I didn’t think she would actually end up finding you, befriend you, and then end up dating you.”

It was like time slowed for Wanda.

What?

You actually had known of her beforehand?

Wanda immediately flashed back to when she first met you and invited you inside for drinks.

“What do you do for work?”

“I suppose Vision would say I’m a photographer. It’s nothing really, I post vlogs and brands pay me to represent their stuff.”

“No way! That’s seriously amazing. So, you’re kind of famous?”

But by what David said, you would’ve already known what she did and that she had a following.

Why did you lie?

Vision’s call from two weeks ago popped into her mind, and she felt like she was going to be sick to her stomach.

God, was what he said true?

“Are you okay?” David asked with worry as he looked at Wanda, who looked a little pale.

Wanda snapped out of it, turning to him with a smile.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she says, pulling her bag onto her shoulder. “Yeah, it’s crazy how things work out, isn’t it? I’ve got to head home now. Once again, thank you so much, David.”

He hushes her and sees her off.

Wanda is making a beeline, hailing for a cab.

She needs to see you.

Now.

⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⋆⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷

“This is beautiful, thank you. Please keep the change.”

You took the bouquet of flowers you just bought from a flower shop on your way home.

It was filled with all of Wanda’s favorite flowers and wrapped together nicely. You wanted to congratulate her on her big day with David. You knew once he would post it to his site and give it to whatever magazines, Wanda was going to be blowing up.

It definitely would work in her favor for her audition in two weeks.

You drove home, idly tapping on the steering wheel as you thought about what to have for a late dinner. You knew it was unlikely that Wanda could eat much today since they decided to get everything done today.

Maybe order in some pizza?

But then Wanda wanted to stay in shape as much as possible before her audition.

Maybe lemon & butter salmon?

You pull up into your driveway, turning your car off as you grab the bouquet.

“I’m home!” You call out as you walk in, but there’s no response.

The house is completely dark, which you find strange because Wanda is usually in the living room watching TV or in the kitchen when she’s waiting for you.

“Wanda?” You call out as you walk up the stairs.

You enter the bedroom.

The small lamp on the bedside is on, and you find Wanda sitting on her chair in front of the vanity mirror you got her.

You walk over to her, but she doesn’t talk to you.

“Baby?” You call softly as you kneel down before her, placing the bouquet down, touching her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

Did something happen?

Was she hurt?

David had texted you when it was over that it went great, and thanked you again for getting him to meet her.

So, what was wrong?

Wanda looks at you with a still expression. She turns her whole body to you and her jaw clenches before she releases it.

“I want to ask you something, and please tell me the truth.”

You scrunch your eyebrows together because you have no idea what she wants to ask you, but you nod.

“Did you,” Wanda breathes. “Did you know who I was before you met me?”

The stillness hits you immediately.

You regard her, taking in her desperate expression as she looks at you.

You could’ve lied.

You could tell her that David may have shown you her profile before, but you hardly cared to notice or remember it.

You could’ve told her anything, and Wanda would’ve believed it.

But...there was something else there.

So, you didn’t.

“I did,” you admitted, watching as Wanda stood up, walking over to the other side of the room with disbelief on her face.

You stood up as well, crossing your arms but making no move to her.

“Why did you lie?” Wanda asked. “Were you stalking me? Is that how you found me at the fast-food chain?”

“I wouldn’t say stalking,” you say as if she was being dramatic. “I came to California for work planned months before, you just happened to be here as well. Was I interested in you? Yes. Did I somehow know that you were going to be there to eat and live in the same community? No.”

Wanda’s mind was reeling. She couldn’t help but replay Vision’s words over and over in her head.

“Did you want me? From the very beginning?”

You couldn’t help but quirk your eyebrow. There was definitely something she was hiding from you.

“As I said, I was interested in you, but I knew you were engaged.”

“Is it true?” She asked, and you’re not even sure what she’s referring to. “That you and Vision are under the same company? That you even share a manager?”

Ah, it hits you. Now you know where this is coming from. Vision had found out what he could. But you knew Charles would never tell him that you had purposely sent him to Vision.

“Yes,” you admit once more.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Wanda asks, frustration in her tone.

You shrug your shoulders. “As I told you, I don’t often talk to my manager as I handle my own affairs. It’s not really any of my business who he decides to sign on.”

“So you didn’t deliberately get your manager to sign Vision on and make him miss my birthday?”

You paused.

Another choice.

You could lie.

It would be so easy to.

But you had to push it more.

“I did show my manager Vision’s work on SoundCloud,” you say instead. It was true, even if it wasn’t the whole truth.

Wanda understands, anyways.

Her breath hitches, and she’s putting her hands to her face.

She can’t believe this is happening.

This time, you begin to walk over to her, standing right before her.

“You’re insane,” Wanda says with a crazed laugh. “Vision’s right. You are obsessed with me. You were sabotaging him to get me! What am I to you even? Some sort of sick prize?”

Your jaw clenches a little. She’s starting to hit on your nerve a little, but you remain patient.

You close in on her, backing her until she hits the wall. You raise your arms slowly to either side of her head, giving her ample time to leave if she wanted.

But she didn’t.

“I wouldn’t say signing him onto a record label, giving him the spotlight, actually earning money for his work, which I heard he’s doing pretty well now, by the way, is sabotaging him. Here’s the thing, Wanda. Yes, I did set him up. I told my manager to sign his untalented ass on and treat him like a king on your birthday. But guess what? Vision didn’t have to stay. If he really, truly, wanted to leave, Charles couldn’t have done anything about that. No one forced him to keep taking the next drink. No one told him to not care about you.”

Wanda is silent, angry tears come up to her waterline as she stares at you with a clenched jaw.

“I’m not putting myself up on a pedestal here, but it was me that came through for you every time,” You tell Wanda. “Am I obsessed with you? Maybe. But don’t stand there and pretend that you don’t enjoy my attention. You love the fact that Lady Phantom dedicates sets to you, serenaded you, bought you $100,000 necklace in front of everyone. You love people giving you accolades that we’re together. You love that people are jealous of the fact that they’re looking at me while I’m looking at you.”

You called her out, hitting her right on the dot.

She can’t even deny it because it’s true.

But Wanda still loves you. That much is real.

“So what?” She scoffs. “It’s all fake then? Everything you did was a meticulously thought out plan to win me? Everything you did was purposely done to draw me to you?”

“There’s nothing wrong with planning,” you say to her softly. “Even if I did plan it, it doesn’t mean I don’t care. I care very much. My heart was breaking about the fact you were with someone that was dragging you behind, making you feel guilty about wanting more out of life. It broke my heart to think that you spend every year alone on Pietro’s anniversary because he didn’t try to do more for you. It made me angry to hear people snidely make comments about you when Vision didn’t show up for your birthday. I hate when you’re not in the spotlight because that’s where you deserve to be. If someone is stealing it from you, I’ll do everything I can to shift the light to you.”

Wanda had a single tear slide down her cheek. She grabs onto the ends of your jacket, desperate to feel you closer.

She has to know.

She needs to know.

“Do you even love me?” She asks softly, and it nearly breaks your heart all over.

You lift one hand to lower it to her face, cupping her jaw and neck delicately. You move your face closer to hers, giving her all the time she needs to pull away if she doesn’t want you.

”I do. So much. In a way that only you could ever understand.”

Wanda doesn’t pull away.

She never wanted to in the first place.

This was never about breaking up.

You knew that. Which is why you risked telling her the entire truth.

She wanted to know that what you had for her was real, that she could never be replaced.

That you were hers.

You press your lips to her firmly, your tongue swiping her bottom lip as she moans softly.

She pulls you closer to her, pressing your body to hers completely as she melts into you. She lifts her arms, wrapping them around your neck as she continues to kiss you.

You push off the wall, redirecting her to your shared bed as you topple on top of her with a knee in between her legs.

You pull back softly, your hand drifting underneath her shirt as you caress the soft skin there.

Her eyes open slowly, and she just looks electric to you.

“I love you,” she says quietly, and you can’t help but press another soft kiss to her as your hand lowers into her panties.

“You secretly love it, don’t you? What I do to you.” You say against her jaw, and it’s a little muffled.

Wanda’s breath hitches, chest rising as you touch her just the right way against her clit, rubbing through her wet folds.

She nods, but you want to hear it.

“I want to hear you say it, baby,” you huskily say as you tease her. Your other hand is around the back of her neck, just grasping at her hair.

Wanda’s moaning shamelessly as you circle her clit again, diving lower as your fingers tease her entrance. God, it feels so slippery.

Fuck, she really wants your fingers in her. The knotting in her stomach gets even worse when you nibble her collarbone.

But she knows you won’t give it to her until she gives you what you want.

“I love it,” Wanda moans. “I love the way you drive me crazy.”

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therealcalicali · 5 years

Text

White Lies

The Best Kept Secrets: Ivar, shocks you with a secret. He's gotten someone in the family way. Worse yet, it’s your sister.

Warnings: Emotional Abuse, Cheating, and Lots of Angst

Part II here

Part III here

Part IV here

Part V here

Part VI here

Finale here

Deleted Scene here

White Lies AU - Bitter Fruits here

"Ivar, why are you so quiet this evening?" You asked, eyes full of worry as you studied his expression. "Have I done something to upset you?"

Despite slightly rolling his eyes, he stated that things were perfectly fine. Without even looking you direction, he then asked that you allow him to enjoy the festivities.

"More mead!" He hissed at a nearby Thrall. As the man poured, the verbal assault continued. "What is wrong with everyone around here? Must I beg for drink now? Next time, I'll get your attention with my axe."

With a bow of the head, the old man apologized profusely before filling your horn as well. He then rushed back to his position near the thrones to avoid anymore of Ivar's abuse.

After eyeing your husband a while, you sighed.

Despite his words, you knew something was very wrong. You may have been married for a little over two years, but you could read Ivar well.

"Will you stop staring at me!" He snapped, looking at you from the corner of his eyes. "There's an entire troupe of foreign dancers performing, yet you choose to watch me instead."

"Why are you so short-tempered lately?" You asked, trying your best not to make your sadness noticeable. After all you were hosting a massive feast. The last thing you needed was to fight with the King in public. "I'm only trying to figure out what I've done to make you........so-----"

"So what, Y/N?" He interrupted, cutting off your train of thought. "Listen, stop trying to read my thoughts. Just enjoy the lavish lifestyle being my wife affords you."

You were dumbfounded.

It wasn't as if you even cared about such things. In fact, you had not even been thinking of the youngest Ragnarsson at all when unmarried. He was the one who chose you on a whim during a midsummer festival.

Ivar did so because all of Kattegat referred to you as the "purest of maidens". The one that even Odin himself couldn't bed. A woman who never allowed a man to come close enough to even temp her for a kiss.

Your reputation intrigued all the Ragnarssons. However, it was Ivar who made his intentions known first.

Despite their fear of his temperament, your parents did question his motives. They raised their concerns about many things, including a Prince marrying a farm girl.

Still, Ivar insisted that you had to be his wife.

Surely, a woman as headstrong and principled as you was meant to be at his side. Thus, they gave in. And he truly seemed happy after your vows. Not only did Ivar treat you well, he allowed you to fall love with him at your own pace. Never forcing anything on you.

But now.............

Now, he behaved as if you had bewitched him in some way.

"I wish to retire for the night." You said leaning closer, the pain of his aloof behavior making your voice tremble . "That is, if it's alright with you, my King."

"You will not!" Ivar replied, his gaze finally falling on you. "Besides, the night is still young and you are the Queen."

"Am I?" You asked, searching his eyes. "You treat me like a stranger. As if I cannot be the same woman you wanted to be yours not so long ago."

"You are the same woman. Of that I can be certain." He scoffed with a shake of his head. "Are you not the one that lost seed for the third time only months ago?"

Your heart nearly stopped.

How could he say such a cruel thing?

Ivar knew how devastated you had been since your most recent womb difficulty. You cried for weeks, unable to be consoled by anyone. Not even your mother and Aunts. Yet, here he was, throwing it in your face.

"Y/N, you have given me neither a son nor daughter. Yet you feel the need to pester me incessantly. But why am I surprised?" Ivar added. "You think I am your hostage. But I will prove to you that I am not!"

You fell silent. Saying nothing as you gazed over the Great Hall. If you had to weep , it would be behind closed doors.

After all, if you did so publicly, no one would show any sympathy. They would all side with Ivar and mock you relentlessly.

The Queen who had yet to produce an heir for their God King.

As you were lost in thought, a hush fell over the Hall. Confused, your eyes went to where attendees were parting and creating a path to the thrones. There, dressed in a lavish red and gold embellished gown was your youngest sister, Eiriana.

She had only recently become a woman the previous year. In fact, she completed her rites with the help of coin from Ivar.

As you gazed at her adorable face, you were about to stand to greet her when you noticed something. Not the absurdly fine jewels or the gold crown atop her braided hair. No, none of those peculiar things.

Your eyes fell to her belly.

There was no mistaking that Eiriana was with child. Perhaps anywhere from seven months along if not more. As your tried to think of who could have possibly done this to your unmarried sister, your parents made their way to her side.

Their eyes avoiding your own.

"Everyone, please look at this woman before my throne." Ivar announced as he rose to his feet with the aid of his crutch. He then looked at Eiriana who gave him a smile that reached her eyes. "Come, my love."

Your heart was beating within your ears.

"My, love?" What did he mean by such a phrase you wondered to yourself. “No, it cannot be!"

Eiriana made her way up the small steps with the aid of some guards. Everyone in the Hall watching with baited breath. Once she was beside him, Ivar gently took her hand in his.

To your surprise, she briefly looked in your direction and gave you a friendly wave. Not a mocking one. But a genuine greeting that signified that she was happy to see you.

"I want all of Kattegat.......no, all the world to know who this woman beside me is. This is Eiriana, sister to my wife, Y/N." Ivar declared, his eyes falling on her with a tenderness you had not seen in months. "She is carrying my child. The child of the greatest Ragnarsson to ever live! And though we have exchanged vows already, we will conduct a second ceremony after she gives birth. A ceremony fit for a Goddess."

Your head swam with tension as the Hall erupted with celebratory shouts and cheers. It was as if you were either going to pass out or die from the shock.

"Eiriana and Ivar?" You thought as everything began to sink in. "He laid with my little sister."

You watched as he palmed on her protruding belly, it's rounders that more noticeable due to her petite frame.

"I missed you so much." Eiriana said, wrapping both arms around Ivar's neck. "Did you miss me?"

"Of course I missed you."

"Liar! If that is true, then why did you have me away on the island for so long without visiting? You or Y/N?"

She looked at you as he drew her closer.

Kissing her on top of the head, Ivar apologized and stated that the two of you had been busy. However, he promised to make it up to her.

"Are you lying to me again?" She asked, raising a brow. “You know I hate to be lied to.”

With an amused smirk Ivar replied that he was indeed being sincere. After promising that she could have whatever she desired, he walked her to his throne.

"Now please sit, before you tire yourself."

"Only if you give me a kiss." Eiriana teased causing you to grip the armrests to the point that blood formed around some of your fingernails.

Your entire body was hot with rage and shame.

As she hung on Ivar yet again, you averted your gaze. Still, from the corner of your eyes, you saw him press his lips to hers. You hoped it would be a quick show of affection, however, Eiriana kissed him deeply, her arms about his neck.

"I love you." Ivar whispered, his lips still touching hers.

"You better."

With that Eiriana took her place on his throne as he had requested. With a giddy smile upon her face, she turned to you.

"I have missed you so much Y/N. You look so very beautiful tonight." Your sister practically squealed. Placing both hands on your arm, she beamed at you. "So, did you get all of my letters?"

You didn't know what she was taking about. However you were too numb and hurt to delve any deeper.

"Uh....yes...I did."

"Ivar told me how busy you were with your duties but I had to write even if you couldn't reply" She confessed. "The island was beautiful but it was also boring in some ways. Plus, the family taking care of me hardly let me do anything. They were afraid they would be put to death if something happened to me."

"I.................don't blame them." You replied, unable to prevent yourself from looking at her belly.

Taking notice, Eiriana asked if you wanted to touch it. When you hesitated and tried to decline, she forced your hands atop the swell.

It was heartbreaking and you could have burst into tears then and there. But you fought it. You were not going to give the people gathered a show at your expense.

"Don't worry. The baby is really strong despite........ anyway, he kicks all the time." Eiriana said with a giggle, pressing your hands to the sides of her rounded belly. Almost like magic, you felt the baby begin to move around. "See? He's awake. He always wants to play when it’s nighttime."

The movements kept going as your hands began to tremble. This was a viable baby. One that was too far along to be expelled from the body unexpectedly.

Unlike you who could hardly hold seed for two months, Eiriana was truly going to deliver the child Ivar so desperately wanted.

"Can you sleep in my chamber tonight ?" She suddenly asked. "We have so much to gossip about. Like Henrik's new woman. Kristina wrote that she's Gaul. Can you believe our eldest brother goes through women like that?”

You could hear your sister’s voice but your mind was miles away. If had been possible, you would have preferred the ground swallow you whole.

"Love." Ivar said, his eyes fixated on Eiriana. "We are taking our leave of the festivities" He then looked at you, his blue eyes scrutinizing your expression. "You as well Y/N."

"But why? I just got here!" She protested.

Your sister was quite high-strung and showed no fear of Ivar. Perhaps it was her age or the fact that she was the spoiled youngest of your family. Whatever it was, she truly cared not for his reputation.

"Please do not argue with me." He replied. "You have traveled far on the waters, you must rest."

"I don't want to rest! I want to see the shows and speak to interesting people" Eiriana said with her eyes locking on his. "If the two of you are tired, you may go, but I'm staying."

"Eiriana, I do not wish to repeat myself."

"Then don’t!” She quickly hissed back at him. “And I’ll let you know this. Saying my name doesn't frighten me, Ivar. Mother did it all the time when we were little and it never worked."

You could hardly believe your ears.

No one had ever spoken so rudely to him....ever. Even though you had your moments of push-back, it was never to the extent of your sister. Surely, Ivar would become enraged at any moment.

With child or not, he had proven numerous times that he did not tolerate disrespect. But to your utter surprise, he didn't get irate and yell. Instead, Ivar began to smile.

Pressing his lips to Eiriana's ear, he whispered something that made her practically jump out of the throne.

"Are you sure?" She asked, looking between you and him. "I was just asking Y/N to spend the night in my guest chamber."

He nodded, making her smile even more as she excitedly took his free hand, intertwining her fingers with his.

"Come, Y/N, we are taking our leave?" Ivar beckoned, his eyes only falling on you a short while.

"How could you do this?" You asked, the tears running down your cheeks as though they would never end. "My own sister?" Of all the women in Kattegat, you choose my own blood?"

Ivar glared at you dismissively, drinking his mead with annoyance. After telling you to calm down he confessed that it had not been intentional, however he had no regrets.

"Eiriana is special." He admitted, tilting his head slightly. "You may not like it but it's not going to change anything. She is my wife and the mother of my child."

The words were like a sword to the heart.

The mother of his child? Your little sister?

It was enough to cause you to grab the stack of maps and measuring devices that were on the table and hurl them at him. One of the guards in the chamber stepped forward to intervene, but Ivar waved him off.

"You best control that temper, Y/N." He said, pointing at you. "I still love you, but I will not hesitate to send you away if this continues."

Your eyes widened in disbelief.

"You speak of love after laying and seeding my sister?" You asked with eyes welled. "I may have lost three times in my endeavor to bear you children, but I never lost my heart. I loved you in spite of how cold you grew with each occurrence."

"If you want to be angry, then be angry with the Gods." Ivar said, moving to the doorway. "You are still first wife and I shall treat you as such. But Eiriana is here to stay. I love her just as I love you-----"

"Just as you love me?" You repeated.

"Enough! I have said my peace!" Ivar fumed, wanting no more of the conversation.

“Well, I’m not done saying mine!”

Just as he was about to unleash a verbal tirade, your sister approached, already in her nightdress. She had one hand on her belly whilst the other held her hem.

"Ivar." Eiriana whined. "What's taking you so long?

"Nothing, my love." He replied, his entire demeanor changing instantly. "I was just making sure Y/N was settled in her chambers. She is still first wife you know."

Your sister gazed around, commenting on how well it was decorated. As she was about to say something else to you, Ivar took her by the hand.

"Say good evening to Y/N." He said, already dragging her away.

Sleep well, sister." Eiriana said with a pleasant smile. "We shall have our chat in the morning. It should be fun since Kristina and the others will be here for a visit."

With that, the two if them left and went to what was once your marital chamber.

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parabellum-rpg-archive · 5 years

Photo

Congratulations, Marie! You’ve been accepted to play Sofia Costello. Your request to change her FC to Zoey Deutch, has also been accepted. Please make your page and send it in within 24 hours.

Admin note: This audition was incredible, and it was so hard to pick from because we had three different Sofia auditions. You were so detailed, even just in describing Sofia’s names. You’re an incredible writer - welcome to the group! - Admin V

CHARACTER DESIRED.

I will be applying for the lovely Sofia Costello.

SOFIA ( soh - fee - uh ) — “wisdom, skill” :

Not many people see it, the intelligence that hides in Sofia Costello’s eyes. When they hear that she’s a socialite, and aside from that, uninvolved in the family business, frivolous to a fault and with a dramatic streak to boost, it’s not exactly something they look for. But there’s a reason Sofia practically breezed through private school, there’s a reason she does live up to her first name, even without her parents knowing when they picked it out what she’d turn out to be like. When she applies herself to something Sofia can be a whirlwind of ambition and determination, pushing herself until she masters whatever her goal is.

GUINEVERE ( gwin - iv - eer ) — “white enchantress” :

There was no surprise that her middle name became a tribute to her recently deceased mother. The terrible accident, the twins’ first few weeks of life spent in the NICU, Sofia still believes there must have been some higher power, someone watching over them, to make sure they actually made it out of that hospital alive. In her heart, she believes it was Guinevere herself, who couldn’t pass on to the afterlife until she knew her babies were safe. Not one typically for religion, this is the one belief she clings onto tightly, with both her hands and one that has made her carry the middle name with nothing but absolute pride.

COSTELLO ( cos - tell - oh ) — “little castle” :

Despite her never caring much about the family business, Sofia would do anything, absolutely anything, for the other Costellos. Much like her middle name, she wears the surname with pride, not for the power it’s associated with ( though, despite her disregard for the business, she still quite liked that part ) but for the people. Her parents, her siblings, her cousin — she loves them dearly, which is quite possibly also why she’s so against her darling brother, her twin, her Luca marrying Paisley Sinclair, not when Juliet already brought him so much heartache. Not when he deserved so much better than that.

DESCRIBE THE CHARACTER IN YOUR OWN WORDS.

There are so many things Sofia Costello is to me. From reading her biography, I immediately got the sense that she is not the type of girl that can be described with a single trope, that she is probably a lot more than people give her credit for, too. Then I started reading through the other biographies related to her own, saw that Marcel saw her as assertive & unafraid of a challenge and that Luca’s noted that the twins could get away with almost anything, especially when Sofia flashed the doe eyes her parents adored. I kind of fell in love with her even more, and I also started to understand just how broad this character is.

I think the first thing that came to mind for me when looking at Sofia was mafia princess, though mostly focussing on the latter part. A socialite, who basically ignored her family’s business, but enjoyed the luxuries of it anyway. Taking after the mother that raised her, being good at getting what she wanted, and throwing a fit when she didn’t. I think I’d build on this by saying that Sofia is probably very dramatic and overindulged, but also that she is very confident and charismatic. That there is a regal air around her, and that it makes it easy for people to have a skewed perception of who she really is, for people to underestimate her, but never test out of she is really naive, in fear of her family’s rage. I also think that it makes her powerful in social situations, knowing she can snag the attention of a room with just a few quick gestures, knowing she can play the game of power struggles as well as anyone.

The second thing I really thought about was her being a bit of a trouble maker. Sure, she focussed on her studies and goals enough to make sure she was the best, but when she could talk herself out of almost anything — how does it not become tempting to try and indulge. I think she kind of embodies that ( I hate myself for making a Gossip Girl reference in the year of our lord 2019 but it’s been burned into my head and I can not get it out ) Serena van der Woodsen feel, where she is legendary for partying and getting into trouble, but still beloved enough for none of it to really matter. I also think that like Luca, she probably held the Costello name over her peers, letting them know that she could do anything, get away with anything, because of the family she hails from.

Finally, I think that currently, at this moment in time, Sofia is changing. I think she realized that with her twin brothers’ marriage to their enemy, she could no longer remain uninvolved. After never really having any interest in the family business, she suddenly wishes to push herself right into the middle of things, for her brothers’ sake, to keep him out of a loveless marriage, especially when Juliet Carmichael had already dragged him down a hole of addiction and obsession. I think her interest in their family affairs is also growing, and I think that once all of this is done, there is no way for her to go back to her regular life.

WRITING SAMPLE.

writing sample one.

So. Getting involved in underage drinking and then mistaking a police officer for a stripper, Sofia could admit it to herself, this was not exactly one of her finest moments. She had done worse things, of course, but those her parents did not find out about. Yet. This one, unfortunately for her, they had. In her defense, the police officer looked exactly like that new stripper at the Venetian, and she’d thought he’d definitely recognize his owners’ daughter. Also in her defense, the drinks at Sapphire were not to be messed with. She’d only had a few glasses, but was already swaying on her feet — and considering someone had tried to champagne shower her, she now reeked of alcohol too. “Please officer — I’m so sorry”, Sofia had looked at him with those pleading eyes that only very rarely were denied. Apparently, the cop was a little too insulted at how she’d tried to use his handcuffs in ways they definitely weren’t meant for because he wasn’t buying it. Not even the slightest bit.

She’d considered calling Luca, or even Mia when she reached the station, hoping they could just come get her out without much hassle, but as soon as she entered the building, one of the officers’ superiors recognized her, and after berating the man for picking up Marcel Costello’s daughter, he placed her at his desk, a blanket to keep her warm wrapped tightly around her shoulders and a mug of hot chocolate in her hands as he called a secure contact to connect him to her parents. “Damn it”, she swore under her breath, knowing that all she wanted to do was fall into her bed and sleep for the next ten hours — not being forced to work her magic on both her parents in the middle of the night.

Luckily for her, it was not her parents that came to pick her up, but one of their underlings, so she had time to prepare the speech. I just went out for a little celebratory drink, I promise. My friend Nadine got engaged yesterday, and us girls had to take her out for the night, of course! She’s absolutely ecstatic about it, I’ll make sure to get some extra invitations to the wedding, her father is the CEO of some large, Fortune 500 company, so you know the nuptials will be lavish. Sorry, I’ll get back to the story. So, Christie — you know her right, with the nose job? She ordered the drinks, and I guess there was alcohol in them, I didn’t even taste any, I swear! And then we get outside, and Nadine thinks that lovely police officer was a stripper we hired just for her, and when we realized he wasn’t, it was already too late. At that point, she’d let those beautiful doe eyes of hers fill with tears, and a regretful expression would fall over her face. She’d apologize at least twice more, come up with some more excuses, and eventually, they’d tell her to just go get some rest, that it was all okay.

And Sofia would never hear about it again.

writing sample two.

Her rage was like a burning, living thing. It was fire, coursing down her veins, into every single cell of her being, taking over, turning her into pure, undiluted anger. It had been building from the moment the family discussion about this betrothal had started. She’d seen some slivers of feelings about this whole situation in her family’s eyes, some of her own feelings reflected in those, too, but she didn’t think any of them were as powerful as hers. Sofia had retreated into herself, the rage building up as she sat there, silently, barely being able to hear what anyone was saying over those feelings. When finally the attention shifted to her, to the way she seemed to glow red hot, she’d looked up at her father, her words almost like the hiss of a viper, so sharp. “You are not whoring out my brother to some enemy bitch,” The last word had been spat out, and it was like her self control snapped. She’d raged and cried and yes, even begged, but there was no budging, not this time. So she’d stormed out, telling them they’d all rot in hell for this and didn’t let anyone near her for weeks.

It had been hell — absolute torture for her to refuse contact with her family. She did not want to see any of their faces, did not want to hear any of their pleas to just come back, to just talk to them, at least. She flinched every time she saw Luca’s name pop up on her phone screen, and wanted to smash her phone against the wall every time she pressed the deny call button. Sofia learned a surprising lot about her own power of self-restraint during those weeks, how long she could hold out, how to hide her hurt and anger behind a blank, emotionless face. Let them see her empty space at the table and realize what they’d done. Just like her father, she refused to budge on this, and only when she realized it herself, by her own intelligence and being let alone with her thoughts for so long, did she return to them.

When she barged in after weeks of no contact, Sofia strutted towards her father with that sense of confidence she had always possessed, showing absolutely no sign of anger or how upset she was, she just looked him into the eyes and told him that if this was happening, she wanted to be more involved in the business. She only offered a brief ‘family duty’ as an explanation of why. To be fair, it was true. But it was her loyalty towards Luca, specifically, that was the reason behind it. During her self-imposed exile, Sofia had realized that they all probably just saw this as the only solution to their troubles with the Sinclairs, and if she wanted to get her brother out of it, she’d have to know all the pieces involved in the game they’ve been playing since the Medici’s were chased out of Chicago.

After all, you can’t win in chess unless you have a proper view of the entire gameboard.

#accepted

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blogchatsblog · 3 years

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Coronel Enzo - A True Dish From Puerto Vallarta

Coronel Enzo Coppa is a Italian pasta sauce which dates back to the 18th century. There are many variations of this recipe and have their own story to tell. The exact recipe and specific time will vary from 1 family to another, but what's a very common sauce that's appreciated by many generations of Italians. This guide will give some information on how the sauce was made and how it was originally served, as well as some information about how best to get your hands on some of the best Coronel Enzo Coppa now available.

Corinne was the wife of Emperor Charles IV during the Renaissance. She worked hard making delicious food to the Spanish court. As the recipes were being made, each family would choose a favourite variation and put it to the sauce. The most famous of these variations was the"Compartido de San Carlos" which literally means the cook's specialization Enzo Coppa Astorga. After the cook determined that the taste of this dish had spice, they made the original Coronel Enzo Coppa.

A more well-known variation is that the"compact de San Carlos". The name translates as the"Best Enzo" and it had been commonly served as a celebratory drink at important occasions. Typically, a glass of the was enjoyed with fish and meats, especially the pork. Another variant of this Coronel Enzo Coppa recipe is the"est nero" which literally signifies the very first meal. For this variation, the pork is marinated in wine for several hours before being cooked. Then, as tradition dictates, it is served with a variety of meat and seafood dishes.

When you taste a Coronel Enzo Coppa you will discover subtle differences between different versions. Most people think that it is cream, but in actuality, it is not, and it is ordinarily spiced up with peppermint, cinnamon, and sometimes even cardamom. It may be prepared in several of ways. Normally, the chef would add onion and garlic to the ingredients and let them steep for many hours to make a true classic Coronel Enzo.

Coronel Enzo Coppa can also be available in other variants like the"EST NOSA","EST COBRA" and"FINALE EL TRICO". These versions are more popular with the natives because unlike Coronel Enzo which is usually enjoyed only during celebrations, these versions are served everywhere. Actually, many people that are fresh to Mexico goes on a visit to Puerto Vallarta and sample this famous dish prior to going back to their houses. The best thing about this is that the prices of those different Coronas are basically the same.

The secret recipe of Coronel Enzo Coppa has been closely guarded in order to maintain its validity Enzo Coppa. Each family that has a member taking a holiday in Puerto Vallarta gets a different version that changes from one relative to the next. The fantastic thing about the famous Coronas is they are sold at affordable prices, so one can buy as many as they need without needing to be concerned about their budget. Aside from being a celebration staple, Coronas can also be good in regards to cold drinks like coca cola or even a refreshing sour beverage.

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 3 years

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20th February >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Luke 5:27-32 for Saturday after Ash Wednesday: ‘I have not come to call the virtuous but sinners to repentance’.

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Gospel (Except USA)

Luke 5:27-32

Jesus comes not to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance

Jesus noticed a tax collector, Levi by name, sitting by the customs house, and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything he got up and followed him. In his honour Levi held a great reception in his house, and with them at table was a large gathering of tax collectors and others. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples and said, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.’

Gospel (USA)

Luke 5:27-32

I have not come to call righteous to repentance but sinners.

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

Reflections (5)

(i) Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Jesus clearly saw something in Levi the tax collector that many others didn’t. The Pharisees and the scribes categorized him as a ‘sinner’, asking Jesus, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Yet, Jesus was not only prepared to eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners but called one tax collector, Levi, to become part of that small group of twelve he gathered around himself to share in his work in a more focused way. The gospel reading raises the question, ‘How do we look on people?’ Jesus looked on people with a generous and hopeful spirit. Levi may have left a lot to be desired in terms of his compliance with God’s Law, as it was understood by the experts in the Law at the time. When Jesus looked on Levi, he didn’t simply see what was lacking in him, but, also and more importantly, the person he could become. Yes, he was ‘sick’ but so too were all men and women in different ways, including those who thought of themselves as virtuous. Jesus, as the divine physician, could heal what needed healing in others and empower them to become all that God was calling them to be. The Lord looks upon each one of us with the same generous and hopeful spirit. He is more attuned to the person we can become than to the ways we have failed. The Lord also calls on us to look on each other in the same generous, hopeful way that he looks upon us.

And/Or

(ii) Saturday after Ash Wednesday

The gospels suggest that Jesus engaged with the kind of people that many at the time, especially the religious leaders, would have written off. In this morning’s gospel reading we hear that Jesus called a tax collector, Levi, to be his follower and to share in his work of calling people into the kingdom of God. He would have been regarded as a most unlikely candidate for such a calling. Tax collectors were considered sinners, people who had alienated themselves from their fellow countrymen because they collected taxes from the Romans, and who had separated themselves from God, because it was presumed they were corrupt. Nothing good was expected of them. Yet, Jesus called one of them to be a member of the group of twelve that he gathered around himself to have a special share in his work. Jesus, it seems, did not look upon people the way that society in general looked upon them. He saw people in a much more generous way than they were viewed by others, or even by themselves. The Lord continues to relate to each of us in the generous same way; he doesn’t sell us short but gives us a calling that is in keeping with our gifts and our dignity as members of his body and temples of his Spirit. This Lent we pray for the grace to be as generous in our response to the Lord’s call as Levi was.

And/Or

(iii) Saturday after Ash Wednesday

The first people Jesus called to follow him were fishermen. He went on to call people from other walks of life to follow him. In this morning’s gospel reading he calls a tax collector, Levi, someone in the pay of the Romans, to follow him. On another occasion he called a rich man to follow him. The gospels also inform us that he had many women followers. Jesus looked on all people as his potential followers. His call to ‘follow me’ was addressed to all who would respond to it. It was addressed to people who were considered sinners by those who did their utmost to live by God’s law. Jesus got close to those he was calling to follow him, sharing table with them, regardless of how they were regarded by others. The gospel reading reminds us that the Lord is always drawing close to us, to all of us, even when we think of ourselves as sinners. He never ceases to draw near to us and to call on us to follow him. We may think that we have to put a distance between ourselves and the Lord, but the Lord never puts a distance between himself and us. He is always standing at the door of our lives and knocking, calling out to us to follow him, to walk in his way so as to share in his mission in the world.

And/Or

(iv) Saturday after Ash Wednesday

When I read the gospels, I am often struck by the questions that people ask. Jesus himself asks many questions in the gospel, as do many of the other characters who appear in the gospel story. In today’s gospel reading, the scribes and the Pharisees ask a question of Jesus’ disciples, ‘Why do you eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ As far as they were concerned, to eat with tax collectors and sinners was to risk being contaminated by them. They would have argued that it was better for people to keep themselves separate from such people in order to preserve their moral health. Indeed, the term ‘Pharisees’ means ‘separated ones’. However, Jesus did not share this concern of the Pharisees. He knew that rather than the sin of others infecting him, his goodness, God’s goodness in him, would transform others. That remains true of Jesus’ relationship with us all. The Lord is never diminished by our failings; rather, we are always ennobled and enriched by his holiness. That is why the Lord does not separate himself from us, even when we might be tempted to separate ourselves from him, because of what we have done or failed to do, just as Peter, on one occasion in the gospels, said to Jesus, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man’. The Lord always desires to sit with us, to share table with us, to enter into communion with us, in order that in our weakness we might draw from his strength, and in our many failings we might draw from his goodness and love. As today’s gospel reading reminds us, he has not come to call the virtuous but sinners to repentance, and we are all sinners in need of his merciful love. If we acknowledge that reality, then the Lord can pour his healing love into our lives.

And/Or

(v) Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Tax collectors were unpopular in the time of Jesus. They collected taxes on behalf of Rome, the occupying power, and they had a reputation for enriching themselves at other people’s expense. Even though they were reasonably wealthy, they were marginalized among the people, and this made them a special object of Jesus’ attention. Jesus’ call of a tax collector to be among his followers is an indication of the inclusive nature of the community he gathered around himself. There was a home here for those who normally felt ostracized. Jesus’ call empowered Levi to leave his wealth. He sensed that in following Jesus he would find a different kind of wealth. He immediately used some of his remaining resources to put on a meal for Jesus and other tax collectors to celebrate this new beginning in his life. The Lord continues to call each one of us, regardless of where we are on our life’s journey. We don’t have to get ourselves somewhere for the Lord to call us. He calls us as he finds us. He doesn’t wait for us to be ‘well’, in the language of today’s gospel reading, before calling us. In that sense, when it comes to the Lord, we are always ‘on call’. While calling us as we are, he will always call us beyond where we are. In calling us, he also empowers us to go where he is calling us. If we allow ourselves to keep responding to the Lord’s loving call, we too can throw a celebratory meal.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

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imagine-loki · 6 years

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Taming the rage

TITLE: Taming the Rage

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 66

AUTHOR: lokilover9

Original Imagine: Imagine Odin tells Loki that he has to marry and it’s you. You’ve hated him for years. Every time he sees you in the palace he smirks knowing all the duties you’ll have to perform as his princess, making you cringe. He isn’t exactly fond of you either, but can’t help looking forward to the challenge.

RATING: Teen

While Loki was becoming besties with the floor, Eir had another surprise for Erika. The lab had developed a pill form for the present dose of antidote she was taking and she offered it under one condition. Erika was not to push herself physically simply because she had more freedom to do so and she was to stay with her for another three weeks. Erika assured her Loki wouldn’t allow that and knowing how diligently he’d cared for her, Eir believed it. She’d also known about Lokis plan to propose. Not only was she concerned the next few days of wedding preparations may exhaust Erika, but Frigga had secretly spoken to her. She wouldn’t reveal what, but told Eir the couple needed to be informed of something extremely important after marrying and feared it may cause Erika great stress. Therefore, Eir wanted immediate access to her just in case. Once Erika promised to agree, she removed her IV and Loki came to just as Eir was putting a bandage on Erikas hand.

He stood abruptly and snapped at Eir.

“What the hell are you doing? She’ll die without that!”

Erika rubbed his arm. “Loki no, it’s alright. Please listen?”

After an explanation, he calmed down and apologized. “Forgive me Eir. I think that may have been one too many unexpected surprises in one day.”

He rubbed his head and Erika chuckled. “Are you alright?”

“I’m a God, I’ll be fine.” Eir was pursing her lips as he glanced back at her. “So she’s really doing that good?”

“Yes, she is.”

He smiled at Erika.“Then I couldn’t be happier.”

“Honestly.” She teased. “You don’t trust Eir by now?” She stepped off the table and took his hand. “Come on daddy. We have news to spread.”

“Daddy? You learned that word from Jane didn’t you? And not until you eat.”

“Fine.” She replied.

Eir smirked as Erika lead him out the door, glancing back with her eyes crossed.

“Valhalla help me if I don’t.”

Upon reaching Thors, all were happy to hear that Saturday was a go and Erika was well enough to be free of her dancing partner. As she and Loki kept smiling however, Jane sensed something was up.

“Okay. What aren’t you guys telling us?”

Loki suddenly held his arms in the air, flexing his muscles all proud. “My boys can swim everyone! They can swim!” He blurted.

Erika slid a hand down her face. “I can’t believe you just said that. Exactly how hard ‘did’ you bump your head?” She glanced at everyone. “We’re having twins.” Then glanced back at Loki. “And how do know they’re boys you dork?”

Loki pointed at Jane while looking at Erika. “Another word you learned from her I gather?”

It finally registered with everyone just as Erika stuck her tongue out at him and Junior started laughing.

“WHAT?” Said Jane, pulling her into a hug. “Well you came back with a bang girl, this is great!”

Frigga smiled and did the same. “Oh my. You’ll need your own nanny now Darling.”

Thor was shaking Lokis hand. “Congratulations. Sleep while you can, you’ll need it.”

Frigga walked over and hugged him. “Leave it up to you.” She teased. “The God of Mischief and what’s this about bumping your head?”

Loki rolled his eyes. “It’s not important.”

“It is funny though.” Said Erika.

He sighed, knowing she was about to explain.

“Someone was a little ‘shocked’ to learn of his ‘double trouble.’”

Thor smirked at him. “Brother, you didn’t.”

Everyone was laughing until Erika suddenly yawned.

“Oh oh, party’s over for you.” Said Loki.

“Alright, but give me a moment?” She turned to Frigga. “May I speak with you alone please?”

They emerged from another room shortly after and once Loki and Erika left, Frigga had an errand to run. Ten minutes later, she was at her seamstresses. “This will be the dress and I’ll bring her around tomorrow.” ~~~~~~ After they arrived in Erikas room, Loki watched as she changed back into one of Eirs gowns.”

“Now who’s ogling who?” She asked.

“Oh? At least, I’m not hiding like a dirty little pervert.”

Her jaw fell open as she climbed onto the bed. “Loki!”

“What? I’ve no problem with your perversions Darling, the kinkier the better. And what were you discussing with Mother?”

“‘My’ perversions? This coming from someone who makes clones of himself and takes joy in them endlessly teasing me while he watches with his dick in his hand? And none of your business by the way. You’ll find out soon enough.”

A devilish smirk spread across his face. “Come now, you loved every minute of it.”

“Okay, I’m going to sleep now.”

When she laid down, Loki leaned to her stomach. “Hello there. Allow me to inform you that you exist because someone forgot her birth control when we went camping.”

Erikas cheeks went scarlet. “How did you know?”

“In a minute, I’m not done speaking with them.”

She rolled her eyes as he continued.

“And instead of opting for a spanking…”

Erika began sliding the pillow from beneath her.

“Your Mother chose kinky sex while I whispered very nasty things to her…”

She attempted a whack, but Loki caught it, pressed it against her boobs and shook them with it.

“Because she’s perverted!”

They laughed as he put it back. “I didn’t figure it out until long after the trip. Is that what you were searching for that morning?”

“Yes.”

Loki kissed her. “I’m very happy you forgot them. Do you realize what it means now that we’ve learned of my ‘double trouble’ today?”

“Triple including me.” She teased. “But what exactly?”

He smiled while caressing her cheek. “That now I’ll have three Angels to love instead of two.” ~~~~~

For the first time in what seemed like forever, Erika took a shower in the morning and Loki was chuckling when she came out.

“What?” She asked.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were doing something else in there by all the sounds you were making. ‘Mmm. Oh this is sooo goood! Ahhh.Yesss!’”

She shook her head. “Very funny. Did you bring me any clothes?”

“Yes, why?”

“I have to be somewhere this morning with my Mother in law.”

“I see. Then I’ll have to find something to occupy my time then.”

Frigga stole Erika away shortly after breakfast and Loki decided he’d go riding. He’d just left his chambers, when running into Volstagg and Hogun on their way to the palace Lounge.

“Have a date with horsey?” Asked Volstagg.

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

After asking about Erika and learning of the twins, they convinced him to join them for a celebratory drink. One lead to another while playing darts and they teased him about becoming a Father with her.

“All those years you drove her so crazy and she never killed you? I still can’t believe it.” Said Hogun.

“Neither can I.” Said Loki.

“And now you’re creating more like her.” Teased Volstagg. “Have you lost your fucking mind? We should just dig you a grave and shoot your sorry ass into it now. I guarantee it would be less painful.”

Loki laughed. “You’re probably right.”

Hogun leaned towards Volstagg. “How much do you think he’d pay us not to tell her he said that?”

Loki cleared his throat and crossed his arms. “How easily do you think it would be for me to shoot you both and bury you in that hole before you even drew a weapon?”

Volstagg got the bar servants attention. “Four more doubles please and two go to our Prince.”

Too busy enjoying themselves, none had considered eating, so all three were quite sloshed by early afternoon. Thor was looking for Loki and when hearing some boisterous laughter from the Lounge, decided to investigate.

“Ohh shit.” Said Hogun, gesturing towards the door. “Here cometh thy Kingeth.”

After glancing around to make sure the lounge was empty, he and Volstagg stood together and once Thor was close, knelt before him. “To what do we owe the graciousness of your presence your majesty and God of Electrical Currents?”

Thor looked at the bar servant who gestured towards five empty bottles of whisky. With raised brows, he looked back at the men. “Get up please before I set your arses on fire?”

They clumsily helped each other up.

“Well then.” Said Volstagg to Hogun. “When we were friends, he would have said asses. Remember?”

“Why yes, I do indeed.” Hogun replied. “Perhaps all that goldeth in his crowneth has put a denteth in his head?”

“Perhaps you gentlemen would care to sleepeth things offeth in the dungeons?”

“Oh oh.” Said Volstagg. “It appears we’ve upseteth our Kingeth.”

Thor smirked. “I’m kidding men. Have you seen Loki around?”

“He was her..but then left.” Said Hogun, dismissively waving an arm.

“Her?” Asked Volstagg. “You’re cuteth offeth.”

Thor gave up on them and went to the bar servant. Not only did he learn Loki had left around ten minutes earlier, but that he alone drank almost two bottles.

Frigga was walking Erika back to her room after the seamstresses and a visit with Jane about her bouquet, when they entered to find Loki lying perpendicular across both beds. His arms and head were dangling completely over one side and his long legs the other, while he snored up a storm. Just as Erika raised her brows, Thor entered.

“At least I know where he is now.”

“He’s dressed to go riding. What happened to him?” Asked Frigga.

“He ‘happened’ upon a pair of court jesters.”

Erika chuckled. “I’ll bet I know exactly which ones too.”

Frigga rolled her eyes. “Come on Thor. Help me move him.”

“Awe, let’s leave him. He really needed to have some fun.” Said Erika.

“Come then.” Frigga held out her arm. “Someone we know has the day off today. Let’s pay them a surprise visit shall we?”

Jarles was elated upon opening his door to Erika as were her sisters and all were very ecstatic to learn she was having twins. She and Frigga spent the afternoon and left after dinner.

Loki slept for hours and after looking for Erika at Thors and then her Fathers, suspected she may have gone to their chambers. He entered to find her sleeping on one of the living room couches and questioned Frigga.

“Why is she here?”

“You were hogging both beds Darling.”

“Then why didn’t you wake me?”

“She was happy you’d enjoyed yourself and insisted I didn’t. She asked to come here after dinner and when becoming tired, requested I bring her the blanket from your bed.”

Loki sighed while approaching the couch. “If she wakens here, I’ll never get her back to Eirs.”

“I know.” Said Frigga. “She’d been awake all day though Darling and couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer.”

Erika grumbled as he scooped her into his arms, blanket and all. “Loki, nooo.”

“Yes Erika, you’re going.”

He carried her back to Eirs and once placing her in bed, made her look at him. “Why did you have Mother take you back to our chambers?”

“We passed it on the way back from my Fathers.”

“And?”

“I knew you were still sleeping.”

She lowered her head and he lifted her chin. “We both know you could have come back here. Eir would have gladly allowed you to sleep in another room until I awoke, correct?”

She tried looking away again, but he forbid it. “Correct?”

“I really missed it Loki, alright?”

“I see.” Despite her pouting, his tone became a little stern. “Listen to me Erika. I already know how much you miss it, but breaking that promise to Eir, is no different than breaking it to me and I will not allow it. Do you understand?”

Her eyes were sliding shut as she nodded. “I..I’m sorry.”

With her hand now free, they were able to cuddle like they used to and he wedged her up against him like a perfectly fit glove. “I’m sorry too, I shouldn’t have kept you from your bed. Please don’t go back there again without me?”

“K.”

“Good girl, now go to sleep.” ~~~~~~~ Frigga was now residing in Thors old chambers so he and Jane could have their privacy and the next morning, arrived to pick up Erika again.

Loki was confused. “Why will I not see her until tomorrow?”

Erika smirked while Frigga replied.

“You aren’t permitted to until after the ceremony. Eir is staying over night with us, so worry not.”

Loki left with them and after kissing Erika goodbye, had just started down another corridor when Frigga called to him.

“Wherever you’re headed, be certain it’s not to the Lounge with any court jesters?”

“Yes Mother.” He walked away rolling his eyes and a few minutes later, entered Thors chambers. “Ah, brother. Mother has barred me from all entertainment with court jesters. Care to join me in an afternoon of entertainment at a brothel instead?” His brows rose when hearing a voice from another room.

“I heard that! Have you forgotten what a good wallop I pack?”

“Why, hello Jane.” He leaned towards Thor, speaking quieter. “Is her hearing always that good?”

Thor replied just as quietly. “It’s improved since we’ve married, which has benefitted me none. It’s the fate of all husbands.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Said Loki.

“I heard that too boys and can pack more than one wallop!” She opened a door nearby and exited with a rolled up diaper in her hand. “Unless you’d prefer a toxic stink bomb instead?”

Loki laughed as Junior began following her out. “If that’s what lies ahead, I’ll be sure to leave that chore with Erika.”

“Good luck.” Said Thor.

Junior took one look at Loki and ran straight for him. “Okiii!” Once Loki picked him up, he glanced around. “Weeka?”

“She’s at grandma’s house buddy.”

“Which is where I’m heading now and he’s staying here with daddy.” Said Jane.

Thor sighed and when walking away, Loki followed. “The next time you have such intentions, make sure my wife is ‘not’ within earshot? We may stand a better chance of escaping.”

“We could still try after she’s gone. Bring some toys for Junior, slip the Madam some extra funds and she’ll mind him for a bit.”

“Let’s wait until he goes for a nap.” Said Thor. “Then I’ll have a servant mind him.”

“Splendid idea brother.”

Jane still hadn’t moved after giving the diaper to a servant. “I’ll quarter you Thor!”

“Did you hear something Loki?”

“Not a thing, why?”

Just as they entered another room, she shouted down the hall. “I’m telling on you Oki! Erikas wallops are much worse than mine, remember?”

They closed the door and Loki looked at Junior. “She’s going to ruin my honeymoon your Mother.” Junior just giggled. “And don’t you care one bit do you?”

The three ladies spent the morning having manicures and pedicures and after lunch, Erika slept for a while. When she awoke, her father came by and took her for a stroll in the garden. They sat near a bush of pink roses and Jarles smiled.

“They were your Mothers favorite. Do you remember?”

She smiled back. “I do.”

“I still can’t believe I’m going to be a grandfather. With four daughters, I knew it was inevitable, but certainly thought your older sisters would beat you to it.” He looked at her and smirked. “Erika, how did this happen?”

“I’m not discussing that with you Father. We had this talk already.”

Jarles chuckled. “Twins. Leave it up to Loki.”

“Frigga said the same. I don’t think it’s really sunk in for me yet. Maybe as I get bigger.”

“You mean when you look like a boat?”

“Father!”

He laughed. “I used to say that to your Mother. She was always so graceful, yet that flew out the window the bigger she became while pregnant. Especially when trying to get off the couch. ‘Poor ship Asta,’ I’d say. ‘She’s anchored herself again. Can’t seem to unload that final barrel.’”

Erika shook her head. “You’re terrible.”

“While pregnant with you, she called your older sisters her tug boats.”

“Why me?” Asked Erika.

“You weighed the most at birth. I should warn Loki to wear a helmet while you’re in labor. One nine pounder earned me some bald spots. With two, he might be shopping for a toupee.”

Her brows rose. “If each weighs nine pounds by the time my labor starts, he’s going to be minus a lot more than just hair.”

“I’ll warn him to wear crotch armor too then. I walked a little funny for almost as long as your Mother did after you were born.”

Erika laughed. “Mother actually did that to you?”

“Yes and cursed me to Valhalla in the process. Buldurs wife had an eleven pounder a month before your sister was born and suggestion I use it. Helga ended up being the smallest, so your Mother was kind.”

After they laughed together, a moment of silence fell between them before he spoke again.

“I’m very grateful your Mother sent you and our grandchildren back to us. Especially for Loki’s sake. He wouldn’t have survived without you.”

“Thank you Father, I’m grateful she did too. I do know Loki loves me, but I’m sure he would have eventually been alright.”

Jarles shook his head. “No. Even Frigga believed the same. When I first put my trust in your Mothers word through Frigga and finally betrothed you to him, I questioned my own sanity for doing so and prayed one day you’d forgive me. The hurt in your eyes when I walked from Eirs rooms that day ate at me for the longest time.”

“Oh Father, I’m not angry. Learning of Mothers secrets, I realize now the difficult position you were left in.”

“You have no idea.” He cleared his throat. “It wasn’t only ‘our’ relationship that concerned me then, but what kind of life you were about to have betrothed to one who..who’s neck I’d envisioned my hands around on so many occasions.”

He said that with a chuckle and she joined him. “It’s alright. You weren’t alone, remember?”

Jarles took her hand. “I know. Over time, I came to see he felt much for you, yet still doubted if he truly loved you. Then I saw him holding you in the waters and heard his words.”

Erika stared at him. “You heard him?”

“Yes, as did Frigga. He needed a moment so we didn’t disturb him at first. You felt his words in your heart as his love Erika, but I wish you to know my perspective. The way he held you and touched you, the fear, the sadness and the terrible desperation in his expression and voice, reminded me of myself the day I lost your Mother. It almost broke me the way it almost did Loki and I want you to know why.”

Erika developed a lump in her throat as he continued.

“His joy, his light, his happiness, his reason for living and breathing, his ‘heart’ was dying and it was tearing him up inside at the deepest level. That’s when I realized I’d never need to question his love for you again as I know he would have taken your place in a second as I would have for your Mother. You’re a beautiful soul whose made us both proud and been a joy as a daughter and when I give you his hand tomorrow, I’ll know your Mother was right. He will adore you forever Erika and I couldn’t be happier for you.”

By the time Jarles was done, tears were rolling down her cheeks and he hugged her. “Enough of that now my lovely daughter. It’s time for you to be happy.”

“I love you Father.”

“I love you too.” He helped her to her feet. “Let’s get you back now little mama. Frigga will never forgive me if I exhaust you and that’s a wrath I can do without.”

Erika chuckled. “I agree.”

#Loki #God of Mischief #Father #Submitted fic #submission #chapter 66 #taming the rage #lokilover9 #odin #arranged marraige #palace #chuckling #duties #princess #cringing #Challenges

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its-just-like-the-movies · 6 years

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Darkest Hour (17, C)

In the time period between Christmas and New Year’s, my family spent two days with my dad’s parents. In those two days, we all went to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Darkest Hour together, movies I wasn’t particularly excited about, and that made one person fall asleep at each screening. I’m hoping to ring in the new year with more reviews, and certainly more articulate reviews about things I liked, rather than the rambly piece about The Work. Given that I should be posting a personal ballot in the coming months, that will definitely happen. But in the meantime, here is an unimpressed assessment of a new release, with another possible to come soon.

The one that has its talons deepest in the Oscar conversation, or at least in the most prominent categories, is Darkest Hour, the story of Winston Churchill’s (Gary Oldman) ascendancy to the seat of Prime Minister and subsequent organization of the Dunkirk evacuation. It’s a fraught story, one I didn’t realize was such an uphill battle for Churchill, newly anointed as a compromise choice with a somewhat shoddy record up till that point. Churchill himself seems nervous and unsure about the prospect, as his wife Clementine (Kristin Scott Thomas) primps him for his meeting with the King and banters with him as encouragement. It’s a generous step for the film to depict his home life before fleshing his new political station, especially since the couple sparkle with so much warmth and humor in their conversations. In her first scene after Churchill accepts the position of Prime Minister, the couple has a celebratory drink at home with their adult children, who are never seen again. Clementine’s speech is a diplomatic love letter, recognizing that Churchill’s real love is to his country. It’s a credit to Scott Thomas that this speech and her performance throughout rings with as much good cheer and devotion as it does, and then the film recognizes her acknowledgement as number two in his life by more or less leaving her behind. She’s left to fret about financial woes that are only brought up once and bolster his confidence, romantically but without building him up from nothing. It’s a good sport rendering of a woman who relegated herself to being sidelined, and not every film with this Supportive Wife character needs to look at these characters through the angles that Nixon and The Lost City of Z do. Not all are able to either, but Clementine Churchill as written, directed and performed cannot help but pale next to what those films do with the same biopic archetype.

Still, if Churchill is unsure about the prospect of becoming Prime Minister, he and Clementine stand as the only characters who are remotely for him ascending to the position for a long while into the film. In Parliament, Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup), the previous PM, and Lord Halifax (Stephen Dillane), scheme to remove Churchill from his position to put Halifax in power in reaction to Churchill’s vehement refusal to even consider peace talks, going all out on the side of fighting the Nazis until Britain is no more. The arc itself is compelling, and would be even more so if the film hadn’t basically opened with Halifax stuttering his way through a refusal of the position of PM. He doesn’t give a real explanation then or in subsequent scenes, despite his turn-around carnivorousness for the position. Churchill himself even brushes aside the idea that Halifax would turn the position down, considering it unthinkable. So must we in the audience, if only because we never learn why he decided to fight tooth and nail for the job only after he had brushed it off his lap. But Chamberlain’s fear that Churchill will undo everything he stood for in office, as he stands on the brink of a cancerous death, makes plenty of sense, as does King George IV’s (Ben Mendelsohn) reticence to this blustery opponent. George dislikes Churchill as a person, a politician, and the Parliamentary grandstanding from the opposition that forced Chamberlain to lose his position. The ceremony of Churchill accepting the position of PM from George is pointedly awkward, the men standing yards away from each other and stiltedly conversing about when to have their weekly meetings. Churchill kisses the back of George’s hand, and George almost immediately wipes his hand on his back. Animosity is prowling around Churchill, and he does nothing to stop it save stomping it underfoot by trying to prove the assumptions of his opponents wrong.

I’ve seen several reviews that position Darkest Hour’s interpretation of Churchill as a refreshing antidote to the leadership in America, even heard this from my grandfather after the film ended, but it’s odd to see this position after so many of the insults hurled at Churchill are ones that have been at Trump. From the outset Churchill is demonstrably angry and uncooperative, plagued with criticism for his war-mongering tendencies, awful diet, brutishness, lying to the public, and terrible people skills. Aside from Churchill’s vivid eloquence, it makes some kind of sense for the shriveled orange sack of cheese running America in January 2017 would be enamored with this film and the man at his center.

The film also shares in Churchill’s pro-war tendencies, one that can’t simply be excused as being subsumed into his own point of view. Small scenes without Churchill, with Chamberlain, with Halifax, with new secretary Elizabeth Layton (Lily James) keep the film from claiming a full POV with Churchill. Though departing from the protagonist doesn’t necessarily mean we’re outside their subjectivity - look at Birdman or, again, Nixon - neither Joe Wright’s directorial stylization or his interpretation of the narrative suggest that we’re seeing it through Churchill’s perspective. Of course, fighting Nazis to the death is always a superior option, and though Darkest Hour doesn’t mock Chamberlain and Halifax’s quest for peace, it frames them - Halifax especially - as outright antagonists. The decision makes sense, since the two were trying to force him out of office, but the film primarily portrays their efforts for peace talks as provoking a scenario to force Churchill out of office. There’s little sense of what either man genuinely sees in the option of surrendering to Hitler, and because of this their beliefs register only as flat opposition rather than an actual political stance. Wright is obviously filming for an audience that’s lived through this and knows exactly how World War II will turn out, but that doesn’t explain or excuse his refusal to illustrate why surrendering in the hope of keeping British culture alive is such a tantalizing option, nor why anyone would believe Hitler in the first place.

Where does this leave Churchill? In a way, who cares? Wright and Oldman do a fine interpretation, not getting gummed up on showing off how “transformative” it is. In fact, the cast handles their vocal and cosmetic changes with little fanfare across the board. Similarly, Wright does some of his best work in Darkest Hour filming Churchill’s speeches, capturing the fluctuations of the mood in the room as well as Churchill’s own state of mind in each speech, which moments are earnest or performative or compensating or meant to rile up his audience. Oldman also slips in more vulnerability than is necessarily scripted, willing to show how much this man is out of his depth and fully aware of the past mistakes he believes should have kept him from this position in the first place. But there’s something ultimately hollow about the men and women that Wright throws onto the screen, and it’s noticeable that the film’s central character is as bloodlessly realized as the figures floating around him. We hear him orate his will to keep Britain under its own sovereignty and to fight Hitler to the death, just as we hear Clementine’s fondness for her husband, as we hear George resents that Chamberlain was forced out of office, as we hear Chamberlain and Halifax want to negotiate with Hitler. None of the characters have a genuine interiority, just goals they want to support and accomplish, and Wright’s visual flourishes end up backfiring as the characters remain so opaque. Zooming towards the sky as Churchill looks up in contemplation (where I realized my sister had briefly fallen asleep), filming his lunches with King George in a wide shot to focus on the enormity of the room, over and over these vital meetings are depicted with outsized embellishments, ones that would work better if the operators involved were given a sense of depth or personhood that motives their political ambitions.

All in all, Darkest Hour winds up a politically muddled and narratively stodgy object. The effect of framing Halifax and Chamberlain as Churchill’s most physically present enemies is disorienting, especially since the Nazis are such a comparatively abstracted threat, the war kept largely off-screen despite being all everyone talks about. Dunkirk is allowed to keep the Germans offscreen in nearly the same way because their presence is omniscient and forceful, the stakes fatally present throughout. Nixon is even more stylistically and narratively baroque, but it commits viciously to the interiority of its central characters and the men and women in his orbit and how Nixon’s actions have so much political and personal history motivating his decisions. Neither Joe Wright’s direction nor Anthony McCarten’s screenplay digs as deeply into the situation as it might, refusing to complicate or personalize it for the participants and gives no room for the cast to do so either. It’s politically thin and stylistically excessive beyond it scope, a dire combination that leaves this vital history feeling under-explored, overblown, and utterly ill-served.

#darkest hour #my reviews #my posts #2017

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romancatholicreflections · 5 years

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21st January >> Fr. Martin's Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Mark 2:18-22 for Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time: ‘New wine, fresh skins!’.

Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Mark 2:18-22

'Why do your disciples not fast?'

One day when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Why is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of fasting while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they could not think of fasting. But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then, on that day, they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak; if he does, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. And nobody puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins too. No! New wine, fresh skins!’

Gospel (USA)

Mark 2:18-22

The bridegroom is with them.

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

Reflections (11)

(i) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus uses a real celebratory image to speak of himself and his ministry. He is like the bridegroom at his wedding banquet, and his disciples are like those who attend on the bridegroom. The presence of Jesus is a celebratory presence. That is as true today as it was during the public ministry of Jesus. As Jesus was with his first disciples then, so the risen Lord is with us now in the same celebratory way. There is no doubt that life can be full of sorrow and distress for people, for any one of us at some time or other. The presence of the risen Lord does not spare us from the trials and tribulations of life which can bring us deep sorrow and grief. Yet, the Lord’s presence in itself is never to be a cause of sadness or gloom. In another gospel, the gospel of John, Jesus says to his disciples, ‘I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete’. Even in the midst of life’s sorrows and losses, Jesus wants us to experience something of his joy. This joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It has its source in God’s love for us, revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Regardless of what comes our way in life to cause us distress, God’s life-giving love for us is assured. Just as the love of God the Father brought Jesus through death into a new life, so it will always bring the light of life into our darkness.

And/Or

(ii) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus speaks of himself in this morning’s gospel reading as the bridegroom. It may seem a strange way of speaking to our ears. Yet, in the Old Testament, the prophets often spoke of God as the bridegroom and God’s people, Israel, as God’s bride. God had wedded himself to this particular people, for the sake of all the other nations. In speaking of himself as the bridegroom, Jesus is saying that he is the revelation in human form of the divine bridegroom who comes to wed himself, not just to the people of Israel, but to people of every nation who hear the gospel and respond to it. St Paul, in his letters, will go on to speak of the church as the bride of Christ. That marital language brings home to us that the Lord has given himself in love to all of us and calls on us to give ourselves in love to him in return. Paul also says in one of his letters that even when we are faithless, he remains faithful. The Lord is the faithful spouse, who keeps faith in us even when we are unfaithful to him. That does not make us complacent in any way. However, it does give us confidence in his love and mercy whenever we fail. It also puts it up to us to become as faithful to him as he is to us. The new wine of his love is always looking for new wineskins; we need to keep on renewing our relationship with him, in response to his loving presence and call.

And/Or

(iii) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

In this morning’s gospel reading Jesus speaks of himself as the bridegroom. It reminds us of the language of the prophets who often spoke of God as the bridegroom and the people of Israel as the bride. The language of marriage expressed the bond of love between God and his people. In speaking of himself as the bridegroom Jesus is suggesting that God is active in and through his ministry calling all people into a relationship of love. God in Christ continues to invite us into a relationship of love, calling on us to be as faithful in love to God as God is faithful to us. Wine is nearly always associated with a wedding feast, with the beginning of a marriage. Having spoken of himself as the bridegroom, Jesus goes on to liken his presence to that of new wine. The new wine of the Lord’s loving presence and life-giving activity calls for new wineskins. The Lord’s love is a grace but it also makes demands on us, calling on us to keep renewing our lives so that they are worthy receptacles for his love. New wine, fresh skins. We have to keep shedding our old skin and grow new skin. We can never fully settle for where we are.

And/Or

(iv) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

In this morning’s gospel reading Jesus speaks of himself as the bridegroom. In the gospel of John, John the Baptist refers to himself as the friend of the bridegroom who rejoices at the bridegroom’s voice. We are all, in a sense, friends of the bridegroom. Later on in John’s gospel Jesus addresses all of his disciples as his friends, ‘I no longer call you servants. I call you friends’. It is a great privilege to be considered friends of the bridegroom, but it also makes demands on us. This morning’s gospel reading speaks of new wine needing fresh skins. As the bridegroom Jesus is the source of new wine, and as friends of the bridegroom we need to keep ourselves fresh, as it were, so that we can keep receiving the new wine of his presence. We have to be ever new, so as to be worthy receptacles for the new wine of the Lord’s risen life. We have to keep renewing ourselves, inviting the Spirit to keep renewing us. We are constantly being asked to let go of whatever is not capable of receiving and containing the new wine of the Lord’s life.

And/Or

(v) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

This morning’s gospel reading suggests that Jesus was aware that he was doing something new and that there was a newness to his ministry in comparison to what had gone before. He speaks of his ministry as a piece of new clothing and as new wine. At the very beginning of Mark’s gospel people recognized that he spoke with a new authority, and when he healed the paralytic and forgave him his sins people said, ‘we have never seen anything like this before’. Sometimes we might feel that the gospel message has grown tired, that we have heard it so many times before. Yet, the life and ministry of Jesus retains its newness and its freshness. It will always be speaking to us in new ways, and challenging us in new ways. There will always be something of the new wine about the Lord and his message; we are always being called to become the new wineskins that can receive and contain the new wine of the Lord, the new wine of the Spirit. In that sense, the Lord and his message never allows us to completely settle for where we have been or where we are. We are always being called into a new way of being, more in keeping with the Lord’s way of being.

And/Or

(vi) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

In this morning’s gospel reading Jesus speaks of himself as the bridegroom and he identifies his disciples as the bridegroom’s attendants. He also refers to his ministry as new wine. He says that nobody puts new wine into old wineskins. The old wineskins, such as the Jewish laws of fasting that had evolved over centuries, are not appropriate for the new wine that the divine bridegroom offers to all who would drink it. If Jesus is the bridegroom, we are all his bride. One of the images for the church in the New Testament is the bride of Christ. The language of bridegroom and bride to speak of the relationship between Jesus and ourselves emphasizes that love is at the heart of this relationship, faithful love, fidelity. Jesus is the faithful bridegroom; he is faithful to us, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. He looks to us to be as faithful to him as he is to us. The Year of Faith is a good time to renew our faithfulness to the Lord.

And/Or

(vii) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus uses many different images of himself in the gospels. When he spoke the parable of the sower who went out to sow his seed, Jesus was speaking of himself. He was the sower who scattered the seed of God’s word. When Jesus spoke of the shepherd who went out after the one lost sheep, he was speaking about himself. He was the shepherd who came to seek out and to save the lost. When in today’s gospel reading he speaks of the bridegroom in whose presence the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of fasting, he is speaking about himself. He is the bridegroom whose presence generates an atmosphere of celebration. In speaking of himself as the bridegroom, Jesus is drawing on one of the many images for God in the Jewish Scriptures. The prophets spoke of God as the bridegroom who remained faithful to his people even after they had repeatedly turned away from him. Jesus as the bridegroom reveals the faithful love of God. He remains faithful to us even though we are not always faithful to him. He continues to offer us the new wine that he speaks about in the gospel reading even after we have refused it, the new wine of his life-giving love. In the Eucharist we receive that new wine; we celebrate the faithful love of the bridegroom. Every Eucharist is our opportunity to renew our faithfulness to the one who is always faithful to us. We are sent from the Eucharist to give expression to our faithfulness to the Lord by our faithful love for each other.

And/Or

(viii) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

It is clear from this morning’s gospel reading that people saw a difference between the ministry of John the Baptist and the ministry of Jesus. Whereas John and his disciples were recognized as people who fasted a lot, Jesus and his disciples were not known for fasting. As a Jew, Jesus would have fasted. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving were three of the central Jewish practices that Jesus valued and lived by. Yet, the gospels suggest that sharing table was more important to Jesus than fasting. It was at table that he revealed the hospitality of God for all, especially for those who had been made to feel beyond God’s favour. Jesus proclaimed a gracious God who wanted to enter into communion with us and wanted us to enter into communion with him and with each other. There was something new about Jesus’ ministry in that sense. The God he revealed was not one who promoted laws and regulations but who called on people to care and provide for each other in response to God’s caring and providing for them. This was the ‘new wine’ that Jesus refers to in the gospel reading that was ill suited to the old wineskins that the Pharisees were so protective of, such as the elaborate regulations about fasting. The image of Jesus as the bridegroom and the image of his ministry as new wine, suggests joy and celebration; it speaks of good news. It is vital that Jesus and his message would always remain good news for us, the good news of a gracious God who is constantly at work in a life-giving way in all of our lives.

And/Or

(ix) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus seems to have thought and spoken in images a lot of the time. Instead of giving information, he offers an image which invites us to reflect and ask questions. In this morning’s gospel reading, he speaks of himself as a bridegroom. Why did he use that particular image on this occasion? The religious teachers of the time were complaining that Jesus’ disciples did not fast, as the Jewish Law prescribed. In speaking of himself as a bridegroom, Jesus was suggesting that his public ministry was a kind of a wedding feast. Wedding feasts are not occasions for fasting. Tying in with that image of the bridegroom and the wedding feast, Jesus goes on to speak of his ministry as new wine requiring new wineskins. Wine flowed freely at wedding feasts. Jesus was declaring that there was a celebratory dimension to his public ministry. He came to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour. It was like a Jubilee Year, which was traditionally a time of rejoicing when slaves were set free and debts were cancelled. In the gospel of John, John the Baptist speaks of himself as the friend of the bridegroom. We are all invited to be friends of the bridegroom. Jesus the bridegroom has called us his friends. There is a real joyful dimension to our faith; it is like a continuous wedding feast. The year of the Lord’s favour is constantly being proclaimed. We are called to rejoice in the Lord’s favour and to share this favour with others, especially with those who are out of favour today.

And/Or

(x) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel reading this morning, Jesus uses the image of a wedding feast to speak about his own ministry. Weddings are almost always very happy occasions. The couple are starting out on a new life together and everyone present is delighted to share their joy. The image Jesus uses in the gospel reading suggests that his ministry among us was a joyful time. After all he had come to preach good news, the good news of God’s loving and powerful presence in our midst, liberating us from all that diminishes us. Jesus also uses the image on new wine in that gospel reading. Wine always flows at wedding banquets. Again the image of wine suggests joyful celebration. The gospel reading reminds us that our relationship with the Lord brings us joy, not a superficial kind of joy, but that deeply rooted joy which comes from knowing that we are deeply loved by God and that God has a wonderful purpose in store for all of us. Saint Paul lists joy as one expression of the fruit of the Spirit. Even as he sat in his prison cell, he wrote to the church in Philippi, ‘Rejoice in the Lord, always, again I will say, Rejoice’. We too can rejoice in the Lord; our relationship with the Lord is the source of our joy. We have heard good news, and if we allow that good news to seep into us we can become good news for others.

And/Or

(xi) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

There is a reference to the death of Jesus in each of today’s readings. In the gospel reading, Jesus alludes to his passion and death, declaring that ‘the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them’. Jesus will be forcibly and violently taken from his closest associates. In the first reading from the letter to the Hebrews, the author seems to allude to Jesus’ distraught prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, ‘during his life on earth, he offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death’. In the gospel reading, Jesus refers to the newness of his ministry and message, relative to what was already there within the religious tradition of his time. He brings new wine which the old wineskins struggle to contain. It was the very newness of his ministry that led him to an early and violent death on a cross. The instinct of many was to protect the old wineskins and to reject the new wine. Taking a new direction can often be painful. Jesus’ renewing work continued beyond his death. As risen Lord, he continues to call on us to keep renewing our old wineskins so they can contain the new wine of the Spirit. The Lord’s body, the church, needs to be open to continuing renewal. Such work of renewal can be painful and disconcerting. It will often entail a way of the cross, as it did for Jesus. Yet, we can be assured that the Lord is with us on this difficult journey of ongoing renewal and will provide us with all the resources we need if we entrust ourselves to him.

Fr. Martin Hogan, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AO62, Ireland.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Parish Website: www.stjohnsclontarf.ie Please join us via our webcam.

Twitter: @SJtBClontarfRC.

Facebook: St John the Baptist RC Parish, Clontarf.

Tumblr: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin.

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 3 years

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19th February >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Matthew 9:14-15 for Friday after Ash Wednesday: ‘Then they will fast’.

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Gospel (Except USA)

Matthew 9:14-15

When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast

John’s disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast.’

Gospel (USA)

Matthew 9:14-15

When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast.

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

Reflections (7)

(i) Friday after Ash Wednesday

In the gospel reading, Jesus says to those who criticize his disciples for not fasting that his ministry is not the time for fasting. Why is it not the time for fasting? It is because Jesus’ short public ministry was too joyful a moment in God’s dealings with humanity. It had something of the quality of a wedding celebration. Jesus, the bridegroom, expects those who attend on him to be joyful rather than mournful. He asks, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them?’ There would come a time when the bridegroom would be taken away, when Jesus would be put to death. That would be a time of mourning, and fasting would be appropriate. However, that time of mourning would be short lived. On the third day after his crucifixion Jesus would be raised from the dead and the celebratory mood of Jesus’ public ministry would be restored. Indeed, it would be greatly enhanced, because form now on death would have no power over Jesus. It is worth reminding ourselves that even in this season of Lent we are living in the light of that first Easter. There is a place for fasting in the Christian life but it shouldn’t be of such a nature that it leaves us and others miserable. The bridegroom is very much still with us and he is constantly inviting us to the wedding feast of the Lamb. In the first reading, Isaiah reinterprets the Jewish practice of fasting as fasting from all forms of behaviour that are detrimental to others and, more positively, being proactive in regard to the full human flourishing of others. It means ‘to break unjust fetters… to let the oppressed go free… to share your bread with the hungry and shelter the homeless poor’. The practice of fasting has morphed into the Jewish practice of almsgiving, acts of justice and loving kindness that serves the wellbeing of others. Jesus would agree with Isaiah that this is the kind of fasting that is always in season and that we are all called to practice every day.

And/Or

(ii) Friday after Ash Wednesday

Both readings this morning speak of fasting, one of the traditional Lenten practices. We tend to think of fasting in relation to food. To fast is to deprive ourselves of certain foods for a period of time. In the first reading, however, Isaiah defines fasting much more broadly than that. He understands it as fasting from all those ways of relating to people that damage and oppress them and replacing such ways of relating with working for justice on behalf of those in greatest need. Isaiah seems to be saying that fasting can never be separated from that other Jewish practice that we associate with Lent, almsgiving, the sharing of our resources with others. On Ash Wednesday the gospel reading put before us the three great Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Isaiah reminds us this morning that all three stand or fall together. They are three expressions of one way of life. We cannot focus on any one to the detriment of the other two. Fasting is saying ‘no’ to something. Isaiah reminds us that such saying ‘no’ is always with a view to saying ‘yes’, a ‘yes’ that finds expression in greater service of our neighbour. Such service of others makes our prayer more acceptable to God. In the words of our first reading, ‘Cry, and the Lord will answer; call and he will say, “I am here”’.

And/Or

(iii) Friday after Ash Wednesday

In the first reading Isaiah makes a strong connection between fasting and almsgiving and working for justice. The kind of fasting that pleases God, according to Isaiah, is one finds expression in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, letting the oppressed go free. We fast so as to be freer to give ourselves in the service of others. In the gospel reading Jesus affirms the value of fasting for the period after his death and resurrection. He too linked fasting and almsgiving closely together and he linked both with prayer, as was clear from the gospel reading that we read for Ash Wednesday. Within the Christian vision, fasting or abstaining is not about losing weight. Rather it is about become free of what is not essential so as to be able to give ourselves more fully in love to God and to our neighbour. We all have something to fast from; it may not necessarily be food or drink. We all have something to let go off so that we can be more available to the Lord for his work in the world. There may be something that absorbs us too much and that blocks our relationship with God and with others, especially those who need us most. Lent is a time when we ask for the grace to fast and step away from whatever that is holding us back, and hindering us from being all that God is calling us to be.

And/Or

(iv) Friday after Ash Wednesday

Jesus’ words in the gospel reading suggest that there is a time to fast and a time not to fast. He speaks of himself as the bridegroom, suggesting that his ministry is like a joyful wedding feast, when the divine bridegroom reaches out in love through Jesus to his bride, God’s people. There is no place for fasting at a wedding feast. There is no need for the bridegroom’s attendants, his disciples, to fast. However, alluding to his forthcoming death, he declares that the bridegroom will be taken away from his attendants and that will be an appropriate time to fast. In the words of Qoheleth in the Jewish Scriptures, ‘there is a time for every matter under heaven’, and we could add to his list, ‘a time to fast and a time not to fast’. Lent has traditionally been understood as a time to fast. It is a time when we identify with Jesus on his way to Jerusalem, the city of his passion and death, the city where he was taken away from his disciples. The first reading from Isaiah reminds us that our fasting is always to be linked to one of the other traditional Lenten practices, almsgiving or service of the needy. According to that reading, our fasting is in the service of letting the oppressed go free, feeding the hungry, sheltering the hungry and clothing the naked. We die to ourselves so as to give to others. We deprive ourselves so as to become more sensitive to those who are deprived and to serve them from our resources.

And/Or

(v) Friday after Ash Wednesday

The gospels suggest that people often asked Jesus the question, ‘Why?’ In particular, the religious leaders asked him why he was doing this or that or not doing this or that. There was clearly something new and different about the ministry of Jesus which gave rise to this repeated question, ‘Why?’ In this morning’s gospel reading, it is the disciples of John the Baptist who ask the question ‘Why?’ They wonder why Jesus and his disciples do not follow the fasting practices of the disciples of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees. In the gospel reading for Ash Wednesday, Jesus affirmed the value of the key Jewish practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, provided they are not done to attract attention. In this morning’s gospel reading, he indicates that the celebratory aspect of his ministry means that fasting cannot have the same significance as it does for the disciples of the Pharisees and John the Baptist. Jesus’ ministry is more like a wedding feast than a funeral, with himself as the bridegroom and his disciples as the bride. Jesus goes on to say that this celebratory element of his ministry does not exclude fasting. However, it does give it a different tone and focus. That celebratory element of the Lord’s ministry continues today in the church. The risen Lord wants his joy to be in our lives, a joy the world cannot give. Our fasting is with a view to entering more fully into the Lord’s joy; it is in the service of deepening our loving relationship with the Lord so that the joy of his Spirit may be in our lives. As Isaiah in the first reading reminds us, and as Jesus would confirm, our fasting is also in the service of a more loving relationship with others, especially those in greatest need.

And/Or

(vi) Friday after Ash Wednesday

There are only two days of fast and abstinence in Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Yet, many people chose to fast from some form of food or drink for the season of Lent. According to the gospel reading, Jesus’ disciples were criticized by the disciples of John the Baptist for not fasting in the way they did. John the Baptist was a more austere man than Jesus. Jesus once referred to John the Baptist as one who had come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and to himself as the Son of Man who came eating and drinking. It seems that neither Jesus or his disciples were as much into fasting as John the Baptist and his disciples. There was something more celebratory about Jesus’ ministry in comparison to the ministry of John the Baptist. In the gospel reading, Jesus speaks of himself as the bridegroom and his disciples as the bridegroom’s attendants. Jesus’ life and ministry had something of the celebratory quality of a wedding, and who fasts at a wedding? Yet, Jesus also acknowledges that a time will come when fasting will be appropriate, ‘the time will come…’ Jesus is looking ahead there to the time of the church. When we fast from some food or drink, we are showing that it is not vitally important to us, that we are not dependent upon it. What really matters to us is our relationship with the Lord. We fast so as to as to grow in our relationship with the Lord. In the first reading, Isaiah links fasting to our relationship with those in greatest need. We fast so as to be freer to respond to the call of those who most need our help. Fasting is always in the service of our love of the Lord and our love of others. If fasting is a saying ‘no’ to something, it is always with a view to our making a more generous ‘yes’ to the Lord and his people.

And/Or

(vii) Friday after Ash Wednesday

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus affirms the value of the Jewish practice of fasting for his followers. ‘The time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast’, he says. Jesus is looking ahead to the time after his death and resurrection. He declares that beyond that time fasting will be appropriate for his disciples, but not during his public ministry which is equivalent to the joy of a wedding feast. In today’s first reading, Isaiah declares that fasting must be in the service of just relationships with others. He speaks of a fast that breaks unjust fetters, that leads to sharing our bread with the hungry and sheltering the homeless poor. Fasting can seem like something negative, a saying ‘no’ to something that can be good in itself, but, the prophet reminds us that this ‘no’ is always in the service of a more generous ‘yes’ to the Lord and his people, especially his most vulnerable people. We deny ourselves so that others can live more fully. We have become more aware in recent times that we need to say ‘no’ to others, to fast, so that our natural environment can also live more fully. Pope Francis reminds us of our responsibility to our environment in his wonderful encyclical ‘Laudato Sii’. We deny ourselves not only for the sake of others but for the sake of our natural environment. The Pope expresses this bond we have with all of creation very beautifully in that encyclical, ‘Everything is related, and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of his creatures, and which also unites us in fond affection with brother sun, sister moon, brother river and mother earth’.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 4 years

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16th September >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Luke 7:31-35 for Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: ‘Wisdom has been proved right by all her children’.

Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel

Luke 7:31-35

'We played the pipes, and you wouldn't dance'

Jesus said to the people:

‘What description can I find for the men of this generation? What are they like? They are like children shouting to one another while they sit in the market-place:

‘“We played the pipes for you,

and you wouldn’t dance;

we sang dirges,

and you wouldn’t cry.”

‘For John the Baptist comes, not eating bread, not drinking wine, and you say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man comes, eating and drinking, and you say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet Wisdom has been proved right by all her children.’

Gospel (USA)

Luke 7:31-35

We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.

We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Reflections (5)

(i) Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Music is something we all appreciate. We may have different tastes in music, but we are all drawn to some kind of music. In our parish reading group we once read a book entitled ‘Life after Life’. It is the prison memoirs of Paddy Armstrong, one of the four wrongly convicted for the bombings in Guilford, London, in the mid-1970s. I was struck by how in his darkest days in prison, music lifted his heart and his spirits, the music of bands like Pink Floyd. Listening through his head phones in a prison cell momentarily brought him into another world. In this morning’s gospel reading, Jesus uses the language of music to speak of his own ministry and the ministry of John the Baptist. He compares the Baptist’s ministry to children in the market place singing dirges, playing at funerals, and he compares his own ministry to children in the market place playing pipes, as at a wedding or some other celebratory event. There was a sombre character to the ministry of John the Baptist which was absent from Jesus’ ministry and there was a joyful, celebratory character to Jesus’ ministry which was absent from the Baptist’s. Jesus declares that neither the sombre music of John’s ministry or the joyful music of his own ministry moved many of his contemporaries. They dismissed John as possessed and Jesus as a glutton and drunkard. Jesus played the music of God in a way no one else has ever done. The risen Lord continues to play the music of God through the Holy Spirit today. We try to become more and more attuned to that music of the Spirit, so that its melody feeds our spirit and its rhythm shapes how we live.

And/Or

(ii) Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The gospels suggest that Jesus was very observant of day to day life around him. His powers of observation come through especially in the parables he spoke. The image of the sower sowing seed, of the wealthy man with two very different sons, of the traveller who fell among robbers, are all draw from his own experience of day to day life. Jesus was not only observant of life, but he recognized that all of life speaks to us of God’s relationship with us and of ours with God. This morning’s gospel reading suggests that Jesus was very observant of children, and of children’s play in particular. Even the play of children in the market place spoke to Jesus about how people respond to God’s call and presence. Jesus saw the children who play at being pipers for other children to dance and who play at singing dirges for other children to cry as images of his own ministry and of the ministry of John the Baptist. Jesus identifies readily with the children’s acting out of the role of the piper who invites people to dance. It is interesting to think of Jesus as a piper and of his ministry as a tune, and of ourselves as invited to dance to the tune that Jesus plays. Jesus’ life plays the music of God and we are invited to move to that music. Jesus is God’s musician, and our calling is to listen to God’s music that is played through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and to allow that music to move and shape us.

And/Or

(iii) Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus uses a very striking image in that gospel reading to describe the reaction of the people of his generation to his ministry and that of John the Baptist. They are like children who refuse to dance when other children in the playground play the pipes; they are also like children refuse to cry when other children in the playground sing dirges. Jesus identifies himself with the children who play the pipes and John with the children who sing dirges. It is striking that Jesus speaks of himself in terms of children who play pipes for other children to dance. It is interesting to think of Jesus as a piper who plays a tune that invites people to dance to it. In a sense, that is what we are about as followers of Jesus. We are people who dance to Jesus’ tune. We often use that phrase of dancing to someone’s tune in our day to day conversation. The gospel reading suggests that as followers of Jesus we are people who try to attune ourselves to his rhythm, to his music, and then, having done so, to try and move in time with his music. In other words we are to allow the music that Jesus plays by his life, death and resurrection, the song that he sings, to shape our lives. That particular image suggests that attentive and ongoing listening is very important in our relationship with the Lord, because we can only move to music that we listen attentively to, and that, in some sense, has become part of us. Mary was an attentive listener to the Lord’s word, and she, more than anyone, is the person whose life is in tune with the song, with the music, of Jesus. Her own song, the Magnificat, is very much in keeping with the song of Jesus, the message and the life of Jesus. She is our model and our inspiration as we try to live in tune with Jesus’ song.

And/Or

(iv) Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

The gospels suggest that Jesus had a wonderful relationship with children. He welcomed them when his own disciples were trying to keep them away from him. He pointed to them as the disciples’ teachers because of their openness to God’s presence. He identified with them completely, declaring that, in receiving such children, people are receiving him. This morning’s gospel reading suggests that Jesus was very observant of children’s play in the market place. The refusal of some children to join in the other children’s games reminded him of the refusal of his contemporaries to take seriously either himself or John the Baptist. If the children’s funeral games reminded Jesus of the ministry of John, their dancing games reminded him of his own ministry. It is interesting to think of Jesus as a piper who plays a tune for us to dance to. Jesus is the music of God. To follow him is to allow his music, the music of God, to enter deep into our hearts, souls and minds so that our whole lives move to its rhythm. The music played by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is not a dirge that evokes tears. It is joyous music because it proclaims the favour of God towards all. It calls forth joyful dancing, the dance of the Spirit. As followers of the Lord, we carry a joyful song in our heart, even in dark times, because we appreciate how greatly we have been graced. Our calling is to allow something of the music of God that Jesus plays to move our lives and to touch the lives of all whom we meet.

And/Or

(v) Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Music is something we all appreciate. We may have different tastes in music, but we are all drawn to some kind of music. In our parish reading group we are reading at present a book entitled ‘Life after Life’. It is the prison memoirs of Paddy Armstrong, one of the four wrongly convicted for the bombings in Guilford, London, in the mid-1970s. I was struck by how in his darkest days in prison, music lifted his heart and his spirits, the music of bands like Pink Floyd. Listening through his head phones in a prison cell momentarily brought him into another world. In this morning’s gospel reading, Jesus uses the language of music to speak of his own ministry and the ministry of John the Baptist. He compares the Baptist’s ministry to children in the market place singing dirges, playing at funerals, and he compares his own ministry to children in the market place playing pipes, as at a wedding or some other celebratory event. There was a sombre character to the ministry of John the Baptist which was absent from Jesus’ ministry and there was a joyful, celebratory character to Jesus’ ministry which was absent from the Baptist’s. Jesus declares that neither the sombre music of John’s ministry or the joyful music of his own ministry moved many of his contemporaries. They dismissed John as possessed and Jesus as a glutton and drunkard. Jesus played the music of God in a way no one else has ever done. The risen Lord continues to play the music of God through the Holy Spirit today. We try to become more and more attuned to that music of the Spirit, so that its melody feeds our spirit and its rhythm shapes how we live.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 4 years

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28th February >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Matthew 9:14-15 for Friday after Ash Wednesday: ‘The time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away’.

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Matthew 9:14-15

When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast

Gospel (USA)

Matthew 9:14-15

When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast.

Reflections (6)

(i) Friday after Ash Wednesday

And/Or

(ii) Friday after Ash Wednesday

And/Or

(iii) Friday after Ash Wednesday

And/Or

(iv) Friday after Ash Wednesday

And/Or

(v) Friday after Ash Wednesday

And/Or

(vi) Friday after Ash Wednesday

Fr. Martin Hogan, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AO62, Ireland.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Parish Website: www.stjohnsclontarf.ie Please join us via our webcam.

Twitter: @SJtBClontarfRC.

Facebook: St John the Baptist RC Parish, Clontarf.

Tumblr: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin.

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 5 years

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18th September >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Luke 7:31-35 for Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: ‘They are like children’.

Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Luke 7:31-35

'We played the pipes, and you wouldn't dance'

Jesus said to the people:

‘What description can I find for the men of this generation? What are they like? They are like children shouting to one another while they sit in the market-place:

‘“We played the pipes for you,

and you wouldn’t dance;

we sang dirges,

and you wouldn’t cry.”

Gospel (USA)

Luke 7:31-35

We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.

We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’

Reflections (4)

(i) Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

And/Or

(ii) Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

And/Or

(iii) Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Tiem

And/Or

(iv) Wednesday, Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Tiem

Fr. Martin Hogan, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AO62, Ireland.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Parish Website: www.stjohnsclontarf.ie Please join us via our webcam.

Twitter: @SJtBClontarfRC.

Facebook: St John the Baptist RC Parish, Clontarf.

Tumblr: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin.

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 5 years

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7th September >> Fr. Martin’s Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Luke 6:1-5 for Saturday, Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time: ‘The Son of Man is master of the Sabbath’.

Saturday, Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Luke 6:1-5

The Son of Man is master of the sabbath

One sabbath Jesus happened to be taking a walk through the cornfields, and his disciples were picking ears of corn, rubbing them in their hands and eating them. Some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath day?’ Jesus answered them, ‘So you have not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry how he went into the house of God, took the loaves of offering and ate them and gave them to his followers, loaves which only the priests are allowed to eat?’ And he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’

Gospel (USA)

Luke 6:1-5

Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?

While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”

Reflections (8)

(i) Saturday, Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s first reading Paul calls upon the church in Colossae not to let themselves ‘drift away from the hope promised by the Good News, which you have heard’. There is a lot of hopelessness in today’s culture. Many people struggle with a sense of despondency. Paul is reminding us that the gospel the Lord proclaimed gives us hope. Jesus has shown us by his life, death and resurrection that God is with us and for us. He has assured us that nothing need come between us and God’s love for us. He has demonstrated that God’s love is life-giving both in this earthly life and beyond it. God through Jesus wants to enter into a deeply personal relationship with us, a relationship that will endure beyond death. This good news gives us hope, even in our darkest moments. Our faith is always a hope-filled faith. As Paul says elsewhere in his letter, ‘Hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us’. The Holy Spirit is the Paraclete, our Advocate, the one who stands alongside us to defend us. The Lord stands alongside us to defend us, to strengthen us, in and through the Spirit. This is what we find Jesus doing in the gospel reading. He stands alongside and defends his disciples against the unfair criticism of the Pharisees, ‘Why are you doing something that is forbidden on the Sabbath day?’ The answer Jesus gave to them was, ‘The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath’. He is Lord of our lives, too, and his lordship is one of love. Therein lies our hope.

And/Or

(ii) Friday, Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time

Something of the imagery of the wedding feast is to be found in this morning’s gospel reading. Jesus speaks of himself as the bridegroom and he makes reference to wine as a metaphor for his ministry. He speaks not just of wine but of new wine; there is a newness to what he is saying and doing, in comparison to the teaching of the scribes, the experts in the Jewish Law. The new wine of his ministry calls for new wine skins, a new outlook, a new disposition of mind and heart, a readiness to change. Faced with the new wine of Jesus’ ministry some people were saying, to quote the gospel reading, ‘the old is good’. Jesus valued the old, such as the Scriptures of his own people; he frequently quoted the Jewish Scriptures to explain his mission. Yet, he went beyond the old too. In terms of our own faith, we need to hold on to what is of value in the old. The tradition of the church, in the broadest sense of that term, has much to teach us today. Yet, we also need to be open to the Lord’s call to move beyond the old, because the tradition of the faith is a living tradition. It takes new forms in new generations. The Spirit of the Lord will always be moving us on into new territory, and we need to keep on trying to listen to what the Spirit may be saying to the church, to each one of us as members of the church.

And/Or

(iii) Friday, Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time

In the first reading Saint Paul declares to the church in Corinth, ‘there must be no passing of premature judgement. Leave that until the Lord comes’. We can be constantly tempted to judge others negatively. We see what we consider to be failings and we make a judgement on the basis of that; we do not see the bigger picture, the strengths that may be there. In the gospel reading the Pharisees judge Jesus and his disciples negatively because they do not follow the Jewish fasting requirements. Instead of focusing on all the good that Jesus was doing, they drew attention to a perceived breach of the Jewish tradition. Saint Paul declares in that first reading that it is the Lord – only the Lord – who can reveal the secret intentions of people’s hearts. It is only the Lord who can see into the heart of another; it is only the Lord who can judge justly. We do not see clearly and, as a result, we can easily get it wrong. It is best to look to ourselves rather than to others. The gospel suggests that what we need to keep doing is to keep opening our hearts to the new wine of the Lord’s presence and word.

And/Or

(iv) Friday, Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time

The last saying of Jesus in today’s gospel reading seems to express an observation drawn from life, ‘nobody who has been drinking old wine wants new, “The old is good” he says’. Jesus was very aware that some people, especially the experts in the Jewish Law, were somewhat sceptical of his new way of doing things. Jesus was clearly a man of God and yet here he was, sharing table with some very ungodly people, tax collectors and sinners. He was celebrating when other religious people were fasting. He was ministering to people in life-giving ways on the Sabbath, when other religious people were treating it as a day of rest. In the gospel reading Jesus speaks of himself as the bridegroom and of his disciples as the wedding guests. It is a very celebratory image. All of this is very much in keeping with what Jesus had said in his opening sermon in the synagogue of Nazareth. He has come to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour, a favour that knows no boundaries. Our faith is fundamentally a joyful affair. We have something to celebrate and give thanks for. We know ourselves to be continually touched by the Lord’s favour and we want to be channels of that favour to others. The new wine of the Lord’s presence is a cause for great joy, akin to the joy of a wedding feast. What we need are wineskins that match this new wine, lives that are characterized by joyful and willing service of the Lord and of each other.

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(v) Friday, Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time

In this morning’s gospel reading, Jesus refers to himself as the bridegroom. In answering the question why his disciples do not fast, Jesus says that the bridegroom’s attendants cannot be made fast while the bridegroom is still with them. Jesus’ ministry is like the joy of a wedding feast; fasting is not appropriate but it will become appropriate when Jesus is taken away, after his death and resurrection. Our gospel reading is taken from the gospel of Luke. John’s gospel also refers to Jesus as a bridegroom. In that gospel John the Baptist refers to himself as the friend of the bridegroom who rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Like John we are all called to be friends of the bridegroom who rejoice at the bridegroom’s voice, who rejoice in the presence of the bridegroom. Later on in John’s gospel Jesus says to his disciples, ‘I no longer call you servants, I call you friends’. The bridegroom was taken away, as Jesus says in today’s gospel reading, but he was raised from the dead and is present among us until the end of time. Like John the Baptist, we are friends of the bridegroom who live in his presence and who rejoice greatly at his voice, at the many ways he speaks to us and is present to us.

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(vi) Friday, Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time

We can easily get very used to a certain way of doing things. Somebody comes along and does things differently and we can find ourselves getting a little irritated and wondering why things can’t simply be left alone. We find that kind of scenario at the beginning of this morning’s gospel reading. The Pharisees say to Jesus, ‘Why don’t you and your disciples fast and say prayers like the rest of us?’ In reply, Jesus spoke about his ministry as ‘new wine’ which is always in need of ‘new wine skins’. The Lord is always prompting us to show forth the new wine of his presence in new ways. These new ways will be in continuity with the old ways, but will move beyond them. The Lord who is always in our midst brings God’s energy to us and that energy cries out for new ways of being expressed. The Lord is always prompting us to take some new step in our relationship with him. We pray this morning for a greater openness to his promptings.

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(vii) Friday, Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus was very observant of people and of life. At the end of this morning’s gospel reading, he imagines a person who has come to appreciate wines that have matured over many years, ‘old wine’. Such a person has no interest in wines that have just recently been made. He says, ‘the old is good’. Jesus was aware that this mindset which says ‘the old is good’ can be found in areas other than that of wine drinking. He found himself up against this mindset on the part of the religious leaders of the time. There was a newness to Jesus’ teaching and behaviour which, while it excited the people, disturbed and troubled the religious experts of the day. Jesus uses the image in the gospel reading of ‘new wine’ for his ministry. This new wine simply could not be contained by the old wineskins that the religious leaders and experts were keen to preserve. There is always a newness to the Lord’s work among us. He is always prompting us to change, to be renewed, to be open to the new thing he is always doing among us. We can look for security in the old way of doing things, especially in matters of faith, but the Lord asks us to find our security in him. He asks us to entrust ourselves to his purpose for our lives, a purpose that will always keep us pilgrims, and prevent us from becoming too settled in our ways of relating to him. The author of the letter to the Hebrews puts it well when he calls upon us to ‘run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith’.

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(viii) Friday, Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time

At the end of today’s gospel reading, Jesus makes a somewhat humorous observation of human life. ‘Nobody who has been drinking old wine wants new. “The old is good”, he says’. The world of Jesus was a very traditional one. What was ancient was revered. What had stood the test of time was shown respect. The new was suspect, especially in the domain of religion. The Roman authorities dismissed Christianity initially as a new superstition. It wasn’t just one of many superstitions, religions which were not Roman, but it was even more suspect because it was new. We live in a different kind of culture, one defined more by the statement, ‘the new is good’, rather than ‘the old is good’. Innovation is more valued than tradition. Jesus speaks of his ministry in today’s gospel reading as ‘new wine’ which the old wine skins cannot contain. Yet, he did not reject his religious tradition. Indeed, he was steeped in his Jewish religious tradition. He valued and appreciated what was best in it, but he wanted to bring that tradition to completion, to fulfilment. When it comes to matters of faith, we all need to be rooted in a tradition. As followers of Jesus, we are rooted in the Christian tradition, which itself is rooted in the Jewish tradition. Yet, we also need to be open to the new ways that the Lord is working among us, the new ground he is breaking, the new paths he is asking us to take. Saint Augustine once spoke of God as ‘Beauty, ever ancient, ever new’. Our Christian tradition which seeks to express the Beauty of God revealed in Jesus is likewise both ever ancient and ever new.

Fr. Martin Hogan, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AO62, Ireland.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Parish Website: www.stjohnsclontarf.ie Please join us via our webcam.

Twitter: @SJtBClontarfRC.

Facebook: St John the Baptist RC Parish, Clontarf.

Tumblr: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin.

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frmartinshomiliesandreflections · 5 years

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21st January >> Fr. Martin's Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Mark 2:18-22 for Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time: ‘New wine, fresh skins!’.

Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia & Canada)

Mark 2:18-22

'Why do your disciples not fast?'

Gospel (USA)

Mark 2:18-22

The bridegroom is with them.

Reflections (11)

(i) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(ii) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(iii) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(iv) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(v) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(vi) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(vii) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(viii) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(ix) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(x) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

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(xi) Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time

Fr. Martin Hogan, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AO62, Ireland.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Parish Website: www.stjohnsclontarf.ie Please join us via our webcam.

Twitter: @SJtBClontarfRC.

Facebook: St John the Baptist RC Parish, Clontarf.

Tumblr: Saint John the Baptist Parish, Clontarf, Dublin.

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