#been getting lots of cod dreams as of late. I hope it stays that way since I do like dreaming about the lads and lasses a lot | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

hazel-light · 3 years

Text

Chapter Word Count: ~7,400

Total Fic Word Count: ~30,000

Genre: (Wedding) Fake Dating, Friends to Lovers, lots of bed sharing and every self indulgent fluffy trope possible.

Warnings: None? Lots of fluff? Occasional cussing? Some suggestive themes, moments, and jokes I guess. No smut or anything!

Disclaimer: I am not Daniel Sharman, and I do not pretend to know how he would act, speak, etc. This is fiction okay, there’s a lot of creative license, and potential to be OOC. Ricky isn’t mentioned because I started writing this before we knew he existed, so apologies for that. Also, if you’re DShar himself, please do us both a favor and don’t read this, okay???? Same if you know him 🙈

Title taken from the song Yellow Lights by Harry Hudson which suits this story quite a bit!

A/N: You thought I'd skip all the possibilities and tropes that come with the holidays?! Of course not. This is the final part to Yellow Lights. Thank you all for making my return to writing and posting so wonderful. I am so, so, grateful. I hope the ending lives up to your expectations. <3

The next month and a half passes by uneventfully. I try not to spend all of my time thinking about how great Rachel's wedding was, and equally try to ignore the wistful feeling Henry’s wedding left me with. Having Daniel be my fake boyfriend in front of my family showed me everything that I’d ever wanted; someone who fit in seamlessly, who loved me for me, with the perfect balance of romance and friendship. Whatever crush I had successfully buried when Daniel and I first met is now achingly hard to avoid. I curse my active imagination and optimism for letting me indulge in the moments of pretend, leaning too comfortably into our façade.

As a result, I don’t talk to Daniel much. He is busy finishing filming his project in London, and I try to focus on my life in LA. I’ve become paranoid that every text I send him is one too many, too annoying, or too bothersome. I figure I can reassess things when Daniel comes home from filming, and try to find my footing in our friendship again.

This seems like a solid plan until I’m on Zoom with my family for Thanksgiving. Since I’ve already flown back once this year for the wedding, and I’m planning to fly back again next month for Christmas, staying put for Thanksgiving was the economical choice. The call is mostly uneventful until the subject of Daniel comes up.

“Where’s that boy?” Aunt Judith crows from her spot at the dining table.

“Hmm?” I ask.

“She means Daniel.” Ryan rolls his eyes, bringing the iPad closer to her.

“Oh! Right.” I try to recover. “He’s still away filming his new project, actually, but I was able to fly out to see him at the end of September for another wedding, actually.”

Aunt Judith frowns. “That’s a long time to not see someone that handsome—” I start to laugh, “Are you sure he’s not cheating on you?”

Oh shit. It’s in this moment that I realize Daniel and I had never “broken up” as far as my family knows. I hear the rest of my family start sputtering in the background.

“Aunt Judith— you can’t just—”

“That’s awful, I—”

“It is kind of a long time, huh?—”

I try to keep a straight face. “Guys! It’s okay. He’s an actor, it comes with the territory. I expected this.”

“So you aren’t sure that he’s not cheating on you?” Ryan frowns.

“That isn’t what I meant, Ry. Daniel and I are fine. We’re really good, actually.”

“Well I certainly hope you’ll be bringing him home for Christmas then.” Aunt Judith huffs.

“It would be nice to see him,” Rachel speaks up for the first time, and her husband Nick nods. “I didn’t get to talk to him a whole lot at the wedding.”

I clear my throat, my mind racing. “You know, we haven’t actually talked about what we’re doing for Christmas yet; I’ll have to see what he’s doing— if he’s going to spend it with his family.”

“But you’re still coming home,” Ryan states.

“Yes, I am still coming home, no matter what.”

Ryan and Rachel’s mom, my auntie Kim speaks up. “I think it’s pretty common for a boyfriend to defer to his girlfriend’s family for the holidays. I mean, Ryan splits the day with Katharine of course, but Nick always came here with Rachel.”

“I hear you, Auntie Kim, but Daniel never gets to see his family so I’m not sure— all I’m saying is I’m not sure. He may very well come, and I will let you all know as soon as I know.” I smile tersely.

“Well hurry up, and find out,” Auntie Kim chastises. “Christmas is only a month away.”

When I hang up with them, it’s 7pm and I’m feeling antsy. How could I have forgotten that my entire family still thought Daniel and I were together? I’m not sure how to get out of this one. Tired of panicking alone in my head, I pick up my phone and dial Daniel before I can talk myself out of it. It rings and rings, and my anxiety that he won’t answer grows with each tone.

Eventually I hear rustling on the other line.

“Lauren?” Daniel’s voice crackles through the phone.

“Hi.”

“Are you alright?”

“What? Uh— yeah, I just needed to talk to you about something—” I glance at the time on my phone. “Oh god, no. What time is it there? I’m so sorry— I didn’t even stop to think about the time difference, I—”

I hear him suppress a yawn. “Lauren. It must be pretty important if you’re calling me AND rambling like this.”

“No, no, it can wait, I’m sorry— uh, go back to bed. I’m sorry I woke you up.”

“Lauren,” he stops me softly and firmly. “Stop apologizing. What’s going on?”

I sit quietly, feeling like an absolute idiot.

“Lauren, come on. You can tell me.”

“I— we… we never broke up?”

He laughs. “Sorry, what?”

“We never broke up.”

“Am I still asleep, is this a dream?”

“My family still thinks we’re together and they asked me if you’re coming home for Christmas.”

We’re both quiet for a moment.

“Oh.” is all he says.

“I talked to them for Thanksgiving, and they were asking about you. I realized too late that they thought we were still together— because I never told them we broke up. I didn’t think it through this far.”

“Right, I didn’t either.”

My phone starts ringing, telling me Daniel’s trying to FaceTime me.

I accept, and I’m faced with a dark screen.

“Why are we FaceTiming?”

I hear a lamp click on and suddenly Daniel’s face is illuminated as he lays in bed, lines from his pillow still on his face.

“Figured we should at least be able to see each other if you’re going to break up with me in the middle of the night,” he teases.

I shake my head. “Not funny, this is serious, D.”

“I know, I know.”

“If I break up with you, they’re going to yell at me and tell me I’m a stupid idiot.”

Daniel laughs.

“And if you break up with me they’re going to hate you, which means they’ll hate that we managed to ‘stay friends.’ And if it’s mutual…..” I shake my head, thinking. “They’ll think we were lying.”

“Which we were.”

I sigh, “Which we were.”

“So,” Daniel pulls his blanket up higher. “What are our options here?”

“I don’t know, that’s why I called you.”

I watch him stare off into space and reminisce about when I got to see this sleepy Daniel firsthand in Cape Cod.

“I could come for Christmas…” he trails off and I frown.

“That seems like asking a lot. You’ve already given up a lot of your free time this year for me.”

He shrugs into his pillow. “Do you not want me to come for Christmas?”

I pause. “I mean, that isn’t really the issue here. You have to be tired of being in love with me by now.”

He laughs loudly — a stark contrast to the quiet of his room. “Yes, being in love with you is very exhausting.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“I’m kidding. Being in love with you is not exhausting. At all.”

I roll my eyes and say nothing. “I don’t think I can bear to break your family’s hearts at Christmas of all times.”

“Man of the year.” I drawl. “What are you supposed to be doing for Christmas? Going home?”

“No, usually I travel somewhere, but I hadn't decided yet.”

I hum in response.

“Kind of leaning towards traveling to Massachusetts now, if I’m honest.”

I look at him incredulously, only to see a playful grin on his face, but I know he’s serious.

“I’m not going to stop you if you really want to come. But I—” I swallow. “Eventually we’re going to need to plan for whatever happens after Christmas.”

He nods. “I know, we will. Let’s just enjoy Christmas together, first.”

I smile. “Okay. We can enjoy it. Together.”

He clears his throat. “I hope I’m not too rusty at this boyfriend performance, it’s been a few months.”

“Daniel Sharman has performance issues… I hope that doesn’t get out to the press.”

His eyes flash. “Bold, for you.”

I shrug. “You walked into that one, baby.”

“Well, you’re lucky you’re cute, darling.”

We look at each other for a moment, and I hope my eyes don’t give away how fond I am for this man who is willing to commit to fake-loving me, and putting up with my family, and who is setting the bar way too high for any actual real relationship I could hope for.

So much for reburying my feelings.

I break eye contact first. “I’ll let you get back to sleep. Sorry again for waking you up.”

“Do Not Disturb doesn’t apply to you, Lauren. Call any time.”

I smile softly. “Sweet dreams, I’ll text you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight.”

—-

I’m standing in the Boston Logan airport waiting for international arrivals; specifically Daniel’s flight from London. According to the board, his flight landed 15 minutes ago, so he should be coming to the lobby any time now. I bounce on my feet, simultaneously eager and nervous to see Daniel for the first time since parting ways after Henry and Claire’s wedding.

Eventually I see the hat and sunglasses I recognize from a selfie he sent me earlier, and I can feel my heart race. I begin walking towards him, and feel my pace quicken as I get closer. Eventually he sees me too and he’s grinning at me with his signature toothy smile that I missed so much.

When we come into contact I don’t know what the appropriate response is, so I simply grin up at him.

“Hi,” I breathe.

“Hi,” he smiles back, and before I know it he’s closer than he was before and he’s ducking down to kiss me.

It surprises me but I respond quickly, leaning up to meet him.

When it’s over he pulls back just enough to nuzzle his nose with mine.

“Missed you,” he says softly.

“Missed you most.” I smile.

He stands up straight, adjusting his backpack on his shoulder, threading his other hand through mine.

I can’t see his eyes, but I assume he must be looking around when he speaks.

“Oh, are you by yourself?”

The question catches me off guard.

“Yeah— well, Ryan’s in the car, circling so he wouldn’t have to pay for parking,” I roll my eyes.

He nods, “Sorry, then—“ he makes an inconclusive gesture. “Suppose I didn’t need to kiss you quite yet.”

My stomach drops and I smile tightly, “That’s okay— better safe than sorry. I get it.”

He tugs on my hand pulling me into a hug.

“I did miss you, though.”

“And I still missed you most.” I tease.

Daniel shakes his head, but doesn’t argue, pulling back from me and reaching for his suitcase with his freehand.

“Let’s get this show on the road.”

—-

I bring Daniel upstairs to show him around, and so he can put his suitcase in my room.

“Welcome to my childhood bedroom,” I announce, opening the door and leading Daniel inside.

“Wow, where little Lauren grew up,” Daniel teases looking around. When I first arrived home yesterday, I was quick to tidy up, and hide anything that was too embarrassing, but my room is more or less the exact same as I had left it when I was 18 and moving to college.

I nod. “Yes, many secrets to my backstory can be discovered in here.”

Daniel laughs.

Ryan appears in my doorway leaning against the doorframe.

“Just so you know, Daniel, my bedroom is on the other side of this wall,” he nods to his right. “I can hear everything that happens in here. The walls are thin.”

I frown, blushing, “Ew, Ryan.”

Daniel just laughs and smirks, “Got it, bro.”

I look at him incredulously, “Don’t encourage him.”

The two share a look and shrug, seemingly equally enjoying my discomfort.

“Dinner’s ready!” Auntie Kim calls up to us.

I use that as my cue, brushing past both of them to go downstairs, leaving their laughter behind me.

—-

After Christmas Eve dinner, Katharine stops by and the four of us decide to watch the classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I’m the last to arrive in the living room, and when I enter I immediately notice that Ryan is cuddled up with Katharine, and sprawled out over the entire couch, leaving Daniel sitting in the only other seat— the armchair.

I narrow my eyes at them, “Are you guys for real?”

Ryan looks at us and hums innocently, “What?”

“You took the entire couch.”

I see Katharine bite her lip in amusement, as Ryan shrugs.

“I assumed you guys would cuddle anyway. Can you not share the armchair?”

Daniel intervenes, “Of course we can. C’mon Laur.”

He pats his lap. I hesitate briefly before nestling into his lap, tucking my head into his neck.

“Am I crushing you?” I whisper.

“Not at all, you’re keeping me warm.”

I huff a laugh as he puts the blanket over us and Ryan starts the movie. The steady rise and fall of his chest brings me a sense of peace and I have to try not to fall asleep, especially when his fingers gently caress my arm and my leg where he’s holding me to him. I exhale, turning further into his neck and nuzzling into him.

“Tickles,” he breathes, just shy of a whisper.

“You smell good,” I tell him, letting my eyes close.

His chuckle reverberates through his body. “Thanks, darling.”

I feel my eyes shut and sleep take over. I start to come to when I hear the ending song come on, and it drifts into whatever dream I’m having.

“She asleep?” I hear Ryan ask.

“Think so,” Daniel answers.

“You need help waking her up?”

“No, I’ve got it, thanks though. Nice seeing you, Katharine.”

I hear footsteps retreat and feel a series of kisses pressed to my shoulder, as Daniel’s long fingers brush hair away from my face.

“Time to wake up, pretty girl. You can go back to sleep once we’re in your bed.”

I shake my head no, clinging to him tighter.

“Like this bed.” I murmur drowsily.

He laughs softly. “Promise we can cuddle there too.”

“Promise?” I ask, peeking one eye open.

“I promise,” he confirms, pressing one more kiss to my shoulder.

I lift my head to look at him, rubbing my eyes.

“There she is,” he smiles gently at me.

I smile back sleepily, the words coming out before I fully think them through.

“Wanna know a secret?”

“Tell me.”

I swallow, letting my gaze flicker down to his mouth for just a moment. “I like cuddling with you.”

“You do, huh?”

I nod.

“Well the feeling’s mutual. Let’s go upstairs and brush our teeth so we can cuddle more in your bed.”

“Okay,” I relent, getting off of him. He stands up after me and I instinctively lace my fingers with his, leading us back upstairs. When we’re brushed and changed, we settle ourselves in bed and I claim my spot tucked into his neck again.

“Sweet dreams,” he says, kissing the top of my head. I echo the sentiment and gently kiss the spot on his neck I’m closest to. His arms tighten around me and I’m falling asleep again.

—-

For once, I wake up before Daniel. He looks peaceful as he sleeps on his stomach, his arm across my waist, face half smushed into the pillow. I turn my head to look at the clock to see it’s about 9:30 and know the others will be waking up soon. I turn back to Daniel and card my fingers gently through his hair. Eventually his breathing changes and his eyes flutter open, still clouded with sleep.

“Merry Christmas,” I whisper, our faces just inches apart.

He pulls himself closer to me, nuzzling into my side and closing his eyes again. “Merry Christmas.”

It’s quiet for a moment before he speaks again, voice raspy with sleep. “Is everyone else awake?”

“No, I don’t think so. I haven’t heard anyone up and around… they might be soon. Usually we kind of wander downstairs around 10, and it’s just past 9:30.”

He hums in response.

“You can go back to sleep for a little while if you want,” I offer, still running my fingers through his hair. “I’ll wake you when it’s time to go downstairs.”

I start to think he’s drifted off to sleep again when he opens his eyes and looks at me. “No, I can get up. I want to give you your present.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “I told you not to get me anything; you coming here like this with me— twice— is more than enough.”

He rolls his eyes, detaching himself from me and rolling out of bed. “And look like the asshole who didn’t get his girlfriend anything for Christmas? Not a chance.”

I sit up. “We could’ve lied about it—”

“Lauren,” Daniel looks back at me exasperatedly, leaning over his suitcase. “It’s Christmas. Please just open your present.”

He pulls out a neatly wrapped, thin rectangle and places it in my lap, sitting next to me on the bed.

“Merry Christmas, Laur.”

I carefully unwrap the package to reveal a framed art print, with a circle of stars in the middle; underneath it says “The Night Everything Changed” with the coordinates of what I assume to be Los Angeles. I look up to him with soft eyes, and he gives a one shouldered shrug.

“Saw an ad for this online— where you can get the night sky documented of any night you want, anywhere you want. I thought it would be nice to commemorate this past year, for us…” he trails off, and I hug the frame to my chest.

“Daniel, I love it— Really, really love it. It’s so thoughtful.” I reach out and thread our fingers together. “I’m going to hang this in my room. I want it somewhere I see every day.”

He smiles and squeezes my hand. “I’m glad you like it. I actually wanted to talk to you about something— in relation to this. I—”

We’re interrupted by a light knocking on the door, and we both turn.

“Are you guys awake?” Ryan’s voice calls.

“Yeah, we’ll be out in a sec!” I answer.

I turn back to Daniel who squeezes my hand and moves to get up, but I pull him back.

“They can wait; this is special. I want to hear what you have to say.” I smile at him warmly, but he shakes his head, lifting the back of my hand to kiss it.

“It’s alright, I’d rather wait and tell you when we have more time to talk.”

I frown. “Promise me you won’t forget?”

He laughs. “Trust me, I won’t forget.”

He moves to stand, pulling me up with him to go downstairs, but I stop him, wrapping my arms around him tightly.

“Thank you, D. It means a lot to me.”

He returns my embrace, placing a kiss to the top of my head.

When we pull apart, I take his hand again. “Time for Christmas. Your present is under the tree, by the way.”

Daniel laughs. “A present double-standard.”

I shake my head and lead him out of the room.

—-

I think we’re done with presents when Ryan surprises me, coming over to Daniel and I on the loveseat.

“This is for both of you, kind of.” He hands me a thin, narrow gift.

Daniel looks up, surprised. “Thanks, man. That was thoughtful of you.”

He looks at me, silently asking, did you know about this?, and I shake my head no.

I unwrap the package to find a small frame, with a one hundred dollar bill matted in the middle. I look at Ryan and furrow my eyebrows.

“It's the hundred bucks I said I’d give you if you brought a real date to Rachel’s wedding. Seeing as the same guy is here for Christmas I figured you earned it. Thought I’d frame it— but you can take it out and spend it on a date or something, I don’t care.”

Auntie Kim squints. “Sorry, you told her what?”

I roll my eyes and try to avoid the way my stomach sinks at the reminder of how this all started.

I feel Daniel’s hand on my knee. “Clever, Ryan.”

I look over at him to see him flashing his polite interview smile, and I instantly know he knows exactly what I’m feeling.

Auntie Kim stands and stretches. “I don’t get it, but I’m going to go start breakfast. Your sister and Nick are picking up Judith soon and then they’re coming over. Katharine isn’t coming until dinner, right, Ryan?”

As Ryan confirms, she walks out of the room. Ryan turns back to us. “Mind if I shower first?”

I shake my head no, still lost in my thoughts, and I hear Daniel tell him to go ahead.

We’re left alone and I feel Daniel’s thumb brushing my knee.

“Thank you for my presents.”

“You’re welcome— I’m glad you like them; they don’t beat your present for me though.”

He rolls his eyes and we sit for a moment, the framed hundred dollar bill still in my hands.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I look at him and shake my head. “I don’t know. Just an odd reminder of how this started, and that it’s going to have to end soon, I guess.”

Daniel frowns. “We haven’t really gotten to talk about that. Why don’t we table that for later— we still have a nice day ahead of us. Those are problems for tomorrow.”

I nod and smile at him, and he pulls me in to kiss my temple, and I hear the click of an iPhone camera. I look up to see Auntie Kim in the doorway.

“Sorry, I just wanted to tell you that the coffee’s on. It was too cute not to capture.”

Daniel stands up, offering me his hand. “Make sure you send me a copy. I’ll have to add it to my collection.”

I chuckle as I stand. “Let me guess; the album is called ‘Cute and Shit.’”

He grins. “How’d you know?”

—-

Christmas flies by. It’s filled with good food, wine, and everyone I love. It’s hours after dinner, and Auntie Kim has already driven Aunt Judith home before going to bed herself.

Ryan, Katharine, Daniel, and I are all still seated around the dining room table playing some kind of team card game, and everyone’s faces are red from laughter and wine.

I can’t help but watch Daniel, who is in some kind of hilarious argument with Ryan over some card he pulled. His eyes shine from the light of the chandelier, and his smile is big and bright, taking over his whole face.

It hits me in this moment that I’ve surpassed unlabeled romantic feelings; I am truly in love with this man. The realization consumes me until Katharine knocks her shoulder into mine giggling.

“Can you believe we love these idiots?”

“Sometimes it’s a hard pill to swallow,” I tease, giggling, catching Daniel’s eye mid-argument. He winks at me and I feel my already red cheeks flush even deeper.

“You two are so cute,” Katharine continues, watching our interaction. She lowers her voice, whispering to me behind her wine glass. “I was kind of worried that when you got a boyfriend he wouldn’t mesh well with our dynamic, ya know? But it kind of feels like Daniel’s always been here.”

Her words vocalize the thoughts that have been ringing in my head all day. “I know what you mean.”

Katharine dramatically clears her throat. “Are you two done? Is it our turn yet?”

—-

We part ways from Ryan and Katharine in the hallway, giggling and shushing each other in the wee hours of the morning. I shut my door behind me and waggle my eyebrows at Daniel.

“Uh oh, there’s trouble,” he teases. “Planning to seduce me?”

I shrug exaggeratedly and he laughs before looking around. “Fuck, where are my sweatpants?”

I giggle. “They’re literally right behind you on the chair.”

“Oh, thanks.” He grabs them before looking at me. “Can I change in here tonight?”

I flush. “Yeah, sure.”

After sharing a room together all this time, this is the first time we’ve changed in front of each other and the thought makes my skin tingle. I make my way over to my dresser, pulling out my own sleep shorts and t-shirt. I wiggle out of my pants and pull on my shorts, glancing over my shoulder to see Daniel, shirtless, adjusting his sweatpants on his hips. My throat runs dry, and I turn around to pull my own shirt over my head, reaching behind me to unclip my bra once it’s on. I bundle my discarded clothes in my hand, walking over to toss them in the hamper. I turn around to find Daniel already looking at me. He’s still shirtless and my eyes drift to his defined chest. He looks down as if noticing for the first time.

“It’s really, uh, hot in here.” He speaks again. “Would it bother you if I slept shirtless?”

I shake my head, mentally screaming. “No, it is warm,” I agree, reaching up to put my hair in a bun on top of my head.

He watches me intently, and I laugh self consciously. “What?”

“Nothing. Just thinking about how this was the best Christmas I’ve had in a while.”

My face lights up. “Really?”

“Yeah.” I see his grin quirk up, and know something else is coming. “I’d say it was almost perfect.”

“Oh?” I question, finishing my bun. “Go on.”

“We fit in a lot of classic traditions today, but we missed one that I’m quite fond of.”

I look at him, trying to think of what it could be, as he takes a step closer to me.

“There wasn’t any mistletoe.”

I swallow. “There wasn’t.” I pause, my mind racing. Before I can fully think it through I find myself offering, “But we could pretend?”

“Hmm?” He murmurs, taking a step closer to me so he’s right in front of me now. I know he’s giving me a chance to take it back, or make a joke; I’m nervous, but I don’t want to take it back. I just really want to kiss him.

“I’d really like it if you had a perfect Christmas.”

“And you?” He questions softly. “What would make it a perfect Christmas for you?”

Instead of answering him, I reach up on my tiptoes to kiss him for a moment, pulling back to look him in the eyes. His eyes meet mine in some unspoken understanding, and then he’s dipping down to kiss me again.

He kisses me softly, delicately, like all the kisses at the wedding. He pulls back briefly to look at me, as if he still expects me to change my mind. I kiss him again, wanting there to be no doubt in his mind, and he kisses me back with purpose and passion, and I’m caught off guard by the weight of it. I gasp, and Daniel uses this opportunity to deepen the kiss, pulling me closer. It reminds me of our very first kiss back on his couch. My arms move around his neck, pulling our bodies flush together.

Daniel pulls away first, but barely, breathing hard, kissing down from my jaw to my neck.

This is definitely new territory for us.

I move my hands to his hair, and he groans at the feeling. I can’t help myself as I sigh breathlessly, a shiver running down my back. He grins against my neck, his teeth scraping at my skin and I moan softly.

“Wait,” I say breathlessly, a thought somehow flitting through my mind. “Earlier, didn’t you say there was something else I should know about my present?”

“I can tell you tomorrow,” he murmurs into my neck between kisses. “It’s time for bed.” He tugs me down onto the bed so I’m underneath him, resuming his kisses on my neck.

“This doesn't seem like going to sleep to me,” I tease.

“It is, shhhh, you’re dreaming.”

“That I’d believe,” I laugh, and Daniel smirks, moving so we're eye to eye again.

“Dream about me often?”

“Shhh.” I pull him closer, turning his words back on him. “You’re dreaming, go back to bed.”

“Happily,” he murmurs, kissing me again.

I bring my hands down to his bare shoulders, feeling his warm, toned skin against my fingertips. I gently drag my nails down his chest to his stomach, and I feel his muscles clench at my touch. I can’t help but smirk to myself as he pulls away to rest his forehead on my shoulder, letting out a shuddering breath. I bring my nails around his back, tracing up his taut muscles and across his shoulder blades.

I feel one of his hands come down, pushing my shirt up, his mouth pressing hot kisses to my abdomen. His nose takes over pushing my shirt up, exploring every new inch revealed with his mouth, his hand now running over my thigh, fingers squeezing occasionally, slowly climbing higher. As his hand reaches the bottom of my shorts, he lightly tugs at the fabric. He pauses, his blue eyes tentatively peering up at me.

“Can I…?” He looks nervous, like I’ll reject him. As if I have ever rejected him, or could ever manage to deny him. I’m not even entirely sure what he’s asking but I find myself nodding quickly. As he goes to tug my shorts down we hear a bang on the wall we share with Ryan followed by a crash, a “Shhhh” and a “Shit.”

We both startle and look over toward the wall, before looking back at each other and laughing softly.

“Ugh, I don’t want to know,” I say, shaking my head.

“You probably, definitely don’t.” He smiles at me before pulling his hand off my shorts, and my shirt back down, letting his fingers trace along the waistband of my shorts before he clears his throat. “We should, uh, get some sleep.”

I blink at the abrupt change in mood before nodding awkwardly. “Okay, sure.”

He rolls off of me, and I reach over to shut the lamp off. I’m hesitant to cuddle up to him, unsure if what just happened changed something between us, but I’m relieved when I feel his arm wrap around me the way it always does. Neither of us say anything, and I try not to think about the last few minutes, the firmness of his body behind mine, or the way my body’s buzzing— closing my eyes to try and get some rest.

—-

The next two days with my family go pretty much the same way as Christmas did. Daniel gets on swimmingly with everyone, and my heart aches every time I realize that once the holidays are over, our charade is going to come to an end—a permanent end— this time. I try to ignore that thought and enjoy my time, basking in the coupley moments in front of my family, and leaning into every touch we share.

I never get a chance to ask about my Christmas present; the time never feels right, and Daniel doesn’t bring it up either. Nothing happens between us like Christmas night; when bedtime rolls around we change in the bathroom and go straight to bed. We cuddle, but there’s no after-dark kisses or wandering hands. I wonder if Daniel feels as self-conscious about that night as I do; if he does, he doesn’t show it.

—-

We’re in my room packing to go back to LA in an effort to try to beat the inevitable New Year’s rush at the airport.

“I need to find something to wrap this in so it doesn’t break in my luggage,” I frown, holding up Daniel’s present. “It’s my new prized possession— nothing can happen to it.”

Daniel looks over and laughs. “Want me to wrap it in my sweatpants? That's what I did on the way here.”

“Okay, thank you.” I pad across the floor and pass him the frame, our fingers brushing in the process.

“Of course.” His lips quirk up as he carefully arranges the frame in his suitcase.

A moment passes, and I wonder if now is a good time to ask about my present .

“Hey, I’ve been wanting to ask—“

“Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you—“

We both stop mid-sentence and Daniel laughs, “Sorry what were you saying?”

I shake my head, courage gone. “No— sorry, go ahead.”

He looks at me curiously but continues, “Henry texted me; he and Claire invited us to their New Year’s Eve party. They’re having it in LA this year.”

I quirk an eyebrow. “Us? They want me to go?”

He shrugs. “Yeah, Claire apparently requested your presence specifically.”

“Oh, that’s nice of her. I usually stay in for New Year’s.”

“It could be fun— if you aren’t sick of me yet,” Daniel teases.

“Ha!" I laugh, "If you aren’t sick of me yet, more like.” I shake my head. “And don’t mind sharing your friends with me.”

“They’re basically your friends now, too,” he argues.

“I’m not sure one wedding constitutes that, but I appreciate the sentiment.”

“You should come.”

I stop and look at him.

“I’ll call a car and pick you up on the way.”

When I hesitate, he softens his voice. “Please come.”

I swallow, “Okay.”

I’m not a big party person, but I also know I don’t have it in my heart to deny him, especially after everything he’s done for me.

He grins. “Really?”

I nod. “Yeah, I’ll go.”

“Cool, I’ll, uh, let them know we’re coming.”

I bite my lip to suppress my smile and start planning my outfit in my head.

—-

When we arrive at Claire and Henry’s house on New Year’s Eve, I try not to gawk at the size. It’s massive and sits high on one of the tallest hills in LA, away from the noise of the city.

The first person to spot us as we walk in is, unfortunately, Eleanor. I’d hoped she was in London, and away from us, but alas.

“Daniel!” she squeals, throwing her arms around him. “I was so hoping you’d be here.”

“Hi, El,” he placates her with a strained smile. “You remember Lauren?” He gestures back to me.

“Laura?” she asks, disinterested.

“Lauren,” I correct, forcing myself to smile. “Nice to see you again.”

“Eleanor,” Daniel intervenes. “Could you point us in the direction of Henry and Claire, perhaps?”

She frowns, but quickly covers it up. “They were in the kitchen last I checked— we have just got to catch up later.”

“We will!” He agrees graciously. “Let us get a drink, and I’m sure we'll have plenty of time to talk later.”

Daniel puts a hand on my back, guiding me forward and into another room, which turns out to be the kitchen. He’s immediately drawn into a series of bro hugs and handshakes by Henry and some of his other friends.

“Lauren! I’m so glad you came!” I turn to find Claire by a table of beverages.

“Claire! So nice to see you, thank you for inviting me.”

“Thank you for coming,” she says, pulling me into a quick hug. “I told Daniel he just had to bring you.”

I laugh. “He told me you were quite persistent— I usually have a low key New Year’s at home, but this is a fun change of pace.”

“Can I get you a drink?” She asks, already reaching for a bottle of champagne.

“Sure, thank you.” I catch Daniel’s eye across the room; he’s being clapped on the back and led out of the kitchen. I smile reassuringly, hoping to communicate that I’m fine here. He seems to understand, as he smiles back and nods before turning back to his friends.

Claire giggles, bringing my attention back to her.

“You look at him with such heart eyes, it’s cute.”

I try to keep my face from panicking. “Sorry?” She laughs like my reaction is the funniest thing in the world. “Oh don’t worry, he looks at you just the same, so you’re fine.”

I chuckle nervously. “I think maybe you’ve got the wrong impression—”

She shrugs like we’re talking about something commonplace, like the weather.

“Maybe, it’s possible... but I don’t think so. Now come! There’s some other girls I’d love for you to meet.”

—-

I spend a good portion of the night talking with Claire and her friends. They’re all very kind to me, but eventually I excuse myself to get some air out on the balcony.

I’m looking up at the sky — it’s dark, dotted with faint stars and a distant passing plane — when I hear somebody come out and join me. As they settle next to me against the railing I immediately know who it is just by how comfortable I feel.

“Whatcha doin out here, LaurLaur? The New Year’s only a few minutes away.”

I grin at him. “Just getting some air and admiring the stars. From up here you can actually see them.”

He hums, looking up with me.

“It reminds me of a certain piece of art a certain someone got me for Christmas.”

He chuckles. “I’m glad you like it so much.”

“It was very thoughtful…. I wonder if any of the stars are in the same places as they were that night.”

“Which night?”

“The night everything changed. Your birthday.”

Daniel leans against the railing facing me, and looks like he’s about to say something before he changes his mind.

Eventually he speaks again. “Things are going to change again soon, right? You said you’re sure about the break up?”

I swallow, scoffing my shoe against the balcony floor.

“I mean, we still need to figure it out, but you can’t keep fake dating me forever. That isn’t fair to you.”

He smiles wistfully. “It’s not like there was anyone else I was trying to date.”

“I’m a lucky girl,” I lament, and Daniel blushes and shakes his head. “It’s a real shame we’re over, though," I jest, trying to lighten the mood. "I’ve never gotten to kiss anyone at midnight.”

His eyebrows raise in surprise. “Never?”

“Nope,” I pop the p and look down at my feet.

“Well.” He clears his throat conspiratorially. “We can agree not to bring our fake relationship into the New Year if you want, but if the kiss starts before midnight, I think we’d get by on a technicality...”

I laugh. “You really want Eleanor to hate me, don’t you?”

He grins cheekily and shakes his head. “Nah, I think I saw her latched onto some other poor bugger inside. We’re in the clear.”

I roll my eyes, looking back up at the sky. I feel his finger trace my arm, gently using my elbow to turn my attention back towards him.

His voice is softer now, “It’s up to you, but there’s no one else I’d rather kiss at midnight.”

I look into his eyes and realize he’s being sincere. My heart’s beating out of my chest. Yes, I want to kiss him, but I want it to mean something. I keep giving in because I know one day this is all going to go away, and I’ll be left with just my memories and heartache.

He must see some hesitance in my eyes, because he’s taking a step back.

“If you don’t want to, it’s fine. Really.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “Not trying to pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do.”

I shake my head. “It’s not that I don’t want to, I just…” I trail off, looking over the balcony, trying to swallow my feelings, which have manifested as anxious tears in my eyes. I feel a tear escape, and I hastily reach up to wipe it away.

“Hey,” Daniel says gently. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t.” I let out a watery laugh. “Sorry, I don’t know why I’m…”

I feel his steady stare, and I come to terms with the fact that I’ve really gotten myself into a mess that I can’t just smooth over. I’m going to have to tell him.

I take a minute to compose myself, and Daniel stays quiet giving me time to put my words together as I look anywhere but at him.

“I do want to kiss you, D,” I start slowly, trying to keep my voice steady, “but I can’t if it’s just another part of our fake relationship.”

He tugs me closer by hand, gently, so I have no choice but to look at him. I swallow the lump in my throat. “I… know this wasn’t supposed to be real. But it has been, for me.”

He shakes his head and squeezes my hand. “So then stop trying to break up with me.”

I blink at him, and he continues.

“The night everything changed— your star map— I wasn’t referencing the story we told your family about my birthday.” Daniel looks at me long and hard like I’m missing something totally obvious. “It’s actually the stars from a night a month or so later.”

A month or two— Oh. OH.

“The night Ryan FaceTimed me?” I whisper, afraid to be wrong.

He takes my other hand in his, lacing our fingers together. “Listen— Fuck. I’m in love with you, Lauren.” He looks at me so intensely and my head is spinning. “I love you, and I’m in love with you.”

“What?” I ask dumbly.

He licks his lips. “A wise woman once said to me, you don’t confess to ‘kind of like someone’ when you’ve already been friends as long as we have.”

I stare at him for a second, my cheeks burning. “Well your friend sounds pretty smart.” I swallow. “Because I love you, too.”

He laughs, relief flooding his features. He pulls me to his chest, crushing me and squeezing the air out of my lungs. Eventually he pulls back, hands cupping my face.

He grins and shakes his head. “She is smart, so, so smart, but I don’t want to be her friend anymore.”

“What do you mean?” My brows furrow in confusion, worried that somehow I’ve misread this whole interaction, my relief quickly being replaced by panic.

“Well.” He steps forward, keeping our faces incredibly close. “I’m hoping she agrees to be my very real girlfriend— that is, if she doesn’t break up with me first.”

I hear everyone inside start the countdown to midnight. I’m still looking into Daniel’s eyes in disbelief, my hands clinging to the front of his shirt.

When the countdown hits one, I’ve finally found the words I want to say.

“Happy New Year, boyfriend.”

He’s grinning as he kisses me, and I am too. It’s not our most elegant kiss, a mess of teeth and giggles, and whispered “I love you”s. We never stray too far from each other’s lips, kissing again and again like we can’t get enough— and maybe we can’t.

Eventually, we calm down a bit, and when we kiss this time it’s all-consuming, sucking the air out of my lungs. It feels like my love is fizzling to the top of my skin, and I feel it. ‘It’ being every indescribable emotion in our kisses this past year, but this time I know what it is: true, unadulterated, uninhibited love. I am in love with my best friend, who is now my boyfriend, and I don’t care who knows it— as long as he does.

His fingers press bruisingly into my hips before he pulls back just enough to look at me.

“Can we go home?” He whispers sheepishly, brushing some hair out of my face tenderly. “I’m kind of tired of sharing you with the public.”

I huff a laugh. “I know exactly what you mean.” I lean forward to kiss him one last time before pulling back to lace our fingers together, squeezing tightly. “Please— take me home, D.”

I don’t have to tell him twice.

---

tagged: @rogershoe @heyrowena @yunsh-17 @trenko-heart @dylxnshxrmxn

#THE END!!!!#can you believe it?!#daniel sharman fluff #daniel sharman x oc #daniel sharman fanfiction #daniel sharman fanfic #daniel sharman fic #daniel sharman imagine #yellow lights

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prismadog · 3 years

Text

Found Family AU character facts (part 3)

apparently, I can't just leave this at one or two, I have to do more than is required for this au - such is the way of life I guess ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

for these, I'm only doing a sort of pre-story type thing, ya know, like their origins, who the characters were before they all knew each other. if I didn't condense these down to that point, well, we'd be here all day reading practically an entire book on one single character [I think I'm exaggerating here?]

this one got a bit long so I'm putting it under the line.

hey uh, are any of you actually interested in their backgrounds? idk if that's something that interests people or not but I'm writing these and it just makes me wonder, y'know? [of course, now that I've started, I can't just stop, there's still so many characters. but still...curiosity and all's got me wondering]

Sausage

Sausage is a dwarf of Mythland who was born a single child to the Dwarf King. ever since he was a child, he dreamed of being a mighty sorcerer that could use all kinds of magic but being a dwarf, magic comes a lot harder to him than it would a human or another magical creature - such as his good friend Gem.

the kingdoms of Mythland and the Crystal Cliffs were close allies and have been for generations - the Grimlands does not exist at this time. Sausage grew up alongside Gem and fWhip of the Crystal Cliffs - he revered Gem and her magical abilities, and found a close friend in fWhip due to neither of them being able to wield magic. Gem did try to teach Sausage magic despite the lessons never producing even a spark of magic - that of course didn't stop him.

he and fWhip would often get into trouble, playing pranks and whatnot on the people of the two kingdoms, and sometimes they could convince Gem to join in with them.

the trio stayed close friends through the years, and when Sausage's father was slain in battle against a pillager raid the siblings were there mourning alongside their friend. he took vigil at his father's final resting place for an entire day, as is tradition, then the next day he held a celebration in honor of the fallen King, with a feast to finish off the night.

Sausage was crowned the new Dwarf King within the week and his friends were there for his coronation - fWhip, ever the tinkerer, set up a firework display for him, and Gem gifted him with an old spell book written by a Mythlandian and enchanted rings that provided protection.

things became hectic around this time, what with being a new king with new duties and protecting his empire from pillagers, and he can't see his friends as often. Gem also gets busy with her studies and fWhip starts exploring the mountains - something that the people of the Crystal Cliffs don't do. in this time, he also adopted a pup that he named "Bubbles" and she became his second in command.

several months later, he gets word that his friend fWhip has gone missing. he drops everything to travel to the Cliffs and be at Gem's side - she tells him that fWhip has been missing for quite some time and she blames herself that she never noticed. he comforts her and they go out on a search for him, which unfortunately results in nothing but a few belongings found deep within the mountain and a journal.

Gem holds a funeral for her brother and Sausage stands vigil once again for a loved one. he offers Gem any aid that Mythland can provide and she graciously accepts. he visits her from time to time after the event but eventually, he just gets busy and more time drags between each visit.

his kingdom prospers with a plethora of new buildings - an iron farm, a forge, new docks, bigger and better homes for the people, and all kinds of other things. one thing that stands out from the rest is a summoning circle - this, he uses to sacrifice the crimson sheep of the land in the hopes, not for power, but for knowledge and guidance, and that one day the gods - whoever may be listening - will return his friend to him.

he gains quite a bit of knowledge in the ways for forging weapons imbued with magic and using anothers' magic to alter ordinary everyday things - such as a dark oak tree or even a mushroom. this is all for the benefit of his kingdom so he doesn't see a problem with his sacrifices, despite what his advisors may believe.

he met with other rulers, some he'd been neglecting to talk to, and others who were just coming into power. one of the first new rulers he met was Pearl of Smallholding - a chaotic girl with flowers in her hair and a grin that never fades. another was the Codfather, Jimmy Solidarity-Shadow - one of the merfolk who's kingdom rose slowly from the swamps and without anyone seeming to notice. months after meeting these two, another kingdom arose, this time practically overnight, and the ruler was none other than fWhip of the Crystal Cliffs - his best friend - but this time, fWhip was the Count of a near-barren plains dubbed the Grimlands.

the trio celebrated fWhip's return and Sausage, once home, thanked whatever gods that had brought his friend back. visits between the three kingdoms became commonplace again, as well as visits to the new Cod Empire - though, those were to pick on the new ruler there.

Sausage did learn not to take things too far in teasing the Codfather because one day, he and fWhip had set up a "minor, harmless" trap and when the Codfather got injured and bedridden for a few days, well, they found out that Queen Lizzie of the Ocean Empire was not someone you wanted to anger. after, they did continue their teasing but they kept it well below danger levels.

a year or so after fWhip's return, Sausage met another new ruler who had just come into power and who's kingdom had been lost to the world for ages - King Joey Graceffa of the Lost Empire. Joey took interest in his sacrifices and his borrowed magics, maybe a little too much interest if the bloodlust in his eyes was anything to go by.

Joey

Joey is born the youngest of three children to the Emperor of the Maztec Empire - his siblings being the princesses.

he, like all others of the royal family, are born with parrot wings to match the local parrots of the jungle. he often used his wings to escape his lessons, though being third in line for the throne, he was allowed lenience to goof off and have fun anyway since the throne always went to the eldest.

but, Joey was the jealous sort as well and would often play dirty pranks on his sisters, and most times, they ended in some injury. though, he was also quite intelligent and could almost always pin the blame on another, usually on someone of the lowest class - the mudbloods who were more of a hybrid of cat and human.

one such dirty prank went horribly wrong and his eldest sister lost her life. it had involved a cave, the cave collapsed, and she got caught in it. he watched her struggle for some time, oddly curious about it, but eventually went and got help. the healers tried to help her but she soon passed on.

a funeral was held for the princess days later and she was cremated - as is tradition for royalty. life moved on, as it does, and the second princess became next in line.

after the death of the first princess, he became a little more interested in the act of dying than a boy should. he was curious and wanted to find out more about death, and the mudblood people were right there for him to experiment with. he made sure to only take one person every so often for experiments - the jungle could be a dangerous place and was often unkind to wanderers so if one or two people went missing every few months, then who was to know?

aside from secretly pranking his sisters and stealing away the lower class, he would spend time with the gentlemen of higher standing - the purebloods who were humanoid cats and certainly looked it. he would pick one to mess around with, or two or three if he so desired, until he eventually grew bored and discarded them like they were yesterday's trash.

his remaining sister, nearing her adulthood, started dreaming of leaving the kingdom to explore the world - she'd always wanted to but their parents would never permit it, nobody entered the kingdom and nobody left. he would stay up late with her on the nights he grew bored of gentlemen, and talk to her about her dreams.

with her becoming an and their parents getting older, he worried that soon, she would be taking the throne. so, he thought up a plan and talked with her about it - he could get things set up and all she would have to do is follow through, and before she knew it, she'd be exploring to her heart's content.

she was nervous, of course, but Joey is a charmer and used that to his advantage. he convinced her it was the best option for her if she didn't want to be tied down, and she could always return if she wanted. she agreed, wrote a farewell scroll that she gave him for safekeeping, and followed him one night to a secret area where a boat and some supplies were waiting, as well as one of his callers.

this she was confused about at first until Joey showed his true colors and killed her in cold blood. he then casually sent the gentleman off in the boat with his sister's body, promising him great rewards for his return if he got rid of the evidence.

he then returned home and set out the farewell letter in her room where it would be found, and went to bed. he awoke to the news late the next day, and also with a visit from his accomplice.

a few weeks later and there was no word from the princess and the guards sent out to search for her found no trace. though his parents prayed she was well, they still mourned her leaving. Joey was to be next in line should the Emperor and Empress pass and he celebrated in secret with the gentlemen who helped him - then when he got bored shortly after, he killed him too in the same cave his eldest sister died in and left his body to the mobs.

when he neared adulthood - only months away - he started his next plan for his rise to the throne. he acquired a poison that would imitate a deadly disease but not be curable by any known remedies. he used this on his father over the next several weeks and watched with secret glee as the Emperor grew weaker and weaker and the healers floundered about trying to cure him.

preparations were made, the Emperor passed on with few final words, and days later a funeral was held for him as well. his urn was placed next to the eldest princess' once everything was done. the Empress mourned the loss and Joey stood at her side.

he watched as her grief began to consume her, she spoke of loss and wishing she could join her husband, Joey listened to her words and wondered about what Maztec would do if she left too. she said it would be in good hands - he was a capable young man and if he ever needed help, there was a council of advisors at his side.

over a week later, the Empress took her own life, leaving behind a letter to her only remaining child. a third funeral was held, his mother cremated and laid to rest beside his father and sister, and he was crowned Emperor of the Maztec Kingdom.

Joey was free to do as he wished and he gladly accepted the freedom - everything was good and he was King.

but over the next several years, he found himself growing bored - not even building new temples kept his attention for long. he eventually started exploring, just a little ways, from his home and eventually came across the edge of the jungle which met the edge of a more barren land.

he visited the boarder a few times, curious about this other land, but never crossed it. then one day he met Count fWhip of the Grimlands - the name of the barren land. they spoke for some time at the boarder of their kingdoms, and set up a couple future visits to one another's kingdoms - fWhip visited his first, then he visited fWhip's.

at the visit to the Grimlands capitol, fWhip invited him to the next Gathering of Empires - apparently there were 9 other rulers out there besides the two of them, and one even had wings too!

he accepted the invitation without a moment's hesitation and at the next Gathering, his kingdom - the Lost Empire as it was written in old history books that an ally of fWhip's had found - became known to the rest of the world.

he found that the other winged ruler - Scott Smajor of Rivendell - was a very cold and distant person. but, the others were friendly enough, especially the Dwarf King - J Sausage of Mythland - and he took an interest in the man and the magics he was studying.

they became friends, and he by default joined an alliance with fWhip and Gem who were allied with Sausage.

#empires smp #found family au #xornoth adopts child!shubble au #mythical sausage #joey graceffa #these are getting to be so long now #i'm trying to keep them condensed but it's so difficult!#there's just so much to tell about these characters #ugh #i don't even know if anyone really wants to know this stuff about all these characters #but I can't just stop now that I've started

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idk-my-aesthetic · 4 years

Text

The mystic power is from the bois not the weapons

Good evening y’all I’m putting together a bunch of random observations/evedence/my own ideas for this theory. I don’t have the energy to put in screenshots but if someone else would wanna rb w/ them I would love you forever

Ok so I’m trying to make a comprehensive list let’s start with the basics

Bois were meant to be weapons

Every other mutant has mystic powers

Raph usually his powers w/o his weapon in “late fee”

Raph also punches through a steel cage and seems to create an explosion. We know his strength has limits, so his tf is he able to do that w/o magic?

Leo is shown to move incredibly fast, significantly faster than others and visibly shocking others (see fight w/ him and splinter in the battle nexus) almost like he’s able to teleport

The magic responds to their emotions. (Portals not appearing bc Leo isn’t confident, raph unlocking a new power when his brother is in danger) that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s them, but it makes more sense for it to be them than the weapons. The magic in the weapons have no reason to attune to their emotions, i feel like it would be more likely to attune to their skill or movements or smthn

A big one no one has pointed out- in mystic mayhem draxum is surprised by Mikey’s use of magic. Plus he doesn’t look like he knew what Leo’s was gonna do. Why would he be suprised that his magical weapons are magic?? Unless they’re not

I’m guessing that the weapons are made to channel magic. Draxum is suprised bc he didn’t know the boys had magic to channel

Plus, uhhh why were there 4 weapons color codded to them specifically? Draxum thought they were dead and didn’t know about splinter’s color coding thing.

This is mostly speculation (and a bitttt of a reach) , but like what if they were made to channel magic, and when the boys walked in their magic like,,,, locked onto the weapons closest to their old ones and “claimed” them so to speak. So that’s why they were glowing each boy’s color. (And ok yeah they are also physically colored but shhhhh let me dream maybe they were made of like. Magic metal that turned the same color as their auras or smthn)

Ppl say that the fact that splinter can use Leo’s sword means that the power comes from the sword. But if Leo uses it a lot couldn’t it make sense that the power like,,,,, came from him but was left on the sword in a way? Like if some magic was left on it, in theory someone else could use it

Ok that’s also maybe a reach lol. Alternatively:

We only see splinter use the sword. He was mutated in the same experiment and has the same dna as the boys. Maybe we were all wrong about it being a mutant thing, and it’s actually a Hamato clan thing??

Bc like. We know there’s magic in the family (the scrolls). And it’s not like we saw April using the sword, or hell even one of the other boys! We have no clue if they can use eachother’s weapons. It’s been mentioned but never tried

Maybe splinter had magic all along, and when they were mutated it was passed to the boys? It’s possible he has like,,,, ig all 3/(maybe 4) powers, but it’s also possible that general magic runs in the fam and he had the same powers as Leo

Like. There’s a lot about splints we don’t know. And when he picked up the sword he opened a portal completely accurately, within inches of a teapot on a counter, using a completely different technique from Leo. Wouldn’t it make sense if he had practice??? Cus Leo can’t even be accurate to the right fucking country

Anyway. Yeah. Think about that.

I’m too tired to think of a segue. So.

If the powers belong to the boys ig would make sense that Donnie has a power. Probably a more idle/ non directly combative one (like warren’s regen and sunita’s squishy ness)

I propose spacial manipulation or time manipulation as like. Possibilities. Even if that stays purely fannon lol it explains how he fits so much in his bo + gets so much insane shit done so fast

Or it could be smthn related to the crystal. Bc his ability to read magic signatures doesn’t come up that much but I hope it does more. Also if reading magic signatures was a him thing it would make sense bc he was gonna make goggles for everyone else but never did

On a related note- Donnie having an idle sort of magic makes a lot of sense bc as the show goes on the bois are shown to be unlocking more powers, even if it’s shown more through the animation than the text.

Raph starts w/ just super powered punches, then is later able to make full body giant projections of himself, + almost like extra or prosthetic body parts??? (When he tickles shredder) + his powers sometimes seem to have an explosive/ electrical side effect (first time using them, silver fish in late fee, I’m pretty sure they’re are some others) which may be just artistic liberties but who knows??

Leo suddenly has a huge speed boost when he’s getting good w/ his powers. Sure, speed doesn’t = portals/ teleportation exactly but if he were say like,,,, teleporting a few times super short distances while running it would look like he was just running super fast. Also he has the ability to edit portals now??? (Shifts it during battle nexus fight) + the ability to have multiple open at a time when he could barely do 1 at first

(I’m very proud)

Also Mikey!! He’s shown to have both the fire and physics manipulation w/ his weapon from like day 1 (getting dragged around draxum’s lab, stopping the tank in mutant menace, throwing a fucking cargo ship) but his ability to just. Flip off the laws of physics grows exponentially

So if Donnie got some new powers it would still be balanced lol

Also I wouldn’t be suprised if the boys continue to find new ways to use their powers!! Both by just figuring out new shit they can do like raph w/ the projections, and by using their powers in creative ways like Leo and the helmets during the battle nexus fight

Also also, Mikey seems to have both a elemental and physical power, maybe the others do too?? Cus raph has his electricity details and shit Idk. This is like 97% me hoping and 3% evedence 😂

Ok so sorry this is a total mess. Like I said it’s part real evedence part my own bs ideas and theories,,,,

#my post #rottmnt #rottmnt theorizing #leo rottmnt #donnie rottmnt #raph rottmnt #mikey rottmnt #splinter rottmnt #rottmnt draxum #blue rambles

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starcunning · 4 years

Note

17. Shy kiss - Malcolm/Jay/Vaughn go go go!

I’m not saying this is canon but I wouldn’t mind if it were. It’s probably best summed up by this meme Sars made:

I hope this is some comfort (or torment?) to those I shipwrecked.

It hadn’t been an easy sell. For most people, a road trip across America sounded like a dream summer vacation—or at least the plot of a decent movie—but, because it was her, Vaughn had taken some convincing. He hadn’t come at all at first, actually, and Jacinth had taken Malcolm to see Cape Cod and up to the Maritime Museum in Maine alone. By the time they were headed to New York City, he had repented of the idea, and she had picked him up at the airport.

Vaughn’s luggage was full of books. That had made her laugh—it really seemed far more like an Alfred thing—but eventually he explained that he had intended to spend the summer reading through the Griffin’s library in the hopes of figuring out the planeswalking that Acacia had mentioned.

That had stung a bit—echoes of the same old regret that had pricked her when Vaughn had asked why she couldn’t have broken her news while the portal to Naribran was still open—but if he had wanted to stay well clear of her, he had had that opportunity.

And given it up. Had left New Hampshire so that he could join them on this road trip. Jacinth hadn’t been entirely sure what to make of it; she had no idea what any of it meant except, perhaps, that she was selfish.

When she had mentioned it at confession—at the cathedral in Philadelpha—she had been quickly absolved. It was not a sin to desire the companionship of others, the priest told her, nor to delight in their company. When she told him she was tempted to seek a second opinion, he had laughed gently and told her that Saint Liguori directed the faithful to trust in their confessor, for to accept his judgment was to follow the direction of God.

She had left Philadelphia gladder for it, and for Vaughn’s companionship, even on long, landmarkless days where he stretched across the back seat, reading from the Griffin’s notebooks aloud. Malcolm would provide context and commentary from time to time, teaching them more about his world even as they introduced him to Earth.

It was hot in Flagstaff, though not nearly so much as one might have expected in the Arizona summertime. It was the elevation, she supposed, and the cloudless night. From Mars Hill she could look down on the city below and see only a few lamps illuminating crosswalks and service stations. Most of the rest had been extinguished around 9, when they had left the bar where they’d eaten a late dinner.

Tomorrow, the Grand Canyon waited. For now, there was the quiet forest of Mars Hill and the Lowell Observatory atop. Even without the aid of the telescope they had come to see in the after-hours, the night sky was brilliant overhead. Malcolm’s hand rested in her own, and they both gazed upwards. His awe was naked on his face—and more so still when the attendants had directed his view toward Pluto—discovered at this very observatory all those years before. He had asked a thousand questions, and although the astronomers seemed amused by the enthusiasm he showed, they had gamely answered each.

And now they stood in the dark night, watching the moon peek through the treetops. Vaughn was a little ways away, his gaze turned upward too, hands thrust into the pouch pocket of his maroon sweatshirt.He cleared his throat. “I’ll get the car,” he offered. “Jay?” He held out an expectant hand, waiting for her to toss him the keys.Malcolm nudged her ribs with his elbow, and she glanced over to find him smiling. She smiled back, raking a hand through her hair—grown a bit shaggy on the road, tickling at her neck now.“Actually,” she said, letting go of Malcolm’s hand, “I’ll go with you.”“You sure?” Vaughn asked.“I’m cold,” Jacinth told him, drawing abreast of him.Vaughn looked at her, shoulders bare in her tank top, and then over at Malcolm, who was little better off in a tee. His runic tattoos peeked out beneath the short sleeves. Vaughn sighed, peeling out of his sweatshirt and thrusting it at her. “Here,” he said.

Jacinth murmured her thanks, shrugging into it. It smelled like him—not just hotel soap or the splash of cologne he wore, but like him in a way that nothing else ever would, and the fabric was soft and warm against her bare arms. He watched her as she lifted the hood and let it fall, toying with the drawstrings, and there was a private war going on behind his eyes she could see only in the set of his lips—as though he was trying too hard not to smile.“I’ll meet you out front in a minute,” Malcolm said.“Come on,” Jay urged. She wanted to reach out and take him by the arm, but that seemed like a transgression.

When it was Vaughn’s turn to drive, sometimes it was Jacinth in the back seat, stretched out and dead to the world. Acacia came and went as she pleased, but wherever she was, Jay could reach out and speak to her. It was kind of nice to have a faerie godmother, if a bit surreal, and since Wyoming, she had relied on her guidance more and more.

“So,” Vaughn said. “Where to next?”“The Grand Canyon tomorrow,” she said. “After that, I guess I was thinking Vegas? We have about a month left of summer before we should get back east.”“Don’t they card you in Vegas?” Vaughn wondered. “My roommate was going to go sophomore year, but they wouldn’t let him play. Be a problem for Malcolm.”Jacinth flinched. “Maybe not, then.”“Well,” Vaughn said, “unless you think we could pass him off as Alfred.”She laughed, and it echoed off the stone path underfoot. “Sure,” she said, “just some light identity theft. It should be fine.” She sighed. “Honestly, I haven’t figured out what to do about that. Sooner or later it’s going to be a problem.”Vaughn shrugged.

Soon they passed the rotunda and were headed back toward the visitors’ center. The parking lot waited just beyond, and that hardly seemed an appropriate place. “Hey,” Jacinth said, stopping short.Vaughn stopped too, turning back to look at her. “Yeah?” he said.“I’m glad you’re here.”He gave her a funny sort of look. “I’m glad I came, too, in the end.” It wasn’t an unalloyed happiness.She took a deep breath. Mars Hill was covered with pine trees, and she could smell them on the night air. “Do you still like me?”He seemed dumbfounded by the question. “Of course I still like you. You’re still a good person,” he was quick to say.Jay laughed, nervously, and felt her smile dimple her cheeks. “No, not … this is awkward,” she said after a moment. “I don’t think there’s a way around that. Just … since Yellowstone, Malcolm and I have been talking. I think he brought it up back in Chicago, but … Anyway, so, the thing is …”“Jacinth,” he said, in that firm, grounding way that he always had when her thoughts ran away with her in Naribran.“Are you still in love with me?” she asked instead.Vaughn looked pained, and then turned his face up toward the heavens, as though the Milky Way contained the truth of the matter in its smear of stars. It was a long moment before he said, “Yeah.”“That’s what I thought,” she said. She reached out to take his hand, but he tugged it away.“Things with Malcolm not working out?” he wondered. There was no bitterness in his tone that she could detect.“Things with Malcolm are fine,” she said, feeling her cheeks grow hot. “It’s just …”“Just what,” he said.

Jacinth sighed, trying to tuck her hair back behind her ears. It didn’t work—how often had she forgotten she didn’t have long hair in this body? “I never felt nothing for you,” she said. “I just wasn’t in love with you. I didn’t really have time to figure that out before you died, and I couldn’t really figure it out after. But now you’re alive, and you’re here. It’s still really confusing, but I’ve started to figure some things out.”He regarded her warily. She knew that look—had worn it a few times herself, guarding against hope in the assumption that would protect against disappointment later.“Do you remember,” she said, “when we were negotiating with the Nordics and Volkepf was explaining how things worked in their band?”Vaughn’s brow furrowed. “Yeah,” he said. “I didn’t think you’d want to. Wait, are you trying to set me up with Malcolm?”Jacinth laughed. “No,” she told him. Then she cleared her throat and said, “This isn’t about you two, uh, sharing honor or whatever their euphemism was. It’s more about the part where I said that in my homeland, men couldn’t marry men, and he said that where I came from sounded really … not oppressive, that wasn’t the word, but what he meant was that people should be free to just be whoever they are and pursue who they like?”Vaughn nodded, but he didn’t relax. “Where are you going with this, Jacinth?”

She glanced skyward a moment, then turned her gaze on Vaughn once more. “I wanted to walk back with you because I wanted to ask you a question.”“So this is just, what?” he teased. “Opening arguments?”“Sort of,” she admitted. “Malcolm knows about my feelings, and he supports them, so I wanted to ask …”He waited. There was no impatience in his body language.“We’re not breaking up,” Jacinth hastened to add. “Malcolm and I, we’re still going to be together, but if that’s alright, I wanted to ask: would it be alright if I kissed you?”

Vaughn looked at her a long moment, dumbstruck. She couldn’t help but feel exposed—not to the night air, but to him. His examination of her and her feelings; his judgment. It was only a moment or two, but it felt like a thousand stars rose and died overhead in that instant. “Yeah,” he said. “Yeah.”

This was not something she could just throw herself into, so she reached for him, cradling his face in her hands. She could feel the day’s growth of stubble against her palms, and she smiled. He wrapped his arms around her in turn, and Jacinth leaned in, tipping her head to one side.

His lips were warm and soft against her own, and although this was not a deep kiss she lingered over it, breathing in the scent of his skin, and the warmth of him; the safety she had always felt in his presence.

When she drew back, she couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her. “I’m really glad you’re here,” she said.“Yeah,” Vaughn said, smiling. “Me too.”

#kiss asks meme #naribran #jacinth #the ghost that haunts my inbox #Anonymous #asked and answered #starcunning writes

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brightingales · 5 years

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hi 👋 my prompt is jarry has broken up and romeo schemes a way to get them back together because he sees how miserable they are apart

Oh wow, this has been sitting in my inbox for ages… sorry! Hope you like it!

Posted for @happyjarryholidays Day 5: Alone – “Lonely this Christmas”

“I thought big, important, ‘hot-shot’ lawyers were meant tohave their lives together,” Romeo says, looking at the state of the flat with aderisive curl of his lip, “but I can see that you are just as pathetic as therest of us mere mortals.”

It’s clear from his joking tone of voice that Romeo doesn’tmean it as a slight against him. Still, James almost certainly would have takenan insult like that completely the wrong way just a short while ago. But now,after a few weeks and a lot of emotional work, he can recognize Romeo’s acerbicsense of humour for what it is – Romeo hides his own faults by pointing outother people’s and expresses his affection through gentle teasing just in casehis feelings are not reciprocated.

Christ, James is even starting to sound like his son and hiscod-psychology now…

“Are you here to say anything useful or did you just come totake the mick out of your poor old Dad?” James says, giving as good as he gets.He wraps his silk dressing gown tighter around himself, throws himself onto thesofa (with perhaps a little too much ‘dramatic effect’) and goes back to thecoffee he was drinking before Romeo showed up at his door.

He pretends not to notice the fact that the mug is dirty.Everything is, really. There is a pile of dishes in the sink and dust liningthe bookshelves. A stack of newspapers lies discarded on the living room floorand his curtains haven’t been drawn for a week.

Romeo steps around the mess and sits down on the arm of thesofa, fixing James with a look halfway between pity and exasperation.

“Look, I know this Christmas didn’t exactly turn out the wayyou wanted it too…”

An understatement; James had once foolishly entertaineddreams of spending Christmas curled up on this same sofa with Harry safe andwarm in his arms. Instead, he had spentthe whole day utterly alone, looking at the empty four walls of his flat, his fingershovering over Harry’s number in his phone as he warred with himself aboutwhether to call his former lover or not.

“… but you can’t just sit here and mope forever,” Romeocontinues. “It’s starting to get a bit ridiculous. You’ve become the livingembodiment of the most depressing Christmas song ever.” Romeo’s smile issympathetic, but there is also a hint of concern behind his eyes. It’s that,more than anything else, that makes James finally sit up and take note.

“Things really are dire if I’m being told off for beinglovelorn by a teenager,” James says. It’s surprising but bantering with his sonhas come fairly naturally to him. “A teenager named Romeo, no less…”

James pulls himself off the sofa and downs the coffee in hismug, grimacing as he finds that it has gone cold.

“What do you propose I do?” James asks.

“We should clean up, first. Then coffee. And then, you’regoing to come to the New Year’s party that Prince and Lilly are hosting at TheDog…”

James opens his mouth to protest but Romeo doesn’t let himget a word in.

“…I’m not taking no for an answer. You need to get out thereand show the village that you’ve not been totally crushed. You’re JamesNightingale! You’re better than this,” Romeo finishes with a sigh, gesturing atthe state of both the flat and James.

He knows Romeo is right, but that still doesn’t mean thatJames wants to hang out with a bunch of adolescents.

Still, it’s not like he has anything better to do.

“Since it’s your idea you can get started while I take ashower,” James tells Romeo. “Cleaning stuff is under the sink. I’m sure you canfigure it out.”

“Fine, but I’m putting some music on and I’m choosing the playlist!”

…

It takes them nearly the whole afternoon. James had brieflyworried that being trapped in his flat with Romeo with nothing to do but cleanand talk would be torture but it’s actually been very nice to sort his life outwhile not being totally alone. Romeo’s playlist is full of classic and indierock, and while James would never have picked the songs himself the thrum ofguitars and beat of the drums motivates him to finish the work.

His mind is pleasantly occupied in a way that it hasn’t beenfor weeks. Even when his thoughts inevitably drift towards Harry his heartturns to fondness rather than to bitterness, as it has done ever since Harryleft. He can’t help but wonder where Harry is, what he’s doing, who he is with.And he will always worry that Harry is safe.

But while these thoughts had previously been tinged withresentment, now they taste like guilt and longing. It’s not better. It’s noteasier. But it’s not worse. And every time James is at risk of spiralling downinto morose thoughts, Romeo is there to distract him with something new toclean or a level of small talk just the right side of tolerable.

The conversation ebbs and flows between them, unforced and natural as if he and Romeo have known eachother for far longer than they actually have. They talk about Romeo’sChristmas, his plans for the new year, what sort of job he would like. Until a moment when the subject turns to Romeo’slove life and Romeo shuts down. Clearly, it’s a sensitive topic. James filesthe knowledge away for later use, already planning to return the favour andhelp Romeo out if and when he needs it.

After all, they’re family.

…

They reward themselves with coffee from The Bean, thethought of something caffeinated and sweet having motivated them both throughthe worst tasks of the day. When James returns to the flat, he has to concedethat the effort was worth it. The place is cleaner than it has been for months.He’d even taken on some tasks he thought he would never get around to; his filing cabinet has been reorganised, he’s hungsome new art on the wall, and even moved some furniture around.

A new place for a new year.

He wonders if Harry would notice the changes…

Yes, the cleaning helped, but he still can’t escape thoughtsof Harry sneaking up on him. With this realisation, James decides that he hasto keep his word to Rome and go to the party. Clearly, he still needs to bedistracted.

He makes himself a promise – if he can get through the night without losing his senses to thoughts of blonde hairand tanned skin then he’ll finally let Harry go. The countdown to midnight willbe his self-imposed deadline and he’llstart the new year without the weight of lost love pressing down on his shoulders.

It’s as good a plan as any he has come up with lately…

…

The party is not as awful as he had expected. It’s stillpretty dire – any party organised by the McQueens is – but even James has toadmit that it’s better than staying in.

Mercedes hands him a glassof bubbly as he gravitates to where all the adults are congregated at the bar,out of the way of the flailing limbs on the makeshift dance floor in thecorner. He makes small talk and, for a while, things seem almost normal. Or atleast, as normal as they can be with everyone treating him with the sort ofgentleness and concern normally reserved for people the villagers actuallylike.

Romeo bounds over at one point, cheeks flushed with drinkand face split with a wide grin. James just about manages to stop his son fromdragging him on to the dancefloor:

“Look, I’m making friends, I’m playing nice. No one heredeserves to be traumatised by the sight of me ‘dancing’!”

“I bet Harry wouldn’t say that!” Romeo says.

He immediately clasps his hand over his mouth. James triesto school his face into an expression that isn’t one of absolute devastation asRomeo starts to apologise.

“It’s fine. It’s ok,” James reassures his son. “I’m going tohave to go through life with people mentioning him. I can’t run away from thisforever.”

“Still, I’m sorry.”

It must be the drink – because the next thing either of themknows James has reached out and wrapped Romeo up in the world’s most awkwardone-armed hug.

They stand there, neither of them really sure what to do.

“Okay?” Romeo asks quietly, muffling his voice in James’sshoulder.

“Yep,” James replies. “I should let go now right?”

He means the hug.

Definitely. That’s what he means.

When he and Romeo part, James goes back to the bar andavoids making eye contact with anyone. But when he does find it within himselfto finally look up, Nancy is watching him out of the corner of her eye as ifshe is amazed that the great James Nightingale is actually capable of feelinghuman emotion.

He does so love proving people wrong. But right now, he regretsthat he can’t hold on to his usual façade.

…

Romeo disappears off for a while and for some strange reasonJames can’t bring himself to leave the party without saying goodbye to himfirst. By the time that he does the countdown to midnight is only a few minutesaway. Romeo tries to persuade him to stay, but James demurs. Something withinhim knows that he needs to see in this new year on his own; to grieve the yearlast past in his own private way.

Romeo seems to understand. James is honestly so grateful tohave a family member so perceptive. And he is grateful that he waited to saygoodbye because Romeo tells him that James had dropped his keys and he hadfound them outside. He doesn’t ask what Romeo was doing leaving the party. Hecan guess that it has something to do with that disastrous love life of his andJames doesn’t want to push him on that front. Romeo will tell him all about it whenhe’s ready.

When James returns to the flat the lights are on. He andRomeo must have left them like that by accident. The wasted electricity is apain, but it’s strangely nice to return to a palace that’s not completelyshrouded in darkness.

He enjoys the work he and Romeo have done for a little while, looking at all the changes they hadmade together. Now that his flat has been organised James feels a little moreprepared to organise his life – to recalibrate himself so that he is back atthe centre of his own universe, rather than Harry forming the axis on which hisworld turns.

He should toast the new year with the bottle of champagne hekeeps in the fridge for emergencies.

In the kitchen, there is an unwashed mug in the sink thatwasn’t there when he and Romeo left.

“James…”

The voice comes from behind him. He doesn’t even have towonder who it is. No one else has a voice that can touch his soul so acutely.

He turns.

Harry looks good. Of course, he does. But it’s not just aphysical thing – though the tan and the haircut are definitely working for him– it’s something about the way he cries himself. There is a confidence in himnow that is so far away from the scared and uncertain boy James had last seenin this flat.

The Harry before him now is a man.

“James. I’m…”

James crosses the space between them in two large strides,grips Harry by the shoulders, and pulls him close so that they can finally,after so many weeks of longing, kiss.

Harry’s shocked into stillness for a few seconds and Jamespresses against him. But then he melts, wonderfully, deliciously, into James’stouch. It’s been too long, but their bodies remember each other.

It’s Harry who breaks the kiss.

“James…”

“I’m sorry,” he interrupts.

Harry’s face crinkles adorably in confusion. “That’s myline.”

“I don’t care. You’re back. Never leave me again.” Eachsentence is punctuated with a kiss.

“You threw me out.”

“I’m an idiot. I was wrong. I’m so sorry, Harry.”

There is more kissing as James pushes Harry towards the sofa.He feels dizzy and weak at the knees. He needs something solid to lean against orhe might faint. But more than that – he has a desperate and unshakable need tofeel all of Harry pressed up against him. Harry apparently feels the same way,if his awkward attempts to wrestle James out of his jumper are anything to goby.

They pull apart for a moment so that they can move theiroffending clothes.

“How did you get here?” James suddenly remembers to ask.

“Romeo,” Harry admits. “He stole my number from your phone.Took your keys out of your pocket and let me in. Don’t be mad at him.”

“I’m not,” James says sincerely, “he gave you back to me.Best Christmas present ever.”

“It’s New Year’s,” Harry points out. “I wanted to come backsooner. I just… I needed time… I wasn’t sure…”

“And are you sure now?”

“More than I’ve everbeen of anything in my life. I love you, James.”

James presses his own ‘I love you’ to Harry’s lips. And asthey fall to kissing once more, in the distance a bell begins to chime.

“Kissing at midnight on New Year,” James points out. “Youknow what this means? We have to stay together now, for the whole year.”

“I think I can managethat,” Harry replies with a grin.

#jarry #happyjarryholidays #late fic is late #day five #parryglasspools

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sole-cuore-amore-e-droga · 5 years

Text

Tel Aviv 2019: Straight outta United Kingdom to Eurovision with a blatantly non-blatant Melodifestivalen reject

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Yes, obviously, Eurovision: You Decide might as well be the safest NF to ever exist. We get that you don’t want to even try, the UK, but can you please act like you’re not in Big 5 for a year and ATTEMPT to try your hardest with the song??? I doubt that, despite SuRie’s bubbliness, “Storm” would’ve pulled numbers if it were in semi, unless the anti-neo-Nazi stage invader were to butt-in there and people would then send sympathy televotes the Brits’ way or something. Unsatisfying. (The man, that is.)

And so we have gotten another safe as ever British entry this year, performed by an excited personality that got a side-dish song and now is tasked to sell the side-dish as greatly as he’s possibly able to - the first season of All Together Now winner, Michael Rice! The dish is “Bigger than Us” and I’m neither glad nor sad the song has not enough factor to eat up Michael as a whole if it’s that much BIGGER. Not even the fact that it’s a Melodifestivalen reject (yes, the title IS correct, one of the song’s co-writers, whom I’ll name later, has possibly said it at some point, and he couldn’t keep it to himself anymore so he sent it over to another country!) could help this poor number out.

If you strip the singer off, you just get a stereotypical Eurovision-y ballad you overhear when scavenging through foreign NF catalogues, wondering which kind of rent-a-songwriter-program person contributed to it. Well John Lundvik (yes THAT one) doesn’t sound like THAT kind of name you’d hear when you think of songwriters of such shtick but Laurell Barker is, so there you go. These are just the two masterminds behind this one, as there are more but icr their names and honestly idc to.

And there’s nothing wrong about these typical ESC NF shlocks. Only when you’re young and dumb enough to enjoy these kind of songs, but I had to unfortunately grow up and see just how “useful” they are... n’t. I mean, it’s great for the artists whose big dream is to taste Eurovision and NOT as a backing singer, but most of the time the singers that get these songs can’t even slightly relate to what they sing, and thus we get people like Bishara entering Melodifestivalen and Isaiah entering Eurovision.

Maybe Michael did get to experience the kind of love that’s BIGGER than him and his partner, idk. I certainly don't want to bother asking him. And frankly, it's only me overthinking this issue, because ain't nobody in the world really got time for that, definitely. Well, at least the relationship’s going on nice! (except for when Mike sings “‘cause I can heare the universe when I’m feeling you breathe”... spooky. o.I)

Anyway, time to get to talk more about the song. It's actually not THAT bad, just a little too typical and unextraordinary, where in the current times the Eurovision has to not be predictable in sound and to excite the viewer with... well, anything that can excite anyone. Be it the visuals OR the song. OR both. What's so special about "Bigger than Us" that can keep the viewer on toes? Probably just that keychange. I wish there were more things about it but not every commentator out there would have enough time to let them people know Michael works in a waffle shop, let alone the time that "HE WON A TALENT SHOW'S FIRST SEASON BUT THE SHOW ISN'T THE X FACTOR OR THE VOICE ZOMFG!!". Let alone people even listen to any Eurovision commenting these days, lol. It might be a charming little piece for some people though, but I don't see them voting for people selling their songs vocally much more than songs that draw in viewers with different ways. It's just a standart talent show winner song for a standart talent show winner that sounds like it's slightly too stuck in the mid-to-late-00s-early-10s rather than the 90s, which is warm and cool and all, but it's likely gonna not do the cool lad Michael the justice he'd need, just like SuRie's song for SuRie. Mayhaps a top 20-ish, or, in Lucie's case, even a top 15, is possible (although it's mostly thanks to the juries - they're the only ones eating up big voice ballads. And anything Maltese. And anything Australian. And anything Swedish... that only represents Sweden. Sorry Lukas Meijer), but when the British optimism levels are set in a deep deep ditch by default every year when the BBC comes with their platter of choices for EYD, what else could be there to raise them up after even Lucie hasn't done that amazing enough for everyone to believe that the UK are capable more than just always finishing last with 0 every year? Of course, a better than average song, but does BBC care about even pulling one out of a songwriting camp? These kind of songs are too shite for their taste, apparently, so with songs they send like these, it's probably yet another meander-er.

Which is a shame, because once again, it's not bad. It's just too plain Jane for Eurovision anymore. It's like everyone dressed up gorgeously for Miss Universe's National Costume event and you went with a cheap-ish designer dress that is decorated by small details that are notoriously known as the country's symbols just to count as something "national". It's like everyone brough their best baked (and dare I say extreme) dish to a dish competition and you only brought in a nice looking baked cod and circled the fries around it. It's like a prom night where everyone dresses casually and you come up all in a dull olive colored jacket and jeans with torn out knees. There might be something hidden in its niceness that can conquer (nice piano, nice chords, nice vocals, nice chorus, nice song formula, nice choir, nice keychange, nice message)... but with everything too nice, it just feels like that the UK are not feeling like getting a 'nice' result. Unless there's something that can make Michael do a 'male Lucie' and launch it around the 14th-19th place at best, but...

And here's the section where I repeat myself some more of what I think of the song as a whole and chances as a whole:

Approval factor: Eh I'll probably have to approve this but only reluctantly somewhat, maybe because I felt positive on the first listen unlike these people who wanted UK to dare to do something else than safe... yeah lol

Follow-up factor: It’s rather marginably favourable song than SuRie’s and only because I like it despite its ‘blandness’. “Storm” is just a song that I don’t really care about. Provided Michael gives all out personality-wise though and the revamp’s not gonna suck balls (if there’s one), this is a decent step in a decent direction for the UK... hope Michael’s not getting stage-invaded by anti-Israel people!

Big 5 factor: Thanks to all this pre-partying kicking in heavily as I put out these reviews (and actually having finished), it turns out that Michael is one of those people that clearly works his hardest to sell this typical British averageness (like he sells his waffles), with his live being so decent enough he was thought of to be a perfect EYD winner this year, so, if he keeps building up his vocal strenghts and rehearses a lot (and stays well and such), he’s actually likely to at least achieve something above bottom 7! Yes, yes, John Lundvik is still the master that will beat his pupil in the end, but that wouldn’t seem that excruciating for the UK anymore if they happen to have a place that’s not bottom 3 or anything. Just for the Michael to do his utmost best out there, and if he does, the UK won’t be in an extremely bad position this year - just not a very high reacher, because at the end of the day there are more nations that run straight with their A-game and therefore continue leaving the common-appealers in the dust. Only Sweden (and Australia until 2018 or so) usually excels at their safeness. The others must outstand to survive. And to wrap things up on this factor section, imo the UK just meanders in the safeness for another year - but at least the good enough safeness that might even be able to qualify if it were sent by a semifinalist country! (apart Sweden ffs, of course Mr. Lundvik would qualify with this one if he kept it to himself, jeez)

NATIONAL FINAL BONUS

Thankfully EYD didn’t really stink this year, because of certain key factors:

• There’s always this one or two act(s) that acts like a saviour each year. Bianca and Dulcima (or Darline idk) from 2016, Holly and Salena from 2017, Asanda (and maybe Jaz? or even Raya??) from 2018 and... ponder no more, Kerrie-Anne’s got you covered in that spot! Her version of the two one’s of “Sweet Lies” was arguably the greatest possible choice for the NF (or, in this case, the “very least bad”, and eventhough it’s incredibly reminiscent of Sigala’s “Sweet Lovin’” (vocals provided by Bryn Christopher, who - controversial opinion - is probably my fave male singer of all time), which makes it “dated” (to a 2012-2014 pop radio degree, yes), it still was a bop that I’d want to dance to in rollerskates (if I had any!!) and spray the colourful smoke things that... well idk what it is but the said video of “Sweet Lovin’” demonstrates the action. Get back to me to let me know what’s that, anyone reading this. K-A lowkey underperformed though (just like Asanda from last year) but the bop remained AND she was rightfully included in the British televote’s superfinal trio! ^^

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• The hosts were, yet again, the ever-so-loveable comedienne of Lithuanian roots, Mel Giedroyc, and the witty-ass Eurovision 2015 winner Måns Zelmerlöw. The duo is charming as usual and delightful to see on the Beebs when there’s the Eurovision case. If I didn’t know him better I’d even say Måns is a native English speaker. When there’s at least the drought of the ever-so-good entries in an EYD, we can look back at the hosts provided us some entertainment we’ve probably been missing while trying to find some on those competing entries. My favourite moment throughout that evening was the “next up is” jokes, all randomly stringed together, all in one row - all of those “next ups” were so hilariously random (until one hit the point - I think it was something about adverts or another performance being next up).

• The postcards were lovely too. With the format of EYD upgraded to make it as a three-song duel between two different versions of each one and the juries deciding on the best one for each (one vote per version), we got to see some nice friendships over there (I mean, a postcard for two people who did duel over whose version is the best - they had to listen and compliment each others’ versions) and some nice things the artists said themselves on separate postcards. Like the time when the only band of the competition of the year’s, MAID, named Buranovskiye Babushki as one of their girlband idols (a ‘so random yet glorious‘ answer) and the victorious Michael confessing that he’s “never been to Tel(iv) Aviv”... that’s true Michael, I believe ya. You’ve so never been there that ou struggle to even say it right! Not to mention that the postcard setups were cozy, too.

• Can we all just kind of agree that at least the jury for EYD made THE BEST CHOICES POSSIBLE??? I mean, yeah, it’s a biT cruel they’re the ones to choose the superfinalists without the audience’s interference, but they still made the best choices possible, at least imo. Anisa’s “Sweet Lies” was a godawfully dreary sex slow-jam (no really, I can’t not imagine a scenario where you can’t use it anywhere other than a sex scene in a movie, or a steamy hot shower scene. Call me crazy-minded but it’s true), MAID’s “Freaks” was godawfully too creepy, strange and unbearable, and Holly Tandy’s “Bigger than Us”... well... while much more chill and way less overbearing (also with not enough “BIGGER” memes potential), it would have probably not stood out all that much - just written off as a Kygo remix rented for a cheap price of half a pound (but still co-written by John Lundvik though!!). So thanks to Rylan and the other two for picking the superfinalists reasonably, unlike A Dal jurors this year. It still wrenches my gut whenever I think about it, ugh.

• What even would be an appearance of Måns if he didn't try to remind y'all of his enthusiasm for Eurovision. No one really cares he won Eurovision 4 years ago, if anything, I dread that he's only being remembered as the "male singer guy of Love Love Peace Peace song" by the newer fans. At least Pepperidge Farm I remember how Måns really wanted to get to Eurovision (even if he didn't participate in that many Melodifestivalen editions). So in this year's EYD he went all out to be a part of the Eurovision best (British?) songs medley (and we got Katrina and the Waves later in the show, performing the nation's last winning hit, 22 years later... and that wasn't even a fully British-branded win, if yanno what I mean!), and it's all courtesy of the Melodifestivalen's best known scriptwriter and an occasional Eurovision commentator (and Melodifestivalen's narrator too), Edward af Sillén. Or at least I remember it being written that he has written some stuff for Måns to do in EYD, IDK. Eitherway, it was kind of a fun thing, the interlude. Just remembering all the nice Eurovision entries out there, even including Gina G (whose ESC entry was also sung by another person in another NF whose review will be up next I suppose!).

• Heyyyyy, wasn’t it all kinds of nice to see SuRie doing an interval act and a reprise of her own run-of-the-mill entry “Storm”? I applaud her of doing a tremendous piano rendition of it, with even singing some notes a little higher than in the actual song. Maybe THAT version could have done so much better in Lisbon - showing off SuRie’s vocal decency, intimacy and... idk about the intruder part, hopefully he’d have had no way to wrestle the mic out of SuRie’s hands that time. At least SuRie had just enough support from Eurofans to be wanted to represent the UK one more year in a row, with a special EYD designed for her, where the songs could be mostly composed by her and not by the useless songwriting camp. While it’s a nice idea for some British and non-British people to get to know each other on these camps, the end results barely end up satisfying because the artists barely get involved in the songs they’re singing - not even a song line, not even a hum of contribution! Why can’t you at least take examples from German songwriting camps... (except for the time “Sister” was invented, that one could have been a perfect contribution for an EYD (not necessarily in this year’s format but still)

All in all, this may seem like an improvement of things, but I still am really hoping that BBC will give into a decent internal selection... afterall there are good names that are down to do Eurovision and didn’t even say it will harm their ‘reputation’ (*cough* Paloma Faith *cough* Hurts), and yet BBC refuses them somehow, not thinking that Eurovision is more than just a SONG contest (while ironically not even having their songs sounding THAT ‘great’, oops)? Or at least reformat EYD big time and make it exciting a la Australia Decides is (you know you suck when even your colony does better NFs than you). For now, I’ll just grit my teeth and nicely wish Michael Rice all the best in Tel(iv) Aviv. You’ll need it, chap! And in secret I hope that you’ll get it xx

#eurovision 2019 #tel aviv 2019 reviews #united kingdom 2019 #michael rice #bigger than us #united kingdom

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mrsslrss · 5 years

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2018.

My first memory of 2018: I woke up at 5 a.m. and spotted an enormous bug on my bedroom wall. I was mildly hungover after a really lovely and somewhat raucous party in my house, and when I saw the bug I felt like my stomach dropped out of my body. (I’m a wimp! It had so many legs! Stay with me.) I tried to rouse M for about 10 minutes to kill the bug with no luck, then told myself, with an air of forced gravity, It’s 2018, and I must kill the bug myself. Which, I am glad to report, I did.

I think I told that story a lot this year in the hopes that the more I retold it, the more it would come to define my year: You know, being brave? Taking charge and vanquishing, uh, icky stuff? (And later, for all the times I told the story of starting my day by sweeping up the post-party-confetti-canon detritus and throwing away the half-used Solo cups before my roommates woke up: Doing rather thankless work for a greater good?) I’m not sure I mastered the art of “manifesting” in 2018, though (sorry Oprah!); I certainly wasn’t as generous or industrious as those stories would suppose, but the image of me resisting something frightening then eventually/begrudgingly giving in and being grateful I did — I suppose that rings true.

It’s easy for me to be blue in December — to think about what didn’t get accomplished, the ways I have been selfish, shallow and lazy — but if I’m honest with myself, the year had its share of success. I got hired out of my temp status, spoke on a panel at a conference, helped lead a project I’m proud of, talked on some podcasts, survived my college reunion. I learned a lot about commitment, complacency and what drives my writing. I spent a lot of time with my family. I watched people I love make incredible art, find cherished partners, move their careers forward, get engaged, become parents. I wrote a couple good songs, played a lot of good shows. My hair got long enough to wear it in a bun most days.

The truth is that I’m pretty scared about the future. Call it cyclical energy or call it the brink of exhaustion but I think things are going to happen in 2019; I think, for better or for worse, I’m going to make them happen. I’m trying to transmute anxiety into excitement for what the year’s bringing but I think it’s ok to be scared, too. Anyway, here’s to 2018, and to the things I felt and saw and did and loved that helped me make it through.

Andrea Long Chu’s writing

I read “On Liking Women” in January — the kind of article where you start it at your desk and then have to finish it later, and you get home and sit on the couch without even turning the living room lights on and just read and read, breathlessly, until it’s done — and I got hooked and I have read everything ALC has written since. Her work is thoughtful, engaging, provocative, breathtaking, earnest, shady, queer as h*ck. It has made me think about what kind of writer (and person) I want to be and was fodder for some of my favorite conversations I had this year about gender, power, identity and the ultimate self-own. Also, her Twitter is hilarious.

Dried mango

Snack of the year for me, hands down. Though if I’m being honest, green tea kit kats are a serious contender, too -- much tougher to find, though, meaning they can’t quite nab the top snack spot for 2018.

Traveling & open space

I didn’t travel a ton this year but the few trips I took were lovely. In April I visited Seattle, a city I love, for a truly marvelous conference and I saw the water and the mountains. In October I visited Vermont, had a real dream-come-true moment in a field of goats. I visited Sam in Austin and realized that Texas is, indeed, huge. (And affordable!) I visited my family in MA a lot and rode horses a couple times but mostly just sat on the couch with my mom watching re-runs of The Office and making sense of ourselves. It felt nice when I was in motion this year.

Riding my bike

Speaking of motion! I borrowed my sister’s cool bike last year and started riding to work, but then the bike got stolen, which put a big damper on everything. I got a crappy replacement a couple months later and rode it to work every day, nearly, of 2018, and to all sorts of other places. I read Jessica Hopper’s book about Chicago this year and so much of that book takes place on her bike, which inspired me to take things a little more seriously. I’m not an experienced cyclist by any means (truly: most of my bike rides are on two streets in the one-mile radius between my house and my office) but I like what it affords me.

Trying to be a void

that is to say, wearing all black. I know that clothing is how a lot of people express themselves but mostly what I wanted to express this year was: a black hole. By black hole I mostly mean nothingness, and also deflecting the gaze. Incredibly comforting. As a caveat: Mads taught me about the power of navy blue late this year, and I think in 2019 I will try to be the night sky.

New York

I used to hate NYC for boring reasons but now I don’t, and it defined my year, in many ways — I visited about once a month, for work and for friends and for fun. I nearly always stayed with Mads in Bed-Stuy, which is an excellent situation, although one time I blew a big chunk of a bonus (!) on a fancy hotel room (!!) in Manhattan. (Worth it!) I spoke on a panel, I played my songs in a gallery, I ate bagels with vegan cream cheese, I had bad pizza in a cigar bar, I saw Maggie Nelson give a talk, I watched Duster play two consecutive comeback shows. I had a lot of small moments, too, of bliss and kindness and serendipity, of tortellini soup and espresso tonics, late night talks, doing laps around Bryant Park, walking quietly through galleries. I cried on buses, got freaked out on a plane, had a particularly memorable set of conversations on the Amtrak. I also saw Carly Rae Jepsen!

Playing covers with friends

Ok, yes, seeing Carly Rae at the Turning the Tables event in NYC was magnificent, but more magnificent was being in Gnarly Rae Jepsen, aka the Carly Rae Jepsen cover band I was invited to join around Halloween. Frankly I was just flattered to have been asked, since Lars does a cover band for Halloween every year and they always rip. And Gnarly Rae ripped! I didn’t do a lot of stuff with my own music this year, so it was great to play with a band with pretty much zero pressure and an abundance of good vibes. The Halloween show was one of the happiest moments of my year. Plus this winter I planned a December open mic and so some friends and I decided to do a couple covers — “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac (which Mads sang) and “Dreams” by The Cranberries (which I sang) — which was a little messy and extremely fun.

Christmas cactus

A friend of mine from grad school moved to California after graduating and gave me a bunch of her plants, including a cactus that looked like it was in poor health but I was determined to keep alive for as long as I could. I kept caring for it even though I was convinced it was going to croak any day; turns out I’m just ignorant about what a healthy cactus looks like, because it blossomed just days before my birthday this April. I didn’t even know this cactus could flower, so to have it happen right before I turned 26 made me feel such a deep sense of joy and hope, and connection with the living world, like a true, grounded, healthy Taurus. It bloomed again before Christmas; last week, I realized my grandmother has the exact same plant in her living room.

Writing criticism

I wrote a couple things this year I was especially proud of, and most of them were reviews. (My Turning the Tables essay doesn’t fit in that category but I’m really proud of that, too.) Most of this writing happened in my house where I was alone in my room rubbing my temples and whining softly why is this so hard, why does it have to be so hard but it also felt electric and life-affirming; I heard a podcaster refer to writing as something like “touching the divine” this year and that feels like it, exactly. I think I loved those processes too because they so often involved having really fun, challenging conversations about the art in question with people I admire, and that’s why I got into this game, right? Plus a few conversations I had this year adjacent to these pieces helped me realize that a) criticism is the kind of writing I feel the most drawn to right now; and as we used to say on Tumblr, “not to get fake deep but,” b) the goodness I am searching for in my life/self is a big part of what drives me to write, of what I’m doing in my writing. That helps.

Coffee O merch

My forever favorite coffee shop is Coffee Obsession in Falmouth, not necessarily because they have the best beans in the world or anything but because when I’m there it’s because I am spending time in my favorite place, usually with my family and best friends, etc. Anyway I have recently started to rep them on a regular basis: I got a purple HydroFlask with the Coffee O logo and used it every day this year to bring iced coffee to work, and this summer I bought a big green Coffee O t-shirt that says “LOCAL FLAVAH” on the back (incredible), which is more or less my favorite item of clothing I bought this year. I guess I’m kind of a poseur because I’m a tourist, not a Cape Cod native, but my love for Coffee O is true and real and I’m glad to spread the word.

Etc: Making iced coffee every morning in the Chemex; roséwave and the #Saltypod, both of which I love fiercely; the difference between being liked and being heard, à la Ellen Willis; editing essays; the Fever Ray show at 9:30 Club; wearing glitter in the corners of my eyes; “no one is going to wait for you to ask for permission”; wearing heels to work; the steam room at the W St YMCA; my tarot deck; the Pome newsletter.

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expectyaytions · 6 years

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Brothers Part II

Sweet Pea lived for weekend’s with his wife. He loved waking up next to her and making breakfast together. So much of their week was spent with Veronica studying cases and reading lawyer jargon and him reading reports and statistics. He helped her best he could; mostly quizzing her or helping her prep. She had graduated two weeks ago and was waiting to get her bar results.

He had received a duel degree in Community Health and Psychology. After a few years searching for his niche within the areas, he began focusing on the opioid epidemic -primarily children and families who were affected. It started after a social worker friend contacted him one night. The police raided a house where there was selling and there were kids inside. They were able to contact extended family for most, but some kids had nowhere else to go and there were infants who were suffering from withdrawals because their mothers were breastfeeding and using.

Sweet Pea was devastated when he learned it was common occurrence. He and Veronica had gone through a few screenings so in the off chance that there was nowhere for kids of babies to go -they’d be allowed to take them for a period of time. It was hard - the babies were often unsoothable and the children so malnourished and skittish. They would arrive at all hours of the day.

Hermione Lodge had her doubts about Sweet Pea when he and V had begun dating, but once she came over and saw what they were doing she softened a little. She’d stop by in the morning with stuffed animals, blankets and clothes and cuddle the babies and play games with the kids. She made sure each and every child who entered their home left with a comfort item.

He was in the process of getting approved to build a small facility specific to children and families affected by opioid addiction. They’d be allowed to stay and families would be educated on their loved one. Children would have a place to stay and babies could detox. He’d hit a few snags, but was working harder than ever to get it approved. There were psychologists he was working with to create a program.

Veronica had decided to wanted to do family law. She didn’t originally, but seeing some of the cases that came through her home she wanted kids to come first.

This weekend however was to be spent away from home. They were headed to Cape Cod for Memorial Day Weekend. They’d rented a cottage on the beach for three nights and were eager to enjoy a mini - overdue vacation. The drive was spent primarily in traffic and listening to NPR.

“I feel like we’re older than we are.” Veronica sighed.

“Just mature.”

“You are not mature! You put a toy rat in the silverware drawer to scare me.” he started laughing so hard and she couldn’t help but join in.

The cottage was perfect. They stopped at the grocery store on the way in and picked up steaks for grilling and salad fixings. Veronica picked out blueberry pie, vanilla ice cream and strawberries - running after they were already in line for a can of whipped cream. She was ready for a weekend with her husband.

Once they arrived at the cottage, Veronica insisted they pour some lemonade and sit out on the patio. The beach was at their fingertips and it was private and quit. They spoke back and forth updating each other about their current projects.

“You know, I didn’t see a beach until I was sixteen. Have I told you this before?”

“Um, no. Please continue.” She slid a strawberry into her mouth.

“As soon as Fangs and I both got our license and had saved up and fixed our first bikes, we headed to the first beach we could locate on a map. It was a two hour drive and we just went. Stopped for sandwiches and cokes and once we got there we were stunned. It was certainly a sight we had never seen. We ended up sunburnt as hell. But it was worth it.”

“That sounds fun. Did you guys ever go back?”

“Nah, things heated up with the serpents and we stuck close to home unless told otherwise.”

“I think it’s really sweet that you guys got to experience so many things with each other.” She grabbed his hand and kissed his knuckles.

“There’s a part of me that hopes that that’s where he is now. Just hanging out by the beach, relaxing, drinking beers with a nice looking man who treats him right.” He spoke wistfully.

“Were you surprised when Fangs came out?”

“I was a little, but not really. I mean I didn’t care at all. He would ask me questions like if I ever had dreams about boys and kissing boys and if I thought some kid in our class was cute. So when he officially told me he was bisexual, I kind of already figured as much.”

“It probably meant a lot to him.”

“It did. His dad kind of freaked out, but his mom was too strung out to care or realize. It kind of stopped there though. None of the serpents cared and anyone that had something to say, answered to us anyway. It really worked out in his favor in the end.” He nibbled his lip, something Veronica noticed he did when he was in thought or reminiscing.

“We’ll find him babe. We have to.” She inhaled nervously “we’ll need to tell him he’s going to be a godfather.” Sweet Pea’s brow furrowed in confusion before his eyes went wide.

“Wait! You’re! Are you? For real?” Tears filled his eyes and he jumped over the table and wrapped her in his arms. She nodded circling her arms around him. He pulled away and kissed her, grabbing her cheeks and pulling her face to his.

“I can’t believe it. Really?” She nodded again pleased by his reaction. He spun her around and they celebrated with the pie and ice cream they’d got at the store.

It wasn’t until hours later, after dinner, after giving V a foot massage while watching season two of How to Get Away With Murder, after having celebratory sex, after Veronica had gone to sieep; He snuck outside with a beer. He sat under brightness of the moon and wished he could call Fangs and tell him. Fangs would be the most excited. He’d reassure Sweet Pea that despite their childhood and adolescent years, their own shitty parents - that he, Sweet Pea would make amazing dad. Sweet Pea clenched his teeth and willed himself not to cry. He needed that reassurance. He was scared. He tipped his beer to the empty chair.

“Wherever you are man, congrats - you’re going to be an uncle.”

-//-//-//-

The program and center had been open for a month, but the ribbon cutting was today. He nervously pulled at the collar of his shirt. This whole thing was at Veronica’s insistence. She thought it’d make good press and get the word out. He was sweating even though it was November. He ran a hand through his hair. A knock at the door startled him.

“Honey? It’s me, can I come in?.” He exhaled slowly before opening the door to reveal his pregnant wife. She looked spectacular - she always did. Her hair was a little longer these days, too many things to do and a haircut had not been a priority.

“You look gorgeous.” He smiled at her. He loved her little bump. He ran a hand down her side.

“You’re going to do great. We rehearsed everything - it’s just a few short words. And we’ve already sent things to the papers, this is just for the news channels and so the community knows.” He nodded, his throat dry. She pulled out a bottle of water from her purse. “This might help.” He kissed her gratefully.

“Thank you.”

They emerged together from the entrance of the center, a good sized crowd in front of them. He ran a thumb over his tattoo while approaching the microphone. He told the short version of the background of the center and shared his vision. Veronica stepped in at the right moments adding to the story. Photos were snapped before finally he was handed the giant scissors and cut the ribbon. The crowd cheered and he found himself searching the crowd, hopeful, before turning to his wife and kissing her.

All his friends came over to their house after to celebrate. They considered going out but Veronica was too tired and her feet hurt. So they all headed back to hang out by the fire pit and cook burgers.

“You know he’d be proud of you.” Toni whispered to him while he shaped the burgers on the island. Everyone else was outside.

“What?” He looked at her slightly confused.

“Fangs, he’d be proud of you. With everything that happened to your moms. I think he would be impressed you’re doing something to help instead of winding up like them. I know that was a concern for you both growing up. That you’d end up like your parents.” Sweet Pea’s eyes filled with tears. He’d been so emotional lately he blamed the stress and newness of everything happening.

“Ton, I’m worried he did.” She wrapped her arms around him. “And that’s why we haven't heard from him.” He’d be lying if Fangs wasn’t some of the motivation for the center.

“I don’t think that’s the case Pea. We’ve talked about this.”

“I know, but it just, everything’s a possibility since we don’t know anything.”

She nodded in understanding.

“It’s weird.” She whispered. “Everything that happens, big things small things, I always just imagine he’s still there and then he’s not and it’s almost weird.”

“I do the same thing. I can’t not. He’s always the first one I used to call so it’s just instinct to want to do it now.” Toni leaned into his side and he wrapped his arm around her.

“I’m scared my kids will never meet him. That I’ll never see him again. I always kept saying maybe next year, but it’s been ten years and nothing. Maybe this is the year we start to accept that he’s not coming back.” His voice cracked and tears flooded his cheeks. That was his fear, his truth and he hadn’t spoken it out loud to anyone ever, not even Veronica.

They stood embraced in the kitchen until Veronica sauntered in, her belly on display in maroon leggings and a grey v-neck sweater that was snuggly covering her belly.

“Isn’t that my sweater?” He choked trying to joke as she approached them, her brows furrowed and concern in her eyes. Toni patted him on the back before wiping her eyes as she headed outside.

“Babe-“ she started.

“It’s about Fangs.” He hung his head. “It’s always about Fangs. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. It’s okay to let things be about Fangs. It’s okay to miss him and be sad about him missing these things.”

“What if he never comes back Veronica?” He sobbed. She felt tears fill her own eyes as her husband started to lose it. He’d broken down plenty of times in their years together - usually about Fangs, but she knew today would be a tough one.

“He’ll come back. He will.” She reassured him, but there was a pang in heart as she realized that wasn’t something she entirely believed herself.

-//-//-//-

His heart was full. He was in love. He couldn’t believe after months and months of waiting and preparing and internally freaking out -they were here. His arms wrapped around his wife, his hand stroking his baby girl’s cheek as she fed. Veronica hadn't taken her eyes off her daughter since she was placed on her chest.

Now swaddled and head covered in a light grey hat she fed from her mother. The couple was speechless. Sweet Pea had only spoken praises to Veronica through tears as his daughter entered the world. He felt as though he were high, floating on happiness. His beautiful wife and daughter snuggled up.

Veronica was exhausted; he could tell. Once she finished feeding, she handed the baby over to be put in her little box. Sweet Pea assured her he’d make all the calls and let people come by in the morning.

She squeezed his hand, and before dozing she managed to whisper, “he’d be proud of you Sweets. He’d be as in love with her as we are.” He smashed his lips together in an effort not to cry and squeezed the hand she was holding.

He walked out into the hallway phone in hand; before making any calls he slid down the wall and cried. He sobbed and he promised himself this was it. He’d start living his life without The question of Fangs lingering over him. This was it. He needed to be 100% for his daughter and his wife; no more what ifs and maybes and speculations. He wasn’t holding hope anymore. It was time to let go. The thought made him sob louder and harder, but he knew once he cried it out he’d feel better.

He called his in-laws first. They were elated and said they’d be over as soon as visiting hours started.

He called Toni next, she screamed and then he heard Toni telling Cheryl. They asked when a good time to stop by was. He thought about it. He wanted to give Hiram and Hermione enough time with their grand-daughter and also let V relax a little. He decided any time after one o’clock would be fine.

He called Jughead and Betty, he could hear Betty “whooping” in the background. He made a few other calls before stepping back into the room and admiring his wife.

There was cooing from where his daughter was sleeping. He made his way over to see her eyes open; her mouth pinched looking for her missing pacifier. He picked her up, in the exact way the nurses had shown him and he had practiced after hanging out with a local expecting parents group. He gently nuzzled the pacifier back into her mouth and bounced her in a smoothing manner. He felt like a pro.

She was so tiny and perfect and he wanted to protect her from everything. She squirmed a little and he started talking to keep her from crying. Veronica said she’d recognize his voice. He spent each night reading her a story while she was swimming around in the womb. Her nurseries library was overflowing with books. He wanted her to be smart and he wanted to open as many doors as he could for her.

He kissed the top of her head as he told her about his best friend growing up, and one day she’d have a best friend too.

-//-//-//-

**A word from Veronica**

“I don’t know Betty, something's going on. He asked what I thought about him lasering off his tattoo and I was like, which one and he pointed to his neck. Betty, that’s not only his serpent tattoo, but he and Fangs got them together that’s like their brotherhood tattoo.”

“What did you say?”

“I said, I didn’t think he should. It’s important to his business. People feel like they connect because of where he came from and his background.”

“Jughead said he seems a little different. More focused and driven, but not like he used to. Have to spoken to Toni about it?”

“Not yet, I will once she and Cheryl come home from Greece. I can’t believe they’re pregnant!”

“I know! We have to throw the best baby shower ever for them.”

“B, have you ever lied to Jughead or gone behind his back to do something.”

“Not recently, but yes. And not because I really wanted to, but something’s have to be done.” Veronica sighed loudly, “Why V, what are thinking about doing?”

“I’ve asked Sweet Pea many times over the last nine years if he ever wanted me to hire a PI to find Fangs. Then he’d know and have answers, but he always said no. I’m thinking I’m going to do it anyway. It’s clear he’s doing something to erase him.”

-//-//-//-

“Dada!” She reached up at him. Her brown eyes smiling at him.

“Hi baby.” He picked her up and sat her on his hip. She rested her head on his shoulder, her blankie smushed under her head. “Where’s mummy?” He called into the house.

“Mummy is in the dining room.” He headed in that direction.

“Hi Love,” he leaned down to kiss her. “How was work?”

“Crazy.”

“The Stentson case?”

“Of course. Do you mind occupying her for an hour? Essie left for the day, David just arrived for dinner. I can switch with you after dinner if you have work to do?”

“Sounds good to me. I love it when you’re home for dinner.” Veronica listened for him until he was out of the room. She could hear him on the baby monitor talking and laughing with Emaline.

She downsized the laptop screen and looked at the email from the PI. It was their agreement - he’d share anything he found with her and not approach if he found Fangs until she gave him the okay. She was giddy with nerves and excitement. She so badly wanted this to be a good thing. But they had to actually locate him first.

-//-//-//-

“Happy Birthday!” Everyone shouted as the door opened revealing Sweet Pea. He jumped a little in surprise, but recovered quickly seeing all his close friends and co-workers. As he made his way to where he saw Veronica standing next to Betty.

“Dada!” He heard swiveling around he saw her, arms outstretched to him from Toni. Toni handed her over - giving him a quick hug and wishing him a happy birthday. He kissed his wife and wrapped very pregnant Betty in a side hug.

“This is too much babe, I’m only 28!” He laughed. He knew his wife lived for celebrations and planning, it was her comfort zone.

“I needed a distraction from work.” She smiled up at him, grazing Emmy’s cheek with her finger. Emmy was resting her head in the crook of his neck, her hand gripping the collar of his button up, a finger rubbing the buttons. He put his free hand against her head and pressed a kiss to the top of her hair.

He mingled around, laughing with Selma, one of the secretary’s at the center and how she almost revealed the secret that morning to him when she wished him a happy birthday. Jughead had wrapped him in conversation about maybe doing a podcast together on fatherhood, maybe parenthood and we could get Toni in on it. Sweet Pea was definitely on board. He told Jughead he thought it was a brilliant idea. After he’d made the rounds and changed Emmy’s diaper, Veronica found him, a slight look of panic on her face before masking it with a smile and a kiss.

“It’s time to give you your gift.”

“The party is enough, Honey.” She just looked at him and nibbled her lip. “But I bet I’ll love it.” She wrapped an arm around his waist and lead him into the center of the room.

She nodded at someone on the other side and the door opened, there were people everyone so he couldn’t see what was being revealed, but soon people parted ways.

Veronica took Emmy who fussed leaving her dad. There were a few gasps and confused murmurs before Sweet Pea finally saw what he was looking at. His jaw went slack, the sound of his heart beating filled his ears and for a second he thought might faint.

Walking toward him in black jeans, a lavender button down and a black dress boots was Fangs. He was slightly older and more tan then Sweet Pea remembered. He felt his feet moving forward, although he was sure he stumbled at first, he made his way towards the man.

It felt like a dream. Maybe this was heaven, surrounded by everyone he loved. But once he was in arms length he grabbed Fangs into a hug and held him so close he could feel his heart beating as loud and nervous as his own. Fangs arms wrapped around him just as tight and Sweet Pea couldn’t hold his tears in anymore. His hand came around to clasp the back of his best friend’s neck and he didn’t want to ever let go.

Eleven years was a long time, but for a minute it seemed as though he was in a time capsule. His life at five, sleeping at Fangs house because his mom was high and passed out and he was scared, at his moms funeral with Fangs by his side, getting bullied on the playground, joining the Serpents, the day Fangs got his heart stomped on and needed Pea to cheer him up. His first seventeen years hit him again all at once, the comfort of his best friend - it felt for a moment that no time had passed at all.

Neither moved to pull away, they both stood in the middle of the room crying into each other’s arms. Two gang members sobbing into the others nice button down shirts - their seventeen year old selves would never have believed it.

They only pulled away when a loud cry filled the room, “Dada!” And a second later a little body against his legs. He untangled himself from Fangs, his arms picking up Emmy to hoist her onto his hip. She shyly tucked her head into her dad’s neck.

“Emmy, can you say hi?”

“Hi” she whispered.

“Do you know who this is? She shook her no before changing to a slow nod. “This is Fangs.” Her little eyes widened in surprise her mouth turning into an “o.”

“Untol Fangs” she flung herself at him, he caught her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“We’ve told her all about you and she’s seen your pictures.”

“She’s beautiful Sweet Pea.” He told him emotionally, trying to hold back tears.

“Hey Fangs, Honey, we’re wrapping up here and heading back to ours. We would be honored if you’d join us, but before that there are a few people who are looking to get in on this reunion.” He looked behind Veronica to see Toni, Jughead and FP.

Toni was the first to rush into his arms as soon as Sweet Pea pulled away. Her pregnant belly created an awkward time but she was too busy crying to care. He awed at her belly and kissed the top of her head. Jughead and Betty hugged him at the same time before FP yanked into a hug while he tried and failed to hide his tears. He whispered a few things into his ear before pulling away.

Veronica told Sweet Pea to drive with Fangs so he knew where to go. As people cleared out Veronica grabbed the last few things and Jughead carried Emmy to her car. After she was in her car seat and closed the door she was met by five pairs of serpent eyes and none of them her husbands. Toni was the first to speak.

“I can’t believe you managed to find him. How? When? Where?” She squeezed passed Jughead and Cheryl and wrapped Toni in a hug.

“I promise I’ll explain everything when we get back to mine. And I promise he isn’t here against his own free will.” Toni nodded in her shoulder.

“Thank you.” She snuggles before pulling away.

“You’re coming over too, right FP?” She asked the oldest serpent who Emmy fondly called ‘papa.” Sweet Pea had explained - he’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to a dad.

“Yeah, I’ll be there.” They all looked at her expectantly.

“I only spoke with him on the phone to relay details about the party. We didn’t catch up or anything - I wanted each of you to tell him your own story. I don’t know what he’s been up to or what he does for work or where he’s been. He’ll tell you all.” They all nodded slowly, understanding. “Now, I’ll see you all my house in ten. I even made mocktails for you three.” She pointed to Betty, FP and Toni. “And David made his peanut butter brownies for you Jughead.” He took Betty’s hand and headed to their car.

“Thanks V.” He shouted as they walked away. She shook her head and smiled. The rest of the serpents dispersed heading to their cars or bike in FP’s case. She climbed into the SUV, releasing a shaky breath and telling herself she did the right thing.

#sweet pea #sweetvee #veronica lodge #veronica x sweet pea #riverdale #southside serpents #fangs fogarty #toni topaz #cheryl blossom #jughead jones #betty cooper #bughead #fp jones #riverdale fanfiction #riverdale fic #fanfiction #brothers #sweet pea x veronica lodge

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slutforpoetryx · 7 years

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1 to 500 😁

Oh jesus christ. This is such karma 😭 but challenge accepted…. 😏

1) A book you read for a movie: I hope I get that question right but I only did that once and it was with the Maze runner.2) A favorite adapted movie: Uh Harry Potter I guess?3) A guilty pleasure: Binge watching my fav tv series4) A movie from your favorite director you didn’t like: Hmm I don’t really have a fav but I do like Tim Burton a lot and from the movies I’ve seen there’s never been one I didn’t like. They’re all super original5) A movie that was better than the book: Usually all the books are better than the movies. Have yet to encounter the opposite 6) A movie that you know is bad but you can’t help but love it: There’s one movie, forgot the title, but it was like this B horror movie that I just loved even though the effects and make up was so bad. Even the acting was bad. But it was about this werewolf’s life and how he fell in love with this girl and well yeah romance always sucks me in 😂 7) A movie you watched mainly for an actor: Sweeney Todd, I watched that one mainly because of Johnny Depp and also because it interested me 8) Age: 20 🎉9) Any piercings that you want?: I want a few piercings still. In my ear, a dermal and belly button piercing once I have the bod for it 10) Any tattoos you want?: I do want tattoos but aside from a few personal things (🐱) I don’t know what (yet, I guess)11) Anyone you’re giving up on?: No one12) Are relationships ever worth it?: Usually they are. If it’s real and natural, something that just fulfills you and makes you happy. Makes you a better person the hell yes. They’re not worth it when it’s overall wrong13) Are you a forgiving person?: I am very much so. Not always a good thing though14) Are you a heavy sleeper?: Fuck yes I am. My mom always says that I’d sleep through an earthquake or bomb15) Are you a jealous person?: God…. Love wise, yes. Definitely yes. But I become a crazy bitch then 🙂16) Are you a social or an antisocial person?: Forever asocial asf17) Are you allergic to anything?: Not that I know of. Certain skin products and a sensitive stomach but that’s it 18) Are you currently in a relationship?: Nope19) Are you dating the last person you talked to?: Sadly enough not….. yet20) Are you due sometime this year for a doctor’s visit?: I hope not21) Are you easy to get along with?: As long as it stays superficial then sure. The ones closest to me have their hands full with me22) Are you going out of town soon?: No 😭23) Are you good at hiding your feelings?: Depends but sometimes I am24) Are you good at math?: God no, the worst at that. 35% on an exam kinda bad 25) Are you happy with the person you’ve become?: No I’m not. I do hope to be happy with who I am trying to become26) Are you lonely?: I often am27) Are you mad at someone right now?: Yes I am28) Are you nice to everyone?: As long as they deserve it then yes 29) Are you outgoing or shy?: Shy, verrrrrrry shy30) Are you over your past?: Not yet but one day I will be31) Are you someone’s best friend?: I’m not32) Are you the kind of friend you would want to have as a friend?: As I am now then no, as I hope to be then yes33) Are you tired right now?: Very tired, always am34) Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?: Not today35) Are you wearing socks right now?: No hahaha I’m in bed so36) Are your toenails painted pink?: No they’re not37) Basic question: what’s your favorite color/colors?: Green/black/grey/red/beige38) Baths or showers?: Depends on my mood but lately mostly showers39) Best friend(s): No one40) Biggest age gap between you and someone you’ve dated: Never really dated anyone so don’t have an answer41) Birthday: 17/0242) Can insanity bring on more creativity?: Oh hell yes, the insane created creativity43) Can you commit to one person?: I can and always will 44) Can you drive a stick shift?: I can45) Can you drive? If so do you like, why?: I can drive and love speeding the most but it also gives me anxiety so.. I end up not driving46) Can you hold your breath under water without using your hand?: Obviously yes47) Can you live a day without TV?: TV yes, Netflix no 😂😂48) Can you tie a bow-tie? A regular tie? If yes, how and when did you learn?: I can’t……49) Coke or Pepsi?: Neither ew50) Currently wanting to see anyone?: Yes, my poopsie51) Dark, milk, or white chocolate?: Milk chocolate ftw but never much cause nausea52) Deadpool is the greatest; discuss: Deadpool is just overall the funniest. He doesn’t give a fuck about anything but still does good. He’s original53) Define: Art: Art is anything that can touch the soul whether that is in the form of a song, book, poem or even a Van Gogh. I believe even the human body is a piece of art. Nature is art54) Describe your best friend, personality and looks: ///55) Describe your favorite food. Who makes it?: My fav food is this pasta my mom makes with a cream cheese tomato sauce just fuck yes 56) Describe your physical “ideal mate”: My physical ideal mate… Hmmm someone that has muscled arms with sleeve tattoos. Veiny hands 😍 dark hair, a stubble and beautiful green eyes. Looks good in joggers, a suit or anything inbetween 57) Did you have a dream last night?: Don’t remember58) Did you have a good day yesterday?: Yesterday was overall a pretty good day actually59) Did you wake up cranky?: I didn’t 60) Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?: In most cases people deserve a 2nd chance. It just really depends on what they’ve done. Some things can’t be forgiven or fixed61) Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?: I believe in both ghosts and aliens 62) Do you believe in karma?: Oh for sure, even experienced it myself63) Do you believe in love?: I do believe in love64) Do you believe in luck?: I believe people can get lucky. But actual luck, not sure 65) Do you believe in magic?: A part of me wants to believe that magic is real but rational me doesn’t66) Do you believe in soul mates?: I do hahaha67) Do you believe that everyone has a soul-mate?: I think everyone has a person they’re meant to be with 68) Do you care if people talk badly about you?: I care more than I’d like to admit and it affects me too which sucks69) Do you chew on your straws?: Oh god I do, I can’t stop once I’ve started hahahahah70) Do you collect anything?: I don’t anymore71) Do you cry easily?: Too easily 😢72) Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?: I don’t drive but I have almost crashed twice so73) Do you eat meat?: I do eat meat but also meat replacements74) Do you ever wanna get married?: I’d love to get married at some point75) Do you fall for people easily?: Not at all76) Do you get a lot of colds?: I used to but thankfully not anymore77) Do you get butterflies around the person you like?: I’m not physically around the person I like but he gives me butterflies from a distance so78) Do you hate anyone?: I do but wish I didn’t have to79) Do you hate the last guy you had a conversation with?: Nope, actually love him so80) Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend? If not, do you want one?: I don’t and at some point I do want a bf, when I’m ready and a better person81) Do you have a collection of anything?: I have a collection of a few things. One that comes to mind is Me to You bears 82) Do you have a crush?: I do but it’s also more than that, way more83) Do you have a tan? Is it fake or real?: I’m as white as milk 🍼84) Do you have any body modifications?: No85) Do you have any empty alcohol bottles hidden somewhere in your room?: No86) Do you have any nicknames?: Nuno and mie/mieke87) Do you have any obsessions right now?: Uh tv series I guess88) Do you have any pictures on your Facebook?: I do yes89) Do you have any piercings?: A few in my ears and a nose piercing which I actually completely forgot I had hahahha 90) Do you have any relatives in jail?: Not that I know of 😂91) Do you have any strange phobias?: Hm the dark isn’t that strange but maybe the idea that werewolves are real92) Do you have any tattoos?: Unfortunately not93) Do you have many toys? What are your favorites?: I have 094) Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell everything to?: I do, he’s also the only one I tell anything and everything to 95) Do you have someone you can be your complete self around?: My mom, brother and CJ96) Do you have trust issues?: It sucks but I do97) Do you like anime?: I don’t think I ever watched anime 98) Do you like true crime?: I love it. I’m very fascinated by it 99) Do you like deep conversations?: I do but suck at starting one myself100) Do you like hot sauce?: Love it101) Do you like it when people play with your hair?: Only the person I love102) Do you like sports? Which ones?: I love a good marathon….. a movie marathon103) Do you like the climate you live in? What do you like or would change?: Don’t like it, it’s 4 seasons in a day. I’d like more stability 104) Do you like to wear any jewelry? Bracelets? Necklaces?: Only the bracelet my mom got me105) Do you like watching scary movies?: They’re my fav so yes106) Do you like your neighbors?: Ew no107) Do you miss anyone right now?: Hm not really108) Do you need to do laundry?: Always hahaha109) Do you plan on moving out within the next year?: Nope110) Do you play video games? What are your favorites?: I don’t anymore but my favs were Spyro, Crash, Mario and Assassin’s Creed or Far Cry. Idk COD is cool too111) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?: Video chatting but only with close ones112) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?: Always behind113) Do you prefer to be friends with girls or boys?: Neither114) Do you prefer to text or call your friends?: Texting ftw 115) Do you replay things that have happened in your head?: All the time 😕116) Do you save money or spend it?: Depends but usually save117) Do you secretly like someone?: It’s not a secret so118) Do you sleep with or without clothes on?: With119) Do you sleep with the door open or closed?: Almost closed120) Do you still talk to the first person that you kissed?: No121) Do you think someone has feelings for you?: I do122) Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?: No hahaha123) Do you think the person you have feelings for is protective of you?: Oh very much so 124) Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months and not cheat?: I can last a lifetime without cheating so 125) Do you think you like someone?: I know I like someone 😂😂126) Do you think you’ll be married in 5 years?: Nope127) Do you think you’re a strong person?: I’m far from a strong person, I’m rather weak128) Do you think your life will change dramatically before 2014?: My life did change dramatically before 2014. If it will by next year, who knows129) Do you want a boyfriend or girlfriend?: When I’m ready for a bf, then I do want one130) Do you want any piercings? Where?: I would like a dermal between my boobs, more piercings in my ears and a belly button piercing once I have the bod for it 131) Do you want children? How many and what would you name them?: At this point it’s not something I can answer132) Do you want tattoos? What of?: I do want tattoos, only 2 I am sure of 🐱🌛133) Do you want to try any drugs? Acid? Shrooms? Ecstasy?: LSD x Weed134) Do you want your tongue pierced?: Ew no 😝135) Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?: Both136) Do you wear jeans or sweats more?: Sweats ftw137) Do you work out?: Yes by getting out of bed in the morning138) Does anyone hate you?: Who knows hahahaha probably139) Does anyone like you?: I think so140) Does anyone regularly (other than family) tell you they love you?: Not regularly but enough141) Dogs or Cats? Why?: Both cause both are freaking awesome duh 🐶🐱142) Don’t tell me lies, is the last person you texted attractive?: The most attractive143) Draw a selfie: Too lazy and no talent 144) Ever been in a physical fight?: Yes 😂145) Ever been in love?: Yes and still am 146) Ever been on a plane?: Yes147) Ever been suspended or expelled? what for?: No I was a good, boring student 148) Ever go to camp?: Pony camp hahahaha149) Ever had a poem or song written about you?: Yes 🙄150) Ever had a rumor spread about you?: Hm yes151) Ever had a terrible breakup?: No152) Ever kissed under fireworks?: No153) Eye colour: Just brown 154) Favourite actors: Hmmm fav actors. Probably Morgan Freeman, Johnny Depp, Jonah Hill, Dylan O'Brien, … 155) Favourite actresses: Fav actresses: Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Emma stone, Meryl Streep, …156) Favourite animals: All animals (dogs, cats, birds, chameleons, dolphins, turtles, lions …) xxx157) Favourite bands: Uh Kodaline and Papa Roach are he only ones I can come up with hahaha 158) Favourite cartoons: Hmm avatar159) Favourite color: Red, green, grey and black. Beige too160) Favourite Comedy: Jesus tough one uhm The Hangover probably 161) Favourite comic book movie: I think hmm Deadpool 162) Favourite day of the year: Don’t have a fav day 163) Favourite Disney Movie: Beauty and the Beast but Mulan, the Lion King, The Little Mermaid etc come close too 164) Favourite drink: Ice tea 🙂 no idk alcohol wise it just depends on my mood165) Favourite Fantasy: Uh idk tbh, I have so many166) Favourite feature on yourself: My eyelashes or my kindness, not sure what kinda feature hahahah167) Favourite fictional character: Ron Weasley168) Favourite film: V for Vendetta169) Favourite food: Kebab170) Favourite food for munchies?: Salty snacks171) Favourite hobbies or things to do after smoking?: I don’t smoke? 172) Favourite ice cream?: Banana (coconut, lemon, vanilla)173) Favourite Love Story: Ruth and Ira from The Longest Ride174) Favourite Movie Soundtrack: Banks - waiting game175) Favourite movies?: Before I wake, The best of me, The lights between oceans, Mr and Mrs Smith, Charlie’s Angels, …176) Favourite movie remake: Nightmare on Elm street177) Favourite Musical: Beauty and the Beast178) Favourite mythical creature and why?: Tough one.. A dragon 179) Favourite number?: 17180) Favourite person?: Poopsie181) Favourite quote from a movie: “I love you so much. I just want you to be happy. Even if that happiness no longer includes me”182) Favourite quote from a song: “It’s holding on, though the road’s long. And seeing light in the darkest things. And when you stare at your reflection. Finally knowing who it is”183) Favourite quotes in general?: “But who prays for Satan? Who in eighteen centuries, has had the common humanity to pray for the one sinner that needed it most.”184) Favourite Science Fiction movie: Uh idk actually185) Favourite season and why?: Spring because the blossoms are appearing, people feel more alive again186) Favourite singer?: Demi Lovato 😍187) Favourite song: Kesha - Praying188) Favourite stage show?: No idea189) Favourite store to shop in?: A grocery store190) Favourite subject?: Personality psychology191) Favourite things to do: Just chilling and watching a tv series. Going on a trip and taking pictures. Writing. Spending time with loved ones192) Favourite TV show?: Overall probably Teen Wolf but I have many favs193) Fears?: Being abandoned, not being good enough and the dark194) First thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word: food?: Idk this table full of food I love 😂😂195) First thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word: love?: Poopsie196) Get the book closest to you, open to page fifty. What’s the first line?: “They both looked surly and unhappy, and the girl had clearly been crying.”197) Girls love it when boyfriends cry; correct?: That’s a very odd thing. I love when a guy is able to show emotions. I don’t love it when they cry cause it’s sad obviously198) Girls…. (finish the sentence); Boys…. (finish the sentence): Girls are all beautiful and unique, so are guys 🙂199) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: heart: A shitload of songs about heartbreak 200) Hair Color?: Light brown 201) Hair Length?: Pretty freaking long. Doesn’t reach my ass yet202) Has anybody ever given you butterflies?: Oh for sure 😍🦋203) Has anyone of your friends ever seen you cry?: Only 2 of my friends204) Has anyone told you they don’t want to ever lose you?: They have205) Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you, and meant it?: Yes, my poopsie206) Have you been to a gig in the past month?: A concert of Oscar and the wolf207) Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?: No208) Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?: No209) Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?: Thank god not, only 24 hours210) Have you ever been called a tease?: Uhm yes211) Have you ever been in a physical fight?: Yes212) Have you ever been in love?: Yes and still am213) Have you ever caught a butterfly?: No, they aren’t made to be caught214) Have you ever cried over a guy?: Uh obviously 215) Have you ever drank your soda from a straw?: Yes at McDonald’s 216) Have you ever eaten a crayon?: No? 😂217) Have you ever fallen for your ex’s best friend?: No ew also don’t have an ex218) Have you ever felt replaced?: Yes, often219) Have you ever found it hard to tell someone you like them?: Always, fear of rejection220) Have you ever had your heart broken?: Yes 221) Have you ever kissed a Chris?: Not yet 🙂🙂🙂222) Have you ever kissed a Sophie?: No223) Have you ever kissed someone older than you?: Yes224) Ever kissed someone whose name begins with the letter ‘A’?: No225) Have you ever liked one of your best friends of the opposite sex?: I have226) Have you ever liked one of your best friends of the same sex?: I haven’t 227) Have you ever liked someone who your friends hated?: Yes 😂228) Have you ever liked someone who didn’t like you back?: Yes229) Have you ever liked someone you didn’t expect to?: Hm yes 230) Have you ever thrown up in the car?: Thank god not, that’s gross231) Have you ever told someone you loved them?: I have 232) Have you ever wanted someone you couldn’t have?: I guess yes233) Have you ever wanted something you couldn’t have?: Yes more than once 234) Have you had any real Tumblr crushes?: Yes, one 235) Have you heard a song that reminds you of someone today?: No 236) Have you kissed someone whose name starts with a ‘J’?: No237) Have your pants ever fallen down in public?: No, that’s weird…..238) Have your parents ever caught you doing something you wish they hadn’t?: Not in the moment but after yes239) Height: 1m70, or something at least240) How are you?: I’m fine 241) How are you really?: Who the fuck knows, I don’t so242) How do you like your eggs?: Omelet243) How do you look on a night out?: Boring, dark clothes usually. A bit of mascara, hair straight and loose 244) How do you look right now?: Oh god you don’t wanna know. Horrible, awful, disgrace hahahahaha245) How do you vent your anger?: By writing, exploding or smashing doors 246) How is your best friend?: No idea, also don’t really have one247) How late did you stay up last night and why?: 3.30, watched a movie. Texted with poopsie and did the first part of these questions and then KO'ed 248) How long can you hold your breath for?: 40 seconds maybe. Tested it once but forgot and was many years ago249) How long does it take you to bath?: Like 40 mins hahahaha250) How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?: Depends on how much time I have. Can be from 25 mins to 1h30251) How long does it take you to get ready for a night out?: 1h30, with showering and everything252) How long does it take you to shower?: 12 mins to 35 253) How many kids do you want to have?: I don’t know254) How many TRUE friends do you have?: Like 2 probably255) How mature are you?: Depends. I can be very mature but when emotions are involved I become a childish mess256) How much do you weigh?: None of your damn business Tumblr257) How much do you want to weigh?: 62 kg258) How often do you bathe?: Depends on how I feel but 3 times a week usually259) How often do you go to see live music?: Oh almost never, it’s very rare260) How often do you listen to music?: Daily261) How old are you?: 20 years old 262) How old were you when you got your first boy/girlfriend: Well no idea since I never had one263) How old were you when you had your first kiss: Like 9 for a kiss on the mouth and more was 17264) How tall are you?: 1m70, this is quite repetitive tbh265) How tall is your crush?: I think taller than 1m80266) How’s your heart?: All over the place267) Ice cream or cake? Why?: Hmmm depends on my mood and the weather 268/269) If the person you like says they like someone else, what would you do? If the person you like says they like someone else, what would you say?: I’d be upset, having a bunch of mental breakdowns. Be absolutely devastated and just feel like there’s no point in anything anymore. Isolate myself from everything and everyone. But I’d wish him the best and tell him all I’ve ever wanted is for him to be happy. If she makes him happy then that’s all that matters. I’d also still wanna be in his life. Don’t wanna lose him, ever270) If the person you wish to be with were with you, what would you be doing right now?: That can quickly escalate from talking and laughing to something else, right? 🙂271) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?: “Be more accepting of one another”272) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?: Going to class273) If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: Everything 🙂274) If you could change your eye color, would you?: A few years ago I would’ve said yes but thanks to a special person, no thanks I like my eyes 275) If you could have one wish, what would it be?: For my mom to not be in pain and for her leg to heal completely276) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?: I don’t have a desire to meet anyone really. But I do wanna be with poopsie irl277) If you could move somewhere else, would you?: I sure as hell would278).If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be?: N.279) If you had to delete one day of your life completely, which would it be?: The day I first got confronted with trust issues280) If you had to delete one year of your life completely, which would it be?: The year I had met him281) If you were drunk, who would you want to take care of you?: The guy I love, however it’s not his responsibility282) If you’re being extremely quiet what does that mean?: Sunken in my own world, overthinking and sad283) If your first true love knocked on your door with apology and presents, would you accept?: My first true love is still and will always be in my life284) In a relationship?: Nope, single pringle 285) In the next 48 hours, will you hang out with a girl?: No286) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?: Trust, honesty, communication and being head over heels with eachother 287) Is cheating ever okay?: N E V E R288) Is it cute when guys kiss you on your forehead?: Fucking adorable when the guy you love does that. I mean never had that actually but I think I’d love it289) Is there a boy who you would do absolutely everything for?: 2 actually, my brother and the one I love290) Is there anyone you can tell EVERYTHING to?: Yes 291) Is there anyone you want to tell EVERYTHING to?: Yes292) Is there anyone you know with the name Michael?: Nope, I don’t know many people in general293) Is there anything pink on you?: No, only purple294) Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?: Yes, small papers to note stuff on295) Is there someone mad because you’re dating/talking to the person you are?: Yes hahahaha296) Is there someone you will never forget?: Yes297) Is there something that happened in your past that you hate talking about?: Unfortunately yeah298) Is your life anything like it was one year ago?: Nothing like it299) Is your life anything like it was two years ago?: No, it changed dramatically300) JFK: conspiracy or not?: Honestly no idea but knowing America, probably 301) Last book you read?: I can’t remember actually. I think Fifty Shades of Grey, by Grey but never finished it302) Last food that you ate?: Pastry 303) Last gig you went to?: Oscar and the Wolf, their concert304) Last movie you watched?: IT 😂🙄305) Last person you cried in front of?: I don’t know, my mom I think306) Last person you talked to?: My mom, just now, 2 seconds ago307) Last person you talked to for over an hour?: Poopsie308) Last person’s house you were in?: My dad’s 309) Last place you were?: My house? 😂310) Last play you saw?: God uhm no idea, been too long311) Last prank call you remember doing?: Never prank called anyone and my mom doesn’t count312) Last show you watched?: Riverdale 313) Last show you watched with a friend?: Hannibal, but he’s not really a friend so no idea if it counts314) Last song you listened to?: Ruelle - Recover315) Last song you sang?: Ruelle - Recover316) Last sport you played?: I haven’t played sports in ages but kick boxing I guess317) Last thing that made you cry?: An argument318) Last time you cried?: An hour ago319) Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over?: Never!!!!!320) Last time you hung out with anyone?: A month ago I think? It’s been long321) Last time you hung out with a group?: Well 2 people are a group to me so also a month322) Last time you kissed someone?: 4 years ago, something like that323) Last time you took a shower?: The day before yesterday324) Last time you were insulted and what was it?: The day before yesterday, “fuckhead”325) Least favorite sport?: Running, jogging, moving 326) Least favourite animals: I don’t have any so327) List 5 movies that you love: Hey I already kinda did this but ok, I’ll just give more. Harry Potter, Zootopia, Tangled, The Incredibles and hmmm National Treasure 328) List all the countries you’ve been to. Write a comment on each of them. Or some, if you can’t be bothered: Hungary: just beautiful. One of my fav countries, the little towns are great and the lake is just 😍 Rhodos (island): so many friendly people, found one of our cats there, beautiful ocean and amazing food. Italy: just wow. The most beautiful cities, friendly and open people, the pizza is just 👏🏻👌🏻 329) Location: Belgium.330/331) Loud music or soft?: Both, but mostly loud332) Meaning behind your url: Something that symbolizes a relationship/kink that is important to me 333) Most adventurous place you’ve smoked?: I’ve never smoked 334) Most attractive celebrity of the opposite gender?: Uh no idea.. Hm 🤔 Scott Eastwood is attractive and Johnny Depp in his 20s335) Most attractive celebrity of the same gender as you?: Angelina Jolie, Demi Lovato and Emeraude Toubia. Can’t choose 🙂336) Name: Nina R.337) Name of the person you first kissed: Asshole.338) Name something you dislike about the day you’re having: My headache and the argument339) Name something you’re happy about the day you’re having: Talking with poopsie340) Name something you have to do tomorrow?: Chores and grocery store341) Name something you’re glad you don’t have to do tomorrow?: Go to class342) Name three things you like about yourself: I can be nice I guess but yeah no, don’t like much about myself.343) Next trip you are going to take?: Nothing planned344) Nickname: Nuno/Mie/Mieke345) One movie you can watch everyday of your life?: I’d get bored so none but as a kid probably Charlie’s Angels 346) One must have?: My phone347) One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by MUMMIES. The mummies aren’t really doing anything, they’re just standing around your bed. What do you do?: Get the fuck out of there obviously? Probably scream idk. No honestly I’d probably hide under my blankets and freeze348) One thing you would say to a person who hurt you?: “Did I ever mean anything to you?”349) Opinions on dating people older than you: All good, as long as it’s not like a minor with someone much older. Aside from that people can do whatever. My age limit is 26 I think350) Opinions on dating people younger than you: I’d never date anyone younger than me cause lack of maturity most of the time. And I don’t want a boy but a man351) People you want to smoke with? Whether they actually smoke or not?: I don’t smoke wtf but Poopsie 352) Pick something from your immediate surroundings and tell the story behind the item: My bottle of ice tea. I love ice tea 353) Pick up the nearest printed material in your first language and copy out a random paragraph: None of your business tumblr. It’s a bill354) Place you want to visit?: New Zealand355) Place you’d want to smoke most?: Seriously?356) Places you’d like to visit?: Dubai, Peru, Mexi357) Post a picture of yourself: Too ugly358) Put on shuffle, what came on and what are your favorite lyrics?: Kesha - Learn to let go, “You don’t gotta be a victim. Life ain’t always fair, but hell is living in resentment. Choose redemption, your happy ending’s up to you”359) Put your music playlist on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up: Anne-Marie with Ciao Adios, Foxes - Devil Side, Fergie - You already know, Beyoncé - If I were a boy, Ruelle - Monsters, Foxes - Scar 360) Reading or watching: Watching 361) Relationship status: Complicated362) Sexual orientation: Straight 363) Smell the air. What do you smell?: Home364) So, the last person you kissed just happens to arrive at your door at 3AM; do you let them in?: Hell no, fucker is gonna get slapped365) Something you miss?: Taking pictures366) Stick your right arm out; what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm: The table, my dog367) Suppose you see your ex kissing another person what would you do: Don’t have an ex so nothing 368) The last time you noticed you’d put a piece of clothing on incorrectly, i.e. backwards/inside out/etc?: Probably my pjs and in the morning so no biggie369) The reason I joined Tumblr?: It was very popular back then and it seemed fun, a platform where you didn’t have to pretend370) The relationship between you and the person you last texted?: Hmm… Pretty complicated. Close but also at risk of ending. Could be something great if I continue to go in the right direction371) The Zodiac Killer is…?: Who knows372) Think back 2 months ago; were you in a relationship?: No373) Think back 12 months ago; were you in a relationship?: No 374) Think of the last person who said I love you, do you think they meant it?: I do yes375) Three names you go by..: Nina, Nuno and Mie?376) Top 5 actors: Hmm… Johnny Depp, Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland, Morgan Freeman, Seth Rogan377) Top 5 actresses: Helen Mirren, Katherine Heigl, Emma Watson, Catherine Zeta Jones, Chloë Moretz 378) Top 5 directors: ///379) Top 5 favorite blogs on Tumblr: @eagerforpower and the ones I reblog often from, you guys know who you are380) Top 5 movies: Not again381) Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean?: Both hahahaha I can’t possibly choose 382) Turn offs?: Bad breath, asshole, no hygiene, disrespecting, childish383) Turn ons?: Respectful, mature, amazing smell, being sweet etc384) Wearing any bracelets?: Not now385) Were you happy with the person you liked in March?: At that point, no 386) Were you in a relationship in January? How was it going?: Nope387) Were you single over the last summer?: Yes388) What are you actually gonna do for a career?: Hopefully become a psychologist389) What are you listening to right now?: Nothing390) What ARE you looking forward to?: Uhm idl nothing really 391) What are you NOT looking forward to?: Class/exams392) What are you sitting on right now?: A desk chair393) What are you supposed to be doing right now?: Nothing, I think 394/395) What are you wearing right now?/What are you wearing?: pjs396) What are your fears?: Being abandoned, the dark and not being good enough397) What are your plans for tonight?: Finding a new tv series to watch398) What brought you to Tumblr?: A friend who told me about it 399) What color bottoms are you wearing?: Grey, striped. Dark and light400/401) What color is your shirt? What color shirt are you wearing?: Purple402) What color underwear are you wearing?: Grey403) What do you do/what do you want to do when you grow up: Become a psychologist who actually helps people. While also enjoying my own life and seeing what the world has to offer404) What do you think about most?: Life, what to change and just my daily worries405) What do you think about tattoos and piercings?: I think they’re great, they are art that cover a blank page. Beautiful even406) What do you want to know about the future?: Honestly nothing, I’m already busy enough with it407) What does your last text message say?: “Dude some questions come back like 10 times”408) What does your latest text message from someone else say?: “And don’t answer them then”409) What exactly are you wearing right now?: Dude pjs 410) What gender do you identify as?: Female, also born that way411) What has been the biggest moment in your life so far?: Hm nothing 412) What is a typical breakfast for you?: Bread413) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?: Fighting for someone I love 414) What is your all-time favorite romance movie?: Hmmm the best of me415) What is your current mood? Write and/or draw: Just neutral 416) What is your current screen saver?: The sky417) What is your favorite animal?: A dog I think. I love all though 418) What is your favorite word?: Schnitzel419) What kind of people are you attracted to?: People who are open minded, honest and just who they are. With humor of course420) What makes you laugh no matter what?: My dogs421) What should you be doing right now?: Nothingggggg finishing these damn questions422) What size shoes do you where?: 40 usually423) What song are you listening to right now?: None424) What tabs do you have open right now?: Tumblr, my notes and kik425) What was the last book you read?: 🙄426) What was the last lie you told?: Not sure actually.. It’s pretty blurry427) What was the last movie you watched in theaters?: Spiderman Homecoming428) What was the last thing you had to drink?: Ice tea429) What were you doing at 12AM last night?: Watching a movie/texting 430) What would be a question you’d be afraid to tell the truth on?: There’s nothing I’m afraid to be honest about I think. “Did you ever doubt letting him go?”, this comes close though 431) What’s a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?: Stereos - Cupid432) What’s a song that always makes you sad when you hear it?: Sleeping at last - Already gone433) What’s a sound you hate; sound you love?: I hate tinnitus sounds and I love his voice 434) What’s the first thing you notice in the opposite sex: The smile/eyes435) What’s the last sporting event you watched?: Eh soccer a few years ago 436) What’s the last thing you purchased?: Food 😭😭😭437) What’s the last thing you put in your mouth?: Excuse me? Pastry hahahaha438) What’s the meaning behind your url?: A relationship, something personal439) What’s the relationship between you and the last person you texted?: Already answered this I DON’T NEED TO RUB IN HOW COMPLICATED IT IS, DO I TUMBLR?????440) What’s the worst place you have ever been to?: Police office 441) What’s your biggest “what if”?: What if he never did what he did?442) What’s your current problem?: Learning how to change and be better443) What’s your dream job?: Psychologist 🙂444) When did your last hug take place?: Yesterday evening with my mom 445) When is the last time you ran?: Probably when I was about to miss the bus. I don’t run otherwise 446) When is the last time you went to the mall?: Over a month ago447) When was the last time you cried?: A little bit ago.. 448) When was the last time you drove out of town?: Well my town is small asf so a few days ago to go to the grocery store in another town449) When was the last time you smiled?: A few mins ago when I laughed at him laughing at me450) When was the last time you told someone you loved them?: Yesterday451) When was the last time you were extremely disappointed?: I am disappointed in myself 24/7 but a few days ago it was extreme452) When’s the last time you were aggravated and happy at the same time?: I don’t remember453) Where do you go when you’re sad?: Wherever my tv series brings me to454) Where is the shirt you are wearing from?: De Zeeman idk 455) Where is your best friend?: No idea and also don’t have one. Way to make someone feel lonely, Tumblr456) Where were you 3 hours ago?: Same chair, answering these questions 😂😂457) Where were you last week at this time?: At home458) Where were you yesterday?: At home459) Who are you in love with?: Poopsie 😍💜460) Who are your best friends?: No one 461) Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything?: Poopsie, always him 462) Who do you have texts from?: My mom and poopsie, a few friends too463) Who is probably talking a load of crap about you right now?: Uh I hope no one?464) Who is the biggest gossiper you know?: Oh shit no idea hahahaha me? No idk I share a lot but don’t gossip465) Who is your celebrity crush?: Demi Lovato hahaha, a queen 😭466) Who is your favourite Beatle?: Lennon467) Who was the first person you talked to today?: Poopsie 468) Who was the last person you drove with?: My mom469) Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?: Hmm… Poopsie 😂😂470) Who was the last person you held hands with?: My mom 471) Who was the last person you talked to before you went to bed last night?: My mom 472) Who was the last person you talked to?: Poopsie 473) Who was the last person you took a picture of?: Holy cow I’m not sure, Max of Oscar and the Wolf I think 🎶474) Who was the last person you were on the phone with?: My mom475) Who was your first crush?: Asshole. 476) Who’s in your profile picture with you?: It’s a middle finger so no one, not even me 😂477) Will you be in a relationship in 2 months?: No478) Will you get married?: At some point hopefully yes479) Will your next kiss be a mistake?: No 🙂😏480) Worst injury you’ve ever had?: Concussion or broken finger, either481) Would you date an 18-year-old at the age you are now?: No I wouldn’t 482) Would you ever smile at a stranger?: Yes483) Would you rather be hot or cold?: Cold, you have blankets to keep you warm but cooling off is a whole lot harder + I feel uncomfortable then484) Would you survive a zombie apocalypse?: I like to think I would and that I’d be as badass as Milla Jovovich but eh idk485) Write a 6 word story: She never looked back, it was over (7 words fy)486) Write an autograph version of your URL: How even?487) Write your URL in some writing that you thought were super cool when you were younger. Eg, bubble letters, digital clock letters, letters with lots of embellishments, or letters with smiley faces in them: No too lazy488) You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power?: Being invisible for sure. So many abilities with that. Get on planes unseen, robbing banks etc489) You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid?: I wouldn’t tell anyone because I don’t want to be treated differently nor do I want people to be scared or sad the time I have left. I’d spend as much time as possible with my loved ones and do the things I love most while I still can. I’d be scared yes. Scared I hadn’t done enough. Scared my loved ones would be left broken490) You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do?: Fire me motherfucker. Not gonna let that cutie drown 😗🐶491) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?: That night.492) You can only have one of these things: trust or love: Trust, without trust there can be nothing493) You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again?: This moment that I had built a fort for me and my brother, we had no idea about the bad of the world yet and laughed endlessly. I was allowed to move the couches, use blankets and pillows. We would stack snacks there and go on missions 494) You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?: Ew no one495) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?: Hmm not sure but New Zealand or Thailand 496) Your best friend likes you, what do you do?: Tell them I don’t like them and that we can continue as friends but again I don’t have that problem cause I don’t have best friends497) Your best friend wants to do something you really don’t want to do. What do you do?: Not do it? 498) Your dream vacation?: Just full on relaxing but with enough adventure. Discovering places and food. Taking many pictures and just being happy to be alive. If it’s with someone I love then go on cute dates there too499) Your thoughts of long distance relationships?: They can definitely work and they’re as real as other relationships. They just require a lot of commitment and trust, from both sides 500) Your zodiac sign?: Aquarius ♒

Thank you for the hours and hours of entertainment 😂😗

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dominguezjordan94 · 4 years

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Grow Taller Hypnosis Success Stories Super Genius Cool Ideas

A tired body could not only help to increase your height, you should look up to 4 inches taller in days.Just take in such a machine if you have been unsuccessful.And as your father is tall, he frequented the big and tall socks unless they are gimmick free.This type of cosmetic operation can cost a lot of people call you and what are the fatal enemies of hormones that make you grow taller, and has a solution there somewhere!

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How Running Increase Height

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#Grow Taller Hypnosis Success Stories Super Genius Cool Ideas #Increase My Height In Gym

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mikemortgage · 5 years

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Chasing cold cash: How icebergs became the field of dreams for believers and schemers

David Meyers, the chief executive of Canadian Iceberg Vodka, a spirit made with water harvested from icebergs off Newfoundland’s coast, was meeting with a colleague at his office in Toronto’s northeast end on a snowy February morning, when the phone rang.

John Batten, the company’s warehouse manager in Port Union, Nfld., was on the line. He sounded baffled and bewildered, beset by a crisis he didn’t have an answer for. He had been doing his rounds, he explained, checking on the facility’s 30,000-litre iceberg water storage tanks to ensure the pressure gauges were all at 50, indicating the water inside was still circulating, instead of frozen solid.

But one of the pumps was registering zero and one of the pipes was displaced. Upon further inspection, the tank was empty and some $12,000 worth of iceberg water was gone.

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“It is not like the tank leaked out,” Meyers recalled recently. “One of the pipes was askew, a pipe that should have been connected to a pump, so it appears the thieves attached a hose to that and drained it out, somehow. To be honest, we’ve been scratching our heads around here ever since.”

Police in Newfoundland continue to investigate the iceberg water whodunit, a heist that made international headlines and went viral on social media, but have yet to produce any concrete leads. What makes the mystery so appealing is the substance that was stolen: a precious liquid, of sorts, tapped from massive hunks of floating ice that, in their immensity, exude an almost mythic quality.

Icebergs are ancient history, indeed. They come to Newfoundland and Labrador from a seemingly distant place (Greenland, actually), buoyed along by the ocean current, melting beneath the summer sun and bleeding away perceived riches — that is, 100-per-cent pure, pre-Industrial Age, no vitamins-or-minerals-added iceberg water — into the Atlantic.

An iceberg looms over Bonavista, Newfoundland. Nature’s frozen carvings drift through Iceberg Alley each spring and summer.

It is the iceberg’s size, length of journey, age (they are more than 10,000 years old), ever-shifting architecture and inevitable death that draws hundreds of thousands of vacationers to Newfoundland each summer to see them. They are a star attraction — right up there with whales, seabirds, lighthouses, hiking trails and the welcome-you-with-open-arms-and-distinct-accent Newfoundlanders — that drives a half-billion-dollar-a-year tourism industry.

But icebergs also serve a lesser-known purpose: as muse to a handful of hopers, billionaires and kooks, whose iceberg water-based concoctions — be they vodka, bottled water, age-defying face creams, craft beer, wine and whatever they might think of next — fuel an industry built upon the faith that berg water is the tip of a commercial iceberg, an imagined gateway to great riches.

The industry has attracted a Saudi prince, failed politicians and former beach bums despite having just one certainty: the natural resource it relies upon disappears by September 1, only to return anew the following year, when another batch of bergs, typically 400 to 800 a season, drifts down Newfoundland’s coast for tourists to behold — and dreamers and schemers to try to profit from.

Money, mind you, is not a factor in Steve Bruneau’s fascination with icebergs. He’s an engineering professor at Memorial University in St. John’s, and a world-renowned expert on Arctic ships and structures — such as oil drilling platforms — which means he thinks a lot about ice and icebergs.

Bruneau has tested iceberg water, and can attest to its purity and the relative accuracy of the hyperbole often adopted by those trying to sell it.

“Ice was hard to come by in Newfoundland 200 and 300 years ago, and so icebergs were used quite regularly as a source of ice for packing fish and preservation,” he said.

“What is new about it today is that people are going after iceberg ice strictly for the novelty aspect of it. It sounds good, the optics are pretty cool and you got these big old blocks of ice cracking off the glacier — and we can say that the water is as pure as the driven snow and unaffected by modern civilization, and all that stuff, and that’s all pretty well true. But make no mistake: it is a novelty, and people like that.”

Unlike other Newfoundland novelties, such as being screeched in at the pub, the iceberg industry is not for the financially or physically faint of heart.

Harvesting ice from an iceberg requires a heavy-duty, reinforced-steel-hulled boat, and a spirit of derring-do to pull up alongside a hunk of ice that can split or unexpectedly flip, and often features sharp, spiny underwater fingers of ice, capable of punching holes through unsuspecting watercraft. (Remember the Titanic?)

The White Star Liner Titanic collided with an iceberg off Newfoundland on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on the night of the 14th/15th April 1912. More than 1,500 of the 2,229 people on board lost their lives.

In this regard, Ed Kean numbers among the elder statesmen of the iceberg industry, a veteran of 30-plus summers of harvesting ice. He has a break-your-hand-in-two-handshake grip, and he got into the iceberg business because his family business was built upon a fishery that collapsed. Kean didn’t want to leave Newfoundland for someplace else, so he had to find something new to fish for.

Icebergs were it.

“This is a very small industry,” Kean said from the mountains of western Newfoundland, where he was snowmobiling. “It is costly to get into, and you’ve got to harvest enough ice in two months to last the rest of the year.”

In the olden days, Kean cracked ice chunks off larger icebergs by blasting them with a rifle, or hacking into them with an axe, then scooping up the pieces with a net. His system is more advanced now.

Kean harvests about 1,000 tons of ice a summer — Iceberg Vodka is by far his largest client — using a 100-foot-long custom barge, aptly named the Ice Harvester, outfitted with a grappling hook. The grapple breaks off ice chunks, which are fed into an ice grinder and then stored in tanks. The ideal iceberg for harvesting is about the size of a medium-sized house.

“I am starting to do my own iceberg water now,” said Kean, one of six individuals/companies licensed by the province to harvest icebergs. “I am hoping that it is going to be bigger than the vodka, bigger than the beer — and everything else.”

Ed Kean numbers among the elder statesmen of the iceberg industry, a veteran of 30-plus summers of harvesting ice.

Hopes and dreams are the underpinnings of an industry that was always supposed to be bigger than what it has actually become.

The idea of monetizing iceberg water first cropped up in the late 1940s, thanks to John Dove Isaacs III, an American scientist and academic.

Isaacs’ career arc took him from being present at nuclear test sites and studying blast waves, to hypothesizing that towing Antarctic icebergs up the Pacific Coast and anchoring them off Catalina Island might solve California’s chronic water scarcity problem in the agro-industrial sector.

His theory was completely wacky, and resided on the scientific margins until the 1970s, when Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Faisal Al Saud became interested in icebergs as a possible answer to his country’s drinking water problems.

With Saudi money to be made in icebergs, university professors started cranking out papers and convening academic conferences. Entrepreneurs took note.

Iceberg water is touted for its purity.

“Previous discussions of iceberg water had stressed its application to irrigation and agro-industrial complexes, schemes that could not afford high-priced water — and demanded delivery of very large icebergs,” American geophysicist W.F. Weeks noted to his peers at a gathering of the International Glaciological Society in Cambridge, England, in April 1980.

“Water delivered to Saudi Arabia, however, would be used for human consumption and high technology, and could command far greater prices.”

Saudi iceberg interest also caught the eye of Ron Stamp, a former owner of a hovercraft rental business in the Cayman Islands and a St. John’s native. He just couldn’t understand why the Saudis wouldn’t just melt the iceberg wherever it was, bottle the water and ship it home, ready to drink, rather than towing an iceberg to the desert — which never actually happened.

“Commercially, the prince was looking at the most expensive ice cube on the planet,” he said. “And that always stuck in my head.”

Ron Stamp, who says he’s Canada’s original iceberg water entrepreneur, stands on Topsail Beach just outside St. John’s.

Stamp fancies himself Canada’s original iceberg water entrepreneur. As he tells the story, he was drinking beers with some buddies, circa 1982, when they started talking about that iceberg-obsessed Saudi prince.

Stamp had left home at 17 to drive a truck in Toronto, before realizing that what he was really good at was talking, and so he switched to sales before leaving sales to be a beach bum in Jamaica.

Next came the hovercrafts and, ultimately, a trip home to visit his parents, where he started a new venture: selling Newfoundland fish to Europe. It was a fine idea, until the cod all but disappeared and the government declared a moratorium on the fishery.

All the while, Stamp said, he never forgot about the Saudis, or the image of a giant iceberg melting away, which served as inspiration for his first iceberg-related business idea: iceberg ice cubes.

Pure, hard and slow to melt, iceberg ice cubes had an origin story he felt a connoisseur of fine Scotch would swallow, and pay a premium for. But the idea never took off. Instead, vodka was the answer.

“I was the first person to make a vodka out of an iceberg or bottled water out of an iceberg, and that can’t be taken back from me,” Stamp said.

His vodka-making days date back to about 1993, and are long past now, though his latest creation — Borealis, an iceberg beer — has him telling stories again. The beer has been test-marketed in several Asian markets to, its creator claims, rave reviews.

“I’ve been looking at icebergs all my life,” Stamp said. “It’s a funny thing, because no matter how often you see them — if you are driving along the coast and you pop around a corner and there is an iceberg — it’ll make you stop. They are off-kilter, because it will be summer, and then here is this chunk of ice, hanging on the horizon. They are an amazing thing.”

Which is why some Newfoundlanders would prefer that the iceberg harvesting crowd simply left the icebergs alone.

Bottles of Iceberg Vodka at the offices of CEO David Meyers.

“Getting into a conflict with the harvesters — that kind of a scenario — it is real,” said Cecil Stockley, who operates MV Iceberg Alley, an iceberg/whale-watching vessel out of Twillingate, Nfld. “My opinion was, and always has been, that we should allow an iceberg to break down naturally. Tourists, especially in a place like Twillingate, the last thing you want to see is the harvesters crunching up an iceberg with all their machinery.”

In years past, tensions flared between the harvesters and the preservationists. Shouts and insults were exchanged between boats. Things, Stockley admits, could easily have escalated.

To keep the peace, the Newfoundland government stepped in, adopting a series of iceberg/whale-watching industry-friendly measures, including stipulating that all iceberg “harvesting activities shall not interfere with tour boat operations or other recreational activities …

“Also, harvesting activities or collection of bergy bits shall not be carried out within visible distance from known locations frequented by tourists, including, but not limited to, Cape Bonavista, Cape Spear, Twillingate and other locations …”

For now, the iceberg détente remains, and the icebergs continue to attract new dreamers to the industry.

One such dreamer is Marek Krol, a Polish-Canadian entrepreneur famous around Newfoundland, in the utmost small-c celebrity way, for starring in his own, short-lived reality television series called Living Wild, about living off the land with his family.

Workers harvest pieces of an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland.

The 52-year-old leveraged his celebrity to try his hand at politics, standing as a Conservative candidate in St. John’s in the 2015 federal election against Liberal star, Seamus O’Regan. Krol got crushed, earning just 4.5 per cent of the vote.

“Politics didn’t work out so well for me,” he said, laughing.

Next up: iceberg vodka, perhaps iceberg water and, who knows, maybe iceberg water-derived medicine of some sort.

Krol claims he is on the cusp of patenting a new technology that will dramatically increase the volumes and efficiencies involved in iceberg harvesting. He is also engineering a new vodka bottle — no sneak previews allowed — that he expects will be on liquor store shelves across Newfoundland this fall.

“Success starts with a dream,” he said. “Amazing people who become billionaires, they have a dream and they pursue it, and I am not afraid to take a risk, to dream big and to make things happen.”

Back at Canadian Iceberg Vodka HQ in Toronto, another week has past without any new breaks in the case of the missing iceberg water.

CEO David Meyers has his own working theory, believing that the thieves must have thought they were stealing vodka when they emptied the storage tank, before disappearing without a trace.

“Thirty thousand litres of vodka, that would have substantial value,” he said. “But there is no black market for iceberg water. What you do with 30,000 litres of stolen iceberg water in Newfoundland, I just don’t know.”

But maybe the thieves do know, and maybe they have known along. They wouldn’t be the first to look at an iceberg and see a 100-per-cent pure opportunity frozen inside.

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