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afroditisworld · 6 months

Text

Brooklyn baby

Late Eycte! Alex Turner x Singer!Reader

Warnings: smut, smoking, stoned sex? spanking, oral (female received), smut without plot, soft dom Alex, tits play and use of pet names (doll, luv, princess) if you are not into that please don't read it :))

word count: 3k

You and Lana were best friends. You were like sisters from different mothers. You grew up with each other, and it didn't turn out to be a surprise when you both decided to follow the same career. Both of you were talented women in the music business. You both followed each other every step of the way. You normally planned your tours together and attended each other's shows with every change. It was a mutual relationship based on support and admiration for one another's talents and successes.

So when she met Miles Kane and Alex Turner, she also introduced them to you, and you instantly matched each other's energies. But, oh, you and Alex, you had an electric connection with your first conversation. You felt an indescribable spark every time you talked to him. Alex had his way of making you smile. His witty humour and charming personality captivated you from the start. With every word he spoke, you found yourself drawn closer to him and as time went on, your bond only grew stronger.

You and Alex were at your home studio, trying to get the perfect sound for one of your songs. It was one of those terrible days when you'd prefer to listen to one of your vinyl records than try to come up with new ideas. You were attempting to play a song on your keyboard, but nothing seemed to come together. You sighed as you turned to see Alex, who was lying on the floor with his back to the wall, doing the same thing with his electric guitar.

"I'm going to play a record," you said, hoping it would bring some inspiration, and you walked towards the record player. "Do you mind?" you continued.

"No, maybe I can strum a few chords while you listen and find something new," he replied mindlessly.

You laughed at your current state as you picked a random record from the collection and gently placed it on the turntable. As the familiar crackle of the vinyl filled the room, you watched as his fingers effortlessly moved across the strings of his guitar, creating a melody that seemed to be perfectly in harmony with the song that was playing in the background.

"Oh, I love this song," you whispered, and you started mumbling the song lyrics under your breath. "I didn't know that you liked Lou Reed," he commented, listening to your soft humming with a smile on his face.

"Yeah, his music has always clicked with me," you replied, your voice barely audible over the music. "I've been listening to his songs for years; Lana teases me for that; she had written a song about it," you said with a smile.

When the record ended, the room was filled with silence. "Does it bother you?" Alex's voice brought you back to reality, showing you his lighter that was ready to light up his joint. You just shook your head in response.

You both had given up on finding some tunes for your song. Instead, you approached him and sat next to him. You were lying on the floor, your heads facing the ceiling, in silence. Then suddenly Alex placed the joint in your mouth, giving you a puff, and as the smoke filled your lungs, you closed your eyes. At that moment, a calming sense washed over you, as if the worries and stress of the outside world had been temporarily suspended and time stood still. With each exhale, the weight on your shoulders seemed to lighten, allowing you to fully embrace the tranquillity of the moment. Alex's fingers were still on your lips, and you could feel the warmth of their touch spreading through your body. Slowly, you felt your mind drift away. Your body grew more and more hotter, yet the cool air in the atmosphere made you shiver. Alex forced you to look at him and his unexpected action made you freeze. You just stared at his beautiful eyes and waited for him to say anything.

“Fuck” he sighed with a smirk “You got some soft lips there” he continued your heart racing as you tried to process his unexpected compliment. You couldn't help but blush, feeling a mix of excitement and confusion. “I'm always catching myself thinking if you could put them in good work for me,” he said and you were so surprised that you only blinked you could barely find words to respond.

“Oh, don't act so surprised luv, I know that you wanted too, I can say from the way you look at me” he added again. It wasn't that you didn't want to but you really didn't know how to react. You never believed that Alex could be so forward.

"Come here," he said, lifting himself up. You move closer to him without thinking, never breaking eye contact, and as you get closer to him you fall to your knees. Everything seemed to start dragging on a bit slower as the high settled into your mind and every touch made you shiver. "Oh, no, it's not about me tonight," he said, helping you stand up. You looked at him confused, and he kissed you passionately on your lips, catching you off guard. The intensity of the moment left you breathless, and you couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this sudden display of affection. As he pulled away, a mischievous smile played on his lips, and he whispered, "Tonight, it's all about you."

When the words left his mouth, he kissed you again, lifting you up and placing you on the nearest table. His hands roamed gently over your body, his touch igniting a fire within you that you had never felt before. "Alex," a soft moan left your mouth. As his hands travelled all over your body. "What is it, doll? Tell me what you need," he asked. "I- I need…y-you" you moaned, so ashamed that you couldn't even look him in the face. You could feel your panties getting wetter and wetter with every minute passing. God, this weed was doing too much to you. "No need to tell it twice," he said, placing his hand on your neck and pulling you in for a kiss. The intensity of the moment overwhelms you, making it difficult to form coherent thoughts. The combination of his touch and the effects of the weed heightened your desire, leaving you craving more. A cry left your mouth as you kissed him back, and he bit your lip, causing a mixture of pleasure and pain to surge through your body. The room seemed to spin as you surrendered yourself to the intoxicating mix. It was a moment of pure surrender, where nothing else mattered but the raw desire between you. You wrapped your leg around him as you quickly deepened the kiss. You gasped into Alex's mouth as you felt his hands touch up and down your back.

Without even realising it, your top and your bra were lying scattered in the studio while Alex's mouth took one of your nipples between his teeth and pulled hard, gazing up at you as you cried out of pleasure and pain. Your back was arching from the pleasure his mouth was giving you, and all this attention in your sweet spot was making you soak through the fabric of your undies. His hands were hugging your boobs perfectly as he was teasing you, alternating between gentle caresses and rough squeezes. The combination of his skilled mouth and expert touch sent waves of pleasure coursing through your body, igniting a fiery desire within you. Unable to contain yourself any longer, you surrendered to the intoxicating sensations, losing yourself to Alex, which left you breathless and yearning for more.

"Al, p-please. You're teasing me so much." You pleaded with a desperate voice, your words laced with a mixture of need and anticipation. Alex's eyes met yours, filled with a hunger that mirrored your own desires and with a wet pop, he let go of your breasts. The waiting was maddening, every nerve in your body on edge as you watched him slowly remove his hand from your breast and lower it between your legs. He smirked, his fingers tracing teasing circles on your inner thigh, inching closer to where you craved his touch the most. Your breath hitched as his fingers brushed against the fabric, sending a shock of electricity through your body. He lowered himself, and his hot breath was hitting your clothed pussy sending goosebumps all over your skin.

“Tell me what you need and I will give it to you," he whispered seductively. You could hardly find the words to respond, but the ache in your core fueled your determination.

"I need your touch," you managed to utter, your voice trembling with tension. With that, he lifted your skirt and slid his fingers beneath your panties granting you the pleasure you craved, sending waves of ecstasy crashing over you.

"You're so wet for me," Alex said, thrusting two fingers into you. As your hands grabbed his hair, his thumb slid to circle your clit, fingers now steadily pumping into you. Your spine arched and your legs sought to close as he curled his fingers in the perfect position. He looked up at you, disappointingly shaking his head.

“No, sweetheart come on, I know you can do better than that," he said wanting to continue pushing you to your limits.

“Close your feet again and I'm going to stop,” he said, with a serious expression on his face.

With his jawline sharp, he placed his hands on your back as he pushed you to the edge of the table. You could feel the pressure building in your muscles and the passion surging through your veins. He helped you take your panties off, and he lowered himself between your legs.

You gasped and rolled your eyes back as his tongue touched your clit. His hands gripped your thighs and held them open for him, so tightly that you swear it'll leave a mark on your skin. As he continued to lick and suck your pussy, his tongue touched you in all the right spots. With your hands pulling the back of his head, you pushed your hips into his mouth as he thrust the tip of his tongue into you. Alex groaned against you, and the pleasure reached all the way to your core.

He rubbed his thumb on your clit again, making you see stars. Your body trembled in pleasure as you cried out his name. He was looking at you and, he couldn't help but enjoy having such power over you.

“A-Alex, please” you whispered.

“Please what doll?” he asked teasing you.

“Ple-please, don't stop” You paused not being able to utter a phrase with his face between your legs.

“I'm gonna cum Al- please, d-don't stop” you continued as one of your hands gripped the table tightly.

Alex moaned as your orgasm landed on his tongue, the sweet taste lingering in his mouth as he sucked the juices. The heat of the moment overwhelmed both of you, leaving you breathless and craving for more. He pulled away, gently placing your shaking legs down. You looked into each other's eyes, knowing that this was only the beginning. You felt your juice running out of your thighs, and your mind was all over.

You only came back to reality when he helped you turn around and bent you over the table, ready to take you from behind. When your breasts touched the cold furniture, you gasped at the sensation.

“We are not done, luv,” he said with a playful grin. You weren't able to respond but you needed him, you wanted to feel him inside you, all the anticipation that your previous action gave you and the high feeling of the joint that you two smoked made you even more hornier, longing for his touch. Eager to feel him again you pushed your hips against him, causing friction as his bone teased your entrance, he then backed up and let a spank fall in your ass. It was so unfair, he was fully dressed when you were wearing nothing but a skirt that was barely covering anything because he turned it up.

The painful sense sent a rush of pleasure through your body, and a cry left your lips. You closed your legs, trying to get some relief. But again, that gave you another spank.

“Please” you begged again, hoping for mercy. And then the sound of Alex unzipping his pants was like harmony in your ears.

“Someone is getting needy” he whispered and when he pushed his member inside of you, burying himself fully, you both moaned.

“Ugh- Al” you moaned as waves of euphoria washed over you. Your legs started shaking and you couldn't bear your own weight anymore. You were a mess. Your moans, his heavy breaths and the sound of your bare skin slapping together filled the room. You could feel his dick hitting against your tight walls with each hard thrust, it was like he was doing it on purpose. You tried to make him slow down by pushing him by his chest but your attempt failed as he grabbed your hands and placed them behind your back.

“You wanted me to stop, luv,” he asked, mocking you. “N-No, just- just please…slow down” you cried out and bit your lips trying to hold yourself quiet. Another orgasm built up quickly inside of you, you were so sensitive and overwhelmed with pleasure that you could barely breathe.

“What? Are you going to cum already” he said and spanked you again harder than before, making you whine even louder. You couldn't even respond to him you just nodded and murmured.

“Use your words, babe, like a good girl you are” he groaned. He was getting closer too, your walls were tightening around him and made it very difficult for him to move and not to cum right there.

“Yes. Please yes,” you screamed, and then you placed your hands where you need them the most and started playing with your clit. The pleasure intensified as you felt the waves of orgasm building within you.

But Alex still catch your action. “Such a dirty girl trying so hard to cum on my cock” he said.

He knew he had some power over you and he wouldn't stop until he had made you completely submit to his desires. You couldn't think of anything else but how close you were to your relief. Your body started to shake as the pleasure rushed all over your body. Your mind went blank and you gave yourself to him completely.

You were high, your body aching as you let go once more. Alex moan as your juices covered his cock. Your orgasm seemed to last forever. You could hear your heartbeat in your ears, Alex continued to fuck you while you came and you couldn't do anything else but moaned in pleasure.

“ I- please cum inside me, I'm on the pill" you panted. And this was all Alex needed as he filled you up.

When he pulled himself out the mix of his warm release and your juice started running out of you in a sticky mess, you nearly sobbed, as he left you feeling exposed and empty.

“You did so good Y/N," he said helping you to stand up and face him, his eyes were filled with admiration and pride.

“I can't feel my feet,” you said with a shaky voice.

“Come on, princess,” he said as he lifted you in his arms. "How does a bath sound ?" he asked as he carried you towards the bathroom.

well, my boyfriend's in a band he plays guitar while I sing Lou Reed

#alex turner #alex turner x reader #alex turner fic #alex turner smut #alex turner fanfic #alex turner fanfiction #alex turner x you #alex turner x y/n

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zhongwans · 1 year

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Hi zhongwans, can you help us remember the exact injury of Zhang Zhehan back in 2017-2018?

From what I can remember he had his ACL reconstructed, how come people are now saying ZZH's ACL was intact and the injury isn't serious?

Tysm in advance!

I don't really know that much about the details of ZZH's injury tbh, I'm not the best person to ask. Here's a rough overview based on ZZH's posts on weibo and IG (I can't promise that this timeline is accurate, so do double check)

So we all know ZZH used to play basketball and was very good at it. And that on April 7 2018, he injured his knee (specifically, his meniscus was torn) while playing basketball. And then he had surgery (ACL reconstruction) on May 31 2018.

While he was still in recovery, he was asked to come back to film more scenes for a drama by Yu Zheng, his former-former boss. ZZH had to walk around the set in crutches when he was still supposed to be resting and focusing on his recovery. It's understood that this incident only exacerbated his injury, caused complications, and firmly crushed ZZH's chances of returning to basketball. He has actually mentioned before that one of his deepest regrets was rushing back into acting before he had fully recovered.

According to a Haizhe friend of mine, this was a particularly sad part of their time as a ZZH fan. Although under the management of an influential boss like Yu Zheng, ZZH's acting career was stagnant with very little hope of improvement, and worse, he now had this crushing injury that took even basketball away from him.

Things took a slightly better turn when he left Yu Zheng's management in early 2019 and signed under Zhao Wei (Vicki Zhao) in March of that same year. There he had his own studio and (according to some fans at that time) Zhao Wei supported him well while giving him plenty of freedom.

On March 9 2019, he posted on Instagram lamenting the state of his knee: "I really don't know if I can still continue to fly,"

And on March 28, he posted a medical report of an MRI scan revealing the state of his knee. I won't pretend that I understand everything in that report because I'm dumb, but it didn't seem favourable. Plus, you can sort of tell from his caption.

He continued rehabilitating his knee and constantly posted updates about it on his IG account, keeping his fans up to speed on the progress (there are even more photos on his hijacked IG)

On July 27 2019, he posted about how he had practiced basketball with Lou Williams (an NBA player? I think?) who he said kept cheering him on and encouraging him. ZZH said his leg wasn't doing too well.

On September 17, he made a weibo post saying that though things weren't looking good, he was hoping the future would be better and that he would give his knee more time.

ZZH has had quite a few interviews talking openly about his injury and why he had to give up basketball. Back in 2020 there was an interview where he said he couldn't do intense sports like basketball anymore, so he chose to switch to golf. He also mentioned giving up basketball and choosing golf in this QQ interview. He was asked if there were other high-impact sports he wanted to try in the future and he responded that there was none and he will only do sports "fit for the elderly" from now on.

On March 29 2021, he talked about letting go of basketball because after two years of continuous attempts to fully rehabilitate his knee, he had finally accepted that it was impossible for him to go back to basketball, and the only thing he can do now is to fall in love with another sport. So yes there are in fact a lot of instances where ZZH himself confirmed that he can no longer play basketball and that he wasn't willing to go back to it or try other similarly high-impact sports for the sake of his health.

So it's incredibly baffling that ZSJ's team is now claiming that ZZH's injury was never that serious and that he can now, all of a sudden, play basketball at the same level of intensity as before. In the WOH behind the scenes clips there were even instances where some crew members had to help him up because he had trouble doing it himself. One of the latest instances was when he had trouble standing up during his birthday live from 2021 and fans were pissed at his studio for arranging the fan letters in a way that he had to crouch down to read them. And if you're a JZP you've most likely seen the clips of Gong Jun having to help him up from crouching positions, and all the times he stooped down to take something from the ground for ZZH. His injury was absolutely no joke and the people around him know it.

And that's the thing about ZZH. He has been around in the industry for over 10 years and he was a frequent poster on weibo. So a lot of things were documented, from his cringefail emo poetry about sad swans to updates on his injury and attempts at rehabilitating his knee. This stuff is well-documented and I don't get why some people are still falling for ZSJ's crap. ZZH made no secret about how he kept on trying and hoping to recover and get back to basketball, he was open about his regrets and he was open about the fact that there was no hope for him to get back to basketball and that he was transferring his passion to golf.

ZSJ doesn't even bother to edit in the surgery scars and yet people still keep falling for it. I don't even know anymore 💀

#zhang zhehan #张哲瀚

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habeascorpseus · 10 months

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when i was in 7th grade, i had my first boyfriend. corny shit, i know. in many cases i dont think middle school relationships are enough to be classified as dating- but to this day, i do firmly believe our clumsy attempts at recreating the behavior of couples barely older than us did count. there was an emotional connection there. we had met in 6th grade and bonded over fnaf and minecraft 3 animations and all those other things that people still found found entertaining in 2014.

another notable thing in 7th grade that happened was that i had discovered i was transgender. well, i say "discovered", but it was honestly a long time coming. between my obsession with being seen as a "tomboy," my favorite song on the Kidz Bop 16 CD being Beyonce's "If I Were A Boy" (but sung in a way to make it so much less about cheating that it really became more of a call to action to imagine life as a man) to the point where i manually would loop it on my cd player for hours, and my growing love for mlm shipping— i had been a certified egg since i was in 4th grade. but despite being raised around and parented with about a dozen lesbian and gay couples since birth, i didnt know whether or not my parents were transphobic or not. so, after looking through a list of trans identities, i decided to just come out as genderfluid to my parents as sort of a compromise to the intimidating rigidity of being a trans boy. and even though it wasn't entirely fitting to what i'd ultimately figure out about myself, i grew pretty attached to it.

back to the middle school boyfriend.

at the end of 7th grade— like, a week before summer vacation— i publically came out as genderfluid. while my ex, who i will from now on refer to as Lou, had initially taken it well, albeit with some confusion, over the summer, a much different series of feelings began unfolding. unfortunately, as middle school boys are wont to do whenever one of them begins to act even slightly against the norm, his friends began asking him if he was gay. "if michael¹ is a boy sometimes, does that make you straight, or bisexual?" are some of the things i later heard them ask. and since i, phoneless till the age of 16, was unable to talk to him throughout this relentless picking apart of his own identity, by the time we got back to school, things were... different.

¹ Michael is the name i went by irl for 3 years from 7th-9th grade.

for one, there were the jokes. he was a big leafy fan (and i really did try even back then to steer him away from that but its hard when youre a cringe nerd middle schooler) and back then "attack helicopter" jokes were kind of all the rage, so he began jokingly identifying as a toaster. then he made a toaster mask out of a cardboard box, spray paint, and duct tape that he brought to school and began putting on whenever i walked by him in the hallway. and then, and possibly worst of all- a simple html website shared between his friends called "what gender is Michael today?" which lead to a random generator of options like, "boy", "girl", "toaster", and "attack helicopter." all of which is kind of a lot to deal with when youre a middle schooler with a pretty rough time of it already, and suddenly your main bully is the guy youve effectively been in a relationship with for 6 months.

and now you may be asking: hey habeas, why this sudden autobiographical deep dive into the most traumatic period of your life? what spawned this? how is this story relevant to literally anything going on? well, that's where the next part of the story comes in.

that year, our sex ed teacher was a 5ft transgender man named Mudd. Mudd had a buzzcut, and a higher pitched voice, and small hands, but beyond all of that, there was nothing visibly different about him than any other boy or man in the school. in fact, the boys thought he was cool as hell. they were fascinated by the idea of transformation of the self into an unrecognizable body. they never misgendered him, even after learning his status as a trans man. in fact, they were comfortable enough around him to be transphobic towards me. and Mudd, like a good trans mentor, told them to cut that shit out, and told me that regardless of how complicated and occasionally contradictory my identity was, it was still me, and i needed to stand up for who i was as a person.

a week later, Lou called me a tranny, and in response, i punched him in the nose and promptly stopped talking to him.

so again, why is this relevant? well, I'm not sure how terminally online (or specifically, on twitter) some of you are, but recently there's been a bit of a tiff in a certain fandom about bi lesbianism. specifically, how it, as an identity, is harmful to both the bisexual and lesbian communities. which, one: nooooo....??? bisexuality and lesbianism arent separate so much fraternal twins, and I've already talked too much to include further definitions to prove it. but my argument is really less about its validity as an identity and more about the principle of there being limits to acceptance, even within our community.

like with my experience, people were fine when they were faced with binary identities. a trans man like mudd is cool, or a trans girl like Jazz Jennings (we watched a lot of I Am Jazz in homeroom) could be seen as normal, and more so, inspiring. but when i came in with an identity people found to be contradictory or "too confusing," it resulted in backlash. the entire definition of being "queer" is to be abnormal to what general society finds acceptable, and even then, some things are "too weird" to be tolerated. even amongst "weird" people. which i find to be a pretty troubling trend amongst queer leftist young people who's only real experience with an "lgbt community" has been online. here, we prioritize and find catharsis in labels and categories to the point where the "queer community" has become instead split between identities- the gays, the lesbians, the bis, the transes, the aros and aces and the whatnot. in the real world, it doesnt matter what flavor of queer you are, nobody's going to stop and ask before they call you a groomer and then legislate your freedom away. which is why we, as an online queer community, have to get rid of the notion that some identities are "too contradictory" or "dont exist" enough to be worth giving support and love.

im saying all this here... because, well, one: nobody wants to read a 40+ tweet thread about my personal brush with irl homophobia and how that radicalized me against community separation in general, and two: i am deeply afraid of 14 year olds on twitter with too much time on their hands. but also im saying this because it was infuriating yesterday to watch my entire twitter feed suddenly turn into a puritanical campaign against the very concept of someones identity and have the ability to say nothing. it disgusted me how quickly we turn against our own simply because the way they are is confusing to our tiny fucking peanut brains. and i know none of those people who went on that tirade will read this, but i felt like it needed to be said anyways.

don't let society's impulse to ostracize the confusing and strange win out over human decency. don't do conservatives' strategy to divide and conquer us for them. a person's identity not being comprehensible to you is not inherently an attack on who you, yourself, are. you are your identity and you should stand up for it, and you should stand up for others' identities too. punch your bullies in the nose.

long live the confusing, the contradictory, and most importantly, the queer.

#habeas speaks #discourse #oh no hes on a soapbox again guys look out #hey sqlumi if you see this ever i hope you know that i think youre cool as hell for giving a middle finger to the entire operation #sorry so few people jumped to your defense and that you had to delete your twitter ik how hard it is to build a following there #aaaaanyways #pinning this for a day or two just bc

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utilitycaster · 11 months

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From all the TTRPG shows you've watched so far, do you have any favourite player character builds, or builds that you think were especially well suited to the campaign/setting that the character was in?

You'd have to narrow this down - there's a lot (I stopped keeping my massive spreadsheet of character races and classes in actual play updated bc it was getting ridiculous but it's at over 100) so I'm just going to call out a few players who consistently hit this mark in everything they do.

Surprising no one, Emily Axford. Truly one of the biggest reasons why I get annoyed at the "haha Emily will DESTROY this DM" is that Emily has an incredibly good eye towards party composition and collaboration with DMs while also pulling off some wild multiclasses. This serves her in NADDPod especially, since they're a small party and everyone needs to be versatile. I will say that while I love Callie's build and think it mechanically works very well and made sense for her background in Mothership, it feels like it needs more in-story explanation that we haven't quite gotten to, but I also trust that we will.

Surprising no one with taste, Travis Willingham. Even in cases where we know it was off-the-cuff (Grog) he did a lot of work establishing why Grog was the class he was and how he felt about it; and in cases where it was pre-planned, the amount of backstory and mechanics work he does before and during the story is admirable to the point of ridiculousness (updating Chet's backstory to accommodate what Matt said in a flashback sequence? bananas). His multiclass choices always fit both the base build and the story admirably, and always fit a niche within the party that is very much needed, and the choice to play someone like Cerrit in Calamity or Fjord in general would put him here on their strength alone.

Again surprising no one, Aabria Iyengar; DMs make the best players. Capable of some great optimization (Deanna, Laerryn, whatever the hell Antiope had going on) or just playing a character with a simple build but with a strong understanding of the setting (Myrtle the Bitch; Suvi). Really, Suvi alone puts her here in that Aabria maybe more than anyone (though she might be tied with Emily Axford) understands wizards and understands that your character is a part of the DM's worldbuilding and needs to reflect that, while also serving as your contribution to that world.

And finally, Lou Wilson. He often does fairly simple builds - Nydas and late-game Fabian are the only ones with significant multiclassing beyond barbarian/fighter level dips - but he always knows precisely what his character is here to do from the start and why, can adapt on a dime, and he has a fantastic eye for subclass choice.

Honorable mentions:

Zac Oyama tends not to go for incredibly complex mechanics, but he has a great understanding of building a character who fits into the world in a way that both reflects and expands upon it, and has a great sense of subtlety, restraint, negative space, and comedic timing. (I've been meaning to make a negative space/comedic timing post but honestly just watch Zac and Travis.)

Grouping Taliesin Jaffe and Siobhan Thompson together because they are both very strong mechanically and not afraid of a wild min-maxed triple multiclass on occasion, but more specifically because they've both made at least one character I really did not vibe with and also absolutely could not fault in any way other than "not my thing, personally." Related to that, both of them bring an "I'm a generous and skilled player and I don't really give a fuck what the audience thinks" vibe that I (the audience) respects the hell out of.

Jake Hurwitz is the rare player who 100% knows his wheelhouse and embraces it whole-heartedly, and he puts in the character and setting work to keep it interesting.

Justin McElroy is mechanically competent but nothing impressive, but he absolutely thinks about his characters and the setting and how they fit together in a deep and interesting way and which sets him apart in TAZ. Kind of with Jake in that he 100% writes what he knows; I think this kind of player is underrated and having played with some, they shouldn't be.

And on the rare chances Brennan Lee Mulligan gets to play, not only is he min-maxed to the hilt but he always is working with the DM in a truly admirable way, even as he builds a little guy who cannot roll below a 25 deception or who has somehow managed to get sneak attack twice per round or something wild like that.

#answered #Anonymous #long post #actual play

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solarsturniolos · 4 months

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Wrong Number, Matt Sturniolo

warnings: fluff, angst if you squint, cursing, vaping (very briefly mentioned), use of y/n

Matt and Chris had a hockey game tonight and so obviously you were going to support your best friends. Chris asked you to wear his number, and so you did. You were originally gonna just wear the team color but since you had a number to wear you took the opportunity.

You walked into the hockey match wearing Chris’ number like he asked you to. Most if not all of the players were saying hello to their families and friends before going to the locker rooms. You then see Matt and Chris saying hello to Mary-lou, Jimmy and Nick. So you joined the conversation in hopes Chris would notice that you wore his number.

“Hi guys!” you said with enthusiasm, “Y/n! You actually wore my number?” Chris said pulling you into a hug while you nod. Once Matt realized you wore Chris’ number he was visibly upset and made an excuse that he had to go to the car to get something. A few minutes after you greeted everyone and Matt had already left to go to his car you decided to lie and say that you also forgot something in your car.

You walk outside and see Matt by his car hitting his vape. He’s not a huge vaper so you were caught a bit off guard. You walk up to Matt and say “Can i hit your vape?” Matt turned to you and handed you his vape. “Thanks. Are you okay? You seem upset.” You ask this with genuine concern, Matt was hesitant to answer but he did. “Uhm.. Yeah I guess kinda.”

“What’s wrong?” You say before you give him back his vape. Matt didn’t answer for a moment, he then said under his breathe “You wearing Chris’ number is wrong.” You heard this and had a look of confusion on your face, Matt checked the time and he had to go to the locker rooms.

Matt left without saying a word to you, you were a bit annoyed but brushed it off and walked back into the hockey match. By the time you managed to make it to where Nick, Mary-Lou and Jimmy were sitting the game was about to start. You sat down and had a short conversation with Nick before you realized that Matt was doing much worse than usual and was being more aggressive. While Chris was actually doing a lot better than usual, which was weird to you but you just continued watching the game.

After the game Chris was ecstatic because their team won, but even though their team won Matt was still upset. You pull matt aside and almost yell at him, “What is up with you today Matt!” “The fact that you wore Chris’ number!” Matt slightly raised his voice at you, which startled you because he’s typically soft spoken around you. “Why do you care? It’s not like were a thing.” In reality you really wanted to become a thing with him but you didn’t have the guts to tell him. “What if I wanted to become a thing with you?”

You stood there in shock, you’ve liked Matt since you guys were 12 and he finally admitted he liked you. “What?” You say still just starstruck. “I like you y/n. Isn’t it fucking obvious?” Matt said dumbfounded as if you knew the whole time. “I like you too Matt.” Matt says nothing and instead just kisses you, you kiss back almost immediately. You pull away and say “Isn’t there something you wanna ask me?” Matt laughs and says “Will you be my girlfriend?” of course, you immediately agree.

As you and Matt walked back to his family you guys are both smiling a lot. Nick notices and says “Well you guys are happy..” Nick has known you’ve liked Matt for years and so he gives you a ‘it finally happened?’ look and you just nod. Matt held your hand subtly and it seemed like Chris was the only one that noticed because he said “Ohhh that’s why you guys took so long..”

Matt decided to walk you to your car before he drives home with Chris. Once you get to your car Matt opens your door for you and kisses you goodbye. “Bye pretty girl, I love you.” “Bye baby, I’ll see if i can come over later” You smile at him as Chris begins to scream at Matt to hurry up. Matt quickly closes your door for you and waves goodbye before walking to his car.

The whole drive home you were smiling at the fact Matt was your boyfriend. Matthew Sturniolo, the guy you’ve had a crush on since you were 12 is now your boyfriend. Once you got home you changed into something more comfy and texted Matt goodnight before almost immediately falling asleep.

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authors note: sorry if this sucks i haven’t wrote anything in a while, but hope you guys liked this

#sturniolo triplets #matt sturniolo #chris sturniolo #nick sturniolo

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vocallywritten · 2 years

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I need to give the cast their flowers 💐

I love Dimension20 and all their seasons hold a special place in my heart, but there is just something extra in A Court of Fey and Flowers. I don't know what it is exactly.

The cast is all amazing on their own, but everyone also has such incredible chemistry and it was so instant.

Lou Wilson is the BACKBONE of this season. He understood better than anyone what a Regency Fey story would be like (equal parts being horny and causing problems on purpose cause you're bored) and he fucking WENT FOR IT. In a story like this you need a Squak. You need a rich, powerful guy who's just here to fuck shit up and do things he specifically will think is funny because he's the idle rich among the FEY. And having a genuine connection with his cousin just makes it so much better. Everytime Lou slips and calls Chirp his sister instead of his cousin I cryyy. Lou understood the assignment and I truly mean it when I say that all the cast did. They really nail the genre. All of them in different ways. But this season would not have been able to reach that perfect balance of Regency and Fey without Lou's character specifically. He's an antagonist, he's an anti-hero, he's a little bit of a villain as a treat, he's here to get in your way, but he might help you out if he thinks that's funnier, he has a cousin who can do no wrong and everyone else can leave. I LOVE him.

Emily as Chirp is amazing as well. Emily Axeford has a bit of a reputation for wrecking DM's shit and causing chaos wherever she can and she is in fine form in this one. What I love about Emily is that even though she IS chaotic at the table, it's almost always with purpose (even if that purpose is "I think this will be funny" she makes the things she does count, in the story, in the fight, whatever she's doing) and she never uses that chaos to take over the table. She's so mindful of the other players and always wants to do things that will make the game fun for everyone while also coming in with this great energy for herself. Her and Lou, like I said before are incredible to watch together. They have such Team Rocket meets Henry and Mary Crawford energy. They play off of each other SO WELL it is a delight to watch every single time they interact. Emily has great range. She's an incredible comedic actor and is also a very strategic player and these two things make for amazing character choices. ("Ostrich chariot pulled by birds!" She prioritized bird puns in her character build when picking spells!!) She is AMAZING.

And what can I say about Brennan Lee Mulligan that hasn't already been said? He's one of the best DMs in actual play. He's incredibly talented and intelligent and he uses humor and comedy as a foundation to create such emotionally rich and resonant stories in a way I really admire. And as a player? He is incredible to watch. His ability to go wherever the story takes him while remaining staunchly in character is great. And I ADORE his dynamic with Aabria. There is truly so much trust and respect there and even though they're really good both as players and as GMs I think Aabria being the GM brings something extra to Brennan being the player. Like I don't know if they just have really good communication, or if they just have great instincts that let them play off each other so well (probably both) but whenever they work together the work is immediately elevated. Brennan as Hobb is such a stand out performance among 5 other stand out performances. Brennan is always very good at nailing whatever genre he's in and my God did he bring his A game here. The serious, dutiful captain pining for someone above his station is like... PEAK Jane Austen. And he didn't even PLAN hitting that archetype. It literally just happened naturally. The power. The skill. I am in awe of that ability to find the most interesting story for a character and make it happen. His desicion to let the dice decide important choices for his character because Hobb is being pulled in two different directions all the time is INSPIRED. He's just great. We all know it.

Okay now we get to the people new to the dome and don't worry I have A LOT to say about them, they're all so talented and amazing and I want them all to come back.

Oscar is playing his first full campaign in THIS SEASON??? ARE WE SURE??? He is out here making huge swings immediately and they're all paying off! It's so satisfying to watch him play. He has chemistry with literally everyone at the table and like this whole table has amazing chemistry, but he is so good at zeroing in on the other character's motivations and figuring out the best way for Rue to engage with and connect with them. I love the way he's so RP focused and every move he makes is always with Rue's motivations in mind. Literally everything Rue does is highly motivated, even if we don't understand their reasons yet and that is SO GOOD!!! Like when Rue didn't sit down at the meeting with the Lords of the Wing I thought that was Oscar metagaming a little bit to mess with Emily and Lou because they were trying so hard to fuck with Rue and it was funnier but NO. They had a reason the whole time!! He's so good at this. And the way Rue had one moment with Hobb and Oscar was like, "I am now the romantic lead in a regency pining fest." is amazing. The way he has developed Rue's arc and their romance with Hobb is just so incredibly well done and he has just done such an amazing job in this season. Another person who absolutely understands the assignment.

Omar next. OMAR! OMAR !!!!! IS KILLING ME!!!! The juxtaposition of his character being a socially awkward loser and also the Hottest Catch at the Bloom is amazing and what he does with it is so fun. And the way he's such a comedic character at the beginning (and yes D20 is a comedy show but he is REALLY playing Andhera as like a comic relief character trying to break into being a main character and not really knowing how and it's so fun) but then he hits us with just some of the most emotional shit known man with a friendly little smile on his face and you're like "WAIT NO GO BACK. What was that???!!!" I have said it before and I will say it again, Andhera is the most capital R Romantic character in the whole show and I just can't handle it because he's also just so funny and can turn on either the tragedy or the comedy at a moment's notice. He's hot! He has a fake voice! He was deeply neglected as a child! He has a creepy grandpa face dog! He's so bad at talking! He has a shard stuck in his neck and it's the saddest fucking thing you've ever heard!! Omar has some RANGE and Andhera is such a fun character. (Also his whole thing with Binx may actually lead me to an early grave. I have not been so obsessed with a dynamic in years. Like platonic, romantic, I don't care I just want them to be devoted shell pals starting revolutions and finding a home in the Court of Craft forever and ever. And I would also like them to hug before the season ends, please and thank you.)

Surena!!!!!!! Is!!!!! AMAZING!!!!!! I've probably called every cast member amazing but Surena especially deserves the title. They are so incredible. She had a hard job coming in, playing someone pretty separate from the rest of the group, an outsider playing a role they were uncomfortable in and really just knocked it out of the park!! And her character is so essential to getting the plot moving and the connections their character made have really done a lot in making the whole story of this season so engaging. All her reveals and her secrets!! And leading that to them finally letting down her walls and trusting people. I am at the edge of my seat whenever Surena/Gwyn/Binx does basically anything because she's so embroiled in the main mystery. Like other people came ready to party and make matches but Binx is spying and ready to tear down the institution from the inside and I LOVE that. So many great stakes in the show come with their character and her choices. Like Lou is the backbone of the show in terms of tone and setting the right scene, Surena spent half the season carrying the whole plot on their back (not that the other players didn't move the plot forward or have interesting things going on. They ABSOLUTELY did! But this story would just not be the same without Surena doing some brick laying from the beginning). Her characterization of Binx is also just so charming and I love watching her reactions when other players are doing cool things. (And also Surena has a great smile. That also can be said. It's sort of relevant to what I was saying 🤣) Binx is a great character and watching how Surena plays them as both a spy intent on justice and a socially awkward outsider is just such a joy to watch.

And finally Aabria. @quiddie. Can I talk to you directly for a second about what a talented and intelligent and empathetic and AMAZING GM/DM you are?? Because you are absolutely incredible at what you do. Whatever extra spark this season has I think is down to Aabria and her ability as a GM. She's so GOOD at finding the things her PCs care the most about and making them happen so organically. She is always just SO prepared and ready and willing to roll with whatever punches the PCs might throw her way. And the way she hypes up the players and wants to make sure everyone is having a good time is very wholesome. Her entire vibe is both exactly what I aspire to be as a GM and also exactly the kind of person I would want as my GM. She has such an eye for detail and I love how she weaves the important stuff into the story with so much grace you don't even know she's setting something up until she brings it back a couple episodes later and punches you directly in the face with it. Aabria knows how to tell a good story and she is so good at working with her players to make sure that story is fully collaborative. And as someone who loves a good romance subplot, I really respect her coming into D20 and being like "This is great, but what if more characters kissed?"

In conclusion I love everyone involved in this project. It's just so well done and well acted and well made all around.

I need a season 2 with the Pack of Pixies. One season is just not enough.

#a court of fey and flowers #acofaf #dropout #d20 acofaf #dimension 20 #aabria iyengar #surena marie #omar najam #oscar montoya #brennan lee mulligan #emily axford #lou wilson

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aurelim · 8 months

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Louis/Eloise

The Royal

❝I have to. It's my duty to serve the people of Oceanic.❞ ❝Listen to me. Ignore what everyone else will say. You are perfect the way you are. You are my everything, love.❞

Age: A month younger than MC

Race: Human

Gender: Male or female, depending on player choice

Pronouns: He/him or she/her, depending on player choice

Physical appearance: The Royal has slightly tanned skin due to intensive time spent in the sun, although their parents try their best to maintain the natural fair-pale shade. They have a heart shaped face framed by wavy red hair, either tamed or tied up in a bun with two small strands on the side. Soft brown eyes that can go cold at a poor choice of words and freckles dotting their cheeks. 5'7" no matter the gender.

Trope(s): Forbidden love, impossible love, royalty, [REDACTED]

As the heir to the throne of Oceanic, the Royal has a heavy weight on their shoulders that they cannot shake off—the expectations of the people and their parents often reminds them of their duty to deliver responsible decision for the betterment of the kingdom. For most of the week, they are cooped up within the castle walls, fulfilling their tasks as the one next in line. However, during a small portion of the day where their schedule is empty, the Royal will always go to visit their private shore by themself. A tradition they have upheld since they were young.

In public appearances, the Royal comes off as an understanding, charming, mature young adult—exactly what everyone expects from the heir. All warm smiles and dimples. But behind closed doors, the fake smiles drop and shoulders slacken. The fire in their eyes never goes out but they allow themself to be exhausted. Just once.

Their idea of relaxing is by standing in front of the waves, shoes off, and enjoying the smell of salty air and water. A servant usually has to come and fetch them, as they do not keep track of the time. And recently, they have been going more often due to undisclosed reasons... as well as sneaking off to town to do gods-know-what.

There have been rumors circulating around them, particularly involving [REDACTED]. Are they true? Are they not? You will have to wait until it is announced.

Chance encounters are life-changing. You don't think you would have ever noticed the Royal had it not been for Cordelia and K. And more importantly, you do not think you would have ever met them on the streets without your...unique circumstances. Little had you realized then the potential to gain a powerful ally, as well as a lifelong friend.

Fun Facts About the Royal:

There is so much lore I want to write down about them, but they would all be major spoilers for the game! So for now, take this condensed, somewhat short intro post for now. But expect to see some huge updates to this as further chapters are released!

Also would you call them "Lou"? Been thinking about an easier nickname besides "The Royal" and it's pretty cute! Though they are accustomed to everyone calling them by their first name

Their original design was going to be heavily inspired by Prince Eric from the Little Mermaid. However, it was changed to an appearance similar to Ariel. Maybe your headcanon is that he's Ariel's son or grandson? That's what mine is lol

Has a very refined taste for red wine. Likes it especially from their own kingdom but imported tastes are good too

Loves drawing. And because they live right by the sea they have a lot of sunset sketches and swirls of water in their notebook

Has a diary where they write down about their day; if you romance them you'll probably find long romantic tirades about you

Actually likes wearing crowns if it is light and only in the castle

Sheltered kid growing up—while their parents may have exposed them to monarchy politics early in their life they remained relatively naive and unaware of certain...things

Things that will remain unmentionable

Knows some secret passageways within the kingdom due to safety reasons, but they may show it to you if you are lucky enough!

Stuffed animals creep them out and they are all over the walls of the castle thanks to their father's love for hunting

No, not stuffed animals. Like actual taxidermy

Deathly allergic to gossipy people and mice—physically wilts at the mention of either one

Would buy you anything you want just to please you. This will especially show during the crushing stage, but it will be a habit that never dies down *if* you get married

Can resist puppy eyes with a huge question mark. But usually not because they are a major people pleaser. It comes with their job

#As the Ocean Lures #atol #atol ros #ch: the royal #the royal #3/4 #ro info #atol ro info

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misskattylashes · 10 months

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One Man Band Track by Track Review

Right, so I have listened to the album twice. Miles wasn’t lying when he said it was banger after banger. But while the music is upbeat the lyrics are in places dark. Touching on self-doubt, insecurity and loneliness. For me OMB is the yin to CDG's yang. Both confessional (depending on your beliefs – both largely about the same person) but while CDG is an album of heartbreak, OMB is an album of hope. It seems Miles has found himself, and judging by the last track, he has someone who loves and understands him. And well, it all kinds of explains why he is so happy these days.

Troubled Son

This song could essentially be called I am approaching middle age and I am coming to terms with the person I am. Good and bad. Musically this track always reminds me of The Strokes.

Lyrically, despite beating himself up a bit, it is a song of hope. Once you face your own demons you can start to battle them.

This is the song that will get people singing at gigs. The lyrics are relatable to so many of us and it would be quite cathartic sharing the fact you’re a bit fucked up with several thousand people doing the same thing.

The Best is Yet To Come

Miles has admitted this is a song about being on the lash with his mates Big Lou and Romeo. Musically the driving rhythm and backing vocals are reminiscent at times of Queens of the Stone Age. Hard to explain, but this track is the most traditional Miles Kane and could have quite easily come from an earlier album.

One Man Band

Can I just start by saying there are not enough words to describe how much I love this song! Another song of self-reflection. I promise not to make too many comparisons to You Know Who, but as I have said before, the characterisation reminds me a lot of the character in Mr Schwartz. The performer who puts on the front to entertain people and make them happy, whilst hiding a lonely interior. But whilst Mr Schwartz is heart felt ballad. Miles being Miles. One Man Band sounds like sunshine.

Never Taking Me Alive

The most bonkers track on the album. Musically driven by surf guitar, lyrically an excuse for Miles to sing about his Italian American Heroes – De Niro, Pacino and Sinatra. This is a hype song. The sort of song you stick on on your way to a job interview, to pump you up.

Heartbreaks (The New Sensation)

Probably the weakest track, but still a banger. It evokes the image of a former girlfriend back in Miles’ mod day (retro boy trying to chase away time). With its Motown beat, this could have fitted easily into Change The Show. I mean it is a feel good banger, so to say it is the weakest shows how brilliant all the other tracks are.

The Wonder

Okay, anyone who follows me knows who I think The Wonder is about. So I won’t linger on that. In a nutshell, a song about realising a former lover and all the complications they bring is worth it, and this time you are going to put your fears aside and take a chance. The highlight for me are the rich backing vocals at the end, elevating it to almost gospel level.

Baggio

The happiest song in the world. I have analysed this before. In a nutshell, little Miles Kane is enthralled by Roberto Baggio and his flamboyance and realised its fine to be yourself. It is also a tale of hoping to reconnect with a lost love (cough cough)

Ransom

A mellow track about being afraid of falling in love because he is positive he is going to get heartbroken. However the object of his affections has hold of his cynical heart and he can’t afford the ransom, meaning he can’t escape them. A plea for them to be tender with him because he is trying to find a way. The final refrain being ‘cos I’d anything for you’. Whoever they are he loves them big time!

Doubles

I'm sorry but this is a Milex song. A happy upbeat song with Miles telling ‘the person’ that he is scared but he is missing his ‘Two player high’ but he will wait for this person. The middle eight lyrics ‘Never say never, never say never again, never say never I wanna know where it ends, I’m never in doubt when my heart starts to fall, there’s nothing in my life that I have wanted more, anymore’ ahhhh. This is also a sort of dancing in your bedroom alone song. Or maybe that’s just me.

Heal

This is the epic track of the album. With a heavy, rich musical arrangement, it is like the sequel to the Coup de Grace album. Where Miles was heartbroken, disillusioned with life in LA and at his lowest ebb. He acknowledges he needed time to heal to get to the place where he is now. Once again, gospel style backing vocals elevate the track to the next level. It is another song of hope. Facing up to the fact that we all have to endure the shit times in life to become the people we are.

Scared of love

A sweet acoustic ballad, where Miles opens his heart to his lover. Telling them he is sorry for holding back, but they sweetly tell him they understand because they know he is scared of love. Another song of hope. It would seem he has found love and whoever they are, they are there for him to help him fight his demons.

In no way does the last track inspire a fan fic in me.

Total score 5/5

#miles kane #milex #one man band #OMB #mk5 #album review #this is so confessional #great album #scare of love made me cry #will play on repeat

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pippipsquirtsquirt · 3 months

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Summery: Jj gets in a fight and runs to John B’s sister like he always has.

“Lou? You home?”

Laurie walks out of her room after hearing Jj call for her. Her face falls the instant she sees the dark circle on his eye and the busted lip. Jj wipes dried tears from his face.

Laurie goes up to him, examines his face with a scowl.

“J, quit calling me Lou. I’m not a kid. What the hell did you do now?”

Jj smiles slightly at her.

“Dad and I, we got into it.”

Laurie’s eyes water up instantly as she wipes a little bit of blood from his lip, she grabs his hand and pulls him into the bathroom.

“I’m sorry, Lou. I know you hate it when I get into fights, but I couldn’t help this one.”

Laurie pauses while grabbing the things she needs to help him and turns around.

“Jj, no. Don’t apologize. I don’t like the fights, but this is your dad we’re talking about.”

She rests her hand on his cheek, stroking it quickly before hoping up to sit on the sink. Jj knowing the drill, slides in between her legs so it’s easy to get cleaned up.

As Laurie presses a cool damp cloth to his lip he cringes slightly. He hates showing his pain, but his Lou always brought it out of him.

“I know it hurts, J, but we gotta get you cleaned up.”

Jj smiles softly, being careful of his lip.

As she focuses on cleaning him up, Jj can’t help but stare at her.

He’s had feelings for Laurie for awhile, since he met John B in the third grade, Laurie being a year younger than the boys.

He hid his feelings though, scared of what John B would think.

Before John B even knew about Jj’s feelings, he had a talk with the boys of the group, saying his sister was off limits.

So, of course, there was nothing Jj could do, which brought him into his player phase cause he only wanted her, but he couldn’t have her.

“J, wanna talk about what happened?”

Jj came out of his trance when she spoke and slightly shook his head, now wanting to relive it yet.

Laurie understood and finished cleaning him up, the brought him into a hug, which had him breaking down almost instantly.

Her arms being the only place he’ll allow himself to.

Laurie’s eye well up with tears as the boy cries in her arms. She wished she could take away his pain.

“You’re staying here tonight. You’re not going back to your dad.”

Jj hugged her tighter, relieved that she wanted him to stay. A few more tears fell before he wiped the away and moved from her shoulder to leaning his forehead on hers.

“I love you, Lou.”

Laurie was in shock. He never used those words, not even with her. Sure, she knew he loved her, but she never would have expected to hear it.

“I love you too.”

Laurie places a hand on his cheek and strokes it again with a smile.

“No, I don’t think you get what I mean. Fuck, I can’t hold it back anymore, Lou. I love you. I love you more than anything and I’m done hiding it for John B’s sake. I love you. I’m in love with you. I have been for awhile. I’ve liked you since we were kids.”

Laurie froze in shock. She had feelings for Jj, but John B told her all of his friends were off limits. So she respected her brother’s wishes, until now at least. Hearing Jj’s confession, she didn’t want to hide her feelings anymore.

“J…you don’t know how in love with you I am.” Jj smiles and crashes his lips to hers, moaning in pain and leaning his forehead back against hers with a chuckle.

Laurie giggles and softly kisses his busted lip.

“Gotta be careful, pretty boy. Can’t have your face in worse condition then it already is.”

Jj grins and hugs her tightly.

Yes the kiss was small, but it was the best thing he’s ever done.

“Why don’t you get some rest?”

Jj groans and wraps his arms around her waist.

“Wanna be with you.”

Laurie smiles and makes him look at her.

“I’ll lay with you until JB gets home.”

Jj frowns but slowly pulls away. He doesn’t know how he can possibly hide is feelings for her now.

Laurie gets off the counter, cleans it up while she makes Jj go lay down.

Jj falls on her bed and smiles, smelling her scent in the pillows. He didn’t want to leave her bed ever again.

“You still awake, pretty boy?”

Jj tilts his head to look at her with the a tired nod.

Laurie smiles and carefully gets on the bed with him, pulling him to her chest.

While Jj seemed like a tough guy, you hold him and he melts.

Jj instantly leans his head on her chest while she wraps an arm around him, rubbing her thumb on his shoulder.

“Sleep, J.”

Jj, with his eyes closed, shakes his head.

“Requires a kiss, Ma Ladie,” he says with a stupid accent.

Laurie chuckles and softly lays her lips on his, being careful of his wound.

Jj smiles happily and lays back down on her chest, drifting off to sleep until he hears John B.

Laurie tries to get up quickly but Jj holds her down while being wrapped around her waste.

“Please stay.”

Laurie’s heart breaks for the boy and can’t bring herself to leave the bed, welcoming the hell John B would bring.

“Laurie?!”

John B steps into the door way and freezes at the sight in front of him.

“No. What the…What the actual fuck, Laurie!? Why the hell is his face…there?!”

Laurie sighs and hugs Jj tighter.

“We can’t keep doing this, JB. I tried to respect your wishes, but Jj came to me broken and I’m done hiding my feelings for him. I love him, please understand. I know as my brother you want to protect me, but let me have this.”

John B’s eyes soften the slightest bit and sighs, running his hand over his face.

“Okay, fine, whatever. But I swear if you ever fuck in this house, I’m killing you both.”

Jj laughs and brings his head up to kiss Laurie lightly and John B gags dramatically.

“Alright, that’s enough! If I have to put myself between you two, I will.”

#obx fic #jj maybank #jj fic #john b routledge #obx imagine #jj mayback imagine

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warlockglock72 · 2 years

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Thinking about Exandria Unlimited Calamity and the PCs

I think that the best character was Nydas Okiro. Those lines "Are the stars still there?" "We cannot be responsible for what happens" "Material goods mean nothing anymore. Life is what we'll save." And Lou Wilson's own admission "I didn't plan on being this character in this story. I planned to be flippant. But as soon as you put one little prophecy in my face." It says a lot about Nydas that he can't just wave it away. The writer in me wants to explain it as while he's just as arrogant as the rest of them. He was a pirate. And pirates are notoriously superstitious. All the weird stuff happening. Things looking worse and worse and worse. And he just cannot get that prophecy out of his head. He doesn't want to believe it. But he can't put it away. He's the first Arcane User to admit that they were wrong (not in words but in deeds). And I love him. I love him and his dream. His brother. Him and Zerxus. A tough but firm firm firm love between the two of them.

The player who fulfilled the assignment best is absolutely Aabria. Laerryn Coromar Seelie is the single most arrogant, too-smart-to-deal-with-you, closed off, workaholic, shut in of a wizard I've ever seen. And the trick of it all. The white hot truth. Is that it's deserved. Probably the single strongest 14th level wizard in the city. (The septarion are probably "stronger" and have "9th level spells" but she could probably kick their asses too.) She makes it work because she really is that smart. Which beautifully, poetically, thematically, and literally destroys the world as they knew it. Yes yes I could go on ablut the act of love that doomed the world but while that is true and beautiful I would much rather focus on the act of arrogance. Laerryn killed that tree because she didn't know what it did, it was planted by druids, and because it was draining her cities power. All incredibly foolish reasons. It's fair to say that she thought that because it was unknown to her it couldn't be important, because the druids planted it it couldn't be important, because it was draining so much of her precious energy that she needed to finish her life's work it couldn't be important. And she was wrong. Aabrias face when Brennan tells them exactly what the tree is for is utter despair. And honestly it looks like Aabria kinda convinced herself that that tree was evil (props on the acting if that was all for us though). This is all to the point that I love Laerryn. She's great. She definitely pissed me off the most as the character who shrugged off or explained away the apocalypse as hokum until it quite literally blew up in her face. But that's what that character is for. And the fourth episode gave us her utter and true redemption. To completely upend her life's work and to change it's trajectory in a matter of almost two dozen minutes is both insanely impressive and a feat you only do if you know that your ambition isn't actually worth the world. And also I say redemption and make lot of emphasis on Laerryn destroying the tree. But Brennan was pretty clear, that blight just pushed opened an already leaking floodgate, not to mention the rest of the betrayer gods doing their own thing. Yes they all screwed up and Laerryn definitely screwed up. But this was all still going to happen anyway.

Can we talk about these characters and not bring up the one and only Zerxus Ilerez? I mean. Come on. Who is the most Proud Man here? Talk about a character dedicated to the true and utterly futile. And talk about a man who constantly constantly constantly tells himself that he is better than all his peers and honestly I imagine his friends. Asmodeus was right. All of his actions can be justified, but he rivals Laerryn in the distaste for the Holy and Natural. He just happens to be nicer about it. Laerryn hates I imagine the idea of power that is given to you (Holy) or the mysticism (natural) instead of the pure arcane you get from taking it for yourself. Zerxus I think truly and utterly believes himself to be better than the gods. That there is no wisdom to be had, no worth to be taken from them. The only reason Asmodeus ploy works is that Zerxus was 100% ready to believe the gods were these towering horrifying subjugating forces. He despises them in a unique way to most of the other brass ring. And it truly fucks him over. Also I have never seen a character so truly ready to double no triple no quadruple down on a bad decision. There is no explanation I can think of for not taking that Out at the end that Nydas had given him. Maybe it wouldn't have worked and the deal had already been struck. But to not even try is so incomprehensible to me. I love it. Also props to Brennan as Asmodeus, Father of Lies. As a patented Devil and Hell lover, this fed me so well, both his sweet lie and his ugly truth.

I wasn't expecting Loquatious to have as much Depth as he did. It makes sense. These are all great players. But I wasn't expecting this deeply deeply lovestruck man. More than anything his greatest failing was loyalty. It was beautiful and touching and wonderful. But well, attacking Nydas? Killing a woman? Potentially lying to the whole city? The whole world? All to save one woman. He's able of course to see the bigger picture. He got Laerryn to stop after all. But his loyalty doomed the world, just as his loyalty saved it. I'll say it here I'm just now noticing that all of their "Fatal flaws" played a part in starting the Apocalypse just as much as it played a part in mitigating it. Quay wouldn't stop Laerryn until perhaps it was too late, and then chose to stay and be with the woman he loves and to help her and help the city. Laerryn literally destroyed the tree and then ensured that the Titans couldn't come through. Patia had to know what the tree knew, and then gave all of that back to the city. Zerxus made a deal with the devil because he thought he saw a spark of redemption and then did the same thing again with Vespin Chloras and it worked. The only two that didn't have a direct action that I can remember in causing the apocalypse are Cerrit and Nydas, they both of course have their general blames, Nydas hoarding for much too long and not valuing the people until he did and Cerrit realizing that the order never looked up at the people running things whichet a crazy plan like this happen.

Speaking of Cerrit. Man Travis killed it. The only survivor of the ring of brass. The only non magical man there. The only one to say enough was enough. To call them out and to keep an eye on them. Nydas was the one that made me the happiest, I love a character desperate to avoid their horrible fate, the one character in a tragedy that tries to avoid the things to come. Laerryn is easily so central and important and cool and awful (in that "how do you not see it!" Way) and wonderful. But Cerrit was just so genuine. Yeah he was a Noir detective bird man. But also he was just a dad. Just a dad. And he cared so much that it saved them, and he cared so much that it saved him! It's just really sweet.

Patia was great and Marisha was awesome. But weirdly and I mean this in the most complimentary of ways. Patia probably made the smallest splashes in the group. Makes sense for the woman constantly controlling herself and others. She had her clutch moments and being a badass. She showed a caring in her surprising for her trope. But she never shocked or awed me personally. She was a conduit for shocking knowledge though. Through the scenes with the tree. I really don't mean this in a negative way. I think it's true to her character in a way I can't really describe.

That's what I think about the characters!

#long post #exandria unlimited: calamity #exu laerryn #exu patia #exu zerxus #exu nydas #exu cerrit #exu loquatius #i know aabria sometimes looks at stuff like this. just wanna put this here in case she looks. i truly do love laerryn. absolutely beautiful

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totentnz · 8 months

Text

pinned post time (remake)

used to be drthamen

sammy, 28 (may 13th), germany, nb biace, they/she

multifandom but currently focused on cyberpunk (clearly)

info about the main OCs under the cut

since i cant seem to link tags properly im just gonna list them, im so sorry fellas

cyberpunk 2077

V full name: valerie jeanne evans scene lifepath: streetkid, "netrunner" faceclaim: royal and the serpent other: pinterest board | spotify playlist info: the "small-time klepto punk from the afterlife", "the dirtgirl from heywood who found the guts to walk a few extra blocks from home" this how kerry & johnny describe streetkid v and that is exactly what she is. a troubled past, present and future, constantly pissed off with some bad habits. she's been a merc since she can remember but also had some "normal" odd jobs: repairshop for electronics, waiting tables, customer service and many others. she was the lead singer of rotten, a nu metal/ alt-metal band from night city that was doomed to fail thanks to aforementioned lead singer. she's always had a knack for technology so hacking badges and corpos came naturally to her. most people call her a netrunner, a pet-peeve of hers since it's not what she technically does. that being said, she doesnt shy away from physical altercations either though it usually ends in getting her ass beat. v spent her two years in atlanta with her brother vincent, he had convinced her to get out of nc for awhile in hopes it would help on her healing journey but the city has and always will have an iron grip on her. temperance is her canon ending (for now). while it seems nonsensical at first glance she wasn't going to take johnny's chance at a second life away from him just for her to die within months. besides, she would adapt to life behind the blackwall better than he ever could. v was always going to die young, might as well die for love, right? tags: -> otp; just the two of us - my personal flavour of silverv brainrot -> otp; mary on a cross - v & dagger (more below) -> otp; the ghost of you - v & lou (more below) -> p; a little bit happy - v & vincent -> p; my ordinary life - v & kerry -> p; rise rebel resist - rotten, the band she used to be in -> au: watch the world burn - 2020s AU -> au: generation doom - 2020s AU but more messed up -> au: say yes to heaven - happy AU johnny where gets a body, v lives, they are dating and kerry & v are best friends relations: -> vincent - twin brother also rotten's bass player -> dagger - band's lead guitarist and her ex also obsessed with kerry eurodyne (because im annoying like that) -> lou - dead ex, every day i inch closer to just scratching this ngl -> freddie - drummer of rotten, if v = johnny then freddie = kerry but ten times worse (they actually hate each other) might be kovachek's son idk sometimes i have silly ideas -> krasny - plays second guitar in the band, lowkey the mom of the friend group, will break up the fights between v & freddie, calls v a psychopath regularily Vincent (big WIP so there isnt much) full name: vincent raphael evans other: pinterest board info: same backstory as v, obviously. but unlike her he managed to heal to some extend; the polar opposite of what she is: he is happy, kind and believes that there is good in this world. moved to atlanta at some point to get away from the place and the people who hurt him (parents and v). v introduced him to the love of his life kerry and romance ensues, he even comes back to night city for a while. (i will be real with you the reason i made him initially was to romance kerry) not technically a "v" but i really dont care if you call him that. tags: -> otp; industry baby - did you know kerry and vincent are in love? relations: -> dagger - his bestie for some time, unlucky his sister broke her heart but they are still in contact -> freddie - had a crush on the band's drummer but things were messy enough already so nothing ever happened -> alexa - daughter, vincent & kerry had twins in my sims game so naturally they become somewhat canon. overachiever, became a lawyer -> rico - child (alexa's twin), rebellious nb disaster, gamer, lived in their parents house for a bit too long -> valonia - daughter, spoiled youngest child, named after v, kerry's favourite

dragon age

Athras - dragon age: inquisition full name: athras lavellan origin: dalish elf, mage (ice magic & shapeshifting) other: pinterest board | spotify playlist info: athras never wanted to eventually lead her clan so when the keeper sent her to the conclave she gladly accepted. the chaos that ensued and her becoming inquisitor, thus being responsible for so many more people really put that into perspective. she wears the dirthamen vallaslin but it extends down her arms and back, in hopes that it will help with her messed up spine (scoliosis girls rise) and enhance her magic capabilities. clan lavellan specialised in potion brewing and it's a craft she follows proudly since she has zero affinity for healing magic, which is one of the main tasks for a clans first and keeper. (she might not like leadership, but she still wants to be useful to her clan) her magic manifested as ice but later on she adapted the long lost art of shapeshifting. her preferred form is that of a raven with a wolf coming in a close second. looks lowkey evil with her dark hair, pale skin, SUPER tall stature (2m) and red eyes. she likes it that way since it makes her less approachable. doesn't like most people and hates very few. tags: -> otp; dream collector - i am forever stuck in solavellan hell -> otp; let's get this bread - after inquisiton athras builds a home in the woods and falls in love with a baker in the nearest village, their name is morgan (the shipname was a placeholder) -> otp; running with the wolves - her first big love, a dalish from another clan who happens to be a werewolf, his name is ilvin -> au: nas'taron - athras takes a nap in a temple and wakes up with dirthamen in her bones, they also fuck (can you believe i wrote "what if you fell in love with the person living in your head" before cyberpunk came out because i cant) -> au: the mad inquisitor - in order to find solas and bring him to justice she injects herself with red lyrium (#girlfail) -> au: professor lavellan - modern au duh -> au: all alone in a pack of wolves - after deciding to stop solas at all costs it finally comes to a confrontation but she caves in and saves his life at the cost of her own, she wakes up in his base of operations -> au: dhru'an'adal - ancient elvhen AU (the emerald graves grow around her sleeping body btw) -> au: dinathe'dirthelan - harpy AU i never did anything with and was inspired by my friend who did a similar au (hello reed) relations: -> mareloen - mother, she left clan lavellan not long after athras was born, she would visit when they were in the area -> rasdheas - father, lowkey a vampire, don't ask me how he dresses like that, has a lame leg -> fisara - sister, joins her at haven after the conclave because she was concerned. rogue/ bard, falls in love with josie -> deshanna - keeper of the clan and thus athras' teacher (also her aunt since mareloen is her sister), wears a plague doctor mask all the time, a little weird even for clan lavellan standards -> ilvin - her first big love i mentioned before, sort of becomes warden at some point lol -> morgan - the baker i mentioned before, they leave athras somewhat abruptly, might be my dreadwolf protag who knows -> agrippa - athras finds an abandoned child in the woods near her house post trespasser, turns out he is a mage and obviously in need of tutelage, another candidate for dreadwolf protag

#sammy says shit #hello hello

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lenaswritingandstuff · 1 year

Text

Losing Game [Antoine Griezmann x fem!OC] (Chap. V)

Requested: No

Pairing: Antoine Griezmann x OC!Gabrielle Darian; more to be added.

Warnings: English is not my first language!

Wordcount: 3.5K+

A/N: LMAO I got confused with latin numbers while editing the last chapter and I put 9 instead of 4, SORRY!! Therefore this is the fifht chapter. Thank you for still reading! GIF IS NOT MINE. Enjoy!

Previous chapter

When I wake up, Louisa is already up, sitting in the kitchen with her eyes focused on a lesson. We both have finals today, and to say we’re stressed wouldn’t do it justice. She raises her head towards me and smiles to me, and then puts her attention back on her paper. I’m not really hungry but I force myself to eat something with my coffee, so I don’t pass out during the final. Louisa goes to the bathroom to get dressed up, and she comes back when I’m done eating and reading today’s news. She walks to the entrance to leave but I call her back.

“Lou’, wait!”

I gesture her to come back in the living room.

“You’re gonna nail it, okay? You’re the smartest girl I know, and you will succeed. I have the utmost faith in you. Okay?”

She hugs me tight and I think for a second that she’s gonna start crying.

“Thanks, honey. You’re gonna nail it too, I’m sure.”

We separate, and she leaves. I quickly get ready, and then leave too. The finals take place in a college for obvious reasons, but since I never went to it – and knowing me – it’s very possible for me to get lost. I leave early to arrive early. We never know. After thirty-five minutes, I get in a parking lot and I see a building with a lot of windows. I check the time, and see that I’m thirty minutes early, and also see that I’ve got a message from my maternal grandmother, Marguerite.

“Hello sweetie, I hope you’re well. I wish you good luck for your finals, I’m sure you will do well. Love you.”

Her message really touches me. My grandma and I have always been close, and I would always go on vacation to her place in Nice, in the South, during summer break when my mother wanted to basically get rid of me. Not a word from my parents nor my brother, but I expected it. My mother must think I’ll fail – that’s if she even knows my finals are today – and my father would be able to tell which course I took. As for Noah, I can’t recall the last time he said a nice thing to me. My level of stress raises up, if it’s possible, and I take the time I have left to study one last time. I send a last message of encouragement to Louisa, answers my grandma, and then it’s time to go. I enter the college’s courtyard and follow the signs that indicate where I’m supposed to go. People around me seem rather calm – how? – even though I see some worried faces. The subjects are given I pray the God of Studies that it doesn’t go too bad for me. After making a draft, I write my essay, and I’m surprised to see that I have finished fifteen minutes early. I put my work on the wooden desk like the others and leave the room, which leads outside. It feels good to have some fresh air. I search for my phone in my bag when I feel a small paper touch my fingers. I take it out and observe the number and the letter – a simple “A.” – written on it for a while, and then I do something I never thought I’d do.

“Hi, it’s Gabrielle, I hope you’re good – and that you still remember me. We could decide on a day to see each other if you’d like?”

I send the message, praying not to look like an idiot. I stay here thinking about a potential answer when I notice some students walking to another room. I check the time and see that it’s already time to go. I’ve never been good in Linguistic class – heaven knows I tried to study it hard to get better – and I have to stop myself from laughing when I see the questions of the finals. I do my best to focus but having the face of a certain football player on my mind instead of my classes doesn’t not freaking help. I let out a sigh, and when I raise my head up to drink some water, seeing the other student write long answers makes me want to scream. After an hour, I finally give up and give back my final. I quickly walk to the door, and I barely have a foot out of the room that my phone is already in my hand. I hesitate to look at it to see if he has answered and look at the black screen for a moment. Oh, screw it. I turn it on and see I’ve got two messages. The first one is from my mother, who orders me to come work this week-end. The second is from the contact I saved right before the final.

“It would be my pleasure, just tell me which me days suits you :) ."

“IP.S: I don’t know how I could forget about you.”

I jump around and let out a small scream of joy without realizing it and I look around to make sure nobody saw me. That’s the kind of behavior my mother hates. I get a message from Louisa telling me she’s waiting for me in front the college’s main entrance, and I walk to her. I see her from afar.

“Oh my God, Gaby, it was hell!” she exclaims. “I don’t even know how that teacher could think of that kind of questions, he really is a- What is that smile for? No, wait, don’t tell me,” she says before I can answer, “We’ll find a place to eat, you’ll tell me there.

“Alright.”

We easily find a little place to eat, we order and Louisa leans towards me with a curious look in her eyes.

“So, what caused that idiotic smile on your face?” she asks.

Without a word, I take out my phone and put it in front of her. She looks at it, frowning, and then looks back at me, shocked.

“No way!”

“I know.”

“You finally decided to move that ass,” she says with a satisfied smile. “How come?”

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. “I found his number in my bag, and send him a message without thinking.”

“You were right to do so. What are you waiting for? Answer him!”

I answer Antoine that I’m free on Thursday night – since I don’t have any final on Friday, a true miracle – if it works for him too. The waiter gives us our orders when I get a message from Antoine. Hell, do this boy ever work? He says that Thursday is “perfect” and that he can’t wait. I show it to Louisa, who does a little dance of joy and excitement.

“He’s so into you,” she says. “And if you tell me he’s just being polite, I swear I’ll stab you right here right now.”

We laugh and then Louisa suddenly gives me a serious look.

“You’ve got a date.

“I’ve got a date.” I repeat, looking at nothing in particular.

I’ve got a date.

*-*

“How did it go?” Louisa asks the moment I get home from work.

I take off my shoes and my jacket.

“Not too bad,” I say, joining her in the living-room.

It’s a lie. My last final of the year did not exactly go as planned, mostly because my brain was actually thinking about a certain tricker with blue eyes – and the date night ahead of us – instead of thinking about the paper in front of me. As for Louisa, she has had her last final the day before, and was now spending her free time making me try different outfits for my future date, but I didn’t like any of them so far – and neither did Louisa. I should feel relieved that my finals are over, but the stress of the exams switched into stress about my date. One could wonder if I’ll be one day in peace.

I sit on the sofa besides Louisa and we talk while watching something a bit idiotic on TV. She tells me she already has started to search for a job this summer – maybe even longer than that, because even if her parents pay most of her expenses, she’d like to be independent – just like I do. I promise her to talk about it to my mother tomorrow, maybe the company is looking for interns. She thanks me, and then proposes we go on vacation, either in the South of France – where my grandmother lives – or even in another country.

“It seems like a good idea to me,” she says. “But we’ll have to look the date of the Word Cup Final, if the Bleus go so far into the competition,” she ads in a teasing tone.

“You mean if-”

“If you and Griezmann start a great love story, yes,” she laughs.

I roll my eyes and decide to back to the vacation topic. Louisa doesn’t know that Antoine and I have been talking via messages basically every day since I send him that message and have been calling each other several times. And what she also doesn’t know is that after only a few days, I feel like I’ve known Antoine since, like, years.

“I’m gonna have to ask my mother,” I say. “But we know how she is.”

My mother rules almost everything that happen inside the company, including the employees’ vacation – and even the things that she doesn’t decide must be approved by her before putting in place. When we see the list of the things that depends on her, you could wonder how could my father and my brother be possibly useful.

“Since you work there, you’ve taken vacation once. You deserve to get some rest.”

“Well, let’s hope my mother agrees with you. I already ask her for some days off for the exams, I doubt she’ll accept to give me a vacation.”

The moment where I think it’s a lost cause, I get a message from Antoine asking me how did my final go.

*-*

When I leave to work the day after, Louisa is still sleeping. I’m afraid I’ll arrive late because of traffic – which would take away the already slim chances I have for my mother to give me some vacation – but it would seem that miracles happen, because I manage to arrive in time. I pass the front door and walk to the reception secretary.

“Good morning, Miss Gabrielle, she says. “It’s good to see you here.”

“Happy to be here,” I answer. “Is my mother here?”

“Yes,”

“Do you mind calling her to ask her if I can meet her in her office?” I ask. “I need to talk to her.”

It’s better to use the “official way” and arrive with a head down than to just go for it.

“Of course. Is it urgent?”

“No,” I say, “but I’d like for this to be settled quickly.”

“Your mother has an appointment right now but as soon as it’s over I’ll call her and I’ll let you know what she said.”

“Thanks a lot.”

I’m heading for the fourth floor, thinking that my mother will probably refuse to see me and tell me to ask for what I want via her assistant. I say “hi” to my coworkers, who ask how the finals went, and when I come near my desk I see a little note telling me I’m in charge of organizing the next gala, and that I got an email will the information I might need. Oh, kill me. But weirdly, the note is not from my mother or even my father, but from my brother. I let out a sigh and decide to start working on it immediately. The sooner it’s done the better. I quickly answer a text from Antoine and sit behind my desk. Like last time, I decide from an appropriate – and cheap, obviously – place for the gala – and then pick a caterer. I start to write the invites for guests I haven’t picked yet – and by “I” I mean “my mother” – when I receive a call from the reception secretary, who tells me I can go see my mother anytime I like. Well, that’s a first. I thank her and use the elevator to go on the last floor of the building. Walking near my brother’s office, I hear giggles behind the door, which opens at the moment I walk pass it. My brother appears, a blonde girl – another one – following him closely. They are both wearing a jacket and she has her purse. Apparently they’re planning on going for a walk.

“Oh, hey there,” my brother says, giving me a big smile.

Is he high or something?

He walks in my direction and his new girlfriend smiles at me too.

“What’s up?” my brother asks. “That’s my little sister,” he adds to the blonde.

“Oh, nice to meet you.”

“You too,” I say politely.

“What brings you on this floor?” he asks me. “It’s rare to see here.”

“I have to ask our mother for something,” I say, a bit in a defensive spirit.

“I’ll wait for you outside, Noah,” the young woman tells him. “It was nice to meet you.”

Another girl who won’t know that my brother will have a new girl in his bed in three days.

“Do our parents know you’re brining girls here?” I ask once the girl got in the elevator.

I include our father in my question, as he already scolded Noah for having one of his dates come here when he was supposed to be working. It was one of the rare times where I saw my father disagree with my mother with it came to Noah. My brother put his hand on his neck, feeling a bit awkward.

“Hum, nah, not really. But since you’re in charge of the next gala, I don’t think my presence here is necessary. You did a good job last time, there’s no reason why it should be different this time.”

I think that’s the first compliment I’ve heard from him in at least five years. I’m so taken back that I don’t know what to say.

“Well, I shouldn’t make Lea wait. See ya, sis.”

He gives me a shy smile and heads for the elevator. What do I do now? Watching him leave, I wonder if he expects me not to tell our parents about his little evasion – if we consider they would scold him if they knew. A bit confused, I walk to my mother’s office, where her assistant let my mother know I’m here.

“You can come in.”

I push the door and I’m surprised to see that my mother isn’t alone. Sat behind her desk, she’s turned towards my father, standing on her left, his hands on the desk.

“Hello, Gabrielle,” my father tells me with a small smile. “You look great.”

I nod, and my mother barely looks at me.

“What is it now?” she asks, finally looking at me.

“I’d like to talk about my vacation,” I say, trying to ignore the self-confidence leaving my body.

My mother remains silent and raise an eyebrow to tell me to continue.

“Well, I’d like for us to determine when I can have them.”

“No problem,” my father says. “How many weeks?”

I’ll admit I didn’t think of that one. Louisa and I talked about destinations, not how much time we would spend away.

“I don’t know,” I admit, a bit embarrassed. “A week or two, I guess.”

My father turns to my mother.

“After the next gala, we won’t held one until the end of July or even the beginning of August. You can have three weeks, or a month if you want.” he adds for me.

“I was planning on holding one in the middle of July, actually”, my mother retorts.

“You can still do it,” my father answers softly, not at all impressed. “But the little one deserves a vacation.”

That what my father always called me, for as long as I can remember. The little one.

“And you owe a vacation to me,” I add to my mother. “It’s the law.”

My mother gives me a cold look before sighing.

“Fine. The gala is next week, you can go on vacation after.”

“Alright.”

It gives Louisa and I some time to decide where we’re gonna go, even though I know she’ll hold a little campaign for us to go to Russia if – if – it somehow works between me and Antoine.

“Anything else?” my mother asks, already eager for me to leave.

“Are we looking for interns or something like that? Louisa would like to have a job this summer. After our vacation, I guess.”

This time, my mom doesn’t seem to protest.

“I’ll contact her.”

“Thanks. Well, hum, bye.”

“I’m gonna go too, I have work to do.” my father says. “See you tonight, Anita.”

He opens the door for me and we both leave my mother’s office.

“So, how is college going?” my father asks, almost as awkward as usual.

“My finals are done.”

“There is no reason why you shouldn’t succeed.”

Then why did you ignore me my whole life? He heads for his office, on the other side of the corridor, and I go for the elevator. He waves at me and the elevator’s door close.

Once my day is done, I come home to announce to Louisa that not only my mother will hire her but that we’re going on vacation. These good news make her smile after the apparently chaotic moment she spent with her parents. We sit on the sofa and she tells me what happened.

“I thought my parents were gonna make an effort,” she says, and I can tell she’s very sad and disappointed. “That’s why I accepted to have lunch at their house when they said Tatiana would be there too.”

Louisa’s family – her parents in particular – are very conservative and very religious. It had never been a problem – they’ve been nice to me and they are generally generous – until the day Tatiana came out as gay. She was nineteen, Louisa was seventeen. They threw Tatiana out and Louisa never forgave them. And their parents, who had never showed any favoritism toward any of their daughter immediately started to spoil Louisa and started to want to be much closer to her. They even were way warmer than usual towards me, as if they wanted me – and Louisa agrees on this – to take Tatiana’s place. I’ve always felt sad for her, no one deserves to be treated this way by their family. We took her in until she was ready to live alone, but I know it was hard for her too. Thankfully she’s better now.

“At the beginning it was rather good,” Louisa says. “Even though my parents would always give her mean remarks and I was given a hundred compliments per minute. But at one point Tatiana said she hadn’t come alone, and I saw in my parents’ eyes that they hoped it was a man. But when Lyse arrived, my parents got angry as usual and almost insulted Tatiana.”

My heart breaks for Tatiana. She probably had hope that her parents were finally accepting her as they should, only to get rejected again.

“I got mad and the three of us left. I even think I broke a glass when leaving, whatever. Lyse is so cool, and my sister deserves to be happy.”

“Of course,” I say in a voice I hope is comforting. “She must know that she’s not the one that needs to change. And if your parents don’t want to change, well, too bad for them. Sometimes you have to detach yourself from family. Neither you nor her need them. If your parents can realize they have badass daughters, screw them.”

She smiles at me, and I propose to have Tatiana and her girlfriend come diner soon.

*-*

We invite Tatiana and Lyse on Wednesday night, and it goes so well that I almost forget about the stress of my date the day after. I don’t sleep well that night – like every time I stress – and have such awful nightmares that I screamed in my sleep and Louisa had to wake me up. I only work the morning and I thank heaven for that, as it will allow me to take a nap and get some sleep back in order not to look like a zombie for my date with Antoine. Heck, it’s the first time I care that much about my looks. The morning goes fast, too fast, and I think several times that I’m more stressful about that date that I’m excited. And even though I love Louisa, her teasing does not help. Antoine sends me a message so we can decide on the place and the time, and he immediately accept the hour I propose – homeboy isn’t difficult – adding he can’t wait to see me. To say I’m not looking forward to it as well would be a lie, but to say I’m more stressful about this date with Antoine Griezmann than I’ve ever been in my entire life, that’s the real truth.

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