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measuringbliss · 1 year

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Spider-Man Read-Through 016: Let's finish 1972! (ASM 110-115)

MASTERPOST

Dear readers,

This is it! The Lee-Ditko team is about to break up! Conway is going to take over Lee's mantel, a 19 years old dude entrusted with what was already a renowned character.

The last batch was painful at times, captivating some other times. I especially enjoyed the fanservice.

Want some context? Keep reading!

So this set of issue, Lee's last ish, introduces... the Gibbon.

And to be fair, the Gibbon is a nice character. For his last (regular, at least) outing, Stan introduces a character with a lot of empathy. Ostracized for his face and abilities, Marty is a gentle figure and immediately nice to the hero, which you never get enough of in these comics.

Both artists also gift me with some supreme Parker whump that just keeps on going. So here's a few panels to celebrate that!

A look at everybody's outfit: I particularly enjoy Harry's! It feels modern, in his own way. Is it because he has a much better mental health since he left the hospital? Maybe. Gwen has bold red, it suits her well.

Pete's still afraid of Flash stealing his girl, but Flash actually just promised Gwen he'd try to be a friend to Peter, which is great development. They do become roommates later on... Or is Ned?

Anyway, we get to see Peter's O-Face once again.

This issue's giving me everything I ever wanted: angst, whump, Parksborn, it's great.

When Pete wakes up, the Gibbon tries to speedrun TASM2 and quickly feels betrayed when Spidey laughs at him for suggesting they'd partner up.

Not far from them, somebody seems to be satisfied with what his gaze has set on.

A requested villain? No way... Surely... It can't be... The Wall?

(It isn't.)

Lee's last regular issue is a surprising delight, in spite of the first look I had at it. The ridiculous costume is acknowledged, and there's plenty of soap. Luv it.

I wanted to check out the reader's letters, but my scans don't have them and the archive I used last time was deleted. In the space of two weeks!!!! This is absurd.

Anyway.

Let's make way for baby Conway! What's his first SM story gonna be like, under Lee's supervision?

Well Kraven's sure gonna show us with his fabulous dancer's soles and sexy pantyhose. Turns out he wants revenge for his dino pet (understandable). So Kraven's basically Newt Geizler, nice.

As implied in the previous issue, May is going away, letting the readers (and the writers, who don't know what to do with her) breathe a sigh of relief. Peter wonders with whom May could leave, completely forgetting that she has a girlfriend in the person of Anna.

Kraven drugs the Gibbon and subsequently takes over him. It's no time for nipple lasers!

This leads me to think the reason Gerry Conway started in the middle of a mini-arc was for Lee to show him the ropes. The style is pretty much identical to Stan's, maybe so as to not shock the readers (in the same way Romita tried to imitate Ditko's style in 39-40).

(Peter looking like a sad boi.)

The issue features nice word art for Kraven's commands to the Gibbon.

Issue #111 is a nice one, not that remarkable. The Gibbon gets out of Kraven's grip, but nothing's too conclusive...

I have the letters, though! James Brandwein hopes Stan "doesn't do something dumb, like kill [Gwen]". Hahaha. He also hopes that Peter doesn't get married. Did he plot Mephisto's inference with the plot? Hmm!

Mark Wilson asks for a mystery villain, whose identity shall be unknown for years! He should be satisfied with the upcoming Hobgoblin storyline. He argues that back in the day, the Green Goblin's identity was a source of discussions with fellow fans. (I guess this ask actually inspired the Jackal, but his identity would be revealed not too late.)

In issue #112, Peter gets a few new facial expressions. The mystery of May's disappearance (because it's a mystery now, apparently) paces the issue. Gwen gets some welcome characterization and also says Flash had promised he wouldn't ~ride~ Peter anymore. She's very disapproving of their bedroom activities, obviously.

Doc Ock announced his arrival through Romita having a lot of fun drawing great perspectives. And continuing in issue 113, the perspective shots are at least nice to look at. The issue also advertises Team Up because they need that sweet money, but I don't care about it.

I was just thinking I missed the side characters when Randy Robertson pops up, which makes me very happy. He's no Hobie Brown, but he's still Randy.

The Peter whump continues to my delight, and Doc Ock looks for a nightclub. He's always had that Elton John look, so I'm not surprised. Seems like the gangs are fighting ahead, and a "Mr. H" namedrop leads me to think Hammerhead's back... I'm already dealing with him in Insomniac's Spider-Man DLC (hey, remember when he died but was revived after his death being a life-changing event for a developing character? that sucked!) And his squared head appears a few panels later, so I was right. The two villains start fighting, but Peter gets whumped harder and offers me some nice shots...

... and the whump soon turns into shirtless visuals, as is bound to happen...

... and turns back into whump so whumpy I might have written it when I was a teenager. 19-year old Gerry Conway doesn't disappoint.

Romita completely succeeds at making Peter look frail in these issues (and particularly this one), so kudos to him. Please produce more of this, please.

In issue #114, Peter finds himself a passion for architecture.

More importantly, Professor Warren's back too. Gerry Conway, I see you... And Gwen once again gets angry at Flash for him making fun of Peter. Déjà vu... but it makes me think Flash and Gwen could be a compelling couple...

Turns out May was at Ock's, being a nice little houseworker, and she does not take Spidey intruding gladly.

In the letters, Jeff H. Berlin complains about Peter's distrust of Gwen, and I agree with him. He has no faith in her and immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion.

May got away, and this is just a nice set of panels.

All is well that ends well (Ock does have a word with May before leaving with the cops called by Robbie), but Peter truly looks like a puppy with his shojo eyes.

Yeah, because making an old lady work is very nice of Ock.

Like I said, very sad puppy indeed.

You know, I'm very glad to have read this arc, because it gives context to what happens later... Hammerhead's first appearance and rivalry with Doc Ock, May's behavior, the relationships between Gwen, Flash and Peter... and since we just finished up with the year 1972, next time, we'll enter year 1973. That's right, baby, two (arguably, three) years I've fully read before, and multiple times too!

The Green Goblin (finally) comes back, in multiple ways! The first Clone Saga is ashore! Are we ready?

I repeat:

ARE WE READY?!

#spider-man #peter parker #whump #gwen stacy #parksborn #kraven #flash thompson #dr octopus #hammerhead #comics #comic books

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annepsilvaauthor · 1 year

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Fighter Weapons — Chapter 2

Pairing(s): Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x OC (Claire Mitchell) / Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Natasha "Phoenix" Trace

Summary: An untold story. A series that shows what happened during the Top Gun of our beloved pilots of Top Gun: Maverick.

Warnings: Subtle sexual innuendos, brief language, alcohol consumption, angst, smut, fluffy.

Word Count: 2.980

Author note: I'm back, my loves, with another chapter of this series!! I know there's information or headcannons going on around about Hangman's life and some points may even appear around here, but the rest will follow as I imagine his life to be. Next chapter will be focused more on Rooster and someone else.

Prologue | Chapter 1

ғɪɢʜᴛᴇʀᴛᴏᴡɴ, sᴀɴ ᴅɪᴇɢᴏ

Hangman walked through the base premises wearing jeans, white blouse and green leather jacket. Aviator's sunglasses covered his feline eyes. The toothpick danced on his tongue as he passed by the other pilots. He smiled as if he had been there for years and owned the place. The pilots whispered to each other looking at him. Great. He really wanted that. Everyone was already noticing him.

He entered the corridor that gave access to the dormitories. He turned right towards the male accommodation. But first he took a quick look at the women's accommodation in search of some fun. Unfortunately, it seemed empty. Maybe no woman has been selected.

He made his way to his room. Upon entering, he saw a room like others he was in, but slightly smaller. There were only two single beds with thin mattresses covered by a white bed set. Next to each bed there was a nightstand and a chest of drawers in the center, in which he would have to share space with another pilot.

He was surprised that his roommate hasn't arrived yet, after all who would be late for something so exciting? What was more important than that? Maybe he couldn't stand the pressure of learning from the best of the best. That wouldn't be bad for Hangman. One less to get in his way.

He put the green backpack on the bed, which, like all, didn't fit him perfectly, but he was already used to it. He slept fifteen days on a ship with smaller beds than that. It wasn't a mattress that would stop him from being the best.

Hangman kept his belongings on the nightstand and on the chest of drawers spaciously. The other pilot would find a way to keep his own things, because the first one was always exclusive. He changed his clothes for the gray aviator's uniform. Fuck! He looked amazing in those clothes.

Before leaving the room, he heard his cell phone ring and watched the screen. It was Anna, his sister. She smiled like the happiest girl on earth next to Carol, her daughter, in the photo. He sighed before answering, because he knew she wouldn't call just to know how he was. Hangman knew what would happen in a few days in his family.

"Your best brother speaking." He played with the convinced air.

"Although you are my only brother, I still have my doubts!" she said excitedly on the other side and he smiled. Anna always welcomed him warmly. "How is the most important brother in the world? Does everyone already know that you are the best?"

"If they don't know, they'll know soon. I'm sure I'm the only one here who managed to carry out an armed slaughter."

"Of course. You don't have that foundationless prancing nose!"

They both laughed at the comment, since it wasn't exactly true. He heard murmurs from Carol.

"How is my favorite niece?"

"Uncle Jake!" She practically screamed on the line. Hangman had to move his cell phone away a little, still smiling. "I miss yoooou!"

"Miss you too, my aviator. Uncle Jake is very busy."

"Mom said you carry junk in the sky."

"Your mother is jealous of Uncle Jake because I have the coolest job in the world." He provoked, because he knew Anna still listened. "Saving lives in a hospital is not the same as saving lives at 40,000 feet high, my aviator."

"She doesn't like it when you call me an aviator, Uncle Jake." she said tearfully.

"Your mom is annoying."

"Okay. Enough of Uncle Jake for you today." Anna took over the call. "You know very well that you shouldn't put these ideas in her head."

"You should stop being afraid of Mrs. Margaret and Mr. Elliot, sis."

"And you should stop calling them that. They are our parents!" Hangman rolled his eyes. "Besides, I don't want Carol to be at risk of her life in heaven. Only crazy people like that."

"I present you the craziest person on this earth! And why should I care about the way I call them? If I'm no longer a child to them, I shouldn't call them parents." he said with some anger.

"Jake, you know it's not like that."

"I don't want to talk about them. I am happy to be here at Top Gun and that at least one person is proud of me in this family."

"Oh, my brother. I've always been proud of you, of your courage to face mom and dad."

"Actually, I was talking about Carol." He laughed hard at his sister's grumbling. "Thank you for supporting me...but you didn't just call me about that, did you?"

"You remembered." She took a serious tone. "They want you to be there."

He laughed in debauchery and scratched the back of his neck, impatient.

"They know I'm not going. That's why they asked you to call me."

"Jake, that's important to them. You know that."

"Why should I care about that? My graduation from the Naval Academy was also something important. They didn't go. When I was promoted to Lieutenant, they weren't there either. And now that I was chosen as one of the best sixteen pilots in the world, they didn't bother to make a fucking phone call to congratulate me!" His voice was deep, holding back the anger that his sister didn't deserve to receive. "If that was all you had the most to say to me, I've heard it. My answer is no."

Anna remained silent for another whole minute waiting for Jake to calm her spirits completely. She had learned from a young age that her older brother had a short wick, but expressed it differently. Sometimes he kept quiet, sometimes he took out all his anger in words. He needed a moment.

"Okay. I won't insist." She came up with a friendly tone. "Come back there for your training and show them what the Seresin family is capable of."

"Thank you, Anna. You really are the best sister in the world."

"Yeah, I know." She laughed and made kissing sounds before hanging up.

Hangman found himself staring at his cell phone while trying to control his breathing. Family affairs always disconcerted him. Especially when it involved his parents.

He shook his head frantically and kept his cell phone. He took a deep breath and walked out of the room with the thought only of knowing who the other fifteen best drivers were chosen.

Hangman spotted a group of equally uniformed pilots entering through the door of the orientation room and also did the same. Before, however, he made a point of staring at each one from top to bottom superficially studying their ability and felt that none was a match for him.

The room was small, with padded seats in the exact number of pilots divided into two rows. Hangman sat in the left corner, in the corridor armchair, next to Coyote, a friend he met on one of the missions between squads. Since then, they had become almost inseparable, since the members of his squad did not deal very well with Hangman's spirit of leadership nor with his ambition to be the best of the best. Coyote already understood and longed for the same.

"Is there a problem?" Coyote asked when he realized that Hangman was agitated.

"No. I just want to know who here is brave enough to fly with me." he disdained without wanting to touch on the subject of his family again. "Besides you, of course."

"I took a look at their files." he whispered. "It's going to be easy to knock them down one by one."

Hangman smiled in the company of his friend and the two continued talking for a while until the instructors showed up. Everyone wore the aviation uniform, but theirs were blue. One of them took the front of the room and turned on a monitor. Images of planes at war and fighting filled the screen.

He introduced himself as Captain Ernest Helmet, codenamed Blade. And he was responsible for Top Gun's training. He was a man of firm expression, but already appearing to be around sixty years old. So, he started talking:

"During the Korean War, the proportion of Navy kills was twelve to one. We shoot down twelve of your jets for each of ours. In Vietnam, this proportion dropped to three to one. Our pilots depended on missiles. They lost their dogfighting skills." took a short break to stare at each of the pilots. "Top Gun was created to teach the ACM, air combat maneuvers...that is, dogfighting. Richthofen, Guynemer, Rickenbacker, Galland, Rudel, Bong would envy us. We do exactly what they did, but we do it beyond the speed of sound. At the end of Vietnam, we increased our proportion of deaths to thirteen to one."

The instructor kept talking and pointing at the monitor behind him until he finished. He turned on the lights again.

"You are here because you are the top 1% of all naval aviators."

He watched the whole class calmly. There were sixteen young people, divided into four pairs and eight pilots. They were elegant, fit and confident as high school heroes and college athletes.

"You are the elite, the best of the best. We will make you better, because your work is very important."

Hangman played with a toothpick with his tongue while Coyote frantically spun a pencil between his fingers. That "best of the best" cheered him up every time he heard.

"With the tensions in today's world, the potential for confrontation is greater than ever, and aircraft carrier pilots will be the first to arrive. Excellence in air combat is vital."

Suddenly, Hangman's attention shifted to the first row of armchairs, more precisely on the right. He noticed that there were two women there, the only ones in the class. A blonde and a brunette, with their hair stuck in a high and rigid bun. He smiled internally. A little fun.

"Someone once asked me if training men for air combat made the world less safe. Weapons loaded in the sky... an accidental confrontation and so on..."

One of them seemed to feel his gaze on him, because she turned her face towards him and the looks met. It was her. The woman from the bar. Hangman parked the toothpick in place. It was really her. The one he had fun with like never before with a woman. The one who won his family hat, stole his toothpick and denied him a fuck. The brunette with the cutest nose and the most feline tongue he had ever seen.

His heart raced as if it were flying, but he couldn't move his gaze in another direction. He was hooked on her like that night. Since he saw her dance with that slender body and with no intention of seducing anyone, only a woman having fun with her friend in a kind of celebration, could not detach his gaze. It looked like a magnet. Those dark and lit eyes made him hard for the rest of that night and her provocation remained in his mind for the two days that followed.

Damn, it was her right there in front of him.

But he didn't find the same glow in her eyes that time. She widened her eyes, opened her mouth slightly and turned again as if she had never seen him. She seemed shocked, even frightened. So, it would be like that, huh.

"My answer is: the dangerous thing is not to be prepared. Do you want problems? That's what you get when things don't work out, when you can't do what you say you can. When you don't know what you can do. And when your opponents aren't sure either. We're not politicians. We don't do politics. People elected... civilians, do that. We are the instrument of politics. The tip of the spear. So we'd better be sharp."

A man dressed in the Navy's official uniform walked between the ranks and stood by the instructor. This one had a calm, quiet expression, but his black eyes ran through the whole room in defiance.

"Now I would like to introduce our Top Gun Commander. He is a Mig killer six times. He was one of the first men to win the Top Gun Trophy. You won't find a better fighter pilot. His name is Emmet Johnson. Codinome Venom."

Venom walked slowly forward and began to speak with caution and silence:

"You will be moving every minute here. Flying at least two combat missions per day, attending classes and evaluations of your performance during the process." Hentook a break to watch the students absorb the information. "In each sequence you will face a combat challenge. With each combat session it got harder. We'll teach you to fly straight to the hard deck. Faster than you've ever flowed. And... more dangerously."

After a while, the woman looked back at Hangman and he, already recovered from the fright, returned his gaze with a presumptuous smile. They had met before, had fun, but it had been just that. There, they were classmates and opponents.

The woman continued to run her serious look around the room, staring at each student and instructor. He observed a minimal smile on her lips and turned his head towards where she looked. A medium-sized instructor, with well trimmed hair and goatee smiled discreetly back at her. What? Had she had fun with him too?

Hangman looked at her again, noting that her blonde friend whispered in her ear and she returned to pay attention to the instructor in front of them.

"Aren't those...?" Coyote whispered surprised at what he saw.

"Yes, they are."

"What a terrible coincidence." He closed his eyes and massaged his forehead with two fingers. "I wonder what they're whispering? About us?"

"No. She wants to know who is the best here." he said for sure.

As he turned his gaze forward, Hangman was shocked to find Venom looking directly at him, with a murderous smile on his face. He felt caught like a mischievous schoolgirl.

"You know." He smiled as if he had listened to their conversation. "We would like to know who is the best too. That's why we have that sign on the wall... with the Top Top Gun of each class. Do you think maybe your name could be on it?"

Hangman knew he was in trouble. He considered the alternatives and implications of that confrontation and decided to be sincere.

"Yes, sir."

Some ooo's and aahh's were heard by the pilots and he watched a brief smile run on the brunette's lips, but she avoided the look. He also noticed that the instructors stared at him in defiance and he just settled better in the armchair, inflating his chest and smiling with arrogance.

"Considering your company here, I would say that this is a very arrogant attitude."

"Yes, sir." he replied a little punished by Blade's look.

"I like that in a fighter pilot." Some laughs were heard. "There's no harm in being confident. You have to think it's a King Kong to want to try to land on an aircraft carrier. Just keep in mind the other component of success... teamwork."

Hangman watched Venom gather his notes, indicating that the lecture was over.

"Yes, sir." he replied without much conviction.

"Gentlemen...and ladies... This is about combat. Remember, there are no points for second place. Dismissed."

Venom left the place along with the other instructors and the students began to get up, piling up at the end of the room, where the sign with the names of the best in Top Gun was.

Hangman got up and prevented the two women from reaching the sign. The blonde waved to Coyote, who reciprocated with a discreet smile. The brunette fought a battle of looks with Hangman, raising her chin since he was much taller.

"I almost didn't recognize you with all this pose. It doesn't even look like we broke up with you in that bar." he insulted with a malicious smile.

"I see you got another toothpick." She hit back crossing her arms. "Hi."

"Hi." Coyote replied discouraged.

"Tell your friend that we are already adults and that personal matters should not be brought to work."

"I'm right here."

"Really? I barely noticed you without the cowboy hat." the blonde joked.

Hangman inflated his chest even more and took a step forward, staring at the brunette.

"Now that we are all gathered here again, I think we can know your names."

The woman gave a glimpse of a smile, but did not release it. She exchanged glances with her friend in conspiracy and looked at him again. She took a step forward in challenge. They were now an inch away.

"You'll know our names when you see them written on that sign."

Hangman extended his arrogant smile and returned to playing with his toothpick, making a point of prolonging the noise with his tongue. The brunette rolled her eyes and pushed him lightly with her own body, already getting close to the rest of the group.

"The second place sign is in the women's bathroom." Hangman insisted on the provocation.

"Um, that's why I saw your name there." the blonde hit back without looking at him.

"Oh, I found your name." the brunette pointed to the sign, but deviated and offered him her middle finger.

Hangman and Coyote looked at each other dismayed by the situation. That was more than an irony of fate. It was a plan of the devil to take away their peace. They had seen a little of their competitiveness and their personalities. They weren't just any women. They had the determination and courage to try to match with them. Hangman smiled. The fun would start.

#monica barbaro #hangman x phoenix #hannix drabble #glen powell #hannix #top gun maverick #hangman #top gun phoenix #bradley bradshaw #jake seresin #natasha trace #greg tarzan davis #javy coyote machado #top gun fic

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a13thprincefora13thprincess · 2 years

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The embroidery threads were also of solid quality, the silken loops gleaming softly in a wide gradient of colours. Elsa picked a lovely green, a nice bluish grey, and four loops of the shade of purple in the Arendelle coat of arms, she was always running out of it – and then a particular shade of brownish red caught her eye. It took her a heartbeat to make the connection. She ran a finger along the silk, and then it hit her.

It was the exact shade of his hair.

How uncanny.

(...)

"Ooh, let me see! Are you getting that one, too?" Anna scrutinised the loop of reddish silk suddenly burning as bright and damning as hellfire on the salesgirl's palm, and her expression flickered in something like a distant memory, something on the tip of her tongue, a recognition in-forming. Oh no. "It looks-"

"Like a-a- a fox, doesn't it," Elsa blurted. "I want to embroider a fox. Somewhere. A handkerchief, perhaps."

"A fox?"

"A cute little fox, yes," Elsa said, squeezing out a nervous smile. "I've been embroidering traditional motifs and Arendelle crocuses on everything for years. I could do something more lively for once." She sighed. "It sounds childish, doesn't it?"

"No, no! It sounds great!" Anna grinned, her eyes sparkling. "It sounds fun! I like it! Will it be a cunning fox?"

"Extremely cunning, and sly," Elsa said, taking the wretched loop of damnation and its tempting sultry softness from the salesgirl.

A particular understanding, by @fasadi

Read it here

It's so funny when Elsa tries to hide her feelings for Hans from Anna, it happens in most Helsa fanfiction.

#frozen #helsa #frozen fanfiction #helsa fanfiction #a particular understanding #prince hans #queen elsa #iceburns #Disney

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readingrobin · 1 year

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February really is a hell of a month. In my corner of the Earth, everyone's getting a little tired of the cold, anxiously looking forward to the longer days that are right around the corner. It's also too short, full of too many expectations, like trying to live up to the plans you made for yourself only just last month. Thankfully, that also means it's over quickly and March comes in with the hope of spring. Can't wait for all the green to come back to the grass and the trees.

Total Books Read: 6

Total Pages Read: 2, 144 pages

Total DNFs: 2

Books Read:

Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh - (Review) (4/5)

A Conspiracy of Truths by Alexandra Rowland - (Review) (3/5)

Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs - I've been a longtime fan of the Mercy Thompson series and, despite having it for almost a good decade now, I finally picked up the first book in this spinoff series. I will say, I think introducing the main characters in a short story separate from this book wasn't exactly the best decision, as there's a lot of confusion around who these characters are and what the basis of their story is. I'm not a fan of authors introducing important plot or character developments in short stories apart from the main series, as it's a pain to track them down in these obscure anthologies and makes the full length book seem incomplete.

Coming into this new series, I couldn't help but do some comparing to Mercy's. A little unfair, I know, but sometimes it can't be helped. Anna doesn't really come off as an interesting, strong protagonist and, to an extent, neither does Charles, far cries from Mercy, who always gives a good range of personality. From the first page, Anna and Charles are in instalove, so their relationship doesn't go through any worthwhile developments other than "Hey, we're in wolfy love now, guess we don't need to do any more emotional work on our behalf." It's just….how do you make a relationship interesting when they're automatically together? What hurdles do they face? What doubts? What hesitation? Hell, Anna has gone through trauma from sexual assault and being passed around her previous pack like a broodmare and that's not even expanded upon or how it may effect her relationship with Charles. It just ends up feeling so hollow. (3/5)

Young Men in Love edited by Joe Glass and Matt Miner - This is such a cute collection of queer romance comics made by queer creators for a queer audience. It focuses on male/masc couples through a variety of genres, ranging from more domestic stories to those featuring demon hunters, pirates, ghosts, and so much more. While not every story was a hit, it's rare for an anthology to be completely perfect, there is such an honesty to each one of them that you can't help but give them all a slight bit of admiration. Some standout stories include "Second Star to the Right," "Another Name," "Act of Grace," "The Way Home," and "Love Yourself." (4/5)

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers - (Review) (4/5)

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke - Though I've been a Cornelia Funke fan since I was in middle school, this was one of her books I didn't grow up reading, which may have lessened the impact of it somewhat. The fantastical elements are pushed more to the background compared to her other books, and the magic comes more from the transportive descriptions of Venice. There was an interview in the back of my copy with Funke where she said that she wanted to create a book where children could actually go see the setting for themselves, which is a great way to introduce them to the wonders of their own world. And yet, somehow it felt like it overshadowed the characters a bit, who didn't really grab my attention.

Ultimately, the story didn't do much for me and I had the thought that I had read better versions of these themes in other books, most notably Something Wicked this Way Comes. Personally, I just think I started this book a tad too late. Though points to Funke for giving it a sort of odd, unconventional ending. (3/5)

DNFs:

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - This book was given to me by a friend about 10 years ago and I only got around to reading it since I wanted to declutter my shelves a bit. I'm not real big on stories where romance is the main element, but I wanted to give it a fair shot.

Ultimately, I decided to put it down because I'm a little tired of the straight white male with thinly veiled misogyny representation of autism, especially when the understanding and conversation around neurodivergence has changed so much since this was written. Autism is a very wide spectrum, but apparently media is focused on only showcasing this particular manifestation, coming from writers that are not autistic, nor do they cite any research done in the autistic community to make their characters more authentic. And, judging from reviews I've seen of later installments of this series, it only gets worse.

Also, very much not interested in male writers that cannot write women to save their life. Got no time for that.

And the Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness - Beautiful illustrations aside, there's not much that interested me in this book which I could have finished if I gave it another half hour, but didn't really see the point. I haven't read Moby Dick, nor do I think I ever will, so the appeal of seeing that story from the whale's perspective wasn't an incentive. That and there are so many confusing elements that make the story too absurd to take seriously: why do the whales swim upside down, how do they have harpoons tied to their bodies when they're incapable of tying them themselves, how do these whales even know how to speak to humans? I think it's a story where you're not meant to think too hard about the logistics, but I couldn't help questioning it on nearly every page.

Average Rating: (3.5/5)

#robin's book log #reading wrap up #book wrap up #silver in the wood #a conspiracy of truths #cry wolf #young men in love #the long way to a small angry planet #the thief lord #the rosie project #and the ocean was our sky

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asfixiafloral · 2 years

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Just wanna say your and your twin's blog is great. I'm a secret Anna x Johan gal so gotta stay hidden for now lol. My writing prompt idea is set after Monster. Anna gets a job on the side of her studies and one day when she makes her way home she swears she spots Johan's silhouette. Next time is when she goes to a bar to pass time and he confronts her when they're alone and specifically makes a point on her revealing outfit. He decides to kidnap her out of possessiveness to "protect" her...

🌿OffChara🌿

OH THIS IS GOOD... Imagining Anna in this beautiful but kind of revealing tight dress, and she looks absolutely gorgeous, plenty of eyes are on her. But it can't be too revealing, it has to be something she'd be comfortable wearing. Something short, but not too short, cut from the front so it exposes her cleavage nicely, all black, maybe a nice dark green? With long sleeves, exposed shoulders, the fabric hugs her body perfectly. It's a bit out of her comfort zone but she ends up loving the way it looks on her. The only thing I'm going to change about your request is the kidnapping part, I'll take a different approach to it.

🦋

"Where in the world are you taking me?!" She was mad, actually, she was absolutely livid. One moment she was chatting with some girls at a nice bar, the next, she sees her brother for the first time after months of searching for him, because one day he woke up from his comma and disappeared from the face of the earth. But she knew that wasn't true, she always felt a shadow in the corner of every building, a pair of eyes glued to her back every now and then. She knew Johan didn't go too far.

Now, here she was, sitting in the passenger seat of his car, shock, disbelief and relief swirling inside her head "Where have you been?! Answer me!" She's been yelling at him ever since they left the bar, and of course she had willingly let him lead her to his car, she was not planning on taking her eyes off him. She doesn't want to lose him again "Johan! Stop the fucking car! Now!" To her surprise, he does, he pulls over to the side of the road and puts the car on park.

"What were you doing there?" Johan finally speaks up.

"I could ask you the same thing!"

"Since when do you enjoy going to bars?"

Anna scoffs, "Are you kidding me? Who cares! Johan where- where have you been!? Answer my goddamn questions!"

"I care" Johan sounds like he's holding back, "What are you wearing?"

Anna is so mad he's ignoring all her questions, she's almost shaking with how angry she is. She clenches and unclenches her fists, and takes a few deep calming breaths "A dress, Johan... I thought it was obvious"

"I can see your breasts" He comments and it makes her look down, it's true, it's a bit too revealing but it looks amazing on her, "Yeah, so what?"

"It's too revealing"

"Are you serious? Are you honestly more concerned about the dress I'm wearing right now than the fact that I haven't seen you in seven months after you escaped the hospital... Johan, I've been waiting to talk to you for so long I..." Choking up is inevitable, she wants to slap him so hard right now but she won't, she can't bring herself to ever hurt him.

Johan takes his coat off and hands it over to her, then brings her in close gently and slowly, giving her enough time to pull away before he wraps his arms around her tight. He thought he'd be too weak to initiate anything himself, but he knows that looks on her face, she's about to cry. And he's been looking forward to holding her for so long.

Anna quickly wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him impossibly close, quietly sobbing against his ear. It's warm. The closeness makes them feel whole.

After what feels like an eternity, Anna pulls away from the hug gently to wipe away her tears. Her mascara is ruined and she knows that she looks like a mess.

"You look gorgeous in that dress" It's almost a whisper, "And this will sound selfish, but I'd like to be the only one to see you dressed in it" He sets his eyes on the road now, pulling away to start driving again.

#anonask #anna liebert #johan liebert #johan x anna #anna x johan #this was very fun aaaa #Message me whenever for more!

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synonymouswithanonymous · 2 months

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Wicked the Musical- Glinda character post

Once again always interpreting everything this woman says and does as a negative. Sigh. Nothing she says or does is ever right bc some people want to hate on her for being Alex Hogh Andersen's girlfriend. After a couple of years of knowing each other, then dating for over a year, I'm sure he knows who the woman he's in love with is, better than all of us.

My opinion.

If you know the musical, then you'd know what she Probably meant by her words. When she says these things, supposedly the translation is correct (no article link, and I haven't found it online yet) it's about the character starting off one way, and evolving to truly be a good witch. I don't see this as a quote that could make her look bad, nor do I think it says bad things about her as a person. 😊😊 it makes me like her more bc she so easily says these things, that she's not perfect, not wholly good or bad, acknowledges changes/growth. Aren't we all a work in progress? 😊😊

Translated as: "We went to class together at the musical academy We start out pretty much like our characters in Wicked are too. So Glinda, she's in control of everything, and she's totally in control of everyone else, and she's popular, but she also puts herself a bit in the position of having to be popular."

I interpret this as Nanna and Johanne are different people, with different perspectives, personalities, and experiences. One more quiet (N) the other more outgoing (J). Bc as she explained in her longer magazine interview about Askepot she felt it was necessary to always be funny, doing a lot, to be the life of the party. Bc of her insecurities that no one would like her otherwise. Thus "controlling" others perceptions, acceptance, and thoughts of her, giving her control over everyone in that respect. And feeling more in control of her circumstances and life. I think she said she likes to give out advice too, ie tell people what to do. She strikes me as blunt and realistic. But that doesn't mean she forces people into anything. Lol. Anyway she learned from that (and an abusive relationship that broke her for awhile), how to just be herself, and not burn the candle at both ends. Or worry about others perceptions of her. She says she's more cautious now. So it's not surprising the character of Galinda (changes to Glinda later in musical) reminds her of herself and how she's grown/changed as a person. maybe Nanna was a bit of an outcast that also blossomed? 😊 Both journeys are great.

I don't interpret this as her being some sort of carbon copy of the character in all respects. Lol or that she sees herself as a carbon copy of the character either.

Context about a character is very important, imo, to consider when taking a quote and analyzing it. Instead of just trying to find a way to bash this woman endlessly. Otherwise someone saying that they're a lot like Anna Karenina, or understand her could be boiled down to suicidal cheater. And that's just not the whole story.

Galinda/Glinda is a sweet, bubbly character, and has a good heart. She's concerned about popularity, and doesn't always make the right choices. But she does in the end bc of how and why she changed, real friendship.

The character of glinda explained through a couple of links.

Spoilers:

"The show is about two young witches: The musical follows them from their girlhood friendship and explains how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch and Glinda became the Good Witch. "

"In the musical, which takes place before Dorothy Gale arrives in Oz, the young wicked witch, named Elphaba, is an outcast because of her atypical green skin. She meets a young Galinda (later Glinda) while studying magic at Shiz University. In contrast to Elphaba, Glinda is blonde and conventionally beautiful. The two get paired as roommates and are initially enemies, but they eventually become best friends.

The two are driven apart when Elphaba discovers that the man behind the curtain, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, is actually a fraud. The Wizard wants to turn the talking, intelligent animals of Oz into unintelligible beasts. Elphaba's discovery of the corruption in Oz, and her fight against it, gets her painted as a Wicked Witch, as the citizens of Oz are convinced to stand by the Wizard. Elphaba's crusade also tests Glinda and Elphaba's friendship, as Glinda is torn between following the rules in Oz or standing by her friend.

Wicked is about female friendship, discrimination, governmental corruption, and the musical shows how the iconic characters in The Wizard of Oz (not just the witches, but the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, too) came to be. "

https://wicked.fandom.com/wiki/Glinda_Arduenna_Upland#:~:text=Glinda the Good%2C Lady Chuffrey,Oz by author Gregory Maguire.

"It is not until Shiz University's own Dr. Dillamond, a Goat who she'd met on the way to Shiz and had been rather rude towards, is tragically killed and Ama Clutch becoming incapacitated from witnessing it that Galinda realizes how self-centered and shallow she had been. She truly allows Elphaba to finally become her friend by looking past her flaws and seeing her as an equal for the first time. To mark this new change, she changes her name to Glinda, which the old Goat had mistakenly called her. "

"She is present when the Wizard sends a mob of witch-hunters to kill Elphaba, and, unable to stand by while her friend is killed, she goes to Kiamo Ko to warn her of the impending danger. Before being supposedly melted by Dorothy, Elphaba makes Glinda promise not to clear her name, and gives her the Grimmerie, a legendary spell book. Glinda tells her that of all the friends she has had, Elphaba is the only one who really mattered, and the two Witches acknowledge that each has been changed by their friendship."

I love this musical. 💖😊😊💖 So much more than the Wizard of oz. The other quotes they say really nice things about each other. Two lovely ladies, I hope their version of Wicked breaks records!!

As always another long post, but just want to put my thoughts about this out there. 😊 sorry for the length, but had to add the quotes/spoilers for clarity. Edited to add: its obvious to me that some people are purposely trying to pick at everything she does to fit their agenda (over the actor they like) to try to make her look bad. They purposely "read" her this way bc they want her to be this way. No matter how little bearing on reality there is. Nanna even says that Johanne "inspires" her, bc of who she is. How can these people actually think they know or see her better than everyone else that knows her in real life? And continue with their hate spiel? It does not make sense. Conclusion they just want to see her that way and will twist her words to fit their agenda no matter what. I think that is sad and wrong. It's the willful misinterpretation or changing what she's actually saying to suit their hate agenda that bothers me. Another example: she said she'd never seen his WORK, not that she didn't know about him at all. Is reading and thinking a sentence through really that hard? But I shouldn't be surprised bc they just want to twist her words.

But these are also people that call AHA all sorts of names and gleefully talk of lost followers, and less projects bc he hasn't "maintained" or done enough for fans. 🙄🙄🙄🙄 HE does not owe fans anything, fans will be fans whether he's on socials or not. Fans aren't owed a damn thing. He seems like a really nice guy to me, and talented too. Seems that once he stopped being single they angrily turned on him and everything he does. It's sad and reminds me of the article I posted about a Korean singer.

#johanne milland #alex høgh andersen #alex hogh andersen #alex høgh #wicked the musical #galinda x elphaba #context is key

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legends-of-time · 3 months

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The Journey of Living at Downton

Chapter 37: Late April to Early May 1924

Masterlist

Mary is returning from her 'sketching' trip today. Emma and Anna have been working hard on preparing a folder that contains either fashion sketches or portrait sketches for Mary that were supposedly made on her 'sketching' trip.

"So, what did Mary think of the proposition from the man in Leeds?" Emma asks her husband as he picks her up from the Hospital.

Tom frowns contemplatively. "Not sure yet, but she'll be open to it when she realises how good of a deal it is. Her father on the other hand..."

"Would it be weird if I somewhat agreed with him?" Emma says tentatively.

Tom glances over at her, surprised. "It is. Why?"

"I just worry that an outsider, someone that doesn't know the Village will build these new modern homes that might not fit with the local area." Emma explains. "In my time, there'd be similar style houses going down the road then suddenly this new modern one that stands out like a sore thumb and doesn't match its surroundings."

"Well, we don't have to make a decision now and we won't know anything till we see the plans." Tom replies.

——

Emma is just fixing her hair before dinner when Gemma knocks, picking her head round the door. "Just coming in to see if you have anything that needs washing."

Emma smiles at her friend through her mirror. "Yes, the basket is over there." She gestures to the corner of her room.

Gemma goes over and begins shifting the washing into her own basket.

"Any development on your job hunting?" Emma questions the maid.

Gemma sighs, putting down her basket and slumping on the bed. "Nothing yet, I'm not even sure what I'm looking for."

"You need to try a few or more to find what fits you. You'll find your calling." Emma reassures her. "A war had to happen for me to find mine."

"I suppose."

Emma smirks at her friend. "I bet you never thought you'd be leaving Downton and here we are."

Gemma rolls her eyes, but it's softened by the smile on her face. "And I bet you never thought you'd be dining with the great Earl and Lady Grantham and here we are."

Emma laughs. "True. So, how's things downstairs?"

Gemma shrugs. "Alright I suppose. Mr Molesley is getting used to being the only footman, Daisy is singing Miss Bunting's praises."

Emma chuckles. "Nothing new then."

"No, but..." Gemma pauses, frowning.

"What?"

"A Sergeant Willis has been popping up the past week."

Emma freezes. "Sergeant? As in Police? Whatever for?"

Gemma shrugs carelessly. "It's the Mr Green business. Turns out his death might have not been an accident at all, there's a witness or something. I don't know why they're bothering us."

Emma stares at Gemma with wide eyes, panic rising inside her. "And what did they see?"

"I don't know, only Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes know." She looks at Emma questioningly. "Why?"

"N-nothing." Emma says hurriedly. "Best be going, they'll be waiting for me." She darts out of the room before Gemma can say a word.

——

They enter the Drawing room after dinner with Thomas holding the door for them.

"Of course, you must bring them. If you want to." Cora says to Rose.

"Oh, they do so love an excursion." Rose says.

Rose has been spending a lot of time with her Russians in York and has brought up the idea of them visiting Downton.

"Well, it'll be fun, and I'll come and help." Isobel remarks.

Emma nods. "Me too if it doesn't clash with a shift at the Hospital."

Rose and Edith go to the card table. While Emma sits on the settee with Cora and Isobel sitting down in chairs next to each other.

"What are you going to do in London?" Mary asks as she moves past her mother.

"I have a fitting with Monsieur Molyneux. He's over from Paris." She replies.

Mr Molesley approaches Mary. "The Dowager Lady Grantham is on the telephone for you, M'lady."

"Thank you." She walks off.

Emma frowns. Why is Violet calling Mary at this time for?

"Will you stay at Rosamund's?" Isobel asks Cora.

"If she'll have me." The Countess replies. "Robert, any chance you could come, too?"

"I'm afraid I can't. I've a dreary meeting all afternoon." Robert replies from where he, Billy and Tom stand talking by the fireplace.

"What about you, Edith?" Cora asks. "I'm going to take Mr Bricker up on his offer to show me the National Gallery."

Emma raises an eyebrow at that.

"I'm watching little Marigold. Mrs Drewe is taking the youngest boy to the dentist in Thirsk." Edith answers.

"Can't someone else step in?"

"I said I'll do it."

Emma observes for a moment before Cora pulls her back into the conversation. "Emma, Billy?"

"I'm sorry, Cora, but I've got work." Emma apologises.

"And I promised to help Tom." Billy adds.

"Rose?"

"We're taking my Russians to Haworth, to see where the Brontës lived." Rose replies.

"What will they make of the Brontës?" Cora wonders.

"Oh, good things, surely." Isobel says. "Hopeless lovers wandering over a desolate moor. If it wasn't Emily Brontë, it could be Tolstoy or Gogol."

"That's why I want to bring them to Downton." Rose adds. "They can compare the old Chekhovian vie de chateau with the way the English do it."

"Won't that make them unhappy?" Billy questions.

"A little nostalgic maybe, but they seem to enjoy that."

"We have some Russian things here, from when Papa and Mama went in 1874. I should look them out." Robert says. Mary returns from the telephone. "What did your grandmother want?"

"She wondered if I'll have time to look in tomorrow. That's all." Mary replies.

Emma waits till Mary is sitting next to her before leaning over. "Seriously though. Why she calling you now of all times?"

"I honestly don't know." Mary admits. "I'm sure I'll find out tomorrow."

"So, how's Tony? Did he sweep you off your feet enough for you to marry him?" Emma questions quietly.

Mary doesn't react as she expects. The look that goes across the eldest Crawley daughter's face is one of uncomfortableness. "Not yet, but there's no rush."

Emma raises her eyebrows. "I'd argue the opposite."

——

Cora heads off to London the next morning while Emma is at work and, to her surprise, she also learns that Thomas departed as well. Gemma tells her his father is very ill and Thomas needs to hurry to see him. This causes Emma to sense something is off as she doesn't recall Thomas getting on well with his father, if anything Thomas had implied to her that his father may have been physically abusive. Another surprise is that Robert's meeting is cancelled so he'll be heading off to London to surprise his wife, which Emma thinks is quite sweet.

Mary also immediately pulled her aside to explain that turns out Spratt, Violet's butler, had spotted Mary and Gillingham in Liverpool causing Violet to find out and come up with the lie that Gillingham had taken Mary to a conference. Violet hadn't been pleased with her granddaughter's actions but had been happy to hear of Gillingham's proposal. Once again though, when Emma questions her on setting the date or whether they're going to announce it, Mary is evasive and uncomfortable. Emma is beginning to wonder whether Mary has changed her mind and finds Gillingham isn't the one.

——

The situation with Sergeant Willis has gotten worse. It turns out Green had complained about being mistreated and having a quarrel with Mr Bates to those he worked with. Wallis had fooled through with those comments and had interviewed Mr Bates.

Mrs Hughes explains this to both Emma and Mary as the three of them gather in the housekeeper's Sitting room just before dinner.

"But surely if Bates convinced Willis he was in York that day..." Mary argues.

"I only said it may not be over." Mrs Hughes placates.

Emma frowns. "What do you mean?"

"The Sergeant's a nice man, but he's not the brightest button in the box. According to Mr Carson, Mr Bates told the Sergeant he visited a shoe shop as it was opening. The shoe shop is in Queen Street, ten minutes' walk from the station." Mrs Hughes explains.

Mary and Emma share a look of alarm.

"He also had a cup of coffee at the Royal York, which operates as a station hotel."

"So, he still had time to get a train to London and back?" Emma questions. This isn't good.

"Do you think Carson registered any of this?" Mary asks.

"I doubt it. And he wouldn't give Mr Bates away if he did. But there's a danger that Sergeant Willis or someone he talks to may put two and two together." Mrs Hughes replies.

"They'd still have to prove it." Mary insists.

Emma nods in agreement. "Exactly, the evidence so far is very circumstantial."

"Yes, let's keep a hold of that." Mrs Hughes agrees.

——

"Edith seems to be a bit off to me. Did you notice?" Emma wonders as she and Mary sit on the settees, opposite each other, in the Library after dinner.

"I'm not sure I'd notice." Mary remarks casually.

Emma rolls her eyes at this. "Well, she does to me. As if she were always thinking about something else."

"I might say the same of you." Mary says pointedly.

Emma shrugs. "Maybe, oh I don't know. Something's up with Edith, Mr Bates being interviewed, Gemma might be thinking of leaving and then Tom and me moving closer to making plans for America. Everything is happening and I don't know what to do for the best. I worry I'll hurt people."

"I know exactly what you mean." Mary blurts out then looks surprised. "Sorry. That just slipped out."

"Are you talking about Tony Gillingham?" Emma questions her, seeing this as her chance.

"Maybe." Mary admits, sighing. "I don't know. I'm not sure."

"I thought you'd settled on him. Everyone seems to think so." Emma pushes.

"I had. I think. But now, I seem to have un-settled." Mary says. "Goodness! I haven't said it out loud before." She gets up to get herself a drink.

"So, what's he done wrong?" Emma asks.

"Nothing. Spending that time together recently made me begin to wonder how much we really had in common." Mary confesses.

Emma gets up to join Mary, who pours drinks for both of them. "Yeah, that so-called sketching trip. I think Tom, and maybe Billy, suspects it wasn't the truth."

"The point is, I wasn't seeing him clearly, but now I do..." Mary reveals, "he's a nice man. A very nice man. But not... I mean, of course, we'd talked about things. But I think my judgement was rather clouded by..."

"The sex? The risqué opportunity to be alone with a man you're not married to?" Emma remarks with a smirk.

Mary rolls her eyes but there's no heat behind it. "You sound as if you're writing Elinor Glyn's next novel."

Emma chuckles slightly. "Well?"

Mary sighs. "Maybe I was. But I seem to have got over that now." She acknowledges as they sit back down.

"Well, I'll back you up if you support me."

"With your move to America? Are you both really moving forward with it?" Mary questions.

"Seems so." Emma admits, staring into the fire in a daze.

"Well, you're asking a lot. I can't bear the thought of you and Tom leaving." Mary replies.

"Well, if you love me, you'll support me." Emma says.

"Then I suppose I'll have to." Marley says with a sad smile.

Emma sighs. "I just worry about leaving everyone and everything."

"You went to Ireland." Mary points out.

"That was different." Emma argues. "America is so much further away. Literally a different continent."

"You don't have to, you know. It's your life too." Mary argues.

Emma smiles softly at her friend. "I know, but honestly, I'm happy wherever Tom is, and I want him to be happy if that's not too cheesy."

Mary smiles softly back. "Not to me."

——

Everyone – Rose, Emma, Billy, Edith, Mary, Tom and the staff – are busy in the Great Hall, arranging tables and chairs for the Russians when Cora, Robert and Baxter come in, followed by Mr Carson.

"We're back." Robert calls, drawing their attention.

Emma smiles. "Ah, we thought you were going to miss it. Rose was beside herself." She notices Cora going straight upstairs without greeting any of them, shooting her husband an irritable look. What's that about?

"No, not likely." Robert replies. "By the way, before I left, I asked Pattinson to look out the Russian things from my father's visit there. Did it happen?"

"Oh, it did. And they'll be so thrilled." Rose says, slightly out of breath but she has been running about all morning, trying to set everything up.

"If we're going to do it, we might as well do it properly." Robert says.

"There's not nearly enough lemon." Rose says, distressed as she checks the buffet.

"Well, shall I go down and tell them?" Edith offers.

"No, I'll do it." Rose rushes through the servants' door in the corner.

As if pulled out of a magic hat, Tony Gillingham walks in at this point too with Isobel and Violet not far behind. Emma spots him and nudges Mary.

"Tony? I don't believe it!" Mary greets him with a smile before they embrace.

Gillingham looks around. "What's going on?"

"Don't ask. Rose wanted to invite some Russians for tea, and it's turned into a Jubilee celebration." Mary replies.

Emma leaves them to join Robert, Violet and Isobel, tactfully leaving Mary and Gillingham to talk in private.

"Hello, Violet, Isobel." She embraces them in turn. The two greet her back before moving along to say hello to Gillingham and Mary. Emma watches curiously as Mary and Violet walk off together.

By the time Cora comes walking down the stairs, everything in the Hall is ready for the visiting Russians, who soon arrive, and they all move forward to greet them.

——

Everyone is having tea and chatting. There are many Russian men and some women, the men nearly all bearded.

Emma sees that Gillingham and Sarah Bunting stand talking to an elderly gentleman with Billy later joining them. She had been downstairs to teach Daisy and had consequently been invited. Emma had happily greeted her but had felt uncomfortable with her being here because of how Robert dislikes her so much.

Everything seems fine until the Russian gentleman suddenly yells, "How dare you say such things to me?!"

"I don't think she meant any..." Billy tries to say apologetically. Seems Sarah has already managed to irritate the Russian gentleman.

"She curses the name of our Holy Father, the Tsar!" The man retorts, enraged. He's so loud that more people are turning to watch.

"I said he was misguided in his policies." Sarah says. Emma winces, really not the right person to say that to.

The gentleman is deeply distressed. "No, no, no, no, no. I can't listen to this!" He turns to find Rose. "Lady Rose, would you please arrange for us to return to York immediately?"

There's an embarrassed silence but thankfully Cora saves the day. "Oh, but before you go, won't you come and see the mementoes of the wedding of Tsar Alexander II's daughter? Lord Grantham had them put out especially for you to see."

The Russian man is surprised. "You have Romanov relics here?"

"My parents went to St Petersburg in 1874." Robert replies cheerfully, but Emma can see him casting an irritable look in Sarah Bunting's direction.

"When Queen Victoria's son, Prince Alfred, married the Grand Duchess Maria." Cora adds.

Their guest is tearing up. "Grand Duchess Maria." He clasps his hands as if in prayer. "Those words... they already make me weep."

Rose moves in to take his arm, comforting him. "Oh, dear. We can't have that."

"Thank you." Rose puts her arm around him and leads him towards the Library with the others following.

Robert turns to Billy then. "Billy, keep her under control."

Emma is outraged that he'd say this. "Now hang on. Don't put this all on Billy!"

"She only wants..." Billy tries to say but they've already moved away. Billy sighs, looking very unhappy.

Emma opens her mouth to say something but then Isobel calls to them from the Library door, "Are you all coming?"

Emma gives her a slight smile. "Of course."

Hopefully, Ivy's fourth birthday will have less conflict.

——

The mementoes of Robert's parents' journey to Russia have been laid out on a table – among them a fan, two Fabergé eggs, a snuff box, a book, photographs and more. The Russian guests are admiring them, the men wiping tears, the woman crying openly.

Emma stands with Mary, Isobel and Tony while the others group around the emotional group, watching them.

Violet soon approaches the table. The man offended by Sarah earlier, shoos his countrymen out of the way to make room for her. "Excuse me. Make way. Make way."

Violet speaks, looking at the mementoes, "Oh. Oh, how funny. I wondered what had happened to that fan." She turns to Robert, who'd followed. "That wasn't given to your father. It was given to me."

She seems to rather relish the memory. The Russians are listening attentively.

"Who by? The Tsar?" Robert questions.

"No. No. Not by the Tsar. No. No, we were at a ball. In the Winter Palace." Violet explains, Emma walks forward, curious to hear more. "And it was so... oh, it was so hot. There were icicles outside the window. But the rooms were as hot as the tropics. And I was wearing pale blue velvet, trimmed with silver lace."

An elderly man with long grey hair and a beard speaks up, "And when I gave you this fan, you hid it in your reticule in case Lord Grantham should be angry."

Violet clearly recognises him and looks almost startled at his appearance. "Good heavens."

"I hope you can forgive me." The man apologises. "When I knew the others were coming, I could not resist the temptation."

Emma shares a look with Mary. This is interesting.

Robert is hugely surprised and doesn't seem to recognise the underlining meaning of their words. "This is amazing. You know each other? You met in St Petersburg?"

"We did." The man replies.

Violet makes the introductions. "Allow me... to present my son, Lord Grantham. Prince Kuragin."

"I am flattered to be remembered." Prince Kuragin says.

"How is the princess? Well, I hope." Violet asks.

"I don't know." There's an awkward silence.

"Why don't we go back to the hall and have some more tea?" Rose interrupts.

Violet looks at Rose, grateful to be rescued. "Yes. Thank you."

Violet and Rose lead the way back into the Hall. The Russians follow. Emma, Mary, Tony and Isobel hang back.

"Granny has a past!" Mary remarks, astonished. "Thank heaven Papa and Aunt Rosamund were already born, or we could spin all sorts of fairy tales!"

Emma rolls her eyes fondly and nudges Mary as if to chastise her. Though she has to agree, it's very interesting.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#downton abbey

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growtaro · 2 years

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Regrowing Kitchen Scraps - Which "Hacks" Really Work?

If you're like me, you might have seen some videos online where people magically regrow kitchen scraps into new vegetable plants. This type of content is fascinating to me because the idea of making new food out of "waste" is amazing.

The thing is, some of those videos can be confusing or unrealistic, because they don't go into detail about the time span or specific plant care.

Luckily I've tried out quite a few of these "hacks" myself in my urban garden and can tell you which ones actually work well.

In this post I am specifically talking about scraps that can be regrown from the grocery store, not about regrowing fruit/seeds from food at the grocery store - as with seeds, it's a whole other realm with too much information to cover in this post - so we will save that for another day.

photo by SHVETS production

Regrowing Spring Onions

This is the one that got me to believe in regrowing food scraps and also the one I still use all. the. time. in my garden!

photo by Kindel Media

When I buy spring onions at the grocery store, I chop off the little white part with roots and put them in water until I have the time to plant them outside. You can also plant them directly into soil. I've grown them completely in water, but I find they do better, live longer and produce more if you plant them in soil. Don't be afraid to bury them - I've had success planting them with the top above soil and more success planting them deeper and burying them in soil - although it of course takes longer to harvest the deeper you bury them. I find that this regrowing "hack" is the fastest one, and one of the only ones that do relatively well in 100% water.

Regrowing Celery (Green Celery Stalks, not Celery Root)

When you buy green celery stalks at the grocery store, you can save the bottom stump and grow more celery!

photo by Anna Tarazevich

You can start the stump in water or plant it directly into soil. If started in water it should be transferred into soil relatively quickly as it can start to rot in my experience (as is true of most of these veggies).

Plant it into the soil so that it still receives sun, about halfway buried.

It will regrow celery greens and stems!

Regrowing Potatoes

This one definitely works, but I would only recommend it in certain cases. It also takes more patience as potatoes take around 3 months until they are ready to harvest. For instance, if you have minimal space in your garden and/or really counting on this crop to feed you, I would buy seed potatoes over using potatoes from the grocery store. If you have lots of space to experiment I say go for it.

photo by Sunsetoned

I'll give you an example - last year I started both varieties. I had normal potatoes from the grocery store that had started to sprout, and I also had bought blue seed potatoes sold specifically for planting. The blue seed potatoes were faster - although that could be the variety - but most importantly, they gave me a MUCH bigger harvest.

I got a small harvest from my normal grocer store potatoes, yes, but it look a long time for them to mature, they had more pest pressure, and the tiny harvest just wasn't really worth the big space they need. The blue seed potatoes in comparison were much more prolific and healthy.

photo by RODNAE Productions

So this year, since I have a pretty small garden space to begin with (a balcony), I decided not to grow potatoes. But sometime in late spring I found some "volunteer" blue potatoes which apparently were forgotten in my soil last year and had seeded themselves again. So another win for those.

But, I also found myself with some empty space this Summer and some potatoes in my pantry that had a lot of "eyes". So I threw a couple in some pots that are probably not big enough for them to just experiment and see if I get any. This for me, is a great example of growing food scraps. Experiment and have fun with it - this way you won't be too disappointed if the plant doesn't thrive.

Other scraps that you can regrow:

Leeks: chop off the bottom of the stem (white part) where the roots already are, very much like the spring onions. Put it in water or soil and watch it regrow relatively quickly!

2. Lettuce: chop off your salad and keep the base of the lettuce intact. Then, place it in water or soil. In some places you can buy lettuce from the grocery store that still has it's roots - in this case you get a head start on new re-growth.

3. Ginger: plant the ginger in soil and it will grow more ginger underground.

4. Carrot Greens: regrow edible carrot greens (not the actual carrot) from slicing the top of the carrot off and placing it in water or damp soil.

5. Beet Root Greens: same as carrots. Will only regrow the greens, not the beet root, but will regrow from the top chunk exactly like the carrot.

6. Onions/Shallots: if you're onion has sprouted or you have a leftover half with the base (where the roots would be), you can replant them!

Conclusion:

I've found that with regrowing scraps in the garden, the plants that come out of it generally less prolific and more prone to pest and disease pressure compared to other plants. But there are lots of reasons to try it - maybe you have a low budget for the garden this year. Maybe you have lots of have extra space in the garden, or you want to save waste - or maybe you just want to experiment.

Go have fun in the garden!

#regrowingkitchenscraps #growfood #reducewaste #gardenhacks #gardening

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takenbyheartstrings · 2 years

Text

WARMER IN THE WINTER

summary: when a Christmas party rolls around for your best friend Harrison and his Wife, you're excited to go - but Harrison doesn't have one best friend, he's got two and you can't stand the other and he can't stand you.

pairing: enemies/rivals to lovers tom holland x fem!reader

warnings: slight angst, swearing, fluff.

authors note: it's the holidays! i'm gonna try to put out a few fics this month but, REQUESTS ARE OPEN <3

You looked in the mirror one last time before slipping on your shoes. Harrison had told you it was quite a chilled formal party. Still dress nice but not too flashy. Your dress was short and red, and shimmered underneath the light - it didn't show off too much skin to be so-called 'scandalous' but showed off just enough to be pretty sexy and most importantly, it was comfortable - you felt confident and it hugged your body in all the right ways. You went to put your phone into a small black clutch before you received a call from Harrison. You smiled softly at the picture of the two of you as his icon as it flashed on your screen. You click the green button and answer his call.

"Hey, Harry," You smiled into the phone, "Just about to leave."

You can hear his smile, "Good, yeah, great. I need a favour from you tonight."

Your face falls, "...That depends, what is it?"

"I need you and Tom to be civil tonight - and before you say anything yes, I just had this chat with him. He said he could try so could you please, at least do that much." Harrison pleads.

You really felt bad for the boy, he was stuck in the middle of this feud you and Tom were in. Every time some movie came out, he'd have to see it twice. Every time he wanted to go to the club with his friends, he'd have to cut one of you out of the equation. You hated the way that Tom got along so well with Harrison and he the same. You had both met him around the same time and ever since then there was some unsaid competition to prove who could be a better best friend. The two of you would compete to steal Harrison away from one another all whilst he was in the middle of it. Tom had never been nice to you when he met you either, so you had decided to return the favour. It was only fair.

So that's why you had to try tonight - to be the better best friend.

"Fine." You rolled your eyes, "I will try my best, but if he starts something don't think I won't fire back. It has to be an equal playing field."

Harrison knew he wasn't going to win this argument, so he sighed, "Fair enough... I'll see you in a bit."

"Yeah, see you in a few." You hung up the phone ruefully, bracing yourself for the night ahead and the challenge that you would have face tonight. Your plan was to try not to run into Tom. But it wasn't a big party so that idea was out the window.

When you got to Harrisons house you rung the doorbell, there was music playing that you could hear from outside, but it wasn't loud enough that it was shaking the world around you. The door swung open and you were met with Annalise, Harrison's wife and one of your close friends. You had actually helped the two of them get together.

"Anna!" You smiled wrapping her in a hug, handing her two small gift bags.

"Oh, y/n, you didn't have to go through the trouble." Annalise sighs looking at the gifts.

"Anna, it's Christmas, of course I did," You smile, "Besides, you guys deserve them."

She smiled, "Thank you. Now get inside! You must be freezing!"

"Only slightly," You shivered trying not to draw attention to yourself.

As you walked into the house you took in the beautiful sight, the house was decorated in blue and silvers. Tinsel wrapped around the stairwell and the Christmas tree was tall, sitting in the middle of the house, covered in the same silver and blue ornaments, with a silver star to top it all off, not to mention it also being covered in faux snow. The house was warmed by the heater and it felt like you were being hugged by the warmth after being turned to ice by the cold outside.

and then you saw him, you saw Tom - and god did he look good. He was wearing this white shirt and these stunning black pants. He had his natural curls out and was wearing glasses - for fashion purposes only, obviously (something that you didn't believe). He met your eyes, as his own started to trail down your body, looking at the clothes that dressed you. You didn't know what was happening to you, the way you liked his eyes on you and neither did he. He liked looking at you. The way he liked the way you looked tonight, and then you made your way over to him.

"Harrison!" You smiled softly as Tom stepped aside, letting you fall into his best friends arms, "I brought you a gift, it's with Anna right now."

"You shouldn't have." He sighs.

"That's what best friends are for." You flashed another grin as you felt Toms eyes seeping through your skin, you could just feel the way his jaw clenched at your statement as Harrison was called over by some other guests, Tom turns to face you.

"That's what best friends are for? Really. Didn't know you had to bribe him to be your friend - but then again, that doesn't totally surprise me," Tom scoffs.

You faced him, "Huh, I'm getting confirmation from the north pole that Santa says you're a fucking asshole and you should piss off? Huh? That's really weird."

Tom rolls his eyes at your snarky comment, "Sounds like you've been naughty this year, judging by the way you use your mouth,"

You feel your throat tighten up at Tom's comment, you didn't like the way you felt after he said that, nervous, like there was butterflies in your stomach, "Whatever, I need a drink." You turned walking away, making your way through the kitchen and into the bathroom. You looked at yourself in the mirror.

Tom on the other hand could tell he was making you nervous and he was enjoying every breathing second of it. He could practically feel it radiating off you. He knew he could catch you off guard. But what he wasn't a big fan was, however, was the way he felt afterwards. Just like you a pit of butterflies in his stomach as he watched you walk away. He'd thought about you in this light before - if things could be different, would you be friends or something more? He had always denied the feelings he had felt for you ever since the first day he laid eyes on you. But alas, he sighed, taking a sip of the whiskey he had previously put on the table, ignoring what he was currently feeling on this cold winters night.

You made the smart decision to avoid Tom for the rest of the night. But that didn't work for long. There was a small floor to dance and couples danced to the Christmas songs that played in the background. The soft tune of Micheal Bublé's "Baby it's Cold Outside" echoed and you tapped your foot.

Tom's figure stood next to you, "If I hear one more Christmas song, I'm going to riot."

You let out a chuckle, "I actually... don't mind it?" You questioned yourself, "It's nice to see people being happy."

"God, how much have you had to drink?" He asks you, ironically taking a sip of his own.

"Not a lot, Thomas." You rolled your eyes, "Clearly you've had more if you're standing here talking to me of all people, as if I would even want your company."

He chuckles, "Whatever, I just- Harrison wanted us to get along tonight and I'm sick and tired of this shit we keep pulling, but fine, have it your way." Tom goes to walk away but a drunken Harrison points something out to you both from across the room.

"Not so fast, Thomas!" He yells as Tom looks back at him, "You gotta kiss, Y/n."

You both get wide eyes as you look up at the mistletoe that hangs over your heads, "Oh fuck me," You mutter under your breath as Tom looks back at you.

Clearly Harrison drew the attention to everyone as they all eyed the two of you, "Go on! Don't be a pussies!"

You wish you could just slap Harrison right then and there, but you knew he was drunk and when he was drunk he always tended to make a fool out of himself and whoever happened to be with him. It wasn't uncommon.

Tom looked at you, and you both knew what was about to happen. His hand slithers around your waist, his cold hands on your burning hot skin. Your eyes meet once more and he has fire in his eyes. He licks his lips softly and so do you. He pulls you closer toward him, like he's practised this move a thousand times before, but right now you didn't care. Because as you looked into his eyes, you noticed everything you had missed before - how soft his hands and eyes actually were. They didn't look like they hated you and his touch didn't give you that affect at all. It felt like he had been waiting a long time to do this; have you in his arms and place his lips on yours and although you might deny it at every chance you get, you can't say you hadn't thought about it ever since his eyes had laid on your body when you walked into the party today. You can't say you'd never thought of Tom kissing you. Because if you did... you'd be lying. So when Tom leaned in and pressed his lips on yours, you kissed back. There was something there and you couldn't place your tongue on it. But you liked it and so did he. They were soft and gentle. He was soft and gentle. Holding you like you were the only thing in the world and it felt like hours had gone by, when it had only been a minute and thirty seconds of the two of you standing there.

When you pulled away from him, you were lost for air. But you pulled out of his embrace quickly, and he pulled away from you just as fast. You turned to look at Harrison who turned his gaze and ran up to the balcony that over looked the front yard. The cold air hit you like a semi, but it was okay. You needed to breathe it in. You tried closing your eyes, but all you could think about was that stupid kiss. Why would you let him do that? Why would you let him kiss you? These were the only thoughts running through your brain. You tried to turn it into something bad by thinking about of all of Tom's ugly qualities. But it was hard to think of anything now that your mind was clouded by the thoughts of him - how your brain turned those qualities into admirable things.

You thought about what he had told you before the kiss - how he wanted this rivalry to end. But you couldn't loose Harrison to Tom. It felt like that most of the time - but you were slowly starting to realise that was on both you and Tom. Rather than trying to get along, you made Harrison choose between the two of you and that what was tearing the two of you apart.

Your train of thought got interrupted by the glass door to the balcony sliding open. You turned around and found Tom staring at you before following your movement and leaning over it like you were.

"I'm sorry," Tom sighed, "I should've protested against it or something. I just didn't wanna argue a drunk Harrison, you know how he gets."

You let out a breathy laugh and it reflected off of the air, like a puff of smoke, "There's nothing to apologise for, I could've done the same." You looked at him and met his eyes for what felt like the first time tonight, "I've been thinking about what you said."

He shook his head, "Forget I said anything-"

"But what if I don't want to?"

Tom scoffs, "Please, you've hated me since the day we met. Believe me, y/n, you might as well, it's all we know how to do."

"Don't try to twist this onto me, Thomas." You rolled your eyes, "You were just as bad to me. The first time we met, you didn't even introduce yourself to me. It was like I was some bug on the window you could swat off."

"Okay, but before that you made it impossible to speak to you! It's like you weren't even listening to me."

"I bet you love that. All the attention on you. That's the way it's been since I met you. Harrison's so focused on you."

"I could say the same. He never shuts his mouth up about you, it makes me furious."

Tom gets closer to you as the two of you argue, you turn on your heel, not wanting to continue this anymore, "I thought that kiss down there could've meant something to you, Tom. To us. But you won't let me love you."

Tom's eyes go wide at the statement, "Pardon?"

You've dug a hole for yourself and you realised it as soon as the words came out of your mouth, "When I first met you, I realised that I could loose Harry and that- it scared me. But the more he talked about you, the more I felt like I was getting to know this glorified version of you. One that I would never see. I always thought you were cute. That never changed. But you're attitude towards me made me hate you, it made me not like you at all. But tonight felt different, that kiss downstairs didn't feel like just a kiss. It felt like more... to me at least. That's why I wanted to put everything in the past, to move on. Because I do like you, Tom."

Tom took a few steps back, trying to muster up anything, anything to say to you at all. But it was a lot of information all at once. "I only hated you because you hated me." He speaks, "I don't want to go back to hating you - but we've been doing it for so long. I want you to love me. I want to love you. But I'm scared that it won't work because the only thing we've learnt to do is fight."

You move towards Tom taking his head in your hands, "We can learn to love each other properly. It'll take time but we can learn."

"Are you sure you want this?" He questions you.

You simply just nod in response, "I've wanted this for a long time. I just kept denying it to myself, but that kiss changed everything. The way you looked at me today changed everything."

A shiver runs down your spine and Tom takes notice, holding you close, "Okay..." Tom breathes softly, "Then we can try this out. We can try to love each other."

"And if it doesn't work?" You question him.

"Then we can go back to hating each other, because I don't know if I can stand the thought of never being able to see you again." He presses a soft kiss to your forehead.

The two of you sit in each others embrace, warming each other as snow starts to fall.

two years later.

It was Christmas day once more, Harrison's annual Christmas party had gone swimmingly and now you were sitting in front of your own Christmas tree, admiring the presents people had dropped by for you and feeling the warmth of your socks, and pyjama's around you. A mug of hot chocolate keeping your hands warm. You turned your head watching the snow fall over London and the Christmas lights reflected onto your skin, lighting you up, in different shades of colours as they flashed.

Tom finally sat in front of you, and your head whipped around, "Took you long enough!"

He chuckled, "Yeah, well, I had to get my gift for you."

"I thought you put it under the tree?"

"Well sort of, I did get you a couple, but this one had to stay hidden."

"...Why?" Your eyes turned to the side, giving him a short glare.

"I saw you shaking all of them trying to figure out what they were." He deadpanned as you sputtered your hot chocolate.

"You're delusional, I have no idea what you're talking about." You shook your head frantically as Tom pressed a kiss to your temple.

"It's okay, Love, I don't blame you."

You smiled at your boyfriend, the journey you had been through after Harrison's first party was different. It was hard learning not to fight but something you both overcame quite quickly, embracing each other's flaws. The person who got a real kick out of the relationship was Harrison. He felt like a weight was lifted off of his shoulders. You and Tom announced your relationship a few months after you learned to love each other for everything.

He looks at you with kind eyes, and smiles. You take notice and form your eyes into a soft glare, "What?"

"No- Nothing, I just- a couple years ago it's hard to believe we would become this. That all we'd do was argue. You'd never guess." You place a hand on his.

"Tom, we made it work." You smiled, "Now are you gonna give me my present?" You asked and he laughed placing a small box in your hand.

"Yeah, yeah, Merry Christmas." He rolls his eyes.

You tear off the wrapping paper and your eyes meet a velvet box, looking at Tom with wide eyes, you just smile and so does he. It really was hard to believe you had been anything but this.

- requests are open for peter and tom fics -

#tom holland #tom holland x reader #tom holland x reader imagine #tom holland x reader imagines #tom holland fluff #tom holland christmas #christmas imagines

238 notes · View notes

helloalycia · 3 years

Text

my patient’s neighbour [five] // wanda maximoff

summary: Wanda decides to ruin your chance at moving on, which doesn't go down well with you.

warning/s: none

author's note: jealous!wanda is one of my favourite wanda’s 👀 also your comments/feedback always make my day so thank you so much! ♥️

Meeting Anna's granddaughter wasn't something I'd ever imagined, since Anna rarely mentioned her unless it was to recall a memory that eventually made her quiet for the rest of the day or to make a snide remark out of annoyance. So, to have her here in front of us was definitely... new.

"What are you doing here?" Anna asked with disbelief.

Sasha blinked awkwardly. "I, er, got a call from the nurse. She said you'd hurt your back, so I thought I'd check in." Her gaze fell to Wanda and I. "I see you've got company."

"Sorry, we'll give you a moment," Wanda blurted, before looking to Anna reassuringly.

I did the same before eyeing Sasha suspiciously then following after Wanda into the hall. When the door closed behind us, I wondered what exactly would happen in there. To say I was overprotective of Anna was an understatement.

Taking a seat on the chairs outside her room, I became acutely aware of how stupid I looked in my trainers, Mickey Mouse pyjamas and raincoat. Especially when Wanda sat beside me, knee brushing mine.

"Do you want a drink or anything?" she asked suddenly, earning my attention.

I shook my head, crossing my arms and leaning back into my seat. "No, thank you, I'm good."

She hummed in acknowledgement but said nothing else. The awkwardness that lingered between us was overpowering, but nowhere near as overpowering as the scent of Wanda's shampoo that was drifting up my nose from how close she was sat to me. I tightened my crossed arms, trying to think of something else. Then I remembered what had happened in Anna's room before Sasha interrupted.

"What were you and Anna arguing about?" I asked, glancing at the witch.

She winced, but didn't look my way. "Nothing. Just neighbour stuff."

I smiled bitterly. So, she didn't want to share. Fine. No big deal. Who was I but her neighbour's carer anyway?

After ten minutes of waiting, we decided to head back inside to make sure Anna was okay. What we saw was Anna and Sasha crying happy tears as the latter sat at her bedside, clutching her hand.

"Damn, sorry," I apologised for Wanda and I, realising we'd interrupted a special moment. "We can–"

"No, we're done," Sasha said, wiping away her tears with embarrassment. "Sorry about that."

"Devushki (girls), this is my granddaughter, Sasha," Anna introduced, and I'd never seen her look happier.

As Sasha stood up and rounded the bed to approach us, I realised she seemed familiar because of the photographs I'd seen around Anna's apartment.

"It's nice to finally meet the two people who have been taking care of my grandmother," Sasha said, before putting out her hand.

I bit back from retorting with something along the lines of 'we wouldn't have to if you had cared for her yourself', and instead shook her hand. Wanda glanced at me, probably sensing the negative thoughts in my mind with her powers, but she said nothing as she smiled politely at Sasha and shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet you, too," Wanda spoke, realising I wouldn't. "Anna talks a lot about you. I was hoping we would eventually meet."

Sasha sighed regretfully, smile fading. "Yes... well, I haven't been around as much as I should have been. I know that now."

"Took you long enough," I muttered under my breath, it slipping out without me realising.

Wanda shoved me in the arm in response and I frowned, rubbing the sore spot.

"You're right," Sasha said, looking to me apologetically. "But I'm here now. And getting that call earlier... it made me realise that I've treated Anna horribly. That's why I've invited her to live with me. To make up for lost time."

Certainly not expecting that, my jaw dropped with surprise. "What?"

Sasha sat back down beside Anna's beside and I exchanged startled looks with Wanda before looking to the older woman in question.

"No offence," I started, glancing at Sasha, before focusing on Anna again, "but are you sure this is the right move? It's not too sudden?"

Anna shook her head and grabbed Sasha's hand. "She wants me to be around her family. And I want it too, Y/N. I miss them."

I nodded, but chewed on the inside of my mouth anxiously. It's not that I didn't trust Sasha (okay, maybe it was a little), but I was scared for Anna. I didn't want her to get heartbroken all over again.

Be supportive, Wanda's voice filled my mind, and I looked to her to see her eyes fading from red to green.

I clenched my jaw. Stay out of my head.

With a bright smile, she ignored me and looked between the grandmother and granddaughter duo.

"I think that's wonderful, Anna," she said kindly. "I mean, of course I'm going to miss having you as a neighbour, but this is all you've wanted. I'm thrilled for you. And so is Y/N."

When she looked to me for confirmation, I felt a familiar anger in the pit of my stomach, only reserved for Wanda Maximoff. But this wasn't about us, this was about Anna.

"I am," I agreed, eyes flickering to Anna. "It sounds great."

"You can both visit whenever you want," Sasha said, nodding enthusiastically. "Anna loves you both so dearly."

"You can't get rid of us even if you tried," Wanda joked, flashing Anna a teasing smile.

Anna chuckled. "I knew you would both understand."

I smiled halfheartedly, glad that everything was working out for Anna but knowing I would miss caring for her greatly.

"We should leave you to rest," I said with finality.

"Thank you," Anna replied, and by the way she looked at me, I knew she was thanking me for a lot more.

"Get well soon," I told her in my 'nurse' voice that she hated, a playful smile on my lips. "I'll check on you tomorrow."

Anna nodded. "Tomorrow."

After saying an awkward goodbye to Sasha, I left the room and headed for the lift down the hall, not bothering to wait for Wanda. Thankfully, she must have known I didn't want to speak to her, as she didn't speed after me.

—

Since Anna moved in with her granddaughter, the last time I saw Wanda was at the hospital. Two more months passed and I had no need to bump into her at Anna's apartment since Anna didn't live there anymore. And the one time I visited Anna since she moved in to Sasha's house, Wanda wasn't present.

I guess it made it a lot easier to attempt to get over her. Six months since she broke up with me was long enough to move on, I think. I'd been on a few dates, none really going anywhere until Natasha decided to set me up with someone a few weeks ago.

It was a family friend of her Avenger's teammate, Clint Barton, and though it was a blind date, it actually worked out well. The woman was called Elise and she was very sweet and charming on our first date, having a similar sense of humour to mine and a killer smile. It was actually the first time since Wanda left that things felt like they were falling into place. We went on a few more dates, deciding not to rush things, and I found myself looking forward to going out with her.

It was a few weeks into our dating relationship when Natasha gave me a call, inviting me as her plus-one to Clint and his wife's vow renewal. They were having a whole celebration at their homestead in Missouri and Natasha figured I'd enjoy it, able to take a weekend break and join her at the lavish hotel she'd be staying in. And also because Elise would be there.

"Oh?" I said with surprise. "Elise didn't mention anything."

"She wanted to," Natasha said with amusement, "but she didn't want to bring it up in case you didn't want to go."

I quirked a brow, despite her being unable to see me. "And why wouldn't I want to go?"

Natasha hesitated. "'Cause Wanda will be there...?"

A sigh escaped my lips as I massaged my forehead. Elise knew about Wanda because it came up when she asked how Natasha and I became friends. She was actually really chill about the whole thing, which I appreciated, but I could only imagine how she must have felt knowing that Wanda would be at the vow renewal.

"You should still come," Natasha encouraged when I didn't say anything. "I already spoke to Wanda and she said she won't cause a scene or anything."

"I doubt that she would," I mumbled.

"She just wants you to be happy," Natasha finished. "So, be happy as my plus-one and get a cute date in with your girlfriend whilst you're there."

I tried to stifle the smile on my lips. "Elise isn't my girlfriend."

"Yet," Natasha added knowingly.

Rolling my eyes, I said, "Look, send me the details and I'll be happy to be your plus-one."

"Yes!" she exclaimed, and I could just imagine her fist-pumping like an idiot. "I'll see you then, Y/N."

"Goodbye," I told her, though a smile of amusement was playing on my lips.

After that call with Natasha, I didn't hesitate to give Elise a call, hoping I wasn't bothering her whilst she was at work.

"Hello?"

"Hey," I greeted, smiling to myself. "Is this a bad time?"

"Well, luckily for you, I'm actually just starting my lunch break," she said in a joking manner. "What's up?"

I scratched my head uncertainly. "Well, Natasha just called and invited me as her plus-one to Clint's vow renewal. She said you would be there, too, obviously, but I just wanted to check in and see if it was okay that I went."

I left out the part about her not telling me about it, but she seemed to pick up on it anyway as she breathed out slowly.

"I just don't want to step on your toes," I quickly added, before chewing on my lip.

"You could never," she said reassuringly. "I actually wanted to ask you to be my date, but I thought it may be too soon. Y'know, a vow renewal when it's only what, the sixth date in?"

"It's not too soon," I said, before adding, "I can just come as Natasha's friend and we don't have to make it a date."

"There's also the fact that your ex will be there," Elise added, and I frowned at the mention of Wanda. "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

"It's been six months," I told her with certainty. "I'm as comfortable as can be."

She paused. "If you think you'll be okay, then I'd love to see you there, Y/N."

"I know I'll be okay," I said promisingly. "And I'd like to go and maybe see you, too."

She laughed quietly and it made me smile. "In that case, I guess I'll see you there."

"It'll be fun," I said knowingly.

"It will," she agreed. "And now I can't wait."

It was my turn laugh. "Me either."

And fun it was... along with many other words.

The day of the vow renewal came by quickly enough and as promised, I went with Natasha as her plus-one. She made it as enjoyable as she could for me which I appreciated, with the two of us getting first-class tickets which Natasha was happy to pay for, and checking in to a beautiful hotel for the weekend. And that was just the accommodation.

The actual vow renewal was a stunning affair, as Clint and his wife, Laura, had gone all out with decorating the homestead and it's fields in a traditional, romantic way. A flower arch stood front and centre, with rows of seats set out for guests. Bouquets lined the outside and lights were strung above and all around the trees which I could only imagine would look stunning once the sun set.

"They really went all out," Natasha said, impressed as she took in the scene before us.

I hummed in agreement. "It's beautiful." I glanced at her adding, "Bet you wish you brought an actual date now."

Natasha smirked knowingly. "What's to say this isn't one? This could all be a plan to steal you away from Elise."

"Because that makes sense," I played along with amusement. "The woman who set me up with her best friend's family friend is trying to steal me away from said family friend. Makes complete sense."

"True," she said with a shrug, walking forward. I followed her as she continued, "If I was trying to make a move, you wouldn't see it coming."

I tried not to laugh. "Sure, Natasha."

"Trained assassin, expert in espionage, master of lying and hiding in plain sight," she listed off her skills one by one on her fingers. Shooting me a knowing smile, she repeated, "You wouldn't see it coming."

I rolled my eyes playfully and the two of us made the rounds, myself reacquainting with the other Avengers whom I hadn't seen since, well, since Wanda and I were together. It was a little awkward, since I was never really close with them and vice versa, but they were polite and kind and made me feel comfortable (probably because of Natasha, which gave me yet another reason to be grateful to the redhead).

Eventually, it got to a point where Wanda was the next person to say hello to and I truly thought six months would be enough to get over her; oh, how sorely mistaken I was.

She was talking to Sam Wilson, the two talking about something or the other that was clearly entertaining enough to warrant a laugh from Wanda. As we approached them, the sound of her laugh taunted me, melodic and dancing around my ears like a terrible reminder of what I couldn't have.

They spotted Natasha and I soon enough, their conversation ceasing and Wanda's laughter silencing as her eyes met mine. I tried not to let her effect me, but it became increasingly different when I noticed how beautiful she looked today, wearing a maroon-coloured dress and wearing her brown-red hair down in curls. Of course, all of that didn't compliment the giant scar on her forehead.

"Y/N, it's so good to see you!" Sam exclaimed, trying to prevent an awkwardness from occurring. "How have you been?"

I smiled his way. "I'm good, Sam. You?"

We talked for a little while, catching up, before Natasha decided to drag Sam away for a stupid, fake reason that was clearly said on purpose. Knowing I couldn't exactly stop her, I let her get away with it, figuring I'd have to face Wanda at some point.

"You look good," she spoke first, making me push a stand of my hair behind my ear to give my hands something to do.

"Thanks," I mumbled, before clearing my throat and meeting her gaze. "So do you. That's, er, that's always been your colour."

She smiled in response and I cursed inwardly, wondering why the hell I said that.

"You sound like you've been doing well," she said, referring to the conversation I had with Sam.

I nodded. "Yeah, I have."

A silence filled the air that none of us knew how to fill. I stared at my shoes so hard that I'm surprised a hole didn't form. Wanda hugged herself, unsure whether to speak or not.

"What happened to your head?" I finally thought of something, nodding to the scar.

She subconsciously reached up to touch it, though she didn't seem affected by it. "Oh, nothing. Just happened in a recent mission."

I nodded uncomfortably, never responding well to when she got injured. But she knew that.

"So, Nat said you've got a date," Wanda said, and the way she said it made me think that maybe she'd been wanting to mention it for a while. "Elise, right?"

I swallowed. "Yeah. She's just helping the Bartons out with some stuff then I'll be seeing her after."

Wanda nodded, eyes flickering between me and the floor. "That's nice. So, is it new?"

God, this was awkward.

"Kind of, yeah," I answered, not even sure why. "It's not, like, exclusive, but it's nice to move on, y'know?"

She raised her eyebrows. "Oh, so you're moving on?"

I pressed my lips together firmly. She was watching me curiously, green eyes bright with intrigue.

"I'd hope so," I answered, cocking my head to the side and watching her. "It's been six months."

She nodded, looking down. "Yeah, okay... so you're not in love with her?"

I clenched my jaw. "Is that really any of your business, Wanda?" She didn't answer, so I straightened up and avoided her eyes. "I should go. Ceremony is going to start soon."

Walking away, I left with tense shoulders and more nerves than when I headed in. She had no right to be jealous. She left me.

I found Elise just before everybody was told to take their seats for the ceremony. She apologised for missing me before, mentioning how she was helping Laura with getting ready, then proceeded to shower me in compliments which sent me into a blushing mess. After catching up, we took our seats for the ceremony and waited for it to begin.

Feeling someone's eyes on me, I glanced to my left and saw Wanda sat on the other set of rows, but she was staring right at me, lips pressed together thoughtfully. I rolled my eyes and looked ahead, ignoring her stares. As if sensing my mood, Elise grabbed ahold of my hand gently, glancing at me with a small smile as if to check that was okay. I squeezed her hand in response, letting her know it was.

Are her hands sweaty? Because they look sweaty.

I clenched my jaw and shot Wanda a glare, seeing the amused smile on her lips as she watched me.

Stay out of my head, I told her mentally, knowing she was listening, before rolling my eyes. And her hands are soft, thank you very much. Yours are the sweaty ones.

Though it was a terrible comeback, Wanda lost her smile and rolled her eyes before looking away. I tried not to let her annoying self bother me as Elise and I sat together, watching the ceremony.

It was short and sweet and though I didn't know Clint and Laura too well, it was easy to see they loved each other very much. Their vows were beautiful and it was adorable when their kids ran up to them at the end to give them a giant hug. I didn't know much, but I knew that I'd love to have a love like theirs some day.

After the ceremony came the reception, and there were loads of tables and chairs set up for guests, including a stage and dance floor next to it, perfect for a nice celebration after the vow renewal. It was all wonderful and I was excited, until I learnt that I was sat on the same table as Wanda.

Me, Elise, Natasha, Sam, Wanda and Bucky Barnes were all sat at the same table, which definitely didn't help with the awkwardness as Wanda eyed me from across the food. I tried to ignore her presence and focus on having a great time with Elise. Natasha promised that Wanda wouldn't make a scene, so I just had to believe her.

"So, what can I get you all to drink?" a waiter said, stopping by our table.

Everybody told him what they wanted and when he looked to me, I shrugged.

"Literally anything is fine with me," I said, before quickly adding, "Well, anything except gin. Not a fan of gin at all."

The waiter nodded and smiled politely. "I'm sure I can get you something good without gin."

I returned his smile as he nodded to us all once more before walking away to get our drinks.

"So, what did you think of the ceremony?" Elise asked, giving me her attention.

The two of us erupted into conversation, as did everyone else, and I was genuinely having a good time with her. The food was good, too, as were the drinks when they arrived. But the one problem was Wanda bloody Maximoff who couldn't keep her eyes away from me and was agitating me with her mere presence. I tried so hard to ignore her, but God forbid my eyes flickered over to her and she was already looking my way.

After a delicious meal and lovely conversation with the others, everybody began to get up and mingle with the other guests. I took this as my chance to steer away from Wanda and instead catch up with Natasha and hang out with Elise, who got on with everyone wonderfully. Sadly though, she had to keep nipping away to help the Bartons with some stuff for the party, but I didn't mind. I figured that was also part of the reason why she didn't invite me as her plus-one, so I didn't take it personally.

About an hour into the celebrations, I was mid-conversation with Natasha when we were interrupted by Wanda. I rolled my eyes as she looked to the redhead questioningly.

"Have you seen Clint around?" she asked. "Laura wants me to take everything from the gifts table inside and I need the key."

Natasha pursed her lips, shaking her head. As her eyes looked around for him, she said, "I'm not sure where he is..."

Before either of them could come to a conclusion, Elise appeared by my side with an apologetic smile and a drink in her hand.

"Hey," she greeted, squeezing my hand gently. "Sorry for ditching you before. I had to make sure the bar didn't run out of alcohol."

"It's all good," I told her with a small smile.

"I got you this gin cocktail to make up for it," she said sweetly, making me eye the drink like it was a bomb.

Wanda snorted suddenly, making me look to her with a glare. She tried to hide her laughter behind a smile as she looked the other way, though that didn't stop her from commenting in my mind with her obnoxious, intrusive powers.

Real good listener this one. Didn't you say you didn't like gin earlier?

I refrained from smacking her. Go away, Wanda.

"Thank you," I said to Elise gratefully, accepting the drink. "It looks great."

"Oh, I think I see Clint," Wanda said, before shooting us all a smile I'd love to punch. "Catch you later."

"See ya," Natasha said, as Elise waved and I rolled my eyes.

—

Dancing was fun and I liked to think I was good for an average person. So, when the DJ put on some fun music and encouraged guests to have a little dance, I immediately asked Elise to join me. Unfortunately, she wasn't exactly the most confident of dancers. She was adorably apologising as she held my hands, letting me take the lead.

"It's okay," I reassured her with a laugh. "You're doing fine."

But as she stepped on my foot for the millionth time, I could tell she thought she was doing anything but. I didn't mind though since it was amusing and cute all at the same time.

Be careful over there, Y/N. You may have been better off wearing some steel-toed shoes.

At the sound of Wanda's voice infiltrating my mind, I searched around me until I caught sight of the familiar green eyes over Elise's shoulder. She was stood to the side, entertained smile adorning her lips, as she watched Elise and I dance.

Why don't you piss off and mind your own business before I buy a pair of steel-toed shoes just to kick you with!

She didn't respond, so I focused my attention back on Elise and paused as something a little slower and more romantic played in the background. Offering an encouraging smile to Elise, I held out my hand which she accepted happily.

"Luckily, this one is pretty easy, so you might avoid bruising my feet," I joked to lighten the mood.

She flushed with embarrassment but let me pull her close as I took the lead. Subconsciously, my eyes wandered back to Wanda, who was now crossing her arms with annoyance and watching me with glowing red eyes. She had absolutely no right to be jealous. But I didn't care. It wasn't my business.

After sharing a lovely dance with Elise, the two of us took a seat at our empty table to have some water and talk. Of course, as we were chatting, our conversation was interrupted by none other than–

"Wanda," I got out through gritted teeth.

She grinned as she took a seat next to us, crossing her legs and resting her intertwined hands on her knees comfortably.

"I figured I'd introduce myself properly since we haven't really met before," Wanda explained, eyes dancing with mischief before she looked to Elise. "I'm Wanda Maximoff."

Elise smiled politely. "I'm Elise Fey. And I know who you are. A really impressive Avenger at that."

I narrowed my eyes as Wanda waved her hand dismissively. What was she playing at exactly?

"Oh, I wouldn't say that," she said bashfully. "But I guess, since you know who I am, it's only fair I return the favour. After all, you're here as Y/N's date, and as Y/N's friend, I thought it would be nice to get to know you."

"Friend," I repeated the word bitterly. "So, that's what we are now?"

Wanda chuckled, brushing off my words, before focusing on Elise. "So, what do you do, Elise?"

"I'm a veterinarian," she quipped proudly.

"How cute," Wanda said, tilting her head to the side and smiling. "How long have you been doing that?"

"Only a few years," Elise said, glancing at me with mild confusion. "It's a really rewarding job."

"I can imagine," Wanda said, before pulling a puzzled expression. "But wait, how does that work with you both? Since Y/N is allergic to pets an' all?"

Locking my jaw with agitation, I stared at Wanda's doe-eyed face. Elise looked to me with surprise.

"You are?" she asked. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I shook my head, smiling at her. "No, not really... I mean, well, rabbits. I'm allergic to rabbits. I didn't think it was a big deal."

"It kind of is," she said playfully. "What if I had treated a rabbit at work and then went on a date with you?"

I chuckled awkwardly. "Hmm, yeah, okay, maybe it's a little bit of a big deal."

She hummed disapprovingly before looking back to Wanda, who watched us both curiously.

"So, you work as a vet in New York?" she asked Elise, and I couldn't tell if she was actually interested or just trying to piss me off. When Elise nodded, she continued, "Are you from New York?"

"I'm originally from here actually," Elise said, motioning around us. "My family knew Laura's family before she married Clint. That's how I know the Bartons."

"Oh, so your parents still live here?" Wanda asked, leaning her head in the palm of her hand as she continued to question her.

"Yeah, not far from here actually," Elise answered with a smile.

Wanda nodded. "Cool... so how would that work, the whole visiting them thing? I mean, Y/N works a lot, right? And I assume you're close with your family. So, how does taking the time off to visit your parents work with you both when it's, like, 16 hours away?"

I squeezed my hands together to contain my frustration towards Wanda. Elise opened her mouth to respond, then closed it when she realised she didn't know how to answer. Her eyes darted to mine, asking for help, and I knew she was too polite to call Wanda out for her bullshit.

"We're still newly dating, Wanda," I answered through a fake smile. "We haven't even talked about meeting each other's parents, so it's not an issue right now."

"Right now," Wanda echoed my words, as if adding a double meaning. "But it will be in the future?"

I tried not to react harshly as I said, "That's not what I said."

Wanda nodded slowly, smirk tugging at her lips. Saying nothing more on the subject, she looked to Elise with dark eyes.

"It was lovely meeting you," she finished. "I'll see you around, I guess."

Elise nodded uncomfortably. "You, too, Wanda."

Shooting me a smile, she got up and left Elise and I sat there in mixed emotions. I was peeved at the Sokovian woman, not understanding why she had to try and ruin my one chance at moving on.

"I'm sorry about that," I said to Elise, a frown on my lips. "I don't know what the hell happened, but I definitely didn't expect it."

Elise chewed on her lower lip with thought. I waited patiently, wishing I knew what she was thinking. Finally, her blue eyes met mine apologetically.

"I don't think Wanda is quite over you," she said quietly. "And maybe you're not over her either, Y/N. At least not as much as you think you are."

I raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? Elise, she's just being a dick to piss me off. It's not like that."

Elise winced. "I think it is. And honestly, you're a lovely person, but I just don't want to get involved in something like that right now."

I knitted my brows together with confusion. "What do you mean?"

She rested her hand on mine atop the table. "It's probably better we stay friends. Easier."

"Elise... c'mon. We just– we only just got to know each other." I frowned, feeling bad that she didn't want to see where this would go.

"For what it's worth, today was really fun," she said with a smile, trying to make light of the situation. "And every date we've shared has been fun, too. But I can't compete with the history you share with Wanda. And I don't want to."

I didn't know what to say, speechless, unable to understand why she was doing this. Taking that as her chance to leave, she leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek before standing up and letting go of my hand.

"I'm gonna leave early," she explained. "I hope you work stuff out for yourself."

I looked up to her, watching as she smiled once more before leaving me be. We'd only been dating a few weeks, I knew that, but I still felt saddened to know she didn't want to keep things going. And with the realisation that it was because of Wanda, my sadness was quickly replaced with anger. It always came back to her.

Scowl on my face, I stood up and knew one thing: Wanda Maximoff was dead meat.

#wanda maximoff x you #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff imagine #elizabeth olsen #scarlet witch #marvel imagine #marvel #mcu #mcu imagine

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itsuki-minamy · 3 years

Text

PROFILE: KAMAMOTO RIKIO

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: Ridia

Real name: Kamamoto Rikio

Terms of address: Kamamoto

[PROFILE]

Birthday: May 18, Taurus

Blood type: A

Age: 21 (At the beginning of the second season)

[APPEARANCE]

Physique: 1.85 cm in height. A mysterious constitution that makes him lose weight in summer and gain weight in winter.

Face, hair: Sunglasses. Blond, he wears a beard. Handsome in summer and strong in winter.

Attire: Street fashion.

Personal effects: A motorcycle.

[HABITS, SKILLS]

· He shows his strength by using a red aura. Talent power.

· As soon as you take your eyes off him, he is eating something.

[IMPRESSION, OTHER NOTES]

· A comic relief that forms an uneven combination with Yata.

· He always eats, and often lags behind in quick action.

· He has a bit more common sense than Yata. He was struck by trying to stop the fugitive and misunderstood Yata.

· He has a strong sense of personality.

· The “Homura” emblem is on the right side of his buttocks.

[POSITION, OBJECTIVES]

A member of "Homura". He normally works with Yata.

Kamamoto, a childhood friend of Yata and a weakly bullied boy at the time, looked up to Yata, a general boy. Even now, Yata stands up and acts, but the aspect of Yata's care is also great.

[PERSONALITY, CONDUCT]

He acts with a focus on humanity and companionship. An older brother you can count on and will be nice to you.

Basically, he's kind and powerful, and has a nice personality, but he's not merciful to his opponents.

[FATE, ENDING]

As a member of "Homura", he shares his destiny with Anna, Yata, and Kusanagi.

In the future, he might be happy with his childhood friend.

[ABILITIES, TACTICS]

His power is based on brute force. His arms are hard.

During the battle, the giant moves quickly.

[POWER]

C + (A little stronger than the general clan member, but does not reach the executives.)

[LIKES]

Meat. Ramen Other high-calorie foods.

Red clan. Friends. Friendship. Trust.

[DISLIKE]

The unjustified and impersonal.

[HOBBIES]

Eat until him drop. Hang out with Yata.

[FASHION]

Street fashion. His style does not change between summer and winter, but the impression changes as a result of choosing the right clothes.

[BODY]

A mysterious constitution that makes him lose weight in summer and gain weight in winter.

The beard disappears in summer.

[INTELLIGENCE]

Higher than the average of the red clan.

A type of petty officer with a lively seat and determination.

[BELIEFS]

He is gluttonous. Even if he's on an errand, if he's hungry, he prioritizes his appetite.

On the other hand, he has a strong sense of personality. He has a personality to take care of his friends. A person who sacrifices his personal life to help his partner.

In battle, he takes the lead on the front line. He is a special attack type next to Yata.

[RELATIONSHIPS]

[EARLY YEARS]

Born as the eldest son of a liquor store.

When he was young, he was vulnerable to other children, but he was helped by Yata Misaki, a general boy, and became a friend of his and longed for him.

After growing up, he becomes a fat side and in the fight he becomes stronger.

He joined "Homura" before Yata, but he still respects Yata, and is acting like his younger brother.

[TIMELINE]

· 1992, Rikio Kamamoto is born.

· 2009, he meets with Yata in “Homura”.

· 2013, he defends Anna from the Green clan, but then Anna woke up as "Red King".

[ATTITUDE AND THOUGHTS TOWARDS OTHERS]

[TERMS OF THE ADDRESS FOR HIMSELF]

The first person is "Ore".

[TOWARDS SUOH MIKOTO]

He calls him "Mikoto-san". He admires and respects him as his "King".

[TOWARDS IZUMO KUSANAGI & TOTSUKA TATARA]

He calls them: "Kusanagi-san" and "Totsuka-san".

He respects and appreciates them.

[TOWARDS YATA MISAKI]

He calls him "Yata-san".

A rude honorific. He wants to go where Yata is going, although it may be a restriction for Yata going too far. After Suoh's death, he became frustrated with Yata, who had turned into a shell. After Yata's rebirth, Anna becomes "King", and supports her in "Homura" with Yata.

[TOWARDS ANNA KUSHINA]

He calls her "Anna".

She originally saw her as a girl to protect. The basic posture remains the same even after Anna becomes "Red King", but she firmly established what she should do as King.

He feels sorry for Anna, who became King at a young age, but he doesn't show it.

[TOWARDS FUSHIMI SARUHIKO]

He calls him "Fushimi" and "Monkey".

He is not very interested in Fushimi. He doesn't make him as hot as Yata and he's not an abusive traitor.

#k #k project #k fan clan #kamamoto rikio #profile kamamoto rikio

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dat-silvers-girl · 3 years

Note

Sarahi's notebook observations of canon characters please??? ❤

I don't know how many to write for so I'll pick and choose some. I'll go with how Sarahi would write about them in the early years.

Rowan

I had no idea how to make a new friend, and I'm blessed to have Rowan with me. She's such a lovable friend, and so smart. She even helps with my homework and classwork! And she looks so excited when she talks about her home and her cat! I love my Rowan! At this point, I don't know what I'd do without her.

This won't age well...

Ben

Okay, so I think I may have adopted a little brother... Ben thinks that he won't amount to anything because he's a muggleborn afraid of everything, but that I think that's complete nonsense. He's great at charms, and I have so much faith that he'll just keep getting better at other things too. I haven never heard of someone not being bothered by the unknown. He's a very loyal friend, and whatever happens, I want to be there to help him if he needs it. You'll be an awesome wizard, Ben, you'll see!

Barnaby

Dang it... I think I'm in love again. Anna needs to help me. I need her to meet him and tell me to my face that he doesn't have the loveliest green eyes she has ever seen. THIS IS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED WOULD HAPPEN WHEN I MADE A NEW FRIEND. WHAT IS HAPPENING??? Like any other day, I woke up and chose friendship, lo and behold, there's a Celestial Ball, and the next day, I felt "Oh. I'm in love apparently." And the thing is that I don't think I'm getting over this crush because Barnaby is... Sincerely perfect. I was a little scared at first, but he's a complete sweetheart. And guess what... He loves magical creatures too. And like I said, the EYES! Who put the emeralds in there??? I wonder what he thinks of me. To tell the truth, I've been perfectly comfortable around him, no stuttering or over-the-top giddiness around him, which I've been told our normal behaviours around your crush. I need help. This can't be healthy. One thing is for sure, I like him so much, and I CANNOT beat around the bush this time. If I like him, then he's gonna know. I need help first though.

#what do i call this?#notebook asks #this works i guess #i just picked them off the top of my head #btw i had no idea what i was doing so i just wrote what i think Sarahi would write in a diary or something #rowan khanna #ben copper #barnaby lee #hphm #hogwarts mystery #harry potter hogwarts mystery #sarahi silvers

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ariddletobesolved · 4 years

Text

Days We Spend Under the Sun (Ten - End)

Written for @helsa-summer-event ❤

Fandom: Frozen

Genre: Romance, Family, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Whump

Rating: T

Summary: Summer is not her favourite season, but a certain Admiral from the neighbouring kingdom is going to change that.

Brace yourself for a long arse chapter, and maybe a little cheesy (idk). This is the last chapter of this AU (feeling emotional already, lmao). Sorry it took a while, I've been dealing with several things, but here I am. I won't write too much notes, as I've prepared another post just for that. Thanks for reading and supporting this AU. Enjoy!

Prompt 7: Free

—

Chapter Ten

"I don't know if I can do this."

Hans sighed as he put down the small box on the wooden table, pushing it closer to the queen's direction.

From her seat behind the desk, Anna gave him a look. She raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Would you care to elaborate?"

The former prince pinched the bridge of his nose, before turning to face the queen.

"I don't think she'll say yes." He replied, his hands clasped behind his back as he stood up straight. "We haven't been courting for that long, and the past we shared—"

"Yes, yes, I'm aware." Anna calmly interjected. Her hands were in her lap, eyes darting from the box towards him. "But you seemed so eager and determined a week ago, what changes?"

His jaw clenched, for the vivid memory of his dream last night came crashing at him, flooding his senses. It had been two months since the last time the nightmare occurred, about him, standing in the pool of blood on the slowly melting fjord, gazing at a pair of dull blue eyes that stared back at him. Elsa was dead, and he would become king like he wanted. The ice beneath him thawed, and he fell into the cold water. That was when he woke up, gasping for air, only to see Elsa, alive and murmuring sweet nothings to his ear. Realising that it was all just a dream, he pulled Elsa into his embrace, muttering how sorry he was.

It was a vision of what could've been, had he succeeded in ending the Eternal Winter by going for the source of magic. Even after years of punishment and redemption, the guilt was still there, eating him alive. Had it not been for Elsa's comfort, Hans wouldn't have known how to keep going.

"Hans?"

"I was a monster." He gulped. "Maybe I still am, knowing that some people still don't trust me. And for that, I know I'm not worthy of your sister's love, or anyone else's."

"You were." Anna grabbed the small box and a roll of parchment, then getting up from her chair. "Hans, you'd wronged me. I won't sugarcoat it. You left me to die in that room, you deceived me, and you were out to kill my sister. I admit, I took great pleasure when I punched you in the face."

The whole time, Hans didn't even flinch. He knew what he had done wrong, he was aware of that, and he would forever regret it.

"So I've noticed, even after all those dark months, some people still refused to look you in the eye, not wanting to acknowledge you as a person." She walked over and stopped before the tall redhead. "I did that too when you first came here after years. Elsa was the one insisting to lock you up, but I didn't see the point. There was something different about you."

When a roll of parchment was offered to him, Hans frowned. "Why are you doing this, Anna?"

"As much as I'm doing this for Elsa, I also believe you're not the same person who came to Arendelle with an ambition to become king." Anna spoke, her gaze showed kindness. "I can see that now, and it's not only because you won us war.

"That Prince Hans of The Southern Isles, who had a miserable childhood, dying to prove himself to his father and twelve older brothers, who attempted to marry into the throne to become king and was willing to commit a murder to fulfil such an ambition, was a failure. He wasn't born evil, yet he had failed to stop himself from being blinded by ambitions, and his tragic past doesn't excuse what he did." She paused, thrusting the roll onto his grasp. "But the man standing before me right now is not him. I trust you understand what I mean, Vice Admiral." Anna smiled as she mentioned his new title.

There was a beat, before Hans asked in disbelief, "They approved?" He unrolled it and began to read its content, green eyes were scanning the words over and over again.

"It was a long discussion with Captain Larsson, but apparently, some people already accept you as one of us, even Admiral Goran." She was relieved and worried at the same time. She knew Hans doubted himself, at least she had heard Elsa mentioned it to her a couple of times, but she also knew that the two of them—Elsa and Hans were madly in love with each other. All they needed was a little push.

"Hans," Anna called, and immediately, his attention was on her.

"Thank you so much! I don't know what to say, this is," Hans beamed, "does Elsa know?"

"Not yet." The strawberry blonde smiled. "I figured you'll be the one telling her, as planned."

Realisation began to sink in and he pressed his lips in a tight line. "Right."

"You're doubting yourself, aren't you?" The queen studied him closely. "I see how you look at my sister, and how she looks back at you. I know Elsa, and I've never seen her being this happy—different kind of happy. You might not notice it, but she is glowing whenever she is with you. She cares about you, and I know you care about her, a lot, I may add."

"Do you really think so?"

Anna rolled her eyes in a playful manner. "I know so!" She pressed the small box gently on his hand, and gave him a little push. "Now go and propose to my sister. You already have my blessing, and that means you have one less thing to worry about."

The gesture from his, hopefully, future sister in law brought a smile on his face. Hans glanced at her, feeling grateful for her kindness. He firmly held the box in his right hand. The queen was no longer that naive little princess, who would marry a man she just met because she was desperate for love. She had grown into a compassionate and caring Queen of Arendelle, whose prosperous reign was equal to her predecessor, her sister. Whether it was motherhood or her kind nature, he didn't know.

"Thank you, Anna." Hans didn't know if hugging the queen was the best move, so he went to shake her hand. But Anna, sensing his hesitation, pulled him in a quick hug.

"No, thank Elsa." She said, holding him by his shoulders. "I might be the one who opened the door, but she was the one who let you in."

The former prince nodded. The sisters' kindness was obviously contagious, and it was a part of several reasons why he wanted to change for the better.

"But," Anna said, her tone turned dramatically, "if you hurt my sister, I won't hesitate to punch you in the face, again, and I'll make sure that your nose wouldn't be the only thing that's broken."

Hans gulped. Of course he knew better than causing the Snow Queen any pain. He nodded.

"Now, go!" Anna smiled, pushing him towards the door. "You have a date to attend. Also, it's a perfect place for a date in this castle, so might as well, not spoil it."

"Okay, okay."

"Oh, and Hans?" Just when he was about to close the door, she added, "welcome to the family."

—

Hans couldn't stop smiling. A sudden surge of confidence boosted through him, as he made his way towards Elsa's room. With a ring in his pocket, a bouquet of her favourite flowers and a new dress for her in his grasp, he began to think of how their day would proceed. If Anna was right, and Elsa said yes, Hans would be the luckiest man alive, he knew that for sure. Standing before the wooden door, he composed himself. As he turned the bronze handle, he heard voices talking.

"Oh, I don't know what he is planning, but I heard him talking to Anna about dresses and flowers." It was Olaf. "I hope he is not planning something bad."

Hans was frozen on the spot. Did the snowman think that he had a bad intention towards Elsa? He knew Olaf was probably not making any sense, but it was enough to make him think of the worst.

Elsa chuckled. "Olaf, why would he plan something bad with dresses and flowers? It sounds like something romantic, but I can be wrong."

It was a relief, but gone was the confidence he brought along as the next question came up.

"You said he had a nightmare, Elsa, what was that about?"

There was a silence, thick and hostile, from where he was standing. Doubts began to cloud his mind, as he wondered what she might be thinking. Not wanting to wait any longer, he pushed the door open.

Her beautiful smile was the first thing that greeted him. Still dressed in her nightgown, Elsa looked radiant, as she sat on the bed with a breakfast tray in her lap. Olaf beamed and waved at him.

"I wish they would allow me to join you for breakfast, since I'm feeling much better now." Elsa sighed when she saw him walk over. "What do you have there?"

Hans flashed her a smile, settling the neatly folded dress over the chair nearby and put the flowers in her grasp, before leaning in to kiss her lips.

"Presents." He let out, sitting on the bed next to her.

Olaf nudged her, "See? I told you!" The snowman then collected her tray, before getting back on his feet. "I think I'll leave you both to it. See you later!"

Once the bedroom door was closed, Hans put his hand on her thigh and squeezed it lightly. At the gesture, she let out a giggle, before shoving his hand off. "Hans, no!" She smiled gently, cradling the bouquet close to her chest. "Thank you." Fondly, Elsa admired the bouquet, inhaling the familiar scent. "It's lovely."

"I'm actually planning something for the both of us." He stated, tucking her loose blonde strands behind her ear.

Eagerly, her blue eyes widened with interest. "Really, what is it? Are we going to go sailing?"

Sailing was his previous plan, indeed, but since Elsa was only recovering from her fever, Hans decided that they should stay in. He didn't wish to cause her any more harm than he already did, although the rising temperature wasn't exactly his doing. Besides, if Elsa said yes to a lifetime with him, it means that they would sail forever in holy matrimony.

"You'll see," was all his reply.

—

Moments later, Elsa and Hans were standing on the balcony at the back of the castle, facing the perfect view of the open sea. Anna was right, Hans thought, it was a perfect place for a date. A table for two was set up, with cakes, a teapot, two cups, and some boxes of chocolate were served on the table. A bouquet of heathers was placed in the middle.

Elsa could recall how many times she would go there in between meetings when she was queen, just to allow herself to think. She loved the view, the blueness of the ocean, and the gentle caress of the wind, they offered her comfort. It was rather quiet, even during the day, but at least she wasn't alone this time.

Hans held her close from behind, one hand was holding the railing, and the other was around her torso. His mind wandered back to the conversation he had with Anna. He would never forget her generosity in giving him the chance to prove himself that he was capable of growth—the chance not everyone would grant him. She allowed him to stay in Arendelle, to serve in the navy, so he could be close to the love of his life, despite the dark past they shared. Then he began to think of Elsa's silence when the topic about his nightmare was brought up.

"You're quiet." Elsa stirred in his embrace and turned to face him. "What are you thinking about?"

"Things." He said, before letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Elsa, I shouldn't have ruined it for you. We can have some tea and chocolates."

Hans was about to move to the table, when Elsa stopped him. "You didn't ruin anything at all. I was only wondering why you were quiet." She paused, eyes were never leaving his. "Would you like to talk about what's troubling you?"

"What makes you think it's troubling me?" It was a little defensive on his part.

Elsa frowned. "Your reaction right now is what." She blinked. "Is it your nightmare?"

She wondered what made him act so defensive. The past few days, Elsa noticed how he had been acting strange, and she was under the impression that he was hiding something, but what? That couldn't have had anything to do with the recurring nightmare, could it?

"Hans?"

Ignoring her, the redhead let go of her hand, before turning around. He pulled out a box from his pocket, admiring the diamond ring inside. Oh, how he wished everything was easier for him.

"You've been hiding something." It was loud and clear in his ear. "What is it?"

"Nothing." He muttered, still with his back facing her. Putting the box back into his pocket, Hans looked back.

Thoughts were running through her head, and some of them weren't pretty. "Are you doubting us?"

"It's not that." Hans shook his head. The frown on his face deepened.

Elsa, growing frustrated as the second passed, looked away. Her cheeks were flushing as anger began to build up. "I can't believe you don't even trust me, especially with whatever it is you're hiding."

"It's not that simple, Elsa." He took a deep breath, rubbing his face in an equal frustration. "You don't understand."

"Then make me!" Elsa pressed, taking a step closer.

Her fingertips were cold, as she tried to contain her powers from exploding. She breathed heavily, the storm in her chest was raging, but there was something in his emerald eyes—remorseful and sincere—as she held his gaze. Closing her eyes, Elsa tried to calm her mind. Anger was never a solution, and one of them should hold their ground if they wanted to carry on with the conversation. Perhaps what he needed was comfort.

"Hans," The former queen called, after another minute passed with silence. She looked up, staring at him with her blue eyes, while holding one hand out. "Come here."

When Hans took her hand, Elsa immediately pulled him into an embrace. She wounded her arms around his torso, resting her cheek against his shoulder. Gently, he returned the gesture and pressed a kiss on her temple. Nothing could top the feeling of holding each other close, getting lost in the comfort.

Closing his eyes, Hans breathed in her scent. Maybe asking her wouldn't hurt, he thought, and he shouldn't be selfish if he wanted to take their relationship one step ahead. And with a determination, he let out, "Kaere."

A beat.

"Yes?"

He took a deep breath, still holding her hand. "I need to tell you something."

Taking one step back, his knee bended slightly, and Elsa tried to stifle a gasp. Is he going to propose? She thought, is this what he has been hiding from me? Her pulse quickened, anticipating what was about to come. Elsa didn't see that coming, but for some reason, she was glad.

The former queen was no fool, and she frowned when she saw him stand up straight. She put two and two together, and realised that he had been doubting his own self. She knew about his nightmare, and how remorseful he had been. To see him looking unsure brought a pang on her chest. She couldn't wait any longer.

"Marry me." Elsa blurted out.

Stunned. Her words got him frozen on the spot. Hans stood there, dumbfounded. Marry me. Those words echoed in his mind, and he had to blink to make sure that he wasn't dreaming. Did she just—

"Hans?" She whispered, taking a step closer to cradle his head. "Are you—

But before she could continue, Hans captured her lips with his. Gone was the hesitation, the doubts that had been haunting him, as he got lost in the passion. Her lips were firmly pressed against his, as if she tried to give him a proper reassurance. He held her close by the waist, as he deepened the kiss, savouring the taste of her tongue, before they pulled away.

"Is that a yes?" She asked breathlessly, smiling ear to ear, pressing her forehead against his.

"Kaere," Hans couldn't contain the joy. He let go of her waist, and held her hand. With a surge of confidence, he got down on one knee. "Allow me to do it properly."

He pulled out the small diamond ring and held it up.

"Elsa," he began, "I know I'm not worthy of your love," seeing the look of disapproval on her face, Hans gave her hand a gentle tug, "hear me out, please?"

"Okay." Her heart swelled inside her ribcage, and warmth overflowing in her body. She nodded.

"I know I'm not worthy of your love," he repeated, "forgiveness, even a second chance. What I've done in the past is unforgivable, and I'm accepting that.

"But you, Elsa, you have given me the chance to get to know you, and I'm grateful for that. Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and you are the kindest people I know. You have shown me kindness, and for that, I'm forever grateful. I love you, min Kaere, and nothing will ever change that. I've never felt this way before, and you don't know how hard it was to deny it. Because loving you feels so right, but also wrong at the same time. Our union is frowned upon because of our past, but we've proved them wrong."

"Hans," she gasped. Her eyes were glassy with tears at his confession.

"I have nothing grand to offer, and I may be pushing my luck, but," he paused, looking at her with sincerity, "Elisabeth," he gently said, taking her by surprise at her given name. "Will you marry me?"

Her vision got blurry with tears as she stood there. It was too much for her, the love and joy that she felt was overwhelming, but in a good way.

"Yes." She nodded furiously. "God, yes!"

He slid the ring on her finger, and got up to pull her into his arms. He spun her around, burying his face in the crook of her neck. There were sparks in his chest when he heard her giggles, and realisation began to sink in. They're engaged.

"I love you." He put her down, so they were standing face to face. One hand cradled her head, with his thumb rubbing her cheek gently. "I love you so much."

Elsa smiled, giving into his touch. "And I love you too, so very much." She covered his hand with hers, as she pressed a gentle kiss on the heel of his palm. "Don't ever doubt yourself, okay? You are worthy."

Hans nodded slowly. "Forgive me."

"It's okay." Elsa nuzzled his nose. "There's nothing to forgive."

"There's also another thing." He began.

Elsa tilted her head with interest. "Yes?"

"I'm staying." Hans smiled. "This time for good."

"Hans, what?" With her mouth agape, she gazed into his emerald eyes, searching for any hint of mischief, and when she couldn't find any, she blinked. "I don't understand."

He led her to a chair nearby, and helped her sit, before seating himself next to her. Taking her hand in his, Hans pressed his lips over the knuckles.

"So, I might have asked Anna a favour just about last week. I was applying for a vacant spot in the Arendellian Navy."

It did not take her long to guess. "The Vice Admiral?"

The redhead nodded. "Yes."

"And you got it?" This time, she was smiling.

"I did."

Elsa didn't know what to say. The news was another thing she didn't expect to hear, and it seemed as if her day couldn't get any better.

"It's," the former queen paused, "wonderful! I'm so happy for you, truly."

She cupped his face and showered him with kisses, from his forehead to his temple, then his nose, and down to his lips. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Elsa settled on his lap. She nuzzled the crook of his neck as he held her close.

"I'm so glad to have you home, Hans." She murmured.

"Home?"

Elsa nodded, looking up to him, fondly. "You're here now with me. We are home."

Home. He liked the ring of it. Elsa had been his safe haven, and then she was his home. In the end, things were working out just fine, and they were both alright.

"Thank you, Elsa."

"Hmm?" She eyed the new accessory on her ring finger with a smile, before darting her attention back to him. "For what?"

Hans felt his heart swell. He pressed another kiss on her temple. "For letting me in, and giving me a second chance." And he would be forever grateful for that.

Quietly, Elsa settled back in his embrace. Her blue eyes were gazing far ahead at the open sea. Once in a while, she stole glances at the symbol of their union, and she realised that the past few days they spent under the sun were leading up to that very moment. How their story went as the time passed, she would treasure that, and despite the rocky path they had to take to get there, Elsa regretted nothing.

Suddenly the future didn't seem to be uncertain. Hans is staying, and we're getting married, Elsa told herself. That steadiness, something to hold onto, was all she needed. And forever with him, she couldn't wait to spend.

END.

#helsa #days we spend under the sun #elsa x hans #hans x elsa #iceburns #helsa fanfiction #mary's writing #helsa summer event #helsasummerevent2020 #helsasummerevent

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astaralys · 4 years

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A Frozen modern AU oneshot

Oneshot collection can be read on: FFN | AO3

[Backstory chapter, direct continuation of oneshot #3, Searching] In which Anna officially moves in with Elsa.

-----

Anna sifts through the stranger and collects details like flecks of gold buried in the sands of time.

When she follows her sister through the airport and realises she still has to look up even though Elsa is only wearing flats: Wow, she's taller than me.

When Elsa tries to help her with the luggage and nearly drops it on her own foot: … But not exactly stronger. Got it.

When they get into a small white car: Oh, she does drive.

When Elsa struggles so badly to merge lanes she misses their exit on the freeway: Oh my God. She can't drive.

Anna tries so hard not to grip the door handle for security that she can't remember what she spends the ride rambling about. Her sister is mostly silent, all hums, terse nods and white-knuckled hands on the steering wheel. Anna tells herself it's because all of Elsa's focus is going into keeping them on the road, and not because Elsa, like, hates her or anything. That's absurd.

Right?

When they reach the city, Elsa's driving suddenly improves; Anna suspects it's because there's so much traffic they're barely moving. Sitting at a red light (Elsa slammed on the brakes when it turned yellow), Anna is so captivated by the bustle beyond her window that she nearly misses her sister tentatively asking, "Do you have your license yet?"

Anna snaps her head around too keenly, and winces when she sees Elsa flinch. Is she scared of me? "Sorry? Oh—my license? Ah, no, I kinda, um, failed the test. Twice. But I know how to drive!"

Elsa blinks, and Anna panics—crap, she thinks I'm a total dunce for failing twice—but then the lights go green. Almost immediately, the car behind them honks impatiently and startles them both.

Seeing her sister's shoulders tense up again ignites something inside Anna. She twists in her seat, stares straight through the rear window, and glares at the other driver. She can't tell if they can see her, but she likes to think it was the heat of her wrath that sent them scurrying into the nearest side street.

"What a stinker," Anna huffs as she turns back around. Then she remembers that it's not Kai in the seat beside her, and flushes as she glances towards Elsa. "Am I embarrassing? I'm embarrassing, aren't I? Hans always says so—i-in a nice way, of course. Like, you know, 'you adorable dork' or—"

"You're not embarrassing," Elsa says quietly. There's a pause as she carefully navigates an intersection. Then, "Hans is a friend?"

Oh, Anna realises. I'm not the only one playing detective.

"He's, um, a little more than that."

Elsa's surprise manifests as an especially jerky stop at a pedestrian crossing. "You're dating someone?"

The urge to defend him rises from nowhere. "You'll like Hans! He's a perfect gentleman with the sweetest sense of justice. He just graduated from law school. And he likes chocolate and sandwiches, just like me."

He didn't like you moving across the country, a niggling voice reminds her. Anna purses her lips and pushes the thought to the back of her mind.

"I'm sorry. That question came out strange." Elsa glances at Anna, adding softly, "Sometimes I forget that you're not five years old anymore."

"Well, we're lucky you remembered today, or you never would have found me in the airport. Waaait a minute… why didn't we just go to the information desk and tell them to make an announcement?"

To her surprise, Elsa laughs. "Haven't you had enough of that for a lifetime? You used to get lost every time we went shopping with Mom and Dad."

The memories come flooding in like a storm carving up a forgotten river. "Hey, you got lost all the time, too!"

"You got us both lost all the time."

The warm glow fills Anna's chest and remains there as Elsa turns into a long driveway leading down into the basement of one of the tallest apartments. Elsa takes a full five minutes to park, and then they're zipping up in the elevator.

Following Elsa down the plushly carpeted hallway, Anna discreetly pinches herself. Ow. It's actually happening. It doesn't matter that Hans planted that horrible question in her head ("You haven't lived with your sister in over thirteen years, Anna. How do you know she even loves you anymore?")—she's here. Elsa's here. They'll be coming home together from now on.

Then they reach the door at the very end of the hallway, fitted with one of those fancy keyless locks, and as Elsa reaches for it, she seems to remember something and says rather awkwardly, "It's your birthday."

She forgot.

It shouldn't be so surprising—Elsa hasn't been there for thirteen years of birthdays. Their parents would always give Anna 'a present from Elsa', but Anna knows how hard it is to pick out something for a sister she sees once a year at Christmas ("She likes books," Grandpa replied every time Anna called for research). And Elsa's presents are always a little too perfect, as if she still sleeps on the top bunk and can't escape twelve-year-old Anna gushing about skateboards. And after Anna noticed that, it became harder to ignore the voice that kept wondering if those presents were really from Elsa—a voice that is now smugly saying: I told you so.

"Y-Yeah! It was actually two months ago but time sure does fly. It was a super fun day—Hans and I went to an amusement park. I spent, like, two hours at the bottle toss trying to win this cute Baymax plushie. I've got it in my suitcase; I'll show you later. It's the best cuddle buddy ever."

This gets her an odd look from Elsa, but a beep from the lock distracts them both. Elsa opens the door. She steps back, gesturing shyly for Anna to enter first.

"There had better not be a trapdoor in there," Anna jokes. She doesn't know why she's nervous about this moment. It's a door. It's open.

She steps through.

Her first thought is that everything is minimalistic and very white. An open kitchen with an oak splashback against pale tiles. Cream carpet visible through a glass coffee table sitting in front of a light grey leather couch that looks more like a recliner for one than a place to watch Netflix with friends or sisters.

Even the bookshelves standing sentry on either side of the wall-mounted television contain neat rows of books with the stark pages facing outward. Anna opens her mouth to make a quip about finding any books—but then her curious gaze falls on the small dining table with its single placemat and chair.

Why does this detail hurt so much?

"This place is amazing! I bet myself ten bucks that you had great taste." Even Anna can tell she sounds too loud, too bright. "Remind me to treat myself. I'm craving chocolate fondue right now. Actually, scratch that. I'm always craving chocolate fondue. Any good places around here? Please say yes."

She hopes Elsa still likes chocolate and building snowmen.

Elsa hovers by the shoe cabinet, her left hand loosely gripping her right elbow. "Yes. I'll take you someday. Would you like to see your room?"

Anna catches herself on the verge of saying something stupid like 'Of course! It's the whole reason I'm here.'

"That's the bathroom." Elsa points to a door at the end of a short corridor, then gestures to two other doors on either side. "My room. Your room. I was only using it as a study, so it's very empty after I moved the desk to my room. We can—"

"Relax, sis! I'm so easy. All I need is a—" Anna throws open the door. "—bed."

It's literally the only piece of furniture in the room.

"Woooow. You really weren't kidding about empty, huh?"

Behind her, Elsa sounds apologetic. "I wasn't sure how you wanted to set it up, so I only got a bed. If the mattress is too hard or too soft for you, we can exchange it tomorrow. Or if you don't like the view, you can take my room instead. It really doesn't—"

"I love it." Anna spins around with a grin. "This means we get to go shopping together! But let's get IKEA to deliver to us, yeah? Your Mini Cooper can only fit, like, two-thirds of a flatpack. Ooh, I've seen apps that let you drag furniture onto photos to see how the room looks with—" She's interrupted by a shockingly huge yawn. "Goodness, 'scuse me. Where was I? Right—apps… Elsa? Where are you going?"

Her sister returns with the suitcase. "You just got off a plane; change into something comfortable and get some rest. Dessert and furniture can wait until tomorrow."

"But I'm not—" Another yawn swallows up the rest of Anna's sentence. "—sleepy… Okay, fine. But promise you'll wake me up for dinner, or my rumbling tummy will wake you in the middle of the night."

Elsa promises, and then the door closes with the softest of clicks.

Anna listens, but there's carpet and her sister moves so quietly that it feels like she's back in the big house. Alone. Except she's not.

She checks her phone. Nothing from Hans. She sends him a quick message to say she's arrived at Elsa's place, then looks around at her new room, and decides not to add a photo.

Her suitcase springs open as soon as she unlocks it, spilling her life across the floor. Gerda helped her pack, but none of her neat folding survives the trial of Anna digging for something to sleep in. Anna changes into pyjama bottoms and one of Hans' shirts.

Then her gaze catches on a grey, threadbare sweater.

There's a cartoon graphic of a single slice of pizza. The rest of the pizza is on her father's sweater; a matching Father's Day gift that immediately became a game of chicken. If one of them wore their sweater in the house, the other had to wear theirs, no matter how sweltering the day. It drove her mother crazy. "Can you two please stop wearing those long enough for me to wash them?" she used to sigh.

Now, pulling the sweater over her head, Anna realises in the darkness that it's the little details. It's the fact that their sweater streak was still unbroken when she answered the door to find two police officers solemnly waiting. It's electricity and phone bills that continue to pay themselves, because direct debits don't care that Anna's parents are gone. It's not being able to send videos of Elsa's horrible driving to the group chat because no one else will see them.

A knock on the door startles her. She whirls around with her head still stuck in the sweater and—oh no, bad idea.

"Anna? I forgot to give you… are you okay? I heard a loud noise."

Lying winded on her back, Anna wheezes, "Nothing! My shirt just fell."

"That was very loud for a shirt."

"Yeah, um, that's because I was kind of in it."

The door opens as she sits up. "Did you break anything?" Elsa asks as she helps Anna get her head through the sweater.

"God, I hope not. Keep all your favourite mugs away from me. Actually, keep all your expensive stuff away because I'm ridiculously uncoordinated. As you can see."

"I meant bones, Anna. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Oh." Anna lets out a laugh, rubbing an elbow. "Totally fine. Super thick skull. What did you forget?"

Elsa gestures towards the bed, where she's placed a stack of bath towels. "To give you towels in case you want to take a shower first."

"Thanks. Wow. That's… a lot of colours."

"I wasn't sure which ones you liked."

Anna blinks at her sister. Who might have given her a spare room with nothing but a bed, yet bought towels in literally every colour of the rainbow, just for Anna.

"Oh, and this." Elsa holds out a silver key. "In case the keyless lock fails for any reason. There's a panel you can slide down to open the door normally with this key."

The key feels both light and heavy in Anna's hands. She flashes Elsa a grateful grin. "I'm going to use this every day because that pin code looked so long, I'd forget it every day."

"I don't think you will."

"Hah. You don't know how bad my memory is." And Elsa really doesn't know, does she? There are so many things they don't know about each other.

But then Elsa cocks her head to one side and says, "You can't forget it. I told you: it's your birthday. Month, date, year."

When Anna stares speechlessly for too long, Elsa hurriedly adds, "When I moved in, I was told not to use my own birthday because it's too obvious, so the first thing I thought of was yours—b-but we can change it to your phone number if that's easier for you. Or maybe… Anna? Are you okay?"

The details Anna has collected scatter as she throws her arms around Elsa for the second time that day. Except this time, it doesn't feel like she's hugging a stranger.

When Elsa awkwardly rubs her back, Anna wipes her eyes on her favourite sweater and thinks: That's my sister.

#I actually wrote this before I finished the last chapter of TNU #and then deadass forgot all about it #I am a goldfish #frozen fanfiction #frozen modern au #snow sisters #elsa #anna #these days are precious #my writing

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