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ineffable-endearments · 4 years

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Good Omens and the prolonged story of Leaving The Garden

Last week I had this weird episode where I felt like my third eye popped WIDE open and I suddenly started making all these loose associations that I believe are nevertheless relevant between Aziraphale’s entire story and his role in the Garden of Eden. I don’t know if other people will find it agreeable, but I became very fixated on it.

Aziraphale, Guardian of the Eastern Gate, formerly on Apple Tree Duty. Guardian of forbidden Knowledge, the Knowledge of good and evil. Comes to Earth and sets up a store full of Knowledge that he doesn’t actually want to sell with his desk on the East side.

Tries to protect the Serpent from his own questions. What if we made our own Side? It doesn’t matter, they’ll kill us for asking that. Tries to keep the Serpent away from his own damn fruit.

Discovers the location of the Antichrist. This, too, is a kind of Forbidden Knowledge; the Antichrist is the key to the war between good and evil, after all, and no angel is supposed to be able to find him. Aziraphale is on Apple Tree Duty again. Struggles with who should rightfully have this information. Should he give it to the Serpent, orchestrator of the Fall of Man and chaos agent who kickstarted everything Aziraphale loves? Or should it be reserved for Heaven, the ostensible “greater good”?

Maybe this dilemma brings up painful old questions. For example, did Crowley’s effective temptation of Eve make Aziraphale a fuckup, a failed angel? If he was put at his post to fail as part of the Great Plan and then he did, was it actually a failure? Would it have been better for the original Knowledge to remain in Heaven’s hands? Is it wrong to prefer life here on Earth, is it wrong to love Crowley, if it means accepting and embracing his own incompetence*, the Fall of Man, and all the horrible things that came thereafter (war, famine, pestilence, pollution, death, traffic)? Who is really responsible for all that? And even assuming humanity’s Fall is part of the Great Plan, what about giving them the sword? Was that part of the Plan, too, or is Aziraphale’s tenure on Earth a punishment for that incident? If that’s the case, then is his protective behavior toward Crowley also wrong?

Anyway, now that he knows where Adam is, Aziraphale once again has Forbidden Knowledge. Is he going to fail in his guardianship again?

Don’t get me wrong. The Serpent is already in the Garden. Part of preserving the Garden is preserving the Serpent. The guardianship part is whether Aziraphale actually allows that one fruit to be plucked from that one tree.

If Aziraphale puts the Knowledge he’s guarding in Heaven’s possession, they can be persuaded to destroy the boy (he thinks). They can cancel the war between Good and Evil. That would effectively maintain the status quo. There would be no leaving the garden.

In a certain way, it would almost, sort of, “cancel”(?) the Fall of the rebel angels, wouldn’t it? It’s far-fetched, but bear with me for a moment. The point of the Fall is this notion that Hell will be a place of disgusting godless castaways for a while and then there will be an eventual reckoning. If Heaven enforces the status quo, protecting the world and the Heaven/Hell duality, then Hell is what it is forever, but it loses the impending doom of possibly being exterminated by Heaven, and Heaven has to concede that Hell belongs in this world. Hell is no longer made of mere castaways; they are openly, if perhaps grudgingly, given a place in the universe. The Fallen angels don’t ascend, so it is not a “reversal” per se, but they get a measure of acceptance (not necessarily friendliness or camaraderie - just acceptance). There are implications of this when Aziraphale says, “We can Save everyone!”

If Aziraphale shares this newfound Knowledge with the Serpent...well. What happens then? They still have no plan. Neither of them wants to destroy the Antichrist, but if they did, they’d still be in trouble. They’d be kicked out of the garden on their own in a hostile universe, and this time there’s nobody to offer a flaming sword for their protection against the angry legions of Heaven and Hell. This is to say nothing of the fates of Adam and Eve’s descendants - their own descendants, in a godparenting sort of way - on Earth. There’d be no way to protect them.

Aziraphale is a guardian. He chooses what he thinks is going to be his best shot at preservation. Aziraphale offers Heaven what he believes is a chance to use their judgment (the forbidden fruit), a chance to avert the war, and they reject it; they want the same prescriptions and myths they’ve always had.

Aziraphale thinks, for a while, maybe there’s a compromise. Maybe the Serpent can earn Heaven’s favor again, or maybe he can escape to the stars completely. Maybe Heaven will battle Hell without destroying Earth. But the Serpent does not want Heaven’s favor, nor does he want to leave the garden without Aziraphale. And Heaven won’t make exceptions for humans. They love their dogma, the prescribed actions; their sense of meaning comes from following prophecies. The only judgment they will follow is judgment that will lead specifically to What Is Written playing out, and What Is Written is the world’s end in fire and flames.

So Aziraphale decides he’s going to have to make a moral judgment for them and try to avert Armageddon. In my opinion, this is one of the key moments when Aziraphale partakes of the forbidden fruit himself**. He makes a judgment even though he’s supposed to leave judgment to Heaven, just as (in some fairly common Biblical interpretations) when Adam and Eve learned the difference between good and evil, they essentially “fired” God because they learned to judge good and evil themselves. (Not trusting God’s judgment is existentially threatening to Her, as Her whole purpose is sort of to be the ultimate judge. Deciding to avert Armageddon, Aziraphale discovers, is existentially threatening to Heaven because it deprives Heaven of what it has always seen as its whole Purpose. I think God and Heaven can both get over it and find other Purposes just like everybody else who gets disappointed sometimes, but that’s for another discussion.)

So but. BUT. Here’s the REALLY GOOD PART.

After Armageddon is thwarted mostly by Adam’s love for his world and with spiritual inspiration from his godfathers, Crowley and Aziraphale find themselves alone in a hostile universe. They’re being chased by metaphorical lions, basically. And who saves them from this hostile world?

Each other, with Adam’s help.

See, Adam gave Aziraphale his corporation back. And Aziraphale kept trying to protect Crowley until the very end. When Crowley assumed it was time to give up on life, Aziraphale threw himself into pushing Crowley to keep trying. When Crowley suggested staying together for the night and for the foreseeable future, Aziraphale reminded him that Heaven was still a danger. And they shielded each other from their Sides - from the wrath of God and Satan alike - with their own bodies, Aziraphale even going so far as to tell Hell they’d better leave Crowley alone from now on.

I’ve heard “Crowley is the Forbidden Fruit” before and it knocks me out every single time. Aziraphale could be said to be the flaming sword who keeps himself and Crowley safe. And Adam Young has become the angel on the gate of Eden who gave it to them.

ASTERISKS:

*“Imagine how terrible it might have been if we’d been at all competent.” Perhaps there would be no Earth at all.

**I’d argue that because it’s a complicated story and involves multiple layers of disentanglement from dogma, Aziraphale in fact has a number of “forbidden fruit” moments. But this is the one that Heaven is most aware of. I like to think of Crowley’s handing over of the books in 1941 as the moment that Aziraphale can’t take back from himself, and the decision to swan-dive out of Heaven as the moment Aziraphale can’t take back from Heaven. It’s almost like...in 1941, Crowley plays the role of Eve, offering Aziraphale something he realizes he wants (Crowley himself) but fears that they’ll both be damned if he accepts. In 2018, he realizes that Heaven’s garden is nowhere he wants to stay, nor is it anywhere that he actually wants to inflict on Earth or Crowley, and so he finally eats the forbidden fruit.

#good omens #ineffable husbands #ineffable partners #ineffable spouses

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fmdxyoungjoo · 3 years

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hi, so this is an offering for all four of my muses for the event post for any potential threads (especially the ones with prompts!) please press the like or directly message me if you’d like to plot for the event be it on discord or on joo’s tumblr right here.

youngjoo:

silhouette will be performing sixth sense, and joo’s voice isn’t exactly in the best condition for the high note in sixth sense ( potential thread for 3rd prompt) [dec 25th]

joo draws the red card and is part of the decorations team but everyone has forgotten how much of a two left feet + accident prone she is ( potential thread for 1st prompt) [dec 25th]

joo @ the holiday ball probably in a bath robe lmfao because there’s too many people for a swimsuit show [ dec 25th ;7pm to 11pm ]

dec 27th: she’s probably tired enough to just spend the entire day on the cruise ship so she’s free the entire day in her rooms here

dec 28th: joo is with the red team again and is working in the kitchens and thank god she’s not that bad at cooking in fact she’s actually good at it lmao the rest of the day she will be preparing for the concert with silhouette and being on stage before returning, probably exhausted by the end of things

dec 29th: she’s free the entire day, find her at the pool dipping her feet in the water because its hot, or in her rooms, probably catching up with sleep or working on her music because she plans to put out an album once more

dec 30th: this time she’s lucky to get the blue card and she’s going to get that free massage (pls her body is probably aching at this point lmfao) & pampering herself with that french fine dining

dec 31st : early in the day she’s with silhouette girls, preparing for the concert. the new year eve’s party she’s probably going to let loose a little so a tipsy joo might make an appearance....yeah...i’ll think on that again a drunk joo is a really...sigh. if anyone wants to find her, she will be there probably alone and drinking by herself slowly while admiring the night sky.

jan 1st : she will be at the fansign at the theatre with the rest of silhouette, waiting for her turn after 7rophy, and probably brushing shoulders with BEE since they’re up next for the fansign. the rest of the day is shopping in busan, probably going round to find little joys in eating (yeah yeah yeah she’s craving street food whatcha gonna do about it 😤

artemisia / sia :

lipstick is going to be performing news, wild and lil’ touch and knowing sia she would probably either be late / lost somewhere in the ship / sleeping in the most unexpected places. the loud sounds of the rehearsals are also going to or probably might get to her, and some might find her hiding away hands over her ears trying to re-balance her disorientation and sensory overload. she might run / brisk walk off the stage mid-practice because of it as well.

the same night she’s performing with lipstick, but the rest of the whole time for the concert she’s going to be having a good pair of earplugs in her ears--misunderstandings could occur because she’s not very good at reading lips.

dec 26: she gets lucky and draws a blue card. fits her perfectly, probably spends the rest of the day lying dazedly on the benches next to the swimming pool, or just lazy enough to get into the water, and just lie down and float. actually. she might even fall asleep while floating, based on what i know of her personality. in that case someone pls..wake her.

the swimming pool thing might also cause some fun in threads because sia could have walked out of the swimming pool without caring if her hair was all over her face (its probably grown to mid chest by now), and coming across her with wet hair across her face trudging round the corner can be quite horrifying

the same night she’s going to grab food, drinks for the holiday ball and spend her time trying to find a spot where no one comes round. maybe you come across her because you’re trying to hide too

dec 27: free day on ship. great. she’s going to sleep. or blast music and work on her stuff. or play games. come hit her up and find out.

dec 28: she gets a yellow card and probably spends her time trying to sneak off and away from actually doing the mission because no, she doesn’t like animals, and yes, its because they’re too noisy. her ears hurt and her eyes hurt please spare her for a moment, or don’t and drag her back to do the mission. she rehearses with the rest of lipstick girls in the evening--good luck, someone from lipstick hear her rant about the animals in the afternoon and calm her frazzled soul

dec 29: free day again. again, sleep, eat, blast music, work stuff, play games...come hit her up.

dec 30: she gets a yellow card again and is attempting to sneak and mingle with the blue team. maybe you are perceptive enough to catch the usually presentless her, or you don’t and she smoothly integrates herself into the team. if she succeeds, she’s going to the bar to celebrate which is rare in all honesty, we might get a drunk or tipsy sia who knows. or just plain sober sia. who knows.

dec 31st: again she’s with the lipstick girls in the morning, and at the new years’ eve party in the night. again, she’s trying to sneak food and drinks out so as not to mingle in the party. she will be attempting to ninja her way to the observation lounge.

jan 1st: she will be at the fansign at the theatre, brushing shoulders with fuse girls and gal.actic girls at their fansigns. her fans usually bring her rather embarrassing little hats for her to wear that’s too big for her so you might come across her wearing those and shuffling out of the theatre or something.

she’s going to honestly just walk around. mainly if there’s anything of musical interest that catches her attention, she will go for it.

alyssia:

dec 25th: she’s going to be playfully getting ready with the rest of the bee girls for her performance, being the mood maker and the cheeky one she might purposely do some fun little antics to tease those around her and be playful with them

dec 26th: she get the red card and probably might cause more harm than good with decorations, though she’s pretty eager to help. who knows you might chance upon her getting caught in tinsel or entangled in the lights with no way to get out. the same night she’s going to be at the ball, probably eating and drinking and mingling with friendly people whilst being in the pool as well

dec 27th: free day out in taipei!! join her for street food!! she wants to eat all of the street food and shop at all the street markets she can find!! she especially wants to try the stinky tofu, so...good luck to anyone bringing her out she will insist on trying it lmfao

dec 28th: she gets the red card again :’) this time someone please make sure she doesn’t end up eating all the food she’s supposed to prepare. aly with cooking is always 85% eating and 15% cooking, she’s also not good at it at all so bear with her pls

dec 29th: she’s going to the card and game room, and the library, and the theatre and then the fitness centre she just wants to visit every place in the ship even though she doesn’t stay long in one place.

dec 30th: she gets the yellow card and will try to mingle with the blue team. except..that she’s just generally bad at hiding her excitement ;;

dec 31st: she’s probably eating at the ball, and then making a beeline for her room. by then she’s exhausted herself on the running energy for the past few days. she might fall asleep while eating, or doze while talking with someone

jan 1st: she’s going to brush shoulders with silhouette and lucid girls for the fansign at the theatre, and aly is known to be a bit wild when doing fansigns lmao so you might hear her hyping up the fans even while behind or waiting for your turn. aly energy at the beginning of the fanmeet: 150% , after the fanmeet: 150% and getting louder with bunny hats and flower crowns and just chattering non-stop (i’m sorry bee girls :’) she’s excited)

dojun:

dec 26: yeah, he’d rather be anywhere but rehearsing for alien. he’ll be distracted half the time or disappeared because he’s snuck away to watch over his gf. or he will aim to finish his rehearsal quickly and then go.

he gets the yellow card and helps with the choreography of dance since its his niche. he’ll probably suggest some really cheer / hyped up songs that makes people feel like dancing upon hearing the song--that’s half the recipe of success he says.

holiday ball: do not disturb, thank you. he’s probably hovering somewhere close to his gf, watching over her and half heartedly talking to others. who knows you might see the warmer or actual side of him and not the dumb narcissistic side since he tends to be softer and more leaning towards his original personality when around his gf

dec 27: he’ll be at the fitness centre or the indoor pool, or you might not find him at all.

dec 28:. ...he gets a yellow card and will probably go around asking to exchange cards with others pls he’s kind terrified of the idea being around wild animals LOL animals remind him of his gf’s pets who detest him lmfao

dec 29: you won’t find him anywhere akjdgk this devoted person is off and away with his gf as secretly as he can

dec 30: he draws the red card. he hasn’t cleaned in a long ass time, but he’s willing to put in the effort as long as others do, and surprisingly you won’t see him complain but just diligently do his part.

dec 31: god he’s rehearsing with alien again. he’d honestly rather have time speed up in this part because his mind is preoccupied elsewhere. the new year’s eve party is going to be fun and blissful one, but he’s finally had the chance to fully relax and just be himself. maybe you’ll catch the flamboyant, loud ass prat version of him, or maybe the sentimental one. anyway, he’s staying up and finding his gf so that he can give her a new year’s kiss secretly because he’s romantic like that.

jan 1st: he will brush shoulders with origin members and decipher members, then appear at the theatre later on to watch from a distance and silently support silhouette.

#fmdcall #the way we can summarise this simply #joo: being old #sia: being dazed / lazy #aly: being cute #jun: being head over heels for his gf #also its almost 3am here i'll reply when i wake or reblog if this gets lost

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wisteriamoons · 4 years

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Pinky Promise AU

Summary: Kotoha Lives AU! This is called the Pinky Promise AU. In a oneshot I wrote called “Pinky Promise,” Kotoha managed to escape Douma’s cult and live in a Wisteria House with an older woman named Himari. Shinjuro and a group of demon slayers stay one night a month later and Kotoha is given a final push to become a demon slayer and, eventually, a Pillar. You can just refer to this summary or feel free to look up “pinky promise au” tag on my blog(Lowkey scared to link it as ya’know posts with links tend to not show up in tags)

Also if you are not fully caught up on the manga DO NOT PRESS ON unless you don’t mind spoilers!!

-Kotoha spends five years training in an undetermined breath at first, however, she finds it hard and wants something to fit her own feelings, so she makes her own breath style; Bell Breathing

-Inspired by the one-hundred and eight rings of the nearby Buddist bell on New Years Eve, she decides to make the style. She wants to inspire people like bells do, with a balanced form set and sweet, comforting sounds

-Kotoha took to the bell motif seriously, even making a bracelet of small suzu bells and wearing it around her dominant wrist. The balls inside that make the bells ring are removable, making stealth missions easier

-Kotoha’s Nichirin Blade is colored a sort of pastel shade of yellow, and has aesthetic-only empty bell shells tied with a red ribbon on the end of the hilt. The guard is bell-shaped, naturally.

-Her blade forager was in fact Haganezuka, being one of the few people who stuck around even with his more rather… extreme personality. She’s one of his first clients, and they have a fairly close friendship-- she always has mitarashi dango for him when he visits or when she visits. She hasn’t broken her blade thus far

-Her uniform is the usual one but with a under-the-knee-length skirt like Kanao’s. She wears yellow tabi with zori underneath. She has a dark blue haori with yellow/white suzu bell designs all over it. She also wears her hair in a tight bun with a comb kinzashi with purple flowers and blue ribbon--she considers it a good luck charm. She also wears a bird masquerade mask and a cloth to wrap her hair in to cover her identity when on slaying missions, because,

-Kotoha is mainly into undercover and stealth missions due to her flexibility and natural beauty, making her fit in just about anywhere. She wears a kimono and more plain haori when out on such missions. No one suspects such a beautiful and gentle woman!

-Inosuke loves the sound of bells while growing up ‘cause they remind him heavily of his mother. He starts collecting various bells at the age of seven, keeping them in his room in the Hashibira Estate. Tanjiro finds this sweet while Zenitsu laughs at him for being so rough yet has such a soft hobby. Inosuke might’ve whacked him a couple times because of this

-Kotoha is a mother first, demon slayer second. Never changes, even after she becomes a Pillar

-Speaking of which, it only takes her up to a year to become a Pillar. She kept on insisting to take jobs, so her demon count rose very quickly. She also mastered Total Concentration within weeks with Himari and her mentor’s help

-Her and Inosuke have a very very close familial bond. They tell each other almost everything with no hesitance and do many things together. They might have one argument every few months, but it’s usually over something silly and it’s resolved quickly

-Hell, Kotoha even offered to teach him Bell Breathing but he refused, having already started to develop his own technique (which would be obviously Beast Breathing)

-Kotoha is without a doubt one of if not the first Pillar to trust Nezuko. She trusts her son unwaveringly with every vein in her body, and if he trusts her, then she does too

-Because of her Pillar status, her Estate is close to the Butterfly Estate and she has a close relationship with the Kocho sisters. She cares a lot for them, and mothered them a lot, seeing them also as daughters she never had

-She also has a close relationship with the Rengoku family, Shinjuro being an older brother to her and Ruka like a sister, and Kyojuro and Senjuro being nephews. Though they also saw her a second mother on occasion. Shinjuro helps Kotoha get used to being a Pillar and gave her advice before his wife’s death and subsequent alcoholism. Their relationship becomes strained after this, for obvious reasons

-On a lighter note, this means Inosuke is much closer to Kyojuro and Senjuro, having grown up with them, he sees them as brothers--making Kyojuro’s death a little more harder :)

-Speaking upon Inosuke, Inosuke has his original personality and abilities intact, but with more… class?

-He still likes to be competitive and has a stupidly high temper, but he’s also not constantly headbutting people and has slight more consideration of others. Also doesn’t have his boar head, and wears the normal demon slaying uniform (though has a habit of discarding the upper layer, and usually doesn’t wear a haori unless it’s winter). Still dumb as rocks though

-He also still prefers his swords chipped, but his original swords being chipped was from training too much with normal swords and found that when they’re chipped they cut better to him (plus lets be real he likes how they look) When he deliberately chips his new ones Kotoha does scold him for it for disrespecting his sword and sword maker, though admittedly found it just a tiny bit amusing

-He also adored animals as a child, finding boars especially to be really cool and studied their movements a lot along with other animals, which influenced him in many, many ways

-Inosuke can’t help but perhaps sometimes feel a little inferior compared to his mother. Don’t get me wrong, he loves her with every goddamn breath and won’t hesitate to tell her, but sometimes he feels he can’t match her skill. Kotoha tries to treat him equally but sometimes her constant mothering and protectiveness can be grating

-Kotoha holds a heavy grudge against Douma for basically fucking with her, and it only grows deeper after Kanae’s death. She’s in on Shinobu’s poisoning plan, and while she’s against it she knows she can’t stop Shinobu. Makes Shinobu’s death hard on Kotoha because she knows she should’ve been more assertive, but also knows it was what Shinobu wanted

-Inosuke still has a tight platonic bond with Shinobu, though he sees her more of a sister than a mother for obvious reasons. He also has a soft spot for Kanao, and while she’s older than him he still treats her like a little sister anyway. He was probably the first person she met around her age after being adopted into the Kocho family. Inosuke wasn’t too close to Kanae, but was also saddened and angry after her passing by a demon’s hands

-Inosuke is also on pretty decent terms with the little sister trio (they like to play with his hair, he lets them while he eats usually), though has a sort of tough relationship with Aoi since they both tend to clash heads. A bit of a crumb for you AoIno(?) shippers, but the two are on decently friendly terms, finding each other tolerable enough, they’re just both stubborn

-Kotoha also never tells Inosuke, at least not at first, why they lived in a Wisteria House and why Himari wasn’t his real grandma despite thinking she was. She fears it might bring him trauma or nightmares, big plus she doesn’t want him going after Douma

-It was a slight bit of a hassle for Inosuke to make his mother agree to making him a demon slayer too; she was obviously worried for his safety, but eventually wore down, but made him promise he try to be as careful as possible. This is obviously not followed through for many reasons, but we already know them so I won’t go into too much detail

-Treats pretty much almost everyone younger than her like her children in some way, shape, or form. She’s a heavy mother figure to everyone and wears this with pride (even if she sometimes doesn’t realize it)

-In fact, Zenitsu, Kyojuro, and Mitsuri are big offenders on accidentally calling her mom. It’s less accidental for Kyojuro as he knows he sees her as a mother and has been doing it ever since they met (‘cause children do that, it’s just grown to be a habit at this point, and plus Ruka never minded so it doesn’t bother him) though he’s more likely to call her “Aunt Koto” around others by now

-She’s close to Mitsuri and they sometimes swap feminine advice and cook together, and Mitsuri isn’t as embarrassed by calling her mom now than she was the first time she did. They have a tight bond and Kotoha sees her as the daughter she never had, exchanging secrets as well

-Zenitsu has an unclear past, so I hc that his parents were probably neglectful or died by the time of his debt. So, Kotoha becomes the mother figure he hasn’t had/never had in a long time. He def didn’t realize it at first and became heavily flustered and mortified. Kotoha found it adorable. Inosuke isn’t a big fan of this btw aksjasj but he tolerates it a little more as time goes on

-Zenitsu has had such a big helping of respect women juice because of Kotoha that he is less flirtatious and weird about girls, though his love for Nezuko doesn’t waver in the slightest

-Tanjiro also sees her as a mother, heavily reminding him of his own mother in fact. He respects her a lot, and even has platonic affection for her, especially after she so quickly accepts Nezuko despite her hate against demons

-She smells like freshly baked bread and flowers, and has a calming presence. She has a sweet sound to her, like suzu bells, as Zenitsu puts it

-Also she teaches Tanjiro how to properly take care of Nezuko’s hair and the like so Nezuko’s hair isn’t always a rat’s nest when they come back to the Estates

-Nezuko, speaking of, like Tamayo sees Kotoha as her own mother. Thus, Nezuko always feels calm around her and lets her wash her clothes and brush her hair

-Sanemi and Genya have subconscious drawings towards her, as the pattern keeps going, they see a lot of their own mom in her. While neither of them have called her mom ‘cause it’s painful to even think about, there’s no doubt they’ve had fleeting thoughts about her being a mom to them

-Muichiro also subconsciously sees her as a mother, with his memories gone he has no qualms about it but he doesn’t let it slip out loud. Likes it when she brushes his hair though. After his memories begin to return he doesn’t regret thinking of her as a mother

-Giyuu doesn’t have many maternal feelings, finding her protective nature to be a bit overwhelming, however he doesn’t hate her. In fact, Kotoha doesn’t hate him at all and loves him a lot. I think maybe he might see his sister in her a little actually

-Uzui has zero maternal feelings towards her as well, in fact he probably flirted with her a little. Nothing huge or meaningful, just harmless, it’s who he is. She never really realized it anyway, seeing him as just being nice, and cared enough but not enough to see him as a son. Saw her techniques as flamboyant, of course, and she was saddened by his departure from the Pillars

-Obanai feels a little… indifferent? Towards her? Like, he doesn’t hate her, but I don’t think he’d quite see her as a mother figure either. He does admire her drive though, and she cares about him enough to make them good partners in combat if need be

-Gyomei doesn’t have maternal feelings towards her either, since they’re extremely close in age, same for Kotoha. But he still does also admire her, tbh I can see them being more like just good friends and confidants. Being the two oldest Pillars they have much in common

-Kotoha and Ubuyashiki have a typical follower/leader relationship, considering he’s much younger than her she doesn’t see him as a father figure, but she does admire him a lot and is extremely loyal to him. She also finds his kids to be adorable and is friendly with his wife (Edit: I realize Kotoha most likely met him when he was 13-14, so yeah, def doesn’t see him as a father figure or anything. Probably thought he was adorable too aksjaksj)

-You want to face off both mother and son? Don’t.

-Seriously, don’t.

-You’ll regret it.

-See, they’re both ferociously protective of each other, and bounce off each other so well it’s fuckin bonkers! They go hand-in-hand, easily matching their breaths and everything. They’re like a machine together in battle. When they’re on their own they do well but when they’re together they do exceptionally. It’s both amazing and downright terrifying

-Need advice? Need a shoulder to cry on? Kotoha has your back

-Also, at least once a month all Pillars and any visiting demon slayers are invited to a feast at Kotoha’s, cooked by the woman herself and occasionally with the help of Mitsuri and Shinobu. The Ubuyashiki’s are always invited, but they never really make it. It’s still one night without any worry, just bonding time and fun, and that’s what matters

-Mother and son constantly write each other letters when apart, no matter how many miles are in between them, and give them to their crow to deliver. If one party doesn’t reply after the given time, the other is instantly going to look for them no matter what

-Also, I hc that Inosuke has ADHD and social anxiety. Kotoha is very patient with him and helps him through the daily struggles they bring, and he’s so grateful for this.

-While I don’t have any ships in mind for this au (except perhaps KanTan and ZenNezu, maybe AoIno if you squint), if anyone wants to take this au and mold it to their own ship (within reason--if I find you use this au to ship pedo/incest I will find you) I give you full permission. However, if you find yourself shipping Kotoha with anyone, I would like to note that she has a few walls put up due to the abuse she suffered, and it isn’t too easy for her to fall in love

Bell Breathing and it’s Techniques/Forms

-Bell Breathing involves a lot of speed, along with agility and grace. Kotoha became more flexible and obviously more quicker, along with some muscle. It involves many parries, quick strikes and counters.

-Kotoha developed this with her newly gained strength and her natural swiftness in mind, along with her warm personality

-There are currently six forms, three mainly defense and three offense.

-First Form: Voided Ringing- The user steps out of range of an attack before replacing it with their sword, slashing in an upwards motion at whatever the enemy was about to attack with

-Second Form: Suzu Dance- The user advances on their opponent slashing their blade in swift, shallow motions, aiming mainly for the arms

-Third Form: Crotal Advance- The user blocks their entire body with their blade, using all their strength, and then they twist the blade to slash whatever is attacking them

-Fourth Form: Chiming Deflection- The user deflects attacks in a circular motion with quick succession

-Fifth Form: Quiet Ringing in Winter- Much like Blessed Rain after the Drought, this move is used when an enemy surrenders, making it a swift and painless death, making a soft sound like jingle bells during Christmas--or, rather, like suzu bells during a Kagura dance

-Sixth Form: The Death Bell Tolls- The user goes as fast as possible, quite like they’re dancing around their opponent and then strike from the air, going straight for the neck in one swift round motion, making a sound like the ringing of a bell

Extra: I made Bell Breathing without one breath in mind as I researched different sword techniques and looked at all the breathing styles, and while I’ve been leaning towards Wind, Thunder/Sound or Water, but if anyone has an idea I’m open to hearing it

#kny #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer #kotoha hashibira #inosuke hashibira #pinky promise au #kotoha lives au #gonna repeat myself i refuse to believe kotoha kept her husband's last name much less gave it to her son #so her last name is hashibira #kny spoilers #kotoha becomes a pillar weehee #i am no expert on making breathing styles which is why i studied each one + irl sword techniques closely before thinking on bell breathing #so sorry if there seems to be any weird overlapping #i had TOO much fun making this au i really want to write more for it actually #sorry it's super long too but i like. i just had to get EVERY thought out

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diego-hargreeve2 · 5 years

Text

light in the dark

Part Thirteen

Fandom: The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)

Ship: Diego Hargreeves x Original Character

Warnings: Language, abuse (emotional and physical), mental illness, violence and, in later chapters, smut.

Detective Patch was not happy - and she knew exactly who was to blame. Which was why she found herself sat in her car, in the early hours of the morning, outside Al’s Gym, staring at the road instead of at her house, eating chips and reading trash novels to unwind. It almost reminded her of the old days in a way, waiting for Diego to be done with dispensing his specific brand of justice - not a past she wanted to return to. However much affection she held for her friend, their relationship had never worked outside the bedroom. Patch wanted more stability then he could offer.

As his car pulled up she sat up straighter, throwing open the door and stepping out. Folding her arms she stared down his rust bucket as the headlights cut out and Diego emerged, the same cocky smile he always wore when interacting with her.

“That file contained private information Hargreeves” she told him, getting straight down to business.

“Nice to see you too Eudora” he drawled, using the car door as a shield between them as he leaned one arm on the roof.

“Don’t play cute with me - that man was a witness, and you’ve just ruined my investigation. I’ve told you to stay out my cases!” Diego glanced into the car, as though not even listening to her, and Patch followed his gaze to the young woman sat in the passenger seat, her eyes huge and round, the look of anxiety and fear so obvious it would have set off alarm bells in a person with far less experience than her in spotting vulnerable people.

“What the hell - are you adding kidnapping to your list of crimes now Diego?” Patch demanded, walking around the car. Diego’s history of going after snitches and informants as well as the outright criminals had her jumping to conclusions.

“The hell? I’ve not kidnapped her - that’s your first thought?!” Diego was genuinely offended at the suggestion.

He moved fast, slamming his door, and trying to get around the bonnet, but she had a head start and was the one to yank open passenger door and look down at the blonde, who visibly flinched away from her - and who was, incongruously, hugging a bag of Chinese takeout against her chest.

Before Patch had managed to process this, Diego was at her side, one hand gentle on her shoulder as he pulled Eudora back from the car slightly, but his touch was far less aggressive than the response he’d given to her question .

“Are you okay, miss?” Patch said, her attention on the girl as one hand swivelled her badge, still hanging round her neck, to show her. She wasn’t thinking Diego would have kidnapped anyone for nefarious reasons - but she wouldn’t put it past him to have a witness or a somebody involved to get more information. However good his overall intent, she was drawing the line at this, but Diego just scoffed, rolling his eyes. He dropped down into a crouch, looking up at the blonde from that angle - and Patch didn’t miss the way his gaze softened as he looked at the stranger. She had seen that look many times. Back when they were a couple Diego would look at her the same way sometimes, but it had been a vulnerability he rarely revealed, reserved for when the two were in private. The expression was enough to have her look at the blonde with more curiosity - and a touch more understanding as well. Not here against her will - just startled at her boyfriend being accosted by a cop when they were heading back to his place to eat takeout food.

Evie met Diego’s gaze, waiting for some explanation of this odd situation. She had been startled by the raised voice, the sudden accusations, more worried at the trouble Diego might be in than he was - and learning that the woman was a police officer did not help settle her nerves. To her, cops weren’t people to be relied upon and sought out when you needed safety. She had been moved along by cops many times in her life, trying to just find somewhere to sleep for a couple of hours and being directed to get out of there by police. They’d never been a protective factor in her life.

“You’re alright kid. This is Eudora. She’s an old friend”. Old flame might have been more accurate, but Diego wasn’t sure how Eve would react to learning this was his ex-girlfriend and figured that gave her enough information to be working on as he straightened back up. He adopted his former pose again, one elbow on the car roof, half shielding Evie with his body as he turned back to Patch.

“You know I hate being called Eudora” she grumbled, reigning in her annoyance at his actions. “I’m Patch” she said, offering the girl a reassuring smile. Evie eyed her a moment before getting out the car, her nerves still apparent in the way she crushed the bag, hugging it against her chest. She offered a tremulous smile and a hand, half covered by the sleeve, to make proper introductions.

“Eve” she offered, leaning against Diego for reassurance and he dropped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in and pressing a kiss against the crown of her head. Patch filed all this away, taking the girl’s hand in a grip gentler than she usually used as she shook hands.

“Nice to meet you Eve”.

Diego could see the calculation in Patch’s gaze. Part of why she was a good detective was that she could be gentle and friendly, so people warmed up to her, and underestimated her - those dark eyes saw plenty, and figured out more. It wasn’t with the gaze of an ex-girlfriend that she eyed Evie, it was as a detective, figuring out as much as possible and he straightened his back, squaring his shoulders without realising as though to make himself larger and more intimidating - a tactic that would never work on Patch, who knew him far too well. She had seen him with knives, knew how deadly he could be, and yet she had never hesitated to go toe to toe with him.

“Go inside angel” he murmured, yanking a key out his pocket and handing it over to Evie. She looked up at him as she took it from his hand, worried, but he flashed her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be in in a minute” he assured her, hand dropping to her lower back and guiding her forward slightly. Evie took the hint, moving past Patch and offering an apologetic smile before heading for the gym. Neither Diego or Patch spoke as she walked away, and when she glanced over her shoulder at the door she saw both watching her.

When Eve was inside and the door was closed Patch turned back to Diego, her arms folded again in the pose she always adopted when lecturing him.

“Who is she?”

“Not like you to be jealous-“

“I’m not jealous” she pointed out, rolling her eyes - and it was true. There was none of the envy and old possessiveness of an ex-girlfriend, her tone was far closer to the questioning she adopted during investigations. It wasn’t Diego that Eve feared, but there were enough signs there to provoke her concern - the same body language she saw in domestic violence victims, the same nerves and stance, the look in the eyes. It wouldn’t be Diego who had beaten her, and in truth, Patch wasn’t concerned he’d be taking advantage either. Whatever Diego’s faults that ruined their relationship, he was a good man, and a mamma’s boy which left him with respect for women - but she was concerned still.

“You heard her. She’s Evie” he said, leaning against the car and folding his arms as well.

“She looked terrified”.

“Of you, not me. You startled her” Diego pointed out. Not that he could be too harsh on Patch for doing so, Evie frightened easily, and Eudora hadn’t done it on purpose.

Patch sighed, dropping her combative stance and confrontational tone.

“Just - be careful, yeah”.

“Careful of what?”

“You lead a dangerous life. She doesn’t look like she could handle the consequences of that” Patch told him, her tone softer and kinder now. He frowned, bristling still at the suggestion, but Patch was too tired to argue with Diego.

“Stay out my car, out my files and out my cases. Your visit earlier has probably just lost any chance of getting a conviction - and that’s how we actually help people. Putting dangerous people behind bars-”

“By working with prison snitches?” He interrupted with a snort.

“Informants trying – hoping - to get out the cycle” she stressed gently. “I’m going home Diego. Enjoy your dinner - and take care of Eve” she said, turning to walk away.

In the old days he’d have checked out her ass. It had taken Diego a very long time to get past his old feelings - truthfully, it had taken the arrival of Evie. It was a first for him that, instead of watching Eudora as she walked away, remembering how that sway looked without clothes, that he frowned, focused on her words instead.

He watched her get in her car and drive away before he moved, slamming the door and headed inside the gym - where Eve had hovered on the other side of the door, waiting for him, still hugging the bag to her stomach.

“Are you okay?” She asked and he smiled, the expression hidden by the half-darkness she was waiting in, as he shut the door and leaned down to kiss her cheek.

“Of course”. He hit the light switch and took the key from her, turning to lock the door. She was still stood there, concern etched all over her face, when he turned back around and he chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “It’s nothing - long story, but no big deal” he insisted, sliding an arm around her waist and Eve finally moved, looking at him sideways as they began to trace the now familiar path through the gym and down to the basement boiler room.

“You ruined her case?”

“Ah, she’s just saying that. Don’t worry Evie” he assured her, dropping the hand from her waist as he beginning to peel off his gloves. Her questions weren’t going to get anywhere with him, she knew he could be stubborn, and she fell silent as she headed down the stairs, waiting till they were in his room before she tried again.

“How do you know her?” She asked, not looking to him as she began pulling cartons out the bag.

“We were at police academy together” he told her, unbuckling his harness and hanging it up. “Then...” he considered his response and chose to omit the truth.

He had loved Eudora. He still cared, that was true. Their relationship had always been based on flirtation, both when they first met, through their relationship and since she had ended things - although lately, only on his side. Getting over her had been hard. She was a good person, she’d always been patient with him and his ways, but they were different with different ways of looking at the world - and that had led to arguments. For a long time, Diego had hoped she might change her mind. He didn’t hope that anymore. Rather than worry Evie - because he strongly suspected the truth would receive a bad response - he left it out.

“We stayed friends. We work in the same business after all” he said, walking over to where Evie stood. He pressed himself against her back, hands resting on her hips as he leaned down to kiss her neck. The affection was, in his mind, a form of reassurance - but of course, she didn’t know that given that she didn’t know his history with Patch. Diego was always tactile. Their relationship had been ongoing for a few weeks, but it wasn’t that he was this way because of their relationship was still in its honeymoon period. He was a physical person, and more than that, he was fiercely protective over Evie in a way he never had been with a girl before.

He hadn’t had many girlfriends. Beyond Eudora his history was focused on brief hook ups that never lasted or involved enough emotion to count as a relationship. Patch had been able to take care of herself; he’d rarely felt this emotion with her that he felt so often with Evie. An urge to shelter her, to hold her close and mark her as his to keep anyone else away, to ensure she never had to face danger again - he preferred to be in contact with her whenever he could. And she had no issue with this, happy to be within the reach of his arm at all time, comforted by his presence which helped soothe the nervous fretting in her chest. His touch, the kiss on her neck, didn’t raise any warning bells and it didn’t occur to her to see an ulterior motive. Instead Eve leaned back against him, the worry she had felt during Patch’s confrontation fading as she felt the solidness of his chest. His arms snaked around her, his teeth grazing her skin and she giggled slightly even as she felt her body reacting, something she had become far more familiar with. Evie was no longer confused by the twist of heat flooding through her stomach when she saw him shirtless.

Turning in the circle of his arms she pressed herself against him, confidence in his attraction to her making her more daring - in this area of her life at least, it had yet to transfer anywhere else.

“I would hardly think you could describe what you do as being in any business” she told him, ignoring the way his hands slid down to her ass now she faced him.

“Call it what you like”. He wasn’t in the mood to discuss the matter, his mouth back on her neck, Eve tipping her head back to offer him access. His teeth grazed her skin, eliciting a gasp from her, as he gripped her tighter and pulled her body flush against his – in truth, to reassure himself, not her, that the girl he wanted was in his arms, and he no longer longed for Eudora.

“Dinner will get cold” she pointed out, even as her eyes closed with pleasure. He chuckled, but didn’t stop, nipping at her neck before opening his mouth to suck on the skin he’d just bitten, determined to leave a mark. She slid her hands up to his hair, griping the short strands with her fingers till he lifted his head.

“You could fix that” he pointed out after a moment; the words murmured against her skin so she could feel the air from his speech against the wet mark he had left.

“Or we could eat first”.

“This first. Then eat. Then maybe a second time” Diego said, lifting his head and she laughed softly but she didn’t say no, and when his hands slid down to grab the back of her thighs she grabbed his neck and let him pick her up and carry her across to the bed.

Patch was the past. He was letting that go. Evie was the present…and the future.

on this blog we love eudora...even if i dont ship her with diego as an endgame

@lovinglydiego @klausbutgayer @reblogserpent @me125 @fatbottomedcurls @mrsdiegohargreeves @carryon-doctor-lock @rhymesmenagerie

#light in the dark #diego hargreeves x oc #tua fanfic #tua oc

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misssophiachase · 5 years

Photo

So, I got this request a while ago but for some reason couldn’t answer it but have done a screen shot so I can reply. I hope you can find this Alice : ) To be honest my NFL knowledge is extremely low but I tried to incorporate some of the things you suggested. And by the way, great idea! Caroline would be an absolute boss in the NFL (she’d be an absolute boss anywhere though, right?)

Playing to Win

Monday - Philadelphia, PA

Klaus Mikaelson hated a lot of things but nothing more than this ridiculous ‘sport’ he was witnessing from the stands. Obviously the sold out crowd at Lincoln Financial Field didn’t agree with his assessment of ‘football.’ Klaus may have been thinking it but the air quotes were still relevant. But they were Americans after all.

Klaus wasn’t a huge sport fan, he did however appreciate real football (sans air quotes). Those Americans who called it soccer obviously did not.

Klaus reminded himself, albeit grudgingly, he was only here for work and after he completed this one, tedious interview for Marcel he’d have his exclusive with famed artist Bonnie Bennett at her anticipated exhibition opening the following night.

“Please tell me I’m not stuck with another Bears fan,” the older woman to his immediate right, who had been wildly cheering only moments earlier, drawled.

“The Bears?” He asked, his lips moving before his brain could catch up.

“You know the opposing team from Chicago?” She shot back, pointing towards the huge scoreboard across the field. “Not the brown, furry kind.”

“Oh,” he conceded, consulting it properly for the first time. “No, I’m not from Chicago.”

“I’m not sure whether to be relieved that you’re not a Bears supporter or alarmed that you seem to have no football knowledge whatsoever.”

“No need to be alarmed, it’s not the end of the world,” he quipped, flashing her his best smile and hoping to end the awkward conversation sooner rather than later.

“You’re not the one who’s going to be hit with a barrage of questions about how the game works.”

“I’m fine, I assure you, Ma’am,” he replied politely.

“So, what exactly is an English, clearly non-football fan doing here at a game in Philadelphia?”

“Who exactly was going to be asking that barrage of questions?” He teased.

“Well, it’s half time. I’m bored and peckish to be honest,” she explained, before snatching his left over popcorn. “And I’m also extremely nosy when I want to be, just ask my daughter. She also happens to be single, you know in case you were wondering.”

Klaus shook his head wondering how this conversation he hadn’t entertained had turned from football to a possible blind date.

“Oh well, if she’s like you then I don’t think we’d have too much in common,” he observed.

“For once, I think you’re right,” she chuckled before adding. “But they do say opposites attract.” Klaus mentally rolled his eyes thinking this woman was extremely persistent.

And he was right.

She proceeded to coach him on the rules from the sidelines even though he never asked. The Eagles were triumphant and Klaus couldn’t help but feel a little buoyed by the fact as the excited crowd cheered around him. Not that he’d admit that to his insistent, but friendly, neighbour.

1 hour later....

Caroline Forbes hated interviews.

With a passion.

So much so that her palms were sweaty and no matter how many times she ran them over her jeans it made no difference. In public she oozed confidence and professionalism but unexpected questions seemed to make her incredibly nervous.

When she’d made her way up to the professional coaching level for the Philadelphia Eagles last year, Caroline wasn’t quite sure how she’d be perceived.

She wasn’t the first ever female coach in the NFL. Jen Welter from the Atlanta Cardinals had become one of her inspirations in 2015 after her promotion and it had given Caroline the confidence to try and emulate her journey in the male dominated NFL.

Of course it wasn’t an easy road. She had cheered at High School and through College, something idiotic males liked to remind her about at every opportunity. But it had been her mom, the local town Sheriff and huge football fan, who’d made Caroline believe anything was possible.

Being named as coach was one of the best days of her professional career but for some reason the fact she was blonde and pretty was more interesting than her actual experience and CV.

When the New York Times had approached Caroline for an interview on the eve of the finals she’d been dubious. But she had eventually relented, mainly because her publicist, and best friend since kindergarten, Katherine had threatened to reveal her innermost sexual fantasies to the press. She realised then that you should never mix business with pleasure.

After all the jokes, Katherine had told her that Marcel Gerard was a good guy she could trust even if his wife Rebekah had some icy tendencies.

“Miss Forbes?” Caroline had to admit the low, almost sexual rumble he emitted was messing with her concentration and she hadn’t even seen him yet. She decided to blame it on nerves.

Although upon turning around, Caroline realised her first instincts were correct. Not only did he sound delicious he looked it too. Dressed in a navy henley and dark jeans with deep, crimson lips and a set of disarming dimples this guy was not what she was expecting.

At all.

“That’s me, who are you?”

“Well, last time I checked, I was interviewing you for the Times,” he offered gingerly. “I’m Klaus Mikaelson.”

“I was expecting the Sports Editor, Marcel Gerard.” Marcel was the most well-known reporter in the game and probably why she’d been so nervous to meet him. But instead she had this gorgeous replacement.

Caroline couldn’t decide which was more nerve wracking.

“He had to cancel due to personal issues,” he responded. By his expression and tone, Caroline knew there was more to the story.

“Fine,” she exhaled, moving towards the couch. “Let’s get this over and done with then.”

“Charming,” he joked sarcastically, taking his place on the couch and removing his equipment. It was difficult to miss the way his henley moved up and exposed his the pale but smooth skin of his lower back.

Caroline shook her head, wondering if being flustered was better than being nervous. “So, which team do you follow?” It was usually a safe, opening question that invited discussion and the right amount of banter.

“Team? In the NFL?” He paused momentarily, Caroline slightly intrigued by his eventual response.

“No, the English Premier League,” she chuckled. “You know that other football.”

“There’s only one...” he shot back before stopping and intriguing Caroline more. “If you must know I’m a big Chicago Bears fan.”

“Wow, this isn’t going to be an awkward interview at all, sorry about that whole losing thing tonight.”

“I’m okay with losing,” he offered. “But how do you deal with it?”

“Well, I suppose I just take it in my stride,” she bristled. “Nobody likes a sore loser.”

“Yet, your body language is telling me something else entirely,” he observed. “You hate to lose.”

“If that’s your angle Mr Mikaelson then it’s not very original from a football standpoint. There’s nothing wrong with a healthy, competitive streak. I’m sure you feel the same way when Mitch Trubisky is making his way to the goal line.”

“Well...”

“Mitch Trubisky you say? The Quarterback from the Bears,” a voice interrupted. Caroline’s eyes diverted to the doorway noticing her familiar visitor.

“Just invite yourself in mom,” she drawled sarcastically.

“Mum?” The curious journalist inquired, his attention now firmly focused on the door too. Caroline had no idea what was happening but it was never a good idea for her mom to be present during interviews because she liked to share each and every childhood memory no matter how mortifyingly embarrassing.

“Liz Forbes, nice to meet you,” she greeted, making her way into the room and sitting by his side. If Caroline was being honest, they seemed almost comfortable with each other. “I thought I’d sit in on the interview.”

Caroline obviously had no choice and it seemed that given his confused expression Klaus felt the same way.

Tuesday - Philadelphia, PA

Klaus was still trying to work out when things went wrong. His only job was to interview Eagles Coach Caroline Forbes for Marcel and then move on to his real assignment.

But for some reason, rather than feeling excited for his exclusive with Bonnie Bennett at her gallery, Klaus could only replay last night’s events on a continual loop in his head.

It had started well enough, even though he knew nothing about American Football. He’d been rattled from the outset because Caroline Forbes wasn’t what he was expecting. Sure he’d seen photos before and she was beautiful but the passionate, forthright and intelligent woman he met only made him want to know more.

Much more.

Until her mother, who just happened to be his neighbour during the game, appeared mid interview. His mind played back to their conversation and her daughter’s single status and the fact she wanted to play matchmaker.

The interview went south very quickly and the fact he knew nothing about football was the least of his worries. It ended with Caroline annoyed that he hadn’t bothered to do his research or take her seriously. If Klaus was being honest she was right but it also had a lot to do with her mother’s presence and obvious intentions to matchmake.

His cell buzzed indicating a call from his brother-in-law. He’d already let the last three go to voicemail so figured he should just answer.

“What in the hell did you do?”

“No hello, how are you, mate?”

“Don’t mate me,” he growled. “What did you do to Caroline Forbes? You do realise that her publicist has the ability to emasculate someone over the phone, right?”

“And did she?”

“No comment,” he muttered like a true journalist, telling Klaus that she most definitely had. He didn’t know the woman but his respect for her had skyrocketed in that moment.

Although he and Marcel were brothers and now colleagues at the Times, Klaus loved to tease him incessantly. If someone had told him years ago that they’d all be working together as a family he would have laughed. They were all billionaires and the Mikaelson Publishing empire boasted a multitude of newspapers across the globe but Esther’s last wish in her will was that they’d work together on the New York Times in all capacities.

For a family that had spent so much time apart, Esther was determined to do what she could to bring them together. Sure they fought, a lot, but Klaus had decided it wasn’t half bad. He loved the arts scene and was happy to be the editor of that section. In New York, especially, it was one of the most read, no doubt due to his knowledge and passion for the subject.

“You realise I’m not into NFL at all, right?”

“That’s why I gave you all that information to study on the airplane, genius,” he drawled. “It is called research.”

“I started but then fell asleep it was that boring.”

“Of course you did,” he shot back. “But I know you are the king of pretence, so what actually happened?”

“Nothing,” Klaus lied.

“So convincing,” he growled. “What happened? Otherwise I call Bonnie’s publicist, who by the way happens to be the emasculating one, and cancel the interview.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Then obviously you don’t know me very well after all these years,” he goaded.

“Turns out I was seated next to her mother during the game who was hellbent on matchmaking us,” he explained. “Then she appeared during the interview and given my brief knowledge of the NFL and that added surprise things kind of became awkward and fell apart.”

“So you were attracted to her?”

“Excuse me?”

“Klaus Mikaelson can pretend in any situation, I’ve witnessed it. Seems like you really like this one. I’m sure Rebekah will be happy to know that you have a heart buried under all that hostility.”

“You have every right to question my professionalism Marcellus but this conversation is entering into something resembling the twilight zone. And I have an interview to do.”

“This isn’t over,” he warned before disconnecting. Klaus knew he had other more pressing concerns and felt bad that his behaviour had interrupted that.

Removing his coat and scarf on entry to the gallery, Klaus looked around curiously. The artwork adorning the walls was stunning as expected but the best view was at 3 o’clock.

He wasn’t expecting her but it seemed as if the universe was giving him a second chance. She looked beautiful, obviously it was her default setting, and was standing by the artist in question sipping champagne.

Klaus was a confident person for the most part but he felt rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do or say. This was most definitely a first.

“So, you’re the arrogant reporter Marcel sent?” She deduced. Klaus hadn’t even realised her presence until then.

“I’m assuming you’re the woman who can emasculate without any warning? Kudos to you, I’ve always wanted that power over my brother-in-law just to mess with him.”

“I see my reputation precedes me,” she chuckled. “Marcel likes to pretend he’s the man but...”

“He’s really not,” Klaus finished. “To be fair he’s been dealing with a few issues on the home front. So, sending me wasn’t his fault.”

“I only emasculate for fun,” she murmured, a new sincerity creeping into her voice. “Marcel is a good guy and I’m sure whatever he’s dealing with will turn out okay.”

Klaus wasn’t quite so sure but plastered the same brave face he’d mastered recently. “I’m sure. Although I’m curious why you’d let me interview Bonnie after what happened with...”

“Caroline? I’ll admit it was a concern but I’m going to put it out there and say other forces were at work last night.”

“Other forces?”

“Well, Liz for one thing. As much as I love her like a mother she can be extremely intense and nothing gets in the way of finding a suitable partner for Caroline.”

“I can concur,” he replied from experience.

“Plus, Caroline hasn’t stopped verbally abusing you since the interview and we all know what that means.”

“Means?”

“Look, your expertise and reach in the art world is amazing so interviewing Bonnie was a no brainer. But if it leads to something else with my other stubborn client, I’m not going to be upset.”

“Something else?” She breezed past him to avoid responding. Maybe he didn’t like her that much. His eyes found Carolines and suddenly Klaus felt stuck without much hope of moving. This was most definitely a first.

10 minutes later...

Why was he here, of all places?

Caroline wasn’t one to obsess over much but seeing Klaus here after last night was messing with her composure. After he fumbled through the interview, Caroline decided he was just like the others. For some reason it hurt more than she’d expected.

“I can see you thinking,” she quipped.

“I was thinking how amazing your work is, Bon,” she smiled, squeezing her hand and hoping her innermost thoughts weren’t really on display.

“Liar,” she joked. “Not about my art. Seems like someone else has gotten under your skin.”

“Just a lazy journalist who has now turned up to interview you, I hope he treats you better than he did me.”

“Have you spoken to Liz?”

“What does she have to do with this?” Caroline murmured, suddenly perplexed.

“Kat tells me she sat herself next to your ‘lazy’ journalist in hopes of matchmaking the two of you at the game from the outset, then turned up at the interview...”

“Oh god, no,” she hissed, head in hands. “Tell me it’s not true.” A few moments passed telling Caroline it was in fact the opposite. “If she wasn’t my mom...”

“It will be a cute story to tell your kids,” she joked.

“Kids?” She knew it was him before he arrived at such an awkward moment.

“An age you can relate to,” she bit out, unable to help herself.

“Ouch,” he acknowledged. “I get it, I was a bad interviewer for so many reasons but just know it was never personal. I happen to think what you’ve achieved is amazing.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes and the fact I know nothing about football probably wasn’t the best way to meet. I’m an arts editor and was filling in but I should have made more of an effort.”

“So, you’re not a Bear’s fan then?”

“I’m not a fan of any team,” he admitted sheepishly. “In America that is. Your mum was a really good coach when it came to it, well except for the whole matchmaking scheme.”

“And for that I am extremely sorry,” she smiled, glad that things between them had softened somewhat. She’d always been protective over her heart and it seemed easy to write Klaus off as just another ass but it turns out he had persisted. “Liz can be extremely intense.”

“I kind of liked her, even if she did steal my popcorn at half time. Plus she did coach me about everything NFL.”

“Explains a lot,” she offered. “I’d be happy to redo the interview tomorrow if you’re free and have of course studied up on the team?”

“I need to be back in New York unfortunately,” Klaus winced. “Not many people know this but my sister is unwell and expecting some test results tomorrow and it’s vital we all be there.”

Caroline didn’t need any more information, it was obvious this guy was loyal to his family. He also seemed to like her mom which was a big tick in her book. Maybe she’d misjudged him after all.

“Of course.”

“But I’d be more than happy to reschedule when you’re free?” Caroline paused for a moment, trying to hide her excitement.

“In the interest of full disclosure I thought you should know that I’m a Liverpool fan,” she said, her lips finding their way to his ear given the noise reverberating throughout the room.

“Then I’m not sure you and this Manchester United fan can be friends, love,” his knowing tone telling Caroline he was smirking. “But surely we can work something out?”

“Maybe we can.”

Turns out opposites did attract and Liz Forbes was a great match maker, not that Klaus or Caroline would admit it aloud.

#playing to win #misssophiachase #klaroline drabbles #klaroline fanfiction #thanks alice #hope you like it

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krycss · 5 years

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Crossroads | oc:Alice Harkins/Arthur Morgan/Charles Smith

Prologue: Alice Joins A Gang

[Read on AO3]

- Next Chapter

I won't be changing anything from the canon, despite how sad some things might get, except for the fact that my character will be along for some of the missions. Yes, that means THAT is going to happen - I’m sorry. Or am I?

Alice Harkins joined the Van der Linde gang from it's early days. Growing up alongside the older Arthur Morgan, she can't help but feel an attraction to the man who taught her so much. When the gang gets the addition of one Charles Smith, Alice quickly realizes she's found herself in quite the predicament: She loves them both and both men not only share the feelings towards her, but towards each other as well. As the gang moves on from the tragedy at Blackwater, the three find themselves at a crossroads, embarking on a strange but happy journey together. Can they find a way to maintain their relationship while the gang that brought them together begins to crumble around them?

Alice Harkins was twelve years old when her life was turned, quite literally to ash. Living in a small town in Missouri, Alice just so happened to be away from home one blistering summer eve when her family’s home was burned down. By the time she returned, her home was but a pile of smoldering timber, thick black smoke swirling high into the sky. Her ma, pa, and younger brother were scattered about the yard – gun shots in each of their bodies the only evidence to what had happened.

Alice spent the next four years wandering from town to town. A shell of her former self. The happy little red-headed child was now a struggling teen, trying to survive in this cruel world. She became a pickpocket over the years. Stealing trinkets and money in order to afford food and, if she was particularly lucky, a roof over her head for a night.

It was one fateful afternoon that Alice spotted a new man wandering the streets of the backwater town she was currently holed up in. His carefree attitude and easy-to-pick satchel made him the perfect target in Alice’s eyes. She tailed him for most of the evening and when he finally stopped into the local saloon Alice made her move. At sixteen she knew just how to distract men – despite how degrading it made her feel. Adjusting her bodice she casually made her way over to the bar. From this close she could see just how handsome the man was. His dark blond hair fell in short tresses, just barely past his ears. But what drew her to him were his eyes – she spent far too long trying to decide if they were blue or green. Perhaps both. She found it easy to chat with the man, Arthur Morgan, she learned his name was. Perhaps it was his friendly demeanor, but Alice found herself telling Arthur things she had never told any of her other victims – about her family and growing up alone. She wasn’t too worried, she’d never see the man again.

The two spent what felt like hours in the saloon with casual conversation and a handful of drinks – although Alice was careful to simply nurse hers. When night fell Arthur made his farewell, leaving the saloon on wobbly legs with Alice’s help in getting down the rickety saloon stairs. As she helped him to the stables where he said he left his horse, Alice took advantage of his inebriated state to begin rifling through his satchel. She felt the distinct feel of money and various other items – despite its size the bag seemed to hold quite a lot of things for some reason. She continued laughing at whatever silly thing happened to come out of Arthur’s mouth. She just needed a few more seconds. Gripping onto the bills she went to pull her hand out when Arthur quickly grasped her wrist. His slurring had stopped and he pulled her around to the side of the stable, suddenly less drunk than before. Alice quickly realized she was the one who had been played.

“Little lady,” His voice rumbled lowly, “if you’d like to keep your hand, I’d suggest letting go now.”

Alice stared wide-eyed at the man. His face remained dark, but there was a hint of something behind his eyes – amusement?

Alice sighed.

“I have to admit, Mr. Morgan, this is a tad bit embarrassin’.” She sulked.

“It was clever, I’ll give ya that.” Arthur released her wrist. “But you’ve still got some learning to do if you’re going to continue this here line of work.” He hummed thoughtfully.

“What in the world are you talkin’ about?”

Arthur stared at her, his eyes staring down into her light blue ones.

“Not sure.” He scratched at the scruff on his chin. “I may have a proposition for you though. Meet me at the saloon, same time tomorrow? If you’re willing.”

Alice’s eyes widened.

“I was just robbin’ you…and you want to see me again?” She scoffed, crossing her arms.

Arthur laughed, it was a sharp thing but Alice felt herself fighting a smile at it.

“Let’s just say I know someone who might be able to help you out.”

“And who says I need help?”

Arthur stared down at her. Her head only reached his chest.

“Just think on it. I gotta get goin’.”

He waved her off as he entered the stable.

The next day Alice argued with herself for hours, and continued to argue with herself as she sat at a table in the corner of the saloon. Just as she was considering leaving for the umpteenth time that night, in walked Arthur Morgan, followed by another man. The other man was slightly older, black hair framing his sharp face. He held himself high, dressed in clothes far too sharp for him to be a local. The two sat down at the table with Alice.

“Glad to see you again, little lady.” Arthur smirked.

Alice huffed.

“Dutch, this is…Alice, yes?” Arthur looked for confirmation. “Alice, this here is Dutch.”

Alice stared at the man. The name sounded slightly familiar but she couldn’t remember if she’d seen him before.

“A pleasure to meet your acquaintance, miss.” Dutch smiled. “Arthur here tells me you have the makings of a rather fine pickpocket with the right help.”

There was no judgement from the man before her, in fact, Alice thought he seemed a little too eager. Apparently Arthur had told Dutch the things Alice had told him about herself. She regretted it immediately.

“We’ve got a family, of sorts, a small, ragtag group of people just like you. And we’d be more than happy to have you join us – if you’re willing. We’ve been in need of someone with your particular skillset for a while now.” Dutch’s eyes gleamed in the lantern-light of the saloon.

“What kind of group needs a pickpocket?” Alice questioned.

Arthur leaned forward.

“The kind that makes a habit of surviving doing very similar things.”

“So…a gang?” Alice lowered her voice at the end.

Dutch hummed in agreement.

Alice’s brain kicked into gear.

“Are-Are you Dutch’s Boys?!” Alice whispered loudly.

Arthur’s back straightened up as he glanced around, making sure no one heard. Dutch simply laughed heartily.

“Ya’ll have been causing quite a storm with all your robberies of late”

Ever since their first big heist in 1887, Alice had been following the news of the gang robbing their way across the Midwest through whatever means over the past two years. She never learned how to read before her parents were killed so the most she got was from overhearing others talk about them.

Alice tried to hold her excitement in but it must have been apparent on her face as Dutch’s smile grew wide.

“That’s the goal, miss. And, if you’d like, we’d be more than willing to give you a place to stay if you’re willing to put in the work.” Dutch folded his hands on the table. “You’d have a family with us. Arthur here was just like you when we took him in – an orphan making it on his own on the streets.”

Arthur smiled fondly at Dutch, Alice could tell there was a deep respect for the man. She sat there for a moment, but she already knew her answer. Standing up, she held her hand out towards Dutch who was quick to grasp it between his own two hands.

Alice quickly found herself playing the role of a sister to John Marston who was the same age as herself. They were taught to read together by the very friendly Hosea Matthews- who found Alice to be the better-behaved student. The other members of the gang at the time were Susan Grimshaw, who Alice found to be a hard but hardworking woman, Hosea’s wife Bessie, and Annabelle. Alice quickly took a shine to Arthur’s dog, Copper.

Her first few years with the gang were spent learning how to properly shoot by Arthur, picking up her pickpocket skills with the help of Dutch, and the learning how to better con people by Hosea. Over the years, since her time joining in 1889 to 1894 the gang went through many changes. The loss of Annabelle by Colm O’Driscoll was a stark reminder to Alice of how cruel the world is – eventually the gang would also lose Bessie, another reminder. However the gang also grew and prospered as they continued to travel. They met the Callander boys, Mac and Davey. Karen, Tilly, and Mary-Beth were added; Mary-Beth and Alice became quick friends with their shared skills. Pearson, Swanson, the lovable oaf Uncle soon joined as well. Sean MacGuire was quite the addition to the gang, followed by Molly O’Shea, and eventually Josiah Trelawny. By 1894 the gang was still growing and Alice found herself no longer haunted by the loss of her original family – she had found a new one. Bill Williamson joined around this time, followed by Abigail Roberts who Alice wasn’t sure how to feel about at the time. When Jack was born the gang quickly took a shine to the boy, helping Abigail to raise him. John left a year later and Alice was sad to see him go but a part of her understood – the two of them were close and she knew how he felt about the kid. Around this time Javier was introduced to the gang by Dutch. Alice was about the same age as him, twenty-three, and despite the language barrier at first, the two found a quaint friendship between one another.

It was around this time that her relationship with Arthur would begin to change as well. Everyone in camp knew the two were close – he was the one who brought her into the gang and showed her the ropes – and the teasing was relentless but it didn’t bother either of them. Besides, she would remind those who taunted her, he has that Mary woman, right? Even if they weren’t together anymore. As she grew up Alice couldn’t help but notice that sometimes her eyes would wander over to Arthur during his morning chores, watching his muscles tense beneath his shirt. It only increased in intensity as she got older. He was only ten years older than her, but that was enough for her to think that he only saw her as a little sister and as such, she kept her feelings to herself. It was during a rather emotional, drink-filled night that Arthur started [Alice later learned his drunkenness that night was due to what had happened with Eliza and Isaac] that it happened. The two eventually found themselves in the woods away from camp, just drunk enough to have no inhibitions but sober enough to remember what had happened. Strong emotions, heated gazes, and experimental kisses turned into a long night in the woods. At twenty-three, Alice was happy that her first time was with Arthur – someone she trusted. The two remained friends after the night, though not without a bout of awkwardness for the first few days afterword. It was just one drunken night, the two would agree on, it didn’t mean anything else.

By the time John returned in 1896 the gang began heading towards Montana. 1898 saw the gang in a bit of a rough patch for a while. The loss of Copper was hard on both Arthur and Alice. The gang ended up travelling into the Northern Grizzlies where they settled for a few months. Dutch even considered looking into getting some land for the gang but when that didn’t work the gang moved on. 1898 also brought in the latest members of the Van Der Linde gang – Lenny Summers, Jenny Kirk, Micah Bell, and Charles Smith. Alice adored Lenny and Jenny and their sprouting relationship. She shared the same thoughts Arthur did about Micah. And Charles, well, Alice found herself quickly intrigued by the man. Charles was the same age as Alice when he joined, twenty-six. Quiet and reserved, it took some time before he began opening up to the gang but he was quick to show his loyalty. Alice, despite her rowdy and extroverted nature, found herself often coaxing Charles into conversation around the campfire – even if it tended to be a little more one-sided on her part. She found that her eyes also began to seek out Charles around camp, much the same way they did with Arthur before. She tried to ignore what that meant.

When the gang made their way into West Elizabeth in 1899, camping just outside the growing town of Blackwater, Alice was twenty-seven and found herself caught between a rock and a hard place. She loved Dutch like a father, much like others, but when the planning of the Blackwater Robbery was underway, she found herself with Arthur and Hosea, scoping out a job of their own. By the time the three caught up with the rest of the gang after hearing what had happened, Alice knew she had made the right decision. John, Jenny, and Davey were all shot in the incident – Jenny and Davey ending up with the worse injured. Mac was unaccounted for, as well as Sean. Charles had somehow been injured, Alice helping him tend to the burns on his hand. The trip back into the Grizzlies on the run was a hard one. Fighting the law, the weather, and the low morale quickly put a dour mood throughout the gang.

Alice, ever the optimist, kept her head up. Surely it couldn’t get any worse.

Right?

~~~

Mostly just a timeline. I spent most of the day reading the wiki on the formation of the gang and pretty much ran with it.

#fic: crossroads #rdr2 #rdr2 fanfic #arthur morgan x ofc x charles smith #we getting poly up in here #arthur morgan x ofc #charles smith x ofc #arthur morgan x charles smith #arthur morgan #charles smith #my ocs: alice harkins #van der linde gang #red dead redemption 2

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aggimaginary · 5 years

Text

The Grinch 2: Happy New Year Chapter 18-What have I done?

When she, her husband and step-children exited the portal, which it led them back in Aggie’s world in the I team HQ, Aggie opened her eyes, and saw all of her friends and family in front of her with welcome smiles.

“Mom!” Amaranth Red, Crimson Red and Clover Scarlet rushed to their mother happily and hugged her.

“Ags!” Few of her friends exclaimed as they hugged her too.

Aggie was very happy to see her friends and family again as she hugged them tighter, “Aww, I miss you guys too. I’m so happy I’m back!”

After breaking the hug, Numbuh 4 asked, “So, did you complete your mission?”

Aggie smirked as she showed her element, “Done and done.”

The whole team applauded for the success of their leader’s mission. Even Phineas, Isabella, and their guardians, Phineaks and Israbellra respectively, are there.

“I knew you could do it,” Phineas patted her shoulder.

“I can’t believe you guys went all the way here for New Year’s Eve,” chuckled Aggie.

“We may have missed Christmas, but we don’t wanna miss New Year with you guys, either,” Phineaks explained.

“Congratulations for completing your mission before New Year, soldier,” Fowler saluted her.

“We’re all proud of you,” Isabella added.

“Whoo-hoo, great work, Agster!” Sparky (forklifter) sheered.

“Thanks, you guys. After that pressure, I feel so much better,” Aggie said as she was surprised by Timmy (lamb) who jumped and hugged her. “Oh, little Timmy, I miss you too.”

Timmy’s mom retrieved the lamb to give Aggie some space.

“Hey, Aggie, I think you should rest,” Lela suggested. “We’ll have a big day to plan for New Year tonight,”

“You’re right, Lela. I should rest. I’ll be in my room,” Aggie agreed as she flew tiredly to her room.

“Rest well, Ags,” Jape, Jake’s guardian, waved at her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later, Aggie made it in her room, and fell on her bed. She tried to go to sleep, but she can’t. It’s like something doesn’t want her to sleep. She tried to change positions, covered her head with a pillow, covering her body with a blanket, turning off the lights, but they didn’t work. She can’t go to sleep. She tried to figure out why. She’s already happy that she is home, and she’s with her family and friends just before New Year, but she can’t sleep and felt so sad. Aggie then knew why. Because she missed her friends in Whoville, especially her new friend, the Grinch. Sure they’ve got off to a rocky start, but they seemed to get along pretty well. She remembered how they shared stories together, having fun decorating the Lou-Who house with Cindy Lou, and sometimes they fought and argued, even with sarcasm. But it was fun for Aggie. She even missed Cindy Lou. They have so much fun together when she shared her mission with the little girl to get her mom and Grinch together. They even planned the love birds’ date together. It’s like having a fun girl time. Aggie also liked Max. He reminded her of her fairy dog, Sparky, and his guardian, Sparkito. Bricklebaum also reminded her of her friend, Pinkie Pie or the Tri-Pies, as being jolly citizens of their respective home world or home town. Lastly, Donna is a very nice woman. She understood Aggie very well, and they’re both quite similar; being hard working mothers and loved their respective families.

Aggie missed all of them so much, just like when she missed her friends, family and the whole Imaginary team when she stayed in that world. She felt so bad she rejected Donna’s invitation to their New Year party. Aggie never rejected an invitation before. She loves parties. She loves spending time with friends. She also felt bad for leaving the sad Grinch, who always thought of her as his old childhood friend, Whittaker. Aggie knew herself that she’s not Whittaker, and she’s not a Who like him, but their eyes are very similar. That’s why she was so familiar to the Grinch, and he developed a bond with her. She was also guilty when she saw Cindy Lou crying while tugging her dress, begging her to stay. Aggie then touched her element in her I team ID. Her element is Imagination. The leading Element of Friendship. The element that united all elements of Friendship. The element she represented. Aggie began to think and ask herself. Is this really necessary? Is this how she represents her element? Is this her role? Is she doing the right thing? Is it right to reject an invitation from a new good friend just to spend time with her friends and family for New Year? Is it right to leave a new friend so sad for the New Year?

Yes, of course she’s doing the right thing. Going back home to her family and friends for New Year is a good and loyal thing. She did represent her element well to her family and friends. However, it was the exact opposite to her new friends in Whoville, especially to the Grinch. For her, it’s so wrong to reject an invitation. It’s also wrong to leave new friends sad, especially the one who thinks she looks like his childhood friend. When she almost entered the portal earlier, she hated to choose between her real friends and family and her new friends in Whoville. It’s hard to choose, just to make things right. If she chooses one of the choices, sadness is the prize from the other. This is not like her anymore. She did not represent her element right. It’s like she was lose from where she’s from to where she is now.

Aggie couldn’t sleep for this as she got up from bed, and looked herself in the mirror in shame.

Aggie: Who is that in the mirror? Looking back, I don't know her But she reminds me of someone I knew

Someone real, accomplishes missions I can't deal no direction Lost the map, where it was leading me to But maybe I was standing there all along

What have I done? Is it too late? Trying to be someone I'm not, now I'm someone I hate For a moment on my friendly role, then it's gone

What have I done? What price have I paid? It ain't worth it no more, it's material made I just want to be right back where I belong

What have I done? What have I done?

Meanwhile, Red heard his wife singing as he slowly opened the door, making just a small gap just to see and hear his wife. He saw Aggie looking so sad in front of her mirror.

Aggie: Every friendship problem fixed Every word is someone else's Till I'm left with the girl in a white dress

I gave in and I regret it Gave too much but now I get it I work so hard and lost my way to change the lives of my friends Maybe sending me there is so wrong

What have I done? Is it too late? Trying to be someone I'm not, no, I won't be failed With a moment on my friendly role, till it's gone

What have I done? What price have I paid? No, it's not worth it no more, it's material made I just want to be right back where I belong

What have I done? What have I done? What have I done? What have I done?

After the song, Aggie sat back on her bed, and continued to sob. Red slowly closed the door again as he felt guilty for his wife. He understood how his wife felt so guilty for leaving her new friends after she rejected their invitation for New Year. He noticed that she felt like she didn’t do her role as the representative of the element of Imagination. Red felt awful. Of course he wanted his wife back for New Year, but he hated to see her sad like this.

To get his mind off of things, Red read Aggie’s spell book that she kept in her bag that she left on the “I” table. When he flipped many pages of the book, Red spotted something very familiar on this page. He narrowed his eyes and looked even closer to that page. He gasped and her eyes widened of what he just discovered. Red folded the page to bookmarking it to report what he saw to his wife later when she got out from her bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later, after two hours of resting, Aggie got out from her room, and met up with her team again back at the meeting room where they sat on their chairs with the “I” table in front of them. When they started the meeting, each group gave Aggie their ideas for the New Year party. She read the papers one at the time, and it was complicated to choose which the best is for this New Year’s Eve.

“Johnny, is this really necessary? Asked Aggie when she read the Dracula family’s paper. “I mean, Pepperoni Pizza for dinner?”

“Come on, we ate pizza for dinner before,” Johnny said.

“Yeah, but pizza is like an everyday food.” Penfold made his opinion.

“And we shouldn’t buy firecrackers. It’s too dangerous,” Papa Smurf added.

“I told them to buy Peony! It’s safe and harmless!” Blos yelled.

“Don’t forget the horns. We need horns to make loud noises for New Year,” Dawson reminded.

“Okay, any more ideas?” Aggie asked.

Just then, Red entered late as she slammed the doors open, “Guys, stop the meeting!”

“What’s wrong, Red?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“Nothing’s wrong, but there’s something I need to say,” Red then turned to his wife. “Aggie, you should go back to Whoville.”

Aggie was confused, “What?”

“WHAT?!” The whole team exclaimed.

“Grinch needs you there. You have to go back Whoville, Aggie.” Said Red.

“I can’t, hon. We have a party to make. We already have plans for New Year!” Answered Aggie.

“Forget the plans, sweetie! You have to celebrate New Year in Whoville this year!”

“Why?! I don’t understand! What is going on?!”

“I know why your element sent you there.”

“What do you mean?”

Red retrieved the spell book on the table, and opened the book to the page where he folded, and unfolded it to show it to his wife. “I think this is the reason.”

When Aggie took the book and looked at the page, she saw something familiar at the picture of the page, and then shocked and gasped in disbelief.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What have I done? is a parody song of the original song “What Have I Done?” from the Lou House, sang by the character, Luna Loud.

This chapter is a cliffhanger. Next chapter is the last chapter

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the-miss-lv · 6 years

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Time moved on.

Newt took care of the humans faithfully as he did the animals and creatures of the forest. Elizabeth’s children’s children had their own young and so on, over and over until Newt lost count of what generation they were. The village changed as the centuries went by. It grew and then shrank when people left for cities. But then people returned to the quiet and safe town. It never became too large, always just the right size, hundreds but not thousands.

When the plants they ate grew sparse in the harder seasons Newt would coax them to grow strong again. When the deer and rabbits dropped in number Newt would shelter them in his forest until their numbers where great.

When sickness spread in the village he would walk door to door to ensure everyone was safe from illness. He never had to heal them like he did with Elizabeth’s son. He merely had to usher the illness away and encourage the human’s bodies to be strong enough to fight the sickness before it took root.

“Oh,” a woman paused, walking the village in the midnight hours. Her name was Jane and she had a husband and three children but also her parents too stubborn to move in with them. She stayed late to tend to her father who was beginning to return to the earth in his old age.

Newt watched her as she looked at him, staring at his bare feet with a touch of suspicion and under that, awe.

“Yes well, I can look almost perfectly human. But shoes, I never could stand them,” he admitted.

“I see.” The woman blinked again. “There is a sickness in the next village over, people are worried.”

In the town square, there were gifts piled high, sweets and hand grown flowers, bits of dried fruits and meats. Little drawings and carvings of animals, things Newt enjoyed. Over the centuries the people had learned what he favoured most.

“I know. It will pass by, no one is ill here,” he reassured her.

The young woman offered a strange smile, laughing to herself a bit.

“You’re so tired you’re dreaming,” she told herself with a shake of her head.

Newt watched as she dug into her apron and pulled out a small blob of wood, it was a rather fat looking mouse-like creature.

“My son made it, he wanted to offer it next festival. But he loses things easily so I promised to keep it for him, always in my pocket.” The woman offered it out on the palm of her hand.

“He said you would understand what it was.”

Newt stepped closer, staring at the child's rough carving. A mouse with a big thick tail, like a wolf. Newt smiled slowly, taking the carving delicately. A little boy that liked to talk to him, Jacob. He had a special tree just inside the forest line where he would sit and chatter at Newt about any and everything. He liked to make up animals by combining features. The mousewolf was his favoured creation. A wolf the size of a mouse but with round ears and a tiny wee howl.

“Yes, I know what it is. I do like the idea of it. My favourite is the catdog, a bit of both so it won’t chase either. I do like harmony like that.”

“Well then,” the woman smiled, seeming to think the moment was not real. Newt waved cheerfully at her as they parted ways.

"Good eve, Scamander," she smiled at him. It was their name for him now. His true name had long been lost in time.

He slipped the carving into his pocket. It lacked skill but it was warm to the touch, filled with a child’s earnest creativity.

When he passed the alter, more of a high bench than anything these days, which he preferred to anything to over the top, he took a few bits of bread and jam. The animals would eat the rest for him, mice, rabbits, cats, dogs, and sometimes deer. Newt smiled as he pressed a finger into the stone of the bench and drew a catdog. Not the best work he had ever done, but it was clearly the creature. It would do, he supposed with a smile.

The boy had delighted in it and his mother had wondered for all her days afterwards. The young boy had never not believed in him and he passed that along to his children.

The villagers met him from time to time, seeing him enough to know he was there. They kept their respect for the forest and so Newt honoured them by protecting their village. He chased out those with ill will and allowed only those with good intent to settle.

The seasons continued to come and go, more decades and then centuries. Newt was terrible about keeping track of it. But when most places stopped celebrating the old gods, the bowtruckles who travelled forests told him so, his village faithfully continued. Each season was marked with a great festival that filled the town square. A boundless cheer overtook the people and they would laugh all night long, dancing and singing over and over with endless energy.

Newt wasn’t fond of crowds, too many people closing in on him, but would always attend the celebrations. To remind himself of humanities best parts. He watched artists draw portraits of eager faces and carvers work away at little animals to give away freely to excited children. Poets and musicians creating new words and sounds that they shared. Children making up new dances while the adults performed the old ones and sang the songs from the very beginning. Elizabeth’s songs. They didn’t know what they sang, the origin was forgotten to time but the words survived and Newt smiled every time to hear them. The crowd alive in a midsummer celebrations, the square decorated with flowers and lanterns. Everyone laughing and dancing, music playing while food and drink was shared. Every member of the village gave something, offered freely to their neighbours what they could. From food to little drawings, even the children gave something. It was a point of pride and delight for them, to have a skill to give.

“Come sit,” an older man called him, motioning to his wood board with carvings on it in a pattern. He was a bit from the crowd, in a quiet spot.

“I’ll show you how to play, a game of the mind,” Newt nodded, settling a bit awkwardly in the chair and peering at the carvings curiously.

“They each have a meaning and a movement,” the man began and before long a group of men where gathered arguing the moves and the best tactics to win. They were loud and a bit suffocating but it was all in good fun and Newt found himself smiling until his face hurt.

“It’s a good game,” the old man grumbled at the end, the lesson long lost.

“You should leave it out then, on the altar. A move a day perhaps?” The old man stared at Newt for a beat and then smiled before a deep laugh bubbled up in his chest. He nodded his head and shook Newt’s hand. Touching always felt odd but Newt allowed it briefly, the old man was born and raised in his village, had lived his whole life here and had been a good sort.

“Go, dance!” the man instructed and waved someone over, a young girl rushing to obey her grandpa. Ten or so, just the right age to be bold enough to take Newt’s hands and spin in him into the middle of a song.

For each festival, the humans had a tradition of being barefoot. So he could walk among them without being seen, blending in as he pleased. Newt laughed as bare feet moved in the soft dirt and people sang along with the musicians.

“It’s my favourite!” The child exclaimed when Elizabeth’s song began.

“It’s her song,” Newt told the girl.

“Who?”

“The first. The very first girl.”

“What did she do?” They spun in a circle, the steps long memorized by both of them.

“She made friends with the forest and won its favour. A young girl just like you. With a great bright heart.” Newt smiled as the girl blinked, staring up at him. There was always that moment when they realized. Newt made sure they did, that every single human in his village met him once and knew it.

A moment of seeing. To honour Elizabeth. Newt’s first human friend.

Her eyes went wide and a delighted surprise filled her features. She had always hoped he was real, but had begun to worry he might not be as she grew up. Meridith was her name, she spoke to him often when she walked in the forest. She always brought old bread to feed the birds and they rather adored her. Her heart was a good one.

The girl’s friends ran up to her as the song ended, grabbing her hand and when she glanced at them, Newt slipped off. Meridith was certain of him now, and she would not forget the moment.

He smiled and nodded at people as he walked by. Everyone was open and friendly in case they ran into the forest god without knowing it. So Newt accepted baked pastries that were given out to all, drinks of wine, and delicate little carvings and drawings. He watched his humans delight in pure enjoyment. Their feet slapped the dirt and the connection to the earth hummed in contentment. Newt could feel the mother’s delight flowing through everyone. He could feel it in them as well, their worries and fears fading a bit. Their very beings pulsing with energy, with the mother's affection.

He walked down the quieter streets as the midnight hours came, the forest's edge coming into sight. Along the forest line was a park, filled with flowers and plants from all over the world. Settled at the edge of the forest. The altar, the one Elizabeth’s father had made was under the earth in this place. Long grown over with moss and flowers and forgotten by the village.

Newt smiled at the spot, tipping his head as lovers giggled within the little park that became the forest. He watched unseen as young woman let a man slip a flower necklace over her head. Some things would never change he supposed. A bit further into the woods was a young pair of men, both magic born and indulging in adoring kisses. The village was mixed but there was no one who didn’t know of magic. Who didn’t have a family member with it, the village had begun with magic born after all. It made things a bit easier Newt found. Wizards and witches very accepting of skin colour and choice of mate. Newt had heard other villages were more closed-minded, of segregation and slavery. He watched the young men trade kisses a moment longer before he walked on.

He chewed his bottom lip and wondered what it felt like, to kiss and mate. Newt had never felt the urge to mate.

He wasn’t the sort to be born with a mate he supposed. It wasn’t a bad thing; many magical creatures were the same. But the last few centuries Newt found himself feeling a bit…yearning. His eyes drifted to the fields past the forest and he wondered what it would be like to have a mate. To have someone at his side. He thought of the first villagers and their countless generations, living on in their children in a sense. He supposed he envied that a bit. Life had become monotonous for Newt. His forest was strong and old, powerful enough to repel evil creatures on its own. The magical creatures that lived within had done so for many generations or centuries and they knew the rules and were very respectful. Even the humans were very well behaved. If someone acted up, vandalising the forest, they were punished severely. Serving time in the little locked room. Sometimes forced to leave the village. The human’s had a nice system down rather pat.

All in all, Newt suspected he might be growing lonely. It was a new feeling and he wondered why it had developed. He had his forest and the creatures and animals. He had his village. He was not alone.

But something new was happening, something new was calling in his chest. His missed Elizabeth but knew better than to get too attached to a human. His heart still stung a bit when he thought of her and while he might be happy for a short time, humans were too short-lived for it to be worth carrying a second sting in his heart.

He wondered if all forests felt this way at some point.

A little bit from the Forest God AU! Working on the Animagus fic right now. As well as a little sequel for Lure.

#My fic #newt scamander #percival graves #gramander

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biointernet · 4 years

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Father Time and Mother Nature

Father Time? Mother Earth? Baby New Year? Time-Space Relations, Spacetime Mother Nature, Mother Earth Time-Space Family Father Time is married to Mother Earth; just as the Grim Reaper, the personification of Death, is married to Life who pictured as a young lady in artwork. Baby New Year is a child of Father Time and Mother Earth.

NOW IS A CHILD OF TIME AND SPACE

Father Time and Mother Nature

Father Time Exhibition

soon at MHC virtual museum Why is it called Father Time? As an image "Father Time's origins are curious". The ancient Greeks themselves began to confuse chronos, their word for time, with the agricultural god Cronos, who had the attibute of a harvester's sickle.

Symbols of Time

In physics, spacetime is any mathematical model which fuses the three dimensions of space and the one dimension of time into a single four-dimensional continuum. Spacetime diagrams can be used to visualize relativistic effects, such as why different observers perceive where and when events occur differently.

Father Time Exhibition

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What does Father Time look like? When you see Father Time, he usually looks like a very old man with a long white beard. He often wears a shabby robe and carries both a scythe and an hourglass or some other timekeeping device. ... The ancient Greeks often referred to Saturn as Kronos or Chronos, which means “time."

Hourglass 259, post card, Father Time Mother Nature (sometimes known as Mother Earth or the Earth-Mother) is a Greco-Roman personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it, in the form of the mother. Hourglass 266, post card, Father Time Western tradition history

Mother Nature image, 17th century alchemical text, Atalanta Fugiens The word "nature" comes from the Latin word, "natura", meaning birth or character. In English, its first recorded use (in the sense of the entirety of the phenomena of the world) was in 1266. "Natura" and the personification of Mother Nature were widely popular in the Middle Ages. As a concept, seated between the properly divine and the human, it can be traced to Ancient Greece, though Earth may have been personified as a goddess. The various myths of nature goddesses such as Inanna/Ishtar (myths and hymns attested on Mesopotamian tablets as early as the 3rd millennium BC) show that the personification of the creative and nurturing sides of nature as female deities has deep roots. In Greece, the pre-Socratic philosophers had "invented" nature when they abstracted the entirety of phenomena of the world as singular: physis, and this was inherited by Aristotle. Later medieval Christian thinkers did not see nature as inclusive of everything, but thought that she had been created by God; her place lay on earth, below the unchanging heavens and moon. Nature lay somewhere in the center, with agents above her (angels), and below her (demons and hell). For the medieval mind she was only a personification, not a goddess. More about Mother Earth on Wiki. Father Time and Mother Nature Hourglass 265, post card Hourglass 264, Father Time, post card Hourglass 263, Father Time, post card Hourglass 262, post card, Father Time Hourglass 261, post card Hourglass 260, post card, Father Time Hourglass 259, post card, Father Time Hourglass 258, post card, Father Time Hourglass 256 Father Time Hourglass 257, post card Hourglass 256, post card, Father Time

Hourglass 293 post card, Mother Time Hourglass 243, post card, Father Time Father Time is the personification of Time. In recent centuries he is usually depicted as an elderly bearded man, sometimes with wings, dressed in a robe and carrying a scythe and an hourglass or other timekeeping device - Hourglass (which represents time's constant one-way movement, and more generally and abstractly, entropy). Hourglass 243, post card, Father Time As an image "Father Time's origins are curious". The ancient Greeks themselves began to confuse Chronos, their word for time, with the agricultural god Cronos, who had the attribute of a harvester's sickle. The Romans equated Cronos with Saturn, who also had a sickle, and was treated as an old man, often with a crutch. The wings and hour-glass were early Renaissance additions, and he eventually became a companion of the Grim Reaper, personification of Death, often taking his scythe. He may have as an attribute a snake with its tail in its mouth, an ancient Egyptian symbol of eternity. Father Time and Mother Nature Hourglass 236, post card, Father Time

Hourglass 292 post card, Mother Time Hourglass, Sand Clock, Sand Watch, Egg Timer, Sablier, Sanduhr, Reloj de arena, الساعة الرملية, Rellotge de sorra, přesýpací hodiny, velago, itula tioata, Clessidra, 砂時計, timeglass, Zandloper, Timglas, Isikhwama, Soatglass, MHC Magic New Year New Year - Around New Year's Eve, the media (in particular editorial cartoons) use the convenient trope of Father Time as the personification of the previous year (or "the Old Year") who typically "hands over" the duties of time to the equally allegorical Baby New Year (or "the New Year") or who otherwise characterizes the preceding year. In these depictions, Father Time is usually depicted wearing a sash with the old year's date on it. Time (in his allegorical form) is often depicted revealing or unveiling the allegorical Truth, sometimes at the expense of a personification of Falsehood, Fraud, or Envy. This theme is related to the idea of veritas filia temporis (Time is the father of Truth). More about Father Time on Wiki.

Hourglass 266, post card, Father Time Hourglass 293 post card, Mother Nature Hourglass 292 post card, Mother Nature Hourglass 134 Father Time Time synonyms The End of Time Time Travel Management Hourglass 234 Mother Time MHC hourglass figure workout

Hourglass 262, post card, Father Time on My Hourglass Collection Hourglass, Sand Clock, Sand Watch, Egg Timer, Sablier, Sanduhr, Reloj de arena, الساعة الرملية, Rellotge de sorra, přesýpací hodiny, velago, itula tioata, Clessidra, 砂時計, timeglass, Zandloper, Timglas, Isikhwama, Soatglass, MHC Magic Father Time The personification of Time and the more friendly version of the Grim Reaper. Typically pictured as an old man with a white beard and oft times carrying a scythe and hourglass. In ancient times he was known as Chronus or Saturn. Father Time is married to Mother Earth; just as the Grim Reaper, the personification of Death, is married to Life who pictured as a young lady in artwork. He symbolizes the flow of time and its effects. His old body is a reminder that time is the devourer of all things and that, like the sand in the hourglass he often carries, his life will run out, as all good things come to an end. See also:

Time symbolism

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#BabyNewYear #Chronos #FatherTime #FatherTimeandMotherNature #MotherEath #MotherNature #MotherTime #NewYear #postcard #spacetime #SymbolsofTime #Timesymbolism #Time-SpaceRelations #WhyisitcalledFatherTime?

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klaus-goldstein · 7 years

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Modern AU

Part 6 (I should really come up with an actual title for this fic)

Klaus/Liz

Rating: E

Part: one, two, three, four, five, six

An update! Yayyyyy.

There is some nudity and making out in the second section but it doesn’t last very long. Friendly reminder since it has been so freaking long since I updated, Liz’s mom is named Anna, her dad is Jonathan, her brother is Aaron, his wife is Melanie, and the Aunt’s name is Becky. Here we go.

A small tingling sensation was running up Klaus’ arm and it was beginning to irritate him. He flexed his hand as he tried to get his blood pumping again but nothing changed. Finally, after several minutes, he cracked an eye open only to discover that Liz was draped across the left side of his body. His arm underneath her was completely asleep and her legs were tangled with his.

Despite being a little uncomfortable a smile tugged at his lips as he surveyed Liz. Her hair was fanned out across his chest and shoulder. One of her hands was clutching the front of his cotton shirt and the other arm was draped loosely across his waist. Klaus reached up and gently smoothed the hair out of her face and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. She stirred in his arms and made an annoyed sound at him.

“Good morning.”

Liz buried her face against his shoulder and mumbled a sleepy ‘good morning’ back to him. She finally rested her chin on his shoulder so she could peer up at him. She blinked blearily and Klaus smiled at her.

“How did you sleep?” Liz said.

“Pretty good. I was a little warm, you are like a furnace.” Klaus said. He laid his head back against the pillow and sighed.

Liz attempted to snuggle closer to him and Klaus wrapped his free arm around her waist. He squeezed her side and Liz squirmed in his embrace.

“I’m sorry,” Liz said.

“Don’t be. It’s nine o’clock. What time will your family be here? Should we get up?” Liz groaned and pulled the covers over her head. Her words were muffled and Klaus finally nudged her off of him so he could sit up. He lifted the covers so he could see her and Liz frowned up at him. “I know you aren’t excited to see your aunt but I’ll be with you the whole time. Aren’t you excited to see your grandmother and the rest of the family?”

“I guess,” Liz grumbled.

“Do you want to shower first?” Klaus asked.

“No, you go ahead. I’m going to sulk in the covers for a few more minutes.” Liz said.

“Why do you and your aunt not get along? If I’m going to be running interference all day the I need to know what the problem is.”

Liz sighed and moved to sit next to him. She fiddled with her hands. Klaus’ fingers on her cheek caught her attention and he tilted her face up to his.

“Talk to me.”

“I told you yesterday that the reason she doesn’t like me is because she doesn’t like my dad. That’s true but it’s a little more than that. My father is a little quirky but he’s a wonderful brilliant man. He and my mom married while they were still in college. She was actually engaged to someone else when they met. I think Aunt Becky blamed him for breaking my mother and her fiance up. Which he did, but my parents loved each other so I don’t really see what the problem was. My grandmother let it go almost instantly. The minute my mom told her that she was happy with my dad then Gran got on board. Aunt Becky never forgave him though.”

Liz leaned her head on Klaus’ shoulder. “Then when Aaron and I were born her dislike just kind of spread to us. It also didn’t help that when we were little her daughter, Charlotte, blamed everything she did wrong on my brother and I so she wouldn’t get in trouble. I don’t blame her for that, we were just kids and kids do that all the time. It caused Aunt Becky to believe that we weren’t good influences though and it just worsened our relationship with her.”

“Why hasn’t your mother or father said anything to her about all this?”

“Dad has tried and Mom doesn’t know it’s this bad. Mom just thinks we annoy each other. We only see Aunt Becky on holidays so it’s not like she’s a constant presence. Dad is afraid if he says anything to Mom about it that it’ll drive a wedge between her and Aunt Becky. He says he doesn’t want to be responsible for breaking apart two sisters. So he, Aaron, and I have vowed to just ignore it. She’s a little short with us when others are around but it’s in private when she’s just downright ugly. If Gran or Mom knew about it, they would be so angry so we just don’t say anything. In recent years Charlotte has kind of realized how horrible she and Aunt Becky had been acting. She’s even tried to come to our defense but Aunt Becky just ignores her and continues to compare the two of us.”

“Don’t worry.” Klaus pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll keep her away from you.”

“Good, go take a shower and then I’ll take one while you get dressed.”

Klaus went downstairs after he had showered and dressed in order to give Liz a little bit of privacy. That had been almost forty minutes ago and Liz still hadn’t come downstairs. Klaus drummed his fingers against the countertop as he read his book. A cup of hot tea was sitting in front of him and Aaron was across from him eating breakfast.

Jonathan was cooking breakfast and had various ingredients scattered across the countertops. The three of them were silent for awhile as they each struggled to wake up. Klaus was pretty sure he had read the same page over and over and Aaron was swirling his cereal around his milk absentmindedly.

Klaus picked up his cup of tea and let the warmth of the cup seep into his hands. He took a deep breath and put his book down. He wasn’t going to be productive until he woke up a little more. He inhaled the aroma and closed his eyes for a moment.

“So, how did you and Liz meet?” Klaus’ eyes snapped open at the unexpected voice and he glanced up at Aaron. He smiled at the question and took a sip of his tea.

“We live in the same building. I have a dog and one day he got loose from his leash and ran up to Liz. She and I started talking and realized we lived on the same floor. Things just kind of developed from there.”

“Liz is a sucker for animals. What kind of dog is it?”

“A Bernese mountain dog named Bernie. So original, I know.”

Aaron laughed and Jonathan looked over his shoulder at Klaus. “Ah, well that explains it. We used to have one when Liz was little. She loves that breed.”

“I’m pretty sure she likes Bernie more than she likes me,” Klaus said. “He’s probably cuter than I am.”

Aaron leaned forward. “So, what do you do? You’ve already graduated college, right?”

“I have a PhD in ancient history and I teach at the university level,” Klaus replied.

“Where did you go to school?” Aaron asked.

“I did my undergraduate and master’s degree at Harvard and then did my doctorate at Oxford.”

Aaron let out a low shocked whistle and leaned back in his chair. “What’s your last name again?”

“Goldstein,” Klaus said.

“Wait, you’re from New York. Are you related to Walter Goldstein the lawyer? He had some cases in the last few years that have garnished a lot of media attention. Are you one of those Goldstein's?” Aaron asked.

“Walter is my father. He and my eldest brother have a firm. My father specializes in employment and labor rights and Sebastian is an intellectual properties lawyer. They’ve both had one or two very public cases.”

“Did you ever want to be a lawyer?” Jonathan asked out of curiosity.

“Not really. It never interested me and I knew early on that I wanted to teach. I’m not the only one in my family though that didn’t go to law school. My younger brother didn’t either.”

“Why?” Aaron asked.

“I like the field I teach in and I don’t think I would’ve liked practicing law as much. I’ve seen both my father and my brother sacrifice a lot of time with their families for their work. I just didn’t want that level of commitment to a job. The work I do already takes up so much time I can’t imagine adding an even bigger workload.”

“Alright you two, that’s enough interrogation. Klaus doesn’t have to tell you his life story just because he’s dating Liz.” Anna breezed into the kitchen then and squeezed Aaron’s shoulder as she passed him. She kissed Jonathan on the cheek and made a beeline for the coffee. “Good morning. Are you all ready for the christmas eve festivities?”

“Good morning.” Klaus and Aaron replied together and Anna poured herself a cup of coffee.

“I’m ready but I feel bad that we’re going to subject Klaus to all our ridiculous traditions and family members,” Aaron replied and Klaus scoffed.

“He’ll survive.” Anna shrugged and smiled at Klaus over the edge of her coffee cup. “Where’s Liz?”

“She’s still upstairs getting ready,” Klaus said.

Anna frowned and glanced down at her watch. “We need to leave in thirty minutes. Klaus, do you mind going upstairs to hurry her along?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Klaus snapped his book shut and took one last sip of his tea before heading out of the kitchen. He walked up the stairs and glanced at all the pictures on the wall as he passed them. He wondered if there were any embarrassing photos of Liz and if he could convince her to show them to him. He wanted to know everything about her.

When he reached the bedroom door he knocked on it and waited for an answer. When he didn’t receive one he opened the door and stepped into the room. Liz was standing at her dresser and her phone was on top of it as she rifled through the drawers. She had her headphones on and her music was on full volume. Klaus could hear it from where he stood by the door.

Her hair fell in stringy wet waves down her back. Water droplets fell from the tips of her hair and ran in lines down her lower back, bottom, and legs before dripping onto the floor. Her skin was pink from the heat of the shower and even from across the room Klaus could smell her shampoo. His gaze traced her curves for a moment before he realized exactly what he was looking at. This was not exactly an ideal situation.

She was completely naked.

Liz turned to face him and jumped in surprise when she saw him. They both froze and Liz’s eyes widened. She grabbed for the nearest piece of clothing and discovered that it was one of her t-shirts and it would do nothing to really cover her. She threw it to the ground and Klaus turned to face the door while she searched for something to put on.

He heard her music shut off and he covered his mouth with his hand as he tried to stifle his amusement.

“This is not funny.” Liz hissed.

“I beg to differ.” Klaus laughed out loud then and rested his forehead against the door.

“You could’ve knocked,” Liz snapped.

“I did. You just didn’t hear me.” Klaus replied through his laughter. The whole situation was utterly ridiculous. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. This was not my intention. Although I’m not necessarily complaining about the outcome.”

He felt a pillow hit his back and realized that Liz had hurled it across the room at him. He laughed again and picked the pillow up. He attempted to throw it back at her but it was really hard to do so without looking.

“Did you see anything?” Liz demanded.

“Oh, darling. I saw everything.” Klaus said.

He heard Liz’s breath hitch. Whether it was because of the endearment or the fact that he had just seen her naked for the first time, he didn’t know. Silence settled over them and he heard her take a deep breath.

“Well, what did you think?” Liz asked quietly.

All laughter left Klaus at her question and he tilted his head. The quiet in the room was almost stifling and he hated that he couldn’t see her expression. “Can I turn around?”

“I’m covered.”

Klaus turned to face Liz and he looked her over slowly. She was wearing one of his button-up shirts and he decided that it looked better on her than it did on him. He admired her bare legs and his gaze traveled up her body. Her hair was a mess and a blush covered her cheeks and the top of her collarbones. Her eyes burned into his and Klaus stepped towards her.

“I think,” He reached out and gripped her hips. He pulled her towards him and was relieved when she relaxed into his touch. “I think, that the glimpse I got was far too quick but I very much enjoyed what I saw.”

Liz chewed her bottom lip and her eyes snapped to his again. She hummed as she leaned towards him and a smile spread across her face. The sound was low in her throat and a jolt went up Klaus’ spine at the sound.

“Would you like a better look?”

Liz’s cheeks were still red but it seemed that whatever embarrassment she initially felt had disappeared. She placed her hands on his chest before they traveled to his shoulders and around his neck. She pressed herself against him and gave him a mischievous smile. Klaus’ grip tightened on her hips at the question and he leaned down to kiss her softly.

Liz didn’t stop him as one of his hands moved from her waist to the buttons of the shirt. Klaus made quick work of them and their kiss deepened to something almost desperate. He pulled away from her and he slowly parted the fabric. His hand grazed her bare stomach as he opened the shirt completely to his gaze. His thumb rubbed circles against her skin and Liz squirmed. It tickled.

As their kisses grew more urgent Liz found herself being pushed backward until she hit something solid. Klaus lifted her and Liz let out a small noise of surprise. He sat her on the counter of the vanity in the corner of her room and pushed her legs apart so he could stand between them. Her back hit the cool surface of the mirror behind her and she shivered. She arched away from the glass and Klaus used her position to his advantage.

He bent down and fastened his lips over one of her nipples and tugged on it roughly with his teeth. Liz’s legs wrapped around his waist and she threw her hand over her mouth in order to stifle her cry of surprise. Klaus’ fingers trailed her side before he cupped both her breasts in his hands and squeezed them. He nibbled and kissed his way across the creamy expanse of her chest and all coherent thought left Liz’s mind.

Her other hand slid up Klaus’ arm and over his shoulder. Her fingers threaded through the hair at the back of his head and Liz arched towards him. Her hips rolled forward and she moved against him in one long lazy thrust. Klaus exhaled a low moan across her skin and awareness slammed into both of them.

Klaus tore himself away from her and retreated to the other side of the room. He dragged his hand through his hair roughly and took a deep calming breath. They were both breathing hard and Liz leaned her head back against the mirror behind her. Her grip tightened on the counter underneath her as she tried to still her racing heart.

“We can’t do this here.” Klaus panted. “Not when your family is in the house.”

“Agreed. I just lost myself for a moment.” Liz huffed out a laugh.

“I wasn’t much better,” Klaus said. “I was supposed to come up here to make sure you were getting dressed. I kind of did the opposite.”

Liz remembered she was still stark naked and a blush began to creep across her skin again. She hopped off the vanity and strode towards the dresser so she could search for some clothes. She could feel Klaus’ gaze on her as she slipped on her underwear and grabbed her black skinny jeans off of the bed. After she had those on she began to search for a shirt to wear.

Liz smiled to herself and bent down to pick up the discarded button-up shirt. Klaus tilted his head as he watched her put his shirt back on and roll the sleeves to her elbows. She buttoned the shirt quickly and Klaus shook his head in amusement.

“You’re wearing that?”

“Yes. Is that okay?”

It was more than okay. Klaus loved the sight of her in his shirt. He pressed a kiss to her temple as he passed by her and walked towards the door. “You look amazing in it. It’s very obvious though that it belongs to me. Is that a message you want to send to your family?”

“It’s a shirt, Klaus, it's not like we’re walking into the room with me straddling your waist or anything. It’ll be fine.” Liz tousled her hair and slipped on a pair of warm fuzzy socks and then her boots. “I’m ready.”

“So what are we doing this morning?” Klaus asked. He and Liz walked out of her room and down the stairs. The house was quiet and Liz slipped on her coat and gloves. Klaus watched her fidget with the buttons on her lapels and leaned down to kiss her suddenly. Liz smiled when he pulled away and his heart raced as he gazed into her eyes. He was enjoying being able to kiss her anytime he wanted.

Liz waited until he was bundled up before she opened the door and the two of them trudged into the snow. Liz took a deep breath of cool air and reached for Klaus’ hand.

“We are going into town. There is a carnival this morning. We’re going to eat extremely unhealthy food, play games, and I’m going to introduce you to everyone.”

“Everyone?”

“Everyone.” Liz grinned and tugged him forward.

After several hours of good food, fun, and conversation Liz’s family finally made their way back to the house. Liz couldn’t feel her nose, fingers, or toes but she was happy and a lot of that was due to Klaus. He had indulged her all morning and allowed her to introduce him to pretty much the whole town. She was sure she hadn’t let go of his hand the whole time.

They ran into Vincent again and Liz was afraid that it would’ve been awkward but it wasn’t. He and Klaus had shaken hands and talked for several minutes. It appeared that whatever conversation that had taken place the night before had smoothed over any hostility. In fact, Vincent, Aaron, and Klaus spent most of the morning together. Liz was glad that they were all getting along.

When the family stepped into the entryway a sigh of relief echoed through the group when they felt the warmth of the house.

“Alright.” Anna clapped her hands together and everyone turned to face her. “We have a few hours before the service and dinner so we need to get cooking. Aaron, I need you and Melanie to go start a fire in the living room please and keep the children away from the christmas presents. Jonathan, you and Liz are on pies and desserts. Klaus, I assume you know how to cook so you are going to help me with prep and cooking. Let’s go.”

The entryway was a tangle of limbs and laughter as everyone shrugged out of their coats, boots, and gloves and tried not to bump into each other. Liz grabbed Klaus’ arm to steady herself and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. A blush began to spread through her cheeks and Klaus smirked down at her.

The group got into the kitchen and Liz started rolling out dough while her father started chopping apples and other various fruits for the pies.

Anna sat down a cutting board, a knife, and various ingredients in front of Klaus and smiled up at him. “I need that celery, onion, carrots, and cabbage cut up and put in that roasting pan. I’m going to put the turkey for tomorrow on top of them. When you’re done with that I need you to pan fry those chicken breasts. Is that okay?”

“I can handle all that.”

“Good. We always need an extra hand in the kitchen and sadly Aaron and Melanie are horrible cooks. I’m glad to have you around.”

After everyone was done with their tasks Anna and Jonathan joined the others in the living room and left Klaus and Liz with instructions to watch the pies. Liz poured them both some hot chocolate and hopped up on the counter. Klaus came to stand next to her and squeezed her knee. Liz leaned against his shoulder and smiled.

This was so nice. The smell of pie baking, hot chocolate, and Klaus next to her. It was perfect.

“So,” Liz sat up and gazed over at him. “What is christmas like at your house?”

“Nothing like this.” Klaus huffed out a laugh. “Although in recent years it has gotten a whole lot more fun.”

“Why?”

“Well, in the past, my family has always had some sort of benefit or dinner to attend. It was boring and none of us really liked it but we went because we were expected to make an appearance. Then five years ago Sebastian and Elaine had their son Matthew. They put their foot down after that and said that they would be doing something fun on christmas eve with him. Elias and I agreed that we would rather spend the holidays with them than attend benefits. The next year mother and father joined us. So we’ve all spent the last few years at mother and father's home. We just eat dinner and do things to make it fun for Matthew like go look at christmas lights or play games. Then we spend christmas there before we all go home. Honestly, the last few years have been some of the best for us as a family.”

“That sounds nice.” Liz grinned.

“It is. We’ve even talked about inviting some of the extended family next year, aunts and uncles and cousins. We’ll see.” Klaus shrugged. “The big thing we do for the holidays though is my parent’s new years eve party.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Well, it’s a masquerade and it’s a black tie event. It’s fun though; not knowing who is who, eating good food, good music. I’ve always enjoyed it ever since I was little.” Klaus looked over at her then and smiled. “You should come with me this year. You’ve already met Elaine and Sebastian but you can meet my younger brother and my parents. I’m sure my mother is dying to meet you.”

“I would like that.” Liz leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Klaus’ lips. He smiled and reached up to cup her cheek in his palm.

The sound of the front door opening caught their attention and voices could be heard. The door closed and silence stretched through the house. Liz sighed and rested her forehead against Klaus’. "We usually go to church now. We aren’t required to go, my family isn’t very religious but we like to go with Gran. We can go or stay here.”

“What would we do if we stayed here?” Klaus asked.

“Just keep an eye on the pies and casseroles.” Liz shrugged.

“What do you want to do?” Klaus leaned down and kissed her suddenly. One of his hands threaded through her hair and Liz opened her mouth to his kisses. They kissed lazily and Liz gripped the front of his shirt.

She let out a shuddering breath when they pulled apart. “I think we should stay here and watch a cheesy christmas movie.”

“Which cheesy christmas movie?”

“A Muppet Christmas Carol.” Liz grinned at Klaus’ groan and laughed when he buried his head in the crook of her neck. “It’s a christmas classic!”

Klaus gave her a disbelieving look and Liz giggled. He looked insulted that she had called that movie a classic. “Don’t speak ill of the Muppets or we’ll have a problem. Please, I’ll make-out with you in between songs.”

“That I can agree to,” Klaus said. “Grab the kitchen timer and let’s go.”

He pulled Liz out of the kitchen and the sound of her laughter followed them.

They got the pies and casseroles out of the ovens when they were supposed to and ate their weight in christmas cookies. They laughed and kissed and snuggled up under the blankets on the couch.

Liz drifted off while Klaus ran his fingers through her hair softly. He even fell asleep once or twice. It was comfortable and Klaus couldn’t remember the last time he had been this at ease. They made it through three christmas specials when the sound of the front door opening stirred them from their nap.

Liz got up and stretched her arms above her head. She reached down and pulled Klaus to his feet about the same time people began to drift into the living room. One voice echoed about the others and Liz smiled when she heard it.

“Elizabeth Rose where are you?”

“In here, Gran.”

An older woman pushed through the crowd with a surprising amount of strength for someone so small. Then Liz was engulfed in the smell of peppermint, loose powder, and mothballs. She buried her face against her grandmother's shoulder and squeezed her around the waist.

“Missed you.” Liz murmured.

“Aw, I missed you too, little dove.”

Liz’s grandmother pulled away and cupped Liz’s face in her hands. “Let me look at you.” Liz blew her bangs out of her face and smiled. “You just get lovelier and lovelier.”

“If you think so.” Liz grinned. She pulled away and grasped her grandmother’s hands for a moment. When she finally released her Liz reached back and wrapped her arm around Klaus’ waist so she could pull him forward.

“Gran, I would like you to meet my boyfriend Klaus.”

She took Klaus’ hand and Liz was sure that her seventy-eight-year-old grandmother was about to swoon. “Klaus this is my grandmother, Anita.”

“You are very attractive.” Gran squeezed his hand and Liz facepalmed.

“Gran!”

“I’m old Elizabeth but I’m not dead or blind.”

Klaus smiled down at her grandmother and Liz fought the urge to roll her eyes. He was so going to use that to his advantage in order to win her grandmother over.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Klaus said.

“Why don’t you come sit with me and you can tell me about yourself,” Gran replied. She began to hobble over to the fire and Klaus turned back to Liz for a second.

“Come get me in fifteen minutes or your grandmother might try to steal me away,” Klaus whispered and Liz laughed.

“Noted.” Liz leaned up on her tiptoes and giggled as Klaus kissed her quickly and followed after her grandmother. He pulled out a chair for her and Liz shook her head in amusement.

“Aaron I need you to go set the table and Liz could you get all the food onto the table?” Anna spoke up over the noise of the family.

“Sure, Mom.” Liz and Aaron chorused. They walked into the kitchen and began their tasks.

“Aunt Becky is in fine form already.” Aaron hissed when he passed by Liz.

“What did she say?” Liz demanded.

“Just the general talk about how wonderful Charlotte is and how you and I don’t amount to anything. She said it in veiled phrases but the implication was there. I had the pleasant task of driving her here after church. Good news though, Charlotte is having none of this bullshit this year and basically told her mom to shut up. Hopefully, Charlotte will be a buffer because if Melanie hears that horrible woman say anything to me or you then I can’t promise that she won’t rip out Aunt Becky’s highlights.” Aaron said.

Liz snorted, she had always liked Aaron’s wife Melanie. “As much as I would love to see that, you need to remind her to play it cool. It’s one day. You and I will be fine. At least that is what I’m telling myself. Tell her to keep an eye out for Dad though. He’s got no one to be a buffer. Now go set the table.”

Aaron clicked his heels together and saluted her before going to do his task. Liz giggled at his ridiculousness and started taking everything off of the warming trays and getting everything into the correct serving dishes. She turned around to put something back in the fridge and jumped three feet in the air when she came face to face with Aunt Becky. She was getting a soda out of the fridge and she narrowed her eyes at Liz.

“Merry christmas Aunt Becky. It’s good to see you.”

“We both know that’s a lie, Elizabeth,” Becky replied.

Liz plastered a smile on her face and continued her task. Hopefully, if she just didn’t engage in conversation then her aunt would leave.

“I saw who you brought home. You traded up.” Becky took a sip of her glass. “Although how a Goldstein ended up with you then I’ll never know.”

Liz gritted her teeth and took a deep calming breath.

“You must be really good in the sack if he’s stuck around for the last eight months.”

Liz saw red. She whirled around to face her Aunt and sighed in relief when she saw Klaus standing at the door to the kitchen. Something flashed in his gaze for just a minute before he schooled his features into something neutral.

Liz needed to get out of this kitchen she was angry but she was also upset and tears were threatening to fall. She didn’t want to give her Aunt the satisfaction.

Klaus walked past them and pulled down a glass from one of the cabinets and poured some water into it. He walked over to Liz and pressed the glass into her palm. Liz exhaled a breath when his hand settled against her lower back. Klaus leaned down to whisper quietly to her. “Your grandmother wanted some water. Take a deep breath and hold your head high. Take that to your Gran, get your coat, and go outside to get some fresh air. I’ll join you in a moment.”

Liz’s hands were shaking but she nodded. She pushed past her Aunt and out the kitchen door. Klaus watched her go for a moment before his attention turned to Becky.

“Look, Jonathan, Aaron, and Liz may be tolerant of your horrible attitude but I am not. Nothing hurts Liz when I’m around, nothing. Not only did you insult her by insinuating that the only way she could be with me was because of her body, you insulted me as well by assuming that sex is all I would be interested in.”

Becky opened her mouth to say something and Klaus held up his hand. He smiled pleasantly at her but he hoped that she could see the anger burning in his gaze.

“Here’s how holidays are going to go from now on. You are going to be civil to everyone publically and privately. I will not only be watching over Liz but Aaron and Jonathan as well. Trust me when I say I am not a person to be trifled with. Liz and her father and brother might be too afraid to say anything to Anna, and I understand and respect that. They are only trying to save your skin after all. But I will have no problem going over their heads and telling Grandmother Anita everything that I overheard today. I think she would have a lot to say about your attitude and the way you treat her son-in-law and grandchildren.”

He saw the muscle in Aunt Becky’s jaw work and Klaus’ smile widened. “I look forward to spending many many more holidays with you. Enjoy your christmas.”

Klaus walked to the kitchen door and found Aaron standing on the other side of it.

“Did you hear that?” Klaus raised an eyebrow in question. Aaron’s smile widened and he nodded. He clapped Klaus on the shoulder and laughed.

“Welcome to the family.”

Klaus smirked and made his way to the coat rack by the front door. He could see Liz standing in the front yard under one of the trees. Klaus slipped on his coat and trudged into the snow. Liz turned to face him as he approached her and Klaus’ heart stopped.

He could see the tear tracks on her cheeks and his anger towards Aunt Becky simmered. He pulled her to him slowly and took her face in his hands so he could brush her tears away. Liz leaned into his touch and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Don’t listen to her.” Klaus murmured a kissed the top of Liz’s head. “You know that none of that is true.”

“Why would you date me though?” Liz whispered hoarsely.

Klaus thought about it for a moment and tilted her face up to his. “Because.” He kissed her left eye softly and then her right. “Because you are funny and warm and kind. You make me laugh and you bring out a different part of me each time we are together. I cherish my time with you. Yes, I do find you attractive, and yes I do very much want to have sex with you, but that is a perk. It’s something that I’ll enjoy because it’s with you. It’s not our whole relationship our connection is much deeper than that. To be completely honest, I’ve liked you since the first moment I laid eyes on you.”

Liz was still crying a little but Klaus thought that they were happy tears now. She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him.

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me.” Klaus smoothed her hair out of her face. “Come on, take a few deep breaths and look at the beautiful sunset and then let’s get out of the damn cold.”

Liz laughed and let him wrap his arms around her waist. They watched the sun move below the horizon and Liz thought that this was the best christmas present she could’ve gotten.

Later that night Klaus ran his hand down his face in an exhausted gesture before he gripped the doorknob to Liz’s room. He slipped into the quiet space and frowned when he saw her sitting on the bed fidgeting with her shirt. She looked so down and anger flashed through him again. He didn’t like it when someone hurt her. He closed the door behind him and locked it.

Liz looked up at the sound and tilted her head. “Why are you locking the door?”

Klaus walked over to the dresser and began to unbutton his shirt. “Because I have a small nephew so I know how christmas mornings go. The kids will wake up early and go and try to wake the parents up. In our house, the rule is, Matthew has to stay in his room until six. That never happens though.” Klaus smiled.

“Last year he tried to wake his parents up at four. When they told him to go back to sleep he moved on to someone else. So, I was woken up at 4:05 by a toddler poking my face and telling me that santa claus had visited.”

“Well did you get up with him?” Liz grinned.

“Of course.” Klaus scoffed. “Not after I went and dragged Sebastian out of bed and made him make breakfast since his son was the one who woke me up. Then we told Matthew that if he wanted to open presents that he had to go wake up everyone else. About ten minutes later everyone else stumbled down the stairs. After that, I decided to lock my door.”

“Good idea. I got up at five with Aaron’s children last year. It’s so hard to say no to them when they are excited.”

“I don’t have a problem saying no but he wouldn’t leave me alone,” Klaus said.

Liz laughed and pulled out the two wrapped presents her mother had given them. Every year she buys Aaron, Melanie, Liz, and the grandkids christmas pajamas to wear on christmas eve. Luckily she had included Klaus in that tradition this year as well.

“Take your pajamas into the bathroom and change. I’ll change out here.”

Klaus did as she told him and Liz began to put on her christmas pajamas. It was nothing too festive this year, thank goodness, just a pale pink cotton shirt and navy blue pants with pink snowflakes one them. She quite liked them.

She turned on the tv and flipped through the channels until she found one playing the cartoon version of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’ Liz propped the pillows up behind her on the bed and waited for Klaus. He emerged a few seconds later and she had to stifle her laughter.

Not because of the pajamas, they were rather tame but because of his completely unamused expression at having to wear them. He was wearing a gray long-sleeved cotton shirt and a pair of pajama pants with reindeer on them. Liz laughed and grabbed her phone off of the nightstand. She raised it and snapped a picture before Klaus realized what she was doing.

“Delete that immediately.”

“No.” Liz giggled.

Klaus lunged at her at Liz shrieked with laughter as he tried to wrestle the phone away from her. She caught him off balance and used that to her advantage. She rolled them suddenly and straddled his waist. Liz raised the phone high in the air as she searched for one particular contact in her directory.

“What are you doing?” Klaus hissed. He was trying to buck her off of him but Liz was tickling his side with her other hand. He was ticklish it seemed and she filed that information away to use later.

“Elaine gave me her number when we went out to dinner with her and Sebastian. I have yet to text her but I assume that they would appreciate this.” Liz grinned.

She had to stifle a yelp when Klaus suddenly flipped them again and pinned her to the bed. She extended her one free arm and let out a cry of triumph when she found Elaine’s number and sent the photo.

“Ha!” Liz was in the middle of laughing when she met Klaus’ gaze and her laughter died in her throat.

His eyes burned into hers and her breath hitched at the intensity of it. She was completely pinned underneath him and he was resting between her legs. She dropped her phone to the bed and let her hands travel up and around his neck.

“Kiss me,” Liz whispered.

“No, you are being a pain,” Klaus said.

He leaned down and pressed a lazy kiss to the side of her neck. His hand drifted up her ribcage and he squeezed one of her breasts through her cotton shirt. Liz sighed and the sigh turned into a moan when Klaus thrust his hips forward. Liz responded with a lazy roll of her hips and she tilted her head back.

“I really wish we were back in new york at one of our apartments,” Liz said.

Klaus groaned and rested his forehead against hers for a moment before he rolled off of her. “You and me both.”

He pulled the covers over them and Liz leaned over to turn off the bedside lamp. Klaus wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to his side. They snuggled up in the warmth of the blankets and Liz inhaled the lingering scent of his cologne.

Suddenly his phone chimed a few times and Klaus picked it up off of the nightstand. He let out an angry huff as he read the messages and Liz smiled.

“What is it?”

He offered her his phone and laughter bubbled up from Liz as she began to read.

Elaine: Why do you look so grumpy in the photo Liz sent me??

Elaine: Wait, are those reindeer pajamas?

Elaine: Hahahahahaahah XD You look so cute! Don’t be grumpy, indulge your girlfriend and be happy about the reindeer pants.

The next message was a photo that she had sent Klaus. She was in bed with her head thrown back laughing and Sebastian had his face buried in the pillow next to her. Both of them looked like they were unable to contain their amusement. Liz smiled at the photo and shook her head.

Elaine: I’m forwarding this to Elias and Randy. Thank Liz for me. <3

When Liz handed the phone back to Klaus he was glaring daggers at her. He turned his phone off and sat it back down on the nightstand. He pulled Liz against him again and she settled into his embrace.

“Admit it, you like the reindeer pants.”

“No.”

“Come on they are festive and fun.”

“They’re stupid.”

“You like them.” Liz grinned.

Klaus sighed loudly and kissed her temple. “I like that you like them and I’m glad that you’re having fun.”

“Thank you.” Liz craned her head back and pressed a kiss to the underside of his jaw. When she turned back around she caught a glimpse at the clock. It was now after midnight.

“Merry Christmas, Klaus.”

“Merry Christmas, Liz.”

The two of them drifted off tangled together and watching the snow fall outside the window.

The next chapter is going to be hella adorable. They’re going to go back home to New York and have their first real date. :D I’m so excited y’all.

#wizardess heart #shall we date wizardess heart #shall we date wizardess heart fanfiction #wizardess heart +#wizardess heart+#klaus goldstein #the modern au #UGH this chapter was so cute and fun to write #the next chapter they go back to new york and have their first date and it's going to be adorable #don't look at me #this au is too cute

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marjaystuff · 5 years

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Elise Cooper’s Interview with James Rollins

Crucible by James Rollins reunites the Sigma Force team in this thrilling story. Released just after the holidays, this plot is anything but merry. But readers of Rollins are used to a roller coaster ride where they get plenty of action blended with cutting edge science, historical mystery, and the latest technologies.

It is Christmas Eve where the Sigma Force friends are gathering to have a joyous holiday. But Monk Kokkalis and Gray Pierce find their holiday spirits quickly dampened after returning to Monk’s house in Maryland. The Christmas Tree is toppled, Kat, the computer expert of the group, is lying unconscious on the kitchen floor, and Monk’s two young girls have been kidnapped, along with Gray’s pregnant wife, Seichan. This happened shortly after a massacre in Portugal where five women scientists have been brutally massacred. Also missing is Mara Silviera who was making advances in artificial intelligence research. She is on the run, protecting herself and her computer’s life. Gray, Monk, and company set out to find Mara after realizing that she is the key to finding their loved ones and also to saving humanity,.

The action keeps moving at a brisk pace in this latest novel that is crafted around plausible scientific data. Rollins has a knack for weaving together new and old as well as warning readers what can happen in the not too distant future.

Elise Cooper: Artificial intelligence stories are as believable as alien stories?

James Rollins: I made sure to read the contrary view that question if AI is a threat. There are certain hurdles that will need to be crossed to bring about a self-aware human-like AI. Their position is that this technology will happen. Of those two dozen experts I interviewed the consensus is that it will happen in five to ten years because of the rapid advances. Two of the researchers thought we have already gone there. It is not an if, but a when.

EC: What about the non-believers who think this is pure science fiction?

JR: I use as an example, the story of AlphaGo, the first computer program to defeat a human. It played the board game, Go. The next generation self-taught itself in three days and also beat his big brother, the original version of the program. I think this book is written for the non-believers, and I did not write it like the movie “Terminator.”

EC: How did you get the idea for the story?

JR: I have an idea box. If I see an interesting article I put it in my box. Over the years I have collected more and more articles about AI. After reading the book, The Final Invention, the story idea popped into my head.

EC: You seem to have a good track record predicting what can happen?

JR: I would remind people that in my book, The Bone Labyrinth, which came out a few years ago, I warned how the Chinese researchers genetically altered the human gene at the sperm level. We just read last month: they did just that. What sounded like science fiction when this book came out has come true today. I think we will see that with Crucible, and readers will understand I raised the red flag. We need to make sure we produce a friendly AI.

EC: Are humans being taken over or helped by technology?

JR: I show this with the prosthetic arm of Monk that is controlled by his brain implants. This technology is out there. Currently they are working on prosthetic skin that can determine the difference between soft/hard, and cold/hot. The concern is that the brain controlled prosthetics can be hacked into and someone’s limbs can be controlled by another person. It is not much different than hacking into and controlling someone’s car.

EC: This is not a very happy Christmas story?

JR: I put the line in the book by one of Monk’s young daughters, “We’re we bad…Did Santa take us instead of giving us presents?” It is as much a Christmas story as “Die Hard.” The heroes of the book are put through a very brutal Christmas before they get a happy ending.

EC: Why compare the witch trials to AI scientists?

JR: The witch trials were the persecution of women who questioned the natural world so they had to be killed. Women in the sciences today are also questioning the natural world and although they are not killed they face a form of persecution. Many are listed at the bottom of research projects and this year a woman finally won the Nobel Prize in Physics, the first women to do it in 113 years.

EC: Locked-in syndrome is really scary?

JR: Yes, when a person is basically awake, aware at times, but can’t move their body. This is the most terrifying thing in the world. Many who have this can hear but cannot move. They are fully aware of what is going on but cannot respond. It is like being locked in a prison. What is hopeful are the new functional MRIs that can map the way people think and picture things. It is a form of mind reading and a way to communicate with people in a coma.

EC: How would you describe the AI, Eve?

JR: She matured from a narrow AI to AFI then eventually to ASI. I based her on the book Flowers for Algernon that was made into the movie “Charley.” Over the course of time his vocabulary increases multifold. He surpasses intellectually the average person’s language. There is math on one of the pages of my book to show how Eve goes beyond scientifically the human understanding, just as Charley had done in the movie. I gave her a double personality where she is split between dark and light. The one cared for by Mara nurtures and protects humans, while the other one, which was stolen, mirrors the torture done to her.

EC: There are three types of AI?

JR: We are in narrow AI currently, such as Siri or self-driving cars. What everyone is pursuing is AGI that have computers self-aware of themselves with some human level of intelligence that can differentiate. ASI will advance far beyond our intelligence and accelerates rapidly. I wanted Eve to start with a cold and calculating intelligence and then mature as she is trained in different types of environments.

EC: You refer to Valya as the Snow Queen. Did you ever read that book?

JR: It was written by Hans Christian Anderson and is a very disturbing story. It is about a brutal woman who tortures children. The early Fairy Tales told to children are pretty darn gruesome. We forget that because Disney cleaned up a lot of these stories. In my story, the Snow Queen is not based on the Disney character in “Frozen.”

EC: You also use the story as a warning?

JR: Remember when the Internet came out it was supposed to create a rosy world where we are all connected and can come together. Instead, we are more isolated and hide behind screens that allow the worst of ourselves to shine. What sounded like a great boon to humanity is actually the direct opposite. The same is true for AI. I hope people are not wearing rosy glasses.

EC: What do you want readers to get out of this novel?

JR: The whole point of the book is to make sure there are boundaries and that any AI has empathy. Just like Putin said, whoever controls it will control the world. It is probably true that whoever is the first will have a huge economic advantage. Government and corporations want to be the first and are not worrying about the consequences.

EC: Why no reference to Sigma on the cover?

JR: There was a lot of debate. I thought it should have been put on it. Some thought by putting it on there, new readers may be stopped from picking up the book; even though I write a book that can stand on its own. Just FYI: Amazon and Barnes & Noble have different editions, each with different endings and do refer to it as a Sigma team novel.

EC: Your next book?

JR: It will be an anthology of all my short stories. I also include a 110-page Tucker and Kane novella. It will be out in the summer. The next Sigma will be out in January 2020.

THANK YOU!!

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5hfanfiction · 7 years

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Flowers on my doorstep - Chapter 7

After a gruelling back and forth session with my new therapist, Demi, I headed to the auditorium to meet Camila. I was mostly looking forward to talking and joking around with her, as well as learning to play again, because today had been both mentally and physically exhausting and the younger girl always seemed so full of life and hope, despite everything she had to deal with.

I wondered if things were harder for here having to deal with her OCD, because this morning looked very tough. I noticed how sad and embarrassed she looked when she couldn’t control herself in performing her rituals in front of me, but I’ve been googling it and therefore already knew that it wasn’t her fault that she couldn’t stop. It made her feel better and sometimes people just needed to feel better.

I entered the auditorium from audience doors to see a pretty looking Camila sat on top of the shiny black grand piano, wearing a frilly floral patterned crop top with a shoulder cut off paired with light blue denim jeans that made her look, well…very nice. Camila was pretty.

“Hallo.” I called out, grabbing the girl’s attention.

“Hey Lauren!” Camila greeted cheerfully hoping of the piano and stumbling a bit before regaining her balance and giving me the jazz hands, making me laugh.

“Hi.” I greeted again coming to a stop in front of her with a friendly smile on my face. I didn’t want to look miserable. Lucy always said I looked miserable and that I should smile more, even when I wasn’t happy, which was a lot with her.

“You’re adorable.” Camila chuckled. I quickly looked down to the floor getting all flustered at Camila’s niceties. I wish everyone in the world was as nice as Camila. “How was physiotherapy?” Camila asked moving to the piano and spreading out our sheet music.

“Um- An-n-noying?” I second guessed, not sure how how to describe it or if that was the correct answer.

“Ahh, well that sucks.” Camila spoke empathetically. “Do you wanna come sit down and we’ll get started?” She said taking a seat on one half of the stool.

I nodded and made my way over and sat uncomfortably next to her. It was a bit too close for my liking, but I had to learn to play again. So I grin and bared it, ignoring the feeling of my heart pounding in my chest begging me to flee and the skin-crawling sensations running up my back.

“So, um, you can read notations okay, right?” Camila questioned, afraid of offending me.

“Mhmm.” I hummed, surprisingly that part of my brain stayed in tack. I just sometimes had trouble spelling words because I couldn’t remember them, but music was different there weren’t so many things like they’re were with words. Words had all these letters and rules, that I just couldn’t focus on and remember all at once. “M-Moving my f-fingers all at the s-same is the hard part.” I showed her, trying to wiggle all my fingers at the same time and failing. It just looked like I had the shakes.

“So, your coordination sucks?” Camila said, finding the word I was originally looking for.

“Pretty m-much. You say ‘sucks’ a lot.” I pointed out laughing, because it was a joke.

“That’s because everything fucking sucks.” Camila stated with a firm nod.

“Not eve-ry-thing.” I reminded her, breaking down the word as I said it. “Music is nice.” I told her, bravely lifting my fingers to the keys and playing a few notes of my favourite song to the best of my ability on the right hand.

“That’s really pretty.” Camila stated, even though I wasn’t playing at nearly the correct tempo, throwing the rhythm out of zinc because I couldn’t get my hands to move quick enough. “What’s it called?” She asked, making me happy, because no one ever asks they just complement it and move on with their lives not appreciating the fine art, that we call music, nearly enough.

“K-Kiss the rain by Yiruma.” I told her feeling completely endeared by the song and what it made me feel. It was so peaceful and made me feel alright, when things were definitely not alright. “I can’t p-play it that w-well though.” I shook my head.

“Practice makes perfect Lauren. How about we try a scale of C major first?”

“O-Okay.” I agreed, stuttering out of nerves more than anything this time, not that anyone would notice the difference.

“Alright, let’s see you play it first and then I’ll jump in..if need be.” Camila instructed. I lifted my right hand and attempted to scale a C major but it was difficult trying to tuck my fingers under each other and move swiftly up the keys.

“Sorry.” I apologised when I hit a bum note and removed my hand from the keys.

“Don’t apologise, it’s okay. Here, ” She lifted my hand but I flinched back when she did completely terrified, but my fear soon shifted into embarrassment at my own reaction, I went to apologise again, but Camila beat me to it. “I’m sorry, Lauren. It didn’t mean to-” Camila trailed off, not really sure what she had done. “Is it alright for me to touch you?” She asked. I wasn’t sure if she was clocking onto my reasoning behind my reaction. So I internally prayed that she wouldn’t ask or ever find out because I’d feel so ashamed having people know. Not many people knew. Just Normani, my immediate family, my therapist, Doctors and Ke. No-one else, not ever.

“Y-Yeah, sorry.” I apologised as she gently rested her hand above my and moved it towards the keys. Her hands were soft and warm against mine, which was a stark contrast against Lucy’s one, which would feel harsh and tight and cold. “Alright try and play it against, slowly.” She added and I began playing the scale as Camila watched and guided my hand helping me to hit the correct notes. “You’re doing good.” She praised with a reassuring smile, “maybe try and move your actual had rather than single fingers when moving up the keys?” She suggested as I was having trouble tucking my thumb under my fingers.

“Al-Alright.” I did as she said and moved my hand rather than tucking and moving along. It worked a bit better despite the delay between the scale.

“That was so great Lauren.” Camila praised clapping her hands excitedly, seeming genuinely happy for me. “Now let’s try and speed it up."

Camila and I went on like that for the next two hours and with Camila’s help I was able to scale most of the piano with ease. I even taught Camila how to play a song, which she was really happy and bragging to me about as she walked me to my next class. "You know, you should watch out Jauregui, or I’ll be taking your place.”

I shook my head laughing at the younger girl’s antics. “You w-wish, Cabe-yoy-o.” I stuttered out accidentally, trying to copy the other girl’s use of our last names, but failing and bursting into laughter at how funny it sounded. “I’m so sorry.” I laughed, holding my hands up to cover my mouth. “Cabello-yoyo.” I reiterated cracking up again and causing Camila to burst out into laughter too as we stopped outside my class.

One thing I had noticed about Camila was that she was extremely nice, even without me deserving it. She never lost her temper, shouted or tried to hurt me, which was really reassuring when I was trying to make friends, but as much as I knew these things and was feeling slightly more comfortable hanging around Camila I still felt paranoid that at any moment she could snap and hurt me or worse not want to be my friend.

“Lauren?” Camila spoke pulling me from my thoughts and I realised I was staring off into the empty courtyard opposite us through the glass windows.

“Um- y-yeah? I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay. I was just saying that there’s a party tonight in the boys dorm and that guy Michael I told you about is going to be there. So would you, like, go with me?” Camila asked and I choked. I didn’t know what to say, so I just stood there. I wasn’t ever allowed to to parties, because Lucy didn’t let me and the last time I did I was hurt really badly and I just couldn’t get over it. No matter how hard I tried to move on.

“I-I- um c-c-can’t.” I stuttered out, but felt bad at the disheartened look on her face when I rejected her offer, so I decided to give her a reason so she wouldn’t blame herself or feel like she had done something wrong. It wasn’t her, it was me. “It’s my b-brain.” I gestured to the stupidest part of my body. “It h-hurts..when there’s…lots of p-people and l-l-loud noises.”

“Oh!” Camila said and an emotion flashed between her eyes, but I didn’t know what it was, because I hadn’t know her that long. “Well that’s okay then. I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” Camila shifted awkwardly on her feet.

“D-Does it affect you a lot?” Camila asked quietly, like she was scared to ask the question.

“Yes.” I signed, telling the truth. There was no point lying considering Camila already knew the truth of my brain injury and I really needed a friend who understood me, now that Normani wasn’t around.

“Well that sucks.” Camila joked using that word again.

“H-how is it a girl with a brain injury has a better vocabulary than you?” I laughed trying to diffuse the tension.

“You’re just smarter, I guess.” Camila shrugged, “Hey, would you wanna go for coffee again after class?”

“Sure!” I nodded, happy that Camila actually wanted to hang out with me.

“Okay.” She laughed. “I’ll see you later then? Say hi to Dinah as well.” She said walking backwards down the hall.

“D-Dinah?” I questioned worriedly, even though I shouldn’t be because she helped me earlier.

“Yeah! She takes this class as well!” Camila shouted, before stumbling backwards and falling onto the floor.

“S-shit. Are you okay?” I called as Camila pushed herself to her feet.

“Pfft…me? I’m good. I was just checking if the gravity still worked. It does. Kay, bye!” She waved before disappearing down the hall, this time walking forwards, leaving me with a probably dopey smile on my face, before I too disappeared from the hall and into my lecture room picking a seat at the back of the class where I had less chance of being picked to answer questions.

I carefully pulled out my notebook and placed it gently on the pullout desk attached to my chair as well as grabbing a blue pen from out of my bag. I took a deep breathe and admired the quietness of the room and savoured the feeling of not doing anything, but the more in tune I became with my body the more I noticed the dull pain and aches running through my muscles.

You’d think I’d be used to this feeling by now, but you never get used to the feeling of not being able to be yourself, because not only did I have to overcome the physical barriers built up from my life I also had to get over the mental ones that had been built.

“AYE!! FLOWER GIRL!” A loud voice that I had become accustomed to hearing shouted marching up the stairs and shimming down the row of seats to sink down next to me. “How’s things going? Did you see Camila? How did the practice go? I didn’t know you took this class.” Dinah said bombarding me with a bunch of words that got tangled up in my mind as I tried to keep track of the words and what they meant.

“I- um…what?” I questioned, causing Dinah to pause and stare at me for a beat in that weird scrutinising way she does like she’s trying to solve a crossword.

“How are you?” Dinah asked this time sticking to one question.

“I am good, thanks. How are you?” I responded politely.

“Ugh!!” Dinah groaned throwing her head back in annoyance.

“What’s the m-m-matter?!” I asked panicked, thinking I’d done something bad.

“No. No.” Dinah shook her head without enlightening me. “Do not be one of those people who like to speak in dead end sentences and formalities.”

“Oh. Sorry.” I apologised feeling slightly confused because that’s how my mom had told me to greet people.

“So, how was your day?” Dinah asked again and I was confused because I had just answered that question and she was starting to make my head hurt. “Minus the bullshit.” She added.

“Erm…it’s been t-tiring.” I replied in more of a question than an answer.

“Because of your physiotherapy?” Dinah questioned in a know-it-all tone of voice.

“Um- yeah.” I whispered an agreement feeling slightly embarrassed that she knew I had to go to those types of things, because a clear indication of something being wrong with me and Dinah seems loud so I didn’t want her to go telling people things. What if Camila has told her what’s wrong with me? The thought popped into my head and I quickly stood up to go and find Camila because she needed to know that she couldn’t tell her, but what if Dinah already knew?

“Whoa…where are you going? Class is literally about to start.” Dinah said gesturing to the man setting up his computer at the front of the class.

“To f-find Camila.” I explained p, because I really needed to tell her, because it was important.

“Now? Can’t you just text her or something?” Dinah offered slowly analysing me and I slowly began to realise how strange I was appearing at that moment, so, I sat back down in my seat, like a normal person, and nodded my head at Dinah’s suggestion.

“Okay y-yeah. I’ll do that.” I slid my phone out of my pocket and typed a text to Camila.

Lauren(2:03pm): Hii, its Lauren. Have u told Dinah abowt my 'thing’?

Camz(2:04pm): No, of course not. I didn’t think u wanted me too?

Lauren(2:06pm): Yor right. Don’t tell her, thanks. Bye.

I breathed a sigh of relief at Camila’s texted and slipped my phone away, only to notice Dinah staring at me…again. It was starting to worry me. What if she wanted to hurt me? I don’t like being hurt. So I shimmed as far away from her as I could in my seat as the professor started his presentation on social norms.

The college thought it would be good if I took sociology so I could learn more about people and society. I didn’t mind though because I found it fascinating and this professor didn’t talk to fast or use hard words so I was able to understand clearly what was going on.

Dinah didn’t say much else she just sat there writing loads and loads of information down and putting her hand in the air to ask the questions, whilst I wrote like a four year old and kept my notebook concealed from the girl. I think she likes this class and is very smart because no one else was saying or writing the things she was.

I wanted to write as much as her, because she seemed good at it and smart. I wanted to be good at things as well. I really wanted to be seen as smart again. I used to be very smart, I even graduated a year earlier than everyone else. Mostly so I could get out of school and move out form my parents house.

They wasn’t very accepting of me when I was younger because I liked girls and my mom said I shouldn’t and I was setting a bad influence for my siblings. She also said a bunch of nasty stuff, but we have made up now and she says she loves me, but I’m still not sure. Sometimes I think she only took me back because I almost died. That’s what Normani says. She doesn’t like my mother very much, because she kicked me out for being myself and loving who I loved- sometimes I wished I didn’t love who I loved, because if I didn’t I wouldn’t be where I am now.

After two brain scrambling, word following hours we began to pack up our stuff as people filtered out of the lecture hall chattering loudly. I stuffed my notebook into my backpack as Dinah arranged her piles and piles of notes.

“Well done today, Miss Hansen.” Our professor with a scrappy beard and brown hair turning grey said as he appeared at the end of our aisle. “You have done nothing but impress me so far.” The man applauded Dinah who slid her bag on her arm and beamed up at the professor happily.

“Really? Okay good. I wasn’t sure if I was barking up the wrong tree.” Dinah admitted with a nervous laugh.

“Y-you b-barked up all of the trees.” I mumbled out, feeling really jealous and angry.

“Sorry, what was that Mrs…?” He trailed off. “I’m sorry, I don’t appear to know your name. Have you always been in my class?”

“J-Jauregui. I- um just m-moved here.” I explained, dodging a bullet by distracting him with the new information.

“Oh yes! I remember now. How…Are…You…Doing?!” The man said shouting every word and talking slowly like you would to your hard of hearing grandmother.

“I’m okay, thanks.” I spoke monotonously, trying to resist giving him an eye roll.

“That…is…brilliant! I…look…forward…to…teaching…you.” He said breaking up his words, like I was an idiot who didn’t understand him. I understood most things! Just not the hard stuff. I didn’t suffer through two years of rehab nothing.

“Um- look Mr Jensen, we’d love to stay and chat, but we really have to get going.” Dinah said making up an excuse to leave, probably sensing the weirdness of the situation and my discomfort.

“Oh yes, yes. Go! By all means.” He said stepping back and giving us room to shimmy out of the space and down the stairs.

“Thanks professor, see you next lesson.” Dinah waved,

“Your welcome Dinah. I…will…see…you…later..Lauren.” The man shouted after me and I just put my head down and walked out the room trying to hide my embarrassment and shake Dinah as soon as I made my way into the open corridor. However my dumb legs had other ideas and refused to move fast enough. So the blonde haired girl quickly caught up with me as I marched across the courtyard.

“You okay? Ignore Mr Jensen, I think he’s on acid or something.” Dinah joked and I nodded my head avoiding eye contact. Did he really think I was that dumb? Could he tell I was deranged just from looking at me? I sure as hell could, I walked weirdly, I talked weirdly and I had a horrible looking scar along the top of my head.

“So…where are you going?” Dinah tried and I shrugged not really in the mood for talking as I made my way over to the cafe Camila had taken me too before, because I didn’t want to let brunette down.

“To meet C-Camila…if that’s okay?” I asked nervously in case she didn’t want me hanging out with her friend.

“Only if I can come.” Dinah said. I debated it, but agreed because I really wanted to see Camila.

“Okay.” I nodded.

“So, Your friend seemed…nice.” Dinah chuckled to herself.

“Yeah…that was Mani she can b-be a bit protective.” I tried excusing the Normani’s earlier behaviour and avalanche of slurs at Dinah.

“I noticed. You know she thought we did the dirty?” Dinah asked, biting back a laugh, but I didn’t get what she was saying.

“The dirty?” I echoed confusedly.

“You know Netflix and chill.” Dinah said, making no sense because we hadn’t watched Netflix. I didn’t even have a Netflix account. “OMG! You really have no idea what I’m talking about do you?!” Dinah exclaimed as I started at her blankly.

“Um- n-not really, n-no.” I shrugged.

“Jesus, where have you been the past two years?” Dinah shook her head as we walked for a few more moments in complete silence towards the café as I mustered up the courage to actually ask Dinah what it meant.

“W-What does Netflix and Chill actually m-mean?” I whispered quietly, feeling embarrassed.

“It’s a euphemism for sex, babe.” Dinah said ruffling my hair gently like I was a kid.

“Oh.” I nodded, turning red because she mentioned you-know-what, as we walked through the cafe door causing a ring to sound out upon our entrance. I scoured the room only to see Camila sitting at the same table we were at last time. “Ca-Ca-Camila is over there.” I pointed, before we headed over in that direction.

“What’s up, Walz? I crashed you’re date, I hope you don’t mind.” Dinah said pulling out the chair next to Camila and sitting in it.

“Shut the fuck up China.” Camila retorted as I sat down opposite her thankful for the rest, because my legs ere really starting to hurt. “It’s good to see you again Lauren.” Camila smiled that pretty smile she has showing her teeth.

“Hi.”'I mumbled out nervously.

“So i took the liberty of ordering you a hot chocolate.” Camila said sliding the mug over to me. “I would have got you one too Dinah, but I didn’t know you were coming.”

“That’s alright, The barista is cute so I don’t mind getting my own.” Dinah winked and got up to flirt with the guy behind the counter, leaving Camila and I alone at the table.

*Camila’s POV*

“I hope she didn’t drive you too mad.” I said taking a sip of the familiar smelling coffee.

“She didn’t.” Lauren spoke sweetly from the other side of the table looking up from the hot chocolate with her piercing green eyes peering over the top.

“Good, good.” I hummed, trying to think of something to say. I was never good at small talk.

“Where’s your other friend?” Lauren spoke up inquisitively, saving me from finding something to say.

“Ally? She would have just gotten out of class about now.” I said checking my watch for the time.

“You should invite her.” Lauren said, but their was an insistence to her voice so I didn’t argue and because I hadn’t seen my other best friend yet today.

“Yeah sure..okay.” I said pulling out my phone and sending a text to Ally.

Mily(4:12pm): Hey Alls! We’re in the cafe, come join us.

Allycat(4:12pm): Okay, I’ll see you there in a few 😘

“She’s coming.” I smiled warmly to Lauren and locked my phone. “So Dinah told me your friend threatened to kill her…more than once.” I bemused laughing at the idea of someone being crazy enough to take on Dinah.

“S-She wouldn’t, I promise. S-she was just joking…I think.” Lauren laughed, but made sure I was aware that no harm would come to Dinah. It’s was kind of cute how insistent Lauren was at times.

“Don’t worry about it. It would be interesting to watch.”

“I d-don’t think I would b-be.” Lauren shook her head scrunching up her eyes as she did so. “Normani is nice anyway. She would never hurt someone…only if they hurt me.”

“I don’t think anyone could hurt you.” I said looking over at the endearing green eyed girl with a pouty face.

“Yeah..no- never.” Lauren agreed with a weakness to her voice and it was then I remembered that Lauren had been hurt in one way or another. I didn’t know much about it though, but I doubted anyone actually injured the kind hearted girl sat before me. It was probably one of those freak car accidents or something, because weren’t they the leading cause of brain damage?

“Oh Lauren! I’m sorry..I didn’t mean-” I began to apologise profusely.

“Camila…it’s okay.” Lauren interrupted me with a small reassuring smile.

“Really?” I asked, I didn’t want to sound insensitive and I honestly had no idea how to approach these things or if I was even saying and doing the right things. I mean how was a person supposed to act around someone with a brain injury? “It’s just…I’m not sure if I’m doing this right…”

“Doing what right?!” Dinah spoke loudly appearing at my side with an espresso in hand.

“Oh you know….my New York accent! I was just showing Lauren.” I quickly made up a cover. “Watch. 'Are you talking to me? Are you talking to me?’” I joked in my most over the top accent.

“I can assure Lauren won’t be talking to you ever again if you do that accent one more time.” Dinah said shoving my shoulder and sitting back down.

“Rude.” I scoffed, “Lauren would talk to me, right Laur?” I said the accidental nickname slipping off the tongue.

“Um- no.” Lauren said shaking her head causing her dark locks to cascade down her face.

“I am offended!” I feigned insult, clutching my hand to my chest dramatically, causing Lauren to bust out into an adorable giggle.

“Ooh I like her Camila. Can we keep her?” Dinah cooed turning to me pleadingly.

“On one condition…Lauren gets to come to our Sunday morning brunch?” I fake debated with Dinah.

“Hmm…you drive a hard bargain, Cabello.” Dinah said pausing in thought as Lauren looked on at us with bright eyes. “Okay, you’ve got yourself a deal.” Dinah held out her hand and I took the gesture shaking it firmly.

“Welcome to the cool kids club, Lauren.” I said goofily, smiling at our new friend.

A/N: This section is a mess. And I’m more than aware of it, but sometimes you gotta know when to give up and move on…so here ya go lovelies and hopefully the next chapters better.

Wattpad: MidnightCrossing

#UPDATE #series #AU #camren #caminah #laurinah #angst drama #romance fluff #submission #Flowers on my doorstep

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