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thesassenachswiftie · 3 years

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Lover - Chapter 13: “Soon You’ll Get Better”

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Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // Chapter 3 // Chapter 4 // Chapter 5 // Chapter 6 // Chapter 7 // Chapter 8 // Chapter 9 // Chapter 10 // Chapter 11 // Chapter 12

Summary: Claire and Jo go Christmas shopping; Claire gets a call at work that Lamb’s in the hospital in Boston where she fears she will need to spend the holidays without Jamie. In short: angst, but make it festive.

" This won't go back to normal, if it ever was It's been years of hoping, and I keep saying it because 'Cause I have to

Ooh-ah, you'll get better..."

CW: cancer, hospitals, illness of a loved one,

Notes: First of all, if you’re still here, thank you for reading, and thank you for bearing with me as I took a small hiatus. Hopefully I will be getting back to a more regular posting schedule, but work is really draining right now and it’s hard to find enough hours in the day to do everything.

As you know, each Chapter of this fic is based off a Taylor Swift song by the same name. This one was particularly difficult to write/approach because I actually haven’t listened to this song in over a year. In early Summer 2019, a tumor was found on my grandfather’s brain. This was also the summer I discovered Outlander, and the summer Taylor Swift released Lover. The day after Lover came out, I broke down sobbing in my apartment listening to this song and thinking about my grandfather, knowing his condition was worsening. That night, I recieved the call that my grandfather had passed. He was the kindest, purest soul and I write this chapter in part as a tribute to him. Many of the experiences Claire and Lamb share are based on my own experiences with my grandpa that summer, and this version of Lamb is very much based on my Grandpa Jim.

That being said, you may want to grab a box of tissues before reading, but hopefully not all your tears will be sad. I’m hoping to post again before Chistmas, but in case I don’t Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays--and Happy Hanukkah to any Jewish readers I may have--here is a Hanukkah present for you!

Chapter 13: “Soon You’ll Get Better”

“All I want for Christmas is yooouuuuu” the sounds of Mariah Carey rang out throughout the small boutique gift shop in the heart of the village of Northport.

“Good God, we’re only a week into December and I swear I’ve already heard this song three hundred times. I’m not exaggerating either. Two hundred and eight-four at the very least.” Jo scoffed exasperatedly.

“Are you complaining?” Claire asked in reply. “It’s a great song--a classic really.”

“Do you know how many incredible, amazing, beautiful, jolly Christmas songs there are in existence?” Jo was gearing up for one of their famous rants, “Yet, the radio stations only ever play the same eighteen songs, I swear!”

“It must be more than eighteen.”

“Fine. Twenty. Take this song for instance: Ingrid Michaelson has the most hauntingly beautiful cover of it--do you ever hear it? No! You only ever hear Mariah!”

“I, for one, like Mariah!” Claire interjected, playfully defensive.

“Who doesn’t? But she’s not the only powerhouse female vocalist out there! I’d just like to see a little diversity in my holiday music, is that so much to ask?”

Claire giggled. Her best friend always had an opinion on everything and she loved them all the more for it. “Do you think Jenny would like this candle?” Claire unscrewed the lid a locally-made jar candle, taking a sniff before placing it under Jo’s nose. It smelled like Lavender and Sage with just a hint of Eucalyptus.

“Does Jenny keep a lot of candles around, with all those children?” Jo chuckled back. “It does smell nice though.” Jo had only met Jenny a couple times when visiting Claire, but they had a knack for reading people and Claire was glad to have them along as a shopping partner.

“I suppose candles aren’t really her thing. Jenny seems very practical, but I don’t know what she would need that she doesn’t already have, and Jamie’s been no help!”

“I think you’re on the right track with the self-care/relaxation vibe, but maybe not something the children can use to burn the house down. What about an artisanal lotion set?” Jo inquired, gesturing at a nearby display.

“Oh that might work!” Claire took a squirt from the bottle labeled ‘tester’ inhaling deeply as she rubbed it between her palms. “Ooo that’s nice, I would appreciate this if I were a hardworking mother.”

“If things keep going the way they are with your man, LJ, you might just be before you know it” Jo made a lewd gesture with their hands, raising their eyebrows to make it clear exactly what they were implying.

“Jo! You’re terrible” Claire shrieked, smacking her friend playfully on the arm. Besides, not much of that happening these days if you haven’t noticed, Jamie is literally across the ocean.”

“Well, at least you can’t get knocked up from phone sex,” Jo replied. “What are you getting him anyway? I’m thinking something lacy and strappy, with little bows on it of course, to be festive. There’s a place down the street that might have something like that.”

“Hmm” Claire exhaled. “We’ll see.” Claire knew lingerie was definitely going to be part of Jamie’s Christmas gift, one she would be most excited for him to unwrap. God, she missed him. It had been over a month and they were settling into a routine, video chatting every night, sweet texts back and forth throughout the day, the occasional phone sex when they were both sick with desire for one other--but nothing was the same as the feel of their bodies pressed against each other in the heat of the moment, chasing each other’s climax. Claire couldn’t wait to be reunited with him in every way.

It was two days before Christmas break, only a few days left until Claire would find freedom for the next ten days and, most of all--the comfort of Jamie’s arms. Claire was sitting in her school nurse’s office, inhaling deeply during the first quiet moments she’d had all week. There was an uptick of student visits in the past couple weeks--a few were legitimate concerns tied to cold and flu season: students whose parents sent them to school when they weren’t quite well enough, overachievers who wanted to maintain their perfect attendance dragging themselves to school despite their bodies protestations. Most of her patients however, were suffering from something much more insidious: the eagerness to start their winter break early by skipping their classes. This time of year the air of the school felt different, students and teachers alike were burnt out, apathetic, and ready for a break. This attitude in the students fed into the teachers’ attitudes--overworked with the end of the marking period, trying to squeeze in Christmas shopping and decorating between grading. Claire did not envy Jo nor any of the other teachers during this time, but their exhaustion was so palpable in the air of the school that she was starting to feel it too. By tomorrow, most teachers would be shutting their doors and playing a holiday film, giving up on instruction all together--hopefully that would make for a quiet day for Claire. Really, if she could just get through the rest of the day it would be smooth sailing until Christmas--until Jamie.

Her silent musings were broken by the blaring sound of her office phone. She was expecting a teacher, calling to send a student down, but instead it was the school clerk, Glenda. “Hi Nurse Beauchamp, we have an outside call for you, it seems like it may be a personal call so if there’s any students with you we can send someone down to watch them if you’d like to take it privately here in the office.”

Claire's heart sank to her stomach. What could it be? She took a deep breath and swallowed to brace herself before replying “last student just left.”

“Alright, I’ll transfer you now.” The click of the call transferring sounded through the phone.

“Hello, this is Miss Beauchamp”

“Hello Miss Beauchamp, I’m Tammy, a nurse at Mass General we’re calling because you’re listed as the emergency contact for Quentin Beauchamp” a nasally voice croaked through the phone speaker--the voice was impersonal like that of a cashier saying “have a nice day” for the thousandth time, not fitting of a potential harbinger of death.

“Yes…” Claire replied, nervously, questioningly.

“Mr. Lambert was admitted this morning after showing signs of cognitive distress. An initial cat scan shows a mass on his brain. He’s currently undergoing testing to see if it’s cancerous.”

Claire’s lungs felt like they were about to collapse. Lamb had been diagnosed with prostate cancer several years ago, but had been able to live with it through treatment. Claire also knew that cancer was insidious and could spread throughout the body rapidly and without warning. She knew it was very likely that the mass was cancer. She tried to find her medical professional voice, but a diagnosis was different when it was someone you loved. Instead, she croaked out, “when will you know?”

“We should have the results by tomorrow. He’ll stay here overnight for monitoring and we’ll decide whether to admit him long term from there.”

“I’m on Long Island, should I drive up?”

“I’m afraid it’s too soon to tell, it could be nothing, but--” Claire cut her off, knowing exactly how bad it could be.

“I understand. I’ll drive up this evening.”

“Alright, he should be back in his room by then, he’s out getting his tests done now. It’s room 713 when you get here.” Claire wrote the number on a bright blue sticky note on her desk as the nurse spoke. “Have a nice day Ms. Beauchamp”

“Hmm” was all she could reply, as if she could possibly have a nice day. She hung up the phone, and finally let the deluge of tears she’d been holding back free.

She allowed herself to cry for a few minutes to get it out, but she knew she had to get to Boston as soon as possible. She picked up the phone again and dialed the main office.

“Hi Glenda, it’s Claire. I need to take the rest of the day off--I have to go to Boston, my uncle…” she couldn’t say it out loud for fear of unleashing the tears again “Is Principal Gowan there, I need to let him know.”

“Oh Nurse Beauchamp, I’m so sorry to hear that, let me know if you need anything. Mr. Gowan’s in his office, I’ll transfer you to him now, if he doesn’t answer just pack up your things and go, I’ll take care of it”

“Thanks Glenda, I really appreciate it”

----------

After getting the ok from her kind and understanding principal, Claire rushed back to Jamie’s apartment, hastily packed a bag (likely forgetting several things), informed Jenny where she was going--which was met with sympathy and genuine concern--and hopped back in the car for the journey to Boston. She entered the hospital doors several hours later, the buttons of her coat were tangled in her hair as she rushed, breathless, to the front desk to receive her visitor’s pass.

When she arrived at Lamb’s room, he was asleep. She didn’t want to wake him, but she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze to let him know she was there before settling into the armchair beside him to await his awakening. He looked so frail and small in the hospital bed, not at all like the strong, spirited man who had raised her. He had left the television on--some sports channel was playing a highlight reel of various golfing moments. No wonder Lamb fell asleep. Claire was staring at the screen, but her thoughts were elsewhere: worried about Lamb, wondering if she’d remember everything when she hastily packed, wondering what the future held. Would she have to spend Christmas in this hospital room? A golf ball soared across the Scottish Highlands on the screen. Jamie. Jamie was coming home Christmas Eve, she was supposed to pick him up from the airport, supposed to spend her holiday break with him, experience her first Hogmanay with the Murray family, be surrounded by love and laughter and family. Lamb was supposed to be fine, he was supposed to take the train down, spend Christmas with them. Every plan they had made was shattered into a million pieces. Would she even be able to see Jamie? She thought about the presents she’d bought for him, not yet wrapped, piled in the closet but definitely not hidden, especially considering it was his apartment. Of course he’d understand--she could tell him where they were, but the magic of unwrapping would be lost, it would feel entirely unsentimental. It was bad enough that she felt her gifts weren’t sentimental enough--what could she possibly get him to show how special he was to her? How could she communicate that with an object? If she were a painter she would paint him a painting, if she were a songwriter she would write him a song, but she was simply Claire, and practical gifts were all she knew. She had purchased a cozy blue sweater to match his eyes and keep him warm in the brisk London winters, a cool multi-tool the size of a credit card that would fit in his wallet and help him solve a variety of problems, a protective case for his phone, and a box of artisanal beef jerky. She had also procured a complicated piece of lingerie with a big red bow across the chest for him to unwrap the night of Christmas, which she knew he would enjoy. Everything was thoughtful enough and mostly practical, but she longed to be able to give him something truly special--a grand gesture to match her feelings for him. Claire glanced back at her uncle and immediately felt guilty being so selfish. I hate to make this all about me. Lamb always had a knack for helping her realize what was important when life’s situations overwhelmed her. She needed him for perspective, but how could she talk to him about this? How could she tell him how she felt? She knew it was wrong, but she was mad at him for getting sick so close to Christmas. Who am I supposed to talk to? What am I supposed to do if there’s no you? The tears were welling up in her eyes as she watched her most beloved uncle sleep--hooked up to machines, pale and listless in the hospital bed.

Claire slipped into the adjoining bathroom to try to compose herself--she didn’t want her uncle to wake up and see her upset, she knew he would try to comfort her, to be the rock he always had been for her. She was here to be his rock this time, she needed to stay strong for him. She looked at herself in the mirror, telling herself it was going to be ok--her uncle was strong and he’d been fighting a long time--he’d continue to fight. Soon you’ll get better. She had to convince herself it was true, pretend it wasn’t real, it wasn’t so bad. She knew it was a delusion, she could see it all over her glass face when she looked in the mirror. She was genuinely afraid that this could be when she lost him, if not physically right away, he could be lost mentally. She’d been hoping for years he would get better, but now it seemed he’d taken a turn for the worse. She took a few deep breaths and offered up a prayer. She wasn’t usually religious, but they say desperate people find faith, so she decided it was time to try. God? Jesus? Whoever is up there. I know I don’t much deserve anything from you, I’m not sure I’m exactly on good terms with you, but I’m inclined to believe you care and you are good. Besides, I’m not really asking anything for myself, not really. I just pray my Uncle is ok, I pray he gets better. He has to. Please don’t take his brilliant mind away from him. Please let him be ok. Please, I’ll be good, I’ll do whatever it takes to help him. Just please, please, don’t take him away from me. I need him. Please let him get better. Please let him get better. Claire continued to repeat the words like a mantra as she returned to her bedside chair. She stared at the collection of orange bottles on the tray table. Please let them help him get better. Please let him get better. Please, please, please let him get better.

Claire had no idea how long she sat there, repeating those words to herself, but her silent appeal was interrupted when a nurse entered the room to check her uncle’s vitals.

“Hi, I’m Brenda, I’ll be the nurse on duty tonight.” Brenda erased a name on a small whiteboard in front of the room and replaced it with her own.

“I’m Claire, I’m his niece.”

Brenda had made her way over to the other side of the bed and was checking the monitors beside the bed, making notes on the chart in her hand. “I hate waking them up, but I’m going to have to.” Claire was glad that she was much kinder than the nurse she had spoken with on the phone earlier—had that really been earlier? It seemed much longer since that phone call. “Excuse me, Quentin? Sir?” Brenda gently nudged his arm to awaken him. Lamb’s eyes fluttered open and he looked disoriented, Claire watched him carefully hoping that his disorientation was solely from being awoken mid-sleep and not from any neurological damage.

“Hi Uncle Lamb” Claire stammered, hoping she sounded cheerful anyway.

“Claire! My girl! You came all the way to see your old uncle!”

“Of course I did! How are you?” she replied warmly.

“Oh, I’m fine, they’re taking good care of me here.” Lamb’s voice sounded genuinely content and Claire felt comforted for the first time since the hospital had called her earlier that day.

“Hello sir, my name’s Brenda, I’ll be your nurse tonight. I just need to ask you a few questions and check your vitals.”

“What is your name?”

“Quentin Lambert Beauchamp”

“Good. When is your birthday?

“March 23th, 1939”

“Good, and who is the president?”

“Well, unfortunately…” both Claire and Brenda giggled at how Lamb began his sentence. Claire was well aware of Lamb’s opinions of the current president of the United States, and was glad to see he hadn’t lost his sly sense of humor or his disdain for the man. She was also glad he knew who the president was, hopefully his mental capacities were more promising than the worst-case-scenario her mind was conjuring.

----------

Claire stayed by her uncle’s side for the rest of the night, only leaving the room twice, once to find something to eat from a vending machine, and once for her nightly call to Jamie. She allowed herself to break down when talking to Jamie, sobbing over the phone. Jamie did his best to comfort her through the speaker, desperately wishing he could be there for her in person. Claire wished the same, longing to curl up in his strong embrace, and bury her swollen face in his chest. She couldn’t bring up the fact that she might have to spend Christmas in Boston. She was enough of a mess without facing the reality that they wouldn’t see each other, and when Jamie promised they’d see each other soon at the end of their call, Claire hung up quickly as another wave of emotion overtook her and she buried her face in her hands to cry some more.

The next morning, the doctor came in with Lamb’s results. Claire grasped Lamb’s hand, unsure of who was holding onto whom for comfort as the doctor explained that the mass on Lamb’s brain was in fact cancerous, but it was still relatively small and had been caught early. He explained that they could operate on it and remove it, however there was no guarantee that it wouldn’t come back or that they’d be able to get it all out. It was moments like these where Claire desperately wished she was already a surgeon, that she could feel in control of the outcome--though could she operate on her own uncle? Would she be able to hold her hand steady enough to do a good job? No, perhaps it was best left to the veteran surgeons in Boston.

After discussing all the details and options with the doctor’s, Lamb decided to go through with the surgery. It was scheduled for the day after Christmas and Claire resigned herself to the sobering fact that she’d be spending the holidays in the hospital. As the florescent hospital lights lit the room with an unnatural glow, Claire couldn’t tell him she was scared. She had to stay strong, she had to keep it together and remain positive and supportive.

----------

Claire spent the next few days devoted to her uncle, rarely leaving his bedside. Lamb had forced her to spend the nights at his apartment, which was probably for the best. She wasn’t sleeping well to begin with and the recliner at the hospital was only making matters worse. Claire was present and doting on him from morning to night though, helping her uncle order his meals, assisting him when he needed to use the restroom, adding and removing pillows and blankets as needed, or anything else he needed or wanted. Lamb had been moved to the cancer floor, and the window of his new room had a nice view of the Boston skyline. Lamb was making the best of a bad deal, he bragged about his ‘luxury accommodations’, he cracked jokes often, he liked the nicer nurses, he ordered extra dessert with all his meals and was in generally pleasant spirits. Claire could see the cracks in his cognition though. Sometimes he would change the topic he was discussing mid-sentence, and he couldn’t seem to keep time straight. Whenever anyone would mention Christmas, he would act surprised to know that it was coming up, and at one point he hinted at Claire that she might just get those roller skates she wanted for Christmas, a gift she had not asked for since she was eleven years old. He didn’t seem to know what year it was or how old Claire was. He did know who Claire was though, and for that she was thankful. He also knew who the president was whenever the nurses asked, always beginning his answer with a short preamble to make known his disdain.

Before they knew it, it was Christmas Eve and Claire couldn’t hide the sadness she felt on her face. She was glad to spend the evening with Lamb, but she had been looking forward to her first big family Christmas. She had filled in Jamie about Lamb’s condition and her subsequent stay in Boston over the course of their phone calls that week. She had also describe the Christmas gifts she had purchased for the Murrays, Jo, and Lamb, so Jamie would know the rest were for him. Jamie had agreed to put the Murrays gifts in gift bags and distribute them for her. They were meant to exchange family gifts that evening, the morning being reserved for Santa, and Claire was heartbroken to be missing out. In a matter of hours, and for the first time in two months, her and Jamie would be on the same continent, yet they wouldn’t be able to see each other. There was no way Claire could get into the Christmas spirit under these conditions. The hospital, despite being modestly decorated, was not the most festive atmosphere. Even a troop of Girl Scouts caroling their way through the hospital halls did nothing to assuage the weight of losing everything Claire had been looking forward to for the past two months.

“What’s a matter, my dear?” Lamb asked, showing genuine concern for his niece.

“It’s nothing, I’m fine, I promise, I’m just wishing things were different today.”

“Why today? Is it something special? I can’t seem to remember.”

“It’s Christmas Eve. You were supposed to come to Long Island and meet Jamie. We were going to spend the holiday with his family.”

“Yes, I remember, that’s today? Oh dear, I haven’t gotten your gift yet I’m afraid.”

“That’s fine, Lamb, I’m afraid I left your gift at home, so we’ll have to do that part later. We can take a raincheck on gift exchanging. I was just really looking forward to you getting to know Jamie.”

“I’m sure I’ll meet the lad soon; he seems really special to you.”

“He is; I know you’ll like him.”

“I already do.” He patted the top of her hand and turned his attention back to the sitcom on the television, providing humorous commentary to try to cheer Claire up.

----------

It was late Christmas morning. Uncle Lamb was napping again and Claire had switched the television to the Hallmark Channel--usually her guilty pleasure this season, today it was simply reminding her of how her Christmas was proving to be less than magical. For her there would be no Christmas kisses, no magical snowfall, no saving the small town family business or learning to love Christmas again. All that awaited her this Christmas were fluorescent lights, beeping monitors, and nurses visiting every 6 hours to check her uncle’s vitals. This Christmas would be decidedly the most un-magical she had ever experienced. She had had her share of unconventional Christmases in the past, in fact, she never really was a Christmas person, but it had started to feel special to her when she was living in New York. This Christmas though--this was one she was looking forward to more than ever before. Claire spent most of the morning crying, grieving over all she was missing. She should have spent the morning curled up in Jamie’s arms, watching the children open presents. She could picture the Murray’s living room, trashed with colorful wrapping paper from end to end, each child in their own private world fascinated by their latest favorite toy, Jenny and Ian beaming through tired eyes.

Claire was surprised Jamie hadn’t called her to fill her in on the details yet. He had called yesterday when his plane arrived--groggy and jet-lagged, his communication skills were not the most eloquent, but he tried his best to make her feel better. She hadn’t heard from him at all this morning though, not even a Merry Christmas text. Surely the jet lag would have woken him up as early as the children, and they must have been done opening presents by now. Claire tried to rationalize that Jamie was just spending time with his family, but she couldn’t help feeling hurt and ignored. She thought she was important enough to him that he could take a moment away from his family to at least text her, or to find some way to make her feel included from afar. Had his feelings changed in their months apart? Did coming home to a messy apartment turn him off? Did she find his Christmas gifts and come to think she didn’t care enough to get him something more thoughtful? She thought about calling him, but a mixture of pride and fear kept her from acting first, not to mention she couldn’t stop crying over these sappy Christmas movies.

Suddenly, a voice from the doorway rang through the room, “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!” Claire looked up in confusion, momentarily unable to comprehend her surroundings and the disruption that had just entered them. Santa? No. The tall figure filling the door frame was dressed like Santa, beard and all, but the unmistakable Scottish burr gave away his true identity. If Claire hadn’t already been crying, she certainly was now. Jamie was standing in the doorway, dressed in a Santa suit, carrying a large, blue IKEA bag overflowing with wrapped presents and what appeared to be Christmas decorations.

“What?” Claire could hardly believe he was there, she rose from the chair and the couple met in the middle of the room for a hearty embrace. Claire buried her face in the soft, fluffy suit covering Jamie’s chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Perhaps the setting wasn’t a snow covered street in a small town, but this was her own Hallmark movie moment--and to be honest, those Hallmark guys had nothing on James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser. Jamie held her close, and tight, planting kisses in her curls and whispering softly to her.

“I’m here, mo nighean donn.” He caressed her shoulders with his thumbs, not releasing his embrace in the slightest, breathing in her scent, trying to absorb her fears and pain.

All of the commotion had awoken Uncle Lamb and after witnessing the couples’ embrace for longer than was comfortable, Lamb loudly cleared his throat to remind them of his presence in the room.

“Uncle Lamb!” Claire unfolded herself from Jamie’s embrace, keeping one arm around his back. Jamie sheepishly pulled the fake beard down around his neck to reveal his face and removed his Santa hat, clutching it tightly in the palm that wasn’t holding Claire. “This is Jamie, my Jamie. Jamie, this is my Uncle Lamb.”

“Well, I’m certainly glad it’s not Santa Claus, or we’d have a lot of explaining to do to the lad!” Lamb chuckled back.

“A pleasure to finally meet you, sir.” Jamie reluctantly released Claire from his grasp to step beside the bed, extending a firm but gentle hand to Lamb. “I’m sorry it’s not under better circumstances.”

“Pleased to meet you as well, lad” Lamb replied, patting Jamie’s hand with his before releasing their handshake. “And don’t you worry about me, I have the best nurse there is taking care of me.” Two sets of proudly smiling eyes met Claire across the room.

“Oh I dinna doubt it for a second. Your niece is a rare woman.”

“Glad to see we’re in agreement. Now what’s all that?” Lamb gestured towards the large tote discarded near Claire’s feet.

“Aye, I thought I’d bring you two a bit o’ holiday cheer.” Jamie pulled a large cardboard box from the bag and extracted a small tabletop Christmas tree from it, unfurling each branch carefully and placing it on the countertop across the room, plugging it in to reveal fiber optic lights changing colors dreamily. “I usually insist on my Christmas trees being more, well, alive, but under the circumstances this’ll have tae do.” Jamie and Claire spent the next half hour or so festooning the room in garlands and placing tiny ornaments on the small tree. Claire tried to ignore that more than half of the bag was filled with brightly wrapped gifts, not sure whether she was hoping they were all for her, or hoping that they weren’t. After all, she didn’t have anything to give him and she didn’t know if he had looked through his gifts yet nor if he had appreciated them.

While they decorated, Jamie filled Claire and Lamb in on the events of the last few days. Jamie had called Jenny to tell her not to bother picking him up from the airport. He had planned on renting a car there and driving straight to Boston. Claire could hear Jenny’s voice loud and clear through Jamie’s imitation “ya clotheid! Have ya gone daft? Yer barely able to form coherent sentences amidst the jet lag from yer Christmas Eve flight, and ya wanna drive five hours tae Boston in that state!?! Claire willna appreciate ya ending up in a ditch on the side of the road as a Christmas present ya eejit!” Jenny had made a fair point, and Jamie had agreed to sleep at home and left shortly after he awoke that morning, staying only long enough for the children to open their stockings, and to watch their faces alight with surprise at the sudden appearance of piles of presents under and around the tree.

“I’m glad you took Jenny’s advice, but most of all I’m glad you’re here.” She embraced him again. “You didn’t have to do this though, Jamie, I know how important your family is to you.”

Jamie stepped back and lifted Claire’s chin with his thumb, looking into her eyes. “You are important to me, Sassenach.” he replied, with a sincerity that penetrated Claire’s heart. Claire responded by kissing Jamie chastely on the cheek, knowing her uncle was only four feet away--politely trying to ignore them and watch the television which he had flipped to an all-day marathon of A Christmas Story on repeat. Jamie’s welcome intrusion broke up the monotony of hospital life and seemed to give Lamb a better sense of what day it was.

“Now that we’ve got the place looking good and festive, I believe it’s traditional to exchange gifts on Christmas day.”

“Jamie, it’s too much, I--”

“Oh? Thought they were all for you, didja Sassenach?” he teased. Claire blushed. Of course; she hadn’t really--but who else would they be for? Surely Jamie wouldn’t spoil Lamb, a complete stranger to him, quite so much, and no one else was there. She looked dumbfounded as she tried to come up with a defense but Jamie stopped her. “Dinna fash, Sassenach, Jenny wrapped your gifts for me and Lamb before I could see and I bought them along too. She thanks ya for the wee lotions, by the way.”

“God bless Jenny! That woman is a Saint.” Claire also silently thanked God that she had left the present she was planning on wearing for Jamie that evening in her dresser drawer, that was not a gift she wanted Jenny to see, and was definitely not something she wanted him to be opening in front of her uncle.

The three exchanged gifts, save Lamb, who had nothing to give but smiles and approval for the young couples’ thoughtful gifts. Jamie was genuinely appreciative of Claire’s gifts, although she kept insisting that she hadn’t finished shopping and there was more to come; to which Jamie humbly rejected, claiming it wasn’t necessary. Jamie’s gifts to Claire were thoughtful and meaningful, the most touching ones being a print of a painting of the rose garden he had ordered from the Botanic Garden’s gift shop and a bracelet engraved with the words perennis amor, which caused Claire to tear up and embrace him tenderly in spite of her uncle’s presence.

The three enjoyed the rest of the day thoroughly. A Christmas Story played in the background and they laughed and shared stories with one another. Jamie was a born storyteller and Lamb was elated to have a fresh audience to recount his many adventures to, so conversation flowed naturally between them, with Claire occasionally interjecting. Claire mostly just sat back and admired the two men who were most important to her, filled with joy that they were getting along, that Jamie was there, that it was Christmas. For the first time in several days she had hope and peace. She was surrounded by love in that hospital room as well. She had all the things Christmas was said to bring, and for that she was grateful. Jamie had made her greatest Christmas wishes come true without her even asking and she felt lucky to be alive.

The hospital staff served their version of Christmas dinner for the small family, and while Claire was sure it paled in comparison to whatever Jenny had made, it was quite delicious, especially considering it was hospital food. Jamie ate in the armchair next to Lamb at Claire’s insistence, since the two were deep in conversation, and Claire sat in the chair on the other side of Jamie, taking in her magical Christmas scene, better than any Hallmark movie could depict.

After dinner, Jamie was fading fast, listening to one of Lamb’s stories with heavy eyes. She took one of the spare blankets and covered Jamie. “Looks like you’re still not over your jet lag”

“Hrmmphh, I ‘spose not.”

“Do you want me to go get you a coffee? I doubt the cafe downstairs is open today, but there’s a cappuccino vending machine a few floors down that isn’t terrible.”

“Aye Sassenach, that’d be bonny. If it’s not too much trouble.”

“None at all, my love, I’ll be back soon.” Claire squeezed his hand before leaving the two men alone.

Jamie listened to her footsteps down the hall, and waited until he heard the ding of the elevator before he cleared his throat to speak frankly to Lamb. He sat up straight in the chair to ward off the sleepiness, having a few important things he wanted to say before Claire came back.

“Lamb, I need you to know, Claire is the most important person in my life. I love her sae much and I’d do anything for her.”

“I’m glad to hear that, I can see how happy you make her. She lights up when you’re around, it comforts my old heart to see.”

“I need you tae know, I’m very serious about her. I ken we haven’t been together that long, but I know--I know deep in my wame that I’m meant tae be hers. I want ya to know that I intend on spending the rest of my life making her happy, and while I havna bought a ring or ennathing yet, I wanted to ask yer blessing” Jamie paused for a moment before adding, “just in case.”

“Of course you have my blessing, son. I couldn’t be more glad to know that Claire will be so well cared for after I’m gone, truly.” Both men looked somber, knowing full well that this could be their last conversation, hoping dearly that it wasn’t. Claire returned with three cappuccinos in hand, surprised by the mood in the room.

“Everything alright, gentlemen? Don’t tell me Ralphie shot his eye out!”

“Och! Everything’s fine, Claire! I’m just tired is all, I’m sure this wee cappuccino will cure me in no time!” replied Jamie, eagerly taking a cup from Claire as she set another on Lamb’s tray table. The rest of the evening was quiet as Jamie took a nap, while Lamb and Claire watched A Christmas Story more intently then they had all day. Claire didn’t want to leave him alone so early on Christmas so she let Jamie nap until Lamb was asleep soundly for the night. The sense of joy she had felt all day was still present, but the nagging worry she felt about Lamb’s coming surgery was starting to settle in as well. Claire woke Jamie gently and Claire whispered softly to Lamb that they’d return in the morning, squeezing his hand before the couple quietly left the room.

----------

They walked out to Jamie’s car, since he still had his stuff packed in it, but Claire drove them back to Lamb’s apartment where she’d been staying. The cappuccino was helping Jamie stay coherent, but he was in no state to drive. They were quiet on the drive home, but kept their hands locked between the seats, grateful just to be in the presence of one another.

When they arrived at Lamb’s apartment, Jamie was so tired, he didn’t even want to brush his teeth, let alone do any of his usual nightly routines. However, he had spent the morning sweating in a polyester Santa suit over his clothes, and although he took it off shortly after his surprise arrival, he felt in need of a shower. Claire showed him where the bathroom was and made sure he had everything he needed, and got herself ready for bed.

Jamie showered quickly, not bothering to wash his hair, and only cleaning the parts of his body where any stench would be most concentrated, figuring the water would take care of the rest. A few minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom with a towel around his waist, ready to collapse into bed, but not before embracing his sorcha. He scooped her into his embrace and she buried her face in his bare, firm chest, warm from the shower. He smelled clean, and fresh and most of like Jamie. “I’m so happy you’re with me, Jamie. You have no idea how much it means to me that you’re here.” the emotions of the day hit her again and her voice caught at the end of her sentence as tears filled her eyes once again. Jamie kissed her forehead softly, down to her nose, and landed on her lips, giving her the firm, passionate kiss they’d both been longing for all day--and for months before that.

“Mo cridhe.” Jamie breathed when they separated. “I’m here. I’ll always be here for you. I’ll no’ leave you alone when ya need me.”

“Oh Jamie” Claire was still crying, “I’ve been so worried. I’ve been trying to stay strong for Lamb, but I feel like this won’t go back to normal--if there ever was a normal with him. I’m scared he’s going to get worse, or--” her sentence dissolved into a fit of sobs, which she tried to stifle on Jamie’s shoulder.

“You don’t have to stay strong when you’re with me. I’ll be here to help you shoulder the burden. I’ll be here to soak up your tears. There’s two of us now, Claire.” He pressed a kiss into her curls. “You can feel your feelings now, mo cridhe. Lay your cares on me. Come now, let’s get ya tae bed. I’m no’ sure how much longer I can stand myself.”

Claire fell asleep wrapped safely in Jamie’s embrace, free to be herself fully. Free to be vulnerable she felt safe, she felt loved, she felt comfortable, and most new to her--she felt she had the hope and strength that she could carry on, no matter what was to come. She slept better than she had in weeks, secure in the embrace of her eternal love.

End Notes: Thanks again for reading!! By the way, the Ingrid Michaelson song Jo mentions is hauntingly beautiful and you should listen to it. Also, I hope you liked Jamie's surprise. This was going to be a lot more angsty of a chapter but Jamie refused to let Claire suffer and had other plans. I know this was full of a lot of emotional ups and downs, and hopefully we can all find some comfort in the fact that just because Christmas/the holidays may look different for a lot of us this year, it can still be special, and there's still light, joy, love, hope, and peace to be found in the midst of the darkness.

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localhorrornerd · 4 years

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South Korean Horror Movie Recs

For the record, I’m likely to make more than one part to this list, but for now here’s 10 Korean horror movies to potentially check out! For the record you will see that 3 of these movies are part of a trilogy but I decided to list them separate as they all have different stories and you might be more interested in one than the other.

Part 2

1. Train to Busan

Okay so one of the two really well known ones, I felt might as well get this one out of the way. Especially because it is still an amazing movie. It centers around a man taking his daughter to Busan to see her mother, but quickly things go wrong when a zombie outbreak happens. The characters are in my opinion really well written and honestly it gets extremely tense and heartbreaking. It’s easily accessible on Netflix if you haven’t seen it yet! It also does have an animated prequel, Seoul Station, however I cannot add it to this list as I have not seen it yet.

2. The Wailing

The second of the really well known ones, and also easily accessible through Netflix. A very mysterious “disease” of sorts starts to plague a small town that causes the inflicted to act out and attempt to murder those around them before ultimately succumbing to death themselves. Many start to blame the Japanese man who just recently moved there, but what is the actual truth behind it? Well, the policeman we follow throughout the story is on a mission to find out as someone very close to him seems to catch the disease.

3. Forgotten

The last of the movies here that can be found on Netflix, I feel I should mention. Now this one is listed as mystery/thriller but personally to me it does have those horror elements that made me want to add it to this list. I can’t say much without revealing a lot but it focuses on a man who’s brother gets abducted and when his brother suddenly returns, things begin to seem very off, prompting him to want to figure out what happened during those days of his brother’s abduction.

4. White: Melody of Death/Melody of the Curse

So if you’re someone who likes k-pop, I think you will probably like this movie. It centers around a newer girl group (in which one of the girls is played by a member of T-ara) who are trying to rise to fame. When they discover an unknown song that they decide to use as their own song, they quickly become popular. However, it seems that popularity comes at a price as tragedy quickly begins to follow the girls.

5. Mourning Grave

Though I enjoyed all the movies on this list, this one is a personal favorite of mine. A boy, who’s whole family have the ability to see ghosts, moves in with his uncle in an attempt to make the constant sightings at least decrease a bit. This does not work very well however as he actually ends up befriending a ghost at his new school, one that claims to have no memories of her past. At the same time though, there is another ghost within his school, one that holds much more evil intentions.

6. The Piper

Based on the folk tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, a piper and his ill son are traveling to Seoul after the Korean War in order to see an American doctor who promised to help his son. They come across a small village infested with rats that allows them to rest for the night. Because of their generosity, the piper offers to help them out with their problem. And if you have any knowledge of the legend, you can get a small idea of the tragedy that soon follows.

7. Alice: Boy from Wonderland

See this one is complicated, as like me it is possible many may be uncomfortable with one aspect of this film, but it’s a huge spoiler so I can’t really reveal what it is. So maybe watch at your own risk? Or look into it if you don’t mind spoiling the movie for yourself. Anyways the basic concept of this movie is a girl who dreams of death constantly, including her own, must go back to a town that she and her parents visited years ago in order to hopefully sort out her memories and also her dreams so that they do not come true.

8. Horror Stories

Another personal favorite of mine on here, it is the first of a trilogy of horror anthology films. This one centers around a girl who is kidnapped by a serial killer and forced to tell him scary stories as, according to him, that is the only way to him to be able to sleep. There’s four different stories within, with all them having different elements so there’s bound to be at least one short you like if you aren’t into all of them.

9. Horror Stories 2

Similar to the previous film, this has 3 different stories within them that all are rather different, so you are bound to like at least one if not all. This time it follows a girl who can communicate with the dead is being asked by her boss to tell him about what happened within the different case files that he hands to her.

10. Horror Stories 3

The last of the trilogy, the three stories within in this one have a bit of a different take to them. A girl who claims to be from Mars, is telling a robot tales of how awful and cruel humans can be. There is one that focuses on the past, one on the present, and one on the future. All three are vastly different so once again if you don’t like all of them, you are bound to enjoy at least one.

#horror #horror movies #train to busan #the wailing #horror stories #horror movie recommendations #horror movie recs #mourning grave #forgotten #south korean horror #the piper #white: melody of death #melody of the curse #alice: boy from wonderland #horror recommendations #horror recs

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crowdvscritic · 3 years

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round up // NOVEMBER 20

Hi, I’m tired. Actually, my friend Celeste created a piece of art that puts the emphasis needed on that sentiment:

I’m very tired. November felt like it was three years and also felt like it went by in a blink and also I’m not sure where October ended and November began—how does time work like that? (I’ve yet to see Tenet, but maybe that will explain it.) But like Michael Scott, somehow I manage, and lately it’s been like this:

Late-night Etsy scrolling. Browsing beautiful, non-big-box-store artwork is very calming just before I go to bed. I’d recommend Etsy stores like Celeste’s chr paperie shop, which I know from experience is full of great Christmas gift ideas.

Taking a day off of work to do laundry. I’m not sure if it’s more #adulting that I did that or that I was excited to do that.

Eating Ghiradelli chocolate chips straight from the bag. I actually don’t recommend this as a healthy option, but this is also not a health blog.

Watching lots and lots of ‘80s movies. One day I’ll ask a therapist why this decade of films is so comforting for me despite its many flaws, but for now I’m just rolling with it.

Reading. Have you heard of this? It’s a form of entertainment but doesn’t require screens—wild!

Memes. All good Pippin “Fool of a” Took jokes are welcome here.

Leaning into the Christmas spirit by ordering that Starbucks peppermint mocha, making plans to watch everything in that TCM Christmas book I haven’t seen, and keeping the lights on my hot pink tinsel tree on all day as I work from home.

This month’s Round Up is full of stuff that made me smile and stuff that sucked me into its world—I think they’ll do the same for you, too.

November Crowd-Pleasers

Sister Act (1992)

If in four years you aren’t in an emotional state to watch election results roll in, I recommend watching Whoopi Goldberg pretend to be a nun for 100 minutes. (Though, incidentally, if you want to watch that clip edited to specifically depict how the results came in this year, you’ll need to watch Sister Act 2.) This musical-comedy is about as feel-good as it gets, meaning there’s no reason you should wait four more years to watch it. Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 7.5/10

Nevada Memes

Speaking of election results, Nevada memes. That’s it—that’s the tweet. Vulture has a round up of some of the best.

youtube

SNL Round Up

Laugh and enjoy!

“Cinema Classics: The Birds” (4605 with John Mulaney)

“Uncle Ben” (4606 with Dave Chappelle)

RoboCop (1987)

I’m not surprised I liked RoboCop, but I am surprised at why I liked RoboCop. Not only is this a boss action blockbuster, it’s an investigation into consumerism and the commodification of the human body. It’s also a critique of institutions that treat crime like statistics instead of actions done by people that impact people. That said, it’s also movie about a guy who’s fused with a robot and melts another guy’s face off with toxic sludge, so there’s a reason I’m not listing this under the Critic section. Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 8/10

Double Feature – ‘80s Comedies: National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) + Major League (1989)

The ‘80s-palooza is in full swing! In Vacation (Crowd: 9.5/10 // Critic: 8/10), Chevy Chase just wants to spend time with his family on a vacation to Wally World, but wouldn’t you know it, Murphy’s Law kicks into gear as soon as the Griswold family shifts from out of Park. The brilliance of the movie is that every one of these terrible things is plausible, but the Griswolds create the biggest problems themselves. In Major League (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 6.5/10), Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, and Wesley Snipes are Cleveland’s last hope for a winning baseball team. Like the Griswolds, mishaps and hijinks ensue in their attempt to prevent their greedy owner from moving the Indians to Miami, but the real win is this movie totally gets baseball fans. Like most ‘80s movies, not everything in this pair has aged well, but they brought some laughs when I needed them most.

This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens (2020)

They’re born a minute apart in the same hospital, but they don’t meet until their 30th birthday on New Year’s Day. So, yes, it’s a little bit Serendipity, and it’s a little bit sappy, but those are both marks in this book’s favor. This Time Next Year is a time-hopping rom-com with lots of almost-meet-cutes that will have you laughing, believing in romantic twists of fate, and finding hope for the new year.

Double Feature – ‘80s Angsty Teens: Teen Wolf (1985) + Uncle Buck (1989)

In the ‘80s, Hollywood finally understood the angsty teen, and this pair of comedies isn’t interested in the melodrama earlier movies like Rebel Without a Cause were depicting. (I’d recommend Rebel, but not if you want to look back on your teen years with any sense of humor.) In Teen Wolf (Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 5/10), Michael J. Fox discovers he’s a werewolf.one that looks more like the kid in Jumanji than any other portrayal of a werewolf you’ve seen. It’s a plot so ‘80s and so bizarre you won’t believe this movie was greenlit.

In Uncle Buck (Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 7.5/10), John Candy is attempting to connect with the nieces and nephew he hasn’t seen in years, including one moody high schooler. (Plus, baby Gaby Hoffman and pre-Home Alone Macauley Culkin!) This is my second pick from one of my all-time fave filmmakers, John Hughes (along with National Lampoon’s Vacation, above), and it’s one more entry that balances heart and humor in a way only he could do. You can see where I rank this movie in Hughes’s pantheon on Letterboxd.

Lord of the Rings memes

This month on SO IT’S A SHOW?, Kyla and I revisited The Lord of the Rings, a trilogy we love almost as much as we love Gilmore Girls. You can listen to our episode about the series on your fave podcast app, and you can laugh through hundreds of memes like I did for “research” on Twitter.

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson (2019)

Most adults are afraid of children’s temper tantrums, but can you imagine how terrified you’d be if they caught on fire in their fits of rage? That’s the premise of this novel, which begins when an aimless twentysomething becomes the nanny of a Tennessee politician’s twins who burst into flames when they get emotional. The book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments but never leaves behind the human emotion you need to make a magical realistic story.

An Officer and a Gentlemen (1982)

Speaking of aimless twentysomethings and emotion, feel free to laugh, cry, and swoon through this melodrama in the ‘80s canon. Richard Gere meanders his way into the Navy when he has nowhere else to go, and he tries to survive basic training, work through his family issues, and figure out his future as he also falls in love with Debra Winger. So, yeah, it’s a schamltzier version of Top Gun, but it’s schmaltz at its finest. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7.5/10

November Critic Picks

Double Feature – ‘40s Amensia Romances: Random Harvest (1942) + The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)

Speaking of schmaltz at its finest, let me share a few more titles fitting that description. In Random Harvest (Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 8.5/10), Greer Garson falls in love with a veteran who can’t remember his life before he left for war. In The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 8.5/10), Gene Tierney discovers a ghost played by a crotchety Rex Harrison in her new home. Mild spoiler: Both feature amnesiac plot developments, and while amnesia has become a cliché in the long history of romance films, Harvest is moving enough and Mr. Muir is charming enough that you won’t roll your eyes. You can see these and more romances complicated by forced forgetfulness in this Letterboxd round up.

The African Queen (1951)

It’s Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn directed by John Huston—I mean, I don’t feel like I need to explain why this is a winner. Bogart (in his Oscar-winning role) and Hepburn star in a two-hander script, dominating the screen time except for a select few scenes with supporting cast. The pair fight for survival while cruising on a small boat called The African Queen during World War I (in Africa, natch), and the two make this small story feel grand and epic. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 9/10

Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

A young man’s (Dennis Price) mother is disowned from their wealthy family because she marries for love. After her death, he seeks vengeance by killing all of the family members ahead of him in line to be the Duke D'Ascoyne. The twist? All of his victims are played by Sir Alec Guinness! Almost every character in this black comedy is a terrible person, so you won’t be too sorry to see them go—you can just enjoy the creative “accidents” he stages and stay in suspense on whether our “hero” gets his comeuppance. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 8.5/10

Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife (1937)

What would you do if you found out you were to be someone’s eighth wife? Well, it’s probably not what Claudette Colbert does in this screwball comedy that reminds me a bit of Love Crazy. This isn’t the first time I’ve recommended Colbert, Gary Cooper, or Ernst Lubitsch films, so it’s no surprise these stars and this director can make magic together in this hilarious battle of the wills. Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 8.5/10

The Red Shoes (1948)

I love stories about the competition between your life and your art, and The Red Shoes makes that competition literal. Moira Shearer plays a ballerina who feels life is meaningless without dancing—then she falls in love. That’s an oversimplification of a rich character study and some of the most beautiful ballet on film, but I can’t do it justice in a short paragraph. Just watch (perhaps while you’re putting up your hot pink tinsel tree?) and soak in all the goodness. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 10/10

The Third Man (1949)

Everybody loves to talk about Citizen Kane, and with the release of Mank on Netflix, it’s newsworthy again. But don’t miss this other ‘40s team up of Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles. Cotten is a writer digging for the truth of his friend’s (Welles) death in a mysterious car accident. Eyewitness accounts differ on what happened, and who was the third man at the scene only one witness remembers? 71 years later, this movie is still tense, and this actor pairing is still electric. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 9/10

The Untouchables (1987)

At the end of October, we lost Sean Connery. I looked back on his career first by writing a remembrance for ZekeFilm and then by watching The Untouchables. (In a perfect world I would’ve reversed that order, but c’est la vie.) In my last selection from the ‘80s, Connery and Kevin Costner attempt to convict Robert De Niro’s Al Capone of anything that will stick and end his reign of crime in Chicago. Directed by Brian De Palma and set to an Ennio Morricone soundtrack, this film is both an exciting action flick and an artistic achievement that we literally discussed in one of my college film classes. Connery won his Oscar, and K. Cos is giving one of the best of his career, too. Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 9.5/10

Remember the Night (1940)

Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck in my favorite team up yet! Double Indemnity may be the bona fide classic in the canon, but this Christmas story—with MacMurray as a district attorney prosecuting shoplifter Stanwyck— is a charmer. I’ve added it to my list of must-watch Christmas movies—watch for some holiday cheer and rom-com feels. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 8.5/10

Photo credits: chr paperie. Books my own. All others IMDb.com.

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blvirz · 4 years

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Living Life Through a Lens: Chapter One

Chapter 1: South Korea It Is

Word Count: 3.1K

Warnings: None

[6:30 AM EST]

You woke up to the sound of your alarm. On any other day you would have angrily smacked your phone until you managed to hit snooze, but today was different. Today you had a big meeting with Universal and although you had no clue what it would entail, you were excited about it nonetheless. After turning off your alarm, you rolled over to see your girlfriend Irene still asleep. Your eyes wandered over the features of her face, then her neck and then to her chest which was rising and falling at a slow rate. How peaceful, you thought.

Getting up slowly and carefully not to wake her up, you made your way to the bathroom. You stripped down and got into the shower. The water was hot enough to make the surrounding glass walls fog up, as well as the mirror across the room. You loved the shower, especially when the water was scorching hot. It wasn’t good for your hair, but you didn’t care. After shampooing and putting conditioner in to let sit, you started to wash the rest of your body. You quickly finished up and as soon as you were about to get out of the shower you felt two hands wrap around your stomach. You didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. You could recognize the smell of her perfume from a mile away.

“Good morning my love,” you say with a smile.

“A good morning it is.” She says in her morning voice.

Her hands travel further down and right away they’re met with yours. You can feel her mouth pout against your neck. You turn around and for the second time today you find yourself staring at her. Her eyebrows are furrowed, her brown eyes staring into yours, her mouth in the form of a pout. Smirking, “last night wasn’t enough for you? Later. Tonight. I promise.” You kiss in between each word, and with that you hop out of the shower leaving her alone. On your way out, you hear her shout, “you're going to regret that later!”

After getting dressed you make your way into the kitchen and as you’ve had for the last five years of your life, you make four boiled eggs for breakfast with a little pinch of salt on the side for dipping. Two for you and two for Irene. You leave her eggs on a plate and make your way to the fridge. After pulling out your water bottle you return back to the counter where you wrote a note for Irene not wanting to risk being pulled back into the shower. You wrote that you would be back in the evening and that you loved her.

The traffic on the way to work was how it always was; slow moving and packed with cars. You and Irene worked at the same office building but because of her position as a lawyer she could work from home most of the time. You pictured her in a simple but fitted navy dress, hair tied back and pinned away from her face, but most importantly her phone glued to her hands. She worked from home yet still insisted on putting on work attire. Her work ethic was unlike any other, and this was of the many reasons why you loved her so much.

Making your way through downtown you thought about what your meeting might mean for you. Were they going to renew your contract? Was it another offer to make another feature film? Were you being fired? You ran through every possible scenario, but one thing remained constant in all of them. You were going to tell them you needed a break from filming. You had worked non-stop since you were seventeen years old. Moving. Filming. Editing. Premiere. Repeat. You loved your job, but you wanted to sit back and enjoy some time with your girlfriend and your family. Rejuvenate.

[7:30 AM EST]

Quickly and excitedly you pull into the parking garage that happens to be next to the Universal Pictures building. On your way out you tip the parking garage attendant and make your way inside the office. As soon as you walk in, you're met with a big and over the top Globe statue. The famous Universal logo. The statue had to have been 10 feet high and just as wide. In routinely fashion you flash your badge to the receptionists at the front and they let you through the gate to the elevators.

As if the sounds of your heels hitting the floor as you made your way to the conference room were an alarm, your fellow coworkers stood up to greet you from their desks. You nodded in each of their directions and greeted them a good morning with a warm smile. Before you could make it to the conference room an arm links its way around yours. You look up and it’s your assistant Alexis; Lex for short. She greets you a good morning and hands you a coffee. The cup is hot, telling you she must have just made it.

Alexis wasn’t just your assistant; she was one of your best friends who you’ve known since the sixth grade. She was an exchange student from South Korea and finished part of her education in Canada. She was everything you needed in a friend and assistant. She was hardworking, smart, kind, shy and beautiful. But of the many traits you could choose to describe her, your favourite was her strength. To move to a new country without your parents, go to school and make all new friends was something you could not imagine doing at the age of 12. So little by little as you got to know her, you admired just how strong she was. Any task put in front of her, she could handle. Ever since then you two have been inseparable, and you made sure that it wasn’t just your business relationship that was the thing holding you two together. You made it clear that before anything else that she was your friend first, and if she didn’t enjoy being your assistant at any point, she could quit that role no questions asked.

Snapping back into focus you and Lex made your way into the conference room taking your usual seats. Soon the room would fill with an array of people. Spanning from your lawyer, your manager to Universal’s lawyers and other higherups. It was important to note that although you technically worked at Universal, your company signs yearly contracts with them. In essence you were your own boss with your own company, but you would still need larger corporations with larger budgets to produce your films.

You were 17 when your first film came out. It was a school project that you posted online. It wasn’t big, but somehow it made its way into the hands of important people. From there you became your own CEO. Up until this point you’ve made hundreds of films. Unofficially of course. Officially you’ve made three, all of which did well upon their release. What made your documentary films different from the rest you had no idea, but from your fans and other respected directors in the community they told you it was because of the warm and genuine perspective you were able to capture. You took pride in your filming and editing process in that it was unlike any other; you didn’t want to make documentaries that were just loads of facts being spit out, you wanted to avoid the coldness and education-like feel that were typical of many documentaries you’ve seen.

Your first film was a test to see if Universal would sign you. So, you made a documentary film centering around a non-profit organization that would help bring clean water and energy to low income areas. After you boosted Universal’s PR image and made lots of money for the non-profit, it was safe to say you were hired. Your second documentary film was the same in that it centered around another non-profit. However, for your third film you wanted to follow not an organization but rather a person or group. Luckily you were signed under Universal, so you had access to many people. Ranging from actors to even artists signed under Universal Music Group. Your third and most recent documentary you chose to feature the Jonas Brothers. You centered it around their comeback and the struggles they encountered when they first disbanded in 2013. The public response was a warm one to say the least. It was the first film that catapulted you into the spotlight, which you hated. Although you liked filming, you wanted to be the one behind the camera and not in front. You dreaded the press interviews and red carpets, but slowly you were accepting that it was all a part of the job.

“So… do you have any idea what the meeting is about?” you asked Lex, hoping she would at least have an idea or heard a few whispers around the office.

“I haven’t heard much of anything. But if I had to guess it would probably be a new feature film,” she said looking at her phone.

You sigh, “I can do this right? Tell them I want a break?”

“As your friend, I want whatever is going to make you happy. But professionally, I don’t think they would want you to take a break, not when you just got your big break in the industry. It’s going to be a hard pill for them to swallow, they’ll probably ask you to think about it for a couple of days.” She says as she sets her phone down and now looking at you.

You spent 15 minutes trying to convince Lex of your plan to step back, imagining her in the place of the executives that would soon fill the room. Right as you finished, the lawyers and investors started to enter the conference room one by one. With each one that entered, you slowly started to doubt yourself. The last businessman to enter the room was the chairman, Ethan Silver. He was nice but also had the scary professional side to him. He was in every meeting to make sure that the company did well, and if didn’t, let’s just say you didn’t want to be the cause of it. Although he struck fear into the other employees you had a unique relationship with him. You could joke around and tease each other almost like a fun uncle-niece relationship. He had a daughter about your age and sometimes treated you as such. As soon as he sat down, he wished everyone a good morning and pulled himself closer to the table as to initiate the meeting.

“As we have discussed these past few weeks this isn’t just a normal meeting. We will finally get to tell the lovely Y/N why she was called in to join us this morning.” He says as he gestures toward you. You blush and turn away shyly from everyone in the room, causing everyone to laugh. Besides Lex, you two were the youngest in the room, and it being full of old grey haired men made you nervous.

“Y/N,” Ethan says looking towards you.

Nervously, you respond “Ethan…”

“Because of your recent success with your last documentary, the company has been looking into a new subject for you to follow. Among all the options the company has taken an interest in a particular offer coming from one of Universal’s subsidiaries, Interscope Records. A South Korean girl group, BLACKPINK, have recently been signed under Interscope and their company has been looking for a way to catapult them further into the Western market. We have prepared dossiers on each member and YG Entertainment for you to take a look at, but before we continue was there anything you wanted clarification on?” Ethan asks as he turns to look at you.

You couldn’t believe what he just said if you were honest. A chance to work with BLACKPINK?! You were a fan to say the least, you stumbled upon them during their Coachella set when Lex dragged you to their performance. You were instantly mesmerized and fell into the blackhole that was K-Pop. You didn’t have much free time but when you did you were watching anything Blackpink related, you were shocked to see the lack of content surrounding them as you found them so entertaining. How could YG not promote them better? Suddenly your thoughts of taking a break were halted. No! I need a break. You want to spend time with your loved ones– you thought. But its Blackpink. You were conflicted.

“I have no words. Wow. Um…I’m actually a huge fan. But please continue,” you blurt out, not wanting to geek out any further. But internally you were freaking out.

Ethan continues on with the little minute details of the deal. Going over the contracts and the usual plans. Marketing covered their portion followed by finance and PR. You found yourself zoning out of the rest of the meeting, lost in your thoughts about what to do. Do you work? Do you take a break? Will this opportunity ever come again?

Suddenly, Ethan snaps his fingers in front of you. “So… what do you think? It’s a no brainer, right?! You're a fan and they need promotion…” You look at him and he has a large smile planted on his face.

You don’t reply right away, and as the seconds pass by you feel the whole room look to you desperate for an answer. Surely you were going to say yes, they all thought. Who wouldn’t?

“Uhm. Uh. See the thing is… While I was expecting this meeting to be another job offer… And while I’m excited–”

“–Hold on. Y/N. Are you saying you don’t want to do this? Process this slowly… I’m not sure if you’ll ever have another chance like this.” Ethan pulls your chair closer to his.

“I-I just need some time to think about it. How many days do I have?” you ask. With all the eyes on you in the room you couldn’t just say no. This was so much easier in my head.

...

“What happened in there Y/N? What happened to your plan to take a break?” Lex asks.

“It’s not that easy,”

“But it is Y/N. You need one. It was hard seeing you finish the last one. The toll that it took on you to be away from everything you love, year by year. Don’t feel bad for needing one. I wish you would stop thinking about how to make everyone else happy and make decisions that bring you happiness. Please reconsider this. Don’t be afraid.” Lex lectures.

She was right, you did need this break. Physically you were good. Mentally you were drained. For the past six years all you have done was pack up. Film. Edit. Go to a premiere and repeat. You were living your life through a lense and all you wanted to do was simply just live.

That’s all that was on your mind the whole day. The time just seemed to melt away and by the end of the day you just wanted to go home and spend time quality time with Irene.

[6:19 PM CST]

You stumble in the doorway exhausted from all five of today’s meetings. They covered your personal finances, fittings, investments, sponsorships- and of course the big meeting about your new upcoming film.

“Irene! I’m home sweetheart!” you yell and trip over a pair of heels that surely weren’t yours, they were too small. Did she have someone over? You get up and walk toward her office.

You walk in and see Irene kissing another woman. Her hands were on her arms. As soon as they take notice of you, your mouth is hung open. You processed so much information today and yet what was in front of you was too much. You're shocked, confused, angry, sad? You felt all these emotions at once, but quickly you look from Irene to the woman. Giselle?

It was Irene’s best friend. Before you started dating you knew she had a girl best friend that was attached to her hip, you initially thought they were together because of how close they were, but when Irene told you they were only just friends you pursued her. In the beginning it bugged you a little, but as time went on you learned to adjust. You trusted Irene, so what were you so worried about?

“You know I always felt bad for thinking that you two were secretly sneaking behind my back. Always. And so every time I did, I would do something nice for each of you. I never told you why of course, but it was because I felt bad for thinking that low of you guys. But I guess my gut was right in the end. Shame on me.” You choked out.

“Y/N! wait pleas–” Irene said as she lunged toward you.

As you made your way back to the door, you picked your purse up from off the counter and left your keys to her apartment on the counter. Irene follows you, continuously calling out for you at the same time. You turn around and look at her for the third time today.

Calmly and with tears streaming down your face you say, “had it been any other girl Irene, I think it would have hurt less. But thank you for making it so easy for me to leave. I’ll send for my stuff. Please do not insult me in trying to explain what I just saw because there is no other way to interpret it.” And with that you leave her apartment building.

As soon as you got into your car you broke down. Hitting the steering wheel in frustration not caring how hard you were hitting it or about the bruises that would show up on your wrists tomorrow. You scream and cry until your cheeks start to sting. When there weren’t any more tears to come out you stop and call Lex.

“I’m taking the job. Tell Ethan to set up a meeting with YG for next week. I want to leave for South Korea in three days. Also, send someone to I-Irene’s apartment to collect all of my stuff, I want everything that’s mine taken from there and put in storage.” You hang up without another word. This wasn’t how you expected to be forced to take this job, but South Korea it is, you thought.

Chapter 2 - HERE

#blackpink #blackpink imagines #jennie kim #lalisa manoban #blackpink rosé #blackpink jisoo

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bucky-iss-bae · 4 years

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Reminiscences - Peter Hale x OFC (Part 2)

Hello againnnn - so I’m finally back, finally going to be active.

My life has been a mess, I’ve not been motivated, and mentally I’ve gone through a lot the last 10 months, got thorugh University, Graduated, got a job, was a shit job, got another grad job during quarentine, and it’s been good and bad...

Sorry for never posting and being bad at this, but I want to bounce back, so now its timmmeee. Also this Fic is actually completed.

Want to post more, and just give you guys good content xoxo

Fandom: Teen Wolf

Pairing: Peter Hale x OFC (Calla)

Word Count: 2900 (Sorryyy, idk why it’s so long)

Warnings: None - Slow Start I guess

Summary: Calla has grown up as Derek’s best friend, she’s known the Hales her whole life,she’s known their secrets and everything in Beacon Hills. Things in Beacon Hills are quiet, the pack are a family, and Calla realises that Peter knows more of her secrets than she realises.

A/N: Hope you all enjoy, any feedback is welcome x

Masterlist Fandom List

Peter Hale x OFC - Reminiscenes Part 1

Part 2

The days following that evening I completely ignored Peter. I saw him whenever he was lurking around Derek’s, I even went to the efforts of walking the complete opposite direction as him when I went grocery shopping. But if he remembers, everything every single thing I told him. Then I may as well die now. Especially since he’ll use that against me. This is Peter we’re on about.

“So you’ve apparently been ignoring Peter?” Derek asked once he settled onto my couch on Thursday.

I rolled my eyes, “And. There’s nothing wrong with that, he’s a psycho”

Derek huffed out a laugh, “There is when it makes him mopey. He comes around to mine in hope that you’re there you know”

“Well, maybe he should stop trying to be such a stalker” I told his nephew. It was weird that there was such a large but short age difference between Peter and us. He wasn’t ever seen as the adult when we were younger, he had a boyish smirk, he had charm, and wit, and was so different compared to how he is now. He completely changed because of the fire, and the 5 years of solitude almost. He grew up, yet I didn’t see this change despite being the only person visiting him. I didn’t know he was the alpha yet I made a fool out of myself by being there for him, and he couldn’t even trust me.

“You sure it’s that?” Derek asked.

“Derek. If you’re here to talk about Peter then you can just leave. Actually no you can’t you don’t have an option, stop talking about Peter, tonight is about us. If you want I’ll send him a text saying hi later and then ignore him”

Derek shook his head a small smirk on his face. I felt a bit bad that I was taking Derek away from his boyfriend. But I needed my best friend sometimes as well.

“Good, now how are things with Stiles going?”

Derek huffed out a laugh, “They’re going well. Really well actually, never really thought that I would end up with him, but it’s the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. And I sound like a soppy teenager. So let’s talk about your love life”

I snorted, “Right, what love life? Actually, I went on a date last week, it was a complete failure. I’m just glad that the girls who set me up with him don’t work in the same department as him”

Derek started to laugh, “How comes I didn’t know about this?”

“Because I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t even... it wasn’t even a big deal for me. I wasn’t excited, I just wanted to get it over and done with, and the worst thing is when I was getting into my car at the end of the night he tried to kiss me. And Derek I still cringe, what happened was I turned my head so fast he kissed my hair. Completely missed the cheek”

This caused Derek to laugh, loudly, at me. “Wow Calla. Who would’ve thought huh?” He asked.

I rolled my eyes at him, “Shut up. It was a mess, so I rather not talk about that. Instead, I’m going to set up a tinder profile.”

Derek still had this amused smirk on his face, it was nice seeing him like this. For the first time in years, he was happy. His life was on track, sure there were constant threats to the town, but that happens, that’s part of the job description of being a werewolf, and with Derek being a complete shifter, it makes a difference.

But being with Stiles makes a difference, you can literally see the way that he looks at him, and I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time. He’s almost that young cocky guy he once was, but a more matured version who has a history to him. Who has so much more to himself than ever before, and I’m proud of him. Proud of everything he’s gone through and defeated. I know his mom, and sister would also be proud of him, whether he’s an alpha or not, he’s still so powerful, and has such a good heart.

“Let’s get started then” He grinned at me.

I rolled my eyes and rather than Pizza we ordered Chinese food, and rather than watching a film we created a tinder profile for me. It was terrible, Derek called in the big guns and Stiles was on Face time with us, which made it even worse for me. But I didn’t mind, I love stiles, and boy let me tell you he added spice to my basic profile. And obviously gave my pictures a yes or no.

“I’ve helped you guys this far, let me help with the swiping” Stiles said through the phone.

I scoffed at him, “Derek say bye to your man he’s helped enough”

Derek shook his head with a small smile on his face, “You heard the boss” He said to him.

“All that help, you better show me your matches or who you’ve spoken to over the next few days Calla. I’ll know if you don’t”

I laughed at him and Derek soon hung up, “Come on, let’s see who’s around then”

Both Derek and I started swipping through these guys, commenting to each other, and swiping left or right. Mainly left. Let’s be honest. Most of these guys either looked like guys who were balding too early in life, or others who were after a quick fuck. Despite everything I did manage to swipe right a few times.

“Please let’s stop now. Like, if you think I’m going actually going to find anyone through tinder its... not likely. It’s just a bit of fun, could lead to a quick lay”

“The same way Stiles and I getting together wasn’t likely”

I grinned at him “I should’ve called it. When you constantly wanted to get mad at him, way back when, and you just couldn’t. But that itself feels like years ago”

“Yeah, the same way my uncle spared your life?” Derek said back.

I glared at him and hit his arm, “I hate you, and I’m pretty sure your uncle is a sociopath”

“Yeah. Same but, let’s be real here. He has a soft spot for you Calla”

“Derek, I will stab you if you don’t shut up.”

“I would love to see you try”

I narrowed my eyes at him, “I will call Argent right now and get him to help me out”

He laughed, “Alright, I’ll shut up now. I’m sorry”

I nodded, “You better be sorry... Also why do you keep bringing up your uncle of all people to me?” I asked curiously.

Derek knows nothing of what I done whilst he was away, he knows nothing of the feelings I once harboured for Peter, maybe I still do which is why I’m so defensive, but no one needs to know this. But still, there’s got to be a reason behind Derek’s madness right now. Maybe Peter wormed his way into his head? It’s a possibility.

“You just said you wanted me to shut up”

I shrugged, “Just curious. Then you can shut up, and we can watch something”

He shook his head, “The way he acts around you I guess. He’s a prick towards everyone, including you don’t get me wrong, but he’s a different type of prick round you. And he cares about you, he gets protective, worries, cares”

I would be lying if I said that didn’t affect me, but it does. Although it means nothing.

“Derek, are you forgetting that I was basically raised around him. Wherever you were, he was, or the other way around. Like he’s been a constant figure in my life for a very long time. Sure he wasn’t mobile for a few of those years. But he was still in Beacon Hills. So maybe that’s why, maybe he has something that slightly resembles feelings from when he’s younger and he sees me as the kid that he used to teach basketball to, and just putting this out there I am amazing at basketball, which has got to be the meaning behind this madness, and this is because of him, and maybe a little you, but still”

“Really? We live in this town, and that’s what you call madness?” He asked.

“Yes Derek. That is madness, you’re forgetting I’m just a human girl who only just knows how to defend herself and I rather have that as my type of madness instead of anything else”

“How have you actually been?” He asked me giving me a serious look, “Like... you’ve literally been thrown into this world again, months after your parents passed away, and sure that was a couple of years ago, but you rarely see your younger brother because he’s working abroad, and the only other family you have is us. But most weekends we’re off fighting something supernatural, and you’re just at the loft, waiting.”

I shrugged, “I’m fine Derek. I’m happy... sure I miss my parents a lot and that set me back a lot. That made me want to constantly curl up into a ball and just cry. But having you back, having this normal-ish again. These last few months, I’ve gotten better. Ive also got my girls” I said with a smile, but he looked at me, waiting for me to elaborate causing me to sigh and twist my body completely towards him,

“Derek, I’m working an amazing Job, sure it doesn’t pay the best but I don’t need the money. I have money, instead I’m doing something I enjoy, and they’re easy shifts. I’ve always wanted to be an elementary teacher, but without the stress so a teaching assistant is the best thing. And I have Fridays off, and I do talk to my brother. Just not as often as I want because he’s doing so well for himself in London. And I have you Derek, I have my life long best friend. After everything we’ve been through we’re both here and we’re both happy. Sure my life could be further along than it currently is, but I’m finally in a good place”

He nodded at me, “Good” He whispered, “I’m happy to hear that”

“I hate you” I said shaking my head, but in reality he knows that I love him and he is my absolute best friend no matter how much I want to kill him.

Apparently Lydia and Malia found it amusing that I now have an online dating profile. Everyone did, all aside from one person. That person I’m still avoiding but he still finds a way to worm his way into my life, especially since I’m currently sat with the girls, who are judging each and every guy whose photo I scroll through, and his face pops up.

Malia was laughing, seeing her father’s face on my phone, and Lydia finding it as amusing made me realise I need more friends other than Derek my age. Especially since Lydia decided on swiping right.

“Well, well, it’s a match” Lydia laughed, “But it makes me think, whats the maximum age you’re hitting here”

I rolled my eyes with a small scoff, trying to keep my heartbeat in place, “Well, if I wanted to talk to him. I would, yet I’m not, and you just swiped for me, that’s not fair, and guy my age are… I don’t know” I said to them.

“Well he clearly wants to talk to you” Lydia murmured.

I scoffed, “He wants to get under my skin. It’s what he does. Anyway don’t you girls have I don’t know other stuff to do?” I asked trying to change the subject.

“Nope, completely free tonight.” Lydia grinned.

I internally groaned but only seconds later was I literally saved by the bell, my phone started to ring, and Derek’s name popped up.

“Hello” I answered.

“Where are you?” He asked.

“I’m at Lydia’s place. With Lydia and Malia. Why?”

“No reason. Just, a few threats about, tell me when you’re going to leave to get home, and message me when you get there alright”

I rolled my eyes but had a small smile on my face, “Yes of course Derek. Do you know who or what it is?”

“Not sure yet. Probably isn’t something too dangerous. But whatever it is, they’re drawing other hunters to town. And now we have twice as much to look out for.”

“Stay safe then Derek. Does Chris know the hunters?”

“He’s looking into it”

I nodded, “Alright then. Just make sure you’re all safe and everything ok”

“Yeah always. Remember to message me when you get home” He then hung up and I looked at Lydia,

“What’s happened?” She asked me,

“Something else is out there, along with some hunters. And now I’m worried that these hunters will obviously know about our boys, and one thing will lead to another and someone might get hurt”

She had a worried expression on her face before looking at Malia who was on the phone to Scott, “We’ll figure it out. We always do”

I nodded, although I didn’t get involved as much considering I’m human with no special ability at all, and no badge, and well I’m not the smartest of the bunch. I just make sure everyone’s safe and worry about them all whilst making sure they eat and do their homework. That’s obviously the teacher side of me coming out there, no matter what ages I teach even if I am only a teaching assistant who works 4 days a week.

“So Scott just said that Stiles and Chris are trying to find out who the hunters actually are, and that he Derek and Peter are going to find whatever’s out there. He told me to stay here...”

“You’re not are you?” Lydia asked.

Malia smirked and shook her head, “Nope. And I’m pretty sure you two won’t either, so who’s going to drop me off at Scott’s house?”

Both Lydia and I looked at each other before sighing and getting up, we got our stuff together, she called out to her mom telling her that we were going to Scott’s before we all left.

“What are you all doing here?” Scott asked once we walked in.

“You think we’re really going to let all the boys have the fun?” Malia asked her boyfriend, “And come on, I know those woods better than anything” She shrugged.

No one could deny that, both her and Chris were the best hunters here. As in being able to physically find something with the given clues.

“And I’m here to assist Stiles and Chris apparently” Lydia shrugged, everyone easily let that pass before all eyes were on me.

“I thought I told you to go home. It’s dangerous”

I shrugged, “I know. I really didn’t have any other choice” I said nodding my head towards Malia.

“Well you should just go home then. You’ll just be in the way otherwise” Peter snapped at me.

I rose my eyebrows at him, silently cursing Lydia for swiping right on his stupid face.

“I might just stay, make sure you don’t snake anyone out” I spat back to him.

“What and you think you’ll be able to stop me?”

“Peter won’t do anything, we’re not even sure what the problem is at the moment. So just go home Calla” Derek told me.

I felt a bit taken back at how blunt and rude he was at that, and considering no one decided on saying anything, I just grabbed my bag and left without a word. Because hey there’s nothing new there, being treated like I’m nothing despite seeing everyone as family. I would’ve expected a bit more considering they’ve got literal kids in there helping yet I can’t. Even if it is to make sure they’re all safe and not making stupid plans. I was there when Talia was alpha, I know how things work. Instead I just get embarrassed surrounded by my friends, and left to feel worthless because I’m of no help.

As soon as I got in my car, I knew that all I needed right now was a glass of wine, and some trash TV.

Which is exactly what I done when I got home, wine, some trash TV, and the comfort of my own apartment. And as petty as I may sound, I just hate feeling this way, and knowing that it’s something that constantly happens, I don’t see why I get involved in the first place. It’s the same old thing, I try and be there for everyone, they shut me out whenever shit goes down and I just keep running back. But no this isn’t going to keep happening because this week I will make the time and effort to go out with my girlfriends. I’ll dress up and have fun without worrying about anything else. Derek won’t be there to stop me, Peter won’t be there with his snarky remarks, and I won’t be surrounded by teenagers.

Which is exactly why I messaged my friends that I’m always talking to yet never have the time to see because I’m constantly with everyone else. We spoke for a little while before I asked when everyone was free for drinks, and guess what this girl is doing on Thursday after work. A night out, with my girls, and I can’t wait.

Because I really felt in the mood to treat myself, I also planned on going shopping with one of the girls tomorrow after work. So no harm done there, I’ll buy myself a new outfit, some new makeup all ready for Thursday.

Peter Hale x OFC - Reminiscences Part 3

#Peter Hale #Peter Hale Imagine #Peter Hale Fan Fic #Peter Hale Fan Fiction #Teen Wolf #Peter Hale x OFC #OFC #Original Female Character #Teen Wolf Fic #Teen Wolf Fan Fiction #Reminiscences

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songtoyou · 4 years

Text

Chapter Four: Mission Hills - Part 1

Would You Call That Love

Pairing: Chris Evans x Raina Morrison (OC)

Rating: PG to PG-13 (Might be 18+ for some chapters)

Description: There was always that one person Chris Evans tended to turn to when he was not in a committed relationship, Raina Morrison. He could confide in her about things going on in his life that he did not feel comfortable talking to his family or close friends about. Chris and Raina were able to establish a way to openly communicate with one another, but also being respectful of the other’s time and needs. It was the only constant “relationship” he had, but without all the nonsense of trying to build a life together. A “friends with benefits” situation. However, what happens when Chris starts rethinking his “relationship” with Raina and if either are willing to pursue something more?

Chapter Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Swearing and some sexual content.

Word Count: 3,400

Author’s Note: This chapter is a flashback to Chris’s 33rd birthday. It dives deeper into Chris and Raina’s friendship and how it became sexual.

Feedback is always welcomed. If you want to be tagged, please let me know.

Sadly, I do not know Chris Evans or anyone in his family and this is just a fictional take on his life. I do not permit this fic to be reposted on other platforms.

Again, thanks to @southerngracela for the support.

Updated for grammar and punctuation edits.

Press Release – June 10, 2014

SUPERSTARS TO ATTEND THE MISSION HILLS WORLD CELEBRITY PRO-AM TOURNAMENT IN CHINA

Sporting legends and golfing greats are not the only ones heading to China for the annual Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am tournament. An abundance of Hollywood superstars will also be making appearances. The eagerly awaited week-long event not only highlights golf but glamour and socializing with the Who’s Who of show business and elite sporting personalities.

While the tournament does not officially begin until October 24 with a red carpet and cocktail reception to celebrate the opening ceremony, followed by a gala dinner, the festivities will begin early on October 23, where celebrities will be able to partake in a football-golf challenge.

Oscar Winners Morgan Freemen and Nicole Kidman are expected to make appearances, and Captain America actor Chris Evans and stunning actress/entrepreneur Jessica will also participate in the event. Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Raina, will also be in attendance and is slated to perform at the opening ceremony celebration.

June 13, 2014

“Why are you making that face?” Chris asked Raina when he saw the irate look on her face.

“I’m not making a face,” she replied, shrugging her shoulders and sipping her drink as they watched their friends laugh and enjoy themselves.

“You are too,” Chris pointed out and added, “What, are you upset that I was talking to those girls over there?”

Raina scoffed and rolled her eyes, “I don’t care who you talk to. You’re a grown man. You can talk to whomever you like. It’s your birthday, so you can dick down every girl that you come into contact with tonight. You’re no longer with Minka, so you are a free man. Soak it all up, Evans! Cheers to you! You big ol’ slut!”

“You’re drunk. How about you go sit this one out and relax. Get some food in you,” Chris instructed with a condescending tone.

“Fuck you! Don’t you fucking patronize me, Evans. I may be a lightweight when it comes to drinking, but I’m not drunk. Dickhead!” Raina shouted over the loud music.

“You’re weird!” Chris shouted as well.

“You’re weird!” Raina retorted lamely.

She hated fighting with Chris over stupid things. Normally, she did not care if he flirted with girls as she had seen do it many times over the years. Recently, however, Raina started to look at Chris in a whole new light. It was getting to a point where she could no longer deny her attraction towards her friend.

To Raina, Chris was not only handsome but kind and generous towards everyone he met. There were just so many attractive qualities about Chris that Raina could not help but find him desirable. He was always there when she needed him, especially after the death of her mother. In fact, the entire Evans clan showed Raina support and extended invitations to her for family gatherings and festivities. Lisa ended up becoming a second mom to Raina, which the younger woman really welcomed. That is why Raina knew that she could not act on her developing feelings for Chris as she could end up losing more than just a friendship, but a family.

“Hey, what’s going on over here. I swear you could cut the sexual tension with a knife,” Scott walked over to intervene. He slid an arm around Raina and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek to help take the edge off and resumed with, “Come on now, there is no need for you two to be fighting. It is a time for celebration. Raina, it’s your turn. We are losing, by the way. If you get the ball in, then we are on our way to catching up.”

For his birthday, Chris and his friends all headed to Las Vegas. It was a nice break for Chris, who was currently filming Avengers: Age of Ultron. While the time off would be short, Chris definitely needed it. Getting the chance to hang out with his family and friends from Sudbury was the time Chris cherished most deeply. While he had friends in the entertainment industry, they were not exactly a part of his close inner circle.

He tended to keep his “Hollywood” friends separate from his “real” friends, so to speak. However, there was only one person who was able to infiltrate both circles. Raina. She was different. She was able to fit comfortably within his world. Not only did she get along with his family, but his friends adored the singer as well. Raina could definitely hold her own amongst the rambunctious Bay Staters. So, it was no surprise that Raina joined in the birthday festivities.

The gang was currently hanging out at the MGM Grand’s top nightlife hotspots, Level Up, which could be considered a tech-savvy adult Chucky Cheese. From pool tables to traditional arcade games with a 21st-century twist, and of course, slot machines, Leve Up was a great start to Chris’s birthday celebration. Currently, a game of beer pong was in play. Scott, Raina, her cousin Mercedes, and Tara were on one team. While Chris, Adam, Brett, and JD were on another.

“Let’s go, Rai! You’re up!” Tara shouted while JD, Sean, Adam, and Brett began to heckle playfully.

Mercedes stepped aside and handed her a ping pong ball. Getting into position, Raina lightly tossed the ball and landed in one of the other team’s red cups with ease.

“Drink up, boys!” Raina cheered alongside Tara and Mercedes.

“Woohoo! That’s my boo!” Scott praised joyfully.

“Evans, you better get your ass over here and drink up!” Tara yelled out.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m going to. Don’t worry about me,” he replied.

As the game continued with his team losing, Chris stepped away to get something else to drink from the bar. Scott excused himself to follow his brother.

“Chris, I know it is your birthday, but maybe for tonight, you cool it with the flirting with random girls, especially around Raina. Or try to be at least more subtle about it,” he reprimanded.

“I don’t get why she cares. She never has before,” said Chris as he took a swig of his whiskey.

Scott just gave his brother a look and said, “You really are clueless.”

“What the Hell is that supposed to mean? Why am I clueless?”

Scott turned his back and walked away from Chris and replied simply with, “Clueless.”

Meanwhile, Raina was in a side conversation with Mercedes. “He doesn’t have any standards when it comes to flirting with girls. It’s like, if you have pair of tits and a nice ass, then you are fair game,” she ranted on.

Mercedes just laughed and asked, “Why do you care?”

“I don’t. It’s just…he needs to be more careful with who he associates himself with. More than likely, those girls posted all over Twitter about meeting Chris and how he flirted with them. His fans see those tweets and the pics those girls posted, and they all get in a tizzy about him being in Vegas for his birthday. They’re probably wondering who he is with, and it just turns into a clusterfuck.”

Mercedes continued to laugh at her cousin’s temper tantrum, “You’re really cute, Rai. I forget how innocent and naïve you tend to be.”

“Bitch, please! What are you talking about? I’m not naïve. Naïve about what?” she asked.

“You like Chris. It’s okay. I mean, what is there not to like about him. He’s gorgeous, charming, and a total sweetheart. I saw how he was there for you and Uncle George when Aunt Marie died. Chris is an all-around good person. So, it is no surprise if you developed stronger feelings towards him. No one could blame you,” explained Mercedes and left her cousin alone to mull things over.

Later that night, as the group went to dinner at Crush, Chris and Raina barely spoke or looked at one another. It was putting Chris in a shitty mood. He hated when Raina was upset with him.

“What’s going on with Rai? Is she alright?” Tara, who was sitting next to Chris at the table in the private room, asked.

“Ask her,” Chris merely replied sullenly.

Tara slid an arm around Chris and kissed him on the cheek. “Buck up. She’ll get over whatever it is that’s bothering her. She loves you too much just to let you go,” she told him.

“Thanks, Tara. I know she will. She needs time to cool off. She’s got a lot of stress going on with getting the tour ready and everything. It always causes her stress and worries,” Chris explained as he stole a glance or two at Raina, who was sitting between his brother and her cousin.

Tara merely smiled at Chris and patted him on the back, “You’re incredibly soft on her. She is lucky to have you as a friend. We all are. We love you, Christopher, even though you can be a shithead sometimes.”

Chris barked out a laugh which drew Raina’s attention to him. She could not help but smile and feel at ease whenever she saw Chris happy. It was irresistible and infectious.

“You know what else you two should try? Sex. Like, get it out of your systems and move along with being friends,” Mercedes piped in unexpectedly. Luckily, she spoke low, so no one could hear what she suggested, except for Scott, who was sitting right next to her.

“I agree,” said Scott and added, “Sometimes a good fuck can really help.”

Raina was shocked at how coarse the two were being.

“Will you two stop it. You’re very…inappropriate. Mercedes, I expected a little more from you. I can’t believe you, of all people, would ever suggest that I sleep with Chris,” Raina whispered. “Scott, you better wipe that shit-eating grin off your face. Both of you better stop and concentrate on what you are going to get to eat.”

“What sounds good to you, Rai?” Chris asked, speaking loudly enough so she could hear him over the chatter.

Looking over at him, Raina answered in an even tone, “The cheesesteak dumplings on the starter section of the menu. What’s caught your eye?”

“Uh…either the New York sirloin or filet mignon.”

“Ooh, those sound good. I’ll probably do the cheesesteak dumplings and side of fries.”

“You’ll give me taste right,” Chris asked with his lips pouted and made sure to put on the puppy dog eyes.

The annoyance Raina had for Chris earlier had now melted away when she looked at his sweet face.

“Anything for the birthday boy,” She replied happily with a smile.

After dinner, the gang headed straight to Hakkasan, the main nightclub at the MGM Grand. The oversized VIP booth surrounded the dance floor, allowing participants to be right in the center of all the action. The atmosphere of the club was high-energy. One of the VIP waitresses took everyone’s drink order, with JD ordering a round of shots for everyone to toast Chris.

“To our boy, Chris. One of the most loyal, genuine, and kind-hearted people I know. I think everyone would agree with me on that assumption. You haven’t allowed Hollywood or anyone to change you. You are still that same scrawny kid from Sudbury. We love you, brother,” JD professed to the group.

Everyone cheered and knocked down their shot glasses. Chris gave JD a strong pat on the back and engulfed him in a big hug. “Thanks for that, man. Means a lot.”

“It’s nothing but the truth,” JD replied.

With the drinks flowing, everyone was feeling good. Whatever drama Chris and Raina had her was long forgotten as she sat next to him on one of the couches in their VIP area. The two were laughing and having a fun time, like always.

“Are we still up for golf practice tomorrow at Top Golf?” she asked him.

“Yeah, sure. You still want to go, right?”

“Yeah, I want to go. I need all of the practice I can get. I don’t want to embarrass myself at Mission Hills completely. I can’t believe we are both going to that event,” Raina said as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

“It should be fun. I know we’ll have a good time,” Chris told her as he placed a hand on Raina’s leg. He began using his thumb to make circular motions on her inner thigh.

Raina noticed Chris’s hand position was beginning to make her think of all kinds of dirty thoughts. Like, if he moved his hand up higher and began rubbing her clit. It was dark enough that no one would notice them. Then Raina imagined him slipping a finger in her pussy. She wondered how many fingers he could get in. It has been a long while since Raina had sex. Here she was fantasizing about her best friend fingering her while in the accompaniment of their friends.

“Everything okay?” Chris asked when he saw Raina breathing a little heavier.

“Yeah, it’s just… it’s sweltering in here all of a sudden.”

“Do you feel an anxiety attack coming along?” Chris questioned.

Raina could hear the genuine concern in his voice. “No, it isn’t that at all. It’s just…” Raina began to say but got lost in Chris’s blue eyes. She looked at his plump lips. Letting all of her inhibitions go, Raina moved her head closer to Chris and placed her lips on his.

There was a battle of voices inside her head as she kissed Chris. One voice was yelling at her that she was an idiot and to pull away. In contrast, the other voice cheered Raina on for having the guts to take the initiative. Thankfully, the battle ceased when Chris proceeded to kiss her back. Chris took it one step further when he slowly slipped his tongue in Raina’s mouth. He moved one of his hands in her hair and gave it a soft tug while his other hand made its way down her back. Soon, Raina felt that hand slide up under her shirt. She pulled back.

“I think…I think need to get…I need some air,” Raina said as she tried to catch her breath.

“I’ll go with you,” Chris replied and stood up. He helped Raina up as well and began to lead her out of the club. Chris made sure to let Scott know that he and Raina were leaving.

“Everything okay?” Scott asked, concerned.

“Yeah, everything is fine. We need some air, that’s all. Thanks for everything. It was a great birthday,” Chris said and hugged his brother goodnight.

As they made their way out of the club, Chris wrapped in arm around Raina’s waist, which she reciprocated by doing the same. It was not uncommon for the two to be affectionate with one another; however, neither have taken it to the point where kissing was involved. Walking silently side-by-side, the two walked through the casino and towards the elevators.

“Did you have a nice birthday?” Raina asked to break the silence between the two.

“One of the bests. Thank you for coming. I know you are busy as well, but I really appreciate you coming along.”

“Of course. There’s no other place that I would rather be than…than here with you,” revealed Raina.

Chris just stared at Raina. There was nothing but love and adoration in her eyes. It was almost too much for him to handle. He slowly leaned in and captured her lips against his. This kiss was softer and sweeter. Neither felt that they had to rush or worry about being caught. They were in their own world.

When the elevator finally reached Raina’s floor, both broke away from one another and breathed a sigh of relief. Raina walked out first with Chris behind her. She shared a two-bedroom Skyloft with Mercedes and Tara while Chris was in the three-bedroom Skyloft with the guys.

When Raina stepped in front of her door, she turned back to Chris and asked, “Do you want to come in?”

Chris nodded his head.

Once inside the loft, Chris excused himself to the bathroom. He splashed water on his face to help relax.

“What are you doing? She is one of your best friends. You going to fuck it all up if you take this any further,” Chris quietly scolded himself. However, a part of him wanted to succumb to his desires. Chris would not deny that he thought Raina was stunning. She was also funny, charming, and self-deprecating. One of the things Chris loved about Raina was that she had no problem busting his balls. That is partly why she fits so well with his crew. She kept him grounded and on his toes.

Realizing he was spending too much time in the bathroom, Chris wiped his face with a towel and took deep breaths before remerging in the living area.

Raina was already seated on the couch, shoes off, and a beer resting on her lap.

“Everything alright?” she asked while flipping through the TV channels.

“Yeah, all good,” Chris responded with a chuckle.

Coming to terms that he did not want to leave, Chris kicked off his shoes and grabbed a beer from the bar’s mini-fridge. He made his way over to the couch and plopped right next to Raina.

Comfortable silence filled the room until Raina spoke up.

“I’m sorry I was a bitch to you earlier. I should not have said what I said,” she apologized.

Chris shrugged, “It’s okay.”

“No, it isn’t. It is not okay for me to talk to you like that, especially on your birthday. Of all days for me to be a total bitch, it had to be on your birthday.”

“Raina, I know you didn’t mean any of it,” Chris said to her.

“I’m…I tend to get very protective of you. I don’t want to see you hurt or taken advantage of, okay. I’m always going to look out for you, just like I know you’d do the same for me. I don’t want anything to come between our friendship,” Raina confessed and continued with, “That kiss at the club and elevator…well…I don’t want those incidents to make it weird between us. You’re one of the very few people with who I am comfortable around. I don’t have to be something or someone I am not. I don’t have to be ‘on’ while I am around you. You know what I’m saying?”

“I do. Nothing is going to come between us, Rai. I promise. Those kisses…they were nice. Great even. I don’t regret them. Hell, don’t be surprised if I kiss you again tonight,” He admitted flirtatiously.

“So, you wouldn’t stop me if I straddled your lap and began trailing kisses from your neck to your ear?” Raina asked sincerely.

When she saw no refusals from Chris, Raina placed her beer on the coffee table and got up to straddle Chris’s lap. He set his own beer on the side table and placed his hands on her hips. Chris groaned when Raina readjusted herself on his lap to get more comfortable.

“Oh, you like that, Evans? You want me to do that again?” Raina asked seductively as she began to grind herself against Chris’s bulge, which was starting to get hard.

“Don’t stop. Please, don’t stop,” he begged.

“I like hearing you beg.”

Chris ran his hands under Raina’s shirt and proceeded to pull it up over her head. When he saw her lacy black bra, Chris could not help himself and buried his head in her breasts. He cupped her left breast, squeezing it, and released its nipple from its contraption. Chris flicked his tongue on Raina’s freed nipple, to which she responded with a moan. She pulled back a little to unclasp her bra and toss it aside.

“Now you can have as much as you want, Christopher,” Raina purred in his ear.

Chris could not take it anymore. He was so close to spilling his load in his pants that he did not want to spoil the rest of the night.

He grabbed Raina roughly by the hair and kissed her deeply on the lips. Biting and sucking on her bottom lip, Chris finally let go when both needed to breathe and rested his forehead against Raina’s.

“Bedroom. Now!” He ordered with a slap to her ass, which Raina was more than happy to oblige.

#chris evans #chris evans x ofc #chris evans x original female character

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filippoinzaghi · 3 years

Note

2, 5, and 10!

2. Favorite piece overall?

It is a very close tie between don’t grow tired of me and and I’ll only need to hold you. One because it took me by surprise and the story almost wrote itself and it is one of the longest fic I have written that I’m actually very proud of. The other because it’s a multi-chapter fic I actually finished and because it contained challenges (for instance : a smut scene which I had never done in english before). I also wrote it at a time I wasn’t exactly feeling great and I poured some of my feelings into it, especially for one particular chapter and it kinda help in a way.

The rest under the cut because it gets long haha

5. What is an image/set of images that you’re particularly proud of?

There’s this one scene in Rhythm of Paris I really like :

He’s been there for five months, now, they’ve been cruising in Ligue 1 and managed their way out of the group stage of the Champion’s. They have a nice group, he likes them. He sees all the little ones coming up to challenge the elders and all this mix blends pretty well. Some reminds him of how long he’s been out there on the grass, like Timothy – he was his age when he clashed with his father, crazy. Some reminds him why he loves turning his back to the goal, like Alphonse. God, does he love that kid. He is of great talent and he is soft-spoken. They talk almost every day, the young man confides in a lot to him. It is difficult sometimes, seeing his only presence in the club challenges his place but it never goes between them : this is a conversation between Alphonse and the board and he perfectly knows it. Gigi appreciates that and likes him even more for it.

“Stop that.” Marco tells him but he’s smiling nonetheless.

“Stop what?” He answers with a smile of his own, glancing at him before taking another look at his teammates on the pitch.

“You have your sappy uncle face.”

“My what?”

“That face you have when you look at us younglings and you think you obviously need to protect us.”

And then there’s also this from don’t grow tired of me :

It keeps him up at night, turning and tossing in his bed, the soft purring of the fan - which barely does any good - his only companion. Most mornings, he wakes up in sweat, sheets thrown on the floor and an aching in his muscles more and more present each day. Where has the time when he was young and unbreakable gone? Some nights he hears a sputtering car in the wee hours of the morning, probably one of the neighbours’ kid. He dreads it. Every time. He can’t help it but he always connect the sound to his (dying) career and with each breath he takes, he fears he has made a mistake by coming here; he fears he will never be prepared to let go. He fears goodbyes might not be his forte, in everything, people and football alike.

There’s this bit in Espoirs Déchus (Fallen Hope) (intergalactic football coaches were gays ALPHANIM!!!)

Artegor ne riait plus.

Le regard d'Aarch était fuyant, son visage semblait avoir pris dix ans rien qu'en prononçant ces mots. Un visage marqué. Hanté. Voilà plus de dix ans qu'ils n'avaient plus parlé de la catastrophe ensemble. Voilà plus de dix ans qu'il n'en avait pas parlé tout court. Des souvenirs qu’il préférait enfouir au plus profond de lui chaque fois qu’ils refaisaient surface. Des marques indélébiles, cicatrices physiques et psychologiques d’un jeune homme qu’il s’était efforcé d’oublier.

« Je- »

Artegor était à court de mot, la gorge nouée tandis que sous ses lunettes sombres, malgré tous ses efforts, ce match se rejouait inexorablement, incapable d’arrêter le film dans sa tête. Aarch devant lui, ce ballon tombant sur sa nuque, son pied qui repousse la balle… La faute… Le coup-franc… Les espoirs fous avant la tragédie cruelle.

(Translation :

Artegor stopped laughing.

Aarch’s gaze was fleeting, his face looked as if it had aged ten years by just uttering the words. A face traced by time. Haunted. It had been ten years since they had last talked of the tragedy together. It had been ten years since they had talked about it to anyone, in fact. Memories he’d rather bury deep inside him whenever they surfaced. Permanent marks, physical and mental scars of a young man who had tried to forget.

“I-”

Artegor was short for words, his throat in a knot. Under his dark glasses, and despite all his efforts, the game kept playing inexorably. He was unable to stop the movie in his mind... Aarch ahead of him... Controlling the ball with his neck... His foot pushing the ball forward... The foul... The free-kick.... Desperate crazy hopes before the cruel tragedy.)

10. Favorite line or lines of dialogue that you’ve written

OBVIOUSLY, from don’t grow tired of me :

(“What does it feel like, Macca?”

“What feels like what?”

“Retiring.”

…

“I s’ppose it’s like dying in a way. Not that I know what that actually feels like, thank god. But it feels like how I imagine it to be.”

“Were you scared?”

“Not really.”

“I’m fucking terrified.”)

That bit in Le Blues de Perceval (Percival’s Blues)

« Ecoutez… — Non mais c’est bon j’ai compris. Je sers à rien, j’fais tout d’travers. J’ferais mieux d’rentrer chez moi au Pays d’Galles. — Dîtes pas ça. — Non mais c’est vrai. J’veux tout faire bien pour vous, mais j’y arrive jamais. — Mais non, vous arrivez quand même à faire des choses. — Oui, une. A chaque fois j’me débrouille pour que vous me détestiez encore plus qu’avant. »

[...]

« J’vous déteste pas. Je pourrais jamais vous détester, vous êtes trop naïf pour ça. J’pourrais jamais vous détester et c’est ça le problème, parce que j’vous passe tout. Mais j’m’en fiche. Parce que j’vous aime et j’suis désolé de vous avoir crié dessus. Vous êtes pas un nul. Vous faites des efforts, vous êtes important. »

(Translation

“Listen...”

“No, it’s okay, I get it. I’m useless, I always do things the wrong way. I’d better go back home in Wales.”

“Don’t say that.”

“But it’s true. I want to do everything perfectly for you but I always fail.”

“It’s not true, you do manage to do things well.”

“Yes, just one. Everytime I manage to make you hate me even more.”

“I don’t hate you. I could never hate you, you’re too naive. I could never hate and that’s the problem because I always forgive you. But I don’t care. ‘Cause I love you and I’m sorry I yelled. you’re not a zero. You make efforts, you’re important.”)

And then this bit from the prompt you send me :

“You wish, N.eville.” His eyes are glinting with the same brightness as usual and something lifts in Gary’s chest. “So… Missing me, still?”

Gary withdraws his hand, as if burnt, and pokes Jamie’s shoulder.

“Getting used to one Scouser is more than enough, I’m not doing this again. So whatever you do in the future just don’t die.” He says, indignant.

There are other tiny pieces but I’d just end up quoting the same fics lmao.

Thank you !!

#answers #My Fics #Sorry for the french agressions Alex :(

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timelock97 · 4 years

Text

Kid-Pranked

Time Never Stops Blurb!

Word Count: 2302

A/N: ope, we about to freak poor Tommy out, I am not sorry. It’s pure fluff

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

I run my hand through my hair as I walk about the house going through my mental check-list. Cameras? Check. Mics? Check. Extra batteries? Check. Backpack with the rest of my equipment? Checkity-check. I zip up the main zipper as I place it on the kitchen chair to grab my water from out of the fridge. “Tom?”

“Yes, love?”

“Are you sure you’re good to have the kids today?” I place the water bottle into the side pocket, clipping the top to the side strap for extra security.

Tom laughs from the living room, feet shuffling against the floor as he walks into the kitchen, Nathaniel settled on his hip, who upon seeing me reaches for me to hold him. Tom hands him over as I reach for him, Nathan’s head resting against my collar bone. “Love, I’m their dad. Besides, Harrison will be with me. They can’t outnumber us.”

“Mama.”

“Yeah, bud?” I coo, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

Nathan nuzzles his head into my skin, grabbing a fistfull of my tee shirt, “‘ungry.”

I giggle, Tom moving past me to grab Nathan’s breakfast. “Daddy is getting it for you, okay?”

“Mama?”

I turn and smile at Claire walking into the room, Spider-Man tsum tsum tucked under her right arm and left hand holding onto Tessa’s collar. “Good morning, Claire-bear, did you sleep well?”

She nods, walking over and wrapping her arms around my leg. “Yeah,” she nuzzles her face into my pants. “Are you going to see Uncle Dan and Uncle Phil today?”

“Yup,” I run a hand through her slightly curled, tangled hair.

“Can I go?” She looks up at me, big brown eyes mimicking Tom’s puppy-dog stare.

I smile down at her, “Don’t you want to spend the day with Daddy?”

“We aren’t going to Grandma and Grandad’s?” Her eyes light up as she lets go to run into Tom’s legs, nearly knocking him over. “Can we go to the park? Please, please, pleeeeeeeease?”

“Absolutely, princess.” Tom laughs, placing his hand on the back of her head to hug her closer.

My phone pinging pulls me away from the sweet moment. I reach for it off the table to see that the boys are outside. “Alright, babies, Mama has to head out.” I crouch so Claire can hug me while I set Nathan on the ground, “Be good for Daddy and Uncle Harrison, okay?” The two nod as I stand and press a quick kiss to Tom’s lips before grabbing my bag and head out the door.

“So Tom has the babies today?” Phil greets as I crawl onto the back seat of the Uber, camera in hand.

“Yeah, him and Harrison are taking them to the park and then they are going to have a picnic with them or something.” I laugh, shifting the bags onto the floor.

Dan smiles as he turns in the front seat, “so that’s why our last stop in filming is the park?”

I shrug, nodding my head. “Figured if I see them, I can check in on them. Nathaniel is one-hundred percent a mama’s boy.”

“He’d want to you to go home too-”

“Or come with me, baby boy is attached to the hip.”

The three of us meet up with the rest of the group to record, ready for a long, long day. As we progress and finally head to the park, I notice that Tom had sent me a few pictures of the babies. He had captioned the text ‘Park Ready ‘ which made me laugh.

While finishing up some of the final shots, I hear a familiar yell, making me turn. I laugh as Claire comes running over, barreling into my legs happily. “Mama!”

“Hey, Claire-Bear, are you having a fun day with Daddy?”

She nods her head, giggling, “Daddy is having a prank war with Uncle Hazza.”

“He is?” She giggles at my voice going higher, nodding her head. “Well, ain’t that fun?”

She sways from side to side, looking up at me before motioning for me to lean down. Once I crouch to her height, she lets out a little giggle, “Can we prank Daddy?”

“You wanna prank your Daddy?” I giggle, pinching her sides so she giggles again. “Doesn’t that sound fun, we can do it once I get home, yeah?”

“Nooooooo,” she whines, “wanna do it now!”

Phil crouches down beside me, chuckling as Claire launches into his arms, calling out his name. “What were you thinking, bug?” Claire goes into a big explanation while I stand, stretching my stiff muscles.

Dan walks over and gives me a funny look, “What you thinking about Howell?”

“She wants to prank Tom?”

“Yeah, we’ve all been in a mega prank war and its been taking over our house.”

He chuckles, “What was the worst thing that’s happened so far?”

“Hmmm,” I scratch the back of my head, “Tom pretended that Claire was having an allergic reaction while I was on a live stream and when I reacted I ended up getting sopped with green goo, in front of 10 million people...”

“So she wants to help her Mum now, I think you should go a little more all out.”

“Like what?” I laugh, replacing my camera battery while we are stopped.

“How would Tom react if your littles disappeared?”

“Freak the fuck out, that’s for damn sure.” I notice the way Dan gives me a knowing look, “No, I am not gonna kidnap my own kids!”

“I know you want this prank war to be done, I can see it in your face, and it’s not kidnapping if someone else on the opposite party knows-”

“No it’s not, Dan!” I shake my head, my focus going back to my daughter as she wraps her arm around my leg, looking up at me with bright eyes.

“Mama, prank Daddy?”

I look at Dan and Phil, both who look at me with mischief in their eyes. “This is a bad idea-”

“We won’t keep them too long, we can go back to your place if you are so worried.” Dan suggests.

“What are we doing?” Phil asks with a raised eyebrow.

“Pranking my husband.” I sigh, setting my bag down on the ground before sitting down beside it. Claire crawls into my lap as I pull out my ideas notepad and pen.

Harrison,

If you say anything about pranking your best friend before the proper point I will pull you into this prank war and it will be 10x worse than what I have had to deal with this month. I am taking the kids back home, and you are the only one who is going to know. Gonna let Tom have his own freak-out moment with the babies. Make sure Tom comes home after at least an hour, and make sure he doesn’t call the police. It won’t be a pretty thing to explain to the police that I took my own kids without telling my husband for a prank.

Much love, your other best friend, (Y/N)

I rip out the page, folding it in half and look at Claire. “Alright, little love, you are going to do two things for me, okay?” I point over at a large tree that isn’t too far from where Harrison and Nathan are seated. “You are going to hand this to Uncle Hazza, then take Nathan’s hand and tell him we are gonna see Mama, then come back to me. Okay?”

“Prank Daddy?”

“Prank Daddy.” I confirm, Claire snatching the piece of paper from my hand before running as fast as her little legs can carry her over to her uncle. I look at Dan and Phil, who have grabbed and rezipped my bag, “I’ll meet you over there, yeah?”

They give me a crisp nod before walking to the closest exit that was happened to be closest to the walk home. I move over to the tree and wait a minute before Nathaniel is beside me, reaching out for me. “Hi, baby baby, wanna go home and watch Totoro?”

“‘Roro.” He hums, eyes falling shut and thumb popping into his mouth as he settles against my chest. Claire grabs my hand as we walk to the exit, only letting go to take Phil and Dan’s hands so they can swing her between them. I smile at the scene, raising an eyebrow when my phone vibrates in my back pocket. When I fish it out, I let out a short, breathy laugh.

Hazza Bananza

Tom is gonna kill me for not telling him.

Also, he literally walked away to get Claire and ice-lollie.

I don’t think he will last an hour.

Mama MemeLord

Figure it out Osterfield

I roll my eyes as I send out the response, tucking it back into my back pocket. Nathaniel curls closer, breath even. Looks like I am gonna have to just relax for the next hour.

An hour later, Harrison had already texted me to say they were on their way home. I usher the kids into the back yard with Dan and Phil as I get started on dinner. I hear the front door slam open, Tom’s voice shaking as he calls out, “Claire Marie! Nathaniel James! Please tell me you are here?”

“Tom?” I call, a concerned face covering my features.

“Love! Y-you’re home!” He stutters, his eyes wide with fear and anxiety, “(Y/N), I lost the kids, we were at the park and I walked away to get Claire an ice-lollie and when I came back they were gone-”

My heart aches at his fear, and I grab his shoulders in an attempt to calm him. “Tom, Tom, Tom. Take a breathe. The babies are fine-”

“No I lost them, and I thought that maybe they just came home, or went to my Mum’s and Dad’s but they aren’t there.”

“Baby, you didn’t lose them.” I giggle, taking his face in my hands.

“I didn’t- but they were with me-”

“And my last stop was at the park, and our babies were tired and wanted to go home.” I tell him, moving my hands down to hold his.

“You had them? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Dan thought it would be a good prank after what you did to me last week.”

That’s when Tom’s eyes finally lighten, I can feel the weight finally falling away from his shoulders. “So you freaked me out ‘cause I freaked you out?”

“Yup, except, instead of freaking you out in front of 10 million people, I only let you freak out in front of your best friend.”

Tom spins around to point at Harrison, who already has his hands up in surrender. “You-”

Harrison points at me in a panic, “She put me up to it!”

“Daddy!” Claire’s voice pulls us all away from our conversation. Tom’s knees hit the floor as he takes her into his arms. “Pranked you!”

Tom lets out a wet laugh, “Yup, but we aren’t going to do anymore pranks for awhile, okay?”

“Okay! Can we play tea-party?”

Tom chuckles, nodding, “After dinner, okay baby-love?”

“Da’?” Nathaniel’s voice comes from the sliding glass door, Dan and Phil not too far behind.

“Hey, bud!” Tom opens his arm so he can hug Nathan, who just snuggles into him. “Missed you.”

“Well, now that the cat is out of the bag, we are going to leave,” Dan calls, trying to sneak by Tom without being caught.

“You aren’t allowed in my house for three months, Daniel.” Tom calls back, making the kids giggle, Claire running over to Dan calling out a long ‘no’.

“Why three months?” Dan laughs as he snuggles Claire.

“Cause I can’t ground you, and it just keeps you away from giving my wife bad ideas.”

“Leave him alone, Tommy.” I giggle, as he stands, wrapping an arm around his chest, pressing mine to his back. “Everyone is fine.”

“I know, I know, love.” He mutters, taking my hand in his to press a kiss to the back of it. “Have a safe drive home, mates. You too Harrison.”

“I’m out, gotta meet with my mum tonight anyways, bye guys!”

The house grew quiet as everyone left for the evening. Tom lets out a sigh as my timer goes off on the stove. “Dinner’s ready.” I mutter, letting go of Tom to pull the chicken out of the oven.

“Claire, will you take your brother to the bathroom and help him wash his hands for dinner?” I don’t hear a response, but the pitter-patter of feet leaving the room confirms that she was doing just that. The room stays silent as I feel Tom move toward me, the only sound coming from the creaking floorboards. A squeak leaves my parted lips as his hand connects with my toosh. “Love?”

“Yes, baby?”

His head lands onto my shoulder, a shaky breath leaving his parted lips. “I really thought I lost them today.”

“They’re safe, Tom, promise.” I run a hand into his hair.

“And for that I am glad, but darling, you do know that you aren’t getting away with this, right?”

I laugh and his other arm wraps around my waist pulling me flush to his chest. “I’ll make it up to you, promise.”

“Will you make me my favorite cookies?”

My laughter shakes us both, making him laugh along with me. “Sure, handsome.”

“We washed our hands!”

Tom let’s go of me to scoop up the littles and places them at the table as I bring over the meal. I smile at my little family at the table, Claire talking about her afternoon with Uncle Dan and Phil while I help Nathan with his food. Tom smiles at me when we make eye contact. My little family. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

#cg writes #time never stops #tom holland #tom holland imagine #tom holland x reader #tomhollandxyoutuber!reader #dad!tom holland

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ganderinggoosie · 4 years

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Would you break down Kylo Ren, please?

Boy can I anon! :) Apologies as well for the late reply, i wanted to take my time for this one.

essentially the TL/DR version is: this character has been neglected and abused his entire life, believing he didn't belong anywhere with anyone. only after realizing his parents and Rey actually care about him does he gain the courage to “do the right thing.” He’s then written unceremoniously out of existence after saving and kissing Rey, only being happy for 10 seconds in hid entire life. Aint that dandy! :)

Idk how short of an explanation you want, but i also decided to list all of his major character arcs within his lifetime, simply because i care about this character A LOT. I haven’t written anything like an essay in a while, so i really couldn’t help myself haha. This list is also chronological, but ill keep it under a read-more for easy scrolling.

PRE-TFA

Literally been toyed with and corrupted SINCE BEFORE BEING BORN

A happy toddler who loved his parents and "uncles"

His parents loved him very much but didn’t treat him as a priority. Leia tended to focus on her political career and Han couldn’t shake his old nomadic ways. As a result, Ben ended up very isolated.

As he grew stronger and keener to the isolation, his parents feared him and his emotions. Leia sent him away to Luke’s academy, despite Han not wanting Ben to go.

Made friends in the academy, but still a loner. All the while the voices in his head (Snoke/palpatine) are growing louder and louder

Luke forcibly saw into his mind, intent on ending ben’s life until changing his mind. Naturally this upset Ben, seeing as he figured what was left of his family that cared about him wanted him dead. He then collapsed the building, trapping Luke inside.

While deciding to run away, a storm (inferably caused by Snoke/Palpatine) struck fire to the Jedi Temple, killing the students inside. Ben attempted to save a few, but failed.

Ran into the arms of the First Order and the Knights of Ren, since snoke gaslit him into believing it was the only place he could be.

Trained under The KOR and Snoke as a dark side force warrior. Mainly used asa spiritual tool to snuff out Jedi rather than a political tool for the FO.

Tasked with finding Luke Skywalker, sets the beginning of TFA in motion.

TFA

Demonstrates his capability in dark side tendencies by torturing Poe for information

Chooses not to acknowledge Finn’s deflection

immediately gets distracted from his mission of finding bb8 once learning there is a girl involved with this situation.

remains primarily on the defense while subduing rey, carries her away manually to his ship for interrogation. its notable to mention that Han was completely unworried for rey as she was being taken; he knew rey was strong enough to resist and he knew his son’s shortcomings.

willingly unmasks to rey while interrogating her; this is to show the audience that not only is he making himself more vulnerable and relatable to rey, but also to show that he’s completely opposite to what rey was expecting.

Their connection is formed as they push into each other’s minds

snoke tells him to kill his father in order to complete the training. ben loves his father dearly but genuinely believes he’s too far gone to do anything contradictory to snoke’s orders.

senses it when han arrives at Starkiller, and ignores him. referential material implied that kylo wanted to give han the chance to escape, but when Han sought him out then he reacted.

kills han, the deed “splitting him to the bone”

survived, but gravely injured by Chewbacca’s bowcaster blast (shown previously blowing up 6 troopers at once). Sees Finn and Rey, becoming enraged, and follows them.

intercepts rey and finn in the forrest. angrily taunts them while beating his wounds. sends rey back into a tree in self-defense. demands to take the legacy saber, fighting with finn in the process. its notable that his fighting style while on the offensive is extremely akin to a berserker method; precise and accurate but brutal and excessive. ends up slashing finn and rendering him unconscious.

is in awe of rey’s ability to call the saber to her, fights her less-aggressively in order to corner her and offer her guidance. naturally she refuses, and taps into the force to overpower him and leave him bleeding on Starkiller as her and Finn rejoin the resistance.

TLJ

approaches snoke in his throneroom, visibly injured and emotional as a result of his fight with rey and the death of his father. snoke mocks his “weak” emotional state and calls him a “child in a mask.”

is hurt by snoke’s remark, an destroys his mask in a rage.

leads an arial attack on the Resistance ships, demonstrating his skills as a pilot. When he has an opportunity to blow up his mother’s ship, he doesn’t; he loves her far too much and cant physically bring himself to repeat the horror of killing Han. Unfortunately, one of the TIE pilots do instead. (later he is relieved to still feel his mother through the force.)

while in a medbay getting treatment for his scar, the force connects him with rey for the first time. both are surprised by this turn of events, and Kylo is more curious as to the logistics of the connection rather than being angry at the sudden appearance of his enemy.

connects with rey again as she is in the rain, still fascinated by how exactly the bond works. rey is still enraged by his presence as he casually mentions that Luke isnt the saintly figure she sees him as. Agrees with her as she angrily calls him a monster; instead of a taunt its actually a display of self-loathing. he then wipes his face after their connection ends, demonstrating that the bond they share permeates a physical space (as well as being a metaphor of the palpable tension between him and rey).

connects with rey again, this time with him in a state of partial undress. rey asks him if he could put a shirt on and he doesn't, despite the fact his shirt is on the desk a few feet away. the narrative purpose of this introduction is to show that rey is physically attracted to him and he knows it.

tells rey his story of Luke attempting to kill him, then tells her his nihilistic outlook of “letting the past die.” they disconnect, but rey ends up following his advice and explores the darker part of the island (a metaphor for HER darker side).

Later connects with rey again as she tearfully tells how alone she felt while in the cave attempting to find herself. Him, visibly touched by her story and the fact she trusts him enough to confess something so personal, tearfully tells her that she’s not alone. they then touch hands, doing so granting them visions of the supposed future. Luke angrily blasts apart the cabin, forcefully ending their connection.

Rey flies to him on the Supremacy, and he cuffs her to take her to snoke. (It’s important to mention that in the novel adaptation of the movie, it’s more of a playful and flirtatious banter between the two instead of a prisoner/hostage situation.) While on the elevator rey begs him to join her, as he counters and says that she’ll eventually join him instead.

While in snoke’s throne room, Kylo submissively kneels as snoke tortures rey for information. he occassionally looks up woefully at her, and eventually turns the saber on snoke after saying “he knows what he has to do.” He and rey team up to fight the Praetorian Guards and end up defeating them together.

Pleads with Rey to join him in leading the darkside as rey pleads with him to save the resistance fleet. Kylo tells her that he saw who her parents were and that she was nothing to them and had no place in that particular story. he then clumsily adds “but not to me” and begs her to join him again. the two then fight over the legacy saber, only to have it explode and knock them both back.

passed out from both the blast of the saber and Holdo blasting through the ship, kylo awakens to find rey gone. heartbroken and furious at her supposed betrayal of his trust, he violently declares himself the new Supreme Leader and orders an attack on Crait.

on Crait, he shows that not only is he deeply impulsive, but also an ultimately poor leader. he’s fine until noticing the millenium falcon, then finally loses it in a fury of rage and heartbreak. Luke skywalker understands the irrational state his nephew is in, and takes advantage of his irrationality to aid the resistance. his fight with luke was simply a distraction and taunt, resulting in a massive tactical failure.

kneels in defeat while clutching his father’s lucky dice, only to be connected with rey one more time. she distainfully “shuts the door” on him, and he recoils sadly as the dice disappear.

PRE-TROS

featured in supplimental material as a ruthless leader, hellbent on finding the resistance and eliminating threats to the First Order.

is shown to take plenty of self-assigned solo missions, implying that he doesnt truthfully care about the governmental aspect of being supreme leader.

TROS

Begins the film on Mustafar, fighting a band of cultists dedicated to Darth Vader, taking the wayfinder they were protecting. in earlier drafts of the movie (as well as probable deleted scenes) Kylo then sees a character known as the Oracle on Mustafar, who cryptically tells him about Palpatine, Rey’s heritage, as well as his affection for rey that he attempts to deny.

he flies to Exogol, where he discovers that it was actually palpatine whos been manipulating him his entire life. threatens to kill palpatine but humors him as palpatine offers promises of utter domination if kylo could kill rey. naturally he has no intention of doing so.

Later connects with rey as she is training. its unclear if hes the one making the training droid react negatively to her or if hes simply observing her and attempting to catch her off-guard.

unites with the knights to rebuild his mask (for some reason).

informs the First Order officials he knows one of them is a spy (for some reason).

connects with rey as she’s on pasaana, taunting her and stealing her necklace in order to track her location.

arrives to pasaana and witnesses rey trying to drag a ship down. holds back the ship in order to see if she’d tap into the dark side to bring it down, which she does.

follows rey to kijimi as she boards his ship and steals the dagger he has. tells her the “true history” of her parentage while also stating that he’d never lie to her. they fight (him on defensive) and she destroys his room. they meet again in person, him unmasking to show hes being sincere in proposing to her again; saying they’re a dyad and they belong together. she denies, again, and flees.

meets her again on the Death Star, remarking that neither of them could return to the light since the pair of them are too far ingrained into the dark. He destroys the wayfinder she found, believing they’ll only get to Exogol together. they fight, again, with him on the defensive, again.

towards the end of their fight its clear that rey is exhausted, so he backs away and lowers his weapon. however, at this exact instance, Leia chooses to call out to him via the force. (it is unclear if she does this to distract him or if she does this because she knows she’s ill and wants to see him before she passes.) While he is distracted, rey grabs his saber and fatally stabs him. he collapses, feeling his mother’s death and the resignation that the woman hes in love with ended him. However, rey immediately regrets hurting him and uses the force to heal him. she confesses that had he been Ben rather than Kylo, she would’ve taken his hand.

While gazing out to sea alone, Kylo hears the voice of his father. He turns, and it met with a vision of Han. Han tells him to “come home” and that the light within Ben was always there. Han caresses his cheek like he did in TFA. Ben, crying, starts to say something but is so overcome with emotion that all he can manage is “dad.” Han smiles and says “i know,” a callback to his line to Leia in ESB. With the forgiveness of his father and the newfound strength and motivation, ben throws his saber into the ocean, effectively cementing his persona Kylo Ren officially dead.

as rey is in danger on Exogol, Ben flies an abandoned TIE (inferably left in the Death Star wreckage) there and sprints, armed with only a blaster, and launches himself into danger to help rey.

their bond connects as she’s about to pledge to the sith and as the knights of ren are about to kill him. he wordlessly assures her that he’s there for her and that its ok to reveal that shes part of a dyad. she agrees, passing along her saber to him through their bond. Ben kills the Knights as rey kills the sith guardians.

the pair of them reunite, but only for palpatine to sap their life force, made more powerful due to them being a dyad. once significantly weakened, Palpatine launches Ben into a pit.

After defeating palpatine, rey dies. Ben manages to climb out of the pit and crawls over to rey, severely injured. he then embraces her lifeless body and cries for her, knowing then what he needs to do.

Ben heals rey with the force, bringing her back to life. Rey, elated to see him, cups his face as he cries and smiles feebly. she kisses him and caresses his face again, him smiling and chucking for the first time the entire series. At peace and healed by the redemptive power of being in love and having that person love him back in return.

he then immediately falls over dead and disappears into the force, thereby ruining all semblance of a skywalker legacy and redemption arc. FOR. SOME. REASON.

#kylo ren #ben solo #reylo #rey #finn #han solo #leia organa #knights of ren #luke skywalker #supreme leader snoke #sheev #meta #star wars #answered #anon #yeah this got way too long lol

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sunflwrsjustdied · 4 years

Text

Chapter 1 - Lux’s First Birthday

Noah’s physical appearance: Height - 4'8" Weight - 70lbs

••• = Third p.o.v

Masterlist

September.14.2012 Leeds, United Kingdom •HARRY’S P.O.V• “I remember your first birthday,” I said to the boy sitting on my knee.

We had just finished singing happy birthday to Lux, our hair stylist Lou’s daughter.

“I know, you’ve said it before,” Noah said, “Can I have my phone back now?” He asked, wanting it back after I had taken it from him a while ago because he wasn’t paying attention to anything.

“Why don’t you play with Ben?” I offered to him, seeing Lux’s cousin walking towards us. “Dad-” I stopped him right away, “Oh, come on, Noah. Just play a bit of football with him and Elliot,”

“And then you’ll get your phone back,” I added when I saw he wasn't convinced, “Fine,” He sighed, while Ben made it over to us, holding his ball out to him.

I watched them, chuckling to myself when the two younger boys thought it was so amazing how high the older one could kick the ball.

I turned my attention to Tom and Lou who were “trying” to cut the cake. Trying as in not prepared for one another.

“Here, Tom.” Lou said, cutting a square piece of cake, and then holding it on the knife ready to slide it off. Tom wasn’t paying very much attention and forgot to get a plate. He did have his hands held out.

He turned back, just as she slid it off, “Wait, Lou!” The pink frosted vanilla cake dropped into Tom’s hands.

“Tom,” Lou groaned, annoyance in her voice, “Well, I guess this is my piece.” Tom looked around, for a plate or a napkin, and upon not finding it, he turned away and almost shoved the piece in his mouth.

I saw Noah walking back to table, a grimace pain over his features, his hand covering the place of pain. “What happened?” I asked him, snickering slightly already knowing.

“They kicked me in the balls, with the ball,” He groaned, holding his hand out for the white iPhone, and then he noticed Tom.

“Tom, what the hell are you doing?” Noah looked at Tom, clearly amused. “Are you shoving cake in your face without anyone looking? That’s so embarrassing!” He laughed.

“I believe it’s Lux’s birthday not yours,” Tom laughed as well at Noah’s comment. “I know,” Tom shook his head smiling as Noah handed him a napkin.

•••

“Harry, would you like to hold her?” Tom Hull, a friend of Harry and Tom Atkin, asked. He was referring to his two month old daughter, Lullah.

“She’s sleeping so she won’t fuss about,” Tom explained, “Oh, sure,” Harry replied, Tom situated Lullah in Harry’s arms, supporting her head.

Harry stared down at Lullah, “She’s beautiful,” Harry mumbled, Tom nodded in agreement, “Yeah, like her mum,” the comment caused Jen, Tom’s girlfriend, to chuckle.

“Here, let me get a picture,” Jen said, pulling her phone out, “Smile!” She cheered, Harry did holding his arms up a bit.

“We can’t have enough pictures of her,” Tom said, “I want everything captured while she’s still this tiny and new,” Harry nodded in agreement, “Yeah, we have thousands of photos of Noah, just from his first year,”

“Where is he? I saw him briefly only,” Tom asked Harry, looking around, to see Noah walking towards the four people.

“Hi Tommy,” Noah greeted Tom, ever since they met, he called him Tommy. Due to him having so many Tom’s in his life, this one was special because Tom Hull always played football with Noah, sometimes they’d make instrumental music together because Noah could play drums, guitar and piano.

“Ah Noah! There you are,” Tom hugged Noah lifting him up, once sat down, Noah greeted Jen.

“Hi Jenny,” he hugged her, “Hi Noah, how are you?” She asked him, “I’m good, you?” He asked back with the politeness his parents and grandparents taught him.

“I’m great thank you,” Noah’s eyes drifted to the baby in Harry’s arms, she started to whine causing Harry to start rocking her like he had done years ago with Noah.

“Can I hold her, Tommy?” Noah asked, looking up to the blonde haired man, “Can he Harry?” Tom asked Harry, “Of course,” Harry nodded.

“If she gets too fussy, we’ll take her from you so you don’t suffer,” Jen teased, “Here, put your arms like your dads and make sure her neck is not dangling,” Tom explained as Harry gently laid a whiny and fussy Lullah in Noah’s arms.

Within seconds of being in Noah arms, Lullah calmed down, but her eyes were open. Staring up at the boy holding her.

“Oh that’s perfect, professional baby holder, even soothes her,” Tom clapped lightly, “I’m taking a picture of this too,” Jen said taking her phone back out. Noah smiled looking up at the phone.

“You know, her birthday is only six days after yours,” Tom stated, causing Noah to smile and look down at the baby in wonder.

He’s only nine and sibling less, any baby he ever held as someone else’s. Sometimes he wanted to ask his parents why he didn’t have siblings like many kids he knew. Ever since he moved to London with his father, he was often around adults, filming movies he was around adults. It shaped Noah’s personality to become more mature than most his age, for his language to be more advanced and sometimes crude. Anytime boredom struck Noah, he always went to anyone he could find to play with him. Sometimes, to him, it was nice to not be youngest person in the room.

“July babies, that’s what I’m captioning this picture,” Everyone chuckled at Jen

The party was coming to the end, everyone was leaving or preparing to leave.

Dean, Lux’s uncle wanted a picture with Harry and Noah with his kids Ben and Heidi, and his nephew Elliot. They of course agreed, and posed in front of Harry’s red jaguar car.

Harry squatted down, holding Heidi in his lap, while Noah sat slightly against the car with his arms around Elliot and Ben. After one final goodbye, Harry and Noah got in the car and left for a 3 hour drive home.

“I don’t like this car.” Noah said out of the blue, 30 minutes into the car ride, looking around at it. It was only a rental, as Harry’s real car was in the shop.

Noah was always particular about cars, even if it’s temporary even if he was many’s years away from actually driving one.

“I know. You said it earlier.” Harry kissed his teeth, he quite liked the car, even if it was for a short time. Harry trusted Noah because of the fact the he actually had nice taste in cars.

He then started rambling on about the cars he wanted to buy when he was older.

About 2 hours into the car ride, Harry looked over to Noah at a red light and noticed he was sound asleep. He smiled lightly. Keeping his right hand on the steering wheel, he rested the other on Noah’s sleeping head, playing with his hair.

Harry’s entire world was under the touch of his hand, sitting right next to him. Harry couldn’t imagine life without his son.

Noah, such an interesting person.

Only 9, but he swore more then most adults, no matter how many time he’d be told not to, he would. And he’s done it ever since he was just a toddler. He had his first taste of alcohol at age 5, given to him by Harry’s cousin. Noah absolutely loved the taste. Much to Harry’s dismay. And there was no doubt in Harry’s mind that Noah didn’t trick somebody at that birthday party they’d just been at to give him some.

Certainly he was a strong person, from just hours after birth he showed just how strong he was. Always energetic, from the first time he walked at 10 months old, he was always on the move. Even crawled fast. So it wasn’t a surprise that he played every sport he could until just a few years back.

But this one person could make Harry’s heart swell to the brim with love, or cause him anger toward anyone who hurt his precious boy. It was amazing to Harry what one person could do, what love could do. His love for his son could make him do unbelievable things. He remembers the day he told Noah that him and Rose were not going to be together.

At the age of 16 and 17, it was becoming impossible for Rose and Harry to be together anymore. It was the middle of Summer, and in September Rose would be in her second year of University, studying to become an architect. The distance to her university from her home was getting too far. She had to wake up early just to be able to drive to school, not even counting the horrible drive home.

Harry and Rose loved each other, and they loved their son. But as time went on, they continued to love their son, but the love for each other was the love for one another as a friend, not romantically anymore.

After a long talk, they decided to break up. Rose would move to London, where her university was, and Harry would remain in Holmes Chapel. As for custody of their son, they went to court for a legal custody agreement, Rose allowed Harry to have sole custody of Noah, believing that boys need their fathers more than their mothers. No matter how much Rose loved Noah, she knew it was fair for Noah to have Harry, because everyone knew he preferred Harry more. Because of the 4 hour distance, Noah would only be able to visit Rose when it was the appropriate time.

Rose and Harry seemed to discuss and make decisions pretty easily, but when it came to telling the most important person, that’s when it was difficult. Rose’s parent are still together, and by the looks of it, they will be forever. Harry’s parents are not, and what scares him is that he went through this ‘talk’ and he does not ever want to relive something close to it again. So Harry put it off, a lot. He put it off until he had no choice any more, and they did it just 15 minutes before Rose was leaving for London.

Noah sat on the floor playing with his toy Hot Wheels cars, Rose and Harry sitting on the couch in front of Noah. Harry’s palms got sweaty, he was nervous. He’s having déjà vu of him and Gemma sitting on the floor in front of Anne and his father Des before they broke the news. But now Noah is in Harry’s spot.

“Noah, your mum and I love you very much,” Harry started, his palms sweaty, “But sometimes, uh-um,” He started stuttering, trying to think of the words his parents told him.

Rose didn’t want to say it but she had to, they can’t put it off on the last day. So she blurted it out, “Noah, your dad and I are not going to be together anymore and I’m moving away,” It wasn’t necessarily how Rose imagined she’d word it, but she was just as nervous as Harry, who puffed out a relived sigh that the news was out.

They watched Noah’s reaction, their hearts breaking, “What?” tears filled the boys big blue eyes and leaked over the edge, spilling down his face.

“No!” Noah cried, running into his mothers arms. “Luca, sweetheart,” Luca, a nickname given to him by his parents.

Gianni and Izabella (Rose’s parents), walk into the living room, signalling to her that they need to leave, the scene was horrible to see but they had to leave. The three stood up.

“Mummy!” Noah cried, “Ti amo, lo prometto,” Rose whispered to him in Italian as she handed him into Harry’s arms, “Se mi amassi non mi lasceresti!” Rose closed her eyes as she walked away, Noah’s words replaying in her head. If you loved me, you wouldn’t leave me.

Harry stood with Noah in his arms, trying to calm him down, all while feeling sad himself watching Rose leave, he can smell her Alien perfume on Noah and it makes him tear up.

Why wouldn’t Harry be sad? This girl is leaving, the girl who was his first kiss, his first love, his first and only child’s mother, his first time.

Noah did not talk to Rose for weeks. Not until Harry forced him to, but he never told Rose that part. But to the boy it seemed as though she chose her future career over him. He was too young to understand how that will affect her future for them both.

Harry remembered that day very well, just as well as when it happened to him. But the difference between him and Noah is that Noah changed after that day. He wasn’t trusting as he used to be, he started getting in trouble at school and found an interest in wrestling and boxing. Sort of a way of him being able to take his anger out. The cliche of what happens when parents split up.

After that day, Harry vowed that he would protect this boy and never let him get hurt like that again.

Harry opened the gate to the London home at 11pm, parking in the car park. A heavily asleep Noah was challenging Harry on deciding to carrying him or waking him up.

Basically asking himself, peace or anger?

'Peace.’ Harry thought without a doubt

Unbuckling Noah’s seatbelt, Harry slipped his hands under his arms, picking him up. Making sure everything was locked or unlocked, he walked inside closing the door. About to attempt walking up 2 floors in the dark with a 9-year-old in his arms.

One hand holding the railing and counting the stairs from memory, he managed to not trip and fall on top of his kid. Making it successfully to his bedroom, deciding Noah would just sleep in his room tonight because he absentmindedly walked past Noah’s bedroom because was tired himself, and he wasn’t willing to go between another set of stairs.

Harry placed Noah on his bed, he took off his shoes, throwing them on the ground and pulling the blankets over him.

Harry then got ready for bed, resting his hand on Noah’s chest, feeling his son’s heartbeat, Harry fell asleep himself.

A/N Hello everyone! This chapter is absolute crap, but it’s mainly about Harry and his feelings towards his son. If you enjoyed it, I’m surprised, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the book. I’m just really happy that I’ve finally published a chapter of this books, I thought I’d never get it done but I’m getting there. After 3 years, I finally am! Thank you for taking your time to read this chapter. - Isabella

*The chains that Noah are said to be wearing are chains that he will wear throughout the entire book*

#dad!harry #harry styles imagine #one direction #louis tomlinson #liam payne #william franklyn-miller #harry styles #harry styles masterlist #one direction masterlist #one direction imagine #harry styles one shot

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