#//I am European so I know neither of those days x)

[procrastinatingsoicanreadfanfics]

Vikings (TV) Masterlist

my requests for vikings are currently partially OPEN! please only request imagines, and not oneshots. for those waiting for a continuation of ‘searching home’ or ‘unexpected’ i am so sorry... finishing those two is going to take me a while :/

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main masterlist | request guidelines

heorte til heorte

(msg me to be added to the taglist!)

relationship: athelstan x alethia stahl (oc) | summary: alethia wanted to go home, to return to her family. instead, she finds herself in ninth-century england. not speaking the language, and still processing the grief of her other life, she searches for an anchor - athelstan. | tags: angst, fluff, timetravel

masterlist | preview | read on ao3

No romantic relationships // character x character

Queendom - relationship: Lagertha x Aslaug | summary: They’ve both loved and they’ve both lost. Perhaps it was time that their hearts warmed again. | tags: angst, fluff

The Lothbroks, aka, the European version of the Kardashians - relationships: none | summary: When Barbie Murray time travels, she finds out that pink isn’t available in Viking times. Luckily, her new besties all understand that boobs are the best and slay (literally?!) with her. | tags: crack, fluff, timetravel

I may be a bimbo, but I’m not stupid - relationships: slight oc/ oc | summary: Ivar kills Sigurd in a fit of rage, but Barbie isn't so quick to forgive cruelness. | tags: angst, crack, timetravel

1st gen Vikings

Strange Woman  relationship: Rollo x timetraveler!reader | summary: The woman that appeared out of nowhere could be oh so dangerous, but even a stupid man would know that she was fascinating. | tags: fluff, timetravel

Friend of Thor - relationship: rollo x timetraveler!asgardian!reader | summary: The reader, a fellow Asgardian and friend of Thor and the new King of Asgard, Brunnhilde, falls through worlds as the new guardian of the Bifrost tampers with the magic. | tags: crack, fluff, timetravel

And the Gods wished they were me - relationship: Judith x viking!gn!reader | summary: Judith knows she should not mourn Athelstan. Nor should she even look at Norse heathens. She does both anyway, because Judith was named after a woman that had only rage and death, and she cannot escape her fate. | tags: angst, fluff

Ubbe Ragnarsson

Another day / part 2 - relationship: Ubbe x reader | prompt: we live to fight another day. | tags: angst

Oldest - relationship: Ubbe x timetraveler!reader; platonic!Ivar x reader | summary:  It seems that few things change about being the oldest sibling, no matter which place – or time | tags: fluff, timetravel, slight angst

Yggdrasil relationship: Ubbe x reader; platonic!Ivar x reader; dad!Harald x reader | summary:  How can you tell your father what happened to you when he’d done it to so many others. | tags: angst, dark/gory

Hvitserk 'Whiteshirt' Ragnarsson

Hvitserksdottir - relationship: Hvitserk x reader | prompt: “I think we need to talk about the fact that I’m in love with you and also that I’m pregnant.” | tags: angst, fluff

Floki’s Cabin - relationship: Hvitserk x reader | prompt: “Just trust me. Please. | tags: angst

Searching Home / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 - relationships: Hvitserk x reader; Ivar x reader | summary: When you stumble upon the ancient Spanish city of Algeciras, it takes you some time to realize that you’ve traveled through time. While that is terrible luck, a merchant couple takes you in. But your peace only lasts so long. | tags: angst, fluff, dark/gory, timetravel

Neither - relationship: genderfluid!reader x Hvitserk | Summary: Hvitserk finds out about genderfluidity and accepts he might not be completely straight | tags: fluff, timetravel

Law of conservation - relationship: Hvitserk x reader | summary: You’ve been working as a tutor at your high school for about a year now. When your parents throw a barbecue party for your new neighbors, their mother Aslaug asks you to tutor her son Hvitserk, who is already a notorious flirt at his school. | tags: fluff

Sandcastles - relationship: platonic!hvitserk x timetraveler!reader | summary: reader builds sandcastles, Ivar doesn’t get it and Hvitserk loves the idea of it | tags: fluff, timetravel

When in Bali... -  relationships: hvitserk x reader, ivar x freydís, sigurd x oc | summary: You were supposed to go to Bali with your partner for your one-year anniversary. Instead, you’re there alone, heartbroken. Will reuniting with a friend you know from a summer vacation in elementary school be able to fix it? | tags: fluff

Ivar 'the Boneless' Ragnarsson

Unholy Matrimony - A Sham in Four Acts / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 - relationship: Ivar x reader | prompt: I’ve learnt to love you. | tags: angst, fluff smut

Insatiable Little Heathens  - relationship: ivar x reader | summary: drabble, for all of y’all who wanted more of Unholy Matrimony | tags: fluff

Resolve - relationship: ivar x reader | summary: Ivar’s legs hurt but he’s so fucking thickheaded | tags: fluff

My kind of witch - relationship: ivar x reader | summary: You wake up in an unfamiliar bed. The man with blazing blue eyes fascinates you as soon as you see him and as you realize the struggles he faces every day, your admiration for him grows into something more. | tags: fluff, timetravel

Red - relationship: ivar x reader | summary: Ivar finally meets his match. | tags: smut, dark/gory

Serve - relationship: sub!ivar x buff!reader | summary: Ivar keeps teasing you. You finally have enough and give him a taste of his own medicine | tags: smut

Searching home / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 -  relationships: Hvitserk x reader; Ivar x reader |  summary: When you stumble upon the ancient Spanish city of Algeciras, it takes you some time to realize that you’ve traveled through time. While that is terrible luck, a merchant couple takes you in. But your peace only lasts so long. | tags: angst, fluff, smut, dark/gory, timetravel

Totally artistic -  relationship: ivar x reader | summary: When inspiration hits, you can’t stop it | tags: fluff

Sandcastles - relationship: platonic!hvitserk, ivar x timetraveler!reader | summary: reader builds sandcastles, Ivar doesn’t get it and Hvitserk loves the idea of it | tags: fluff, timetravel

Brother - relationships: ivar x reader, hvitserk & reader, reader & oc | summary: You left your home and your brother behind for a reason. Now, a man is causing trouble at the borders of Kattegat, and as Ivar's queen, you take justice into your own hands. | tags: fluff

Unexpected / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 - relationship: ivar x thrall!reader | summary: Ivar finally decides to fuck the slave he’s been eyeing for so long, but when his angry side slips out, things take a turn for the wholly unexpected. | tags: smut

Tarot -  relationships: ivar x reader, hvitserk & reader | summary: Your day at the fair has been pretty slow – until a client like no other shows up. | tags: fluff

Imagines

How the Vikings would react to an accidental time traveler and a quiz to see if you’d survive: https://uquiz.com/dVXpgW

Ragnarssons (+Gyda): First Kiss

Social Media 

How the Vikings would react to guns and snapchat filters 

How the Vikings would react to modern dancing 

How the Vikings would react to modern music, and what they’d like

How the Vikings would react to modern concepts of astronomy and space 

How the Vikings react to modern haircare 

Vikings and Astrology

How Vikings would react to THEM timetraveling

Vikings + getting sick 

Vikings + Halloween 

Vikings + realizing you’re pregnant

Vikings characters + how they'd react to finding Accidental Time Traveler crying somewhere and not knowing why 

Vikings + you on your period  (+ more hcs about Ivar)

Vikings + Legos

Vikings + reader being much less stressed in their time

Vikings + single mother

Vikings + Gender Neutral Thor

Vikings + modern food

Vikings + touch avoidant cuddler

Vikings + Kids

Vikings + their history

Ragnarssons + being possesive

Vikings + Maleficent/Fae!reader

Vikings + curls and afros

Vikings + sleeping habits

Vikings + contortionist/super flexible reader

Vikings as modern!uni students

Vikings + affectionate drunk!reader

timetraveling!Vikings + modern tv/movies

Vikings + gen z slang

Vikings + curly haired kids

timetraveling!Vikings + Christmas

Vikings + eras other than their own

Vikings + ivar being remembered/famous

[gumpwitch]

The Eldest Ten: An Essay On Tangible Deities

I’ve been thinking a lot about gods and devotional practices lately, and recently established my personal faith and tradition. So, here’s my little blurb on that process for your consideration.

The Eldest Ten

Gods.

A term, a concept, an idea that has plagued and enchanted humanity since the dawn of our time. A question as much as it is an answer: Who made these things? Gods. Who gives life to the world? Gods. Who was here before we were? Gods. Who will remain after our demise? Gods.

As a witch, I am constantly surrounded by differing ideas and theories and beliefs about deities. What it means for something to be almighty, to be sacred, to be above or without. The wonderful thing about occultists and practitioners and witches is that all of us are right and all of us are wrong all at the same time.

But knowing that all belief systems are valid in the eyes of each practitioner does nothing to confirm one’s own belief system. For years after delving into the craft, I agonized over the question of whether or not I believe in deities at all. I had come out on the other side of my adolescent atheism, wherein I shucked off the suffocating bonds of my Protestant upbringing. The idea of some unseen being in the sky dictating what was good or bad in my life filled me with rage and rebellion in those days, and I was more apt to believe there was no such thing in a world where cancer and mass shootings and stillborn babies existed.

But, as I found, there was still a deep yearning to believe in something. There was almost a kind of peer pressure to have some sort of patron deity, especially in online spaces. Everyone else seemed to have one, as was evidenced by photos of bedecked altars to Aphrodite and Loki and Mary and Pan. Everyone else got to celebrate holidays and sabbats and feast days, as shown by posts of homemade bread plated on raw wood platters and candles arranged just so with boughs of greenery arranged around their bases and chalices of wine left as offerings.

In the words of The X Files: I wanted to believe.

After all, what is a life without structure? What is another year on this planet without something to mark the passage of time and the natural progression of the seasons? What does it mean to be a magical practitioner and not have a source for that magic, that power, that something more?

So, like a frantic chef, I started throwing things at the wall in a desperate attempt to make something stick. In the back of my mind, I had placed a sort of unfair qualifier onto this exercise: if deities were “real”, then I would be able to commune with one or stumble upon a pantheon that felt right. Only in this would I be able to confirm that my magic was also real. Whether I meant to or not, I placed this bias on my investigation. If one was not true, then neither was the other.

Thus began my many disappointments. I drew tarot cards and invited communication through dreams and pendulums and signs from the natural world. I watched stars and whispered my wishes to fireflies. I kept my eyes and ears peeled for symbols and references in everything. Surely, I thought, if I ask, it will happen. I just had to be diligent.

But nothing ever came of it.

After months of waiting and searching and trying, I just felt like an imposter. Maybe I was doing this all wrong from the start. Maybe all I was doing at my altar was lighting a bunch of candles and talking to myself, accomplishing nothing. I felt jaded and unseen.

Matters were not helped by the fact that the “mainstream” deities were all from European cultures - lands of my ancestors, sure, but places I have never and likely will never see in my lifetime. There was no personal connection to Celtic mythology or the Greek gods of lore. I did not ask to be born in America, where my cultural identity is so deeply divorced from that of the people who came across the sea so long ago to colonize this land. And yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that true magic and true faith could only be based on those ancient beliefs and myths that had been trodden over and over since time immemorial. To claim to hold power and not belong to those “original” fonts of mysticism was, in my mind, to forever be a sham.

But time went on. I read more books, including Aaron Oberon’s Southern Cunning and John Halstead’s Godless Paganism, a collection of essays and excerpts from others who struggled with the question of divinity. I stopped focusing so much on broader, intangible concepts and began rooting myself more firmly in something I used to parrot mindlessly in my Asshole Atheist days: If I can see it and touch it and feel it, it’s real.

My manner of thinking shifted. I thought more on the fragility of the human race, the impermanence of our species. Like a bad case of dandruff, this planet will eventually shake us off. We are here for now, but not forever. Gods, as we know them, were invented. They did not exist before man, and they will cease to exist after the last man who knows them has died. Much like Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, deities truly rise and fall with time. Some have more staying power than others, but at the end of the day, when there are no more humans, there will be no more gods.

The next leap from this conclusion, then, is obvious: the only things truly sacred, truly real and worthy of worship, are the things that were here before man and the things that will be here long after man is gone from this planet. While reading the essays in Godless Paganism, I came across one by Steven Posch that struck me right to my core. It is incomplete and imperfect, but it laid the foundation for what I now call my personal cosmology. Chief among the ideas he posits are that things are gods themselves. It was largely this passage that lit a fire in me:

Twelve

Each of us knows them intimately already,

being the ground of every birth:

Earth, mighty mother of us all;

Sun, splendid in royal self-immolation;

Moon, queen of witches, threefold mistress of fate;

Storm, called Thunder by the ancestors;

Sea, the fish-tailed lady of the deep;

the winged Winds, wide-faring;

Fire, youngest elder, fallen from heaven;

the Horned One, master of animals -

ourselves among them -

and Green his firstborn brother, lord of lead and tendril.

Reading this for the first time felt like waking up. Of course, I suddenly thought. Of course the gods are simply the fact of themselves, of their existence, whether man wills or wants it or not.

After all, is it not at least a little condescending to see ourselves (or the image of ourselves) as masters and embodiments of these things? As if a man could ever fully encompass the wrath and raw power of the ocean. The name Poseidon means nothing in the wake of a squall, of a hurricane, of a tsunami. What woman could ever bring forth and support as much life as the Earth on which we live? Demeter, Isis, Gaia - none can compare to the real thing.

And why should they? Why have we become so infatuated with mythos and archetypes and stories? These are part of us, yes, but they all pale in comparison to the lived experience of lightning flashing across the sky, of the heat of a fire pressing close to your skin, of looking up at the full moon and feeling something in your chest ache. Must there be some amorphous thing that is vaguely human-shaped behind those sensations? Can a fire not simply be a fire, can the stars not simply be stars, and in that simple, improbable, incredible existence, not also be gods?

Part of what makes deity-centric systems powerful is that they are based on faith. They say to us, “We have little to no material proof that these things are real. Reality comes with belief.” I won’t argue against that, but it is simply not for me. I distrust things made by mortal hands, things that depend entirely on our meager existence in order to exist themselves.

But my gods? My gods don’t need me. My gods don’t inherently depend on or care about anything I do or don’t do. My gods simply are, whether I worship them or not. The trees grow, the Sun shines, the Wind blows, and none of it needs my permission or attention to do any of it. If I died tomorrow, none of them would cease to exist because my knowledge of them died with me. They are the true omnipotent forces in the world. They see all, know all, shape all.

While I am alive, however, a relationship with these gods exists. I can choose, as a person with free will, to ignore that relationship. I can choose to be mindless to how my habits and lifestyle affect these very real and very alive deities. In this, I am complicit in their wounding, and therefore not deemed worthy to wield any forces beyond what any mundane person already can. I’m just another parasite.

But that’s not good enough for me.

So I acknowledge those relationships. I humble myself. I tell these almighty ten: “I am nothing without you. You are everything without me. I submit unto you. I work to keep you healthy, keep you sacred, keep you where you belong.” And I perform my acts of service.

My altar does not hold offerings, because my offerings are in the world. To the Earth and Green Brother, I offer my tending. I plant seeds and pick up waste. I try to right the balance that has been so thoroughly altered and assaulted by those before me. To the Wind, I offer seed for the birds. To the Horned Brother, I offer food for the animals in my care. To the Moon, the Stars, the Sun, I offer my reverence, my awe, my face turned to the skies.

In the end, all that agonizing and struggling for something other was pointless - however, it did finally help lead me to the truth I think I’ve always known, ever since I was a child. I grew up with a deep fascination and love for the world around me. I just had to find it again.

In deepest devotion to:

Sun

Moon

Stars

Storm

Fire

Wind

Earth

Water

Green Brother

Horned Brother

- The Gump Witch

[stephspurs]

A Family Affair | Euro 2020 Football Fanfiction

Hi besties - here is part 6! We are officially halfway through this fic! Part 6 sees friendships blossom, situationships struggle, and cheeky intercontinental facetime chats! I hope you all are enjoying it as much as i am! I love hearing from you after you've read it! Love always, Steph xx

Part 6 | parte sesta

warnings; a couple of tugs on the heartstrings (in both the best and worst ways)

word count; 2301

writing tools; third person until dashed line, first person thereafter.

next update; Friday 06/08 5pm AEST. Updates are three times/week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)!

Tags (as requested by users); @footballffbarbiex @obsesseds-world @abysshaven

link to fic masterlist here

Amelia had been back in Turin for a week or so, settling back into her city apartment had been more difficult than she anticipated as she was now alone for the first time in more than 2.5 months. It wasn’t very often, but sometimes she did miss the companionship of having a boyfriend. She missed someone to have breakfast with, to watch movies under the covers, to bring to official events. She still did all of these things, with a date, that was a friend, that sometimes maybe crept beyond the friendship zone and into the we shouldn’t be doing this but it feels so good zone.

Fede was someone that hung around Amelia like a fly to sugar. She enjoyed the attention most of the time. She appreciated his friendship, wisdom, talent and intellect. He could hold a conversation, talk to her about the arts, sell her the dream. She even didn’t mind it when they did cross that line a few times. Long afternoons and even longer nights spent wrapped up together in his bed sheets, her bathtub, his kitchen, her lounge room...you get the point. It was almost as though the two were in a committed relationship - committed being the operable word.

Fede wanted Amelia all to himself, and she was just that - available to him and for him whenever he wished, which was often. That’s what confused Amelia most, he didn’t want to label their situationship. He was happy to be ‘friends’ outside the four walls of their respective homes, but lovers when the curtains were drawn. She would maybe understand if he was elusive, always going out and on his phone but he wasn’t. He spent all of his time with her, there wouldn't have been enough hours left in the day if he separated those he spent with her from those he spent alone.

The Juventus players noticed this behaviour early on, seeing a noticeable difference in the way their number 33 paid attention to their tactical sessions. How he was turning up to the training centre early, with an extra piccolo for the english member of their coaching staff. Federico claimed he was helping Amelia brush up on her Italian, but having an Italian-born mother who insisted on sharing her culture with her kids, meant she was pretty much fluent in the language before arriving in Turin. His teammates weren’t stupid and neither was she.

This was the one area of her life where Amelia felt comfortable to go with the flow, she didn’t need to prepare or overthink anything to do with the charming Italian boy from Firenze. She let him take it at his own pace, she was in no need to rush. She let him take her home to meet his Nonna, she spent quality alone time with his dogs when he’s running late from training, and that’s a rare occasion being that it’s normally her there after him and he hangs back to drive them both home.

Everything was progressing at his pace, and the moment Amelia just asks for some clarification on the situation, he would get visibly stressed. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too. And for a long time he could, he had Amelia's attention and affection at Juve, he even had it during their european campaign. At the end of the tournament, when they all broke up for their summer breaks, Fede conveniently waited until their final round in the shower, if you know what i mean, before pulling her into bed and having a heart to heart with her.

Amelia thought that she was finally getting the clarification that she was after, which in a way she did. Fede spoke whimsical words about how she makes him feel wanted and understood, and in turn he told her about the affects he knew he had on her. It was a conversation that would turn Shakespeare to a pile of rose petals. In the end, he told her that he wanted to continue what they had just how they had been doing it. And so, that's exactly how they left it. No labels. Friends outside of the four walls of their apartments. That was all Amelia needed to be able to enjoy her family holiday in Mykonos, guilt free, not missing the man that became the equivalent of her shadow.

The constant company she had in Mykonos compared to what she was experiencing in Turin made her more eager to return to work than she had previously. Of course, there are group chats and facetimes and phone calls throughout the days that kept her occupied, but she was missing the boys and her brother. Her friendship with Kyle was back to its old ways, memes being shared across the european continent, long phone calls to talk about their problems. Kyle knew all about the Fede x Amelia situation, Amelia having given him the sparknotes version over a wine filled zoom session one evening that same week. Their pre-seasons hadn’t gone back yet so they were able to indulge in a bit of vino, guilt free.

She was surprised about the constant contact, or lack thereof, that some of the boys had maintained with her. Ben Chilwell hadn’t once messaged or instagrammed the girl, despite being active in their group chats and liking her holiday pictures on instagram. He even made the rookie error of liking a picture so far down on her instagram, there was no way to explain his need for being there. She messaged him a couple times, assuming he just got busy with whatever he was doing, but there was radio silence on the other end.

A friendship she was surprised had blossomed so well, considering their flirtatious start to life, was with that of Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings. There had been more facetimes than she could count between herself and the two villa boys. Whether it was Tyrone telling her about a book he had finished that he thought she would enjoy, or Jack asking her how to cook dinner, maybe even them both cooking dinner together - of course she had to have a later dinner to be able to do so, with the time difference and all...and there was no way Jack was going to be having dinner an hour early “athlete’s schedule an all tha ya’know” he would smirk down the camera, brummie accent on full display.

She met Tyrone through Jack, he facetimed the girl for outfit advice one night before going out with the tall defender and the pair hit it off. Both giving Jack the fashion advice he needed but didn’t want to hear (a Gucci two piece tracksuit set is never the answer). Tyrone immediately noticed a certain attention to detail being applied by his fellow number 10, to the tactics that were being put forward by the girl that was far too good at her job. His training was improving, his set pieces having a certain amount of flare. There was also a lack of attention being paid from Jack to other girls. Instead, much preferring to spend the evening at home watching the same netflix series as Amelia so that he could discuss it with her the next day, or better yet, at the same time.

As pre-season had commenced, Amelia had been applying the same tactics that she developed (and that obviously worked) throughout the European campaign to her Juventus club level. Having faith in the four men that were with her and the Azzurri to ensure that their other teammates were completing them accurately. It appears that her skill was widely recognised, having a few missed calls and voice messages left from English telephone numbers that she was yet to listen to. In all seriousness, she was nervous to listen to them. Worried that they would make her an offer she couldn’t refuse. A wise person once told her that you shouldn’t make any decisions whilst you're at the top of your happy, or the bottom of your sad. You should make important decisions when your life is at its constant. It's very easy to accept things that you wouldn’t normally when you're at the peak of your mood, just as easy as it is to forget the bigger picture when you're down. Who knew Kyle Walker was so wise.

“So, i’ve got a bit of a dilemma” She spoke down to her facetime camera one evening in early August.

“Hit me with it darlin’” Jack spoke back to her, getting his dinner utensils out so that they could cook together again. He didn’t like not being prepared for her tutorial, he got stressed if she added pepper and his pepper was still in his pantry. Each afternoon, when it was agreed upon what they would be cooking together that evening, she sent him a list of what he would need out on his bench to complete the meal.

“I’ve missed a few calls from English teleco numbers this last week or so”

“Ok? Do you think they’re scams? You’re beautiful Amelia but I don't think it's actually an Egyptian prince on the other end that wants to offer you 250k in exchange for your paypal info…”

“Ha ha very funny - that was one time ok and he wasn’t a Prince, he was claiming to be an investment banker and wanted to help me start up my portfolio-ANYWAY JACK I WAS 16! God just forget I even told you that story” Amelia barked down facetime, now pausing what she was doing to point at the British boy with her wooden spoon, the same way her mother would to her when she was being cheeky. All she was met with was boisterous laughter.

“Nah i’m only joking, continue with your story.”

“I began to listen to the start of one and it was a talent acquisition manager for one of the premier league clubs, offering me a job” Amelia said as she continued to stir her pasta. Tonight they were making penne arrabiata. She received no reply from the boy. Looking down to her camera to check the call was still active, she saw him looking at the camera with a serious expression.

“Are you going to tell me what the problem is before I start to get excited that you’re going to be living within driving distance from me? Oh god i’ve just realised - was it from Villa? You could be even closer than I imagined” Jack started to ramble, getting over excited with the prospect of being so close to the girl that he could physically hang out with her, instead of virtually.

“Jack calm down, I didn't listen long enough to find out what club he was from. I have 5 more just like it waiting in my inbox.”

“What's the problem then Mils?” Jack could see the girl had apprehension written all over her face.

“I’m just nervous that they're going to tell me everything I've always wanted to hear. That they’re going to make me an offer I can't refuse and I have to leave my life here.” Their pasta was ready to be dished up now, so the girl poured herself a glass of red wine and got herself comfy on her couch.

“Come on, play the messages and i’ll listen to them with you, be your voice of reason,” Jack offered the girl.

“I should probably call Tyrone, you’re just going to reject every club that isn’t Villa.” she laughed before switching facetime to her laptop, moving to the floor of her lounge room and resting her elbows on her coffee table. With the phone near the screen of her mac, she began to play the messages.

_____________________________________________________________

“Hi Amelia, Shaun here from Newcastle United-” “As if you’d waste your talents at Newcastle”

“Jack! That's horrible! At least i know i already look good in the black and white striped kit”

“No, not happening. Next”

“Amelia, Hope you don’t mind but I got your number off of one of my players who knows you. Long story short, we have a position here are Arsenal” “Bloody Bukayo, needs to keep his silky mitts off ya”

“Jack, give it a rest or i’m calling Tyrone”

“Amelia White, Greg here from Aston Villa Football Club” “Get in Greggles!! That's it, stop listening, you’re taking this one”

“I need to listen to them all Jack”

“So, you’ll consider Villa?”

“I’ll consider all of them”

“You’d really go to Arsenal? Aren’t you a Spurs supporter? Shocking stuff”

“Ok maybe not all of them”

“Ciao Amelia, Mario here from Chelsea Football Club - I’ve heard nothing but good things about you. We could really use you here at Chelsea next season. Give me a call when you get a spare moment to discuss the opportunity”

“What? Nothing to say to this one, Jack?”

“Nah, sounds ok. You deserve to showcase your skills at a big club like Chelsea. And besides, you’ll have Jorginho there to look after you. Come on, next one”

“It’s the last one actually”

“Amelia, we’ve got a fantastic opportunity here at Manchester City for someone with your skill set. It would be a massive advantage to have your tactical insight to the game coupled alongside the fantastic leadership we’ve already got at the club”. “Holy shit, Pep called you himself? Kyle Walker really knows how to pull strings when he wants something”

“I am overwhelmed”

“Hey, you don’t need to make any decisions right now. Sleep on it, talk it over with your family. Speak to Jorgi, I know you’re close with him. And just let me know when you decide to pick Villa so i can start house huntin’ for ya”

“Night Jack, speak soon”

“Sleep tight darlin’, speak to ya tomorrow”

Part 7. | settima parte

[sunkissedpages]

instead of you [part three]

pairing: [best friend’s brother] tom holland x college!reader

summary: you didn’t expect to spend your summer pretending to be your best friend’s girlfriend- then again, you didn’t expect to fall for your best friend’s brother, either.

warnings: swearing, mentions of sex

word count: 2.1k

series masterlist

“No sex?”

“Y/n!” Sam hissed through his teeth. “You think you could lower your fucking voice a little?” His tone was even, but his eyes betrayed the thinly veiled panic you were all too familiar with. 

Pushing your best friend’s buttons was something you usually enjoyed, but in that moment you were feeling a similar sense of panic. 

“Sorry, how was I supposed to react to you telling me I can’t sleep with anyone this summer?” you snapped in a whisper. 

“How were you expecting to pull that off without making it look like you were cheating on me?” he countered. 

“I- I don’t know. I guess I wasn’t thinking about it...”

Sam had been typing the list of “rules” for the summer in the notes app of his phone for the better half of an hour as you brainstormed together, and you had been on board with everything that it consisted of so far:

No gross pet names (babe, baby, and darling are acceptable)

No kissing with tongue

No telling embarrassing stories!! (yes that includes that one time i got a condom stuck in my nose and we had to go to the emergency room- that’s literally only funny to you)

4. Share a bed together for the whole trip

ACT LIKE WE’RE IN LOVE (@ y/n)

Spend at least an hour with family per day

Take “coupley” pictures together when my parents as- bc they WILL ask

Wear the matching shirts my mother made 

Buy y/n all the alcohol she wants

It was a pretty decent list, all things considered, until he got to rule number ten. 

“I mean it’s not like it’s going to be easy for me either,” Sam reasoned. 

You rolled your eyes. “Am I supposed to thank you for your service or something? Applaud you for keeping it in your pants for two whole months?”

“You’re literally complaining about the exact same thing.”

“Yeah, but I’m only doing it to save your ass,” you huffed.

“Trust me, I’m well aware,” he said, sighing. “I’m sorry for dragging you into this.”

You gave him a soft smile. “You don’t have to keep apologizing. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be.”

“You don’t want to be. You’ve mentioned that several times.”

“Well, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love you.”

Sam smiled at that. “Thanks, I love you too.”

“Alright that’s enough sincerity between us for a lifetime,” you said and chuckled uneasily. “We can go back to being assholes to each other now.”

“Good, that took a lot out of me.”

You glared at him, but refrained from making a comment. “What’s next on the list then, lover boy?”

“Already breaking the first rule-”

“Fine, what’s next on the list, fuckface?” you asked with a smirk. 

Sam clenched his jaw and scrolled on his phone. “Okay, number eleven, no flirting with my brothers.”

“Do you really need to write that one down?” You watched as he typed it out without acknowledging you. “Like isn’t that kind of implied? You know I don’t see Harry like that.”

“He’s not the one I’m worried about,” he muttered. 

You raised your eyebrows expectantly, awaiting an explanation, but he offered none. Instead, he moved on to the next rule and left you sitting alone in your confusion. 

The majority of the rest of the flight was spent bickering with Sam over the list, undoubtedly annoying the hell out of everyone seated around you. The other passengers finally got some reprieve from the sound of your hushed voices when Sam put his earbuds in to listen to music. You knew he was only doing it to tune you out because whenever he was really listening to something he always shared one of his earbuds with you, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. If he was going to be like that then... god, this was going to be a long summer.

You shifted in your seat so that you could comfortably rest your head on his shoulder and closed your eyes. Even though he was frustrated with you, you knew he wouldn’t push you away. It was just like that with you guys. He’d get over it by the time you landed. 

When you opened your eyes again, Sam had fallen asleep too. He was slumped against you with his head resting on top of yours like something out of a movie. It struck you as ironic. To passers by you already looked like a couple. Game on. 

-

Sam led the way through the busy airport terminal to baggage claim, apparently trusting you were right on his heels. But it was almost like he was trying to lose you with the way he was weaving through the crowd like a wanted fugitive. You could barely keep up. Some fake boyfriend he was. 

You’d never seen your best friend like this before. Usually he was so calm and collected, the one who was always talking you off the ledge, but you could tell he was the one climbing stairs right now. 

“Fuck, there’s no way this’ll work.” 

It had been another one of those late nights in the library when Sam had thrown the stack of index cards onto the table in surrender and buried his face in his hands. You were both teetering on the edge of a caffeine crash. The words on the pages had started to blur together in a way that was almost illegible and neither of you could keep the important dates of your relationship straight. 

“Yes it will,” you insisted as you gathered up the cards and handed them back to him. “We’re just burnt out. That’s why we keep getting things wrong.” He knit his eyebrows together in a way that told you he didn’t believe you, but didn’t say anything in return. You sighed and took a sip of your coffee, giving him a measured look over the lenses of your glasses. “It’s four am., Sam. We just need some sleep and then we’ll come back fresh tomorrow, you’ll see.”

He pushed his hair back from his forehead and nodded reluctantly. “Thanks for doing this with me... it’s, uh, really important to me.”

“I know.” 

But you didn’t know why. Sam didn’t even study this hard for midterms, but here he was night after night with you mapping out every single detail of your fake relationship. A small part of you wondered if there was something more, something that he was keeping from you, but you pushed the thought down. You told each other everything...

As you watched him wait for your suitcases at the carousel, arms crossed, left foot tapping the tile impatiently, it dawned on you just how nervous he was. You wished there was something you could say to ease his mind, but the right words were escaping you. To be fair, you weren’t having any luck shaking your jitters either. You’d never been in a relationship long enough to meet your significant other’s parents. Somehow the fact that you weren’t even dating made it even more daunting. You desperately needed the Hollands to like you- for both you and Sam’s sakes. 

“This one’s yours, right?” Sam asked and pointed to one of the bags he’d rolled over.

“Yeah, thanks for grabbing it.”

“Don’t mention it, babe.” You fought the urge to make a face- “you’re making a face.”

“Sorry, knee-jerk reaction. Still adjusting to hearing that.”

“Well adjust quicker because my brother will be here to pick us up any minute.”

“Wait, what?”

“How else did you think we were going to get home?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I didn’t think about it.”

You followed Sam outside through the automatic doors to the car loop to wait for Harry. It was warm out, but there was a light breeze that lifted some of the heat from the pavement. The sun had set mere minutes ago, and dusk was lazily settling over the horizon. You were too close to the city to see any stars, but the moon glowed dimly behind the clouds, like a performer waiting in the wings. 

Sam scrolled through Spotify as you both sat there, carefully balanced on your suitcases, and offered you one of his AirPods. You took it wordlessly and put it in your ear. The gesture was comforting, almost intimate, a reminder that nothing had changed between you. At least not yet. 

He was playing something you hadn’t heard before, a classical piece. It sounded old and European which didn’t narrow it down at all. A glance at the title scrolling across his screen suggested that it was French, but he put his phone in his pocket and stood up before you could fully read it. 

Before you could ask what was happening a black Audi pulled up to the curb, parked, and a boy who was... not Harry stepped out of it. It was then that you realized Sam had never specified which brother was picking you up. 

You knew Sam had an older brother, but he didn’t talk about him much. You had just assumed they weren’t close, but as you watched them hug and laugh together you weren’t sure what to make of it. 

“Y/n, this is Tom,” Sam said as he introduced you to his brother. “Tom, this is my girlfriend, y/n.”

“Nice to meet you.” You held out your hand and he shook it tentatively.

“Likewise,” he replied, sounding unconvinced. “Can I help you guys with your bags?”

“Um, sure. That’d be great.”

You handed over your suitcase and backpack to him and joined Sam back over on the sidewalk while Tom lifted the luggage into the trunk with surprising ease.

Tom was about Sam’s height, slender like Sam too, but far more athletically built. Even through his t-shirt you could see the distinct outline of muscles you hadn’t even known existed in the human anatomy- it was ridiculous. His smile was the same as Sam’s too, but what really gave him away as a Holland were the curls peeking out from under his baseball cap. They were impossible to miss. 

“Do you want to sit in the front, love?” Sam asked, pulling you back into the moment.

“No thanks, you catch up with your brother. I’ll be fine in the back.”

“Are you sure?”

You nodded. Tom didn’t seem too thrilled to meet you in the first place so sitting in the back seemed like the safer way to play it. Sam just shrugged and climbed into the passenger seat while you slid into the middle seat in the back. 

“Did you tell mum we’re running a few minutes late?” Sam asked Tom once he’d merged onto the road. 

“Yeah, she said she expects it from Heathrow anyway since they’re always so busy.”

“It was fucking packed, mate.”

“I know. Traffic was awful getting here. Everyone’s going on holiday.” Tom turned to glance at you, then back at his brother. “Are you guys hungry? Dinner should be ready when we get there.”

“When we get where?” you piped up in confusion, wondering who would’ve cooked at the boys’ flat.

“Mum’s and dad’s.”

You grabbed Sam by the shoulder. “Wait, we’re going straight to your parents’ house? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“What do you mean? Why does it matter?”

You stared at him, eyes wide. “I can’t meet your parents like this!”

“Like what?”

“Are you fucking kidding me? I’m wearing sweatpants!”

“And you look fine!” he argued. “Tom, tell her she looks fine.”

“Uh, you look fine.”

Why were men so fucking dense? You rolled your eyes and unbuckled your seatbelt. Your suitcase was just out of reach in the trunk so you hoisted yourself up over the seatback and grabbed one of the straps on the bag to pull it closer to you.  

With your limited access it was hard to find what you were looking for, but you managed to randomly pull out a nice pair of jeans and a floral print blouse you’d thrifted last semester to change into. 

Before either of the boys up front could register what was happening you pulled your t-shirt off over your head and started shimmying out of your sweats. 

“What the fuck are you doing, y/n?” Sam hissed as the car swerved. 

To be fair, you were just straight up taking your pants off in his brother’s car, but in your defense he’d really left you no choice. 

“What does it look like I’m doing?” You snapped and looked back up at him defiantly, catching Tom’s eye in the rearview mirror as you did. 

“Keep your eyes on the fucking road, Tom.” Sam grumbled, shooting daggers back at you.

You blew him a kiss in return followed by the middle finger as you buttoned your jeans with your other hand. 

Tom laughed and turned to his brother. “I like her.”

lmk what you think i always appreciate feedback!!

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[ilummoss]

Lets talk about the Jedi Code

What is the Jedi code? Well, the shortest answer is that we actually don’t really know. But that’s not very fun, so let’s look at a longer answer instead ^^.

The first conception of there being some sort of Jedi Code is apparently from early drafts of Empire Strikes Back (there called a Jedi Oath). The first time we actually have the Jedi Code mentioned in high canon (movies + TCW) is in The Phantom Menace, where the Jedi Council says that taking more than one padawan at a time is against the code. In later movies we learn that attachment, as well as killing unarmed and defeated opponents is also against the code. In Revenge of the Sith Anakin says that spying on the chancellor is against the code, and it seems to be connected to how they have an allegiance to the Republic, rather than any specific anti-spying clause (based on Obi-Wan’s words before and after Anakin’s objections). The Clone Wars also mentions the code a few times, but I don’t believe it establishes much beyond this.

There’s a lot of this code and what it more specifically says that we do not know, but the code referenced in high canon appears to be a code of conduct, rules to live by (and if I am to guess, inspired both by European knights and Japanese samurai). Which brings us to the Jedi Code spoken of most often in fandom.

What is now commonly called the “Jedi Code” originates from a 1987 roleplaying rulebook (Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game)

There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no death, there is the Force.

While this part is very often quoted and is what has lived on in later material, the same book also establishes some other rules to live by (more similar to a code of conduct) like not acting for personal gain, or to try as hard as possible to preserve life (while acknowledging that killing may be necessary). Most of that however passed into obscurity while the mantra part lived on. There is also an alternate version of the mantra (first seen in Tales of the Jedi Companion, a 1996 rpg rulebook):

Emotion, yet peace Ignorance, yet knowledge Passion, yet serenity Chaos, yet harmony Death, yet the Force

Both versions have popped up all over the place in Legends and the story that one was an “older version” and the other “newer” eventually grew into place. There has also been different stories going into how it should be understood or interpreted. 

Both versions of the mantra shows up in the new extended universe as well, for example the “yet” version in Kanan: First Blood

and the “no” version in among others Guardian’s of the Whills and Dark Disciple

Both versions are here in use at the same time, side by side. In the new EU this “Jedi Code” is pretty consistently treated, and at times even explicitly referred to, as a meditation mantra. But within Legends as well it has been treated like a mantra or a piece of philosophy (ie. not to be taken in a literal sense, rather it’s something that need contemplation to find its deeper meaning and truths). For those interested, more information about where these mantras/”Jedi Codes” shows up in both Legends and the new EU, as well as how it is used in those appearances, can be found here ^^.

Neither mantra version of the ”Jedi Code” is ever quoted in high canon 

It is not a part of the Jedi world-building as constructed by Lucas, ie the high canon of the movies and TCW. What I mean by this is that the Jedi and their philosophy in high canon are not portrayed with this code in mind, to reflect it in any way. When the code is mentioned in high canon, it is not the mantra they mean, but rather the aforementioned code of conduct (about which much remains unknown). To put it even more simple, the mantra “Jedi Code” is not the Jedi Code of high canon. 

On the other hand, the mantras can be a fun piece of world-building ^^. We know so little about Jedi philosophy and teachings that it would in many ways be a pity to throw away this piece. 

But it does also at times cause some confusion, like how the mantras end up mistaken as literal codes of conduct, or the “no emotions” part of the mantra being connected to the Jedi’s rule of no attachment to mean that love is forbidden, when attachment to the Jedi is connected to possessiveness, greed and an inability to let go, rather than compassionate love (x)(x). 

To conclude, there’s often a value in knowing what different continuities build on, even if only so at the end of the day we can mix them easier ^^.

Thanks to @gffa​​ for letting me borrow the Dark Disciple and Guardian of the Whills screenshots (as well as for tracking down so much info on where the mantra originated) <3

[extremelyblackandwhite]

handmaid - 12

PAIRING: mob!sebastian stan x ingenue!reader

WARNINGS: age gap, anxiety 

A/N: hope you enjoy this chapter xxx

NEXT CHAPTER

Y/N stood in her bedroom considering Daniel’s words. Clueless. God, the word itself stung coming from someone she had grown to see as a big brother. Clueless. Well, sure, she did not exactly know what happened behind closed doors with both the Stan family and Forrest family business but neither did Daniel, or at least as well as he bragged to know. She had heard both families were cruel but in all honesty, she just couldn’t imagine any of the heads of both families being those monsters people spoke of. She specially could not imagine Sebastian to be the monster Dan wanted to paint him, no. He had kind eyes, he didn’t have the type of darkness that she had seen in various other lesser associates, he had peaceful ones like the sea after a storm. Besides, Y/N liked to consider herself a good judge of character so maybe Dan was just being overprotective.

Annoyed, she huffed, turning on her side with her phone on her hand as she searched for the contact she wanted to call. She took her phone up to her ear, hearing the dialling tone for what felt for ages until the familiar operator voice came through. The number you have dialled is unavailable, please leave your message at the sound of the tone.

     - Hi Sebastian, it’s Y/N. I just ... I just wanted to check on you, to see if you’re alright. Give me a call when you can. Okay ... bye. 

She sighed, throwing her phone to the side table before getting under her duvet, her mind finally getting time to wrap around what had happened days prior. Why didn’t she feel guilty she had kissed a very engaged man? She always thought that cheating was a terrible thing to do to someone yet right now all she could think about was that maybe ... maybe she would be able to do it again. It wasn’t right but he was just so electric, magnetic even and his words echoed in her mind like a drum ... I’m here for you, no one can harm you. 

Sure, she had protection at most times considering Elias and Christian, whenever not in Gwen’s bedroom, were constantly around ensuring that no one got in or out of the house without permission or reason to do. However, protection from Sebastian sounded ... sweeter, warmer even. No man had ever told her they were there for her, much less they would fight their own wife for her (this mostly due to her preference at avoiding married men). It was unfair, very unfair that the very first time she felt seen and protected ... maybe even fully appreciated was by someone she just couldn’t have.

As her mind raced through various excuses as to why she kissed the mob boss, the sleepless nights caught up to her and soon she found herself surrounded by the familiar darkness of slumber. She woke up once again with the sun beams cutting through her window and decided that maybe right now what she needed was a good amount of food.

Going down the stairs, the familiar sight of Amelia in the kitchen preparing a fresh brew of coffee made her sleepily smile. This was the normality and home life she needed after all of Paris’ events. 

    - Good morning, Miss Y/N. How was Paris? - she turned on the kettle at the sight of the handmaid to prepare her favourite infusion. 

    - Paris was lovely. - she smiled softly, not pulling too much at the skin of her cheeks as she sat on the high chairs. - Do you think I could have some grilled cheese this morning?

   - You can have whatever you want, Miss Y/N. It is always a pleasure to cook for you. - Y/N couldn’t help but smile wider at that statement. It felt nice to have someone to talk to who wasn’t about to married to a mob boss, a mob boss, associates or bodyguards. - You look different.

    - How so? - she raised an eyebrow at the statement. Oh god, had Gwen discovered she kissed her husband to be and cut her hair in disdain? 

    - I don’t know ... there’s a spring in your step, you look very happy. Might there be someone in Paris? - yeah, sure, he is in Paris, he’s just not her someone, he’s Gwen’s. - Maybe it’s the European air.

   - Maybe ... You wouldn’t know when Mr. Stan is coming back, would you?

   - I don’t know, Miss. Mr. Stan shows up when he wants, never leaves a message, he’s just like his father in that sense. 

   - Did you know his father? - Y/N had never actually known his father but from what she heard from Gwen he was a tall, stern man who managed to put fear and respect in everyone’s hearts without giving it much of a try.

   - Just between us both Miss Y/N, I am very glad he only resembles his father in that sense. No man should be that comfortable with death and power and not fear it all the time. - she shrugged, flipping the sandwich on the skillet. - If I must say, I think Mr. Stan is much more like his mother. I’ve always said this house needed another kind woman after she left. 

   - I just can’t picture it. - Y/N didn’t exactly knew who Sebastian’s mother was. In all honesty, not a lot of people knew and Sebastian wasn’t one for big speeches about his family. However, she had always pictured him as being much more like his father, a powerful man. - He doesn’t really talk about his family. 

   - What about you, Miss Y/N? What about your parents?

   - Oh ... - she toyed with the chain of her necklace, slightly bitting her lip. - I don’t really know. Mr. Forrest told me my father was one of his workers, never told me much about my mother either. They died shortly after I was born. 

   - I’m very sorry, Miss Y/N. - Amelia slid her the grilled cheese on a nice porcelain plate. - I’m sure that they would be very proud of creating such a nice, beautiful lady. 

   - Thank you, Amelia. 

   - Oh ... good morning, Mr. Daniel. - she pipped up and Y/N rolled her eyes, not in the mood to speak with Daniel after last night’s events. He, however, had other plans as he sat right next to her. 

   - Good morning, Y/N. 

   - Good morning, Daniel. - she slid away from him. 

   - Oh c’mon, you’re not gonna sulk at me are you? - he poked her arm with one of the forks that had been laid out to him. - You know I’m sorry.  

    - You’re always sorry but you never actually say it. - Y/N huffed, grabbing her plate from the table and walking up to the sink. Dan sighed, knowing that, despite her being generally a kind and forgiving woman, whenever she was upset, she just remained upset for a while before forgetting it. However, this could take ages. 

Y/N decided she was still not ready to deal with Daniel or any of his opinions towards her view of the people she surrounded herself with. In all honesty, she had no time to worry about him or what he thought of her as her mind was filled with worry towards Sebastian. She knew he was notoriously hard to harm or even shot at however she hadn’t gotten a reply to her call and knew nothing of when he was about to return.

The days passed by and Daniel had managed to somehow get Y/N to get less mad at him by taking her to see his daughter. Sophie had been born while he was at university and Y/N had grown very attached to the little girl as she had been at home with Gwen when she was born. However, not even young Sophie could take her mind away from Sebastian. Her brain had quit making her feel guilty about the fact she had kissed the man who was to marry the only friend she ever knew and had instead turned all its efforts into making her picture all the horrific things that could happen to him. She knew it was reckless and pointless to worry about him, he clearly seemed to be invisible at what he did and part of her pitied the poor unfortunate souls who had dared to shot at him. 

Those days turned into weeks and as the third week hit mark, she was absolutely unconsolable. Gwen was not much help. In actuality, the heiress was rather happy that her fiancé wasn’t around as this gave her plenty of free time to do what she wanted with her newly found interest in her private bodyguard, Christian. Meanwhile, Y/N had taken to spending her days in the kitchen with Amelia and in the library, but not even that could take her mind off if he was alright despite Amelia and Elias constantly telling her it was normal of Sebastian to disappear and then suddenly return. 

Nevertheless, Y/N was anxious about his fate, spending most of the night sat by the window, listening as the rain fell down on the bright city that never slept. This was one of those nights where her fingers lingered on the fogged rainy windows, lightly doodling. This quickly grew tired-some and, wrapped around in one of the very expensive white cashmere blankets Sebastian had placed around the house, she went down the stairs and into the kitchen. Mindlessly, like a movement so familiar it didn’t need her attention, Y/N put some almond milk, cinnamon and honey in a pot and brought it up to the heat before taking to slowly mix it with a wooden spoon.

The sound of the bubbling milk and rain was enough to make her feel like every corner of the world was home and as she poured the mixture into a mug, she softly smiled at the overview of New York from the countless amount of ceiling length windows. It almost made her forget her worries. Almost. The heart warming atmosphere was interrupted by the ring of the lift that gave way into the entrance of the penthouse. Y/N turned around abruptly, the sight bringing a sparkle to her eyes. Placing the mug on the first surface she came in contact with, she rushed to the entrance, wrapping her arms around the mob boss as if they had been separated for over 10 years. 

   - Night, angel. - Sebastian was tired and that was noticeable by the dark bags under his eyes and his dishevelled appearance. However, he could surely get used to having Y/N wrap her arms around him every time he came home. Y/N, on the other hand, came to her senses and stepped back, feeling the heat coming to her cheeks. 

    - We were worried about you. - she shifted her weight from feet to feet.

    - Who’s we, angel? I’d gather we would mean you. - his hand traced down her forearm to her hand, softly holding it on his. - I’m sorry I didn’t answer your message, I didn’t want to lie to you as to when I’d be back. Besides, I assumed Gwen would enjoy a holiday from me. 

    - You could’ve said something. - she rubbed the side of her neck, eyes fixated on the ground. - I was worried. 

    - Ah ... - he smirked, taking a step forward. - You were worried. That was what I wanted to hear. 

    - Well, I ... I just wanted to know so I could warn Gwen. I shouldn’t bother you anymore, you must want to rest. I can fix you something to eat if you want. 

    - You’re not the housemaid, Y/N. Although something smells really good in here. 

    -  Oh ... - Y/N rushed into the kitchen, turning off the hob and bringing the pot back to one of the metal bases in the kitchen. - It’s just something me, Gwen, and Dan used to have when we were little and couldn’t sleep. 

   - What’s wrong? - Sebastian noticed the shift in her tone.

   - Do you think I’m clueless? - she leaned onto the kitchen’s wall. 

   - Why do you ask?

   - Dan seems to think I’m clueless. 

   - Daniel Forrest? - he asked and Y/N nodded. - What does he know of the world to make assumptions?

   - He’s sort of right. - Y/N took a place on the chair next to his. - I don’t exactly know what Mr. Forrest or you do, specifically. I don’t even know what you were up to these past weeks. 

   - It’s entirely way too boring besides I’d rather be surrounded by clueless people than the ones I’m surrounded by. You really shouldn’t worry about what he thinks of you. 

  - Do you worry what others think of you?

  - I’ve lived long enough to have certain names hauled at me. Some deserving, some undeserving but I tend not to stress about it. My mother used to say people like to talk about those they can’t be. 

  - Well, if it’s any worth .. I don’t think half the names I’ve heard given to you do actually have any truth to them. 

tag list: @lilya-petrichor @xoxohannahlee @irespostthingsiwanttoseelater @nikkipea @madisonpillstrom @cevans98 @thelostallycat @sideeffectsofyou @anxiousdreamersworld​ @sarge-barnes-sir @captainchrisstan​

[ace-and-aro-wlw-positivity]

What’s New LGBTQ Inktober x Tumblr Official Hauntober Day 10:

Love x Forest

Halloween is a time to celebrate spooky things, many of which are rooted in tradition and culture. It’s important during the month of October to recognize how we consume our horror media and how different culture’s traditions affect this season.

Growing up in the 2000s meant that I and many of my fellow peers had access to streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu from the early days of our childhood. I remember when Netflix was basically ordering Block Buster right to your door (yes, we actually had to wait for the disks to arrive in the mail), and then when it was all the rage to when you could download the Netflix app on your Nintendo Wii. Looking at the content they provide and produce now opens up a whole new world of content from around the world that we wouldn’t be able to access via heading to our local movie theater.

It was through this streaming service that I was able to view the movie centered around today’s Inktober/Hauntober mashup prompts: The Forest Of Love. If you’re interested to hear my thoughts on media from different cultures, specifically Japan, services of streaming like Netflix and how they open up new doors that traditional movie companies could never, and delving into the white-washing of the True Crime genera, then click on, but readers beware: you’re in for a scare.

When I was in second grade I had to do a report on a famous person and I picked R.L. Stein, and I think that is singlehandedly the reason I’m Like ThisTM.

Growing up, I only had access to novels or I guess “short stories” such as Goosebumps readily available in my library and written in my mother tongue. There was no desire to read anything else because there was no knowledge of anything else. Perhaps I assumed that kids around the world were reading his novels- and maybe they were! But I never took into consideration how easy I had it when such popular and famous books were written in the only language I knew how to read or speak.

I’ve never been to the movies to see any foreign film. Quite frankly, unless it was a new Marvel or Star Wars movie, chances are I didn’t go at all. The only subtitles I read back then were in Captain America: The First Avengers when the bad guys were speaking. I never had an interest in watching anything not in English or produced in country that wasn’t Europeanicized in some way- although now I know better and realize that a lot of non-European countries have been Europeanicized, and very much not in a good way.

My initial impression of Japanese media was probably the same as a lot of people my age at that time: “Isn’t anime just girls with too-big boobs doing school-girl things sexualized for the male gaze?” Obviously I know that’s not the case now, but Japan has different taboo subjects than over here in America, and some of those things are blatant sexualization of women/girls in media. This movie was no different. There is no way that an AMC here would show content like that in theaters here- but Netflix is different. We’ve seen lately how far Netflix can (and sadly will) push the boundaries of what is and isn’t taboo. 

I think that I, along with a lot of other murderinos out there, can credit to the booming trend of true crime media on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu for my new obsession. Through movies and shows like “Making a Murderer”, “The Staircase”, “The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann”, “My Friend Dahmer”, “Mindhunter”, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile”, one thing has always stuck out in my mind: the whiteness of it all. No one wants to hear another story about Dahmer or BTK or Bundy- we want serial killers and true crime cases we’ve never heard of, and a lot of those lie outside of North America, Europe, Canada, and Australia, the four main areas that the podcasts I listen to tend to focus on. So to be honest, learning about a Japanese case was refreshing: it was new, it was interesting. 

There were strange themes reminiscent of Japanese culture sprinkled throughout the film, from actual cultural practices and sterotypes portrayed in the film to the themes of the sexualization of young women. If it was made in America, it would have been a different film.

Personally, knowing nothing about the case or the film before watching it, I can’t say I wasn’t lost. Some parts seemed to make sense in some way, and some parts were standard for building a story, like flashbacks revealing reasons for characters actions and more. There was one part in particular where neither my partner nor I were able to discern how certain character’s attitudes did a 180 from one scene to another, however I do understand that not every scene filmed goes into every movie or show, and there is actually a “deep cut” version of this movie cut up into sections. I am unsure of what that entails and quite frankly I didn’t enjoy the movie enough to pursue more of the fictionalized story. 

The ending was confusing to me, I didn’t really enjoy the movie as said above, and I don’t feel like I really got a feel for the true events it was based on, however I’m sure that my American upbringing has a lot to do with that. On the other hand, it was nice to be able to consume a piece of serial killer media that didn’t feel overdone and overtold simply because the people involved were white or European/American. It’s no secret that true crime is white-washed, but with the times where you no longer have to wait for a disk in the mail to watch a movie comes a time where small, independent creators are more empowered than ever, and with the rise in popularity of podcasts and YouTube videos comes more diverse and targeted entertainers, topics, and audiences.

[procrastinatingsoicanreadfanfics]

Vikings  (TV) Masterlist

my requests for vikings are currently partially OPEN! please only request imagines, and not oneshots. for those waiting for a continuation of ‘searching home’ or ‘unexpected’ i am so sorry... finishing those two is going to take me a while :/

hmu/msg me to be added to a taglist!

main masterlist | request guidelines

# - angst

+ - fluff

* - smut

~ - dark/gory

? - crack 

§ - time travel involved

No romantic relationships, character x character

Queendom (Lagertha x Aslaug | songfic |  They’ve both loved and they’ve both lost. Perhaps it was time that their hearts warmed again. | #+)

The Lothbroks, aka, the European version of the Kardashians (When Barbie Murray time travels, she finds out that pink isn’t available in Viking times. Luckily, her new besties all understand that boobs are the best and slay (literally?!) with her. | +?§)

I may be a bimbo, but I’m not stupid (Ivar kills Sigurd in a fit of rage, but Barbie isn't so quick to forgive cruelness. | ?§#)

1st gen Vikings

Strange Woman  (Rollo x timetraveler!reader | request |  The woman that appeared out of nowhere could be oh so dangerous, but even a stupid man would know that she was fascinating. | +?§)

Friend of Thor (Rollo x timetraveler!asgardian!reader | request |  The reader, a fellow Asgardian and friend of Thor and the new King of Asgard, Brunnhilde, falls through worlds as the new guardian of the Bifrost tampers with the magic. | +?§)

And the Gods wished they were me (Judith x viking!gn!reader | request | Judith knows she should not mourn Athelstan. Nor should she even look at Norse heathens. She does both anyway, because Judith was named after a woman that had only rage and death, and she cannot escape her fate. | +)

Ubbe

Another day / part 2 (Ubbe x reader | prompt: we live to fight another day. | #)

Oldest (Ubbe x timetraveler!reader; platonic!Ivar x reader | summary:  It seems that few things change about being the oldest sibling, no matter which place – or time | +§)

Yggdrasil (Ubbe x reader; platonic!Ivar x reader; dad!Harald x reader | summary:  How can you tell your father what happened to you when he’d done it to so many others. | #~)

Hvitserk

Hvitserksdottir - Hvitserk x reader | prompt: “I think we need to talk about the fact that I’m in love with you and also that I’m pregnant.” | #+

Floki’s Cabin - Hvitserk x reader | prompt: “Just trust me. Please. | #

Searching Home / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 - Hvitserk x reader; Ivar x reader |  When you stumble upon the ancient Spanish city of Algeciras, it takes you some time to realize that you’ve traveled through time. While that is terrible luck, a merchant couple takes you in. But your peace only lasts so long. | #+~§

Neither - genderfluid!reader x Hvitserk | Hvitserk finds out about genderfluidity and accepts he might not be completely straight | requested | +§

Law of conservation -  modern!AU | You’ve been working as a tutor at your high school for about a year now. When your parents throw a barbecue party for your new neighbors, their mother Aslaug asks you to tutor her son Hvitserk, who is already a notorious flirt at his school. | Ivar being a nerd | +

Sandcastles -  timetraveler!reader builds sandcastles, Ivar doesn’t get it and Hvitserk loves the idea of it | +§

When in Bali... -  You were supposed to go to Bali with your partner for your one-year anniversary. Instead, you’re there alone, heartbroken. Will reuniting with a friend you know from a summer vacation in elementary school be able to fix it? | +

Ivar

Unholy Matrimony - A Sham in Four Acts / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 (Ivar x reader) Prompt: I’ve learnt to love you. - complete | #+*

Insatiable Little Heathens  - drabble, for all of y’all who wanted more of Unholy Matrimony | +

Resolve - Ivar’s legs hurt but he’s so fucking thickheaded | +

My kind of witch - You wake up in an unfamiliar bed. The man with blazing blue eyes fascinates you as soon as you see him and as you realize the struggles he faces every day, your admiration for him grows into something more. (request | ivar x timetraveler!reader | +§)

Red - Ivar finally meets his match. | ~*

Serve - Ivar keeps teasing you. You finally have enough and give him a taste of his own medicine ;) | request | buff!reader x sub!ivar | *

Searching home / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 -  Hvitserk x reader; Ivar x reader |  When you stumble upon the ancient Spanish city of Algeciras, it takes you some time to realize that you’ve traveled through time. While that is terrible luck, a merchant couple takes you in. But your peace only lasts so long. | #+~§

Totally artistic -  When inspiration hits, you can’t stop it | request | +

Sandcastles - timetraveler!reader builds sandcastles, Ivar doesn’t get it and Hvitserk loves the idea of it | +§

Brother -  You left your home and your brother behind for a reason. Now, a man is causing trouble at the borders of Kattegat, and as Ivar's queen, you take justice into your own hands. | +

Unexpected / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 -  Ivar finally decides to fuck the slave he’s been eyeing for so long, but when his angry side slips out, things take a turn for the wholly unexpected. | *

Tarot -  Your day at the fair has been pretty slow – until a client like no other shows up. | +

Imagines:

How the Vikings would react to an accidental time traveler and a quiz to see if you’d survive: https://uquiz.com/dVXpgW

Ragnarssons (+Gyda): First Kiss

Social Media - which Social Media I think the vikings would use most in modern times

How the Vikings would react to guns and snapchat filters - ask reply, crack

How the Vikings would react to modern dancing - ask reply with some very short drabbles

How the Vikings would react to modern music, and what they’d like - ask reply

How the Vikings would react to modern concepts of astronomy and space - ask reply, i roast half of ‘em and call Bjorn Mr. Worldwide

How the Vikings react to modern haircare - ask reply

Vikings and Astrology - ask reply

How Vikings would react to THEM timetraveling - ask reply

Vikings + getting sick - ask reply

Vikings + Halloween - ask reply

Vikings + realizing you’re pregnant - ask reply

Vikings characters + how they'd react to finding Accidental Time Traveler crying somewhere and not knowing why - ask reply

Vikings + you on your period - ask reply (+ more hcs about Ivar)

Vikings + Legos - ask reply

Vikings + reader being much less stressed in their time - ask reply, short drabbles

Vikings + single mother - ask reply

Vikings + Gender Neutral Thor - ask reply

Vikings + modern food - ask reply

Vikings + touch avoidant cuddler - ask reply

Vikings + Kids - ask reply

Vikings + their history - ask reply

Ragnarssons + being possesive - ask reply

Vikings + Maleficent/Fae!reader - ask reply

Vikings + curls and afros - ask reply

Vikings + sleeping habits - ask reply

Vikings + contortionist/super flexible reader - ask reply

Vikings as modern!uni students - ask reply

Vikings + affectionate drunk!reader - ask reply

timetraveling!Vikings + modern tv/movies - ask reply

Vikings + gen z slang - ask reply

Vikings + curly haired kids - ask reply

timetraveling!Vikings + Christmas - ask reply

Quizzes by yours truly:

Would you survive in Viking times?

Which human emotion are you except it’s Vikings.

[missjanjie]

Branjie Fic | Take Me Back to the Start (6/?)

Title: Take Me Back to the Start Summary:   Everyone remembers their first love. Not everyone carries those feelings from childhood to senior year. Yet Brock is starting his last year of high school while still longing for the relationship he lost five years ago. Meanwhile, José is at the top of the food chain and seems to have it all together. But maybe their story isn’t over yet. Word Count: ~3.4k (this chapter) / ~19.3k (total) Relationship(s): Branjie (Brooke Lynn Hytes/Vanessa Vanjie Mateo), Jan x Nicky Rating: E

Read on AO3

“Okay, bitch, I wanna hear all the dirty details,” Silky prompted, looking at his friend, ready to listen.

José laughed and shook his head. “Calm yo thirsty ass down, this shit stayed PG-13,” he told him. “But it was good, though. Never thought I could get so hot and bothered by some making out, you know?”

He looked at him, perplexed and amused. “So you got me over here sounding all worked up just to tell me y’all just made out on that playground? Fuck, I was expecting to hear about all the new uses you got outta those kiddie swings.”

“You’re fucking nasty.” He threw his head back and cackled. Though he had to admit, he wouldn’t have been opposed to that, should it have gotten that far. And he had to wonder if Brock would’ve been down for the same, or at least something similar in a safer location.

It was really only hitting him then just how strong his attraction to Brock was. Sure, he knew he was hot, that there had been sparks going off between them. He certainly knew how much he liked kissing him. But now he realized that, on top of whatever his romantic feelings were, he was lusting after him as well. As far as he was concerned, it only stood to further complicate the situation. Unless, of course, they ended up on the same page.

“So, you gonna call him back around to finish what y’all started?”

“Well…” José hesitated, “I don’t wanna give him the wrong idea or nothing. Like, I don’t want him to think I only wanna fuck. ‘Cause it’s deeper than that. But I don’t wanna come on too strong that way either. You know what I mean?”

Silky stared at him blankly. “Absolutely not, and you sound fully insane.”

“What do you suggest then?”

His friend grabbed him with one hand on either side of his head. “Talk to him, dumbass. Tell him you’re down to fuck but don’t want to just fuck, or however you wanna get the job done. Just trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”

José rolled his eyes. “Then why you still single?”

“Hey! I’m not the one who can’t admit he’s been in love with the same guy for eight years. It don’t take a relationship expert to know you got a lot of baggage to unpack there,” he pointed out.

It did give him pause, making him look down and away as he mulled his friend’s thoughts over. “Is it really that big of a deal?”

“No, but you sure as hell making it into one.”

He sighed, shutting his eyes tight, as if that would help him think. Everything he felt was real and sincere, to him it made sense that it was this all-encompassing dilemma. But maybe Silky was right, maybe his dramatic, overthinking tendencies led him to make his feelings even messier than they already were.

“You gonna be okay?”

“Yeah,” José nodded. “Just gotta work through this shit.”

------

During the next cheer practice, Brock had finally plucked up enough courage to go up to José, after spending the majority of the past two days avoiding him. “Hey, um, you have a minute?”

“I got all the minutes for you,” he hummed, and they had just turned to scope out a private spot to talk in before they were interrupted.

It was one of the new freshmen members, one of the only other boys. He had warm brown eyes and a cheerful disposition that seemed to radiate positive energy. Maybe that was why neither José nor Brock were especially bothered by the interruption. They might’ve even been a little relieved.

José offered a kind smile. “What’s up? It’s Charlie, right?”

Charlie nodded. “I’m not bothering you guys, am I? I just have this kind of stupid question that I thought maybe you could help me with.” He waited until they nodded for him to go ahead. “How do you know if a guy is gay?”

Brock and José looked at each other, and it clicked right away that they had the same idea. “Who’s the guy in question?” the blonde asked, leading the two shorter boys to sit on the bleachers that overlooked the rest of the outdoor grounds.

The younger cheerleader looked down at the ground, a smile spread across his face and his cheeks and the tips of his ears tinted pink. “It’s this French exchange student--”

“Gay.”

“José, no, let him finish.”

“That’s the thing!” he continued. “I can’t tell if he’s actually flirting with me or if it’s just that sexy European vibe.”

Both of them nodded as they listened intently. “I take it just asking him is out of the question?” Brock asked, ignoring the irony in the suggestion.

“I mean, yeah, basically.” Charlie nodded. “I can’t just be like ‘oh, by the way, are you as gay as I hope you are?’ That’d be weird.”

“And what do he be doing that you think may or may not be flirting?” José asked.

He smiled, rosiness blooming across his cheeks. “He sits extra close to me at lunch, he’s always complimenting me, and he’s very touchy-feely. Also, I think I caught him checking me out in the locker room once.”

José and Brock looked at each other. “Gay,” they said in unison.

“Not only that, he definitely is trying to let you know he’s interested,” Brock added. “That’s like, flirting 101, right?” He looked towards José, his arm around his waist and aimlessly stroking his side.

He nodded, looking up at him with a grin. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.” He then redirected his gaze to Charlie. “So, whatcha gonna do?”

Charlie shifted awkwardly as he weighed out his options. “I mean, you make a compelling case,” he admitted. He looked out across the field and, as luck would have it, his eyes met the ones of the object of his affection. “I’m gonna go for it,” he decided, pushing himself to his feet. “Thanks! I knew I came to the right couple,” he waved them off before jogging down the field.

The two of them looked from him to each other. “We should go watch,” Brock decided quickly. “You know, make sure it goes well.”

“Agreed,” José got up and motioned for him to follow, so they could try to follow along as inconspicuously as possible.

“Hey, Karl, hi.” Charlie came up beside him walking along the track.

Karl looked at him with a bright smile. “Hey. Did you just exercise? You’re all red.”

Of course, being called out on it prevented the redness in his face from dissipating. “Oh, uh, yeah. Just finished practice.”

“Right, right. You know, you have yet to invite me to watch you do cheerleading,” he mused, bumping their shoulders together lightly.

Charlie tilted his head, perplexed. “It’s not invitational, you can just--” Oh. Now he got it. Maybe he had actually just been too oblivious thus far. “Well, I’d love for you to come to the game on Friday. Then uh… Maybe we could go out afterwards, get something to eat?”

“Like a date, yes?”

He could feel his face burn up again. “Yeah, like a date! I-If you want it to be, I mean.”

Karl chuckled softly. “Of course I do.” He hummed, then kissed his cheek. “Until Friday, mon chou.” Just as he started to leave, he tilted his head and scrunched his nose. “Who are your friends?”

“Oh shit,” José whispered, making a run for it with Brock, leaving Charlie standing confused.

“Um… I wouldn’t worry about them.” He waved it off quickly.

Meanwhile, Brock and José ran all the way to the parking lot, stopping only when they reached José’s car. “Okay, we’re good. Might’ve been a bit excessive, but I can live with that.”

“I hope those two work out,” José mused with a grin. “We’re still gonna spy on them at the game, right?”

“Oh, absolutely. I’m invested in this now.” He cleared his throat and looked down. “What do you think he meant by ‘couple’?”

José tilted his head. “That there was two of us.”

“Right, of course.” He nodded, even though neither of them believed it. In the back of his mind he remembered what he’d initially wanted to talk about before the interruption, but it felt weird to bring up now.

Either for better or worse, José didn’t share the same sentiments. “Anyways, what did you wanna talk to me about before?”

Brock was quiet for a moment as he considered backing out completely. He knew delaying the inevitable could only work for so long, but that didn’t make it any less daunting. “We should talk about what happened at the playground,” he said in one breath.

José pushed himself up to sit on the hood of his car. “I know,” he looked down, swinging his legs. He’d hoped by now that he would know what to say, it wasn’t like he didn’t know this conversation would happen eventually. Maybe he would’ve felt more comfortable if he initiated it, but it didn’t matter now. “Shit, why’s this so fucking hard?”

He sighed and leaned against the trunk, his elbows resting on the hood of it. “It shouldn’t be, right? We were always able to talk to each other about anything, no matter what.”

“We weren’t making out like that when we was ten.”

The first kiss they shared was the height of their intimacy. Other than that, they’d just hold hands, hug, maybe a kiss on the cheek or the occasional peck on the lips. They were kids, nothing beyond that even occurred to them at the time. Even when they’d learned about other forms of physical intimacy, it never crossed their minds to incorporate it between the two of them.

And Brock’s limited experience with sexual encounters was undoubtedly part of what brought these nerves to the forefront of his mind. In the time since their split, the other teen had all of the experiences he’d missed out on. It left him with a sinking feeling of inadequacy whenever he thought about consummating their relationship - whatever that relationship was.

“I know,” he replied with an awkward laugh that sounded more like a cough. “I think… I think we knew what we wanted when we were kids. All we cared about was just being together.”

José looked up at the sky, smiling faintly. “We didn’t realize how good we had it,” he mused, then shivered slightly as the cool autumn breeze hit him.

“Here.” Brock tugged off his hoodie and handed it to him.

He took the bright red sweatshirt and pulled it on. It was easily two sizes too big, but it was soft and warm. Most importantly, perhaps, it smelled like Brock, the same scent that lingered on his pillow and hit him whenever they were close enough together. “Thanks.” He grinned as he pulled the hood up over his head.

There were a few passing moments of silence. The awkwardness of the uncertainty of their relationship was balanced by the comfort they took in each other’s presence.

“If it didn’t rain on the playground, what would you have wanted to happen?” José finally asked.

Brock inhaled sharply, pressing his lips into a fine line. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m pretty sure any serious below the waist stuff would put us on a sex offender list.”

“Okay but like… in a world where there aren’t any con-consa-conc…” He snapped his fingers. “What’s the word?”

“Consequences?”

���Yeah, those. If we knew we weren’t gonna get in no trouble.”

He had used the time José spent searching his words to formulate an answer. “I think it’d just be up to how we felt in the moment.”

And José wasn’t naive, he knew that was a cop-out, but he couldn’t fault him for it. Part of what had made that encounter so thrilling was the complete spontaneity of it. Hell, he was doubting his own ability to outright confess his feelings, and that was saying a lot considering how he prided himself on his blunt honesty. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”

Brock’s entire body visibly relaxed, he felt like a cinder block had just been lifted from his chest. “Look, I’m obviously attracted to you…”

“But?”

“But…” He hesitated. He wanted to be honest, but telling himself that being a virgin wasn’t objectively a big deal over and over just didn’t seem to be enough. “But nothing. That’s it.”

José’s brows knitted towards the center of his forehead. Once again, he found himself torn between pushing himself to drag out the real answer or let things be to not make it worse. Brock was the only person he’d ever even had this internal conflict about; it wasn’t in his nature to fret about keeping the peace. “You sure?” he asked quietly, looking down.

No. Not even a little. He laid back against the back window of the car, his hands behind his head. “As sure as I can be.”

“I’ll take it.” He laid back against the car as well, gaze drifting up to the clouds. “Whatcha doing after this?”

“Dance rehearsal. I have a competition just before Thanksgiving break. And I’ve been kind of neglecting it.”

He frowned, rolling onto his side - narrowly avoiding accidentally slipping off of the trunk. “Hey, you better not be sacrificing yourself just to help me. This shit is your future.”

Brock winced. He knew he’d been putting this endeavor in front of his own. But he couldn’t stop himself from dropping everything for José at the drop of a dime. “I’m not, this is just… Not easier, but definitely more fun. You always make things more fun.”

“Can I come with you to your practice then?”

“Yeah, I don’t think my coach will mind.” He hopped down from the car, glancing at the time on his phone. “We may as well head over now. I can give you the directions.”

It was a good thing they left when they did, because while José could take direction to a T when it came to choreography, taking driving directions were nothing short of a nightmare.

Despite the bickering and wrong turns, they made it to the studio in time, with most of their sanity intact. Though they did use the walk from the parking lot to the changing room to cool down.

“Damn, this makes the locker room look like a fuckin’ swamp,” José chuckled, leaning against the row of lockers.

“It’s not?” Brock asked with a laugh as he undid the buttons of his shirt and let it fall off his shoulders. “Let’s just say if I had gym before lunch, I’d never be able to eat,” he added as he took his jeans off as well.

José felt his breath hitch in his throat. He knew Brock was still talking, but he didn’t catch a single word. His attention was fixed on appreciating the view.

Brock had a naturally tall, lean frame, but consistent training and competing kept him in good shape. His torso was toned with a layer of muscles that was just visible enough. His arms and legs were toned and defined.

The smaller teen could see every which way his body flexed with each move as he changed into a t-shirt and leggings. He bit down on his lip and he could feel his heartbeat speed up. It wasn’t like he’d never seen a hot, half-naked guy before, but it was the way he was so casual about it, it made everything feel more intimate.

“You okay?”

“Hm?” He blinked back into reality. “I’m good, yeah. Let’s go.”

They walked into a large, open studio. It was clean, with a wide window that allowed natural light to spread throughout the room, lessening the need for harsh fluorescents.

“Who’s your friend?” a woman asked. She was tall; she had a couple inches on José, but wasn’t quite the same height as Brock. Her body was a clear reflection of her dedication to fitness, a six pack of abs on display between a sports bra and yoga pants.

But her strong, perhaps intimidating stature was balanced by kind eyes and a warm smile, as well as an almost babydoll-esque voice when she spoke. Overall, her presence was calm and friendly.

“Anna, this is my good friend, José,” Brock introduced.

She looked him over, then back at her student with a smirk. “Yeah? How good, huh?”

“None of your business.” He laughed, but his red cheeks answered the question for him. “Anyway, do you mind if he hangs out? Just for some extra moral support.”

“Knock yourselves out.” Anna shrugged as she pulled her long mane of black hair into a ponytail.

And with José cheering him on from the sidelines, Brock did find himself enjoying his practice, feeling more relaxed and comfortable. It was just like when they were kids, when they were each other’s biggest supporters no matter what.

“And I think that wraps it up,” Anna said once they’d finished their cool-down exercises. “How’re you feeling about it? Ready to take the gold?”

“I think so, yeah.” Brock smiled as he caught his breath.

“That’s what I like to hear! See you next time. Nice meeting you, José.”

When the two of them were alone, José ran up to Brock’s side. “You fuckin’ killed that shit, B!”

He smiled and looped his arms around his waist. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

He locked his arms around his neck, leaning close enough for their foreheads to rest together, not caring that the dancer was still hot and sweaty from the intense routine. “I’ll think of some way for you to repay me.”

Brock leaned in and kissed him, slow and soft, lips brushing against his when he spoke. “I’m sure you will,” but as quickly as he’d pulled him in, he let go. “I gotta get changed and shower off,” he said and led him back into the locker room.

When he stepped into the shower, he kept the water lukewarm. It felt soothing against his still heated skin and he let out a soft sigh of relief.

José sat down on the bench, looking towards the shower and wondering if he should just go for it. It was both tempting and time sensitive, and he slowly got up, still going back and forth in his mind.

“Fuck it,” he muttered as he stripped down. He took a deep breath, then stepped into the occupied stall. “Up for some company?”

“From you? Always.” He looked him over, lust flickering in his eyes. All of his worries and fears seemed to fall from the wayside as he was taken over by a wave of desire, cupping his face and pulling him into a heated kiss.

José melted right into the kiss, his arms wrapped around his waist and he stepped closer, until there was no more space between them. He moved his hands up his back, feeling every dip and groove in his toned form. With their bodies so close, he could feel every inch of him and it only riled him up even more.

It was the most intimate Brock had ever been with anyone, and it was enough to get him half hard, and he was too aroused to be embarrassed by how quickly it happened. His hips bucked up, and when he heard a gruff moan in response, he knew the feeling was mutual.

Rocking against each other wasn’t enough after long, and José looked up at Brock, cocking his head as if to say ‘let’s do this’.

‘This,’ however, was a little too ambiguous for Brock, so he decided to take what he believed to be the safest route. He kept one hand on the small of José’s back, the other moved forward and wrapped around the length of his cock.

José mimed his actions, both of them working in tandem, grunting and moaning as they kept a steady pace.

Even though they were alone, they tried to stay quiet, kissing heatedly and messily, only coming up for air when they had to, and reconnecting their lips to quiet themselves when their orgasms hit.

They stood still, holding each other as they caught their breath, then cleaned up and got out, drying off and getting dressed in silence.

The drive back was quiet as well. Neither of them knew what to say until they got to Brock’s house.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Brock leaned in and they shared a quick kiss, and then he scurried off inside.

José sat in his car in front of the house for a moment, letting everything sink in. He felt so good, so free, but it still felt like something was missing.

[szopenhauer]

When was the last time you cried and what was the reason?: family issues

Do you believe in ghosts?: maybe

If you could live on the moon, would you?: almost all of it belongs to Tom Cruise so no 

What is your favorite time in history to learn about?: I just like many interesting history facts in general

When is the last time you felt discriminated against because of your gender?: not sure which situation was last

What race are you?: caucasian, white, european, polish, slavic

What is your favorite sex position?: I’m not into sex tbh Have you ever lost your SO to another person?: yup

Have you ever had a thing for a friend’s parent?: no

Have you ever believed in Santa Clause? from what I remember

Have you ever thought you were getting a surprise party, but you really weren’t? nah and I don’t like surprises so I’m glad I never really had a party like this

Have you ever forgotten someone’s birthday? I suck with dates

Has a friend looked bad in a profile picture and you didn’t tell her? it was my opinion but if they liked their pic then it’s their problem

Does it take forever for your internet to load websites? sometimes

Have you ever pretended to listen to someone but you really weren’t? yeah :x

Are you a bad driver, or do you know someone that is? I know some that are bad yet say they’re oh so awesome at it ugh!

Have you seen the animated movies Tarzan? sure

Have you actually called 911 for an actual emergency? If so, what was the emergency? not me but my parents

Do you sleep in the living room a lot? I never do

Did you enjoy watching The Flintstone’s growing up? yep

Do you wish you were born in a different year? kinda wish I was born after war and die before 2020 or even live in another time period 

What do you buy more: Movies or candy? neither

Did you used to eat chapstick when you were younger? ewww, noooo, not even toothpaste

What made you pick up the last book you started reading? I was watching a movie and heard that book has a different ending so I had to see for myself Have you received any bad or troubling news lately? shitload When was the last time you were relieved about something? I wish I was... What about your life concerns you the most? my health related issues mostly but also money and fam, love life, religion etc. Is there a common thing most people seem to do without trouble, but it scares you (talking on the phone, driving, interviews, etc)? When was the last time you had to do one of these kinds of things? there are, recently

Describe a time when you were there for a friend? were there in person? When was the last time you went somewhere for the first time? days or weeks ago What is a situation that makes you feel especially confident? umm... Hypothetically and generally speaking, how would you go about breaking up with someone? Is there anything you would make sure to say, or perhaps not say? depends Would you say you’re easy or difficult to offend? I guess I’m easily offended Is there a belief you have that most others around you don’t have? Do you share this belief with others, or do you tend to keep it to yourself?  sure, might talk about it if asked and in the mood  If you’ve moved out from home, what was the scariest thing about it? What was/is your favorite thing about it? I didn’t move out yet but there are dark scenarios I imagine that could happen and they concern me What are your thoughts on “forgiving” murderers or rapists? Do you think it’s even possible to forgive these people? I wouldn’t forgive a rapist but particular murders can be justified If you could learn about anything without the stress of grades or cost, what kind of classes would you take? who cares about grades and cost when you have no possibility/talent/ability anyway?... Last item of clothing you purchased - do you wear it often? didn’t wear it yet Has anything made you feel nostalgic lately? lots What was the last chore you completed? I just helped mom around kitchen and bathroom - przynieś/podaj itp.

Which of the Seven Deadly Sins do you commit the most? sloth?

Has anyone ever told you that you’re incapable of whispering? nope, my mom is incapable, she whispers louder than when she’s normally talking to someone

Who was the best kisser you’ve ever dated? I’ve only kissed one person in my entire life

When was the last time you watched a YouTube video? yesterday

this one

and I plan on doing smth similar

Do you personally think Wikipedia is a reliable source? one of the most reliable sources that are available for free

When you were a child, did you ever want to become a wizard/witch? meh

Do you want to repaint your walls? I prefer to move out 

Would you rather have hardwood floors or carpet? hardwood

Who would you say is the most selfish person you know? majority of society

Have you ever made out in a movie theater before? waste of the movie

How old were you when you got to go on your first date? dunno what I can count as one

Would you call your parents over-protective or under-protective? weirdly protective

Did your parents ever let you play in the pits of those multicolored balls? never had a chance to

Has anyone ever called you a good kisser before? I had my moment

Have any of your siblings ever had a crush on your significant other? she’s into men so...

Do you know someone who cares about themselves more than their child? it seems that most of parents act this way

What’s your favorite hairstyle you’ve had so far? hmm...

How many dogs do you have, if any at all? 1

Do you think biting is weird or sexy? biting hard is very dangerous and I’m not into being bitten but I might/can bite a little

Would you rather be called hot or beautiful? neither but I'll “believe” slightly more in being beautiful than hot I think

Have you ever had a pet turtle before? yep

Do you still sleep with your parents when you’re scared sometimes? just once I had a bad night and my dad was working overnight so I went to my mom’s bed but then I left in the middle of the night anyway as she was snoring, not that it usually bothers me 

Have you ever met someone with two different color eyes? saw pics on the internet only

How many surveys on average would you say you’ve done in your lifetime? shitload

Do you enjoy going school shopping? tiny bit as I enjoy shopping in general?

Do you think Pug dogs are adorable or just plain ugly? adorable

Have you ever met someone who completely resembled their pet? lookalikes

Has anyone ever knitted you something before? sure

Do you think there is a soulmate out there for everyone? then why some ppl die single?...

Do you like short or long surveys the best? it’s not about length, I need interesting questions

Have you ever bought fake money and tried to make it pass for real? I didn’t try to make it pas for real wtf

Are your siblings nice the majority of the time? *rolling my eyes*

How many uncles do you have? don’t know nor care as they don’t give a shit about me

Do you freak out when a thunderstorm comes along? nah, sometimes I feel physically bad because of it tho

How often do you shower? basically everyday

What is the absolute worst thing about high school? from my personal experience - stress

How many sodas do you usually drink in one day? I don’t drink soda for years

Have you ever met an annorexic pregnant woman? woah I can’t imagine that

Have you ever simply looked at someone & could tell they were homosexual? oh well...

Do you have the ability to read someone without even knowing them? sometimes

Would you rather eat or sleep? sleep

Are you one of those die hard Twilight or Harry Potter fans? am not, especially Twilight - I didn’t read/watch it because it sounds awful

Have you ever cried while watching a movie trailor? yes 

Have you ever learned that someone had lied to you all along? sadly

When was the last time you had a physical injury? this ending week

Have you ever wanted to be a lawyer? not really

Have you ever had to bail someone out of jail before? nope

Is there anyone in your imediate family who was adopted? no

Do you know anyone who doesn’t have any common sense? I meet many ppl like this often on the streets or online

Do you think you look anything like your parents? I know I do

Who is the skinniest person you know? Is it because of a disease? when it comes to look or weight? disease though

Is this year the best one you’ve had so far? r u joking?...

What color is your significant other’s hair? natural or dye? XD

Are you ashamed of anyone in your family? yeah The best Christmas gift you ever gotten? The sims 2 as I dreamed of it and didn’t expect my poor parents will afford and give it to me ever, I was so moved that I cried and my sister was jealous and angry 

Who is your favorite actor or actress? can’t decide

What is cuter: kisses on the forehead of the cheek? I don’t consider them cute when I receive them but kind of awkward actually but giving them is a different story

Do you believe in evolution or creation? smth in between, it’s complicated 

What group would you say you’d normally fit into the most? I feel that I wouldn’t really fit any

Are you better at drawing things or painting? drawing

Have either of your parents ever called you a failure before? I am a failure

How long have you been on the computer right now? too long, about 6 hours Name three black things that you can see? celphone, pendrive, necklace would you perfer to do the dishes or hang washing/laundry? dishes

[kurtty-drabbles]

Justicar Verse au (part 4)

N/A: Ok. Let´s make this. Uhm, Kitty is an omega, and no, she doesn´t need to have a sad background or anything like that. I was debating if this would make her like Pink Diamond or not...but, if Meggan is in the group and no one is making a fuss and if Yana, evil baby, is there...Kitty being an omega shouldn´t be a problem.

@dannybagpipesarecalling @djinmer4 @bamfoftheundead @everykurt @muninandhugin

2 years before the main plot begins.

Kitty´s dress.

"And soon the Justicars will be officially the police force of tomorrow" someone´s delightfully tone reaches Kitty´s ear in this large party with an increasing number of patrons - some are from delegations of each important European´s countries and Asians as well and Kitty spot the representant of Wakanda- and Kitty is walking distancing herself of those loudly shouting the victory of Justicar. Her blue dress showing her naked back and is different from the hostess´s dress, Betsy Braddock, who is wearing something purple and being a social butterfly.

Why am I here?

This keeps lingering in her mind until someone draws her attention and her doe eyes travel to the strange in a suit with golden eyes-many mutants can have golden eyes, but, only he can have golden eyes and this winning smile-and smiles at Kitty Pryde in a flattering way. "is a lovely night for such beautiful woman to be sighing and looking so doubtful of herself" his tone is smooth and Kitty´s eyes snap open for a second and then relax.

"Oh, your eyes caught me...I wish I could share the enthusiasm everyone feels about the Justicars" she offers nicely. Kurt Wagner- no need to introductions but it was offered anyway- is amused as no one shares any doubt with the Justicars with him.

"If the Justicars are the law...what would regulate them? Good faith?" her tone is a bit dry and she speaks in a sotto tone. "Power doesn´t corrupt. Power reveals absolutely...and Justicars seem to have a biased against beta mutants" she concludes as Kurt nods sagely and grins at this line.

"I agree, power can reveal...but, Miss Pryde, what the Justicars what...is something quite simple. All we want is to protect mutants and humans" and Kurt notices her stares and titled his head. "You don´t trust us..."

Kitty arch one eyebrow. "I want to be wrong and the Justicars to be a nice group to protect everyone...but, after what happened to StrongMan...I have my reservations...and you, Kurt Wagner? Do you truly have blind faith in Justicars?" she offers this question and Kurt didn´t reply as his smile drop for a moment.

"What happened to StrongMan was a ...horrible thing. A horrible accident and one that won´t repeat" Kurt promises and to prove such conviction he asked Kitty to dance. The woman accepts as she whispers in his ear.

"If this happens again...someone ought to do something, don´t you think?" Kitty replied and adds "after all if one born with mutation...should be only the person to decide if they want to be cured or not? I think so" and the music changes for a slow pace and Kurt is waltzing Kitty masterfully as Kitty can feel his mishappen hands on her naked back.

Is soft like a velvet...

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Present

The Justicars are noticed the absence of Brian Braddock and no one is reacting to such implications of this new well- Psylocke is using all her powers to locate her brother and so far nothing- and Justicar Cadbury looks at his supervisor waiting for her signal. So far, nothing. "Bull, what should we do?" and Bull rolls her eyes at this.

"Not give importance to our leader being a sis-con. Look, Brian is a grown-up. Maybe he found a nice woman and is spending time with her and lost track of time...it happens with the best of us. It happened with you...and me, so...let´s give time and Brian will show up here talking about this pretty bird he meets" Bull assured Kurt and the others.

Kurt is not so sure.

And when a call from the higher office gives a piece of disastrous news regarding something Bull is not sharing with Kurt- he caught words like ''prisoners", "escaped" and "damn creatures"- makes Kurt Cadbury sure Brian´s disappearance is not due to a pretty lady.

"Cadbury...Can I trust you with a secret?" she asked and Kurt can only nod solemnly. "Do you know about prison X?"

"It was a myth..." and Bull shakes her head. Courtney Ross almost laughs at his reply and Kurt is not taking this reaction as a joke.

"No, Prison X is real...very real, and it was there where we put all the magical creatures...and someone released the creatures" Courtney explains.

"Creatures?"

"Yeah...those who are useless to this new World...we need to figure out who would release the animals as that" Courtney explains and Kurt takes one step back. If she was talking about animals- and he would know as Courtney Ross manages to vibe with snakes - it would be one thing, but, it isn´t necessary to be a genius to know her line is not referring to animals.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

"What we do now, Shadowcat?" Meggan inquires firmly - no one dares to mention her hands are quivering a little- and her face resembles more of a monster than a pretty woman. "Can we really win this war?"

And this is a question U Go Girl mostly asks and everyone else- aside from the obvious if nature committed a mistake and maybe the cure is indeed a cure- and Kitty slams her fist on her desk causing every murmours to come to a halt.

"When I formed this group...I never had the notion we could solve this with hopes and smiles, I knew it would lead to a war...and we would stain our hands with blood. I had, you all had...and right now, we must ask ourselves "am I willing to kill one last time? Am I ready to kill to protect the others?" because this will be the last battle and we´ll win or die trying" Kitty states boastfully enacting the others to make their own decisions.

Meggan gazes at Brian for a moment- Meggan has killed before...can she kill Brian? It feels different than the last times...-and back to Kitty. "We´re too deep...I´ll continue" and others follow suit.

Yana, the precious demon child she is, interjected with her saccharine voice never matching the hell in her eyes. "The fight will be bloody. I can use my eyes to see the outcome...but, if the worst comes to be" she looks to no one specific. "I can cast one of my spells and if I do this...everyone should pray to God" Yana gives her devious grin and the others gulp.

What´s worse? Wanda Maximoff casting a spell letting the rage flow in her veins or Yana cast THAT spell?

Kitty´s eyes show no weakness and are long gone the days where she was a mere teacher- it all begins with the formation of Justicars and it will end with their destruction- "Betsy is not the Queen of the world ...yet, she needs to be on that tower to amplify her powers..." and Meggan pipes in the conversation. "She´s not a real omega. According to ..." she can´t say his name and doesn´t want to linger on what the past meant for Brian and herself. "Captain Britain tells the truth...she´s not a real omega and neither is he" she revels.

"Then...he´s useless to us..." someone says. "We should kill him" and Meggan protest violently against this idea and Kitty agrees with Meggan´s actions. Brian can be valuable later...

"We need to destroy the tower...and sure, the security will be tight around, but, we can do it" and she smiles as she shows her plan. "In the end, we need them!"

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Prison is never designed to be a fun place, that´s a given, moreover, a prison named "Prison X" certainly is self-explanatory and Kurt Cadbury can see the divergence between the pamphlet in his hand and reality. "I thought...those are facility to rehabilitation" he mutters softly and Bull cracks some jokes about his naivety. "Don´t be silly, Kurt...plus, we´ve got a big problem to solve..." Courtney Ross looks at the empty cellars. "Where are the creatures?"

And all Kurt can think is the words Kitty Pryde throws at him 2 years ago.

What would regulate the Justicars?

________________________________________________________________________________________

"Revolution is here, my brother" Wanda speaks as she stops meditating and lets her feet touch the floor. Pietro nods and looks at TV who is offering a tribute to Magneto and Prof X. "What should we feel about the man we never had the chance to call father?"

"We show him the same courtesy he offers to us...our silence"

[fckinwild-kiwi]

Consent

Shawn Mendes x Family Warnings: Swearing Word Count: 1.3k+

-----

When your son turned fifteen, you couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. Eventually, he would find a girlfriend and the fact that he might become sexually active with her was weighing heavily on your mind. Franklin looked just like his dad, he had soft handsome features with a mop of brown hair that seemed to just curl in a way that you only dreamed yours might. He was literally a mini Shawn, musical talents included, the only thing he seemed to have gained from you was your nose and if you could say so yourself, your kindness. “Honey,” you called out from the kitchen, gaining Shawn’s attention. He had just come home from the European leg of his fifth world tour and you two were enjoying spending time together as a family. “What is it, Hun?”  “I’ve been thinking about Frankie and…has he talked to you about a girl?”

“Oh, uhm,” Shawn stuttered, avoiding eye contact with you. “He might have mentioned a girl named Olivia a week or so ago.” “Hm, he seemed to forget telling me about any girl let alone someone specifically named Olivia,” You said, starting to laugh but feeling a bit hurt before kissing Shawn on the cheek. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to keep something like that a secret if I asked. Thank you, bub.” It wasn’t like your son to keep things from you. The two of you were especially close, considering Shawn was away for a majority of the year, you two relied on each other to make sure things were still running smoothly at your house. The fact that your son decided to keep his girlfriend from you, was crushing. “Do you think it’s time to have the talk with him?” You asked, Shawn’s eyes widening with realization. “Baby, he’s only fifteen. I’m sure he’s not- “ “Shawn, what were you thinking about at fifteen?” “You’re right, we absolutely need to have the talk with him,” Shawn said, pausing for a second as if it to think about something before continuing. “So are you going to talk to him, or am I?” “Mendes! I can’t believe you’re a little freaked out about talking to our son about consent! It’s necessary and he needs to know the importance of it!” “Oh, we’re talking about consent,” Shawn said, breathing a sigh of relief. “I thought it might be something about how to put condoms on and the result of not being careful.” “You’re such a boy, bub,” You said, nudging his shoulder and rolling her eyes. “Of course we need to talk about protection and what happens when you’re not careful. I think he’ll figure out everything else as he goes along but it’s more important to talk about consen. Besides condoms, I think consents the most important thing we need to ingrain in his brain.” Before you could continue the conversation with your husband, Franklin walked through the front door, letting you two know he was home. As he walked into the kitchen, the air in the room shifted causing you and Shawn to glance at each other before Shawn cleared his throat. “Franklin,” He started, motioning for your son to sit down at the kitchen island. “We need to talk to you and it’s probably going to be uncomfortable and bit awkward.” “Oh no,” Franklin said, his eyes growing wide. “Is this about Olivia? I already know about sex and we’ve talked about it, neither of us is ready.” “Well thank fuck!” You shouted sarcastically your heart rate spiking considerably. It was bad enough that your son had forgotten to tell you about his girlfriend, but he was already talking about sex with her?! “Hey, honey, breath!” Shawn said, rubbing his hand on your back to soothe you. “Frankie, when were you going to tell me that you had a girlfriend? I thought we didn’t keep secrets from each other?” “Mom- “ “No Franklin Raul. I’m hurt that you decided to keep something this important from me. You have a girlfriend and decided to talk to her about sex, what if you guys didn’t have the right protection?” You said, all of your emotions starting to boil over. “What if she didn’t want to have sex at all?” “Mom, of course, she’d want to have sex with me,” Franklin said, causing your eyes to widen for what seemed like the hundredth time tonight.    “And that brings me to the reason why this conversation is necessary,” You said, turning towards Shawn with a hand on your hip. “Frankie, it’s important that no matter what’s going on, or how far you and your partner are at in your endeavors… You need to ask her if they’re still wanting the same things as you.” “Mom this is such a weird conversation, can we stop now? I get it,” Franklin said, covering his eyes with his hands. “Hey babe,” Shawn said, pulling you close. “I think I know how this conversation needs to go, how about you give us some space, okay?” “Okay, I’ll just be in the other room,” You said kissing Shawn on the cheek before walking past Franklin and ruffling his hair. “You pay attention to your father, young man.” “We’re not actually continuing this, are we Dad?” Franklin asked as soon as you exited the room. “Oh, you bet your ass we’re continuing this Franko. I’m going to break this down in some simpler terms for you because it seems like you’re not taking this seriously, and it’s important,” Shawn said, not backing down. “Do you know what my favorite thing to happen when I’m on stage is?” “I know you love your guitar solos, but I can’t help but think this has something to do with mom…” “You’re damn right it has to do with your Mom,” Shawn said, a grin overtaking his features causing your heart to flutter while watching from the doorway. “My favorite thing is when I can get your Mom to come on stage with me, sometimes to dance but other times to sing a bit, too.” “Oh Dad, Mom loves that too. Whenever you’re away and we aren’t able to come visit, it’s all she talks about,” Franklin rambled on, your heart only growing with love for those two. “We watch the concert videos that fans put on youtube of it!” “I know that she enjoys it, bud, almost more than I do. But sometimes she gets a bit of stage fright. And doesn’t want to go on,” Shawn said, pausing in hopes that your son would catch on. “So, don’t you just ask her again and remind her how happy it makes her?”    “Oh my fucking god Franklin,” Shawn said, shaking his head. “Absolutely not, the moment she says no I stop asking because I know that her mind is made up.” “But- “ “No Franko, when a woman tells you no, it doesn’t matter why she doesn’t want to, it’s just important to acknowledge that her answer is final and then stop asking.” “Dad,” Franklin said, slowly looking down. “It would ruin the mood, wouldn’t it?” “Absolutely not,” You said from the doorway, stepping back into the room. “I know I shouldn’t be eavesdropping but honestly Frankie… It creates a more comfortable mood, by asking for consent you’re just making sure she’s comfortable and when she knows she’s being taken care of, things just happen easier.” “I’m sorry for not talking to you about Olivia, Mom. You’re the person I was most nervous to meet her,” Franklin said. “Wait a fucking second,” You said, pointing a finger at Shawn. “You’ve already met her? This isn’t going to fly around her, invite her over for dinner tomorrow Frankie, or you’re grounded.” “Oh my god Franko, you have the biggest mouth!” Shawn said, wrapping his arms around your waist kissing your cheek before continuing, “Now what did you learn tonight?” “Consent is necessary and sometimes makes the mood better when having sex. I’m not going to be having it for a while but I happy that we have this relationship that allows us to talk to each other,” Franklin said, standing up to walk towards you and Shawn. “Also, mom… I’m sorry about keeping Olivia a secret, I won’t do anything like that again.” “Love you, buddy,” You said, wrapping your arms around your son tightly before you let go and gave Shawn a kiss. “I’m proud of my two best boys.”

-----

A/N: Ah! Two posts in two days! This was something that I had brewing for a while and it just came out so easily last night. I hope you guys like it. Any feedback (constructive criticism or just a reblog because you enjoyed it) helps me improve and want to continue writing. I appreciate all of your support. <3

[mattpitman]

Global influence & entrepreneurship.

Community engagement is key to an effective learning program, yet in a world that has become increasingly connected digitally, are our students really aware of their potential to influence? Are they aware of the connection between their actions, their words, their future and the wider world? Do they understand that they have the ability to not only influence their own future, but the future of those around them?

Often we speak of connection (and even more so recently in the middle of this horrific pandemic), as the ability to see and interact with each other despite physical distance. The wonders of modern communication are surely not something to discount, after all, where would we be without the technological pioneers and their revolutionary inventions today? How would school work currently here in Melbourne, if not for the immensely powerful technology we can hold in our hands?

But do our students understand connection beyond this? 

A global citizen is somebody who knows of, feels, and understands the connective tissue between themselves, others and the wider world. It is essential that curriculum is adapted to ensure students are given the opportunity to identify those links, to create new ones and to connect their current learning to the wider world. A textbook can supplement ideas in a classroom but it won’t create them outside of it!

Student agency is essential to this exploratory and interpersonal journey. How can we put the learner at the center if we haven’t asked what they want to learn? Asked what they are interested in? Students who are empowered to make decisions in their learning develop their creativity, some admittedly, out of necessity but many simply out of opportunity. Entrepreneurial mindsets are born out of this creativity, a penchant for problem solving and a keen eye for resources. We know this, yet choice and autonomy are consistently stripped away from programs in favour of timelines, schedules and the attainment of “key” knowledge. This type of learning doesn’t foster connection to the world, if anything it distances itself from it. If school doesn’t feel like “real life” then how can students begin to understand their influence within their world?

Creativity and resourcefulness are commonly highlighted as critical skills, but we need a new way of thinking through how we develop them. This doesn’t mean rethinking a few components, it requires rethinking everything. We need students at the center, middle and outside of learning. Teachers and leaders can model and actively demonstrate this entrepreneurial thinking by constantly redefining what their classroom looks and feels like. We need to change lesson plans out for brief outlines, allowing students the space to explore multiple ways of meeting their goals, not ours. We need learning objectives and assessment that is designed (from scratch!) to be interdisciplinary, reflecting practical skills that can be utilised across the whole lifespan, not just in third period.

This goes beyond team teaching, beyond open plan learning and beyond the traditional notions of school. I want to see learning communities where all students plan, create and run businesses. Where they grow, cook and sell products. Where they succeed but also fail and learn to accept that failure as a process not as a barrier. Where timetables aren’t labelled ‘science” or ‘mathematics’, they say things like ‘design’ and ‘explore’. Where learners go out into the community regularly, rather than bringing speakers in. Entrepreneurs and people of global influence don’t play by the rules and it is time learning followed by changing and breaking them. I’m not interested in traditional schooling and neither are a large majority of students.

Far too many students are attending school to simply open doors to future experiences. Schooling has been reduced to a stepping stone towards the rich experiences and all life has to offer. 

Why can’t learning be an experience now? 

Why do students have to wait to be and feel a part of their world? 

Like the study of an ecosystem, our students need to have an understanding of the interconnectedness of their immediate world, their community, the people, the places and the geography. They need to get out and analyse the support structures, the cycles and the processes within their world, how it works and what makes it ‘tick’. When students are offered a chance to connect with their community early, they can begin to truly understand their place within their world, sooner rather than later. In this environment, they can truly start to appreciate, expand and develop the ideas that will eventually shape and influence our world.

The evidence.

Foundation for Young Australians (FYA). (2015). Enterprise skills and careers education in schools: why Australia needs a national strategy.

Higgins, D., & Elliott, C. (2011). Learning to make sense: what works in entrepreneurial education?. Journal of European Industrial Training.

Maritz, A., Nguyen, Q., & Bliemel, M. (2019). Boom or bust? Embedding entrepreneurship in education in Australia. Education+ Training.

Solomon, G., Dickson, P. H., Solomon, G. T., & Weaver, K. M. (2008). Entrepreneurial selection and success: does education matter?. Journal of small business and enterprise development.

Wei, X., Liu, X., & Sha, J. (2019). How does the entrepreneurship education influence the students’ innovation? Testing on the multiple mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology, 10.

Limbo.

This is 5 of 6 posts I am (slowly) writing based on what I have read, listened to, observed and ultimately, believe are the makings of a successful and sustainable learning community, I’m calling them collectively “Limbo”. At the end of the day I am just a passionate educator on my own learning journey and I may have everything completely wrong! Let me know what you think of each post and help me grow! I hope to have a new post each week but can’t help if life gets in the way...

The previous posts are linked below:

Limbo.

Innovation & growth.

Wellbeing & resilience.

Culture & shared language.

Thanks for reading.

Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay 

[caffeinatedtimdrake]

Sweet

A/N: part 2 of Change! about 1.5 of Jason x reader FLUFF (surprise) in which Jason tries to bake but mostly ends up making you into a flustered mess ft. Megan low key match-making. 

“No, Jason, that’s precisely how you end up with salty cupcakes.”

“I am a salty cupcake, Megan.” 

“That’s why nobody wants to eat you.” 

“M, you have no idea. I’m offended.”

“And I’m trying to listen to a lecture on Francesco Petrarch, not foul-tasting pastries. Or…Jason-tasting pastries.” 

You shoot Megan and Jason a look from your perch at the kitchen table, swinging your earbud menacingly. 

Megan scoffs. “I’m trying to whip him into shape.” 

Jason turns rosy and bashful. “Sorry, Y/N.” He apologizes in a singsong voice, one that has your heart soaring. 

You shake your head but leave one ear bud out because you enjoy their banter more than you could ever admit. “It’s okay.” You tell him and bury your nose in your textbook again, flustered. 

After the Clay Face Fiasco left you out of commission for a few days – sick and sleepless – Megan came to the unpleasant realization that she perhaps needed more help around the bakery. Her boyfriend, Konner, helped out when he wasn’t busy with his repair shop and her uncle assisted sporadically, but it wasn’t enough.

She hung a ‘Help Wanted’ sign dismally to the front door. Barely a day later, she was getting Jason Todd his very own apron. 

When she called and told you the news, you’d squeaked, dropped your phone, and yelled into a pillow. The first day you and Jason worked together, you dropped three pans, two platters, and accidentally hit him with a wooden spoon.

Since the Clay Face incident, the energy between you and Jason has shifted. Red Hood dropped you off at home that night and never told you his identity, and Jason has yet to reveal his vigilante status (but you have your suspicions). He doesn’t discourage your sidelong glances, studying his agile movements and sharp reflexes. And when you catch Jason watching you, he no longer flushes and looks away – instead, he offers you a disarmingly cute lopsided grin, one you can’t help but return with a smile of your own. He is neither bold nor brash, but your friendship blossoms tenderly with Jason’s easy confidence. The more time you spend around him, the more you realize you are doomed. 

You don’t know it, but when Jason glances at you, studying diligently, between mixing dry ingredients and cracking eggs, he gets the first faint, bittersweet taste of what could be unrequited love. He, like you, often thinks to himself, “I’m doomed,” when you laugh at his bad jokes and compliment his icing attempts. Yesterday, Megan invited you over to try out some new recipes – employee bonding, she’d called it. 

You’d hesitated, midterm exams looming over your head, but Megan insisted. When you still weren’t convinced, she casually mentioned that Jason would be there. 

“Well,” You wince at her smirk, “I guess I could…bring my backpack over there and study.”

You really are getting a decent amount of studying done – as long as you don’t look over at Jason and study the movement of his toned biceps beneath that white cotton t-shirt as he kneads dough instead of European literature.

You’re working through deciphering a sonnet when Jason comes to hover over your shoulder. He smells like flowers and home and he radiates warmth, so you have to stop yourself from leaning into his space. 

“Petrarch, hm?” 

Trying not to get distracted by you. “Yes. We’re analyzing the poetry of Il Canzoniere.”

There’s a spark in those sapphire eyes that leaves you a little breathless when you glance up at him. 

“I freeze and burn, love is bitter and sweet, my sighs are tempests and my tears are floods, I am in ecstasy and agony, I am possessed by memories of her and I am in exile from myself.”

You’re too awestruck to say anything but it doesn’t matter because a timer beeps from the oven and Jason simply excuses himself to check on a batch of cupcakes after a flawless recitation. 

You look down at the text and turn off the audio of your professor’s recorded lecture, in ecstasy but mostly in agony and wishing you could be in exile from yourself.

Megan notices the red on your face and Jason’s face and she stifles a cackle from the kitchen.

“Megan, this is way too much.” 

“You’re a growing child, Y/N, just eat the damn cupcakes.” 

“Which way do you want me to grow? Are you gonna stuff me in an oven and eat me?” 

“No, that would upset Jason too much.” 

Jason is caught off guard by Megan’s remark and ducks his head as he ties his shoe. You glance at the lanky boy next to you and shake your head, zipping up your jacket. 

Megan tells the two of you to get home safe and sends you off with a hug into the cool evening air. 

Silence hangs comfortably between you and Jason and the jingling keychains on your backpack for a few moments. 

It’s shattered with, “Is it okay if I walk you home?”

You jump a little because his velvety voice echoes off the concrete buildings. 

“I’d love that.” You tell him before you can formulate a milder response. 

It’s more than okay if you walk me home, Jason. It’s more than okay if you hold my hand, ask me on a date, kiss me on the mouth, take my whole heart…

Jason inhales in a deep breath and a rush of adrenaline down your spine because your gut tells you that in his exhale, he might share a piece of his soul. 

“I want to tell you something, Y/N.” 

You look at him. He stares straight ahead. Although his posture his stuff and he grips the bag of baked goods tightly, his expression is soft and vulnerable. 

“You can tell me anything, Blue Jay,” In the lazy light of lampposts, you watch the tip of his ears turn pink. You wonder if this conversation is going in the direction of crime-fighting…or crushes.

“Shit, Y/N, you’re gonna be the death of me,” He breathes, mouth curling into a timid smile. 

You giggle, nudging his side with your elbow. “That’s what you wanted to tell me?” 

“Well, no, but I can’t tell you how much I like you when you spring cute nicknames on me like that!” 

“It just happened! In my head I – wait, what?!” 

He moans into his hands.

The two of you stop walking and he peeks at you from between his fingers, burning deep blue. 

You gently pry his hands away from his face. “Jason,” You croon his name with so much affection and look at him with so much warmth, he wants to melt on the spot; preferably into your welcoming embrace. 

He looks a little miserable when he meets your concerned gaze. “I like you, Y/N. So much. I have liked you for a long time – maybe since the first time we met, when you burned all that bread – and I have no idea what to do about it. All I know is that whenever you smile at me, I can’t decide whether I want to throw myself to the ground or wrap you in my arms and kiss you like there’s no tomorrow.”

“You should do it.” You blurt, nodding almost aggressively. 

“Do what?” Jason asks cautiously, arching an eyebrow and slowly intertwining your fingers. 

“Kiss me. Today. And tomorrow. And the day after that. You can throw yourself to the ground too, if you want, but that might hurt more than kissing. And I have some questions about you, but we can talk in between kissing probably.” 

His bag falls to the ground with a quiet thump and the sound of your heartbeat is so loud, you worry he’ll hear. He places his hands delicately on your cheeks – they’re so large they practically swallow your face – and tilts your head up slightly. 

Your eyes flutter close, listening to his soft breath and rustling leaves and the way he says your name like sugar dusted over fresh pastries. 

Jason’s lips are gentle, a featherlight pressure against the center of your forehead. He kisses your eyelids and down the bridge of your nose, halting at your cupid’s bow to kiss your cheeks and your chin and by the time he hovers over your mouth, your toes are curled tightly in your shoes and butterflies are swarming freely in your abdomen. 

Jason kisses you like butterfly wings and spring rain and cotton candy, all wholesome and light and saccharine. 

“Someone’s gonna call the cops on us if we make out on the sidewalk.” He mutters in a low voice against your mouth. 

“I should call the cops on you. You stole my heart.” 

Jason pulls away to bark out a laugh, deep and musical. He runs a hand through your hair and looks down at you adoringly. “Tell you what: let’s get back to your place and I’ll make it up to you.”

You squint at him. “How?” 

He puckers his lips for a moment, pensive. “Maybe I’ll explain some of my…shoe collection.”

You peck his mouth and tuck yourself against his side. “Deal.”

[lovehugsandcandy]

Four Words, One Reply (Colt x MC)

A/N: I haven’t written anything recently because my muse was GONE after prom on Friday. Muse said that she needed a break because she got everything she wanted. Back now, for better or worse. Here’s a bit of fluff, a bit of wish fulfillment for me and PLEASE let this offering of fluff atone for the angst I posted earlier.

Pairing: Colt x MC, ROD

Length: 1556 words

Rating: PG-13 (Swearing, probably, because I swear a lot.)

Summary: Ellie graduates from Langston.

Tags:  @deimosensblog @alegria1580  @choicesarehard @thefarrari @client-327 @moonlit-girl-wonder @going-down-downtown@soniadotalves@jolietmaraud @hazah @flowerpowell@poeticscolt @powdesiree1986

Ellie dreaded the day that the letters stopped coming. The worst of it was the terror, deep in her soul, that she would never know. Would he stop writing when he fell out of love? When he was sentenced to jail? Worse?

Her roommate thought it was romantic. "No one writes letters anymore, Ellie. It's sweet." Little did she know that it was likely a necessity, a way to avoid being tracked. Electronic communication could be dangerous and she was certain she didn't even have Colt’s current phone number. All she had were the letters.

They came unexpectedly, with no rhythm. Some months, she would get a letter a week, with varying return addresses, some with stamped return envelopes, to varying cities, so she could write back if she wanted. She always did.

Some months, there were no letters. The worst was four months, spanning the summer and start of fall semester of junior year. Ellie was in a panic, barely able to sleep until, finally, a thin envelope in her mailbox, no details, no explanation, only an "I love you, Ellie." She cried, sobs in the middle of the campus center, oblivious to the stares around her.

Sometimes they came with money, always cash. Never a ton, but enough to make her worried about what he was doing. Always earmarked for something, $400 for new school books, $100 for her "first legal drink at Flanagan's and a cab back home." At first, she sent it back; she didn't want his money (she wanted him) and felt bad taking it. He would return it to her, quickly, with a gentle admonishment that it was his way of feeling connected, a way of being there with her in spirit. She took it more often than not now but, when the nights were long and the nightmares were strong and the terror wouldn’t subside, she would send his money back, knowing it was the fastest way to get letter in return, to know that he was still ok. And, though it made her uneasy, she did let him buy her first legal drink.

She knew, with their last conversation in LA, that she was signing herself up for a bit of loneliness. He told her that he needed time, he couldn’t be in LA, he needed to get away. She understood, she got it. She knew the memories this place had for him. She asked him to come with her; wasn’t Boston far enough away? She still remembered his sad eyes, the last kiss. He told her he would wait for her, but he didn’t expect anything, said he didn’t know when he would see her next, but he would, one day. She didn’t know if he was trying to outrun his grief or hide from it, but she prayed he succeeded.

And now this, a month before her graduation, a cryptic note, barely a letter, on the back of a photograph. She could recognize the image, the Bean (he was in Chicago?) and pored over the picture, looking for a hint of him. She couldn't find Colt, no smirk, no leather jacket but, in the corner of the reflecting mirror, warped in the curve of the monument, she finally spied what he wanted her to see. A sleek bright pink European import, looking amazingly like her car back in LA. And on the back, four words and a return envelope, addressed to PO Box in Pittsburgh. She read those words, over and over and over again, in class, in bed, memorizing Colt’s scrawl as if it would bring him back to her, in the flesh. Finally, three days later, she printed a picture of herself, a selfie in front of the magnolias blooming by the library, her fiercest look on her face, graduation cap in her hand. She wrote one word, on the back, and sent it, kissing the envelope as if it would make it travel faster.

In the meantime, she finished classes, hung out with friends, and went on with her life, trying to live enough for both of them.

~~~~~

It was ungodly hot for Boston in May and Detective Wheeler shifted in the shitty folding chairs the university had rented for graduation. He was nothing but grateful to be here and so happy for his ambitious daughter, graduating Summa Cum Laude from her dream school. He was just so proud and had told her as much at breakfast this morning, with her and her roommate and some friends, all celebrating their achievements and simultaneously scared of what was ahead. He was just ecstatic that they all made it this far, intact and whole, willing to take nothing for granted.

He remembered being terrified, after the months senior year when she was lost to him, terrified she was gone, terrified he had failed her, his wife, himself. He still remembered the relief when he opened the door that morning and she was there, two kids in tow, asking for help from a horror they never should have been involved in. Who would have thought the crew he was supposed to be hunting was more Lost Boys than Mafia? And who would have thought they would have been influential in bringing down an actual, organized crime unit in the LAPD?

After, his prodigal daughter had returned, and then gone to school, and things had generally returned to normal. She studied hard, came back for breaks, and confided in him, every detail of college. The all-night studying sessions, the boys who seemingly had their eye on her, even a few snippets about the parties she attended. There was only one thing she didn’t share with him, one thing too personal, too close for her to divulge to her old man. He saw the letters, sometimes, and ached to read them, but he trusted her. Giving her this space was important to him, a way of redeeming himself for watching too closely for years. She had earned her freedom.

And that freedom brought him here, to graduation, from one of the best universities on the East Coast, sitting in the heat and fiddling with a program. Riya would have come but her graduation was the same day so he was here, alone, bringing best wishes from LA.

Well, almost alone. A shadow fell over him, a soft clearing of a throat and, when he looked up, he dropped the leaflet, turning back to watch it sway to the ground.

“Is this seat taken?”

He stood, eye to eye with the boy, no, the man, next to him. He hadn’t seen him in four years and stared; his shoulders had broadened, visible in the short-sleeved dress shirt, eyes still intense, jawline and cheekbones seemingly sharper with age. The last time he had seen Colt Kaneko, he was broken, mourning a father he barely knew and a life he never would live. Now, he seemed more at ease, as if time didn’t erase all wounds, but made them easier to deal with. He still looked like he would never truly relax but that he was, for now, at peace.

Colt extended his hand and he shook it, then gestured to the chair. “Sit down.” He picked up the brochure, watching Colt settle in, putting a bouquet of flowers under his chair. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

A small smile. “Yeah, Ellie doesn’t know either. I don’t know if she’s going to hit me or hug me.”

Wheeler grinned; he knew his daughter better than that. “My money’s on neither.”

~~~~~~

Ellie couldn’t stop laughing and smiling and celebrating. She felt alive. After the ceremony, she desperately ripped off her gown, sweltering in the heat. She couldn’t stop handing out hugs, to professors, friends, her roommate. The crowd was crushing, families and loved ones, all fighting to get to the graduates; she couldn’t find her dad. She knew he was here, somewhere, but the mass of people made it hard to see six feet in front of her.

Finally, it was like the crowds parted and there he was. She dashed, sprinting towards him, laughing and wrapping him up in a hug. They were flying back to LA in a few days, once things calmed down and she was packed, but she wanted to see him now, in the midst of one of the biggest celebrations of her life. She pulled back, looking at the joy in his face and laughed. 

“Love you dad!”

He kissed her cheek. “Congratulations. I am so proud of you.”

She went to smile at him again when she saw something, someone, over his shoulder and froze with a gasp. He dad smiled and stepped aside and there, alive and whole and in the flesh, Colt stood, clutching a bouquet and looking painfully out of place. She stared at him, time stopping, the crowd a dull roar around her as they stared at each other.

She took a step, then another, and was soon running, leaping into his arms, her lips finding his, the flowers falling as he clung to her, desperately. It was all she could do to hold on as he kissed her like he was drowning, four years of missing each other communicated through touch.

Finally, he pulled back, stars in his eyes as he looked at her. “I love you, Ellie.”

“Always.”

[marvelmymarvel]

Aim For My Heart

Part 5/15

Lewis Nixon x Sniper!Marshall!Reader

Synopsis: As a Female Snipper for Easy company, you certainly do get a lot of attention, but the only attention you want is from Lewis Nixon. In the deadly mix called love in a war in which you had no business being in, will you and Lew make it out alive 

You sat in the pub with everyone else. Some of the men were making bets on whether they could hit the bullseye or not on the dartboard. You chuckled at their stupid antics but kept drinking the beer that Lew brought you before he was pulled away. You were sitting nearby some of the new replacements and saw Bill eyeing them. “Hey Fellas, what do you hear? What do you say?” Bill started and you crossed your leg, listening in. You were hoping he would go easy on them, as you saw them as your ‘babies’, of course, you were the only one that felt that way towards the replacements. “Actually, that's babes seat, private Heffron's,” One of the men said. You nodded at his bravery seeing as no one, but you really stood up to Bill and his ways. “Is that right. I don't care if its fucking Eisenhower's” he snarled and you rolled your eyes at his response. “Bill” you hissed finally leaning away from the table that you sat at with Web as you tried to stop him. “Who are you” Bill pressed, ignoring you. You glared at his head as he waved you off. 

“Private Miller, James Miller. I'm in Sergeant Randleman's squad” One of the boys stated. The others followed and you pursed your lips, hoping that Bill would listen to you and go easy. He was telling them about a story, and you listened, wondering where it was going. “What do you call one of them letters” Bill called back to you and Web. “Er, “Dear John” letter” Web answered as you took a sip of your beer, realizing that he was in fact, going to go easy. “That's it a “Dear Babe” letter” you snorted at the comparison before drinking some more of the beer. Shaking your head at Web you laughed at Bill’s punchline. Then they started to pick on Bull “They probably think he's a fuckin hayseed, ain't that right?” Bill teased as you hit his arm. The boys laughed and you glared at Bill, “Be nice Billy” you whispered.

“What are you laughing at?” Martin hissed out, making the boys fall silent and for you to look at him in shock. They were all just having fun, and while Bill was getting on your nerves, you knew he was just joking around with everyone. When you saw Martins' face go into a little smile you shook your head angrily at them. They were all acting like pricks. Scaring these poor boys for no reason. But you kept your mouth closed, that was until Cobb opened his. Cobbs' hand slammed into the kid's arm, making him turn in disbelief that someone would hit him. “Where'd you get that” Cobb hissed as he fiddled with Miller's medal. “It's a presidential distinguished unit citation. For, uh... For what the regiment did in Normandy” Miller replied boldly, like he wasn't ashamed. You set your glass down, feeling like you were about to fight Cobb if he, even a little, tore this kid down. “Don't do it” Web hissed out. You didn't know if it was to you or Cobb, but you didn't care. “That's right, for what the regiment did. You weren't there” Cobb hissed and you stood up, chair scratching as Web watched you wide-eyed. “Hey, Cobb, why don't you leave these men alone you son of a bitch” You snarled out and he rolled his eyes at you. “Why don't you sit back down Princess” Cobb snarled back before his friend came around, telling him to ease up and that it was a unit citation that every man get a medal. Your hands were balled in fists as you felt anger bubble and rise under your skin. But your heart broke when Miller took it off. You scoffed at the whole thing, “Shit Cobb, You didn't fight in Normandy neither” Bull snapped out, before turning to leave. “I got hit in the plane before I got a chance to jump” Cobb stated to the other replacement. You shook your head and snatched up the medal, “Doesn't change the fact that you’re a pussy who can talk but can’t fight” you whispered before walking over to where the kid was. He was turned to the wall, trying to calm down. “Hey, Miller right?” you asked kindly as you fumbled with the medal. He turned to you and you smiled softly at him before extending your hand with the medal between your fingers. “I actually fought in Normandy... You wear this medal with pride and you pay no attention to men like Cobb. They’re cowards, but you stay strong kid” you stated. He eyed the medal and you before reaching out to grab it. You nodded softly before turning back towards the group, “Thank you” Miller called out and you turned your head, throwing a wink “Anytime kiddo.” you whispered back. “Hey, Y’all, listen up.” Smokey hollered out and you all turned to listen, “I got us an announcement to make.” He pushed Lip underneath him so everyone could see him “This here is Carwood Lipton”, you chuckled at this weird introduction “He’s already married, smokey” You hollered out, causing men to laugh. “This here is Carwood Lipton, the new Easy company 1st Sergeant.” You cheered for him as you clapped loudly, a glare was sent to you from Cobb but you just flipped him off. “Well, hate to break the mood here, boys” Car began to speak up and your face fell. It seemed as if he only broke the mood. “But, we’re moving out again” it fell silent and you half expected this. Lew talked about this the night before so you weren't shocked. All the men were silent as Lip left the room awkwardly. Leaning over the table you and Web sat at, you snapped at Web to get his attention. “Finish this for me Webby?” You asked as you slid your half drunk beer to him. He nodded and you mouthed a thank you before leaving the pub. 

Wrapping your arms around yourself, you couldn't wait to cuddle into Lew and fall fast asleep, which is exactly what you did. You found him at the desk, looking over the plans for the next day. “What's the plan” you stated as you sat on the bed and untied your shoes. “If I told you, I’d have to kill you” he whispered and you chuckled as you put your sock covered feet onto the wooden floorboards. Walking over to him, you wrapped your arms around him as you laid your head on his shoulder. Kissing his ear, you eyed the plans. “Y/n” He whispered and you realized you were caught red handed. You looked up and saw that a mirror was in front of you two, you smiled sheepishly at him before pecking his cheek and starting to strip. “I don't get it Lew” you began as you threw your jacket onto the chair near the bed. He hummed as he wrote something down, and you continued as you slid your pants off, “Why can't I know the plans. I am Y/n Marshall... I have privileges here-” “Because your father is the General of the Army. If your father was Sink, maybe... But I was told specifically that I can't tell you anything.” Lew stated as he set the pen down, looking up at you while leaning back. He wasn't annoyed with your constant pestering, but he was upset that he couldn't share with you what he was planning. You looked at him as you slid his boxers on and white t-shirt from the night before. It smelt like him. You smiled, bringing in the collar as you inhaled him deeper. “It's like you’re around me Lew” you whispered out while looking at him lovingly. Lew smiled as you walked over to the bed, laying down, you stared up at the ceiling. He didn't say anything, only looked down in fear. Fear that if he made one wrong mistake, your life was at stake. “Lew” You called out when he didn't look up from the ground you sat up, “Honey” you whispered and his eyes snapped to your worried ones. You smiled softly while opening your arms, “Come to bed.” 

You sat beside Bill as you listened to the plan which was called ‘Operation Market Garden.’ You stuck your hand out behind you where Lieb was sitting for a smoke. Once you felt the cigarette between your fingers, you took stuck it between your teeth as you leaned towards Bill for him to light it. “We’re dropping deep into occupied Holland” Winters began. You pulled away, nodding at Bill and Lieb as a form of silent thanks, before facing back forwards. Inhaling, your eyes caught Lew’s. Throwing up a shit-eating grin, you exhaled the smoke. “The allied objective is to take this road here, between Eindhoven and Arnhem, so that two British armored divisions can move up it toward Arnhem. Our job is gonna be to liberate Eindhoven, stay there, wait for the tanks” Winters finished his part and you watched as Lew went forward to start his. “The entire European advance has been put on hold to allocate resources for this operation. It's Montgomery’s personal plan, and we’ll be under British command.” Men groaned beside you and you realized that Lew wasn't designing the plan, he was studying it. “The good news is, if this works, these tanks will be over the Rhine and into Germany.” He continued despite the groans. Your eyes locked with his “It could end the war, and get us home by Christmas.” Your heart raced and you looked at your hands, the thought of being home safe with Lew made your stomach flip happily. “It’s a daytime jump. Intelligence doesn't expect much opposition, they think the Krauts in Holland are mostly kids and old men. And we should take ‘em by surprise. In any case, say goodbye to England.” Your heart broke at those words as you looked back up at him. “I don't think they’re gonna call this one off.” he finished before his gaze met with yours. “Private Marshall” someone hollered from beside the area. You stood, knowing what it was before he could continue, “Yeah yeah yeah” you whispered as you walked through the groaning men. “How come she gets to leave early?” Some replacement hollered “Because she's the General of the fuckin Armies daughter you prick” Liebgott hollered back. “Boys” you hissed as you glared at Lieb for his language before throwing Lew an apologetic look for disturbing the meeting as you were pulled away. 

“How’s the ol’ General” Lew whispered in your ear as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder. You hadn't seen him since you left to go talk with your father, so the only time you got with him was before you were preparing to jump. You leaned forward, pressing your lips to his hungrily. He stopped walking in shock and kissed you back, but he had a confused look on his face when you finished. “What was that for” he questioned as he caressed your cheek, “Just in case I don't make it” you whispered up at him truthfully. His smile fell and he got serious, “You’re gonna make it” He whispered and you nodded, “Even though I didn't plan this. You will be safe-.” “Because you studied it till you were sick” You whispered up at him, cutting him off and making him purse his lips. He didn't want to tell you. “Lew you cant... You can't worry about losing me when you make the plans. If my death means we win then my death means we-” “Stop it” He snapped out, stopping your rant in its tracks.

“Your death, won't do anything but bring pain to those around you. If you haven't noticed Y/n, these men love you. Losing you would be detrimental. So don't you dare try and ‘sacrifice’ yourself for them.” he seethed out as he backed away from you, shaking his head in anger “Becuase it will only ruin them” he finished as he turned to leave. “Lew” you called out but he kept walking. You bit your lip, watching him leave. You feared it would be the last thing you would see. 

The jump was easy you thought as you raced alongside the others. Air support left you and you all began to walk through the thick wheat field. “You and Nixon fighting?” Liebgott asked and you sighed, “Just a little misunderstanding” you whispered out as you began to come up to the town, “Good” Lieb stated and that made you grow confused, “Why good Lieb” you pressed. It wasn't a question, more of a statement. “He was pissed when he was talking to Winters before the jump. Talked about how you thought he was making the plans to save you.  Talked about how you said if your death was the only choice-” “Lieb” you sighed, knowing where this was going “No you just listen here Y/n” He stopped you and you quieted down, “You are so damn important to all of us here.” he began again and some of the men hummed in agreeance behind you. You looked back at the faces and turned back to Lieb as you continued to walk. “If he did design those plans to keep you safe. That's the greatest gift he could give us” He finished and you were silent as more men agreed. You sighed as you repositioned your gun. Staying silent the rest of the walk towards the town, you thought about how much you truly meant to everyone, not just Lew. 

They cheered for you. You were a little dazed by the fact that there was no bloodshed at all, that finally, you got your way. You tried to find Lew as the crowds began to overwhelm you. “Dance” one man tried to state and you just shook your head but he grabbed for you anyway. “No, no thank you sir” you whispered as he dragged you into the dance. You held hands with the others as you danced in a circle. People bumped you and surrounded you. All you wanted to do was climb on top of a tank and never get down. An arm wrapped around you and you turned to push them off as your worst fears came true. “It's just me. Its just me” Lew whispered in your ear as you then clutched onto him. His familiar scent making you forget the crowd for a second. He led you over to the side where no one was and you gasped for breath like you almost drowned as you grabbed onto the wall. Head facing down, you tried to catch your breath. He rubbed your back as the stress took over your body, making your breathing jagged and your stomach swirl. You turned and leaned against the wall as he cornered you. To some people, it would make them feel unsafe. But at that moment, that was all you needed. “Hey don't cry” he whispered as you sunk down the wall, you didn't even realize that you were in fact crying until he said that. Then it got worse. You covered your mouth to hide the loud sob and the fact that you were breaking again. But he knew better. “Shh shh shhh honey you're safe now” he cooed as he got down on his knee, trying to block out the overwhelming crowd from your vision. If he could just get you high up and out of the way, you would be fine. He wiped your tears as you began to calm down. “Let's get you high up eh?” he asked softly and you nodded. As you stood at the edge of the sidewalk, you looked at the sea of people in fear. He wrapped his arm tightly around you and you gripped onto his collar, “Come on honey, no one can hurt you” he whispered softly as you worked your way through the crowd. You found Winters who was perched up to overlook the scene and Lew shoved you on top of that area. You instantly felt calmer being near both of them and you looked out with Winters. And then you saw it. The girls were thrown in the circle and sheared like sheep. You dropped down, gripping onto Lew as you grew afraid of the group. “What did they do,” someone asked and you just gripped onto Lew harder, pushing your body closer into him. “They slept with the Germans” someone stated behind you. You were about to snap a comment back but someone tapped you on the shoulder. “Miss, Your father is on the line” He stated and you nodded before pecking Lew’s cheek, seeing his concerned face as he didn't want you wandering around alone without him. “I’ll be careful Lew” you whispered out before leaving. 

That night, you two were able to snag a bedroom with some very nice farmers. You laid your head on his chest, relaxed at the peace and quiet that surrounded you two. Finally. You thought. You began to think of quiet nights like this back home. Would you live with Lew? Would he marry you? How many kids would he want- “Whatcha thinking about” he whispered making his chest rumble softly beneath your ear as your fingers stopped tracing his bare chest. “Nothing” you whispered back shyly. Truth be told, it was a little early to be thinking of marriage and kids, considering you’ve only been together for 2 and a half years, yet it felt like an eternity. “I know you Y/n” he whispered back before pressing his lips to your forehead. You sighed before sitting up and looking at him. “What's our future” you whispered out, it was bold, but it felt stupid. Not stupid to ask, but stupid to think he wouldn't be with you forever. His smile fell and he cocked his head. “What exactly about our future” he pressed. Your cheeks got hot, realizing that this could either break you or make you love him even more. “Will we get married?” you asked softly. You were hoping he wouldn't laugh, and you were thankful when his lips went up into a half smile. “I just need to get a ring. But of course, we will get married” he stated before sitting up. “Next question” he pressed while cupping your cheeks lovingly. “How many kids” you stated and he chuckled, “However many we can make” he answered playfully and you slapped his arm. Then he got serious, “However many you want is fine by me. I just wanna be with you for the rest of my life” he stated softly. It took your breath away. He pecked your lips softly before laying you both down. Holding you close to him, you felt complete, you felt love. Most importantly, you felt safe.

Part 6 

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