#Angus Watt

[the-hottest-band-tournament]

Round Three of The Hottest 80s Band Tournament

The Rolling Stones

Defeated opponents: Misfits, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

Formed in: 1962

Genres: Rock, pop, blues

Lineup: Mick Jagger – lead vocals, electric piano, percussion, guitar

Keith Richards – lead guitar, vocals

Bill Wyman – bass guitar, string synthesizer

Charlie Watts – drums

Ronnie Wood – electric guitar, pedal steel, backing vocals

Albums from the 80s:

Emotional Rescue (1980)

Sucking in the Seventies (1981)

Tattoo You (1981)

Still Life (1982)

Undercover (1983)

Rewind (1971-1984) (1984)

Dirty Work (1986)

Singles Collection: The London Years (1989)

Steel Wheels (1989)

Propaganda: 

AC/DC 

Defeated opponents: The Cult, Hüsker Dü

Formed in: 1974

Genres: Hard rock, blues rock, rock and roll

Lineup: Brian Johnson – lead vocals

Angus Young – lead guitar, occasional backing vocals

Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals

Phil Rudd – drums

Albums from the 80s: 

Back in Black (1980)

For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981)

Flick of the Switch (1983)

Fly on the Wall (1985)

Who Made Who (1986)

Blow Up Your Video (1988)

Propaganda: Critics put them down by saying they've made the same album seventeen times in a row. Fans call that consistency. They're guaranteed to bring the hard rock thunder, and at least a few memorable songs every time.

[scotianostra]

On 22nd February 1875 Sir Charles Lyell, eminent Scots Geologist, died.

Charles Lyell was born at Kinnordy, Angus 1797, he began his career as a lawyer, but later changed to geology. His background in zoology and the physical sciences allowed his research to cover more of a scientific scope. He believed that creation of the earth was not based on the interpretation of Genesis, but on the basis of scientific explanations. He sought a scientific knowledge of the formation of the mountains.

Lyell was also a Darwinist, and wrote of his observations in The Geological Evidence for the Antiquity of Man in 1863. Later, when he visited the Alps, he saw recognizable similarities in rocks of the Alps and Appenines. Both were made up of tertiary, uplifting rock strata.

Through his experiments on these two mountain ranges, he was able to identify the positions of the earliest seas and gulfs. He studied the glacial movements in mountains, like the Mere De Glace on Mont Blanc in the Alps, searching for a way to identify how exactly mountains were cut and formed. He also theorized a future “convulsion” that would make a new mountain range in Europe, east of the Alps.

Lyall’s greatest work was done on his Theory of Uniformism, based on his attempts to date the Alps: “Although we have not yet ascertained the number of different periods at which the Alps gained accessions to their height and width, we can affirm, that the last series of movements occurred when the seas were inhabited by many existing species of animals” (from Principles of Geology, 1863).

Uniformism meant that all of the processes in which the physical world changed in the past are also changing the physical world presently. Lyell’s theory was counter to many theories on catastrophism, which were based on the idea that the physical world was changed due to catastrophic events, like a flood, or an earthquake.

Of course all this made him quite unpopular amongst the then devout majority who believed the bible in it’s entirety, it’s remarkable that some still believe this version of events!

Although Darwin’s theories of evolution had it’s basis in some of Lyell’s work, the Scot had trouble accepting “the descent of man from the brutes,” He simply could not, as he put it, “go the whole Orang.” So although his Uniformism theories brought him condemnation from the church, he still had some sort of Faith that stopped him believing Darwin’s theories.

Charles Lyell died on 22nd February 1875 aged 77 at his home in Harley Street, London, he is buried at Westminster Abbey, his name lives on in Mount Lyell in Yosemite National Park. California; Lyell craters on the Moon and Mars; the Lyell Centre at Heriot-Watt University; and the jawless fossil fish, Cephalaspis lyell

[slashingdisneypasta]

Cain licked a hailstone right off Tallulah Casey's face for no apparent reason other then cuz he's bad and odd, Chris had a 'supervillain glare' to protect Em Watts at a party, Dean completely manipulated Molly Montgomery to get famous, Hayden and (a different) Chris were both actual enemies with their respective heroines at the start, and Sebastian straight-up used Penn O'Connell for a study,...

Just looking at the love interests in the books I used to read when I was 10-13 and realising they totally set me up for the men I like now 😅XD

The books, for anyone interested:

Cain and Tallulah are from Louise Rennison's hilarious Wuthering Tights Trilogy. These are so so funny, and I read the second one like a thousand times XDD Louise Rennison also did Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging and that is also amazing XDD You cant stop at just a few pages, you canttt XD

Chris and Em are from Meg Cabot's brilliant Airhead trilogy. AHH this one was my PERSONALITY for like a whole year. I cant even explain what this series was for me!

Dean and Molly are from Sarra Manning's Guitar Girl. ... I had (have) a huge crush on their evil manager Paul 😅 Also it has a great ending ^^ 'Instead we signed to a tiny, teeny label who can just about afford to take us out for coffee, and we write songs about what we watched on telly the other night. Oh, and dark-haired boys who steal your heart away' still gets to me.

Hayden is from Tara Eglington's How To Keep a Boy from Kissing You Duo. Oh, young me thought she was gonna be sooo popular with the boys XDD And well, Young Hannah- I must say you're going to be disappointed. Not because boys don't like you, but because you don't want them 😅😅😅

Chris is from Rachael Wing's Star Crossed. This was pretty much my first x reader fanfic XD You get to be Juliet to Chris' Romeo. I was a lil more interested in the dads though... is that a surprise? no.

And Sebastian and Penn are from Nansi Kunze's EXCELLENT Mishaps. This one??? THIS ONE??? Even more indescribable then Airhead. I just, ughhhhhhhh. I think I got a whole lotta my need to write from this book.

[spnae]

Chapter 10 Electric

***** ****** ******

Moments later the doorbell rang. Faith ran downstairs to get it but Spike was already there. “Evening, Cal, Faith’ll be along in a minute.”

“Callum,” he corrected gruffly, “and thanks.”

“I’m here, I’m here!” Faith declared, rushing to the door, “Hey!”

Callum looked her up and down taking in her black lacy top, sexy blue skirt and borrowed boots, “Wow… you look…”

“Too much? I knew the skirt was too—“

“You look amazing… gorgeous in fact…”

“Oh… humm, thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself,” she said, gesturing to his blue dress shirt.

Callum handed her a small bouquet of tulips in red, white and yellow, “I hope it’s not too girly.”

“Nah, you’re cool on this one. I actually do like tulips, thank you.

He shot her a thousand watt smile that nearly made her melt. Faith stood there dumbstruck for a few seconds before she snapped out of it.

“Here, I’ll take care of these and put them in your room,” Buffy said, making Faith jump in surprise with her sudden appearance.

Faith quickly schooled her features as Buffy took the flowers from her, “Oh, sure. Cool.”

“Now that’s taken care of, ready to go?” Callum asked.

She cleared her throat, “Yeah, I’m ready.”

“Have fun kids,” Spike sing-songed behind them.

“Shut up, Spike!” Faith threw back over her shoulder as they headed out the door.

Once they were gone Buffy turned to Spike, “So what about us?”

“I assumed the bubble bath was your way of saying you weren’t ready to go out yet,” he smirked.

“You really do get me don’t you?”

“I’ve always liked to think so, but then I’ve been wrong before haven’t I?” Spike asked, shifting himself to lean against the wall.

Buffy gave him a wistful smile, “Not recently. I have been looking forward to trying out the bathtub… and the bubble bath.”

He bit his bottom lip, “Then that’s what we’ll do, Love.”

“Well since nap time is out, I’m going to grab something to eat, you want anything?”

“I’m fine. You take your time, I’ll see you upstairs, Pet,” he said, pushing himself off the wall.

“Ahh huh, ok,” she shrugged, “I know you, you’re scheming…”

Spike grinned wickedly, “I prefer ‘planning’.”

“Have it your way.”

“Oh I plan to, Goldilocks.”

***** ****** ******

Back in town, Faith and Callum arrived at the pub. It was a cozy place with booths set all along the walls and a small stage opposite the bar with wooden tables in between. They had barely set foot inside the pub when a strongly built older man jovially shouted, “Cally my boy!”, from behind the bar.

“Bloody hell…” Callum mumbled, “Faith, I’m really sorry about this.”

“About what?” Faith started to say when the older gentleman had come up to Callum giving him such a strong bear hug that he actually picked him up off the floor a few inches before releasing him, “How are you, Lad? I’ve barely seen you all week. Who’s the pretty Lass?”

Callum rolled his eyes but smiled goodnaturedly, “Didn’t know you were going to be here tonight. Mum said you had off now you cut back your hours.”

“Oh aye, I did. Hadn’t actually planned on it, but when you’re needed… had to take care of a few things.”

“How come I can’t call you ‘Cal’ but this guy can call you ‘Cally’?” Faith interjected.

“Now you see what you’ve done? Got me in the doghouse before it’s even built,” Callum teased the man. “Excuse my manners, Faith. Unfortunately, this one here gets to call me whatever he fancies and I can’t do a damn thing about it… this here is my father. Dad, this is Faith. It’s largely thanks to her and her uncle that Angus and I are finally getting things off the ground,” he cleared his throat, “This is meant to be our first date.”

Mr. Ross raised his eyebrows, “That right now?”

“Yeah, well unless you count last night with my cousin,” Faith countered.

“What’s this?” Mr. Ross asked.

Callum shook his head with a chuckle, “It’s nothing, Dad. Faith asked me over to look at a new job. Professional visit. After that, her cousin and her bloke sort of roped us into watching a film with them.”

Mr. Ross crossed his arms over his expansive chest. “Must be someplace if you’ve hired my boy for multiple jobs.”

“Yeah, big old place. Needs a lot of work done,” Faith answered.

“They’re in the old castle just outside of town,” Callum interjected.

Mr. Ross gave a hum of interest, “And what’s some princess in a castle doing out with a working-class lad like my boy?”

Callum clapped a hand on his father’s shoulder. “Now Dad, Faith isn’t some—“

Faith cut him off, “Naw Callum, it’s cool. Been called a lot of things, but ‘princess’? Damn, that’s a new one on me,” her voice had a slight edge to it.

Callum’s dad smiled and suddenly the resemblance to his son was uncanny, “Oh aye. See why this one caught your attention, Cally.”

“Huh, yeah. Well, I’m no princess, my uncle sort of inherited the place. Started a private school for girls. I teach there,” Faith said.

“What is it you teach, Lass?”

“Advanced Martial Arts and Hand-to-Hand. That enough backstory for you?” She countered.

“Oh aye, that’ll do,” his eyes twinkled as he glanced at his son, “Might have met your match with this one, Cally-boy. Good to meet a woman who can handle herself.”

Callum grinned warmly at Faith for half a second before turning to his father, “Yeah well, I thought you had things to do, Dad.”

“Done, just heading home to your mum now. She’s making mussels tonight and you know what happens if I’m late for dinner,” he widened his eyes comically, “Ross men love a feisty woman.”

Callum rubbed the back of his neck, “Right then before mum’s mussels go wonky. Give her my love, will you?”

“Course I will, Lad.”

“I’ll see you soon, Dad,” Callum gave him a pat on the back and made a move towards the bar guiding Faith with a gentle hand on the small of her back. Faith realized with a jolt in her stomach that she didn’t mind the gesture coming from him.

Callum’s father followed them over, he had a quick word with the bartender and a very pregnant-looking waitress. Then he grabbed his hat from a hook behind the bar, “Alright Cally, I’m heading out, mind your manners. You’ll get in trouble if you don’t mind your manners. Just ask your mother.”

“I’m sure we’ll do just fine,” Callum replied.

“See that you do,” he gave his son a pat on the back and headed out.

It wasn’t until Callum turned to the bartender that Faith realized she recognized him. “Oi, Angus, a couple of beers for me and the lady. Faith, chicken and chips alright with you?”

“Yeah, I could eat.”

“Coming right up,” his cousin answered. The two men looked a lot alike except that Angus had bright red hair instead of Callum’s black hair. The difference was staggering. Angus set two beers down on the counter, “Your dad wants us to take a look at the storage room door. Damn thing keeps getting jammed.”

“Yeah alright,” Callum answered, slightly annoyed.

“How’d it go with that other job you were looking into last night?” His cousin continued.

Callum hitched a thumb at Faith, “Got the client here with me.”

“Blimey, thought you looked familiar,” Angus said as he offered his hand, then turned to his cousin with a knowing look, “you’re taking the job aren’t you?”

“I think we can do it.”

“Yeah, alright, we’ll talk later,” he said with a nod before turning toward another customer.

The two of them grabbed their beers and headed over to a secluded booth. “Must be rough, you guys both working two jobs,” Faith said as she sat down.

“Nah, it’s alright. My family is full of the entrepreneur types, and we all sort of help out at each other’s businesses,” Callum grinned.

“You are all really close then huh?”

“Now. Not always the case, I’d become a bit of a black sheep for a while but I’m over it. Moving on. What about you?”

“Pretty much the same,” Faith shrugged uncomfortably.

He eyed her for a moment before speaking, “Faith, I’m really sorry about my dad. I never imagined you’d meet both my parents before we’d actually been out on a proper date… really bungled things up coming here didn’t I?”

“Naw, it’s fine. Your dad actually seems alright. But what did you mean about meeting both your parents?”

Callum gestured to Faith’s necklace, “I stopped by my mum’s shop earlier. Told her about our date, and she remembered a couple of American girls coming in. Heard you talking, not hard to put it together.”

Faith had a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Callum took a long pull of his beer and gave her an appraising look, “You're the Slayer aren’t you?”

Faith sat up looking around then noticing his gaze she relaxed a little, “Why would you say that? What do you know about Slayers?”

“So it’s true?”

Her stomach clenched and she leaned forward pinning him with a hard glare, “Look I don’t know what you think you know but if you don’t start talking I’m out.”

He stretched out a hand to cover hers, “It’s alright, Faith. Really, it’s okay.” There was something about his tone that almost reminded her of Angel and had a disarming effect on her. She looked down at his hand covering hers and fought down the impulse to pull away.

“How do you know about Slayers?” She said calmly.

“Didn’t until today, thought my mum was off her nut, until just now. Apparently, my aunt was one. I knew my mum had a sister and that she had died very young but I swear I never knew anything else about her until today.”

“Your mom’s sister? When?”

He thought for a moment, “Think she died in 1970, or thereabouts. Why?”

Same year Robin’s mom was called… the Slayer before her? Damn, I am not history girl.

Faith swallowed dryly, “Say your story tracks, how’d your mom even know?”

“Yeah, well I guess she wasn’t supposed to but they were really close, sort of like you and Buffy I gather… All I know is what she told me.”

“Which is?” Faith prompted, slowly pulling her hand out of his grasp to pick up her beer.

Callum shifted back in his seat, concern on his face. “According to her, there’s only one Slayer in all the world. Now that’s the part I’m really having a hard time swallowing; she says you have these powers to kill vampires and demons and the like— Which seems stupid, how is one person, even one with supernatural abilities, supposed to fight all the vampires in the world?”

“And demons, and save the world at a seriously alarming rate. Does that freak you out?” She asked, taking a drink.

He took a sip of beer and eyed her critically, “You’re serious, it’s true then?” When she didn’t answer, he took a deep breath and bobbed his head, “I guess I’m just trying to wrap my head around it. I was really hoping Mum was just losing it,” he huffed, resting his forearms on the table and rocking his head back, accepting defeat.

“She’s not… but how did she-“ Faith started to ask but stopped herself, unsure if she really wanted to know the answer.

He dropped his gaze, shifting uncomfortably before answering calmly, “I guess from a few things you must have said in the shop, my mum was able to put together enough to realize you were like her sister. And you were having doubts about coming tonight because you’re afraid.”

His answer caught her off guard. “She ah, caught all that did she?”

He turned his beer in his hand, running the pad of his thumb over the glass, clearly holding back a torrent of questions. He

. “How long have you been the Slayer? Does your uncle know? How—“

“Ok so, wait a minute with the twenty questions… are you sure you really want to know all this? I mean really?” Faith asked seriously.

“I know I really want to get to know you. The way mum describes it, it sounds like this is a pretty big part of who you are.”

“This is why you asked to come by early.”

“I was supposed to check out another job, but after talking to mum I rescheduled that appointment. I figured you were more important than some built-in shelves.”

Faith was a little shaken, she wasn’t used to being put first like that. Like she was important. “You know I could bench you easy, and my job involves sticking stakes into vampires, and fighting demons, right? Just last night we evicted a vengeful spirit from Buffy and Spike’s bedroom. This isn’t an every-so-often kind of thing, it's every day. Do you really want to hear about that?”

He took a long drink and waited for the pregnant waitress to set down the chicken and chips they had ordered, “Maybe this is me being bloody stupid. I don’t know, but I do know that I have never met anyone like you in my life and I’d really like to know you better.”

“You’re sure none of this is sending you running for the hills?”

“Not yet anyway. I’ve been waiting to ask you out since we met but I didn’t think I was ready for another go at a relationship yet. When I thought you had a boyfriend, I… Well, I was really glad when you asked me. All this comes as a bit of a shock, sure, but it definitely makes you interesting.” He took a long pull of beer while Faith watched him, “Something I don’t get though, if you’re the Slayer then why does Spike call Buffy ‘Slayer’?”

“You caught that huh?”

“I just thought it was some kind of kinky nickname he had for her until now.”

Faith cleared her throat. Then chugged her beer, set the empty bottle down in front of her, and signaled the waitress for another. “Alright, so, first thing first; the way Spike says it, yeah, there’s definitely some serious kink he has going on there. You have no idea... Second, few things have changed since your aunt was the Slayer. Buffy is ‘The Slayer’ as in the original ‘to every generation’, blah blah…”

“But my mum said, you—“

“Oh I am. Long story short; Buffy died. For about a minute but it was long enough to activate another Slayer. When she was killed, I got called up.”

“Holy… so there’s two of you… and she isn’t really your cousin is she?”

Faith tapped her nose, “More like ‘chosen’ family. Same with Giles.”

“Wow… so… Wow, this is what you have to do… you have to lie to everyone?” He sounded more concerned than angry.

“About certain things, yeah… but it’s just—“ Faith stammered.

“To protect people. It sounds like a really complicated way to live. You’re sort of like a superhero.”

“Just no weird outfits or capes,” she laughed, “Yeah it is I guess, but it’s cool, not like I ever had anything else.”

“But Buffy and Spike; obviously he knows.”

Faith laughed again, “Oh yeah, he knows almost as much about Slayers as Giles does, only from a different angle.

“Should I assume he’s not exactly your typical guy?”

“You catch on fast. Yeah you could say he’s part of a eh- unique set, just like Me and Buffy,” she cocked her head, “Sort of.”

“What’s his story anyway?”

“Oh no, I’m not going there. Let’s just say he can keep up with us in a fight pretty damn well. He’s a good guy to have on our side.”

“Sounds complicated...”

“I haven’t even started on my backstory. It’s almost as complicated as his. You sure you want to get into all this?”

“I am if you are.”

Faith took a deep breath, unsure about what she wanted to tell him, “How do I know you’re not going to—“

“Blab it about town? My own father thinks my aunt died in a horrible rock climbing accident in the highlands. My mum only told me today because she thought, given your concerns, I should know what I was getting into,” he smirked, “Trust me Faith, I won’t say anything you don't want me to.”

Faith took a breath and cleared her throat, ”Good, because we tend to be a little iffy about straights finding out.”

He raised his eyebrows, “You’re not like the mob, I’m not going to find a bomb in my bed or something…”

“You know you’re leaving the door wide open for a great sex joke right?”

Callum flashed a sexy smile, “Not my intention, but ah, if that’s where your mind went with that I take it I’m safe.”

“Yeah, our business is protecting people from the baddies. We’re the good guys.” Faith replied.

“Okay, so what are the good guys doing running a girls school?”

She watched him drink his beer and took a sip of her own, “Alright…” she said as she proceeded to tell him a little more about the school and her role in it.

Callum sat back against the corner of the booth stunned, “So basically, it is what you say it is. You're just very selective on who you take on. So all those girls you teach… they’re—“

“Yup… freaked out yet?”

He let out a low whistle and shook his head, “That’s a lot to take in,” he took a sip of beer and nodded, “Alright I’m good, I’m hanging in. Wow, I bet Spike was really having a laugh about that whole superhero training camp thing.”

“Yeah well wouldn’t you?”

“Suppose so,” he tilted his head slightly and grinned.

“What’s that look for?” Faith asked, cocking her head to the side.

“Most of my adult life, I’ve been dealing with Superman jokes. Comic geeks wanting to call me ‘Kal-El’ or ‘Clark Kent’. Especially now there’s that Tom Welling bloke everyone says I look like. Not sure I see it myself, but that’s not the point. The point is that all this time I’ve tried to distance myself from that and then here I am. Falling hard and fast for a girl who is an actual real-life superhero. Who, by the way, looks like I should be able to pick up with one hand.”

“Did you say you were falling for me?”

He suddenly looked slightly bashful, “Afraid I think I am. That— is that alright?”

Faith covered her sudden desperate need to run by digging into the basket of chicken and chips in front of her. “As long as you’re okay with the fact I could toss you across the room without really trying, and I’ll never need your help opening a freaking jar.”

“Remind me not to piss you off.”

“Yeah, that doesn’t usually go well for the other guy,” Faith grinned and let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding as she relaxed against the booth. She suddenly stiffened slightly again, “Are we talking about incarcerations tonight or are we saving that conversation for another time?”

Callum shifted in his seat, “If you want to…but ah, given everything else, I’m voting another night.”

Faith nodded, “Sorry, didn’t mean to bring down the mood.”

“Impossible.”

“Ah huhh, say that again after you get to know me better,” she chuckled darkly, “So anyway, is that why you don’t like being called ‘Cal’, something to do with comics?”

“Kal-El, with a ‘K’, is Superman's Kryptonian name, it’s just a little too close to ‘Cal’ when you look like the Man of Steel as much as I do.”

“You won’t hear me complain. Never got into comics myself but damn, maybe I’m missing out,” she grinned.

“I’m starting to think this slow and steady thing might be harder than I thought.”

“Kinda getting that vibe too,” Faith took a sip of her beer as she eyed him, his muscles straining under his shirt. The urge to rip it off of him like tissue paper was strong.

She set her beer down, “As much as I’d really, really like to find a nice quiet spot somewhere and make it a whole lot less quiet... Like a week ago. I really want this time to be different. What your mom overheard was all true. I do like you, a lot which is big for me and I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“So the bit about the bathtub?”

Faith nearly choked on her beer, “Your mom heard that too?”

“In her defense, the acoustics in that place are wicked. I used to think my mum was magic or something. I learned fairly early on you can hear everything from behind the counter even when you’re not trying to,” he laughed, “So, I take it this isn’t the tub on the fourth floor then.”

“No, we have a massive jacuzzi type tub in our bathroom. It takes forever to fill so we don’t use it much, but it’s seriously amazing after a long day.”

“Don’t really do baths myself.”

“Not manly enough?”

“Piss on that, I’m just too damn tall for most tubs.”

Faith laughed, “I think this one would work for you.”

Callum raised an eyebrow, “Maybe I’ll have to check it out,” he smirked.

“Maybe the third date,” she said, taking a drink.

Callum gave her a slow smile, “Now, ya know something. That raises an interesting point, is this date number one or number two?”

She watched him as he casually leaned towards her a little and her heart suddenly sped up, “Sort of depends on how the next one goes, I’ll let you know.”

“Already planning another date?”

“Kinda thought this one was going pretty well so far. You already know one biggy. So I’m game if you are.”

Callum grinned, “Oh I’m game.”

***** ****** *****

Back at the castle, Spike rummaged around in the wardrobe in their room looking for candles. It took a minute but he struck pay dirt, a whole box of white candles. They were really there for power outages and spells but they would do just fine to set the mood. He knew he didn’t have much time. He had managed to grab some blood just as the girls came into the kitchen with pizza they’d brought back with them from town for dinner. Buffy had stayed down stairs to eat but he knew she wouldn’t be long.

He had started lighting the last of the candles in the spacious bathroom when he heard Buffy calling for him from their bedroom, “In here, Love. Bring your special bubble bath would you?”

Buffy chuckled to herself. She grabbed the bubble bath and padded her way barefoot into the bathroom carrying it and a bottle of wine and two glasses. It was dark except for the dozen or so candles he had lit. The tub was still filling as Spike stood there shirtless waiting for her. She smiled when she saw him. “I was hoping for candles,” she said, setting down the bubble bath on the side of the tub.

“I’ll take those,” he added, taking the wine and a glass. He poured some into each glass. They touched glass before each taking a sip, “Thought we were out of wine.”

“Got some more today, what do you think?” Buffy set her glass down and started shrugging off her top revealing the lace camisole she had on underneath.

“Little sweet for my taste but it’s not bad,” Spike said as he continued to watch her with hungry eyes as she leaned over to pour bubble bath into the tub.

The scent of blackcurrant and honey filled the air, “That’s better huhh?”

He looped a finger into Buffy’s waistband, pulling her towards him roughly. Buffy gave a playful little squeal as he did so. He tugged at the bottom of her camisole, “I think we can do better,” he smirked.

****** ****** *******

Faith let out a crow of triumph as she sunk another billiard ball, winning her second round against Callum. A local band had begun playing about an hour into their date and the place had filled up.

“You warned me you were good. Best three out of five.”

“You’re just looking to have your ass handed to you.”

“Rather have yours, but I’ll take what I can get,” he grinned.

Faith returned it with her own, “Obviously. Alright, rack’em up, pretty boy.”

“Pretty boy?” He repeated, getting closer to her. Faith allowed him to pin her against the table. “Where do you come down on kissing on a first date?” He asked.

“Sort of feeling like a second date, don’t you think?”

Callum’s grin widened as he leaned in to kiss her. Faith snaked an arm behind his neck to deepen the kiss. It was electric. Faith had never been kissed like that in her life and that was saying something considering the amount of practice she’d had. They broke apart breathing a little heavily, “Holy shit,” she gasped.

Callum steadied himself, he was also feeling the effects of the kiss, “So, ah that wasn’t a one-sided Slayer thing I take it, you felt that too?” he gasped.

Faith nodded, still catching her breath.

“Definitely feels like a second date,” Callum breathed in her ear.

“I’ll say,” she pulled him back down for another kiss as he picked her up onto the billiard table. She felt him pressing hard against her through his jeans and felt her own body responding to him. Gears clicked inside her head, she wanted him now. It was more than clear that he wanted her too. But no. It couldn’t happen, not here, not now. Not yet.

Faith placed a firm hand on his chest just as he started to pull away, “If we don’t stop, Lass, these folks are going to get a very different show than they came in here for.”

They both looked at one another, eyes blazing and breathing heavily. Callum took a step back, allowing Faith to slip down off of the table. She pressed her lips together relishing the after effects of the kiss, “If that’s any indication, I’m thinking you might be right about a bomb going off in your bed.”

Callum’s eyes flashed and he grinned a little, “You’re ruddy dangerous you are. Like you’re trying to take a sledgehammer to my resolve.”

“I could say the same thing to you,” she said, pushing him back just a little, a sly smirk playing on her lips. “Rack'm up, mister, we're not done here.”

*****

A few hours later Callum and Faith were standing at the castle’s door once again. “You want to come in for a drink?” She asked.

”Not so sure that’s the best way to go about this going slow bit, beautiful. Especially after our little display at the pub,” he grinned.

“Who’s stupid idea was this taking it slow thing anyway?”

“Pretty sure it was a mutual consensus,” he chuckled.

“So next time?”

“Next time? How soon can we do next time?”

Faith smiled, “How’s next Friday?”

He pulled her to him, “That’s too far away.”

Faith let out a shuddering breath, “I’m on duty tomorrow night. You’re off from the hardware store on Tuesdays right?”

“Probably coming here to start on the elevator if I can get the parts. How do you feel about mixing business and pleasure?”

She shrugged one shoulder, “Doesn’t bother me.”

“So, Tuesday?”

“Unless I can talk you into coming upstairs now.”

Callum hesitated as Faith pulled him down for another electrifying kiss. “Didn’t we just go over this?” He asked breathlessly.

“Just making sure. Gotta say, your restraint is pretty damn hot.”

“I don’t go into the hardware store until afternoon on Wednesday.”

“Tuesday it is.”

“Tuesday. I’ll take you back to my place, we’ll have a night in. I’ll cook.”

“You cook?”

“Man’s gotta eat. The crockpot is my best friend. Does all the work for me.”

“Fair enough,” she smiled.

They shared one last long kiss before Callum finally left for the evening. Faith’s heart pounded in her chest as she closed the door. She couldn’t help the broad smile on her face as she made her way upstairs. Tuesday. She’d never allowed a guy to get to her like this before. Not even Robin. Sure she had thought they had something going. Neither one of them had ever used the dreaded “L-word”.

This connection she was feeling with Callum, just felt different. Hadn’t Callum even said he was falling for her? Was that what this was? Love… the real deal? The thought put her stomach in knots but then she thought of his smile and couldn’t help but smile again. She was still smiling when she reached her floor. The door to Buffy and Spike’s room was shut but she could still hear muffled sounds from within. Clearly their night hadn’t ended yet.

[hislopchino]

Angus Deayton, 1992

Photo by Richard Watt

(1/2)

[fazcinatingblog]

Horrible news about Angus Brayshaw retiring, but before anyone lays blame on a certain Collingwood player, remember that Dale Thomas single handedly ended the career of Jack Watts

[moviereviews101web]

Locusts (2019) Movie Review

Locusts (2019) Movie Review Director: Heath Davis Writer: Angus Watts (Screenplay) Starring: Jessica McNamee, Ben Geurens, Justin Rosniak, Carolina Brazier, Peter Phelps, Andy McPhee, Nathaniel Dean Plot: Two estranged brothers who are reluctantly reunited in their remote hometown at their father’s funeral. They become the target of an extortion scam at the hands of a gang of violent local…

[independentartistbuzz]

Pastel Blank Goes the Distance on “Dopamine”

Formed in 2019 from lead singer/songwriter Angus Watt’s desire to provoke more dancing within the Victoria, B.C. indie music community, Pastel Blank carries on the torch of such genre-defying luminaries as Talking Heads and Women. Kaleidoscopic guitarwork blends together jagged jabs of funk, soft shades of bossa-nova, and punchy disco beats to create a listening experience that flows between the grooves of indie rock, prog-pop, and new wave.

Produced by longtime band member and musical polymath Connor Head, “Dopamine” is the second single from Pastel Blank’s forthcoming debut album. One of Watt’s desires for the recording in-studio was for the single to express the excitement and playfulness of the soon-to-be infamous Pastel Blank live show. “Dopamine” is about the moment when you realize you’ve been flipping between apps like you’re checking an empty fridge for the 10th time, hoping to feed your receptors something that feels as good as the younger days of however long ago you picked up your phone.

[arawnsarmory]

The following short paper talks about the importance of Hotspur as Hal's foil, and how much he sucks.

Hotspur is the son of Northumberland, though as far as intelligence or self control are concerned he might as well have been sired by a rock. Hot-headed as his nickname suggests, Harry Percy is the somewhat self-imposed rival to Hal. The story picks up only a few years after the fall of Richard II; Henry is under constant duress as a result of numerous and simultaneous revolts by the Welshmen and the Scots. The overarching plot of Henry IV pt. 1 is nearly a direct result of Hal losing it with the king in the first act of the play, wherein he denies the king his request: those captured by Hotspur in his fighting with the Scottish. “Of prisoners, Hotspur took Mordake the Earl of Fife, and eldest son To beaten Douglas; and the Earl of Athol, Of Murray, Angus, and Menteith” (I, i, Lines 70-3), all of whom rightly should have been delivered up to the king. However, as is a running theme with Hotspur, these prisoners he kept as a trophy of his victory even under direct command by Henry. The king then also says that he will make no effort to pay ransom on Mortimer, who had been captured by the aforementioned Welsh. It is interesting that the king first compares Hotspur to Hal favorably, as it is a tell of the other issue he’s grappling with: that of Hal and his utter disrespect for his own birthright. These are the two main stories of Henry IV and both are directly tied to Hotspur.

Harry Percy is furious at this slight by the king towards himself and Mortimer, and so plots to usurp him. He joins with Blunt, Worcester, and the Scot Douglas, who together convince Northumberland to join as well. They all resolve to at their victory split England between themselves, with the rightful heir of Richard: Mortimer, take Henry’s place. They are slow in their planning, instead bickering over what land will go to whom. Through delay on Northumberland’s part, the rebels lose a considerable portion of their potential power. However, their plans go forward and the king becomes aware of the army being accrued by Hotspur and the others.

This is where the two stories of Henry IV meet; those of Hotspur and Hal. These two are linked a couple ways: Hal does not live up to his father’s ideal, while Hotspur lives for honor and combat; Hal shows a truly intelligent and well liked character, while Hotspur is self-centered and focuses only on his own 12-watt ideas. This also works well and accentuates Hotspur’s role as Hal’s rival, for that is what he is really: a hurdle for Hal to leap, and in doing so grow up and accept his own role as Prince of Whales and heir to the throne. This step, would not have been taken by Hal if not for his hatred of Harry, and final need to prove himself in the eyes of his father.

Hotspur is the linchpin of the whole first half of Henry IV, as he binds together the stories of rebellion and redemption of himself and Hal. even his death is important; the greatly anticlimactic nature of it shows how little he was in comparison to Henry V, and how Hal so outclassed him in every regard. He died mid-speech, undignified and cut short, just as his rebellion was. This end is fitting for Hal’s foil, as Hotspur begins in greatness, but falls quickly to ruin and death whereas Hal started as a disgrace, rising to his own rightful place in honor. His story’s end served to push forward Hal, into the king’s favor and into the responsibility he had ignored for so long.

[wybienova]

[mariocki]

The Saint: The Fellow Traveller (2.1, ITC, 1963)

"Do that again."

"Do what?"

"Flutter your eyelashes - it's standard procedure when you're lying."

"Simon, darling, I never tell you a lie!"

"Magda, darling, you have not uttered one word of truth since we met."

[scotianostra]

14th September 1797 saw the birth of Charles Lyell at Kinnordy, Angus.

Lyell was an important Scottish geologist, in his seminal work, Principles of Geology, he challenged the dominant thinking of the time which was based on the biblical viewpoint. He grew up in the New Forest in Hampshire where, encouraged by his father, he developed a keen interest in natural history. In 1816, Charles went to Oxford University to study classics but also attended geology lectures by William Buckland.

Building on the ideas of James Hutton, by careful observation he concluded that the Earth's physical features and its inhabitants were the result of continuous physical and chemical processes occurring gradually over long periods of geological time. Lyell's theory was revolutionary and infuriated the devout majority.

He later supported Charles Darwin's ideas about evolution. He was a patron of the Edinburgh Geological Society, Lyell was known chiefly for his influential book, the three-volume Principles of Geology. He even married a geologist: Mary Horner, the well-educated daughter of Leonard Horner (who founded Heriot-Watt University). Their honeymoon in 1832 was a geological tour of Switzerland and Italy.

Charles had been made the first Professor of Geology at King’s College, London, but he resigned in 1833 in the face of criticism that his lectures contradicted Biblical chronology, even to this day there are bible thumpers who try to discredit the work of Lyell, Hutton and the likes!

Charles Lyell died on 22nd February 1875 aged 77 at his home in Harley Street, London, he is buried at Westminster Abbey.

Lyell’s name lives on in Mount Lyell in Yosemite National Park. California; Lyell craters on the Moon and Mars; the Lyell Centre at Heriot-Watt University; and the jawless fossil fish, Cephalaspis lyelli.

[thepermanentrainpress]

WEPT RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM

Victoria’s Wept has released their debut album, Dress Me Like I’m Yours. FKA ACAB Rocky, this is the band’s first formal LP, the culmination of two years’ work. Simply put, it’s a beautiful introduction.

Their lyricism carrying a brazen maturity and sincerity, speaks positively to the group’s growth as musicians. Another highlight is their instrumentation, twinkling guitar lines adding an intricate – and much appreciated – depth. Stream and purchase the new release below.

Dress Me Like I'm Yours by Wept

Posted by: Chloe Hoy Photo credit to: Paige Collins Photography

[stateofconfusion]

stones in rehearsal, 1969, by ethan russell

[hislopchino]

Angus Deayton, 1992

Photo by Richard Watt

(2/2)

[sevengraces]

Angus and Their No Good, Very Bad Day (That Had A Better Ending Than Expected)

Hey! I know I'm working on another fic but I promise this won't slow my update schedule. This is my first TAZ fic so uh sorry if it isn't what you hoped.

The Adventure Zone, Angus McDonald Centric, Hurt/Comfort, Coming Out

AO3 Link, Master Post

TW's Panicking Coming Out Internalized Ableism Referenced Albleism Misgendering (he didn't know) Referenced Transphobia If I forgot anything let me know! I hope you like it (:

Angus is running behind on his way to a magic lesson with Taako. He is a little tense so he doesn't handle the misgendering and masking as 'well' as usual. Taako is usually only pretending to be oblivious.

-----------

Angus had flinched a little more visibly at Taako's first nickname, they usually hid it pretty well but he was off schedule and catastrophizing. “Oh! Nothing sir, I was just worried about being late for magic lessons.” They rocked in place a little before noticing and stopping suddenly, shooting a hundred-watt smile at Taako.

“He was late, this would definitely be the end for him.” Angus’ brain unhelpfully told him. Despite their brain’s pessimistic and possibly realistic suggestions Angus continued to rush towards Taakos’ suite. Taako had scheduled all of their magic lessons on Tuesdays and he knew that it never changed but he had slept in by accident and then left their hat in his apartment so then they had to go back and get it. All together Angus was late and something told him that this would be the last straw, which was unfortunate and terrifying. Angus burst into the Tres Horny Bois apartment, huffing in great gasps of air, “Hello sir! I’m so sorry that I’m late! I understand-” “No prob Agnes, do I look like I care ‘bout bein’ on time?” Taako shrugged before dropping into the common room couch with a sigh, “What’s uh, gotcha so worked up there pumpkin?” he asked with a casual glance at his nails, despite the fact that his ears were visibly tense it was clear that he was hoping to appear unaffected, like usual. Angus had flinched a little more visibly at Taako's first nickname, they usually hid it pretty well but he was off schedule and catastrophizing. “Oh! Nothing sir, I was just worried about being late for magic lessons.” They rocked in place a little before noticing and stopping suddenly, shooting a hundred-watt smile at Taako. He hesitated a moment before shaking his head and replying, “If you say so little dude,”-Angus flinched a little less at that but now that Taako was paying attention it was easier to notice- “Let’s learn some sick tricks huh?” Angus nodded, maybe a little quickly, “Of course sir! What would you like to teach me today?” And the lesson went on, it wasn’t like there was a scheduled end to the lessons but Angus preferred it to be consistent so they always ended after about an hour. They had been working on the higher ranking first level spells so it was a little bit more difficult than usual but Angus was nothing if not persistent. Taako hadn’t really expected Angus to get it on the first try, he knew Angus was a smart kid so he wasn’t particularly worried. But by the end of the lesson Angus seemed dismayed, “I’m sorry sir. I’ll make sure to practice so that I have it by the next lesson!” Taako quirked his brow, “I mean I didn’t really ‘xpect ya to get it first try boychik, but if you’re really worried I don’t have anywhere to be.” Angus tensed, maybe on a really good day he would’ve been able to go past their usual time. But today wasn’t a good day. Angus was already off schedule and out of sync, they had woken up late and nearly forgotten their hat, which sat just right on his head and alway comforted them. And usually Angus could handle the light misgendering they always got but today was a tense day and everything felt too wrong. They breathed out, it was fine, he just had to think of a reason that the lesson had to end on time. “We- Well sir, it’s just th-” Taako interrupted him, “Y’know you don’t have to use the ‘sirs’ with me right? Like it’s no big little dude.” Angus flinched hard, which did not get past Taako at all. “Alright Ango what’s up with you today?” Taako asked, plopping down on the couch once more. “I- Well nothing sir? But the lesson ended so I bet-” Angus began to head towards the door. “Ango, bud, we finished the lesson, that's fine, this is just talking now. What’s up? You’re more twitchy than usual and kinda tense.” Taako’s ears flicked a tad. They hesitated before sitting down on the arm chair. “I’m sorry sir. Can you promise not to be angry?” Taako blinked for a moment, “I mean I’m not your dad so I dunno what I’d be mad about but uh, sure. I won’t be upset Mcdango.” Angus nodded and cleared his throat, “Right, right. So I probably should have told you sooner, like a lot sooner, sorry. It’s just well-” Angus was tapping their fingers and rocking. “I guess the best way is to just say it. Um, sir, I’m nonbinary? I know I’m just a little kid and all that but I do know for sure and uh, I guess I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. I understand if you don’t want to teach me anymore sir.” “Well shit kiddo ya coulda just said so? Whaddya want me to use instead and all that?” Taako asked, a bit more visibly attentive. “Oh, uhm, well I use he/they but don’t like a lot of gendered terms. So uh, maybe not calling me Agnes anymore or calling me a little boy? You can still use the other names that you use with everyone just not all the time?” Angus puffed his cheeks before letting the air out and doing it again. “For sure bud, rock on! Just, uh one more question, pumpkin?” He asked, waiting until Angus nodded, “What’s uh what’s up with the rocking and the schedule stuff? ‘Cause y’know I don’t really care how long we take, ‘xcept when I’ve got somewhere to be, and you seem real insistent on it.” Angus stopped stimming real quick, “Oh! I’m sorry sir, I’ll stop!” Taako shook his head, “Nah boychik, I don’t care if ya do it or not I was just uh wonderin’ is all.” “Oh okay, most people get upset when I stim.” They muttered, mostly to himself. “Well sir I’m autistic so I stim to regulate my emotions and I have to maintain a schedule or I’ll have a meltdown. I don’t usually tell everyone because they baby me even more and then I never get anything done, plus some people are really mean about it.” Angus answered. “Huh, neat kiddo. Is that why you don’t like eye contact too much?” Taako nodded towards them. “Yes sir, if it bothers you I can try to do more eye contact! That is also why I always use the ‘sirs’ and ‘ma’ams’ so I can try to stop doing that too if you want me to.” Angus adds. “Nah, s’alright I don’t really like eye contact either and if you like your little monikers then go nuts. It’d be kinda hypocritical of me to dunk on you for your stims seeing as I have a few of my own. I sorta figured you were on the spectrum, like recognizes like yanno?” he replied, eyes downcast with an ear perked up. Angus’ eyes practically doubled in size and their hands flapped a little, “Really sir?” He bounced a little when Taako nodded, “Does that mean- well I guess.. Uhm-” Angus hesitated. Taako raised his eyebrow before looking over at Angus, “Go ‘head and ask pumpkin, I ain’t gonna skin ya for it.” Angus nodded, “Yeah of course sir! Uhm is it okay if I unmask with you then? And does that mean Mister Magnus and Mister Merle are safe too?” He very privately decided that he would burn a spell slot on anyone who made Mcdango feel like they couldn’t unmask, “Sure bucko, you can go nuts with me. I’m sure Dumb and Dumber won’t mind either. I’ll tell ‘em not to call ya Agnes anymore too?” Angus nodded, “Yeah if you could ask them not to anymore, but uh maybe don’t tell them why?” They tucked their shoulders in and angled their head up in a little chirp motion. Taako nodded, “ ‘Course, that’s up to you to tell ‘em but I can probe if you want?” They shook their head yes before clicking their tongue and asking, “And uh, sir if you want to, you don’t have to or anything, but if you want you don’t have to mask either? If you do or anything.” Angus flexed his hands a little. Taako hummed a little, “Thanks Ango, ‘preciate it or whatever. I’m just a little out of practice unmasking, or else I’d do it all the time obvs.” Angus shot out of their seat before bouncing on their feet and flapping for a minute, “Can I hug you sir?” Taako let out a long-suffering sigh that was made hollow by his wry smile, “If ya want Mcdango.” he answered before opening his arms for the excitable kid he found himself emotionally invested in. If Taako went and threatened Merle and Magnus into behaving even if he didn’t really need to then that was between him and Istus and no one else.