#Charles Chu

[ysasimblr]

[mrs-stans]

@villem_keizer11: Can you feel the vibes of Antiparos? Great moments with great people. See you again guys. @annabellewallis @imsebastianstan @cmbenz @how_about_mina @alissamalnati @chacecrawford @willmalnati @ethruss @george.siotou @petros_tsentidis

[queer-book-character-tournament]

Character, book, and author names under the cut

Three Seagrass- A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

Daniel da Silva- Think of England by KJ Charles

Chu Wanning- The Husky And His White Cat Shizun by Meatbun Doesn't Eat Meat

Celia Lang- These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

[whirlwind-lancer-dilan]

I have a question:

have to any of you happened the little scene by the fire with Sean and Charles where Sean says he wants to have s3x, Charles tells him "I hope not with me" and an amused Sean blows him flying kisses?

[hollingshall]

the peacekeeper.

NAME Winston Chu FACECLAIM Jeon Wonwoo AGE & DOB 18, February 14th MAJOR Chemical Engineering ROOM ASSIGNMENT Floor 4, room 406.

More often than not, Winston can’t help but feel like a background character in his own story. It’s a role he’s always felt well suited for — Plucky sidekick, who always pops in for a quotable one liner or sarcastic remark. Being both a brainiac and comic lover never helped him change that view point, either. It’s the place he naturally fit into, a spot that seemed like the safe and practical choice. The sidekick never gets hurt, never has his heartbroken; He’s the one keeping things moving, uniting people as the plot develops. There’s a safety to it, security. If you never take a big risk, you can never fail, right?

There’s no denying Winston is often the glue holding his friends together. His ability to adapt to any situation has always served him well, proving himself as the underdog to beat time and time again. But as time goes on and he finds himself branching out more, there’s no room for him to remain the sidekick. It’s time for him to dawn his own polyester cape and silly mask, and be more. The way he sees it, TU is the perfect opportunity to lean in and let himself break out of the box he’s put himself in. As terrifying as the thought is, he’s determined to make this his year — University means a whole new world, a whole new set of people, and most importantly: A whole new Winston.

connections.

MILES HOLLINGSWORTH – roommate, childhood best friend. Miles and Winston could not be more different from one another, and yet the two can’t think of a time where they weren’t best friends. At first glance, most assume the two would have nothing in common – When in reality, there’s no duo that understands each other better than Miles and Winston. Their differences have always complimented each other well, bringing a balance by providing what the other needs. Miles breaks Winston out of his shell, reminding him that he’s no sidekick. In return, Winston helps pull Miles out of his own head, often having to save him from himself. 

TINY BELL  – tutor, unlikely friend. Taking a summer class seemed like a great idea until Winston walked in and didn’t know anyone. Tiny didn’t seem like someone he’d end up being friends with, let alone tutored by. Yet the two found themselves sitting together, sparking a conversation that ended in exchanging numbers. They’d become fast friends after that, with Tiny saving Winston’s grade on more than one occasion. He was able to pass his summer course, and thankfully — Now he’d be starting university with more than one friend. 

RASHA ZUABI – wing woman.  If you were to see Rasha and Winston, you would assume they knew each other for years, based on the way they roast one another, and easily they make one another laugh. Despite having just met during orientation, the two quickly established a sibling-like relationship, feeding off of each other’s energy. More so, they took on the role of wingman/wing woman for one another with a natural ease, after Winston tried to ask Rasha out on a date and quickly learned they both like girls. In a short period of time, they seemed to stumble into a lasting friendship.

ESME SONG – annoyance. Winston never liked Esme. Point blank, full stop. But, his best friend seemed to be head over heels for her – So he tried to be friendly, putting on an Oscar worthy performance, until it became clear that Esme had no interest in actually becoming friends or even acquaintances. Her manipulation was clear to him, knowing all of her carefully placed conversations and attempts at getting to know him were for show. Once it became clear that they would never see eye to eye? Winston stopped bothering to try, happy to voice his opinion about her to anyone who will listen – Including Esme herself. 

the role of winston chu is taken.

[moonkkives]

- ( NEWSFLASH! )

pairing: max verstappen x fem!reader, charles leclerc x platonic fem!reader, driver!reader

summary: charles can’t tell what’s worse, having to deal with ferrari or having to see his two best friends pinning on each other.

warning: fluffy!, charles wingman this time <3, mentions of banging someone’s head against a metal door <3

word count: 635

them: sundress, zoo culture

author's note: daniel back in the grid? hello? <3 also can we please talk about how f1 official social media is ignoring nyck like he’s the plague?

also, send any requests/ideas for this story if you have any! these are my babies right here 😭

max had hit a new low, charles noticed.

like, he was never one to effectively hide his feelings for his teammate; but this was starting to become a problem.

in part for his well-being, because, to be honest, if he looked at max’s lovesick eyes filling you every move when you weren’t looking he was going to throw up.

both metaphorically and physically.

but also, it was slowly but surely starting to affect his racing career — you just worked too well together. way too well.

it was one thing that red bull being an absolute rocket ship. it was another, however, when your connection to your teammate so deep that it was a huge task to be able to get past both of you on track.

you move in synchrony all of the time, easily switching between defending and attacking

your dynamic was pure magic, as david croft had mentioned many times in the past.

you were both aware, because, how could you not? terrorizing the rest of the gird had become your whole personality.

“better luck next time charles, hopefully!” “yeah, that ferrari is certainly— some thing else.”

pierre always laughed at charles’ face after.

and charles always pinched your arm in revenge.

but honestly, he would be lying if he said he wasn’t happy for you. he couldn’t think of anyone else more deserving to be in a top team at the moment.

similar to max, charles and you also went way back. only that you became best friends from the get go.

so, you can imagine how much charles has suffered for the past million years watching both of you blindly pin on each other.

you might we’re talented, but you sure are oblivious as fuck.

fast forward to today, he felt lando fake a gag right beside him as they were walking towards their cars to get ready for the pre-race driver’s parade.

“are you seeing that?” lando asked, “disgusting.”

charles chuckled, eyes setting on the pair that had undoubtedly catched the eyes of many people on track.

you were both walking ahead of the group, side by side and in your little own world. max was laughing at something you had said.

it probably wasn’t even that funny, but charles wasn’t going to go there.

max responded to your comment, making you let out a chuckle and softly push his arm. but a smile on his face, he took the chance and confidently wrapped his arm around your shoulder.

he heard lando let out a low teasing “ooh”.

they both watched as you trailed your fingers down his back, before wrapping it around his waist.

this time lando let out a surprised laugh, “ooh—“ he started, “that was cheeky.”

charles laughed, slapping his arm “mate, you’re being too loud!”

lando ignored him, eyes glued to both of your figures as you walked side by side, arms in arms. “she’s getting confident! did you see that little—“ he said, imitating your previous hand movement down max’s back “little thing. baby’s gonna get her man!”

he could now hear albon’s laugh coming from behind them, having now caught up on the gossip. albon pushed lando from behind.

charles shushed them both, however, his eyes were gleaming with amusement. “can you guys be any more obvious!”

lando groaned, “oh, come on! someone has to tell them!”

“absolutely not.” charles refuted, just like he had since day one, “they’ll figure it out themselves.

albon raised a brow at him, “how are you so sure?” he asked, now walking beside him and lando

charles chuckled, “because,” he started. “if they don’t, i’ll bang my head against a metal door.”

with his eyes still on you, charles couldn’t help but smile at the ways your arms were wrapped around each other, heads angling to meet in the middle and footsteps synchronized.

you were going to figure it out, charles thought, you had to. . . right?

[terresdebrume]

"I won't let them touch you" for your dead boy detective agency boys

Thanks for the prompt friend! :D Sorry it took so long, I was at work and then I got plagued with The Insecurities

This fits the possessive side of things slightly better than the dramatic one? Idk. I feel like I've failed to comply with the rules, even though I like the snippet x)

Anyway, thanks again, and if anyone else wants to send a prompt the list is right there

The sun beats down on the town square, bright enough to hide the outside world behind a veil of golden light and turn cousin Katherine's dress into a blinding beacon of virginal purity. Whatever one thinks of the concept, Edwin admits to himself, there is no denying that summer weddings occasionally provide such vivid image as to at least explain how it may have come to be. Nevertheless, he stays away. Of his three cousins, Katherine is the one he always felt the most kinship for, and he would not have missed this ceremony for the world, and yet--Edwin's knuckles brush together, gloveless skin shot through with electricity at the realization, and Edwin jolts his hands apart again. He tries to shove them into his pockets, only to pull them out once more when he remembers not to break the lines of his navy suit. Trying to settle them at his side proves no more fruitfull: the pose feels unnatural and constrictive, as if his hands were pulling against some kind of invisible tie.

"Here," Charles says, stepping between Edwin and the aisle, the lean line of him neatly obscuring the sight of Edwin's hands. "Have at it for a minute, yeah?"

It takes a moment for Edwin to understand, and when he does hit throat immediately constricts with emotion. They have never truly talked about this quirk of Edwin's. Not in the way they perhaps should have, at any rate. It is largely Edwin's fault: for all that he has learned to pursue his interests more openly and unashamedly, there are some areas of his life he has yet to dare confront. Cut and dry is all well and good, but even he can be made to appreciate the value of ambiguity. And so: they haven't talked about it. The way Edwin's fists knead against one another without thought whenever he feels tense, the way he rarely wears less than three layers of clothing if he can help it. The way busy weeks at work make him come home impatient to shed them, the very contact of cloth against his skin so intense as to feel like pain. The way loud noises make him want to stick a pencil in his ears, sometimes.

They haven't talked about it, but Charles took note anyway, and never once expected Edwin to change. Edwin, almost overcome with gratitude, lets out a long, quiet sigh of relief, and leans forward until his forehead can rest against the back of Charles' neck.

"It's no use, you know," he sighs, murmuring to ensure his voice won't be carried out to where his paternal grandmother is slowly walking towards the door. "The minute they see--"

He does not stop himself from pressing his fists together this time. Doesn't try to ignore the tightness of his shoulder, or the beating of his heart--and because he doesn't try to pretend they aren't here, they grow smaller. More manageable, in a way, than they ever were when he was alone. Without quite meaning to, Edwin smiles down at the back of Charles' suit, red in a sea of greys and blues. Here, hidden behind Charles, Edwin knows no one will try to pull his hands apart.

"You don't worry about them," Charles says, quiet but firm. "I won't let them touch you."

Charles once slapped Edwin's father's hands in the middle of dinner at the Ritz, all for the crime of trying to stop Edwin from mashing his fists together. Edwin belives his latest proclamation immediately, and without reservation. Still:

"You cannot fight my entire family," he says, just for the pleasure of hearing Charles put on his cocky voice and retort:

"Just you watch. First one to look a little too close gets whooped on their bum."

Edwin, despite himself, finds himself chuckling, straightening up until he can look at Charles properly. The light from outside lines the edge of his cheek in golden light the hoop in his ear as bright as a halo. He is a flame in the darkness of the church, bright and warm as a fire in the hearth. Edwin, born and raised in the icy cold of a winter lake, can never get enough.

"Surely," he says, "you don't meant Granny Gladys."

"Especially Granny Gladys," Charles retorts. "I'm not gonna turn my back and let her get me with her rollator."

Edwin, with some difficulty, bites down on a burst of laughter. In front of him, Charles turns his head just far enough to flash a wicked grin, sharp and shameless in a way that makes Edwin's stomach expand into the warmest of feelings. Charles must see something in his face then, because he turns serious, hands coming up to frame Edwin's face as he looks into his eyes and says:

"I'm serious you know. If your father tries to slap your hands again, I really will send him down on his arse."

"I believe you", Edwin says, insides turning embarrassingly gooey at the fierceness of Charles' tone.

"Good," Charles says, still frowning in intensity. "There's nothing wrong with you. There's nothing wrong with your hands. I know I haven't been where I should have been--"

"Charles," Edwin interrupts, heart picking up speed with the alacrity of a racing car, "you don't--"

"No, listen to me," Charles insists, hands pulling gently at the sides of Edwin's face until their foreheads touch, "no more hand slaps. No more eye contact. I couldn't be with you these past seven years, and I'm sorry--but I'm here, now, and I don't care what anyone in your family says, as far as I'm concerned, unless you want to, you don't have to look anyone in the eye ever again."

Edwin stares, half feeling like he is about to liquefy. He feels so, so warm here in the coolness of that church, warm like the sun in spring after a long winter. Warm like a nice sweater on a winter evening. Warm like Charles' smile, like the way he only ever takes Edwin's hand in his with love, like the way the only thing he ever did with Edwin's fist was wrap his hands around them like a shield. Edwin stares, and swallows hard, and catches Charles into a crushing hug before he can do something absolutely daft like kiss him right here, where all his family could see.

[medievalandfantasymelee]

Our 296 Noble and Worthy Contenders

Adhemar, Count of Anjou [Rufus Sewell], A Knight's Tale (2001)

Prince Aemond Targaryen [Ewan Mitchell], House of the Dragon (2022-)

Aguilar de Nerha [Michael Fassbender], Assassin's Creed (2016)

Ahchoo [Dave Chapelle], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Ahmad [Mahesh Jadu], Marco Polo (2014)

Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan [Antonio Banderas], The 13th Warrior (1999)

Alessandro Farnese [Diarmuid Noyes], Borgia (2011-2014)

King Alfred the Great [David Dawson], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

Shah Ala ad Daula [Olivier Martinez], The Physician (2013)

Allan-A-Dale [Joe Armstrong], BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-2009)

Sultan Alauddin [Ranver Singh], Padmavaat (2018)

Amarendra Baahubali [Prabhas], Baahubali Series (2015-2017)

Amleth [Alexander Skarsgård], The Northman (2022)

Ancelyn ap Gwalchmai [Marcus Gilbert], Doctor Who: “Battlefield” (1989)

Antonius Block [Max von Sydow], The Seventh Seal (1957)

Aragorn, Son of Arathorn [Viggo Mortensen], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Arman [Matevy Lykov], I Am Dragon (2015)

Arn Magnusson [Joakim Nätterqvist], Arn: The Knight Templar (2007)

Arondir [Ismael Cruz Córdova], The Rings of Power (2022-)

Arthur Pendragon [Oliver Tobias], Arthur of the Britons (1972, 1973)

King Arthur [Richard Harris], Camelot (1967)

King Arthur [Graham Chapman], Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

King Arthur [Nigel Terry], Excalibur (1981)

King Arthur [Sean Connery], First Knight (1995)

King Arthur [Alexandre Astier], Kaamelott (2004-2009)

King Arthur [Bradley James], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)

King Arthur [Charlie Hunnam], King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

Asbjörn [Tom Hopper], Northmen: A Viking Saga (2014)

Ash Williams [Bruce Campbell], Army of Darkness (1992)

Asneez [Isaac Hayes], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Athelstan [George Blagden], Vikings (2013-2020)

Azeem [Morgan Freeman], Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Azog the Defiler [Manu Bennett], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)

Balian de Ibelin [Orlando Bloom], Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Bard the Bowman [Luke Evans], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)

Ser Barristan Selmy [Ian McIlhinney], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Father Beocca [Ian Hart], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

Beowulf [Gerard Butler], Beowulf & Grendel (2005)

Bilbo Baggins [Martin Freeman], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)

Bjørn Ironside [Alexander Ludwig], Vikings (2013-2020)

Bofur [James Nesbitt],The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)

Boromir, Son of Denethor [Sean Bean], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Sir Bowen [Dennis Quaid], Dragonheart (1996)

Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert [Sam Neill], Ivanhoe (1982)

Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert [Ciaran Hinds], Ivanhoe (1997)

Bronn [Jerome Flynn], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Brother Cadfael [Derek Jacobi], Cadfael (1994-1998)

Carlos I [Álvaro Cervantes], Carlos Rey Emperador (2015-2016)

Caspian X [Ben Barnes], The Chronicles of Narnia (2010)

King Caspian X [Samuel West], Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1989)

Cesare Borgia [Mark Ryder], Borgia (2011-2014)

Cesare Borgia [Francois Arnaud], The Borgias (2011-2013)

Charles Brandon [Henry Cavill], The Tudors (2007-2010)

Prince Charmont [Hugh Dancy], Ella Enchanted (2004)

Prince Chauncley [Daniel Radcliffe], Miracle Workers: The Dark Ages (2020)

Chris Vexler [Karan Soni], Miracle Workers: The Dark Ages (2020)

Chu Hun [Peter Ho], Double World (2020)

“Cinderella’s Prince” [Chris Pine], Into the Woods (2014)

Connor MacLeod [Christopher Lambert], Highlander (1986)

Corlys Velaryon [Steve Toussaint], House of the Dragon (2022-)

Ser Criston Cole [Fabien Frankel], House of the Dragon (2022-)

Daario Naharis [Michiel Huisman], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Prince Daemon Targaryen [Matt Smith], House of the Dragon (2022)

Darkness [Tim Curry], Legend (1985)

Ser Davos Seaworth [Liam Cunningham], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Prince Dastan [Jake Gyllenhaal], Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Dong Yilong [Henry Lau], Double World (2020)

Khal Drogo [Jason Momoa], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Durotan [Toby Kebbell], Warcraft (2016)

Eamon Valda [Abdul Salis], The Wheel of Time (2022-)

King Ecbert Ealhmunding [Linus Roache], Vikings (2013-2020)

Lord Eddard Stark [Sean Bean], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Edgin Darvis [Chris Pine], Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (2023)

King Edmund the Just [Skandar Keynes, Mark Wells], The Chronicles of Narnia (2005-2010)

King Edward I Plantagenet [Stephen Dillane], Outlaw King (2018)

King Edward III Plantagenet [Blake Ritson], A World Without End (2012)

King Edward IV Platagenet [Max Irons], The White Queen (2013)

Edward, the Black Prince [James Purefoy], A Knight’s Tale (2001) 

Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford [Claude Rains], The Prince and the Pauper (1937)

Elendil [Lloyd Owen], The Rings of Power (2022-)

Elrond Half-elven [Hugo Weaving], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Elrond Half-elven [Robert Aramayo], The Rings of Power (2022-)

Sir Elyan [Adetomiwa Edun], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)

Éomer, Son of Éomund [Karl Urban], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Erik Thurgilson [Christian Hillborg], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

Étienne de Navarre [Rutger Hauer], Ladyhawke (1985)

Faramir, Son of Denethor [David Wenham], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Fezzik [André the Giant], The Princess Bride (1987)

Fili [Dean O’Gorman], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)

Finan [Mark Rowley], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

Fjölnir [Claes Bang], The Northman (2022)

Forge Fitzwilliam [Hugh Grant], Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Francesco de Pazzi [Matteo Martari], Medici (2016-2019)

Francois Villon [Ronald Colman], If I Were King (1938)

Frodo Baggins [Elijah Wood], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Sir Galahad [Michael Palin], Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Galavant [Joshua Sasse], Galavant (2015-2016)

Galessin, Duke of Orkney [Alexis Hénon], Kaamelott (2004-2009)

Gandalf [Ian McKellan], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Gawain [Dev Patel], The Green Knight (2021)

Gendry Waters [Joe Dempsie], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Geoffrey Chaucer [Pier Paolo Pasolini], The Canterbury Tales (1972)

Geoffrey Chaucer [Paul Bettany], A Knight’s Tale (2001)

George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence [David Oakes], The White Queen (2013)

Geralt z Rivii [Michał Żebrowski], Wiedźmin {The Witcher} (2002)

Geralt of Rivia [Henry Cavill], The Witcher (2019-)

Gest [Jakob Þór Einarsson], Hrafninn flýgur {When the Raven Flies}(1984)

Gimli, Son of Gloin [John Rhys-Davies], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Giuliano de Medici [Bradley James], Medici (2016-2019)

Glenstorm [Cornell John], The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

Prince Graydon Hastur [Tony Revolori], Willow (2022)

Gríma Wormtongue [Brad Dourif], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Gu Tingye [Feng Shaofeng], The Story of Minglan (2018)

Guildenstern [Tim Roth], Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)

Gündoğdu Bey [Kaan Taşaner], Diriliş: Ertuğrul {Resurrection: Ertuğrul} (2014-2019)

Sir Guy of Gisbourne [Basil Rathbone], The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Sir Guy of Gisburne [Robert Addie], Robin of Sherwood (1984-1986)

Sir Guy of Gisborne [Michael Wincott], Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Sir Guy of Gisborne [Richard Armitage], BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-2009)

Sir Gwaine [Eoin Macken], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)

Haldir of Lothόrien [Craig Parker], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Prince Hamlet [Laurence Olivier], Hamlet (1948)

Prince Hamlet [Christopher Plummer], Hamlet at Elsinore (1964)

Hamlet [Iain Glen], Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)

Lord Harekr [Bradley James], Vikings: Valhalla (2022-)

King Henry II Plantagenet [Peter O’Toole], Becket (1964)

King Henry II Plantagenet [Peter O’Toole], The Lion in Winter (1968)

King Henry V Plantagenet [Laurence Olivier], Henry V (1944)

King Henry V Plantagenet [Kenneth Branagh], Henry V (1989)

King Henry V Plantagenet [Tom Hiddleston], The Hollow Crown (2012-2016)

Henry VII Tudor [Luke Treadaway], The Hollow Crown (2012-2016)

King Henry VIII [Ray Winstone], Henry VIII (2003)

Prince Henry [Dougray Scott], Ever After (1998)

Hubert Hawkins [Danny Kaye], The Court Jester (1955)

Hugh Beringar [Sean Pertwee], Cadfael (1994-1998)

Prince Humperdink [Chris Sarandon], The Princess Bride (1987)

Inigo Montoya [Mandy Patinkin], The Princess Bride (1987)

Isildur, Son of Elendil [Maxim Baldry], The Rings of Power (2022-)

Ivanhoe [Anthony Andrews], Ivanhoe (1982)

Ivar the Boneless [Alex Høgh Andersen], Vikings (2013-2020)

Jacques le Gris [Adam Driver], The Last Duel (2021)

Jack [Tom Cruise], Legend (1985)

Jafar [Marwan Kenzari], Aladdin (2019)

Ser Jaime Lannister [Nikolaj Coster-Waldau], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

James Douglas [Aaron Taylor Johnson], Outlaw King (2018)

Jareth, the Goblin King [David Bowie], Labyrinth (1986)

Jaskier [Joey Batey], The Witcher (2019-)

Prince Jingim [Remy Hii], Marco Polo (2014)

Little John [Nicol Williamson], Robin and Marian (1976)

Little John [Eric Allan Kramer], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Prince John [Claude Rains], The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Prince John [Richard Lewis], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Prince John [Oscar Isaac], Robin Hood (2010)

Jon Snow [Kit Harrington], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Ser Jorah Mormont [Iain Glen], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Kai [Michael Gothard], Arthur of the Britons (1972, 1973)

Kili [Aiden Turner], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)

The Kurgan [Clancy Brown], Highlander (1986)

al’Lan Mandragoran [Daniel Henney], The Wheel of Time (2022)

Sir Lancelot [Luc Simon], Lancelot du Lac (1974)

Sir Lancelot [Nicholas Clay], Excalibur (1981)

Sir Lancelot [Richard Gere], First Knight (1995)

Sir Lancelot [Santiago Cabrera], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)

Legolas Greenleaf [Orlando Bloom], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Leofric [Adrian Bower], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

Sir Leon [Rupert Young], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)

Lin Shu [Hu Ge], Nirvana in Fire {Lángyá Bǎng} (2015)

Loial [Hammed Animashaun], The Wheel of Time (2022-)

Lurtz [Lawrence Makoare], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Madmartigan [Val Kilmer], Willow (1988)

Le Maître d'Armes (the fencing master) [Christian Bujeau], Kaamelott (2005-2009)

“Man With Snake” [Barry John Clarke], Edward II (1991)

King Mark of Cornwall [Rufus Sewell], Tristan & Isolde (2006)

Martin [Rutger Hauer], Flesh + Blood (1985)

Massetto [Dave Franco], The Little Hours (2017)

Matrim “Mat” Cauthon [Donal Finn], The Wheel of Time (2022)

“The Mayor of Hamelin” [Claude Rains], The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1957)

Mehmed II [Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu], Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020-2022)

Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck [Dominic Monaghan], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Merlin [Nicol Williamson], Excalibur (1981)

Merlin [Sam Niell], Merlin (1998)

Merlin [Colin Morgan], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)

Mikoláš Kozlík [František Velecký], Marketa Lazarová (1967)

Miles Hendon [Errol Flynn], The Prince and the Pauper (1937)

Mordred [Jason Done], Merlin (1998)

Much [Sam Troughton], BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-2009)

Murtagh Morzansson [Garrett Hedlund], Eragon (2002)

The Mute [John Bernthal], Pilgrimage (2017)

Nasir [Mark Ryan], Robin of Sherwood (1984-1986)

Niankoro [Issiaka Kane], Yeelen (1987)

Niccoló Machiavelli [Julian Bleach], The Borgias (2011-2013)

Niccoló Machiavelli [Thibaut Evrard], Borgia (2011-2014)

Nicodemus Ravens [Jakob Oftebro], Skammerens Datter {The Shamer's Daughter} (2015)

Prince Oberyn Martell [Pedro Pascal], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Odda the Elder [Simon Kunz], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

“One-Eye” [Mads Mikkelsen], Valhalla Rising (2009)

Osferth [Ewan Mitchell], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

Sir Percival [Tom Hopper], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)

Peregrin “Pippin” Took [Billy Boyd], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Pero Tovar [Pedro Pascal], The Great Wall (2016)

Perrin Aybara [Marcus Rutherford], The Wheel of Time (2022-)

Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish [Aiden Gillen], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

High King Peter the Magnificent [William Moseley, Noah Huntley], The Chronicles of Narnia (2005-2010)

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Rilk [Jesse Lee Keeter] JourneyQuest (2010)

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[blue-devil-of-the-lord]

Voice of an Angel

Kurt Wagner x OFC (Emily Reynolds) Words: 14.5K Warnings: Killing, injuries, bloody stuff , bad cheesy flirting, criticism regarding religion/ God. A/N: Everybody lives, I don't care about canon it jumped out of the window

As Emily pushed open the grand doors, a rush of nostalgia flooded her senses along with that familiar scent that had clung to the building for decades. Despite the years that had passed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging wash over her, accompanied by a subtle smile playing on her lips.

Amidst the bustling corridors, she caught glimpses of students darting about, some offering nods in her direction while others remained absorbed in their own world. Emily understood their indifference; after all, it had been years since she roamed these halls, and she wasn't one to draw attention to herself. Yet, amidst the crowd, there were a few who recognized her, their gazes lingering just a moment longer.

" Emy!" A familiar voice cut through the bustling noise, and Emily's smile widened exponentially as she spotted the figure of her old friend making her way towards her. "Storm." With genuine warmth, she enveloped her friend in a tight embrace, the years melting away in an instant. "God, how long has it been? Three years, four Breaking away from the embrace, Emily kept her hands on Storm's shoulders, the bond of friendship palpable between them. "Add three more, and we're getting closer," she replied with a chuckle.

"I'll never forgive Charles for sending you to Colombia," she muttered, the resentment evident in her tone. Emily's gaze softened. "But you know why I went," Emily replied gently, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on Storm's arm. "There was a surge in mutant appearances. Someone had to lend a hand, and at that moment, I had nothing better to do." A fleeting smile tugged at Storm's lips, despite her lingering frustration. "And I suppose your Spanish is impeccable now," she remarked with a hint of sarcasm.

Emily couldn't resist a playful grin. "You bet. My Spanish has never been sharper, mi amiga." Storm snorted, a mix of exasperation and genuine amusement dancing in her eyes. "I guess you didn't come here just for small talk?" Emily could see a small glimmer of hope in her eyes and was relieved not to have to stifle it. "No, not at all. I've come back home." An honest, broad smile slowly spread across Storm's face. "Does that mean-?"

Emily interrupted with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, waggling her eyebrows for emphasis. "I'm back. And you'll have a hard time shaking me off anytime soon."

Storm burst into laughter, her previous tension melting away as she pulled Emily into another tight embrace. "Come on, we've kept your room untouched. Let's catch up properly."

Emily's heart swelled with warmth at the realization that her friends, her family, had preserved her space, a silent testament to their unwavering belief in her return. Despite the overwhelming urge to accept Storm's invitation and immerse herself in the familiar comfort of her old room, she knew she had to decline.

"I'd love nothing more than that, Storm," she began, her voice tinged with regret as she shook her head gently and placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder, "but I'm afraid I'll have to speak with Charles first." A soft sigh escaped Storm's lips, and Emily observed a subtle slump in her friend's posture, but she was met with a small, understanding smile.

"Of course. Come with me," Storm replied, her voice gentle as she gestured for Emily to follow.

Contrary to Emily's expectations, Storm veered away from the typical paths leading to Charles' office or the classrooms, guiding her instead towards the basement. Towards the danger room. Emily's brow furrowed in confusion, but before she could voice her question, Storm sensed her gaze and shot her a knowing look, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

" The professor doesn't partake in the training sessions himself, silly," Storm explained with a chuckle, glancing at Emily from the corner of her eye. "He simply oversees and supervises."

Emily's lips twitched with a mixture of amusement and faux indignation. "Well, excuse me for assuming the great Charles Xavier might don his superhero cape and join in the action," she quipped, though a telltale blush crept up her cheeks. She knew full well the limitations Charles faced with his wheelchair, but the mental image of him engaged in combat training was too absurd not to entertain.

The doors to the monitoring room smoothly slid aside, revealing Charles Xavier seated in front of the console, his presence commanding even from behind the safety glass that separated them from the danger room.

Though his appearance hadn't changed—still bald, still in his wheelchair—his aura of wisdom and compassion remained as strong as ever. Emily's smile widened as Charles turned to greet her, his own expression gentle and welcoming. "Emily. It's good to see you."

" Likewise, Charles," she replied, her voice incredibly soft as she closed the distance between them. With a warmth that transcended mere words, she enveloped him in a heartfelt embrace, which he returned with equal tenderness. In that fleeting moment, tears welled in her eyes.

Charles Xavier had been her guiding light since she was just a frightened ten-year-old, alone and adrift in a world of uncertainty. He had plucked her from the darkness, offering her not just refuge, but a home and a family. To Emily, he had been more than a mentor or a teacher; he had been the father figure she had lost too soon.

As they parted from their embrace, Charles gently took Emily's hands in his own, his gaze lingering on her with a sense of fondness and pride. "You've grown up, my dear," he remarked, his tone reflective."

" I was already grown up when I left," Emily countered with a small smile, meeting his gaze.

Nevertheless, Charles's eyes traced over her features, as if trying to commit every detail to memory—every wrinkle, every freckle—as if seeing her anew. "Still. You've changed," he observed. " Emily's smile softened, touched by his perceptiveness. "And you haven't changed at all," she replied, a fondness coloring her words. Charles chuckled softly, releasing her hands as he turned his wheelchair to face the glass once more.

"Believe me, I've gained a few wrinkles in the last few years," he admitted with a self-deprecating smile, casting a brief glance over his shoulder at Emily. "Come on. The simulation is almost over. We'll have plenty of time to catch up afterward."

Emily stepped closer to Charles, peering through the glass pane into the room below. Familiar faces greeted her sight—Scott, focused as he honed his skills with precision, and Hank, dangling from the ceiling with a mixture of grace and agility. Yet, there were others whose identities eluded her.

"Logan," Charles offered as he followed Emily's gaze to the muscular, dark-haired man below. With each movement, he extended three metal claws from each hand, dispatching his opponents with ruthless efficiency. " He's lent us his aid on occasion when we've needed it," Charles continued, his gaze thoughtful as he observed Logan's relentless onslaught.

"He's a complex individual, and we're not entirely certain if he'll choose to remain. But he's got his heart in the right place. Most of the time."

For a few moments, Emily watched Logan's movements, however, her attention was drawn away when she noticed Storm step closer, her expression filled with concern as she scanned the room below. Who are you looking for?" Emily inquired, turning to face her friend, curiosity piqued by Storm's searching gaze.

"Kurt," Storm replied, her focus still fixed on the activity below. "He's a recent addition, and I wanted to ensure he's adapting well," she explained.

"There you are," Storm's voice broke through Emily's concentration, drawing her attention once more to the swirling black cloud of mist below. Emily furrowed her brow, trying to discern any trace of Kurt within the nebulous veil, but her efforts proved fruitless. Turning back to her friend, Emily found Storm's gaze now fixed on another corner of the room. Following her friend's line of sight, Emily squinted, only to find another ominous cloud—this one tinged with hints of black and blue, hovering over a defeated opponent.

After a few more futile attempts to locate Kurt amidst the obscure mist, Emily turned to Charles.

" That's something new," she remarked, her gaze shifting back and forth between Storm's determined expression and the enigmatic phenomenon in the danger room below.

Charles's laughter filled the room and he shook his head with amusement. "Not quite. Look closely," he urged, gesturing towards a seemingly empty space amidst the projected enemies. Frowning in concentration, Emily scrutinized the area, trying to discern any hidden details.

Before she could formulate a response, the air around the targeted enemy shimmered, and a dense black cloud of mist materialized out of thin air. The opponent staggered, collapsing under the weight of the unseen force, as another cloud of mist emerged, swirling and merging with the first.

" What the-?!" Emily's exclamation was cut short as Charles raised a hand, urging her to remain silent. " Watch carefully," he instructed, his gaze intent on the unfolding spectacle below.

Once more, Charles pointed to a specific spot, and as if in response to him, the black mist reappeared. Emily's eyes widened in realization as she finally saw what Storm and Charles had been observing all along.

Through the dense smoke and the distorted reflection on the glass pane, Emily strained to discern the figure hidden within the swirling mist. Gradually, the outline of a person, presumably a man, emerged, materializing out of thin air to swiftly incapacitate his opponent before vanishing once more.

"Teleporting. He's a teleporter!" Emily exclaimed, her eyes widening with a mixture of awe and excitement. "I've never seen anything like it, and I've dealt with a lot of them. Holy shit." Storm's smirk hinted at a hidden amusement as she cautioned, "Don't say that too loudly. Our dear Kurt is a very devout man."

"I'll be as gracious as ever," Emily replied with a chuckle. Storm's snort of amusement was accompanied by a comforting pat on Emily's shoulder. "Come on, the simulation's as good as over. I'll introduce you. Besides, Scott and Hank will be happy to see you."

Emily glanced at Charles, seeking reassurance, and found it in his nod of approval. With a grateful smile, she briefly touched his shoulder before following Storm out of the room. As they approached the door to the Danger Room, Storm offered her a brief heads-up. "A little heads up," she explained in a low voice, "Logan's often in a bad mood. Always, actually. So don't take it too personally."

"I'll do my best." With that, the doors slid open, revealing the familiar yet unpleasant scent that greeted them. Emily wrinkled her nose in distaste as they stepped inside.

Staying on the sidelines to allow the others a moment to catch their breath, Emily watched as Hank recovered more quickly than the rest, his eyes lighting up with recognition as he spotted them.

"Emily, it's good to see you," Hank greeted her with a broad smile. Knowing his discomfort with physical affection, Emily refrained from offering a hug, instead returning his smile with a nod of acknowledgment. Scott, however, had no such reservations. "You're still alive," he exclaimed with a grin, enveloping her in a tight embrace that squeezed the air from her lungs.

"Scott," Emily croaked softly, teasingly. "You stink and you're wet. Go away, old man." Despite her playful protest, there was a warmth in her voice.

Scott released her from the embrace with a playful scoff. "I'm three months older than you."

" Emily shot back with a smirk, "Judging by your reaction time in training, you'd think you'd have been around when Socrates wasn't even being planned." She could almost envision Scott rolling his eyes behind his glasses, but her attention was drawn away by a low, throaty laugh. Surprised, Emily turned to find Logan, who had lit a cigar and was regarding her with a mixture of amusement and approval, his arms crossed in front of his chest. "I like the little girl," he remarked.

Emily couldn't help but grimace at the nickname. "I'm not little," she retorted, a touch defensively. Logan chuckled and turned away towards the door. "Sweetheart, you're like, a meter fifty. Tops." It wasn't exactly mature to stick out her tongue, but Emily couldn't resist the urge, before turning back to the others.

"Forget Logan," Scott interjected, his expression turning serious as he draped an arm around Emily's shoulder. "The guy's never in a good mood. By his standards, this was just a wedding proposal." Emily grimaced. Sure, Logan was undeniably attractive, but from what she'd already observed, she could tell for sure that he was definitely not her type.

"Please don't." Scott laughed and finally released her from his grasp, prompting a grateful sigh from Emily. She genuinely loved her friend, but he was definitely in dire need of a shower.

As her gaze swept over the faces gathered in the room, something caught her attention, and she furrowed her brow in thought. "Wait, there's someone missing here, isn't there? Where's the cloud guy? What was his name again, Kain?" Emily mused aloud.

A voice behind her, tinged with an unfamiliar accent, responded to her query. "Kurt. Kurt Wagner."

As Emily turned around, her eyes fell upon the figure standing next to Storm—a man who instantly captured her attention. He was undeniably the most attractive man she had ever laid eyes on. Yet, as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she blinked in confusion.

Taller than her, yet slightly shorter than Scott or Hank, he possessed a lean, muscular build that spoke of athleticism. However, it was not the sculpted physique of someone who meticulously trained for aesthetic reasons, but rather the natural result of physical activity. Emily couldn't help but surmise that he might have been involved in acrobatics or gymnastics, given his slender yet defined form.

These physical attributes alone didn't give her pause. It was everything else about him that left her momentarily speechless, caught off guard by the sheer magnetism he exuded.

His skin bore a striking hue of deep indigo blue, adorned with intricate, if unfamiliar, symbols that seemed to dance across his surface in mesmerizing patterns. His blackish-bluish hair cascaded in untamed curls, framing a face that held an otherworldly allure. Emily couldn't help but notice his pointed ears peeking through the tousled locks, a subtle yet unmistakable feature.

As far as she could tell, he had only three fingers and three toes, the latter clad in matching shoes. His smile revealed a set of sharp fangs, adding to the enigmatic charm that surrounded him. A tail, adorned with a spade-like tip, swayed gently behind him. Despite these striking features, it was his golden eyes that held her captive, their intense gaze locking onto hers with a depth that seemed to penetrate to her very soul.

By all conventional standards, he wasn't attractive, but in that moment, Emily knew she had never encountered anyone more compelling, more captivating, than the man before her and she'd be damned if she'd ever meet anyone more attractive.

With a warm smile, Emily extended her hand towards Kurt, which he accepted in a firm yet surprisingly gentle grip. Despite the unfamiliar sensation of his touch, she found his hand pleasantly soft and warm, a stark contrast to his otherworldly appearance. She couldn't help but feel a blush creeping onto her cheeks as she met his gaze.

" Emily Reynolds, it's a real pleasure," she introduced herself, her voice tinged with genuine warmth as she exchanged a handshake with the enigmatic man before her. As she allowed her eyes to roam over him once more, she noticed a slight shift in his demeanor, a subtle fidgeting that betrayed his unease under her scrutiny. Emily couldn't help but feel a surge of amusement at his reaction.

"German, I guess?" she ventured, directing the question towards Kurt. He nodded in affirmation, prompting a knowing smile from Emily. Turning to Storm, she couldn't resist teasing her friend with a playful remark. "You know, if you'd told me you'd picked up such a good-looking bloke, I'd have come up from Colombia a lot sooner," she quipped with a wink.

With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Emily turned back to Kurt, her smile widening as she addressed him directly. "Am I right, handsome?" she teased, her tone light-hearted yet genuine.

Emily couldn't suppress her delight as she watched Kurt's cheeks darken in embarrassment. He stammered out an apology before vanishing in a puff of smoke, leaving Emily amused by his sudden departure. Turning to the others, who wore expressions ranging from astonishment to amusement, Emily raised an eyebrow defiantly.

"What?" she challenged, crossing her arms defensively across her chest. "He is handsome."

~**~

With a resigned sigh, Emily gently closed the book she had been perusing and carefully returned it to its place on the shelf. It had been three weeks since her return, and while the lessons had been demanding enough, it was another matter altogether that weighed heavily on her mind.

Unintentionally, Kurt had taken up residence in her thoughts. What had begun as fleeting musings about the teleporter had gradually evolved into a persistent presence in her mind. At first, she had dismissed it as a passing curiosity, but as time went on, his image seemed to intrude upon her thoughts more and more frequently, making it increasingly difficult for her to focus on her duties.

Despite his unconventional appearance and the initial awkwardness of their encounter, Emily had come to realize that Kurt was genuinely sweet and honest—a rare find in their line of work. Yet, his unexpected hold on her thoughts only added to her frustrations, complicating her already demanding responsibilities.

As she closed her eyes and leaned against the bookshelf, Emily couldn't help but wonder how she had managed to become so captivated by someone she barely knew. And though she tried to push him from her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that Kurt had somehow managed to find a permanent place in her thoughts, whether she liked it or not.

With a resigned sigh, Emily acknowledged the unreciprocated nature of her flirtations with Kurt. Each attempt seemed to result in either a shy blush from him or his sudden disappearance, leaving her feeling frustrated and uncertain of where she stood.

Deciding that she wasn't in the mood to read her class's French essays that day, Emily craved a change of scenery. The weather outside was pleasant, and with most of the students still in class, she could seize the opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet in the garden. Leaving the confines of the classroom behind, Emily made her way to the tranquil garden, where the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle chirping of birds welcomed her.

Ever since she was a little girl, Emily had felt a deep affection for the school grounds—the wide green fields, the tranquil woods, and especially the meticulously tended gardens. Among the lush foliage, there was a particular bench tucked away amidst the fragrant rose hedges—a sanctuary she had often sought out when the pressures of life became overwhelming.

However, as she approached her cherished retreat that day, she discovered that someone else had claimed it before her. Kurt sat there, engrossed in his notepad, seemingly lost in thought.

" Hello, handsome," Emily greeted him with a mixture of surprise and warmth, her heart fluttering as he looked up from his writing to meet her gaze with those captivating golden eyes. It had become a habit for her to address him in such a manner, and to her delight, he had never protested.

"Emily. I wasn't expecting you," Kurt greeted her, his voice soft and filled with genuine surprise. She chuckled lightly and looked down at him gently. Kurt sat cross-legged, dressed in simple attire, a drawing pad resting in his lap and a pencil poised in his hand.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you too much? If so, can I go?" Emily inquired, her concern evident in her tone. He shook his head tentatively, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, and gestured for her to join him. "Please, sit down," he invited warmly.

Without hesitation, Emily accepted his offer and nestled herself beside him on the bench. "I didn't realize you could paint," she remarked, her curiosity piqued as she observed his sketches. Kurt shrugged modestly, his attention returning to the paper before him. "It's nothing special, though it helps to calm the mind," he explained softly, his fingers deftly moving across the page as he continued to work on his creation.

Emily hummed in agreement, her gaze drifting over the serene surroundings of the garden. "Whenever I was overwhelmed as a pupil, I came here. It was my safe space, so to speak," she reminisced softly.

Kurt's gaze lifted from the paper to meet hers, a playful sparkle entering his eyes.

"Then I really hope my presence doesn't—destroy that security," he quipped, a hint of self-deprecation in his tone.

Emily smiled, understanding the reference to Kurt's past exploits. Storm had filled her in on the incident at the White House, expressing her concerns for Kurt's well-being. But as she looked at him now, his smile reassuring and genuine, she felt a sense of certainty that her friend had nothing to fear. It doesn't. I feel more than safe in your presence, my dear," she assured him sincerely.

A comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated only by the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. After a moment, Emily spoke again, her tone gentle and earnest. "May I have a look at them?" she asked, her curiosity genuine as she gestured towards his sketches.

Kurt blinked, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features as he glanced down at his work. Emily noticed the telltale sign of anxiety in the way his tail wrapped around his leg, but she offered him a reassuring smile. "It's nothing special."

" I don't care about that," Emily replied softly. "I don't have any other friends who are artistic, and I really can't paint myself. The fact that someone can is very fascinating to me." Sensing his uncertainty, she added, "But you don't have to if you don't want to. It's up to you.“

"No, it's fine," Kurt replied tentatively, offering the drawing pad to Emily with a nervous gesture. Almost immediately, he withdrew his hand and began to fidget with the hem of his shirt, his uncertainty palpable.

Emily accepted the pad with care, her fingers tracing over each page as she studied the sketches with genuine interest. After a moment, she turned to Kurt with delight shining in her eyes, her admiration for the talented teleporter growing with each passing moment.

"Kurt, these are fantastic! Really, absolutely beautiful," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration and affection.

A tentative smile graced Kurt's lips as he accepted the pad back from her. "Thank you," he murmured softly. With a grin, Emily rose from the bench, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Although I have to say that the artist is still a lot more beautiful," she teased, blowing him a kiss before turning to make her way back to the building.

As she walked, Emily felt a renewed sense of energy coursing through her veins. The encounter with Kurt had lifted her spirits, leaving her eager to tackle the task of reading the French essays with newfound enthusiasm.

~**~

"They look good."

Emily knew better than to cry out. It was the middle of the night and even though it was vacation and the kids who weren't home visiting were on a field trip with most of the teachers, leaving the house more or less empty, it felt wrong to scream out loud just after midnight. Still, she couldn't stop the sound rising in her throat and fumbled with a knife she'd meant to put in the sink.

Cautiously, she turned to find Kurt crouched opposite her on the kitchen island, his form illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the window. He was dressed in light clothes, a slight smile playing on his lips as the tip of his tail curled up in a gesture of amusement.

Despite her initial surprise, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth at the sight of him. She had grown accustomed to his unexpected appearances over the past few weeks, finding comfort in his quiet presence.

"Kurt!" Emily's attempt at sounding stern was overshadowed by the sheer relief evident in her voice as she called out his name. "I’m sorry, meine Liebe. I didn't mean to startle you," he apologized, his smile carrying a hint of mischief despite the apologetic tone.

Emily couldn't help but snort at his apology, though she appreciated the sentiment. Placing the knife on the counter, just out of reach, she chuckled softly. "Why are you still awake at all?"

Kurt tilted his head, shifting from a crouch to a more relaxed cross-legged position on the kitchen island. His tail swung lazily back and forth behind him as he regarded her with playful curiosity. "I could ask you the same thing. Or is it a tradition with you Americans to bake cookies in the middle of the night?"

His gaze flicked towards the oven, where a batch of chocolate cookies was in the midst of baking, before returning to her with a raised eyebrow, teasingly provocative.

Emily couldn't deny that she had observed a change in Kurt over the past few weeks. Gone were the days when he would linger alone in the corners of rooms, withdrawn into the shadows and blushing at every compliment she offered. Instead, he seemed to have grown bolder, spending more time with others, engaging in playful banter and offering pointed responses that often left her at a loss for words.

Admittedly, Emily found herself feeling a twinge of jealousy at times when she witnessed Kurt interacting with other women who seemed captivated by his charm. Yet, she couldn't help but feel genuinely happy for him, recognizing that he deserved to find companionship and connection with others just as much as anyone else.

Yet, she couldn't fault these women for being drawn to Kurt's magnetic personality when she herself found him equally captivating. Despite her occasional bouts of jealousy, she knew that she had no right to judge others when she was just as guilty of harboring feelings for him.

"I needed to let off some steam," Emily explained, her fingers absently wiping flour on her trousers as Kurt's gaze wandered around the kitchen, taking in the sight of dozens of cookies already baked, with more waiting in the oven and a bowl of fresh dough ready to be shaped.

"Lots of steam," she added with a wry smile, reaching for a plate and carefully placing some freshly baked cookies on it before pressing it into Kurt's hand. "Here you go, handsome. I guess this is what you came for."

With a grateful grin and a wag of his tail, he accepted the plate. "Well, I wasn't expecting such fresh delicacies, but yes." Emily watched with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction as Kurt selected one of the cookies, his movements deliberate as he brought it to his nose, taking in its aroma before finally taking a bite.

A few crumbs tumbled to the floor, but she paid them no mind, too captivated by the enraptured expression on Nightcrawler's face as he savored the treat. Now it was Emily's turn to grin, a sense of warmth spreading through her as she witnessed Kurt's enjoyment.

"Good?" Emily inquired, her gaze shifting back to Kurt as he took another bite of the cookie

"Better," he replied instantly, his words slightly muffled by the food in his mouth. Chuckling softly, Emily turned her attention back to her pastry. "Good to know my frustration baking tastes good after all." For a few moments, silence enveloped them, broken only by the sound of Kurt's chewing and Emily's rhythmic chopping of chocolate. Eventually, Kurt broke the quietude with a question.

" May I ask why you're baking in the middle of the night?" With a sigh, Emily pushed the freshly chopped chocolate into the dough and then pressed it into Kurt's somewhat perplexed hand. "School work. Stir, please," she instructed, her voice tinged with weariness but also a hint of determination.

As Kurt stirred the dough, still a little bemused by the late-night baking session, Emily busied herself with removing the trays of fresh cookies from the oven. "You'd think science would be hard to teach, but try teaching Spanish to a class of American kids who almost never have to conjugate or adapt adjectives. Or French. Or God forbid Latin," she explained, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice as she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.

"Thank you," she added, taking the bowl from him with a grateful smile.

Kurt hummed softly. "The professor said you speak a lot of languages." Emily nodded slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Always came easy to me. A lot easier than biology or chemistry," she admitted with a wry smile.

"How many?"

Emily put the bowl down and leaned back against the kitchen counter, meeting Kurt's gaze with a thoughtful expression. "About ten? English, as my first language, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Latin and Ancient Greek fluently. Arabic, Portuguese and Swahili more or less confidently. Mandarin and Russian..." She paused, tilting her head slightly as she considered.

"Let's put it this way, I wouldn't be completely helpless in a conversation, but I'd prefer to either continue the conversation in English or look for an opportunity to escape after five minutes." Kurt, who had been about to take another bite of a cookie, froze in his tracks, his eyes widening in astonishment as he processed her revelation.

Emily felt a hint of self-consciousness creeping in under his intense scrutiny, and she shifted uncomfortably, about to turn away when Kurt caught himself.

"You're fantastic," Kurt declared, his voice laced with genuine admiration and affection. Emily felt a warmth spread through her cheeks at his words, and she turned away slightly to hide the blush. "Says the guy who can teleport," she replied with a hint of self-deprecation, trying to deflect the attention away from herself.

There was a soft rustle, and when Emily turned back around, she found Kurt standing right behind her, his eyes earnest as he set aside the plate of cookies. "Don't," he murmured, reaching out to brush a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "Please don't belittle your achievements."

Emily found herself frozen in place, her gaze locked with Kurt's as his fingers continued to stroke her cheek with gentle reassurance. His eyes held such warmth and admiration that it left her feeling both vulnerable and electrified, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to form coherent thoughts.

"I was just a curious child. Which Charles encouraged," she finally managed to croak out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kurt's expression softened even further, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. "And today you are a brilliant woman whose intelligence should not be underestimated," he replied, his words carrying a weight of sincerity that sent a shiver down Emily's spine.

She thought she could feel the tension, but didn't dare do what she wanted to do (grab him by the collar and kiss him senseless).

Instead, Emily chuckled lightly and playfully pushed Kurt aside, placing her hand on his chest as she moved past him to reach the trays of cookies. "Someone sure knows how to make a girl swoon, huh?" she teased, trying to inject a light-hearted tone into the atmosphere.

"Aber nur du zählst*," Kurt muttered softly, prompting Emily to turn back to him with a quizzical expression. "Excuse me? German isn't really my strong suit," she admitted, raising an eyebrow in confusion. Kurt smiled sheepishly, hopping back onto the counter as he evaded her question. "You and the professor get on well. How long have you known him?" he asked, deflecting the conversation away from his previous remark.

Emily knew he was avoiding her question, but she was happy to take the way out as long as it meant he couldn't see her red cheeks or hear her beating heart.

"He raised me," Emily confessed, her voice soft but tinged with deep gratitude as she worked to evenly distribute the cookie dough on the tray. "I lost my family when I was ten. Charles took me in, fostered me and treated me like I was his own flesh and blood. I owe him more than I can ever give back."

She paused for a moment before smiling and putting the tray in the oven and, with that last load done, turning to Kurt. "He's like a father to me, as stereotypical as it may sound." Kurt's tail swayed slightly back and forth as he looked at her.

"I never got to know my parents. Instead, I grew up in the Munich circus," Kurt revealed, his tone tinged with a mix of nostalgia and resignation. "They may not have been related to me, but they gave me a home and accepted me for who I am when no one else did. More or less."

His expression softened. "Just because they aren't your blood doesn't mean any less. Sometimes those who aren't related to us are more important and more family than our real one." Emily cast her gaze down. A constricting feeling spread through her, a familiar feeling that she did her best to suppress.

"Storm told me that you grew up in the circus, but I could never imagine it," Emily admitted, her curiosity piqued. "What was it like, if you don't mind me asking?"

All at once, Kurt's face seemed to light up, his eyes sparkling as his tail started wagging back and forth, a gesture that Emily found incredibly endearing. "It was an indescribable feeling. The adrenaline, the ring, the audience." A dreamy look came over his face. "They didn't know that this -" he pointed to his face "- wasn't make-up, wasn't an act. I was able to teleport and received thunderous applause. It was a real magic trick for them. I was happy. I was free."

Emily couldn't help but hang on every word, captivated by Kurt's recounting of his circus days. The passion and joy in his voice resonated deeply with her, and she couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. "It sounds wonderful," she remarked sincerely, her heart swelling with happiness for him.

Kurt's eyes met hers and a wide, genuine smile came across his face. "It was."

As the night wore on, the cookies long since cooled, Emily found herself still seated in the kitchen, utterly captivated by Kurt's stories of his time in the circus. Mesmerized, she sat opposite him on the kitchen ledge, her gaze fixed on his lips as he spoke, hanging on to every word with rapt attention.

Kurt's storytelling had a magnetic quality to it, drawing her in completely. His voice, neither too quick nor too slow, held a certain cadence that was soothing yet compelling. With passion, wit, and charm, he painted vivid pictures of his experiences, bringing each memory to life in exquisite detail.

Listening to him, Emily felt as though she were right there beside him, experiencing every exhilarating moment firsthand.

Kurt had a way of speaking that left no room for distraction, his words casting a spell that held her in thrall. Despite the late hour, Emily found herself completely absorbed in his tales, grateful for the opportunity to share in his memories.

"Thanks for keeping me company and venting frustration," she murmured softly after they'd stowed all the cookies together and he'd walked her up to her room. Not teleported, they had walked while he had continued talking, encouraged by her inquiries.

Kurt smiled down at her, his eyes warm with gratitude. "I thank you for listening," he replied, lifting his plate with a cheeky smile. "And for the cookies."

Returning his smile, Emily leaned against her doorframe, feeling a sense of contentment settle over her. "It's been more than a pleasure listening to you. You have a very soothing and pleasant voice, my dear." A pleasant silence descended between them for a few moments before Kurt broke it with a question, his curiosity evident in his expression.

"Can I ask you something?" Emily laughed softly. "I've been pestering you with questions all night, of course you can."

Kurt tilted his head curiously, his golden eyes searching hers. "What are your abilities? I know you have some, the others call you 'Siren'. I haven't figured it out, though." Emily hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts, but ultimately she made a decision.

Pushing herself slightly away from the doorframe, she positioned herself directly in front of Kurt. He instinctively moved to back away, but before he could react, she reached out and grabbed the collar of his T-shirt, pulling him closer to her.

With a sudden boldness that surprised even herself, she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, feeling the unique texture of his indigo-blue skin beneath her lips. In that moment, she didn't care about anything else but the warmth of his presence.

As she pulled back, she met his astonished gaze with a playful wink, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of nerves and excitement. "I'm afraid that's a story for another night, handsome," she teased, pressing another brief kiss to his cheek before releasing him.

"Good night and sweet dreams."

As quickly as she could, Emily scurried into her room and closed the door behind her, leaning against it for support. Her cheeks were burning with embarrassment, and her heart was pounding so loudly she could hear it echoing in her ears.

Where had she gotten the courage to do that? In the silence of her room, she strained to listen for any sound from the hallway, her senses heightened by the rush of adrenaline.

It seemed like an eternity before she finally heard the familiar sound of Kurt's teleportation, the 'BAMF' that signaled his departure.

*Aber nur du zählst ~ But only you matter /count.

~**~

Just in the nick of time, Emily agilely sidestepped, narrowly evading what could have turned her into a human kebab. However, her relief was short-lived as she collided with one of the training props meant to serve as shields. How these would aid her in such a predicament remained a mystery.

“ Practice with swords," she muttered, recalling the advice given earlier, as she retrieved the fallen weapon, now wielding one in each hand. "It can't hurt to broaden your horizons.”

Not so pessimistic, Emily, Charles chimed in, his voice echoing inside her head.

Shut up Charles. She glared up angrily at the pane of glass behind which he was crouching. He seemed unfazed, content to watch from his vantage point as Emily grappled with the swords, feeling increasingly like she was the only one struggling while her training partner flourished.

When Charles had proposed a training session with Kurt, Emily had eagerly accepted. However, her enthusiasm waned when she realized she wouldn't be wielding her usual weapons. Still, being ambidextrous provided a slight advantage against the monstrous creations Hank had concocted this time.

A whirring noise snapped her attention behind, and she swiftly pivoted, just in time to parry an attack from one of the holoimitations. She couldn't help but lament the advancement in technology here, longing for the simplicity of dodging basic projectiles.

"Son of a bitch," she muttered, swiftly dispatching her assailant by severing its head. With grim satisfaction, she observed as the body dissolved into particles of light until it vanished entirely.

Another buzz jolted her into action, but she realized she wouldn't be able to swing her swords in time. Bracing for impact, she was suddenly yanked aside by a firm hand. Startled, she let out a squeal, only to witness her assailant dissolve with a metallic clink and a faint glow.

Turning to face her savior, she found Kurt, his expression etched with concern. "Are you okay? Did it get you?" he asked, scanning her for any sign of injury. She couldn't help but smile faintly, placing a hand on his bicep, which tensed with effort under her touch.

"I'm fine, Kurt. Thank you," she reassured him, gratitude evident in her voice.

For a moment, Kurt simply held her gaze, then nodded with a sheepish smile. "Be careful," he cautioned before vanishing, leaving behind only a dissipating black cloud. Instantly, Emily spun around, peering out from behind the wall, searching until she located him.

And oh, she could curse the training all she wanted, but moments like this made it worth it.

Seeing Kurt in action stirred something within her, a mix of admiration and undeniable attraction. When she had first stepped into the danger room, she had thought her proficiency with two swords was impressive.

That was until Kurt entered, effortlessly wielding one blade in each hand and another clutched in his tail. His presence alone was striking, but watching him in combat … God help her.

She had caught glimpses of his fighting prowess when they first met, though back then he seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye. Now, however, he chose to stay visible, and she couldn't be more grateful.

Kurt moved with a grace and agility that left her breathless. Each strike was calculated, precise, and lethal. Engaging multiple opponents at once, he danced through the air, his swords a blur of motion as he emerged victorious. His movements were a testament to his skill, fluid and elegant, reminiscent of his circus days.

Emily had always admired his flexibility, a reminder of his past as an acrobat, but today she truly appreciated it. His fencing style appeared flawless to her inexperienced eyes, his motions so natural and fluid that she could easily picture him on the trapeze, captivating an audience high above.

EMILY!

Charles' voice reverberated loudly in her mind, but it was too late. A sudden blow to her stomach sent her crashing to the ground with a groan of pain. "Motherfucker," she cursed, reaching out instinctively, only to have someone else intervene and dispatch the assailant before she could react.

Before the body even touched the ground, Kurt was by her side, concern etched on his features as he crouched beside her, his arm supporting her back. "Are you hurt? Emily, what happened? You froze!" His gaze shifted to her forehead, widening in alarm. "You're bleeding."

A wry smile tugged at her lips. "It's not my fault. When you look impossibly gorgeous in combat, you leave me no choice but to freeze and get hit." But Kurt didn't return the smile. "Now's not the time for jokes," he admonished, his worry evident in his voice.

Emily's realization dawned as she found herself clinging tightly to Kurt's neck in panic, desperate not to tumble from his grasp. "Kurt!" she called out, but he remained silent, his hold on her tightening in response. "Hold on, this could get a little uncomfortable," he warned.

In that moment, as they disappeared into the unknown, Emily couldn't help but feel a mix of coldness and strangeness enveloping her. Yet, strangely, it also felt undeniably familiar, like a comforting embrace from Kurt himself.

Later, if asked, Emily would struggle to describe the sensation, but one thing was certain—it felt like home.

“ Whoa," Emily blinked, finding herself suddenly in a hospital room, still cradled in Kurt's arms as he made his way towards one of the beds, calling out for Hank. Gently, he lowered her onto the bed, his concern evident as he brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Forgive me. I know teleporting is unpleasant, but I wanted to make sure you got fixed up quickly," he explained, his gaze filled with worry. Emily offered him a reassuring smile. "You're cute, handsome," she teased lightly, but before Kurt could respond, Hank entered the room, causing Kurt to step back.

Hank's eyes landed on Emily, his expression a mix of exasperation and concern. "One day, you won't end up in this room covered in blood after a workout," he sighed, shaking his head.

Emily winked at him. "Then it wouldn't be me. Besides, it's not that bad," she quipped, but the seriousness in Hank's gaze silenced her. Without another word, he set to work on treating her injuries, with Kurt never straying far from her side.

~**~

Emily collapsed face-first onto her bed, muffling her frustrated scream into her pillow. Don't get her wrong, she loved her job, but there were days when she felt like jumping out the window after accidentally setting the classroom on fire.

Unfortunately, this entire week seemed to consist of such days. First, she had lost her keys to the classrooms.

Then, the classwork for her French class had mysteriously gone missing, only to be discovered two hours later in the fridge.

As if that wasn't enough, one of the children had managed to kick a ball through her classroom window after class, and she hadn't realized it until the next day when she unlocked the room for her students, only to find everything submerged in water from the overnight thunderstorm, along with her teaching materials.

On top of everything else, there were the usual classroom mishaps. Students conveniently forgot their homework, offering the most implausible excuses imaginable. Then there were the pranks—like the time someone spread liquid glue on a classmate's chair, resulting in an unexpected trip to the infirmary.

Someone had clogged the drains, causing a pipe to burst in the middle of class, and as if that wasn't enough, a child with fire skills accidentally triggered the fire alarm, causing a school-wide evacuation of panicked mutant children.

It was a miracle, really, that no one had been seriously injured or worse.

As if her plate wasn't already overflowing, the situation with Kurt seemed to spiral further out of control with each passing day, reaching a point where even her friends couldn't help but notice and tease her endlessly about it. Charles, ever perceptive, had also picked up on the tension, leading to what was undoubtedly the most awkward conversation of her life.

To top it all off, she had been battling through days of excruciating pain from her period, yet still had to soldier through her lessons and contend with the unpredictable antics of her mutant students. Chasing after kids who couldn't quite control their powers often ended with her accidentally soaring across the room.

The next person who dared to suggest that teaching was an easy job clearly hadn't spent a day managing a classroom full of mutants. If anyone had the audacity to say it to Emily's face, they'd find themselves at the bottom of the ocean in no time.

But it wasn't just the chaos of the school that was driving her to the brink of madness.

As if her burdens weren't heavy enough, the approaching anniversary of her family's death loomed over Emily like a dark cloud. Every year, it brought with it a tidal wave of dread and sorrow that she struggled to bear. Nearly twenty years had passed, and yet the weight of guilt and grief remained as potent as ever, threatening to overwhelm her at any moment.

Despite knowing that she needed time to grieve and reflect, Emily dreaded the thought of taking the day off, especially knowing that Charles disapproved of her withdrawal. With a weary groan, she forced herself to sit up, feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her.

She didn't really feel the urge to get up, but she had no choice. There were essays to correct for four classes, and if she had any hope of finishing them, she needed to start, even if it meant taking it one step at a time.

With heavy steps, Emily made her way to her desk, her weariness palpable. However, her fatigue melted away as she halted in surprise. There, on the tabletop, sat a small, meticulously arranged basket adorned with a delicate pink bow. A smile tugged at her lips as she approached, curiosity piqued. Gently lifting the basket, Emily's smile widened at the sight of sunflowers—her favorite—nestled within.

Alongside them lay a stash of her beloved candies, a box of chocolates, and a tin filled with homemade cookies. But it was the small note that slipped from the tin that captured her attention.

In elegant calligraphy, the note conveyed a simple message, yet its contents stirred something within her, igniting a flutter of anticipation in her chest, making her heart beat faster.

I've noticed that you haven't been feeling very well recently and that you seem very stressed. Hopefully it will help at least a little.

Kurt.

P.S. I can't promise the cookies will be as good as yours, but I tried.

With each word from Kurt's note, Emily felt her heart swell with a mixture of gratitude and affection. She couldn't hold back the tears that flowed freely down her cheeks as she absorbed the sincerity and thoughtfulness behind his gesture.

"Oh, Kurt," she murmured softly, the tin pressed tightly against her chest as if seeking solace in its warmth, whispering a silent thank you to the universe for blessing her with someone as caring and compassionate as Kurt. "You truly are a gem in this world”

~**~

“Hey, you okay?” Scott's voice cut through the drone of the jet engines, filled with a subtle concern that Emily could detect even in the dim cabin. She turned to him, unable to see his eyes, but she knew they held worry. “ Yeah, I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?" Emily's voice was steady, but she could feel the slight tremor in her hands betraying her calm facade.

The jet jolted, and Scott steadied himself against the wall, his presence looming over her.

“It's just... You've been out of action for a while. Are you sure you're ready to jump back in?" Scott's concern was palpable, despite his attempt to mask it.

Emily arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of her lips. “ a bit late for second thoughts now, don't you think?" She gestured towards the window where the dark clouds loomed ominously. "Storm said we're landing in ten minutes. Time to roll with the punches.”

It really was too late to turn back. Intelligence reports had sounded the alarm, warning of mutant extremists poised to unleash unprecedented havoc across the eastern seaboard. Their weaponry outstripped even the military's advancements, casting a daunting shadow over the cities they threatened.

Charles hesitated to include her in the response, but Emily had fought for her place, determined to stand alongside her team. Yet, throughout the flight, Scott's gaze remained fixed on her, his concern palpable.

She appreciated his worry, his unwavering friendship, but she couldn't bear the added weight of his scrutiny. She needed to focus, to steel herself for what lay ahead.

Despite her outward strength, inwardly, Emily trembled with nerves. It had been years since her last mission, her time abroad in Colombia marking a lengthy hiatus. No amount of training could fully prepare her for the surge of fear that gripped her now.

Emily recognized the protective brotherly mantle Scott had assumed, a role he’d taken on like a second skin, ready to shield her from harm at any cost. She understood that if she dared to confess her inner turmoil, he'd whisk her away from the danger in an instant. So instead, she mustered a confident facade, rising to her feet and offering him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“ Don't worry, big guy. I've got this. Nothing's going to happen to me." Her words were laced with a determination she hoped would quell his concerns. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go check on the new recruit. You might want to save your worry for him.”

Emily's diversionary tactic wasn't entirely fair to Kurt, who had shown more composure than her that morning. But in the delicate dance of emotions, it seemed to do the trick.

Scott reluctantly relented, allowing her passage with a hint of reluctance in his demeanor.

Kurt sat at the back of the jet, his hands folded in his lap, a picture of serene concentration. As Emily drew closer, she discerned the soft murmur of his prayers, a tranquil ritual amidst the impending storm Approaching him, she observed the snug fit of his uniform, tailored to accommodate his acrobatic talents.

She knew he and Hank had labored tirelessly to enhance the fabric's flexibility, ensuring it matched Kurt's need for unrestrained movement.

Patiently, Emily waited until he completed his devotions, watching as he lowered his hands and opened his eyes. There was no startle, only a warm smile that greeted her, which she mirrored with similar warmth and affection.

“Are things looking so bad for us that you need to pray?” Emily teased gently as she settled down beside Kurt. He chuckled softly, his golden eyes holding hers. "I always pray when I'm nervous about something," he explained, his tone calm and assured. "Before every performance, before every training session, I pray and ask God for his protection and guidance.”

Emily smiled softly, her gaze drifting to where his tail swayed gently. "You're not a believer, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. "No, I'm sorry Kurt. I'm an atheist," she admitted, a hint of apology in her tone. “No, I'm sorry Kurt. I'm an atheist.”

“Why are you apologizing for that?" Kurt's response was gentle, devoid of judgment.

Emily shrugged, her shoulders lifting in a slight gesture of uncertainty. "I know how important your faith is to you, Kurt, and how much it means and helps you, but I can't bring myself to believe. That's something a lot of religious people take personally.” With care, Kurt reached for her hand, his touch warm and comforting.

"Faith is something you can freely choose. So what would be the point of trying to force you to believe?" His words were tender, infused with understanding. "Faith is about voluntary, unconditional love for God and his for you. You can't force it.”

Her heart warmed at his response, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "So I'm not a sinner damned to hell for you just because I don't believe?" she quipped, a playful glint in her eyes.

Kurt met her gaze with unwavering kindness. "Do you hate God and believers?" he countered gently. Emily shook her head immediately. "No, of course not. I admire them. I admire you," she confessed, her tone genuine as she clasped his hand in hers. The connection felt right, comforting in its simplicity.

"The fact that you have such a strong faith, such a strong belief in something that there's no evidence exists, is incredible to me. I see how much it helps you and gives you strength, and there are moments when I truly regret not being able to believe.”

Kurt squeezed her hand gently, his touch reassuring. "You don't have to," he assured her, his voice soft but resolute. "I'm praying for both of us, meine Liebe.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, a flutter of emotions swirling within her. Though she may not share his faith, the sincerity in his admission struck a chord deep within her. For a fleeting moment, it felt like the world around them faded, leaving only the connection between them.

Their gaze held, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Emily felt the tension between them, sensing Kurt drawing closer, their proximity almost palpable. But before anything more could transpire, their moment was shattered by Storm's announcement, signaling their imminent descent.

With a gentle touch, Emily cupped Kurt's cheek, her fingers trembling ever so slightly. "Be careful. Please don't die. I don't know how I could live without you," she whispered, her voice laden with a vulnerability she rarely showed.

Kurt nodded slightly, his gaze holding hers with unwavering intensity. Tenderly, he turned his head, pressing a soft kiss to the inside of her hand. The gesture sent a surge of warmth coursing through her, her heart quickening in response.

„You too.“

~**~

“Emily!“

Kurt's voice cut through the chaos, a desperate plea as he lunged forward. He barely managed to reach her in time, his hand wrapping around her arm just as a bullet whizzed past. With a swift movement, he teleported them both out of harm's way, the world blurring momentarily before solidifying again behind the safety of a nearby pillar.

Kurt could feel Emily's tension as she stumbled, and he instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist for support.

Taking cover, they crouched behind the pillar, the cacophony of gunfire and flying debris echoing around them. Kurt could sense Emily's unease, her body tense from the sudden teleportation.

"Kurt, we talked about this," she groaned, her hand pressed against her stomach as she tried to steady herself. “ Sorry," Kurt replied, his smile strained with apology. He lowered himself to her eye level, his expression serious. "There wasn't time for a heads up.”

As Emily steadied herself, Kurt's attention shifted to the chaos unfolding below. Peering down one of the pillars to the platform where the battle raged, he felt a surge of dread. They had been forewarned about the size of the opposing group, but the reality far exceeded their expectations.

The enemy forces swarmed, overwhelming in number, and Kurt couldn't shake the sinking feeling in his gut. With a heavy heart, he watched as Scott found himself dangerously outnumbered. Surrounded on all sides, he fought valiantly, but it was clear that even his formidable abilities wouldn't be enough to ensure his safety.

His gaze shifted back to Emily, noting her recovered composure as she stood by his side, her eyes scanning the tumultuous scene below. Kurt could pinpoint the exact moment she realized Scott was in danger. Her blue eyes widened and she clung to his arm almost painfully.

"Help him," Emily's voice was no more than a whisper as she looked up at Kurt and she so close that he could feel the warmth of her breath, see the faint flutter of her eyelashes against her skin. “Please, Kurt, you can get there faster than I can.”

For a heartbeat, Kurt hesitated, but the urgency in Emily's eyes spurred him into action. With a nod, he vanished from her side, reappearing in an instant behind Scott. “Watch it, Scott.”

Effortlessly, he leaped into the air, executing a spinning kick that connected with one assailant's chin, while his fist met another's face with a resounding impact. His tail snaked out, coiling around the leg of a third opponent, sending them crashing to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

Within moments, Kurt found himself surrounded by a circle of defeated mutants, their groans of pain mingling with the chaos of battle. Scott's grateful nod spurred him into action, but before Kurt could fully savor the moment, his attention was drawn to Logan, buried under a pile of adversaries.

With a wry grin, Kurt imagined the inevitable grumbling from Logan if Scott ended up saving him, but there was no time to dwell on it as a formidable opponent charged towards him.

With reflexes honed by years of combat, Kurt dodged at the last possible moment as the charging figure suddenly split into two. "Wundervoll," he growled softly, a mix of admiration and determination as he shifted into an offensive stance.

To his astonishment, the twin assailants proved to be formidable opponents, matching his speed and agility with surprising grace. Each dodge and counterattack was met with equal ferocity, forcing Kurt to remain on high alert.

He narrowly avoided several strikes, feeling the impact of punches and kicks against his own body. With calculated precision, he danced through the flurry of blows and finally, the towering adversary lay unconscious on the ground, once again whole.

Kurt gasped for breath, his body protesting with each inhale as he felt the sharp pain of broken ribs and the dull throb of a head injury. Despite his desperate need for rest, there was no respite to be found as Emily's panicked voice pierced through the haze of his exhaustion.

“Kurt!” He turned around, slightly disoriented, and saw Emily running towards him. “Move!” Without hesitation, a strange energy surged through him, a primal instinct compelling him to obey her command without question. In the blink of an eye, Kurt found himself teleported away from danger, the world spinning around him until he landed on solid ground once more.

The sudden exertion left him drained, confusion clouding his mind as he struggled to comprehend his own actions. Why had he acted so impulsively, so recklessly? Turning to look back at Emily, his heart plummeted as he took in the sight before him.

Where he had stood just moments ago, Emily now lay motionless on the ground, a small pool of blood seeping from beneath her head.

“No!”

In a flash, he found himself kneeling beside her, his hands gripping her shoulders with urgency. "No, no, no, no, no," he repeated softly, his voice a desperate mantra. With swift determination, Kurt wrapped his arms around her and teleported them away from the chaos, seeking refuge against a nearby wall shielded by stacked crates.

Breathless with fear, he pressed his trembling hand to her neck, relief washing over him as he felt the faint pulse beneath his fingertips, a silent prayer escaping his lips. Only when he withdrew his hand did he notice it smeared with blood. His gaze flickered to her left shoulder, where a bullet had pierced her flesh, its impact sending her crashing into a nearby table.

His eyes brimmed with worry as they returned to Emily's unconscious form. Leaning closer, he gently pressed his forehead against hers, a silent apology echoing in his mind. She had rushed in to protect him, and in that moment, he had obeyed her without hesitation. Now, she bore the consequences of his actions, taking the bullet intended for him.

A surge of primal rage surged through Kurt, igniting something dark within him. His head snapped up, eyes scanning the room with intensity. High above on one of the upper floors, he finally spotted the culprit—a man wielding a sniper rifle, his sights trained on the chaos below. Kurt's lips curled into a feral snarl. The angle was right.

In an instant, he vanished into a swirling cloud of darkness, reappearing behind the sniper.

Before the man could react, Kurt struck, knocking the weapon from his grasp and ensnaring him with his tail, tightening the coil around his neck with ruthless force.

The man struggled fruitlessly, clawing at Kurt's tail in a desperate bid for escape, but it was futile. “How dare you?” Kurt's voice dripped with venom, barely more than a menacing hiss as he advanced, dragging the man closer to the edge.

“How dare you shoot at them? How dare you shoot at her?!”

The man dangled precariously over the precipice, his face contorted with panic and oxygen deprivation, but Kurt showed no mercy.

Kurt tilted his head, an almost sadistic smile on his face. “I hope you've finished saying your last prayer.” Without a moment's pause, he released his grip. The man plummeted with a scream, the impact echoing through the air, silencing him forever. Though the darkness within Kurt lingered, he surveyed the scene below with cold detachment. His eyes found Emily, untouched and safe, a wave of relief washing over him.

"Fear not, my dear," he murmured softly, his gaze shifting to a red-haired woman hurling energy balls at Storm. "No harm will hurt you, not under my watch.”

The next moments of Kurt's life slipped by like fragments of a dream, blurred and hazy. He couldn't recall the precise duration of the battle, whether it spanned minutes or stretched into hours. All that mattered was ensuring that these perpetrators endured the suffering Emily had endured, if not more.

In the end, however, he stood witness as some managed to flee aboard a plane. Despite Storm's valiant efforts, they vanished into the distance beyond her reach. Scott, meanwhile, had realized what had happened to Emily and was kneeling by her side with Kurt. With gentle care, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, the weight of responsibility evident in every movement. Kurt didn't need to see his eyes to understand the self-blame that consumed him.

“I should have taken better care of her," Scott whispered, enfolding Emily in his arms. Kurt shook his head solemnly. "No, if blame must be placed, it falls on me. That bullet was meant for me, but she intercepted it.” He buried his face in his hands, grappling with remorse. "I don't understand how it happened. She yelled for me to move, and I... I obeyed without question. I could have stayed, taken the bullet—anything—but I chose to teleport!”

“ You couldn't have done different, Kurt," Scott's voice was unexpectedly gentle, a touch of compassion softening his features as he spoke. "Did she ever tell you why we call her Siren?" Kurt shook his head. "I asked once, but she said it wasn't the time. Should I have pressed her for answers?”

Scott shook his head, his attention shifting to Emily's wound. "No. Even if you had, it wouldn't have changed a thing. Her power... it's her voice. She commands obedience with a word. You, me, anyone—under her control, without hesitation.”

He regarded Kurt with sympathy. "Even the professor struggles against her at times. And if she had chosen to protect you? There's nothing in this world that could have kept you rooted in place.” Kurt was engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions. Relief flooded through him, knowing it wasn't solely his fault for moving. Yet, guilt gnawed at him, a nagging sense that he could have intervened somehow.

Anger and fear pulsed within him, juxtaposed with a tender affection that threatened to overwhelm him as he beheld her motionless form cradled by Scott. Before Kurt could utter a word, Logan approached. Crouching beside them, he addressed Scott with an unexpected calmness, almost gentleness—a side of Logan Kurt wouldn't dare to acknowledge aloud.

"Scott. We've gotta keep going. We can still catch them." The turmoil within Scott was palpable, evident even to Kurt without the need for telepathy. On one hand, the instinct to stay and care for the woman who was like a little sister to him tugged at his heartstrings. On the other, the weight of leadership duty pressed upon him, reminding him of his indispensability to the mission. Kurt knew he himself was not.

“Go, Scott. They need you. I'll take care of her.” Scott looked at him doubtfully and Kurt could only imagine how the man must be feeling right now. “Are you sure?”

Kurt's nod was resolute, his conviction unwavering. "Her wounds seem superficial. I can handle them. And if she doesn't awaken soon, I can get her to a hospital faster than anyone else here.” Even without meeting Scott's gaze, Kurt could sense the turmoil within him, the silent battle waged beneath the visor.

Finally, Scott relented, his surrender evident as he bowed his head. "Okay. But not here. There's a safehouse nearby, rarely used, but it should still be intact." He rose to his feet, swiftly outlining the route to Kurt, while Logan's agitation simmered in the background.

“If her condition doesn't improve, or worsens, you're taking her to the hospital within twenty-four hours at the latest," Scott instructed, his hand finding its place on Kurt's shoulder. "Take care of her, please.” Kurt nodded solemnly. “I'll protect her with my life if I have to.”

A thin smile came to Scott's lips. “I know you will. Thank you.”

~**~

Emily's senses stirred back to life with a cruel jolt of pain. It engulfed her, rendering her momentarily breathless. She attempted to vocalize her distress, but her parched throat yielded no sound, leaving her trapped in silence. Darkness shrouded her, and it took an eternity for her to realize that her eyes were closed.

Tentatively, she tried to shift, only to be met with a searing agony that eclipsed the previous torment. A soft whimper escaped her lips, despite the desert-like dryness of her throat.

Panic clawed at her as she struggled to piece together her surroundings, the events leading to her current state shrouded in darkness. The inability to pry open her eyes amplified her fear, a relentless reminder of her vulnerability. Suddenly, a cascade of footsteps shattered the silence, followed by a gentle voice, its timbre laced with comfort and familiarity.

“Take it easy, Emily. Everything is all right. You're safe. Sleep.”

Though unable to place the voice, its soothing cadence enveloped her, washing away the edges of her anxiety. Surrendering to the reassurance it offered, Emily surrendered to the embrace of sleep, devoid of dreams.

---

The next time Emily woke up, the pain was still there, but duller and less sharp With a determined effort, she coaxed her heavy eyelids open, each fluttering attempt a battle against exhaustion. At last, her vision cleared to reveal a scene of unexpected warmth and coziness.

An open, friendly room stretched out before her. It was small, but comfortably furnished with floral curtains in front of the windows and a fluffy carpet on the wooden floor. She herself was lying in a bed, soft and comfortable, but one she had never seen before, let alone slept in. How the hell had she ended up here?

With a cautious shift, she attempted to rise, only to be met with a searing agony that coursed through her shoulder and down her arm, leaving her gasping in its wake.

As her focus settled on the pristine bandage encasing her wounded shoulder, a flood of memories crashed over her.

*

Emily hurtled down the stairs with a singular purpose driving her forward, her heart pounding in her chest as adrenaline surged through her veins. Relief washed over her as she saw that Kurt and Scott, as well as the others, seemed to be okay. Kurt had just wrestled the mutant who could make copies of himself to the ground and appeared out of breath but mostly unharmed.

As she tried to avert her gaze, however, she noticed something that stood out clearly on the man's blue skin: a small, red, moving dot. Her gaze flew to one of the upper levels, where she spotted the sniper, but her legs had already started moving before she realized what was going on. She was acting on pure instinct and her mind had only one thought.

Not him.

Her muscles strained with exertion as she raced towards Kurt, every fibre of her being focused on one imperative goal: to shield him from harm at any cost. With each passing moment, her strides quickened, propelled by a determination that brooked no opposition.

“Kurt! Move!“ The urgency in Emily's voice reverberated through the chaos, a silent plea that echoed across the room until it reached its intended target. For a fleeting instant, their gazes locked in a shared understanding, the blue of her eyes meeting the golden depths of his before he vanished in a cloud of smoke.

But far too slowly for her taste. Before he could carry out her command, Emily lunged forward, her instincts overriding all rational thought as she propelled herself towards Kurt. In a blur of motion, she collided with him, her outstretched arms shoving him out of harm's way just as he vanished into the safety of the shadows, just barely after loosing physical contact with her.

A bang sounded and a sharp pain shot through her body.

Then - nothing.

*

Emily eased herself back onto the pillow, her breaths coming in shallow gasps as she attempted to process the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her. Had she succeeded? Was Kurt unharmed, safe, alive? Before she could dwell on her thoughts any further, the door creaked open, heralding Kurt's entrance. A book dangled loosely from his grasp, forgotten in the wake of the startling sight before him.

His eyes widened in disbelief, the book slipping from his fingers to clatter to the floor below. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, his arms enveloping her in a tender embrace that caught her off guard.

Relief flooded through her at the warmth of his touch, dispelling the lingering shadows of doubt that had clouded her mind. “Thank God you're awake!”

For a few seconds, Emily was overwhelmed by the warm feeling of his body pressed against hers. The familiar scent of pine, tinged with a hint of sulfur from his teleportation, enveloped her, sending her senses reeling in a dizzying whirl. Before he could withdraw, her instincts took hold, guiding her to pull him closer until she was enveloped in the comforting warmth of his embrace, her face nestled against the curve of his neck.

“You're alive," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breathless murmur and Kurt slowly pulled back, but only far enough for him to look at her. She could discern the delicate flutter of his eyelashes, feel the gentle caress of his breath against her skin.

“Only because of you," he replied, his voice soft and earnest. With a tenderness that bordered on reverence, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead. “You scared me. All of us.”

Emily cast her eyes down. “I'm sorry.” Kurt just shook his head and his hand travelled from her cheek to the back of her neck. “Don't be. You saved my life. You shouldn't apologize for something so selfless.” Despite his comforting words, a wry smile tugged at Emily's lips as she lifted her hand to gently caress his cheek.

“I'm afraid my intentions weren't as selfless as you might hope.”

Kurt's eyes widened in disbelief, his gaze fixed on Emily with an intensity that spoke volumes. The air between them crackled and the tension was almost palpable, but Emily pulled back at the last moment, head bowed, trying to appear as unaffected as possible.

“Where are we? And where is the rest? You can't tell me Scott just left me here without a fight.”

Her attempt at humour succeeded as Kurt chuckled softly and shook his head, backing away slightly. Momentarily she missed his presence, but she did nothing to get it back. “He didn't. However, some mutants have escaped. The others are trying to chase them, but you couldn't come with them in your condition, let alone stay there alone.”

“So you sacrificed yourself to play babysitter?" she teased, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. Kurt's lips curved into a wry smile, his amusement evident. “I wouldn't consider it a sacrifice. But yes," he admitted, his grin growing more mischievous by the second. "Someone had to pray for your health."

Emily couldn't help but snort in response. “I don't think He was listening.”

Kurt reached for her hand. “And yet you're awake," he observed, his tone gentle yet steadfast. Emily had no retort to offer.

“Why don't you believe, Emily?” Kurt's question hung in the air, laden with genuine curiosity. Her heart constricted at the sincerity reflected in his eyes, compelling her to look away. For a few moments she thought about how to phrase her words, but in the end she decided that it would be best to just tell the truth openly.

“How can I believe in a God who allows so much ... bad to happen?" she began, her voice laced with a poignant blend of frustration and anguish. "There's war, disease, poverty, persecution for any ridiculous reason. What kind of God can say He is 'kind' when He turns away when we need Him? What kind of God can say He is all-loving and forgiving when He sends people who have not acted as He wishes to eternal punishment?”

Now it was up to her to take his hand. “I know you believe in Him, but I just can't. Not after everything I've been through. Or you or anyone else in this world," she confessed, her voice tinged with a raw vulnerability that she rarely allowed herself to reveal. Averting her eyes, she allowed herself to sink back into the comfort of the pillow.

“Besides, should He exist after all? I'm afraid of that thought," she admitted. In the periphery of her vision, she caught sight of Kurt's tail swaying gently. “Why would you be afraid?" he pressed gently, his voice laced with genuine concern. Emily hesitated, her thoughts racing.

“Because I almost certainly wouldn't go to heaven," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. Kurt began to protest, but she silenced him with a solemn shake of her head. “I'm not a good person, Kurt. I've done things that are unforgivable, that deserve eternal damnation," she admitted, yet, Kurt's response was swift and unwavering

Kurt just shook his head. “No. I don't think so.”

Emily snorted. She hadn't intended to tell him, but she felt she had reached a point where he deserved to know. She knew the longing that was visible in his eyes, she was pretty sure she looked like that herself when she looked at him. “I take it you've been explained what my mutation is?” she inquired, her tone tinged with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. Kurt nodded slightly, his expression a blend of curiosity and confusion, uncertain of the direction the conversation had taken.

“I only found out very late that I have this mutation. Of course, I noticed that I was better at persuading people than others, but it never got to the... extreme of being able to command or control someone. Until I was invited to my best friend's tenth birthday party.” As the memories threatened to overwhelm her, Kurt's comforting touch served as an anchor, grounding her in the present moment.

His encouraging gaze spurred her on, a silent reminder that she wasn't alone in her struggle. She knew that she had the option to stop talking, to keep her demons buried deep within, he wouldn’t judge her, but she also understood that this was her moment of reckoning. If she didn't speak now, she might never find the courage to do so again.

“My best friend wanted to celebrate her birthday at an amusement park. She was from a wealthy family, whereas I came from ... a more modest background. So the thought of going to a real theme park made me ecstatic," she confessed, her voice tinged with a bitterness.

“My parents weren't. You have to know, I had a little sister, she was four years younger than me, six at the time and she obviously wasn't invited. My parents thought it was unfair that I could go and she couldn't and wanted to forbid me. We argued, a lot and more intensely than ever before. In the end, it became too much. My parents shouted at me for being stubborn, my sisters cried... It was too much.”

Tears welled up in her eyes and her attempt to stifle the sobs failed. “ Shhhh," Kurt murmured softly, his comforting embrace enveloping her in a cocoon of solace and understanding. With a gentle sweep of his arm, he drew her close, his tail curling protectively around her waist in a silent gesture of solidarity and support. With a gentle touch, he brushed away her tears, offering what little solace he could.

“It - it was just so loud," she whispered, her voice barely more than a fragile thread of sound. Her hands clawed at her own arms, as if seeking to anchor herself. “I just wanted it to stop, wanted it to be quiet. So I shouted back. It wasn't much, just one word, but it was one word too many.”

Tears streamed openly down her cheeks, her pain laid bare for all to see as she leaned into Kurt's comforting embrace, seeking refuge from the relentless onslaught of her memories. With a tender gesture, he held her close, his touch a silent reassurance that she was not alone in her suffering.

“Stop. That was all I said. And they stopped. Both their crying and their hearts.” Emily felt Kurt's grip on her tighten. By now, she was crying openly and unabashedly, her tears flowing freely, yet neither of them cared. “I killed them. My parents. Amy, my sweet little sister. I killed them all.”

Her voice was no more than a whisper, barely audible despite the silence in the room, but Kurt heard her. He always did. “No,” he murmured. With a gentle touch, he lifted her chin, urging her to meet his gaze, his eyes filled with unwavering compassion. “No, do you hear me? You didn't kill them.”

“It was my voice that killed them," she protested, her words a desperate plea for absolution. Yet Kurt remained steadfast in his conviction, refusing to let her drown in the depths of her despair.

“No, Emily. It was an accident, nothing more," he insisted, his voice firm yet laced with tenderness. But Emily's laughter, devoid of any semblance of joy. “Do you think it makes a difference? Dead is dead. My voice was the cause, and whether it was intentional or not, it's my fault.”

She gave him a pained look. “I'm not a saint. I'm nothing but a monster. You can't redeem me, I'm damned for all eternity. I've probably committed one of the greatest sins your god has told you about," she confessed, her voice cracking with anguish.

Emily waited with a breaking heart for him to push her away, to leave her alone, but the opposite was the case. Kurt pulled her closer so that her head was tucked under his chin and he ran his hands over her back as his tail wrapped tighter around her waist.

“Emily.”

That was all he said, just her name, but with such compassion, affection and love that she burst into tears. For how long she cried into the curve of his neck, Emily couldn't say. But when she finally pulled away, tears still shimmering in her eyes, Kurt met her gaze with a tender smile, his hand gently stroking her cheek. “You're not irredeemable. You're not a monster. You are not a murderer. You were a child and it was an accident. A terrible accident, yes, but still an accident.”

Emily's voice faltered, her heart heavy with disbelief as she gazed into Kurt's unwavering eyes.

“How can you still look at me like that?” Her voice broke in between, but she refused to cry again. “How can you still look at me like that, like I'm the best person you've ever met?” A tender smile graced Kurt's lips, his expression suffused with a tenderness that spoke volumes.

Slowly, his tail unwound from her waist, the tip trailing delicately over her cheek in a gesture of gentle reassurance. “It's not really hard, my dear. It's because you are the best person I've ever met.” Emily opened her mouth to protest, to refute his assertion, but he silenced her with a gentle shake of his head.

“I know you might not believe me, but it's the truth. I see the way you treat other people. Your patience with the students, even when they drive you crazy. Your affection for Scott and Storm, no matter how bad-tempered or annoyed they are you always bring a smile to their faces. Even Logan laughed at your jokes.”

He paused for a moment and the tip of his tail travelled slowly from her cheek, over her shoulder to her hip where it nestled close. “I see the way you look at me, like I'm the most precious and valuable thing there is. I notice how you get flirtier and more confident when I play along and I can feel how much you value me.”

With a tender touch, he placed his hand on her collarbone, his touch a gentle caress against her skin. “You're fantastic, wonderful and a completely outstanding person and I'm incredibly grateful that I was able to get to know you. You're not a monster. You are an angel.”

Emily didn't know what she was thinking at that moment. Probably nothing, she was so overwhelmed with emotion, but one thought clearly floated above all others:

She may not have deserved this man, but she wouldn't let him go.

With a surge of determination, she acted on impulse, her injured shoulder protesting but her heart overriding any physical discomfort. Grasping the collar of Kurt's shirt with as much strength as she could muster, she pulled him towards her, closing the distance between them with a suddenness that took them both by surprise and finally - finally! - placed her lips on his.

It wasn't a long or deep kiss, just a quick peck, but it made her body rejoice and butterflies dance in her stomach. Emily's veins. As quickly as she had invaded his space, she pulled back, her gaze meeting Kurt's with a mixture of hope and uncertainty, while his golden eyes shone with something she had never seen before. “Kurt-”

He didn't let her finish, leaning forward and closing the distance between them once more, his lips seeking hers with a newfound urgency. She was surprised for a moment, but quickly regained her composure and closed her eyes.

Emily wrapped her arms around Kurt's neck, drawing him closer despite the protests of her injured shoulder. His hands found purchase on her waist, pulling her closer still, while his tail wrapped around her hips, drawing her into his embrace until she was practically seated on his lap.

Their kisses grew more fervent, fuelled by months of unspoken longing and suppressed desire. Emily's hand tangled in Kurt's hair, pulling him closer as she lost herself in the heady rush of sensation. When his teeth grazed her lower lip, a soft moan escaped her lips, muffled by the fervour of their embrace.

As they broke away, breathless and exhilarated, Emily leaned into Kurt, resting her forehead against his, a smile lingering on her lips. His tail gently drew her closer until their chests met, a comforting warmth spreading between them.

“I really hope for your sake that this isn't a sin,” she whispered, her voice light with playful teasing, “because I won't be able to hold back when I'm around you.” Kurt's chuckle rumbled softly, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at her.

“If this is a sin,” he said, his tone tender, “ would gladly damn myself as long as I get to keep holding you in my arms.” Emily was speechless, overwhelmed by the intensity of her feelings.

Without hesitation, she leaned in again, capturing his lips with hers. In that moment, she didn't care about sin or salvation; all that mattered was the bliss of being with Kurt.

Let them be damned, she thought, for she already felt like she was in heaven.

[pupsmailbox]

MEDICAL︰GORE ID PACK

NAMES ⌇　aceso. addison. aden. aero. airmed. aliza. alora. althea. ambrose. ambulette. ame. amelie. amor. amore. angel. angelique. angelo. anna. anthony. apollo. arabella. arzt. asa. avian. babe. baby. bambi. bandage. bandagette. blanche. blanchette. blood. bloodette. bright. brigid. cal. carla. carmelita. catherine. cathie. cathy. cecil. chamomile. charge. charles. charlotte. clara. clemence. clement. connie. cora. corina. corry. cosmas. cross. crosse. crossette. daisy. daniel. david. delilah. desdemona. dorothea. dropsy. edema. edith. eira. elias. eliza. elizabeth. ellison. emil. emily. emma. evangeline. feronia. fleur. florence. fragilette. frailette. galen. ginger. gram. grimm. hansen. harmonie. harmony. hazel. healer. hira. hospette. ida. incisionette. incisionne. ivie. ivy. jace. jackie. james. jason. jayla. jayr. jen. jennifer. joasias. john. josiah. joy. jules. kaison. lace. lain. laryn. leah. lee. leigh. leuk. lucie. luciel. lucile. lucy. lue. lues. lyra. lyrica. mae. maebell. maggie. maiya. malachi. mark. mary. marybelle. may. maya. meddette. medette. medicel. medicette. medicinalle. medilita. mercia. michael. michelle. milo. milu. mitzi. moraxella. morgan. natasha. needlette. nile. norrie. norry. nursesse. nursette. nursie. nwurse. nyura. palsy. penny. phoebe. phoebus. pille. pillette. pott. potter. quinn. raphael. ray. red. redde. reseda. reye. richard. robert. rose. salmon. savior. scalpelle. scarlet. scrivener. scrubbe. scrubette. scrubs. serra. shiga. solitude. steven. stitch. stitches. stitchette. susan. sylvie. syrinelle. syringe. syringette. thomas. triage. vasc. viper. vitas. vitus. wiel. winnie. yves. zika. zoster.

PRONOUNS ⌇　ache/ache. ai/aid. aid/aid. aid/aide. amb/ambulance. ambulance/ambulance. bacteria/bacteria. band/age. band/aid. band/bandaid. bandage/bandage. bandaid/bandaid. bile/bile. bl0/bl00d. blood/blood. bu/bubonic. bump/bump. ca/care. care/care. chick/chicken. chronic/chronic. chu/chu. clean/clean. cold/cold. cough/cough. crab/crab. cross/cross. cross/crosse. cure/cure. cyu/cyu. die/dying. doc/doc. doc/doctor. doctor/doctor. dra/draw. drug/drug. fe/fever. fever/fever. flu/flu. fluff/fluffie. fragi/fragile. fragile/fragile. fragile/fragility. frail/frail. frail/frailty. gauze/gauze. germ/germ. gown/gown. gross/gross. he/heal. he/heart. he/help. he/hem. heal/heal. heal/healer. healer/healer. heart/heart. help/help. herb/herb. herb/herbal. hos/hospital. hospital/hospital. ill/ill. in/inject. incision/incision. infect/infection. injure/injury. IV/IV. iv/iv. ivy/ivie. ivy/ivy. lace/lace. li/live. love/love. lung/lung. luv/luv. mas/mask. mask/mask. med/med. med/medic. med/medical. med/medicine. medi/medic. medi/medicine. medic/medic. medical/medical. medicine/medicine. nee/needle. need/needle. needle/needle. nu/nurse. nur/nurse. nur/se. nurse/nurse. out/outbreak. pain/pain. pat/patient. patient/patient. pi/pill. pil/pill. pill/pill. pla/plague. plus/plushe. poke/poke. red/red. sa/save. savior/savior. sca/scan. scissor/scissor. scissor/scissors‎. scrub/scrub. shi/hir. si/sick. sic/sick. sick/sick. sick/sickly. skin/skin. sle/sleep. sneeze/sneeze. so/soft. soap/soap. sore/sore. stab/stab. stem/cell. stitch/stitch. stu/study. su/surgeon. sun/sun. sweet/sweet. symptom/symptom. syn/syndrome. syr/syr. syr/syringe. syri/syri. syrin/syringe. syringe/syringe. tape/tape. te/test. virus/viruse. ward/ward. we/well. wrap/wrap. ☎ . ☣️ . ⚰ . ❤️‍🩹 . 🌀 . 🌡️ . 🎀 . 🏥 . 🏨 . 👨🏻‍⚕️ . 👩🏻‍⚕️ . 💉 . 💊 . 💐 . 💤 . 📞 . 🔬 . 😷 . 🚑 . 🤒 . 🤢 . 🤧 . 🥀 . 🥼 . 🦠 . 🧊 . 🧑‍⚕️ . 🧠 . 🧪 . 🧫 . 🧬 . 🩸 . 🩹 . 🩺 .

[ysasimblr]

RIP

[rollercoasterwords]

hey rae! you said you haven’t been reading many fics lately and i was wondering what were your favorite books you read this year :))

LOVE this question omg thank u 4 giving me an excuse 2 talk abt books <3 i'm gonna split this into fiction + nonfiction + poetry...will try 2 keep it somewhat concise but. fear it may get long...

fiction

the archive of alternate endings, by lindsey drager [favorite book i've read all year]

how to live safely in a science fictional universe, by charles yu

giovanni's room, by james baldwin

stone butch blues, by leslie feinberg

i'll give you the sun, by jandy nelson

and then i woke up, by malcolm devlin

on earth we're briefly gorgeous, by ocean vuong

cursed bunny, by bora chung

i have the right to destroy myself, by young-ha kim

infect your friends and loved ones, by torrey peters

the bloody chamber and other stories, by angela carter

at least we can apologize, by lee ki-ho

nonfiction

playing the whore: the work of sex work, by melissa gira grant

cistem failure: essays on blackness and cisgender, by marquis bey

gender trouble: feminism and the subversion of identity, by judith butler

essays against publishing, by jamie berrout

trans liberation: beyond pink or blue, by leslie feinberg

females, by andrea long chu

socialism: utopian and scientific, by friedrich engels

capitalist realism: is there no alternative? by mark fisher

whipping girl: a transsexual woman on sexism and the scapegoating of femininity, by julia serrano

poetry

soft science, by franny choi

grit, by silas denver melvin

in the pines, by alice notley

[neon-knights-mercenary-company]

8 October 3153 Islington System, Magistracy of Canopus, Rimward Periphery DropShip Electric Pony - docked with JumpShip Geranium Fever [NOTE: JumpShip unresponsive - disabled/destroyed(?) by misjump] [NOTE: Chronological error - pre-jump date: 4 January 3052]

---------------

"A boarding team is being sent to verify the condition of your DropShip."

That was what the Star League Star Colonel had said - Binetti, Rowan de la Rosa remembered his name absent-mindedly as she stared at the viewscreen.

The members of the Neon Knights watched as a small dropshuttle vectored from the Canopian station - difficult to see, surrounded as it was by actual honest-to-God WarShips, all decked out with the SLDF star. What have we missed? Rowan thought.

The muffin-shaped shuttle beelined towards what was left of their ride - the Geranium Fever had gone completely unresponsive, so naturally the worst had been assumed - the comms officer zoomed in on the craft with the Pony's optical sensors. The proud red-and-black dragon insignia was plain to see against the slate grey of the shuttle's plating - as was, next to the dragon on either side, an SLDF Cameron Star. They weren't perfectly aligned with each other - probably means they'd been added later?

"It's a modified Dragonstar class transport shuttle, ma'am. Kuritan markings... the hell are the Kuritans doing in bed with the Clanners? It's squawking friendly ident, they haven't powered weapons, and their commo doesn't sound angry. So I doubt we're about to get vented," the officer snarked, before focusing on something in their headset.

"Hokay, they're sending a message - boarding team is being led by a..." the comms officer stopped mid-sentence, and swore in unbelieving Swedenese, though they recovered quickly and continued. "Led by a Tai-sa Ryūga Kurita, assigned to the... whoa. One of the Ryuken regiments, ma'am."

DCMS elite troops - the one's trained by the Wolf's Dragoons? An actual member of the Kurita family? What the hell have we jumped into here? thought Rowan.

"... also a Chu-sa Dahiya Ult Salah-Miyamoto? Assigned to the ... Hikage regiment? Never heard of them, must be new."

Another message made the comms officer focus again.

"ETA is... two minutes, they're burning hard. Looks like they've got other shuttles coming too, probably checking in on the Gerry and the other droppers."

The officer paused, and looked back to the others.

"We playing this cool?"

Rowan considered for a moment. A slight tremor buckled her knee, before she steadied herself with a hand on the good techie’s head. 

Dammit, not now.

“Aye, Xiong. Cool as cats,” she gave them a pat, “and speaking of cool cats- I want Charles and Jo to be part of the meet-and-greet, and with a quickness. Armed, but weapons holstered. Ags,” Rowan turns towards her XO. She had a white-knuckled grip on the other side of Xiong’s chair, but at least seemed to have steadied her breathing, instead glaring a hole in the Pony’s bulkhead, “I want you to take the conn while I meet the good Star Colonel.”

Agata flinched at Rowan’s words, but eased her grip on the chair nonetheless. “Understood, Commander. I have the deck.”

Some of the tension seemed to drop away from Agata’s shoulders at being given a task, like the strings holding her up were cut, but Rowan could tell she was still higher strung than a substation livewire.

Better to have her stay up here and stay cool. 

Rowan nodded, and turned in a parody of an about face to head on down to the airlock.

Time to meet the SLDF.

---------------

In the span of a hallway and an elevator ride, the tremor had made it’s way out of her leg and up to her arm.

Least this means I shouldn’t loose my balance in front of our guests.

She hard them before she saw them, around the corner. Quiet chatter, the sharp bark of Joana’s laughter cutting through Charles’ curt replies, nearly drowning him out.

None of Jo’s usual warmth.

No laconic drawl out of Charles.

Both were already posted up, and their conversation withered as she approached.

“Boss,” Charles spoke up, one furry ear twitching with nerves, “what’re we expecting?” 

Rowan fiddled with the zipper of her jumpsuit, finally working the shakes out of her hand as she replied, “They claim they’re SLDF, but they’re using Clanner ranks and talk with a stick up their ass. Maybe got some Dracs with them too, from the sound of things. I’unno just what their game is here, but we’re playin’ it cool. Leave me talkin’ with the good Star Colonel, an if y’all think you can swing it, chat up some of their boarding crew. We’re working on limited intel here, and-” the sound of the shuttle docking to the Pony’s airlock cut her off.

Rowan flicked open her sunglass, setting the round lenses over her eyes.

A deep breath in.

And slowly out.

The Commander turned to the airlock, wearing her role like a uniform jacket thrown over a shoulder.

“And we’re out of time. Buckle up, y’all. Let’s see just who’s claiming to be the SLDF.”

[glassmoonfortuneteller]

ELDARYA NEW EPISODE THOUGHTS - SPOILERS

Alright, so there's something that's been bothering me for a while...

When Erika first met Ophelia, the reincarnation of the oracle, she tells her how her choices will determine the fate of Eldarya and how she must be careful about what decisions she will make (I assume she meant the aengel/daemon paths). After that, Erika talks to her after she returns from Earth, where Ophelia tells her how Eldarya is doomed, that her choices led to this to happening and now she will have to guide the fairies into a new exodus. "Oh, but not you though, someone else will lead the way”, and I'm just here thinking: what was the point of all this then?

Erika hasn't done anything that could have changed the fate of Eldarya since the beginning of New Era. Ever since she woke up from the crystal, she has been trying to figure out what was happening and why, and to find a way to stop the end of the world. And while she was learning about the portals, the templars and the role of her father as the new antagonist of the story, Eldarya was already going to shit, and that had been happening years before the current events. If Eldarya's destruction was inevitable, then her participation on the main conflict of this season was irrelevant.

Yes, she’s being part of the faerie migration to Earth, but I can't help but think that it could have happened without her direct interference either way, mainly because there was already another human somehow related to Charles (the big baddie final boss) inside the guard that was going to be part of the main events too, mostly because he is a LI.

I'm not saying that she and Mathieu have the same role in the story or that things would have been exactly the same without her, but nothing she did on Eldarya or on Earth would have altered the chain of events that followed. How did Erika, “the child of both worlds”, participate in the big climax of the story? Her being “the last of the aengels”? Nothing more than to show how powerful she is and how she can fight now (not as important as in TO). Her being Charles's daughter? Nope, there was already a "counter-organization" working against him on Earth that will help the fairies with their relocation.  

So even if, let’s say, Erika was still trapped in the crystal at this point in the story, Huang Hua would still have died, Huang Chu would have become the Phoenix, gaining the power to stabilize the portal and send the fairies to Earth anyway.

So please tell me because I'm tired and I might me missing something here, but what important choices was Ophelia talking about at the beginning of the season? There are few if not just one episodes left, and I really want to know if any of the "major decisions" Erika has made in the last 19 episodes will make a difference to the story (aengel/daemon - good/bad ends) or if it was just part of the narrative and not really like, something we as players could have done to change the finale.

* If someone is doing the daemon path and the story does change in their gameplay, please tell me, it’ll mean I’m wrong and I just spent way too much time writing this nonsense ^^’ *

[dlrconlicense]

Louise Brealey On Starring In BBC Three’s Upcoming Comedy Such Brave Girls

Such Brave Girls will arrive on BBC iPlayer on 22 November

By Olivia Emily | 3 days ago

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Louise Brealey is perhaps best known for her witty portrayal of lovelorn morgue technician Molly Hooper in Sherlock – but we’re loving her recent comedy work even more. She’ll next be seen in the BBC‘s hotly anticipated comedy Such Brave Girls, coming later this month. Written by Kate Sadler, Louise plays Deb, the matriarch of a dysfunctional family, trying and failing to keep her kamikaze daughters from disaster. We sat down with Louise to hear all about it.

Interview: Louise Brealey

© Leo Staar

Hi Louise, how’s life going at the moment?

Hello! It’s been a busy summer – my new film has been doing the festival circuit so there have been a lot of planes, trains and automobiles.

You’re about to star in BBC’s new series Such Brave Girls – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

Two messed-up twenty-something (real-life) sisters [Kat Sadler and Lizzie Davidson] and their total car crash of a mother attempt to navigate their way out of disaster and into love.

You play Deb – can you describe her?

Deb is amazing. She’s a shockingly bad mum who has completely messed up her two Gen Z daughters. I think of her as one of those vending machines at railway stations and swimming pools where you can get a Twix, but all that’s on her shelves is Tough Love.

What was it like playing her?

A terrifying hoot – she has a lot of lines.

How did you get into character/prepare for the role?

I based Deb on a little girl I used to know. You could see every emotion on her face. Guile, rage, confusion, fear. When she was cross, she scowled. When she was delighted, she beamed.

I used my real accent: Northamptonshire. It has softened over the years, so I sound a lot posher now, but it’s how my family speak and I’ve never had the chance to work using it.

Any funny stories from rehearsals or filming?

The scenes requiring our amazing intimacy coordinator, Elle McAlpine, were hysterically funny and genuinely not at all awkward. Poor Paul Bazely who plays Dev may have experienced some chafing.

What is the cast dynamic? Who was your favourite person to work with?

We are like a little family when we are filming. I feel very protective of Kat and Lizzie. And Paul is a wonderful human being and a phenomenal actor.

Are you still in touch with any of your co-stars?

Yes, we message all the time.

Josie (KAT SADLER), Deb (LOUISE BREALEY), Billie (LIZZIE DAVIDSON) in Such Brave Girls. © BBC/Various Artists Limited/James Stack

You’re perhaps best known for your role as Molly in Sherlock. What is that like to look back on?

Bittersweet because I don’t feel we finished it, and we have lost Una Stubbs. But it was incredible to be a part of what was really a phenomenon. It couldn’t happen now with streaming.

Any special memories from the show?

Too many. Having a candle in an egg custard tart (my favourite) on my birthday in Benedict’s trailer… Laughing and laughing with darling Una and Rupert Graves, who is a dreamboat.

You’ve also starred in the likes of Lockwood & Co, Brian and Charles and Back recently. But what has been your favourite project to date?

I loved working on Clique for the BBC a few years back. I got to play a hard-ass Queen Bee university lecturer in power suits who was afraid of no one, and then to completely fall apart. In an Edinburgh accent.

I loved Lockwood & Co. How does it feel for the show to be cancelled after just one series?

I felt so bad for the young cast, the crew, the fans and everyone whose livelihoods depended on the show coming back. It got such fantastic reviews and great viewing figures. I feel like the hoop it had to jump through for the streamer was just too impossibly small.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I’m the lead in a lesbian chicken factory musical film called Chuck Chuck Baby.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

This is much too hard. There have been so many that I admired, and some I now call dear friends. But my buddy Jeff Rawle I’ve worked with three times now, and we are trying to make it a fourth.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Antonia Pemberton, who played Nanny in Peter Hall’s Uncle Vanya when I was Sonya. She told me not to keep tomatoes in the fridge.

What’s your dream role?

I’m desperate to get back on stage. I’ve been doing film and television for the past seven years, but theatre is my heart and my home.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I’d like a good horror. I can’t watch them because I’m a scaredy-cat, but I’d love to be in one.

© Leo Staar

Do you get to spend much time at home?

Not enough. I’ve been gadding about.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I’ve lived in London since I left university. I live on a hill next to an oak tree, so it feels like we are in the branches. I can never leave London because I’d miss the culture stuff, but I am a woodland creature.

What’s your interior design style?

A mish-mash of old things I’ve found in auctions. Too many books.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

I don’t.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

An astronaut.

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

Don’t sleep with that guy’s flatmate when you are 21.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Choose love.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

I’m going to run away to a southern European city for January and February to write.

Quick Fire

I’m currently watching… Only Murders in the Building

What I’m reading… We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Silo. I love Rebecca Ferguson.

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… The Motive and the Cue with Mark Gatiss in the West End because I was away for its National Theatre run.

Favourite film of all time… Don’t Look Now

Favourite song of all time… ‘Disco 2000’ by Pulp

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Leonard Cohen

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Join all the museums and galleries

Cultural guilty pleasure… Overcooked 2. It’s computer game where you run around and try to make kebabs.

What’s next for me is… Walking my dog in Beckenham Place Park – it’s south London’s secret mini Hampstead Heath.

Watch

Louise Brealey stars in Such Brave Girls, on BBC iPlayer from 22 November. bbc.co.uk

[the-greatest-fool]

Oh fuck, it’s almost June. Okay, here’s a quick and dirty Asian American literature sweep I recommend for AAPI month. Note this is not meant to cover all of AAPI—obviously, because they’re different ethnic groups and it barely even makes sense to combine the categories to begin with—but instead blast out some of the most famous works that, IMO, should already be household names outside of AsAm lit/studies. I also, just based off my own interests, included works that look at the interplay between race and gender and sexuality.

I included “trending” writers, but I also wanted to redirect some attention to work and writings that have been in this field for literally decades. This is off the top of my head and written on my phone, plus I doubt anyone will read this. I may return to this in the future.

Essayists & Memoirs:

Eric Liu, Notes of a Native Speaker

Maxine Hong Kingston, The Woman Warrior

Alexander Chee, How to Write an Autobiographical Novel

Cathy Park Hong, Minor Feelings

Jia Tolentino, Trick Mirror

Jay Caspian Kang, The Loneliest Americans

Hua Hsu, Stay True

Playwrights:

David Henry Hwang: Chinglish, Yellow Face, M. Butterfly

Novelists/Authors:

Louis Chu, Eat a Bowl of Tea

Amy Tan, Joy Luck Club

Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinese

Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer

Charles Yu, Interior Chinatown

Elaine Hsieh Chou, Disorientation

Ling Ma, Severance

RF Kuang, Yellow Face

Poets:

Theresa Hak Kyung Chu

Arthur Sze

Justin Chin

Timothy Liu

Cathy Park Huang

Ocean Vuong

Other:

David L. Eng, Racial Castration