#Christmas Marketing Ideas for Restaurants

[foodivsystems]

Explore some Christmas Marketing Ideas for Restaurants, by implementing these ideas, you can attract more customers to your restaurant during the busy holiday season and boost your sales.

[levisfavoriteteashop]

aot men and where they would take you for a date

with: levi ackerman, armin arlert, eren yeager, jean kirschtein and erwin smith

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levi ackerman

levi is the type of guy that dislikes being basic and takes you out to a movie theater or something like that, so i can totally picture him taking you on more classy dates. he would definitely take you to an art museum, or to a play, like a show on broadway. I also picture levi taking you to a christmas market, or to an adorable small bakery, where he can also share tea with you. lastly, he’s the type to invite you to a dance, a real evening dance. levi is definitely not the type to just hang out with you at his place, when he wants a date he puts everything in it. 

armin arlert 

armin is a total sweetheart, and it is not surprising that he likes nature dates. I picture that he’d take you out on a picnic by the beach or in a field of flowers during summer and spring. During fall, he’d go to a pumpkin patch with you and in winter he’d definitely go ice skating with you, even though he may not be the best at it. he absolutely loves spending hours with you out there in the cold, watching how your nose and cheeks grow rosy because of the cold, and he would warm you up by giving you light pecks on the tip of your nose

eren yeager

eren is probably a little basic, he would take you out to a movie theater or to a restaurant. however that doesn’t mean that he puts little effort in it, because he pays attention to what you like or not, and he wants to make sure that it’s the perfect date for you. For example, when you go to a restaurant, eren would harass the staff to make you your favourite meal, even if it’s not on the menu. this boy is also the type to take you to the movie theater to watch a scary movie, because he hopes that you’ll get scared and cling to him for comfort. It may be a classic thing to do on a date, but eren still manages to make it adorable for you. even when you simply hang out at his place, eren will organise many things for you to enjoy, like baking together, or even drawing, despite the fact that his skills are very questionable in that matter.

jean kirschtein

jean definitely wants a date where the two of you can have fun and spend time together. of course he’s always down to go to a fancy restaurant with you or to just watch movies and cuddle, but he also likes to be adventurous. I feel like he would take you to an amusement park, and you two would end up clinging to each other while going down a rollercoaster. jean is also the type of boy to spend his money on a fair game, where he could win you a big stuffed toy. finally, jean would probably take you stargazing in a field at night, which is his idea of a perfect calm date.

erwin smith

i can picture erwin taking you on dates where the only purpose is spoiling you. i mean that he could take you on a shopping spree, and buy you all of your expensive jewellery and clothes. erwin would also book a spa massage for the two of you to enjoy. he would also bring you gifts and flowers every time he’d take you out, because the man loves spoiling you. finally, if the two of you want to go on a more creative and interesting date, erwin would probably take you hiking, or he would teach you different new sports. during the winter, the man would gladly go sledding with you, or even just take a walk in a snowy forest.

[wifetomegatron]

i have this little worm in my brain that's obsessed with the idea of putting cybertronians in normal, everyday scenarios. to pluck these blocky, stiff characters and drop them into a landscape so smooth, so gentle, that they stand out like a sore thumb. a shadow across a monet painting : from far away nothing looks out of place, but the closer you look, the more you realise that this is absurd.

and yet i love first contact aus, where earth has established a semi-stable understanding with cybertron that assimilation has gone as far as mechs being able to roam around the streets and go unnoticed by the crowd of humans. that they can sit and dine in restaurants with their human partners or friends, nursing a glass of energon, while they catch up on each other's lives. where mass displacement and gravity adjusting machines are accessible so these bots don't destroy or ruin everything they touch in this little blue planet and instead learn how to adapt to it. to not only live but to live together : 

fortress maximus having breakfast with you in your shared apartment.

swerve shaking up drinks for human patrons at his bar.

rodimus walking his date down the street of their home.

ratchet and drift going through the christmas market. skids helping you with your jewellery by the vanity table. velocity pushing the cart while you shop for groceries.

it's ridiculous and makes little sense but it is also wishful thinking. and most of my thoughts consist of mourning the painfully tender slice of normalcy humans could have given these giant war-raging bots if given the chance.

how we can finally find a way to fit the sharp and unyielding edges of their armors against the curve of our open palms. so they can learn how to be finally grounded to the soil and not drift against the nothingness of space. word barf but i'm going insane.

give me the domestic bliss i deserve with my sixty foot tall alien husband or i will explode like confetti.

[jessicaloons]

Chapter 32:

Don't say I didn't, say I didn't warn ya…

Masterlist - Previous - Next

I woke up to sunbeams warming up my skin and turned around, the bed next to me empty. Yawning I snuggled back into the warm sheets, not wanting to get up already. Right when I was about to doze off again, the bed behind me dipped a little and Charles engulfed me in a warm embrace.

"Good morning, cara mia." he whispered in my ear, his soft stubble tickling my skin.

"You need to shave…" I mumbled and he chuckled, kissing along my jaw.

"Happy anniversary, pretty girl." he said between kisses and I smiled.

"Happy anniversary, pretty boy." I turned a little, waiting for his soft lips to press against mine, sealing them with a kiss.

"What about we start the day with a nice shower together and then head downtown to this beautiful market, having breakfast or more brunch and just enjoy a free day together? And for tonight I booked us a table at the best restaurant in town! How does that sound?" he asked and I sighed contently.

"Sounds perfect." I pecked his lips and he got up, pulling me with him and I wrapped my legs and arms around him, giggling.

"I guess I have to carry you then." he smiled at me and walked us into the bathroom.

An hour later we left the hotel where a car already waited for us, to drive us to the market.

"We have to FaceTime Pops!" Charles said as we got out of the car. He pulled his phone out and looked around for a quiet corner where we could call him to congratulate him, right as we said our goodbyes Liam chimed in.

"Guess what! We’re coming to Monaco!"

"No way!" Charles said excitedly.

"Mummy and Pops and I! And then I cheer you on!" his face lit up.

"Who me or Charlie?" I asked and he looked conflicted for a moment.

"Both of you? But it’s Charlie’s home race! So maybe a little bit more for him?" he said sheepishly

"Awww thank you, Bubba!" Charles smiled and I pouted.

"It’s my home race now as well!“

"No it’s not, silly! You just live there! But Charlie is Monegasque!" Liam laughed.

"Beautifully pronounced, Bubba! Amazing!" Charles cooed and Liam blushed a little.

"I’m speaking only French now with Oma!" he answered in French and Charles grabbed dramatically onto his heart.

"You’ll speak better than me in no time!" I said and Charles laughed.

"Then he will teach you, right?" he said looking at the screen.

"Qui!" Liam smiled "Now I gotta go, Lunch is ready! Love you! See you! Bye!" he hung up before anyone else could say something.

"Well, goodbye everyone else." I laughed and Charles pocketed his phone, taking my hand.

"Come one now! I’m hungry!" he pulled me towards the market and we strolled around, looking for a nice spot. When we sat down and ordered a little of everything two young boys walked up to us, asking for a picture with Charles and he happily obliged, while I took it. The boys then wished us both luck and scurried off, right as our food arrived.

"Okay. I have no idea where to start, but this looks delicious, what was it called again Qutab?" I took a bite of the pancake like dish "Damn that’s good! It’s filled with spinach and cheese. Here! Try it!" I held out the pastry for Charles to take a bite and he nodded, while chewing.

"That’s really good. Here, taste that. Kükü? Kuku? I don’t know how to pronounce it, it’s an omelette with herbs." he fed me a spork full and I almost moaned because of the flavour.

"Okay. Yeah. That was an amazing idea coming here, thank you!" I brushed his cheek with my knuckles and he smiled.

"I’m still a little mad that you didn’t let me buy you anything. It’s our anniversary, cara mia!" he said while I sipped on my tea, tilting my head a little "It’s my duty as a good boyfriend to spoil you!"

"It’s absolutely not…" I rolled my eyes "It would also mean that I have to buy you something as well! And it’s not so easy buying you a present! It was tough enough delivering on your birthday and Christmas over the last years! Now you want to add Valentine’s Day and our anniversary to that list? Four occasions every year to buy you something? Have mercy!"

"I said it’s my duty to spoil you and not the other way around!" he mumbled, shovelling some more food into his mouth.

"But that wouldn’t be fair to you! Ever heard of something called equality?" I chuckled and now he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah I know what that means and I want to be equal with everything, but I also want to spoil you!" he pouted and I shook my head.

"Whatever." I sighed and his eyes lit up.

"Whatever you let me spoil you?" Charles asked.

"Do whatever you want. But please stop looking at me like a lost puppy!" I laughed and he slipped his hands inside his jacket, pulling out a little box "Oh you’ve got to be kidding me!" I exclaimed as he put it down in front of me "You carried that with you?"

"Okay listen, it’s not a present like you think it is. It’s more… umm- I don’t know how to say it! Open it." he sounded nervous and I cocked an eyebrow, opening the box. A key with a beautiful keychain inside, I took it out and then looked at him confused.

"I already have a key to your flat?" I asked and he nodded.

"This is not a key to my flat, it’s not even a key to any flat. It’s more a symbol… you know how they build more and more new buildings in Monaco?" he asked and I nodded slowly "There is this one penthouse, I want to show you. It’s amazing."

"Charles I just bought my own flat…" I began.

"It’s not for now. It’s not even finished… it’s for the future! I just want to show you, please!" he pleaded, his puppy eyes on full display.

"Okay… let’s have a look." I smiled at him and he pulled me into his arms, gently kissing me.

"You’ll love it. I promise you that."

I knew he was right, after all he knew me all too well.

Charles POV:

"Okay, how do I look? Please remember, you didn’t tell me that you would get us a table at the best restaurant in town. Otherwise I would’ve packed something way more fancy than this!" Lizzie stepped out of the bathroom, a black dress on. A black dress that hugged her body perfectly, with long sleeves, ending right above her knees.

"You look beautiful. It’s elegant, yet simple. Sexy but not too revealing. It’s perfect." I kissed her cheek, feeling a little bad that I didn’t tell her the whole truth, about our dinner reservation.

"Okay? So hair and make-up, check. Dress, check. Bag, bag, bag…" she rummaged through her suitcase and then smiled "Bag, check. What am I missing?" she looked at me and I chuckled, pointing at her legs "Oh! Shoes! Okay, yeah, shoes, check." she slipped into her black heels and stopped in front of the mirror, smoothing the dress down "Isn’t it a little too short?"

"Absolutely not, cara mia. You look amazing!" I hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek.

"Hmm… okay." our eyes met in the mirror and she smiled "You look handsome"

"Not as good as you, but that’s okay." I laughed and she rolled her eyes "Can we go now? Our car’s outside." I took her bag from the bed and she nodded slowly "Alright, then let’s go." I took her hand and pulled her with me, out of our room, down to our car.

"What even is the best restaurant in town? Did you google it?" Lizzie asked, playing with my fingers that were intertwined with hers in her lap.

"No. I know someone who was there already and they loved it." I said and she looked out of the window "Don’t worry, they have vegetarian options." I squeezed her hand and she smiled "It’s not that far away actually, maybe we can take a walk back to the hotel…"

"With these shoes?" she snorted and I laughed.

"Maybe not." I looked outside, the little street looking familiar, when the car stopped "We’re here." I got out of the car and walked around, opening Lizzie’s door, holding out my hand for her to take. The car drove off and Lizzie spun around a little when her eyes caught the little neon sign and her breathing hitched.

"Charles…" she whispered, squeezing my hand "That’s… that’s…" her voice got caught in her throat and she looked at me.

I grabbed her waist and cupped her cheek, pulling her closer.

"We were here after I won the race…" I said and Lizzie had tears in her eyes. "Pops said after that week we deserve a treat. How you housed down that burger and the fries? God, I think I fell in love with you even more back then. It was the first time that I genuinely laughed the whole week! You took care of Arthur and I, tended to us. Made us eat and drink, that you forgot taking care of yourself. You were almost dehydrated and starved after the race. And when we were here, you did a little happy dance when you had your first fry…" I laughed.

"That was the best fry of my life!" she chuckled and I nodded.

"And for me it was one of the best nights of my life… because I knew that everything was going to be okay, after all I had you by my side…" I wiped away a stray tear and then closed the last distance between us, kissing her, putting all my heart and soul into the kiss "Now? Would you do me the honour and have a fancy dinner with me?"

"With pleasure!" Lizzie took my hand and I lead her inside, everything was quiet, only one table in the middle of the little room, candles lit up "You did not rent out the whole place?" she made big eyes.

"Of course I did… it’s just for us tonight. No one interrupting. No one watching. Just us. And the waiter." I chuckled as the waiter welcomed us.

"I love you, Charlie." Lizzie whispered, kissing my cheek and I smiled at her.

"I love you too, mon amour."

"What did I say? WHAT DID I SAY?" I jumped right into Charles arms "You were flying!"

"Thanks, cara mia!" he set me down and I kissed his cheek.

"Now go! Go to your Interview! I’ll wait for you!" I pushed him towards Crofty and he smiled one last time before he turned around, walking to give his interview.

"Lizzie!" Pierre nudged my shoulder and I smiled at him "Now that was a comeback!"

"Yeah.. I honestly thought I would be out in Q1 already, I mean, that was just milliseconds!" I said and he nodded.

"But you did it! As always!"

"Well yeah, P4 isn’t what I wanted. But the best that was possible, given the circumstances." I shrugged my shoulders "I’m sorry for you though… what happened?"

"No idea." he shook head and I squeezed his shoulder "Can’t change it now…"

"Hmm… you’ll make up for it in the race!" I tried to cheer him up.

"Yeah, maybe…" he sighed and walked off.

I turned around when Charles pinched my side.

"How’s he doing?" he asked and looked at Pierre’s back.

"Not so good… " I sighed, when Julie waved at us "Seems like I’m needed."

"Alright, I pick you up later?" he kissed my cheek and I nodded, walking towards Julie.

"Good job, Lizzie!" she smiled at me.

"I tried my best…"

"And you did amazing!" Felix smiled at me when we walked through our garage.

"The set up was way better than in practice!" I replied and he nodded.

"That’s good!"

"Let’s go Lizzie." Julie nodded towards the exit.

"Let’s do this then." I followed her outside to the media pen.

When we were at the interview for ESPN Spain I had a weird feeling, the reporter smirking at me the whole time, like he knew something about me. As soon as we walked away Julie looked at me and then back at him.

"What was up with that dude?" she asked and I shrugged "He was weird."

"I’m just glad that you felt the same…" I mumbled and she shook her head.

"At least the girl from Canal+ wasn’t here today." she chuckled.

"Oh don’t remind me of her! I mean I know that half of the media, probably even more, doesn’t like me, but she hates me! I don’t know why!" I laughed right as Charles crossed our path and he kissed my cheek without a word and then kept walking with Mia. I felt myself blush and Julie laughed.

"You two are sickeningly sweet! And the way you blush sometimes? Adorable!"

"Oh stop! It’s not adorable! It’s annoying! I don’t even know why I blush sometimes!" I groaned as we walked inside our hospitality.

"Hmm… I’d say it’s because you’re still a little shy with PDA?" she asked and I thought about it.

"Whatever. When does the team meeting start?" I asked right as Pete waved me over "Well, speak of the devil…"

"Third in yesterday’s sprint race. Fifth in today’s race. Seems like your luck has changed a little, no?" the Canal+ reporter asked, rather sneered and I nodded.

"It was a good weekend. I understand the car better now and-…" I began when she interrupted me.

"Charles had a pretty good weekend, too. Pole position for the sprint and the race. Second in the sprint race, third today. His season also changed for the better."

"Is there a question in your statement that I just missed?" I asked her and she laughed.

"How do you feel about that? People were joking that since you’re driving alongside Charles he only makes it onto to the podium when you’re up there too."

"Oh yeah? Sucks that I’m not on the podium today then…" I said and she nodded.

"True. Oh! Charles! Here! I was just finishing up with your lovely girlfriend." she switched to French and waved Charles over who joined us "Now, I just told Lizzie what a great weekend you two had! You can be really proud!" her voice was sweet and loud as she laid her hand on his arm, smiling at him with big eyes.

"Umm yeah, we had a good weekend…" Charles began but I didn’t listen, I looked at Julie who just chuckled and shrugged. I squeezed Charles arm and followed Julie.

"I think she has a huge crush on Charles, that’s why she doesn’t like you." she said and looked back to the French reporter who smiled at Charles, throwing her head back laughing, by the look on Charles face, probably about something that wasn’t that funny.

"Yeah well, tough luck. That’s my man." I shrugged and she laughed.

I looked out the window for a while, when I turned to Charles.

"How is it? Having Fred now in the team as well?" I asked and he looked up from his book "What’s he even doing?"

"Honestly? No idea, all they said was he’s having a supervisory role within the team. But no clue what that means." he scratched his chin "But it’s nice having him in the team in some kind of way, at least. He helped me a lot in my rookie year… but yeah. He won’t be around a lot on the track, they said he will be here for the next three or four races to see how the team works, the routines and stuff and then he’ll be back in Maranello, working on how to improve the departments that need improvement."

"So he’s basically making sure that the team stops fucking up?" I said and Charles chuckled.

"I guess you could say that."

"Hmm. Well let’s hope he can fix that… especially your strategy department…" I muttered and he pinched my side "What? Just saying…"

"I’m not supposed to say this, but I heard from… doesn’t matter, but I heard he’s heavily involved in the development of next year’s car." Charles said quietly and I looked at him "It’s not official or anything, I just heard it from someone who has connections to certain people in the factory."

"If you’re lucky Mattia is gone by the end of the year and Fred will take over…" I wiggled my eyebrows and he laughed.

"I never had any problems with him, it was just that…" he stopped.

"I know, I got it." I patted his arm and he sighed.

For the rest of the flight I mostly watched some tv shows or cuddled up into Charles warmth, trying to not think about the upcoming race weekend. The race I didn’t finish last season. Coming back here, I knew that it would be one of the number one topics on media day, that’s why I wasn’t surprised at all when I sat down for the press conference and answered the probably tenth question about it.

"Of course I watched a replay of the crash and I honestly don’t know what happened still. It all happened so fast. I was making contact with Checo, I don’t know what lead to that or why I didn’t react. Maybe I had an idea for a split second but then got already caught up by him." I said, of course not mentioning the blackout due to my terrible night before the race. That was a secret I’ll never share. Not with the public at least.

"Brad Worthington, BBC Sports. Lizzie, what do you expect from this weekend? Your car seems to be good around here, on paper at least?"

"I hope I can convert the performance from paper to track. I think we’re heading in the right direction with the car, Baku was a huge step forward, so I’m really excited to see what’s on for us this weekend!"

"Jan Dietrich, Bild. Question for Charles. How is it coming back to this track after last year? We all remember your team radio, the agony in your voice asking for updates on Lizzie after her crash. How you left right after the podium for the hospital? Your win here was a little overshadowed by the crash."

"I didn’t care about the race or the win to be honest. For me it was more important that Lizzie was okay, so yeah, I knew I had to leave immediately. If it were up to me I wouldn’t even attend the podium, but the win wasn’t just for me. It was also for the team, they deserved to celebrate it." Charles said and looked at me.

"Alright, that’s it. Thank you Lady and Gentlemen. Have a good race weekend!" Tom Clarkson ended the press conference and we left.

"Are you okay?" Charles asked and I shrugged.

"Never show them that their questions are getting to you." Lewis smiled at me and I nodded.

"Thanks, Lewis. Trying my best." I replied.

"You did good, both of you." he squeezed my shoulder and nodded at Charles and then left.

"Come on. Let’s get out of here. I’m done for today, whatever Sylvia has in store for me, I’m not doing it. Not today, I feel like a bad headache is coming? And my stomach? Not good…" Charles winked and I laughed.

"Yeah? If that’s it, then I guess I have to take care of you! Let me just tell Julie."

"In 15 minutes at the car?" he kissed my cheek.

"I’ll be there!"

The car worked great on the track. Valtteri had the better Friday, but after we adjusted the set up of my car a little, I could make up some seconds. Quali went amazing and luckily I already set a pretty good time when Q3 was red flagged, parking my car in P3. I knew that Charles had a hard time, getting comfortable in the car and as I watched the replay of his crash I knew immediately that he must’ve pushed too hard, to abstract the most out of the car. He looked down, head hung low, shoulders sagged.

"What happened?" I asked him gently and sat down on the couch next to him.

He sighed, throwing his head back.

"This car. It’s… it’s unpredictable! The car goes from understeering like crazy when I turn into the corner, where I have to fight to stay on track, to massively oversteering at the exit. I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel comfortable like this." he sounded tired, his eyes closed.

"Consistency is what you’re lacking most at the moment…" I said carefully and he only nodded.

"We’re good in qualifying, I mean if I’m not that stupid and crash out… twice! At the same fucking spot! But we have no race pace whatsoever. So yeah, consistency is what we’re lacking at the moment." he turned to look at me and then smiled "But you had a good weekend. I’m proud of you. Audi really is doing a good job at the moment, developing the car, fix what’s wrong. You’re doing a good job, adjusting to the changes."

"Yeah, I think Baku was a little turning point? I mean we’re nowhere near Aston or Merc, but we’re getting there, slowly but steady."

"I thought after last week that we turned the season around as well…"

"I know, I’m sorry. It looked like your car was worse than last week for some reason? And by your car I mean YOUR car and not both Ferraris…"

He shrugged only and then got up.

"I don’t know. I’m struggling a lot this season. I’m not comfortable with the car, Carlos is. So yeah, we’ll see I guess…" he walked to the mini bar and grabbed a coke, looking at me, I shook my head and he came back, opening the can "But I have to stop using this as an excuse, that the car is more for his style of driving. I’m a Formula 1 driver in my fifth season in the biggest team, sixth overall. I have to be able to adjust to a car that’s not to my liking. That’s my job. That’s something I have to get better at." he took a sip of his coke.

"You will adjust, I know it. You’ll be back on top in no time!" I kissed his cheek and sat up, almost instantly Charles passed me the can and then laughed.

"Come on, take a sip, I know you want it."

"You know me too well." I chuckled but then took the can and took a sip "Thanks."

"At least I’m confident in how to handle you." he teased and I gasped.

"Handle me? How dare you!" I slapped his biceps and got up walking towards the bathroom "You know what? I’m really looking forward to stay a couple of days here. Relax under the sun. That will do us some good." I took off my shorts.

"Are you taking a shower without me, cara mia?" he cocked an eyebrow.

"No, I’m taking a shower waiting for you…" I winked at him and he threw his head back in the pillows, chuckling "I mean, if you want to of course…" I shrugged my shoulders, pulling my shirt off and threw it at him. The moment it hit him he jumped up and followed me.

I signed caps and shirts, took selfies with some fans and talked a little away when I heard how the crowd got louder and knew Charles had come. He waved at me and then turned to his fans, smiling and taking to them. Even after a bad result he was the sweetest with his fans, always trying to make everyone feel special and seen. I leaned at the car and watched him when JK stopped next to me.

"It’s truly amazing how he can always put on a smile for his fans." he said while watching Charles as well.

"Yeah, he was always like this. Always focused on making them the happiest…" I smiled.

"He was pretty hard on himself again." I looked at him "I mean I know you two, you both are like this. But he’s even this hard on him when it’s not his fault… his car? What a shitbox."

"I know… but it’s Ferrari. They could break him to pieces and he still would want nothing but the best for them." I sighed "That kind of love speaks volumes."

"True." JK waved at Charles as he looked over "I hope you guys have some quiet days, can relax a little. Take care, Liz." he hugged me.

"See you in a week." I waved him off, pulling out my phone, to beat the time.

"Alright, let’s go!" Charles voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I looked up "I can’t wait to get out of here."

"Someone’s eager!" I chuckled and kissed his cheek, getting in the car.

"We only have three and a half days for ourselves, so yeah, I’m eager to get away!" he started the car and drove off.

"We could’ve just stayed in our hotel here, you know?" I said looking out the window.

"Nope. I wanted to get away from here. Palm Beach sounded nice, the hotel looked amazing and the beach as well!"

"So Palm Beach it is then." I smiled looking out the window, right when Cruel Summer began to play on the radio and I began to sing along. By the time the bridge started I almost screamed from the top of my lungs, dancing along "You know that Taylor’s here? Well not here here, but close. Tampa. Tonight and then on Wednesday night again?"

"Yeah, Lizzie, you told me that like a million times…" Charles chuckled a little and I sighed "You’ll see her! At the end of this year. Next year. You’ll see her." he grinned.

"It’s annoying that you’re this optimistic."

"Life as a Ferrari driver…" he mumbled and I laughed.

"Did you just-… no… you didn’t? That can’t be? Did you just indirectly called out Ferrari?" I looked at him, still laughing.

"Nope." a tiny smirk on his lips.

Charles POV:

Lizzie snuggled into me as we sat on the beach, watching the sun set on the horizon above the ocean, a beautiful pink and purple hue painted the sky.

"Best anniversary ever!" she whispered after a while and I chuckled a little "You don’t think so?"

"Oh no! I do think so! For me it definitely is the best anniversary ever! I just think it could be maybe even a little bit better…" I shrugged my shoulders in amusement.

"How could this be even more perfect than it already is?" she asked turning her head a little, looking at her.

"I don’t know… but I think when I say that we’re going to the Era’s Tour tomorrow in Tampa, it might be really perfect and really tough to beat…" she sat up in an instant, turning around, staring at me with wide eyes.

"What did you say?" she almost whispered it.

"We’re going to the Era’s Tour tomorrow night in Tampa." I smiled at her.

"Okay… I’m having a hard time processing this… when you say 'We’re going to the Era’s Tour tomorrow night in Tampa' then you mean we could’ve gone there if I could’ve been able to purchase tickets, right? That’s what you mean?" Lizzie’s voice was wavering and I shook my head "Shaking your head means no… so no that’s not what you mean, right?"

"No, that’s not what I mean." I grinned and she squeezed my hands like crazy.

"So you’re saying we are going to the Era’s Tour… like going to the concert. Inside a stadium. Watching the show?" tears started gathering in her eyes and I slowly nodded, gently taking one hand from her strong grip, showing her the tickets on my phone.

"You. Me. Taylor. Tomorrow night." I said and she let out a loud squeal before she threw her arms around my neck, screaming, crying, littering my face with tiny kisses.

"I love you. I love you. I love you." she cried and I hugged her tight "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

"Happy anniversary." I whispered in her ear and she sniffled, pulling away a little, smiling at me "I love you, cara mia." she leaned in and captured my lips in a wet and salty kiss.

"You are the best boyfriend a girl could ask for. Thank you, Charles." she breathed out against my lips, smiling her gorgeous smile, I chuckled and pecked her lips "I can’t believe it! I’m going to see Taylor Swift live in concert!"

"Yes you are." I laughed.

"We’re going to see Taylor! We’re going to the Era’s Tour." her eyes shining bright "I’m going to the Era’s Tour tomorrow night!" she closed her eyes for a moment before looking at the sky above us "I’m going to the Era’s Tour. Tomorrow night." she repeated, this time her voice sounded a little panicked "Oh my god! I’m going to the Era’s Tour! Tomorrow night! FUCK! What do I wear? I can’t just go there in some boring clothes! OH GOD! WHAT DO I WEAR? I wanted to wear something special." full on panic now.

"Hey, hey, hey! Calm down!" I laughed but Lizzie almost hyperventilated.

"I can’t! This is not just a normal concert! This is the Era’s Tour! I have to dress up! Like seriously!" she pouted, pacing back and forth.

"I know! That’s why Shima designed your outfit, it’s in the closet." I smiled and she stopped abruptly.

"What?"

"I knew you would wanted to wear something special. And you talked with Shima about what you would love to wear. Well she designed it. It’s here. Well not here, in the hotel, but you get what I mean…" I chuckled and she grabbed my hand, pulling me with her "And now we’re going to the hotel because you have to see it." I laughed.

"Yep." she replied, then stopping again, kissing me fiercely "And then I thank you properly." she nipped at my bottom lip and kept walking again "And now move!"

The whole way from the hotel, to our car, to the entry and when we were brought up to our seats I had the biggest smile on my face. I was at Taylor Swift’s The Era’s Tour. I had my gorgeous boyfriend by my side. And I wore an amazing outfit, designed by Shima. The night could only be epic. And it was. More than epic. As the show started, I was singing and dancing, having the time of my life. Charles doing his best to keep up with me. While Lover was played he held me close, swaying us back and forth, gently kissing my cheek and I had the biggest smile on my face. As the setting switched and a new era began I looked at the stage in awe. Singing at the top of my lungs along. It was during Love Story when I had a little heart attack, right when the bridge started and Taylor sang 'he knelt to the ground' Charles in fact knelt to the ground and I gasped. He wouldn’t do that. Not here. Not like this. Not in public. My heart was beating out of my chest when I looked down, but then I saw how he tied his shoe lace and got back up again, a devilish smirk on his lips.

"What?" he mouthed and I chuckled, playfully hitting his shoulder. Although I was shocked and definitely overwhelmed with the feeling of getting proposed to in a sea of strangers, I couldn’t ignore the little spark that got ignited inside my stomach. The warm feeling rushing through me. The tiny pinch of disappoint when I realised Charles only tied his shoe lace. As if he sensed that I was a little lost in my head, Charles pulled me to his side, kissing my temple. I shook my head a little and smiled. Focusing back on the stage in front, where the visuals changed yet again, signalling for a new era to start. The time flew by and way too soon it was already the last era, then the last song.

charles_leclerc just posted a story…

We followed the security guy and I sweated even more, nervousness seeping through me. I just danced and screamed for more than 3 hours and was about to meet Taylor Swift. TAYLOR SWIFT. My sweaty self meeting Taylor Swift. I pulled off the coat and started to dry my face with the flimsy fabric, goosebumps spreading all over my skin.

"You’re getting sick like that." Charles said next to me, looking at my arms but I shrugged my shoulders.

"That coat, although it looked amazing, is soaked and way too hot."

"Here." he took off his jacket and gave it to me "Put it on cara mia, you’re wearing this thin dress and are sweaty as fuck. You’re getting sick!" he repeated and I took the jacket and put it on, rolling up the sleeves.

"Thank you!" I smiled at him, grabbing his hand again.

"Boyfriend duty." he winked and I laughed.

"You’re excelling as always!" he rolled his eyes a little but I squeezed his hand "I’m serious!"

"It’s okay. Really." he reassured me and I nodded.

"How do I look?" I asked him, smoothing down my hair a little.

"You look as cute as always!"

"Hmm. Okay, do y-…" I began when the security guard stopped.

"Alright. Wait inside there, she’ll come to see you." he opened the door in front of us and I walked inside. A handful of people waiting already. I swallowed hard and looked at Charles, who smiled at me encouragingly.

"Oh my god! Oh my god! You’re Charles Leclerc and Lizzie Doetterer!" a female voice behind us screeched out loud.

I turned around and in front of us stood a girl whose face I knew, but just couldn’t place.

"I’m Sarah Collins! I’m a huge Formula 1 fan!" the girl held out her hand and we shook them and it hit me.

"Sarah Collins! You’re an influencer slash activist slash fashion blogger slash… you kinda make everything! I follow you on Insta!" I said and she made big eyes.

"What? You follow me? No?! I swear I never saw that!" she took her phone out and scrolled through her Instagram "Oh my god! How the hell did I miss that!" she said more to herself before she looked up "It’s so cool to see you here! Wow! Can we take a picture together, maybe?"

"Sure!" I smiled at her and she shoved her phone into her friend’s hand and stood next to me, Charles wanted to walk away but Sarah shook her head "No, no, please! With you as well!"

"Oh, okay." Charles stepped next to me again and her friend took some pictures.

"Thank you guys so much!" she smiled and and looked at the pictures.

"No worries."

"So! How did you like the show?" she asked and I smiled wide.

"I loved it! I’m so sad it’s over already! I could’ve gone for another hour or two!"

"Same! It was so amazing!"

"As soon as she announces some shows in Europe for next year we’ll be going again!" I smiled at Charles who cocked an eyebrow.

"We are?" he laughed and I hit his arm playfully "Just kidding! We are!"

"You two are literally the cutest!" Sarah said and I blushed "Since the day it was announced that you’ll be in F1 as well, I was rooting for you! And then I saw you two the first time together on the screen? I knew immediately that you two were a couple" she wiggled her eyebrows a little and I laughed.

"Well, we tried our best to hide it and-…" I began as the door opened and the word got caught in my throat, Sarah turning around gasping a little.

"Hi guys! How are you doing!" Taylor Swift asked us how we were doing. Taylor Swift. She walked up to us, a big smile on her face, opening up her arms, hugging first Sarah and her friends, talking a little with them, before she turned to Charles and I, hugging me "Hi, I’m Taylor." she introduced herself and I hugged her back. Not just that Taylor Swift introduced herself, as if we didn’t knew who she was, no! She hugged me!

"Hi! I’m Taylor, it’s so amazing to meet you Lizzie!" I blurted out and blushed immediately "Oh god! You’re Taylor. I’m Lizzie. I’m so sorry!" I apologised immediately but she just laughed.

"It’s okay, don’t be nervous. Just take a deep breath!" she still held my hand, squeezing it "Hi Lizzie, nice to meet you! You’re the racing driver everyone is talking about, right? The only girl in… Formula 1?"

Rest in peace me. RIP me. I died. Dead.

Taylor Swift knew who I was. My mind went blank and I kept staring at her, unable to say anything.

"Yes. Yes, that’s her. The only girl in Formula 1." Charles jumped in and smiled at me, then at Taylor.

"And you must be the boyfriend who surprised Lizzie with tickets for tonight? Charles?" Taylor Swift knew who my boyfriend was.

"Yep. That’s me. Nice to meet you." Charles said and Taylor smiled at him.

"I hope you had some fun tonight?" she asked and I broke out from my trance.

"It was amazing! So freaking amazing! You were amazing! The show! The dancers! The band! The visuals! Amazing!" I praised her and her smile got even bigger.

"Aww! Thank you! You’re the cutest!"

And again. Rest in peace me. RIP me. I died. Dead. I kept on staring at her. Not knowing if she talked to me or if I even was able to answer. I just stood there. Star-strucked. And in awe. She was tall and so pretty. And her smile was contagious.

"Lizzie?" Charles gently nudged my shoulder and I looked at him "Come on, we’re taking some pictures!" he smiled and me and I nodded.

"Here. Come to me." Taylor Swift pulled me to her side and I tried my best not to faint.

Charles took some pictures with his phone, before he stood next to me, to be in some pictures as well. My cheeks were hurting from smiling that much but I couldn’t help it.

"Did we get some good shots?" Taylor asked and Charles nodded.

"Amazing shots."

"Perfect!" she smiled again at us, before her assistant walked in and nodded at her "Unfortunately I have to go now, but it was so good to meet you all!" she hugged us all one by one and when it was my turn she took off one of her bracelets, when she pulled away, handing it to me "I think that one fits you pretty well." she smiled and I looked at the bracelet the 1 stood on the pearls "As you’re the only girl in Formula 1 and you’re also the number one because you won a race!" I put the bracelet on and took one of my own off, in the colours of the German flag and with pearls saying girl champ.

"I think that one fits you pretty well too." I said and she smiled.

"Thank you!" she hugged me again and then lastly Charles "It was really great to meet you! Good luck on the race course? Is it race course? Yeah? Good luck then and win some more races! You guys rock!"

With one last wave she was gone and I just stood there, staring at the bracelet on my wrist. We said our goodbyes to Sarah and her friends and left. Or rather Charles dragged me along, because I wasn’t able to comprehend anything that had happened just now. It was late at night when we arrived back in our hotel and we took a quick shower, getting bed ready, when what has happened fully sunk in.

"I was at the Era’s Tour. I saw Taylor Swift live performing. I met Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift knew who we were. Taylor Swift took pictures with us. And last but not least, Taylor Swift and I switched friendship bracelets." I said and looked at Charles, a big grin on his lips "And that all was only possible because of you. YOU! My amazing, perfect boyfriend!" I snuggled into his side, kissing his cheek "I love you. So much. You have no idea. You are the best boyfriend any girl could ever dream of. Thank you for making this possible!"

"I would do everything for you, cara mia. Although I have to admit, there is someone you definitely have to thank rather than me… Lewis. He got us the tickets. He knew someone who worked with Taylor before and who’s she’s friends with and he organised this all…" Charles said and I smiled.

"Lewis? Well then I guess I have to thank him as well, as soon as I see him again." I yawned and Charles chuckled.

"Come on, sleep now, our flight is at 12." he kissed my forehead and I sighed contently "Good night, cara mia."

"Good night, my Charlie bear. And thank you. So much."

"Call me as soon as you arrive!" I kissed Charles at the gate to his flight to Bologna, after we had arrived two hours earlier from Orlando.

"I will. And you text me when you’re at the factory!" he held me close, kissing my temple.

"Will do! Have a good flight, I’ll see you back home." I waved him off as he boarded the plane, turning around smiling one last time.

Outside the airport a car was waiting for me and when I got inside I leaned back, closing my eyes. I was tired from the long flight and my mind was still trying to wrap around what happened the last 48 hours. Lost in thoughts I flinched when the door of the car opened and Pete grinned at me.

"Welcome back, Lizzie." he grabbed my back for me as I got out and took my suitcase from the driver, thanking him.

"Good to be back!" I smiled and followed him inside, ready to start the preparation for the upcoming races.

The data looked great. The lap times were solid. I was ready for Imola, Monaco and Barcelona. All three tracks were tested, the best set ups and strategies for all types of weather were discussed. On Saturday morning Julie informed me that I would be closely followed by the Netflix film crew for the next three days and for the first time

I honestly didn’t mind it at all.

"You’re awfully cheery…" Elijah chuckled on Sunday at lunch break and I just shrugged.

"I had a good week, I’m optimistic for the next races. Life’s good!" I laughed and he nodded.

"Let’s see if there will be a next race first, right?" Pete squeezed my shoulder when he got up and I sighed.

The weather situation in the Emilia Romagna region was concerning, heavy rainfall was threatening to flood the racetrack and the surrounding regions, a cancellation was considered. I left the factory on Sunday evening, stopping by at Marcus’ place, staying overnight and spending the evening with Benji, playing some board games and watched a movie, before I left on Monday morning to drive back to Monaco. I sent Charles a text that I would be driving now and got in the car, starting my journey.

I parked my car right when Charles called.

"Good timing, I just parked." I said and got out, unloading my suitcase.

"Already? I thought I would catch you somewhere on the streets still." he chuckled and I locked the car, going for the elevator.

"You know me, the indicated time is just like a challenge for me." I stepped into the elevator.

"I honestly have no idea how you’re still having your drivers license! I mean, speeding in Germany is one thing, but the rest? You’re not always going to be this lucky, not getting caught for speeding!"

"It’s not luck. It’s talent."

"It’s madness."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." I chuckled, rummaging through my bag to find my keys.

"You know that I’m right!" Charles said.

"We’ll see!" I sighed and walked out of the elevator "I’m at home now, I’m thinking about-…" I dropped my phone and gasped loudly.

"Cara mia?" Charles faint voice from the ground "Lizzie? Talk to me?"

I stared at the bouquet of red roses on my door mat. A white card in the middle.

"LIZZIE!" Charles scream pulled me out of my trance and I bent down, picking up my phone "Cara mia? What happened? Talk to me?"

"I’m okay. Sorry." I choked out, voice shaky.

"Lizzie, what’s going on?" I heard the worry in his voice.

"I tripped. Fell. Sorry. I didn’t look where I was going and there was a- ummm a package on the floor. Sorry!" I lied.

"Are you sure, you’re okay?" Charles didn’t believe me. I heard it in his voice.

"Yeah, kinda. Just some bruised knees tomorrow." I fake laughed.

"Okay. I call you later then?"

"Okay. Bye. Love you." I hung up hastily. My eyes didn’t leave the flowers for a second. I carefully picked them up. Looking the hallway up and down before I unlocked the door and walked inside. With shaky hands I set the vase down on my kitchen island and looked around, then walked through every single room and only when I was convinced I was alone, I took the card out of the flowers and opened it. An address. Nothing more. I googled the address. A betting office. I kept staring at my phone. What did he want me to do at a betting office? Would we meet there? But there was no date or time. Just the address. Nothing more. As it was already getting dark outside I decided to go there the next day. Although I had no idea what I was supposed to do there.

I sat in the car and double checked the address, looking around. Nervous as I was I sat in the car for almost four hours, watching the people who entered and exit the shop. I took one last deep breath before I got out and walked inside. Right at the door was a counter and the man looked at me.

"Hi, umm a friend of mine wanted me to pick something up for him? Salva Diaz?" I asked and he looked through a basket with papers.

"I’m sorry, there’s nothing for a Salva Diaz here." he informed me and I swallowed.

"Something for Lizzie Doetterer?"

"Umm… yes. Lizzie Doetterer." he pulled out a brown envelope and I wanted to take it from him "You have to sign the receipt, that you received the envelope."

He pushed a form over the counter and pointed at the dotted line. I grabbed the pen and signed it, then grabbed the envelope and opened it up. A folder with a bunch of papers inside. Race prognoses for each driver and team. Starting from Monaco. A chart with bet quotes. Copies of betting slips and receipts. And the last paper were instructions on how I had to ensure the winner in Barcelona, Montreal, Spielberg and Silverstone. Diaz’ message in bold letters on a sticky-note:

I lost my money because of you, now you help me get it back. You know what you have to do. Otherwise, see what happens.

I looked at the guy behind the counter, but he was already busy scrolling on his phone so I left the shop, envelope tightly clenched to my chest. Back in the car I looked through the folder. He wanted me to manipulate races? At the instructions for every race my heart clenched when I saw Monaco. He wanted me to make Charles DNF. For Barcelona, Montreal, Spielberg and Silverstone he only instructed who had to win the race. But for Monaco he wanted me to end both, Charles and my race. I started the engine and drove off. This was impossible. Not just that it was morally wrong and against all integrity, it was also fucking illegal. It only needed one person to raise suspicions and it would be over, my career, my team, everything. He knew how dangerous this was. Put all that aside, there was still the biggest question to answer, how was I supposed to do it? How? How do you manipulate a Formula 1 race? I could only control my racing. This wasn’t football where I could cause a penalty or just not give my all and play like shit. This was racing. This was nothing that could be easily manipulated. Especially not by one driver alone. It all didn’t make any sense. When I parked in the garage I opened Instagram and looked through my messages, when I found the chat with Diaz I took a deep breath and opened it up. Our last conversation visible. I wrote him that what he asked of me didn’t make sense, that I couldn’t help a certain driver to win. I had no influence on track positions and therefore didn’t know how I could ensure who would win a race. Not even a minute later he replied, saying his instructions were clear, I had to handle it myself. I groaned and got out, back in my flat I sat down on the couch, folder on the table and I kept staring at it. Out of all the things I thought he wanted me to do, this was something I never, not in a million years, would’ve thought about. I knew that Diaz was insane, but this? This was ridiculous. And impossible. And wrong. And illegal. He wanted me to commit a fucking crime? I flinched when my phone was ringing, Charles, I took a deep breath and answered the call.

"Hey."

"Hi cara mia, how was your day?" Charles muffled voice rang out.

"Uneventful." I answered looking around.

"Yeah? What did you do?"

"Had a workout with JK. Ran some errands and now I’m just sitting around. How was your day?"

"My Monaco race suit and stuff was ready so we shot a little video." I could hear the smile and excitement in his voice.

"Yeah? You like it?"

"Love it."

"I can’t wait to see it." I said, trying to sound as gleeful as possible.

"Are you okay? You sound a little down?" the excitement replaced with worry in an instant.

"I’m just exhausted and tired." I faked a yawn, hoping Charles believed me.

"Hmm… maybe you should cut back on your work outs? You seem to be quite exhausted a lot in the last weeks…"

"I’m fine. It’s just… yeah I don’t know for some weeks now I feel a little tense after the race weekends, but it’s fine."

"Okay. But don’t overwork yourself okay? I know you!" he sighed a little.

"Promise. And now that the cancelled Imola, I have a little time to relax."

"True."

"How’s the situation in Maranello?"

"Luckily we’re all good here, no flooding or anything. But yeah, people are a little worried…"

"I’m glad you’re okay."

"It’s all good, don’t worry!"

"Okay… look, I really don’t want to cut you off, Charles, but I’m really tired…"

"No, it’s alright, cara mia. Go to bed. I’ll be back on Saturday morning. We have a sponsor dinner on Friday and I’m leaving right after it."

"Saturday? That’s 4 more days! Didn’t you say Thursday?" 4 more days alone. I hated it.

"Mattia wanted to test some things." I could practically hear his eyes rolling "Whatever. I’ll be home on Saturday, yeah."

"Okay. See you then! I love you." I swallowed thickly, ready to hang up.

"Good night, cara mia. Love you too." he hung up and I sighed, falling back into pillows.

4 more days alone in here. Here where Diaz knew that I lived. I looked around. Then got up and packed my suitcase, threw everything in that I would need for the next week, with the stuff at Charles flat I should be good for a while. I locked the door and left, taking the car straight to Charles flat. Still alone, but at least I felt safer. Inside I locked the door and rolled my suitcase in the bedroom. Climbing into the bed trying to find sleep. A difficult task for the next days to come. My mind full of his crazy plan for me.

Charles POV:

I was more than happy that I could dodge that sponsor dinner tonight. Driving back home to Lizzie, I wanted to text her that I would be home earlier but decided to surprise her. I unlocked my door, ready to take a quick shower and then head over to Lizzie’s, knowing she would be still awake at this time. Right when I wanted to enter my bedroom my phone vibrated, Lizzie. I chuckled and picked up.

"Hey ca-…" I began but a faint whimper made me freeze "Lizzie?"

"There’s someone here…" she whispered and my heart almost burst out of my chest.

"Lizzie, hide. Lock yourself inside your bathroom! I’ll be right over!" I was already on the way to the door, when I heard a loud bang from inside my bedroom.

"Fuck! I knocked over the candle by the door…" she whimpered, her breathing staggering. Candle by the door? I spun around, storming inside my bedroom towards the bathroom, trying to open the door. Locked. "He’s here."

I threw my phone away and knocked on the door.

"Lizzie! Open up! It’s me! I’m here!" I said loudly "Cara mia, unlock the door! It’s me!"

"Charles?" her voice barely audible through the door. As soon as I heard the click of the door unlocking I pushed the door open, Lizzie looked at me, tears stained her cheeks, a terrified look on her face. Once she recognised me, she jumped right into my arms "Charles…"

"Shhh… it’s okay, cara mia. It’s just me." I held her close and kissed the side of her head "I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you!" I walked us outside the bathroom, sitting down on the bed, Lizzie in my lap "I should’ve told you that I’m coming home. I’m sorry."

"It’s okay. I’m sorry. I was just- I woke up because I heard you and thought that someone is-… I thought it’s a burglar or something." she whispered.

"Just me. No one else, Lizzie." I cooed and her trembling stopped slowly, breathing stabilised "I didn’t know you’re here. I wanted to surprise you!"

"I’m sorry! But there is-… someone is renovating above me and it’s so annoyingly loud. I should’ve asked you first if it’s okay staying here." she apologised but I shook my head pulling away.

"You never have to ask that, okay? This place is as much as your place as it’s mine. You come here whenever you want to, okay?" I looked at her intently.

"Okay." she gave me a little smile and then pecked my cheek "Sorry about the candle. I was just so scared that I just knocked it over."

"Fuck the candle. You’re alright. That’s important." I nuzzled my face in her hair and took a deep breath. When I opened my eyes I noticed tiny red droplets on the floor, coming out of the bathroom, I immediately sat Lizzie down next to me and kneeled in front of her, taking her feet in my hands. She had a small cut int the sole of her right foot, a little glass shard poking out "Alright sit still, I take care of that and…" I got up pointing into the bathroom "…that."

"I didn’t even notice it…" she muttered, looking at her foot.

"That’s why you have me." I kissed her forehead and left to get the first aid kit.

As soon as I took care of the cut and made Lizzie lay back down, I cleaned up the floor and took a short shower, then climbed in the bed, Lizzie already asleep. I switched off the light, hugging her from behind, I snuggled into her warmth. Her breathing was evenly and she grabbed my arm tightly.

"Charles?" she whispered after a while and I squeezed her hip to show her that I was listening "Thank you… for being my knight in shining armour, yet again."

"For you always, cara mia, for you always."

I opened my arms and she sat down between my legs, leaning back against my chest. I nuzzled my nose against her neck and inhaled deeply.

"Have I ever told you that I love how you smell?" I asked and she giggled.

"No… and would this be a true crime documentary it would be creepy!" she laughed and I pinched her sides.

"Why are you like this? You’re so annoying!" I chuckled and she just shook her head and turned it slightly to look at me.

"Oh come on! You love me!" she said and I looked into her eyes and leaned in.

"True. That I do. More than anything else…" I whispered against her lips. Before I could kiss her, her phone rang and she flinched.

"God! I almost had a heart attack!" she grabbed her phone and as she looked at her screen she froze "Umm… I gotta take that!" she got up and left the room. I sat up and waited for her to come back. After a couple of minutes I heard the bedroom door opening and Lizzie walked out, she looked confused, upset even.

"Lizzie?" I asked and got up, she looked at me "What happened? Who was that?"

"Umm… that was, that was Pete. He looked through some… umm some of my recent sim results and they weren’t that great… yeah I have to work a bit harder I guess." she was lying "Are you hungry? I’m hungry! I’m going to cook something. You want something too?" she didn’t even wait for an answer and already left into the kitchen. I got up and followed her.

"Hey! What’s going on? Pete wouldn’t call you just to say that? You’ll see him tomorrow?" I said pointedly and she looked at me.

"Well, he didn’t just say that, he said that after Barcelona I had to come to Neuburg and we need to get over some sim data for the new upgrades. That’s how he said it! No big deal!" she tried to reassure me but I wasn’t buying it.

"Lizzie. You know I know it when you’re lying? So just tell me the truth?!"

"I’m not lying! You don’t believe me? Okay! Let’s call Pete then!" she was almost furious as she walked past me, back into the living room grabbing her phone "Here! I call him! If you need proof of me telling the truth, I’ll give it to you…" she clicked on his contact "Thanks for trusting me!" right as she was about to dial his number I sighed. No. Not like this. It wouldn’t do any good if I caught her lying like this.

"Okay, stop. You’re right! Sorry! I trust you! I really do!" I said and she looked relieved "You don’t have to call him…"

"Thank you." she said it with such an attitude that I wanted to just grab her phone and call Pete myself.

"Yeah…" I pressed out "Sure."

When we ate our dinner I felt Charles look on me and tried my best to ignore it. My mind was still reeling from the fact that Diaz had my phone number. When I texted him in Instagram earlier today that I was done, that I wouldn’t do what he wanted from me, I didn’t expect him to call me. Then again, nothing should surprise me anymore when it came to him. I lazily picked at my food, not able to stomach any of it.

"You’re okay?" Charles asked after a while and I just nodded "You should eat, Lizzie. You haven’t been eating much recently." I could hear the worry in his voice.

"I’m fine. It’s just… this season is tough. The car is nowhere near last year’s car. Sure, the last races were better, but still… I just don’t know how to push the car to the max." I sighed "Maybe that’s why my sim work is not that great!" I added and Charles frowned, but didn’t say anything.

"You’ll figure it out. Maybe the upgrades will help." he said after a while and I nodded.

"Yeah, maybe." I shrugged, flinching when I got a text. I kept staring at my phone, feeling Charles look on me.

"Okay, what’s going on?" he asked after a while and I looked at him "First Pete who called you because of your sim data although he sees you tomorrow anyway, then you’re being totally out of it since the call, now you keep staring at your phone like your afraid of the text you just got? What’s going on, Lizzie!"

"Nothing! Jeez! I know who the text is from! And I’m annoyed! It’s Elijah! They want to film this weekend here as well. How I or we, I don’t know, get to track, what we do afterwards, stuff like that! And I’m not really in the mood for that!" I rolled my eyes and Charles sighed.

"Okay." he just said and got up "Are you done? Can I take your plate as well?" he asked and looked at my almost full plate, I nodded and handed him my plate.

"Thank you." I smiled a little and he only nodded and walked off.

With shaking hands I grabbed my phone, closing my eyes I took a deep breath and then unlocked it. When I saw that it was only a text from Shima I huffed, sinking back in the pillows. Right when I wanted to get up, I heard Charles cursing, then he stormed out of the kitchen.

"What the fuck?" Charles hissed and stopped in front of me, then he showed me his phone, a post from an F1 gossip account on display.

I grabbed his phone, reading through the post, my eyes widened.

"What the hell?" I frantically searched for my phone and when I finally found it I tried to call my sister. Busy. Dad. Busy. Mum. Busy. "What the actual fuck! Why is no one picking up!" I kept staring at Charles phone, as he clicked on a link, opening up an article of a big newspaper, my mind reeling when I tried to call Sissy again. Still busy. Right as I wanted to dial Dads number again I got a text from the same number that Diaz called an hour ago. With a sickening feeling in my stomach I opened the text. I swallowed hard and kept staring at the 6 words:

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Chapter 32 - Happy anniversary, Lizzie and Charles ♥️ and what better way to celebrate than going to The Era’s Tour 🙌 but you know me by now… I can’t let them be happy for too long 👀

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@silkenthusiasts @eugene-emt-roe @sunny44 @itsjustkhaos @glitterquadricorn @aundercover @kakorrhaphiphobia @alittlebitofbooksandmagic @ru-kru @glitterf1 @janeholt3 @maeve-wileyy @18754389 @chiliwhore @hellowgoodbye @queensassybitchsworld @skynel09 @harrysdimple05

All the images I’m using are from Google, Pinterest and Instagram (or self made).

[forever-rogue]

for the fluffy winter request, how about ice skating with steve💕💕❤️

AN | No, but please this is such a soft and sweet idea 🥺

Warnings | Mild Language

Pairing | Steve x Fem!Reader

Word Count | 1.8k

Masterlist | Steve, Main

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You couldn’t help but smile at the handsome man across the table from you. The corners of his mouth were ticked up into a small smile, his cheeks a fresh pink from the wind chill, and his ochre eyes were glittering. It was easy to fall in love with him over and over again; and you did, bit by bit and day by day. He wasn’t just any man; he was Steve Harrington. He was your boyfriend and the love of your life. 

“What’re you looking at, pretty girl?” he asked softly, nudging your foot under the table. Your face warmed under his tender gaze and you couldn’t help but smile at him, reaching across the table and putting your hand on top of his. You were having dinner at a quaint little restaurant, peaceful in the cold winter evening, “hmm?”

“Just admiring you,” you leaned forward and gave him a sweet little smile, “I love you, you know?”

“I know,” his cheeks flushed a darker shade of pink, “I love you, angel.”

“How could I not know?” you squeezed his hand gently, “you show it with everything you do and say.”

“Flatterer,” he couldn’t help but positively beam as he looked down at his plate. Before you could say anything else, he looked back at you with excitement, “I have an idea!”

“Oh? Do tell.”

“Well, there is that holiday market on the town square and that little ice skating rink,” he grinned happily as you nodded, “I thought maybe we could go and check it out and maybe go ice skating. Whaddya say?”

“Really?” your eyes lit up as you almost squealed with delight. He nodded and you couldn’t stop yourself from leaning across the table and pressing a kiss to his lips, “I’d love to, Steve. This is going to be so much fun!”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You were walking, gloved hand in gloved hand with Steve, taking in all the sights and sounds from the bazaar. You took in all the sights, sounds, and smells, your heart growing even more full and warm than it before. This was everything you could have ever dreamed of.

You explored a few little stalls, making mental notes of the things that Steve liked and things you thought your friends would like in order to come back and buy them when you were alone. The whole place was magical, glittering snow falling softly and slowly, making everything look like a winter wonderland. 

At one of the stalls, you’d found a small shop that sold desserts and sweets, and you both got a hot chocolate to make the evening just that much better. You’d always made fun of those cheesy holiday and romance films, but that evening had you feeling like you lived in one. And you wouldn’t have changed a thing. 

You were gently swinging your clasped hands as you approached the skating rink. Steve looked both excited and terrified as he studied the various people on the ice; kids, adults, couples, and everything in between. You gently tugged on his hand and he turned his attention back to you. 

“Are you alright, Stevie?” your voice was soft as you looked into his warm ochre eyes, “we don’t have to do this if you don’t want.”

“I want to,” he insisted, not wanting you to get the wrong idea, “I just haven’t gone since I was a kid, so I don’t know how good I’ll be.”

“It’ll be okay,” you leaned up and kissed his cheek, “we’ll take it slow. And if you want to stop, we can stop. Yeah?”

“Yeah,” he nodded as you played with the ends of his thick, soft scarf, “let’s do it.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

By the time you’d gotten your skates on, Steve was still struggling so you’d helped him lace his skates up and then hoisted him to his feet. You were grinning the whole time as you took his hand and slowly led him onto the ice. The rink was illuminated with twinkling lights, and surrounded by different themed Christmas trees along the sides. Christmas music was playing softly, muted by the excited voices from all the skaters. 

“Ready?” you asked and he nodded, eagerly taking your outstretched hand as you stepped onto the ice. You took a second to get yourself oriented, feeling Steve struggling and tugging on your arm slightly. You held his hand in a tight embrace before slowly pushing off and starting to skate around. You made sure to stick to the side, so he could easily grab the railing if he felt the need to, “don’t worry, my love, I won’t let you fall.”

“If I do, I’m afraid I’m going to be taking you down with me,” his expression was sheepish; you knew he was trying to be as careful as possible and didn’t want anything to happen to you on purpose or accidentally, “I’ll be careful.”

“I know you will,” you said softly, “just hold my hand and relax. The rest will come naturally.”

“That’s easy for you to say!” he pouted lightly, his pretty plush lips looking more kissable than they had any right to, “you’ve got grace and elegance…I’m like…”

“A ninja,” you teased softly, reminding him of the claim he had often made, “stealthy like a ninja, which means you’ll be great at this!”

“Mhmm,” he bit his lip as he wobbled slightly but caught himself, “I’ll keep reminding myself of that.”

“And if you won’t, then I will!” you started to skate a little faster, going at a pace that was comfortable for both of you, laughing softly. 

Turns out, while Steve might not have been as lithe and graceful as you, he was a decent skater after all. Once he found his rhythm, it was easy for him to skate along with you. The two of you were laughing and having a great time, and a part of you wished you had a camera with you to be able to capture this moment forever. Instead, you dropped his hand and skated in front of him. He looked at you in confusion, but you silently answered his question, by holding up your hands and making them into a camera snap. You pretended to snap a picture which just made him giggle happily.

“What’re you doing?” His voice was so soft and gentle that it made your knees weak, “silly girl.”

“Taking a mental snapshot,” you explained as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “wanting to capture this moment forever.”

He mimicked your gesture and you pretended to pose as he made the clicking sound of the camera, “there! One for my collection too.”

You leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, eyes wide and in awe of him, “you’re the best, Steve Harrington.”

“Shh,” he put a gentle finger to your lips and shook his head, “that would be you. Now come on, I’m starting to get the hang of this!”

He took your hand back and lace his wool covered fingers through yours as best as he could and took the lead. 

And it was all fun and games…until your skate caught on some invisible nick in the ice and you started to lose your balance. Your natural instinct was to hang onto water you could in order to steady yourself. That just so happened to be Steve’s arm. 

You fell to the ice, taking him down with you, managing to land on top of him in a small heap. Upon a quick inspection you saw that neither of you were hurt, and you couldn’t help but laugh - Steve had been so worried about taking you down, when it ended up being him instead.

Steve grinned at you, on his back on the ice, his hands settled on your waist to make sure you wouldn’t slide off. There were times like this when you still couldn’t believe how beautiful he was. He must have been thinking something along the same lines because he looked up at you with a soft expression on his face before he opened his pretty mouth to speak, “I’m gonna marry you one day, you know?”

“Steve,” your entire face warmed up and you couldn’t help but try to hide your face in your hands. But he refused to let you do so, wrapping long, elegant fingers around your wrists and pulling your hands away.

“I mean it, angel,” he insisted and you knew that he was speaking nothing but the truth. You worried your bottom lip between your teeth but nodded. The idea that Steve Harrington wanted to make you his wife sent a whole different feeling down your spin, “just want and see.”

“I can’t wait,” you whispered softly, blinking back the tears that had already started to well up, “I wanna marry you too.”

“Fuck,” he groaned happily, “I’d marry you right this moment if I could - but I’m going to do this right. The ring, the proposal, all of it.”

“Stevie, I would be happy with nothing at all,” you insisted softly, “I don’t need anything fancy or expensive. I just want you, that’s everything I need.”

“Still-”

“Are you guys gonna move or what?” you looked up to find a young girl, clearly annoyed, moving to skate around you. Somehow in the ensuing conversation that had occurred, you’d both completely forgotten that you were still on the ice, in the middle of the rink. 

“Sorry,” you gave her a pathetic little smile as you tried to get back to your feet, looking more like a baby deer trying to walk for the first time more than anything else. Once you made it to your feet, you held out your hands to help him to his feet. Once he was up, he slid towards you, but instead of knocking you back over, he wrapped his arms tightly around you. You pulled back and looked up at him, “hi.”

“Hi,” he whispered just loud enough for you to hear, “you’re really pretty.”

“So are you,” you brushed a few stray locks of hair out of his face, “not to complain but it’s starting to get really cold. Maybe we could go home and start a fire and get all comfy and warm?”

“Sounds perfect,” he agreed, putting a hand on the side of your face, “one more thing first.”

And then he kissed you. Softly, sweetly, and with every ounce of love that he possessed in his body.

“You are everything to me, Steve Harrington.”

[sanyouboysappreciation]

Striaton trio headcanons 'cause why not!

It's noted that they serve excellent tea which they prepare in their own special way, so they would probably have their own tea brand

When spooky season arrives they plan a huge halloween party for children - and of course everyone else who's interested

When a visitor of their restaurant has an awkward incident, they'd immediately perform a small show to distract everyone from starring at the affected person

They would probably throw karaoke parties on certain weekends - fangirls squealing everywhere when it's their turn

At Christmas markets they would have their own stand with homemade Christmas snacks

They would never yell at a kid for crying in their presence. For some inexplicable reason, they always know the best way to cheer someone up - unless chili has a short temper at that time. His brothers would calm him down of course and handle the situation themselves

Chili would be a little jealous of his brothers because they've already been through their entire voice break

They can be a little judgemental at times but they definitely accept and love you for who you are

Please remember that all of these are just little ideas that crept up in our heads, none of these are claimed to be official ^^

[venusorbits]

DOUBLE TAKE | CHAPTER TWO

pairing ; cho gue sung ( 조규성 ) x female! supermodel! british-asian! reader

summary ; You have been invited once again to the Korean TV programme 'I Live Alone' alongside the World Cup Heartthrob, Cho Gue Sung ( 조규성 ). Simple guests, who had to take double takes from each other, who could have seen it coming? No one was. Certainly, neither were the both of you.

genre ; romance, fluff, established relationship ( by second chapter cause i hate writing slow burn, i like reading them though ), angst.

masterlist

❝When you put your arms around me, you let me know there’s nothing in this world I can’t do❞

How did it all begin? Well, you know it all too well, like the back of your hand. You could write a whole novel about it and you could confidently recite word for word if someone dared ask you to, that's how well you know your story. From the dialogue. The finer details even.

Clammy hands. Anxious heart. Teeth gnashing on your lips. You waited patiently outside the restaurant where you agreed to meet, you stood despite the harsh winds and cold nipping your face. He was nowhere to be seen yet. Of course, he wouldn't be. You showed up almost half an hour before the set time, you were that nervous.

You want to leave a remarkable impression, but you're afraid that you'll be too lax and end up being extremely late, he'll be the one who’ll end up waiting for what will feel like endless hours in this weather.

Gue Sung calls out your name as he spots you in the midst of sprinkling soft snow. In his hand was a floral bouquet, unique impressive unique and special soft petaled blooms of tulips displayed, from baby pinks to almost an off-white colour tied together in a flushed salmon silk ribbon, multi-layered in rich waves of elegant thin veiled tissue paper to pattern flower wrapping paper. 

You stood stiffly, stunned. So was he. Well, perhaps it wasn’t only you who apparently felt extremely on edge.

“Hey. You’re early.” You state. Voice shaky. Tugging on the sleeves of your beige trench coat.

“I could say the same thing about you.” Gue Sung hands you the flowers which you gratefully take from him. He nudges his arm out for you silently for you to take, flustered, lacing and locking arms with him, “Let’s go?”

The date went well; it was a romantic candlelit dinner, candles burned brightly in the middle of the table, and a live band softly played jazz music aiding with the rather intimate setting. Couples were on a date and some perhaps celebrated their many years together.

That night nothing but joyous and cheeks strained from grinning the whole night. You eased up a lot more as jokes were thrown, the conversation flowed smoothly, and there was never a moment where you found yourself in an awkward silence where it resorted to awkward staring with some uncomfortable tight-lipped smile. Nursing the glass of red wine instead of trying to engage in some poor attempt at a meaningful conversation.

No, it felt like the hours you spent were mere minutes. Cut too short. 

Gue Sung was charming. Funny. Everything about his personality glimmered. It poured out like liquid gold. The way, he intensely bore into your eyes, like he was exploring and lost in the faraway galaxy. God, nothing else was sexier in a man than looking at you like you were the only person that existed. 

No questions asked, a second date came around.

Christmas Market. It seems like a good idea and quite romantic, if you might say, you get the chance to walk around and chat. Enjoy each other’s company while staying cosy with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Still, you aren’t entirely sure as to why celebrating Christmas with a lover is romantic… Perhaps to some, this was the countdown to a new beginning. Something of looking forward to the unforeseen future together? You don’t know. Maybe it’s something you’ll be looking at too

“I don’t think I can finish it all.” You mumbled, eyeing the stall, the sweet aroma of the chocolate wafting. The holiday season didn't cut short; decked out fresh pine trees with luminous colourful lights, mosaic-like Christmas baubles, the mixtures of greens and reds, and peppermint candies. It was Christmas paradise.

“You can take a sip out of mine.” Gue Sung offers as he absentmindedly brushes your strayed hair and tucks it behind your hair, adjusting the neatly folded scarf around your neck ensuring you're all toasty warm.

“You sure?” He nods.

The sweet hot chocolatey beverage kept your hands pleasantly warm from the harsh chilly wintry blow of the wind. The tip of your nose was slightly numb from it. Slowly you take slow sips, the warmth engulfing your throat. Gue Sung was staring at you dreamily like you were stars that dusted the empty midnight skies, you were glimmering, the little scrunch of your nose and eyebrows, a satisfied hum that escaped your lips. It was indescribably adorable.

It felt comfortable, you shared laughter and joys together.

Gue Sung’s reassurance and confidence had you convinced at least he had some knowledge or could hold himself upright on the slippery ice. But here it is, the World Cup Heartthrob clinging onto the side railing of the ice rink. Legs shaking.

You stood aside watching him, bemused by the current phenomenon happening before your eyes. Onlookers watch on and he shoots them all an awkward tight-lipped smile.

“You, okay?”

Gue Sung gave you a stiff nod waving his hand, he notices the abundance of people piling up behind him, who also happen to have the same idea as the man, albeit… They were far better than him. They simply were using the guard rail as some sort of support. You held your hand out, he reaches out for it desperately as he struggled to keep himself upright, almost even falling backwards, as he slowly skidded towards you. 

You were nothing but entertained, he was like a newborn fawn just born to the world learning how to walk for the first time with the way he was stumbling.

“This is funny.” You lightly chuckled.

“No, it’s not.” He huffs, feigning annoyance, although keeping the little playful grin on his lips, keeping it light-hearted.

“It is, you have to admit.” You poke his arm.

“Fine. It is a little funny.” Gue Sung raises his white flag of surrender followed by a little shrug of his shoulder.

You back away slightly though still keeping a tight grip on his hand. Oh, how much you’ll reach for it.

How much you’ll pay for time to stop. It seems like that every time spent time together goes by, hours turn to seconds, and time always flies by. It all came in flashes like reels of movies, but you could still put pieces together, printed polaroid photos that decorated the walls of your mind. He was the best part and the highlights of your favourite film playing before you. 

"Do you want to come in?" It was a simple question that may be. A simple question that has snowballed into a new beginning, leaving unforgettable trails of you and him. May it be the smallest things, but they remind you of you and him.

Heaven has decided your faith for you, and nothing can stop it now. 

Gue Sung was someone you could lean on, during your highs and lows. From your insecurities, the ugly demons of doubt, the intense fears; so terrified you were. You felt that the best thing could just crumble into pieces, evaporate into nothing, and disappear before your eyes. Any possibilities that could just put this relationship to an end. He could just get up and walk away from you.

And worse of all, you’ll have nothing to blame but yourself, when shit hits the fan, you fanned the flames and blew up things out of proportion. You’re the one who burning this whole thing down. You hate it.

“I’m sorry, I’m hurting you. Please don’t go.” You clung onto what felt like the flimsiest string, the only thing that connected you to him, “I’m sorry. I’m letting my head get to me.”

It’s like you were scrambling to clumsily patch everything together, like floodgates that become completely unstoppable,

“It’s all my fault.” You were trying to keep yourself composed but, if you were being honest, you were on the verge of tears. If you cry, it’ll feel like you were guilting him into admission when you were the one to pin the blame to, “I’ll be better. Please stay with me.”

It’s written all over his face, you broke him.

He sighs. You were certain he was going to shrug on his coat, slip on his shoes and gather all his things. You’ll have to embrace the end of what’s between you.

“Come here.” He beckons you over into his arms pulling you right up against his chest and burying your face in the crook of his neck. You held onto him as he would just slip away from your fingertips. Tears soaking on his shoulder, “Why are you thinking that way?”

Gue Sung stands up straight, prying off his shoulder, cradling your face in the palm of his hands as the pads of his thumbs wipe away the strayed tears. He whispers almost painfully. Looking at him, you could see the cracks of wounds from your venomous words.

“You know, I’m all yours. You know, how much I love you. I’m still here and I’m here to say.”

Love wasn’t burning red as you had thought, it was glowing like the golden sunrise.

You start to appreciate the little things about love and relationships. Grand gestures seemed to get a little boring, it almost felt like a showcase; little gestures that included his morning coffee while his wild hair sticking in all kinds of directions while the essence of sleep was still in his eyes, driving you into your photoshoot set, spending your time a little longer in bed talking about mundane things, legs all tangled together, the simple rush of butterflies tickling your stomach and rushing when you see him. You’d get giddy when you see his gorgeous face amongst the crowd.

When you’re drunk on that love; you start to see differently, like you are always wearing these rose-tinted lenses and it felt like a dream. Like starry stars fell into his face that you like to place pecks. When he leans on your shoulder every so softly as he sighs away his exhaustion, there’s a silent agreement, where he seeks your solace and affection in the touch of your hand. Simply cupping his face had him melting under your touch. In a quiet room yet words are spoken.

The saxophone rendition of ‘La Vie En Rose’ plays on the radio; you sway along so gently, with you engulfed safely in his arms. As your window overlooks the shimmering city, up and down of it all, you’d still worship this love even if it’s a false God.

[doobea]

DOOBY ! mi luvie hi hiii ! i wanted tew come visit u bcz me ‘n yoichi were so so curious abt u ‘n choso’s nyc trip if you went on it already!! are you ‘n choso doin’ anythin for da holidays ໒꒰ྀི ᵒ̴̶̷ ᵕ ก̀ ꒱ྀི১ gasp ! do you hav a lil christmas list ? i must kno ! ‘m tryin’ to get yoichi to help me bake these lil’ puff pastries wif teddy bears on da inside ‘n folding it overuse a blanket so it looks like they’re sleeping . . but he’s too busy playin fifa hmph ! but dis makes mi so curious, do u ‘n choso like to cook ?

kayla !!! hi hi lovely bby <3

omg okok me and choso went to nyc earlier this month and it was super crowded!! like we couldnt walk at all LOL both christmas markets were soo packed we didnt order anything outside of apple cider and some macaroons :(

BUT I DID TAKE SOME CUTE PICS LEMME SHARE

Dior’s pop up was sooo cool and the tree was v pretty as usual. We went to a cute cafe for brunch called “outro nyc” I would highly recommend if you’re ever in the area!! it’s actually located down in soho!! And omg instead of eating in ktown we actually ended up eating in a small diner in Chinatown hehe I ordered wonton noodles while he got their roast duck :3c

and call me crazy or whatever but my google maps look crazy w all the places I have pinned around the manhattan area — there’s a few in flushing I have down but the main area looks so crazy HAHA

for Christmas … IM STILL THINKING OF GIFTS TBH… don’t tell him I said that… I thought we weren’t doing presents this year bc we have so many plans next year but then I found out he’s getting me a vivienne Westwood necklace and now I’m like “omg I have to go out shopping Friday…” SO SEND ME IDEAS IM PANICKING HAHA

omg get isagi off the couch rn!! burn his portions >:( but I’m glad you two had fun in nyc !! It’s always a charm to visit during winter but this year was too hectic …

okokok so like we both love cooking but our new apartment is interesting?? The kitchen is smaller than our last place and we’re surrounded by a bunch of local Asian restaurants so we just go and get cheap takeout 80% of the time HAHA but dw I love hosting parties so during those me and choso are stuck in the kitchen cooking tons of dishes for our friends and family :3

[allandoflimbo]

Take It Back: His Story (6)

Sequel to Take It Back

Previous Chapter

Summary: You and Bucky. It was supposed to be a happy ever after. Your story, home, and love was near perfect. After all, you had worked so hard and suffered so much to be where you finally were. But behind the scenes, Bucky had been dealing with more baggage from the past than he had been willing to publicly share. Steve was always the second best when it came to him and Bucky. From Nat, to you, and maybe now, even someone else. It’s been seven years since Ashlyn cheated on Bucky, but nine since she first fell in love with him. Two years after their public divorce and after starting therapy, she holds onto a dangerous mixture of jealousy and strength. With new friendships and new love on her side, she knows she should let Bucky go. But should is so hard to do when she loved as hard as she did.

WARNING:

This story will contain sex; oral, m/f penetration, anal sex, dry sex, rough sex, shower sex, masturbation, mutual masturbation, porn watching, and soft sex. Very strong language, strong adult content, use of drugs/alcohol, sensitive topics like marriage trouble, illnesses (both terminal and mental), one incident of almost non-con, college frat parties shenanigans, and emotional angst.

Rating: Rated R.  18+ ONLY. 🔞 no minors.

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Masterpage for Take It Back: His Story

Nat's voice catches Steve's attention. He looks over his shoulder to see her standing there in the middle of the sidewalk.

She looked gorgeous. Her blonde hair was blunt and short on her shoulders, and she wore a strikingly red lipstick. Her dress matched her lips.

There was black cardigan over her shoulders.

It takes him a second to pull himself together and to meet her eyes. When they do, he swallows hard. She had been looking at him the same way, apparently.

"Hey. I guess we did." He says.

"Might as well walk the rest of the way together." She says with a smile.

"Might as well." He gives her a smile back and pokes out his elbow for her to take.

She politely does, without hesitation.

They walk silently towards the restaurant, her short heels hitting against the pavement rhythmically.

"I hope she's nice."

"I'm sure she is." Steve responds.

"It's nice seeing you again, Nat."

"You too, Stevie."

"Are you sure they're coming?" Ashlyn asks impatiently, already disliking how the weather was starting to warm up. It was February.

Christmas was only two months ago.

She looks around the street, appreciating the restaurant Bucky chose. He always had great taste in locality and food. They were in the village at some little place; Market Place. For it being the last week of February, a whopping sixty degrees was unusual, but it looked like the entire state of New York decided to take advantage of it.

There was a lot of people and she wondered if it was a smart idea for them to get a table outside.

She could barely hear Bucky over the other tables near them that were also talking.

"Yes!" He chuckles, "They should be here soon. Come on, what are you getting?" He motions with his head towards the menu in her hands.

"I'm not sure yet. Probably something simple like penne vodka."

"That sounds good." She hums and continues to eye the menu for a few more seconds, "There they are!" Bucky says enthusiastically, eyes glue over Ashlyn's shoulder.

Steve and Nat greet Bucky with a hug and then turn towards Ashlyn.

Ashlyn stands with a smile.

They greet her with a gentle handshake.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Ashlyn." "Natasha." "Ashlyn." "Steve. Nice to meet you."

Bucky gestures to the two chairs that were across from each other on the small square table.

"You guys can sit. We've only ordered our drinks. I got you two a water to start."

"That's actually fine with me." Nat responds.

"Me too. Thanks, Buck." Steve says.

It doesn't take them longer than two minutes to decide on what they want.

Nat places her menu down and turns to Ashlyn.

"So do you live in the city?"

"No, I live about an hour out. Upstate."

"Cool. I'm assuming you were visiting and that's how Bucky met you."

Ashlyn nods and smiles.

"Yes, we met on the street."

"A little risky, don't you think?" Steve asks playfully.

Ashlyn chuckles.

"Yeah, but he didn't look like your average serial killer so I went through with it."

"How could I not? She was wearing a Darth Vader t-shirt." Bucky mumbles before taking a sip of his water from the glass.

"You a star wars fan?" Steve asks, amused and impressed. He narrows his eyes at her and moves in slightly closer to her as if in a challenging stance, "Who's your favorite character and why?"

She perks a brown and him and smirks.

"Anakin. Because he's not perfect."

Bucky smiles at her answer.

"There you go," she tells Steve before turning back to Ashlyn, "What do you do for work?"

"I work at a Diner. I'm a waitress."

"Is it like those fifties style ones?"

"Kinda." Ashlyn says with a shrug, "it's fine. I know I need a better job, but I did it for the hours. I try to stay home as much as I can because of my sister."

Nat gives her a humbling look as her eyes soften.

She looks between her and Bucky, and she knows this that they have going on, will be good for him. It was unmistakable, as Ashlyn raised a brow at Bucky across the table followed by a smirk, that she cared deeply about him.

They all eat until they're stuffed, sharing a glass of wine midway through dinner. By the end of it, they are all ready for bed. Steve and Nat hug them both goodbye and then go their separate way.

Bucky turns to Ashlyn with a twinkle in his eye.

"You want to come to my place for a bit? We can just sit and talk."

Ashlyn wants to, but she knows she needs to get going. It was already getting late. But not just that, she was beginning to feel overwhelmed by conflicting emotions. She knew being by Bucky's side through them would be the best for her, but it was late.

"I can come over Saturday and we can stay at your place. I actually need to get going. I have a lot going on right now, and I'm tired."

Bucky frowns at that.

"Is everything okay?"

"It's fine. Just tired." She leans forward and places a soft kiss on his lips, "I promise. Saturday."

"Okay. Saturday it is."

On the train ride home to her house, she tries to keep her emotion in check as much as she can. She doesn't know why she always does this to herself.

The minute everything starts looking up and being good, she brings herself down intentionally. She couldn't control the shift in her emotions. Not entirely.

She was happy. Very happy. She was in love.

But she was also furious at herself and at her life.

Why couldn't she have been living this life ten years ago? Or when her parents were alive?

The memories of her parents engulf her, and just like that she's in another trance all together. She doesn't stop the lump that forms in her throat or the tears that fill her eyes.

She had every reason to be happy. She hated herself for beginning to feel uncontrollably sad.

She wished her parents saw her this happy.

She ignores Bucky texts until she gets home, afraid she would give him an attitude that he didn't deserve.

She needed a bubble bath and more wine.

She knows you're already asleep by the time she gets home. The whole house is dark except for the porch light. She opens the door and kicks off her shoes as quietly as she can. She makes her way to her bedroom and sits on the side of the bed.

Earlier than evening she had been high on the moon, ready to concur whatever it was she needed to with Bucky. She had planned to spend the evening with him, and then just like that, she didn't want to anymore.

She felt tired.

She decided to opt out for more wine and instead makes her way into the kitchen and pours herself another glass of water. She takes it with her lexapro and gets ready for bed.

She knew she needed to stop doing this to herself.

Now in her PJ's, she looks around her room; the room she grew up in. She feels a sense of melancholy hit her, realizing that in just two months she'd be leaving it behind. She was going to miss the memories the walls held. But at the same time, it reminded her of the bad. She remembers coming home from school and crying her eyes out. She remembers the scream that left her soul when she found out about the accident.

It was time for a new slate; new beginnings.

Her phone dings. She pulls it out of her bag and squints at her screen.

Bucky

Some of us are going to Montauk eight weeks from now. It should be warmer by then. You down?

She takes in a deep breath.

Sounds good

Next Chapter

@rebloggingmyrecs​ @kjdara​ @angstsebfan @lethallyprotected​ @lilfuturescars​ @ccmarvelxx​ @thesneakylittleminx​ @empress-of-riva @death-unbecomes-you​ @sonicisnotsober​ @sebsgirl71479 @prettywhenicry4​ @dhoruwolfie​

[allhallowsthemepark]

Half-a-ween Special: A Full Calendar of Spookiness!

Friends, today is Half-a-ween—the day of the year on the exact opposite side of the calendar from our beloved Halloween—and I thought, what better time to remind ourselves that All Hallows is a year-round celebration of the dark and spooky side of life! Operating the whole year, of course, means having to contend with other holidays as they arise. I touched on the crossover potential between Halloween and Christmas a while back, but holidays have a habit of cropping up in every season, and it seems only fitting to fill the All Hallows calendar with appropriately spooky twists on them all!

For our first shake-up, we’re starting this calendar not in January, but in November—right after Halloween itself, and just when we might be wondering what else we could do with All Hallows now that it’s raison d’être is past.

Dia de Los Muertos: Let’s be clear—Dia de los Muertos is not just “Mexican Halloween,” and I don’t think it’s right to go around poaching bits of other people’s cultures for entertainment. That said, there are some similar themes between the Day of the Dead and Halloween, and if a special event could be done respectfully and with full permission and consultation by the Mexican-American community, it could be a good way to ease the park down from the full-blown frenzy of Halloween itself. Dia de los Muertos events would be located in Ghoul City, and in the expanded version of the park, Croaker Creek (for the Southwestern aesthetic) and History of Horror (for the educational aspect).

Thanksgiving: Pumpkin Acres is our Thanksgiving hub, what with already exemplifying the harvest aspect of Halloween with its cornstalks, scarecrows, pumpkin and apple pies, and other bits of cozy rural Americana. For Thanksgiving, live turkeys are added to Harry Palmer’s Petting Farm, Country Costumes adds Pilgrim garb and turkey suits to its wares, and the pumpkin patch transforms into a farmer’s market selling actual edible produce (including pumpkins, still...but now they're explicitly for pies). Make a reservation for a genuine turkey dinner at Granny McGillicuddy's Pie Barn...and if slots run out, similar meal events are available in other park restaurants!

Christmas: A couple years ago, I devoted a whole post to Christmas possibilities for All Hallows. I still stand by all of it. Hexmas imagery forms the backbone of the Yuletide festivities, with spooky black evergreens in the Entry Plaza, Trick-or-Treat Village, and Ghoul City. Goblin Woods and County Drakul host folkloric monsters as walkaround characters. Meanwhile, people who prefer a more conventional Christmas can head into Pumpkin Acres, where things are a bit more mainstream. All across the park, you can shop for Christmas-themed costumes, and Grave Goods stocks a few bona-fide Christmas decorations alongside the more typical Hexmas ones.

New Year’s: Interestingly enough, the ancient Celts marked the turning of the year at Samhain and many neopagans still observe it as their religious New Year. That said, raucous New Year celebrations are generally considered an urban phenomenon, so head to Ghoul City for the special events (and Baby New Year/Father Time costumes, if you think you need them). Strange things happen when the clock counts down to midnight...and nothing new can start without something else meeting its end...

Lunar New Year: Lunar New Year, as its name suggests, is tied to the phases of the moon. That alone suggests some interesting crossover ideas, but there's more content to be had in focusing on the East Asian cultural aspect with its deep well of horror lore. Chinese hopping vampires, Japanese youkai, Vietnamese ghosts and monsters...expect to see them all wandering the place, along with the animals of the Eastern zodiac itself.

Valentine’s Day: Not to be crass about it, but “monsterfucking” became the Tumblr equivalent of a household word for a reason. Quite a few people seem to fantasize about romance with one or more creatures of the night. Valentine's Day festivities are more touchy-feely than other occasions at All Hallows...or any theme park, really. In this adults-only special event, roaming characters are fully empowered to flirt with guests and even engage in some low-level physical contact (e.g. hugging, hand-holding). The interactions range from the sultry to the silly and everything in-between (but nothing too intense).

Carnavale/Mardi Gras: This one isn't a big deal where I live, so I don't have any firm ideas for specific events or attractions, but I'll just point out two things. First, this holiday shares with Halloween a tradition of masks and costumes, so expect to see a lot more colorful sequins and feathers on the shelves of the costume stores. Second, the etymology of the word “carnival” apparently comes from the Latin root for “flesh.” There's probably something we can do with that.

Easter: What do Easter and Halloween have in common? CANDY! What else do they have in common? Um...things rising from the dead...no, I'm sorry, I can't. I'm not Christian but I'm not about to make a mockery of their holiest day like that. Better stick with the candy. The Easter celebrations in All Hallows can be found in Trick-or-Treat Village, where the characters sport bunny ears and hand out trick-or-treat prizes inside specially patterned plastic eggs.

May Day/Half-a-ween: On this, the polar opposite day to Samhain, the Seelie and Unseelie faeries are said to do battle with each other for control of the natural world! If you dance the maypole in Goblin Woods, you might catch a glimpse of this conflict (read: battalions of bloodthirsty fae will appear without warning and skirmish without regard for bystanders). Elsewhere in the park, the delightful irony of Half-a-ween, or “Halloween in May,” is reflected in window displays and roaming character dialogue.

Summer: Goblin Woods comes to the fore again with “A Midsummer Night's Nightmare,” a full-scale LARP adventure for teams of 4-6 players (reservations required). In Ghoul City, the Gilman Municipal Beach area becomes the site of a tongue-in-cheek Monster Beach Party event. Pumpkin Acres is all about the Summer Harvest, with delicious summer produce and watermelons carved like jack-o-lanterns. These events run all summer long until Labor Day weekend (we Americans are weird and place it in early September), by which point we're all sick of the heat and ready for Halloween season proper to begin again!

All Year Long: Keep an eye on your calendar and plan visits for evenings marked with a white circle, even if they fall in the middle of the week. The night of the full moon is Werewolf Night in Ghoul City, Goblin Woods, and County Drakul, and each month bears a sub-theme of its own, with photo ops, collectible merch, and more! And if a second full moon hits in one calendar month? That's the fabled Blue Moon, bringing twice the spooky magic!

And that's how you celebrate Halloween the whole year round.

[behyunki]

plot call!

now that the christmas market is about to pass, i just wanna start getting new stuff for hyunki and xiaoli, especially since both got brought in around holidays so i know that made plotting Difficult! i am gonna put some stuff under the cut of ideas, where they are in life, and i am always up for brainstorming new things! generally both are just on uni breaks, working, and looking for fun stuff in between all that! if you wanna plot, just like this and i shall come visit your dms mwah!

hyunki

had a lot of fun at the market hanging out with friends and doing some dances for money

on break from uni still and enjoying some extra free time

still teaching dance, and uploading dance stuff on his insta, so if anyone wants to collab he is here for it

spending more time on video games now with his extra time as well, so would love new gaming friends!

late gift exchanges

other plot stuff for him includes friends, fwbs, all the basics

xiaoli

also on break from uni and free from his personal hell of economics and diplomacy

spending some more time working at the restaurant, if you want to come see him lol

his friends never stop dragging him out and forcing him to socialize, so if you want to be someone that does that too him or also hates being dragged out and about and want to complain, he's here

xiaoli hasn't taken time for himself in a Minute so honestly a road trip with friends would be cool

time with his friends in general

overall for plots he has everything open, i have some wanted connections for him on his plot page if you want inspo as well

[poupeesdecirque]

Travel Blog - Lübeck & Travemünde (15.-17. December 2023)

Last little weekend vacation before the holidays. It was mainly a trip to attend the last concert for the year and we went on the plenty of christmas markets in Lübeck and briefly visited Travemünde on our way back on sunday.

Mainly some cozy traveling, some rants, lots of foods and impressions here.

Friday - 15. December

After avoiding the demonstration of the farmers against the newest political discourse we arrived in Lübeck, Mom had another figth with the navigation system as she was like "I knew the place" but in the end I basically had to tell her to FORGET what she think she knows and just trust me as navigator. We eventually arrived at our hotel.

In before I had a bit of a trouble with the booking process... we had booked another hotel but the service contacted me in June that we can't go there we had to change the hotel. It was a back and forth with the customer service as the callcenter agents can't access the e-mail customer service and vice versa and both sides tried to contact me and told me over and over again I have to change everything. As stuff was settled the old hotel contacted me a month later that I HAVE TO CHANGE THE HOTEL. It was super stressfull.

Well as we arrived Mom went in to check in as my anxious ass hates that and I needed to calm down after the little discourse about the route. Then she came and said "They don't accept me you have to as you booked the hotel", fine. We were able to check in but then... Mom's card was declined. First I thought it was just because it's her EC and not her CC. ... her EC got declined. Because she thought it was smart to keep her invalid one while she got a newer one (AND ALREADY USED THAT) and ... in the end I had to pay for the super expensive hotel she wanted as the old one got canceled OTL what a way to start the weekend. She luckily transfered me the money back but being her piggy bank for cash the whole weekend truly got on my nerves.

Anyways I needed comfort food, we headed out to Café Niederegger and enjoyed some cake, shopped a bit at their store and then went to the christmas markets.

Lübeck has several markets and while I am not a christmas person I somehow love the markets there, they have a certain vibe. The main market is in the historical centre, then you have a medieval themed one, some booths around the shopping district, a fairytale themed one, international, little elf houses, a martime one and one at the harbour along some more.

We also went to a few stores as I wanted to get some ornaments for my christmas tree as I want to decorate it rather traditional this time with more natural material, candy and just things that have a memorial value for me.

And I finally got my crepe filled with Kinderschokolade and the waffle as plate, I love that idea still. Here you can see the tiny elf village and the ferris wheel of the maritime market. Last year I took photos with Allen here but I decided against bringing Red along this day as I was quite done and didn't want to stress myself with doll photos.

We had dinner at a burger place (I had one with oat based patty, fig chutney and walnuts), we decided to have dinner at a restaurant for friday and then just snack on stuff the next one. It was quite dark as we went back. Oh and I had a chocolate covered apple for dessert as I somehow wanted something fresh but that was .. as fresh as it got. You can see my little haul from that day on the last photo.

Saturday - 16. December

The day started early for me, I'm an early bird. I went out for photos with Red, but was a bit miffed as this year they turned off the lights in the morning, the last years they still had them on for quite a while. I took a little walk with Red but the lightning was really awful... and I lost the reflector, went back the whole way, and back again and then finally found it.

I have to say Mom is truly not trying to compromise with some things, I was super hangry as she finally got up (I was awake for over 3 hours by then and usually I have breakfast 1 1/2 hours after I get up the LATEST), and pissed at the world and the overpriced buffet but it was food at least.

We then headed out again but the markets were still closed, we took a turn through the city to check some of the smaller streets and met a man who told us a bit about the street he lives in.

We went on a little shopping spree but the stores were badly ventilated I felt the overstimulation coming with a terrible headache, as Mom wanted to go into H&M I just told her 'nope' and waited outside.

Funny enough she said the store was super horrible and we continued to sightsee the other markets like the fairytale themed one and the handcrafter market (that one was inside a church and you had to pay a small fee), the stuff there was amazing but also super expensive, we didn't buy anything there but it was interesting to see.

Weirdly I still had a super hard headache going on .... until I noticed it was 12 already my body was like "hey gimme food", I'm so into my eating routine its horrible. Anyways I got a Baumstriezel with nuts, which resulted in Mom not wanting any as she was like "I want cinnamon&sugar!" but my brain was like "NUTS"... way to keep her off my food, lol.

As told in before Saturday was to be snack day and we had a lot of snacks while going back and forth the markets, we visited some other Marzipan stores and had some relax time at the hotel before fetching more food. And I got new tree ornaments at the tourists information store and my first ever Cinnamonroll! It was a gingerbread one and I am not sure if I like them, maybe a normal cinnamon roll will more my thing but I have to say it was .. too much cinnamon in the centre for me.

After cooling down a bit we got dinner-ish which was .. a lot. But as we walked around almost the whole day I felt I needed just more. And I got more, a flammkuchen (the toppings weren't much, so little mushrooms T_T), Mutzen (a fried pastry) and a falafel wrap. Back to the hotel we went for sitting down a bit before heading out for the concert.

To our surprise we ... walked into the christmas farmer's parade. It's not a usual thing here, and I researched it they do this for the children in the hospitals in Lübeck, to bring them something joyful during this time, I think that's really cute.

For the concert I can tell it was a blast, I had a super nice talk with some of the regulars there and the whole band was so thankful for everyone being there, it was like coming home. I just adore this band and I am glad I already have two tickets to see them next year again :)

I will post more pics from the concert in a seperate entry later on!

Sunday 17 December

Sunday started early for me as well, but as I had little sleep after the concert and my left ear being half deaf I was really done for. Mom decided to sleep even longer, she had promised me to get to breakfast earlier but... it didn't happen. I went on a little walk to let the time pass and she was still asleep as I got back ... sigh. Took the time and took some pics of the stuff I bought the day prior.

I was quite pissed and even was miffed at everything in the hotel at this point, don't mess with me when I lack sleep and am hungry.

As we checked out we went to Travemünde where I took some photos with Nachti & Red.

Then we went onto the small christmas market there. It truly is just a small one but cute anways. Lunch was at the Café Niederegger where I had waffles and ice cream, I bought some more smoll things to bring with me for christmas and then we headed home. The drive back home was long but no happenings this time, that was .. nice for a change.

After dinner (I had Udon soup, noms) and unpacking a bit we went to see our local christmas parade. The parade was more a demonstration against... yep, the current political discourse. The whole thing was created during the pandemic to bring some light into the dark while everything was cancelled but now it all has a different meaning. The kids in the village enjoyed it though.

For me the trip was overall positive but I got an ear infection from not wearing a beanie on saturday (that's why my ear acted up) and I needed some time to regain. I'm working through my todolist but am trying to not to do everything at once. There is a lot I have to edit and put into the queue still, but I aim to have it all done soon that I can start on new things.

[aurorabayrpg]

EVENT 009 {DEC 1 - DEC 30} CHRISTMAS IN AURORA BAY PART 1

PART 1:

Christmas has finally arrived here in Aurora Bay! While sunny California won't allow for the snowy winter nights, Aurora Bay makes sure to bring the holiday spirit to everyone in town!

Businesses and restaurants will be decked out in Christmas lights and garlands, and the famous Christmas tree in the center of town will light up on the night of December 1st, signaling the openings of the Christmas Market!

The Christmas Market will have stalls from different businesses, local artists, and plenty of treats and hot chocolate! Snow machines have been brought in and there will be fake snow coming down and piling up in heaps on all throughout the market to truly make it a festive experience for your holiday shopping!

Cool Down Ice Rink will have special offers for groups who come in to skate to Christmas music, they will also be hosting a figure skating recital for those listed in the figure skating courses!

There will also be a Christmas light decorating contest! Those entering will be asked to decorate their homes with all their holiday spirit! Each neighborhood can enter and each neighborhood will be able to win "Most Festive"!

And last but certainly not least, the town will be having their annual Christmas parade! Those wanting to help with floats can!

PART 2:

Part 2 of our holiday festivities will be a Masquerade Ball held at the Seascape Hotel! All in town will be invited, and please note there will be a formal dress code and required masquerade masks! More info to come later in the month

OOC INFO BELOW:

Christmas is our favorite holiday so we wanted to do something special and fun for this event! Just like our Halloween event, this one will last the entire month of December!

Christmas Lights Contest Info:

We also want make sure everyone feels included! So we will once again be having a contest for muses, where they can decorate their homes with Christmas lights. You can also post pictures of what the interior of your houses look like since Ocean Crest only really has their balconies. Interiors will count for the contest as well, just be sure to put the pictures in one post!

If you want to participate, just send a message to the main and once your muse has decorated their houses interior/exterior, make a photo post with the their name, their neighborhood, and tag the @aurorabayaesthetic blog as well as tag it #aurorabay.contest. This way it'll be easy for us admins to reblog the posts as well as compile a list like we did for the Halloween Costume Contest.

Parade Float Info:

We also thought it would be fun if Aurora Bay had their own little Christmas parade! We will compile a list of different floats in the parade, but if you'd like to sign your muse up for working on a float and you'd like to submit one yourself, let us know!

Christmas Market Stalls:

Any business owners who want to have stalls at the Christmas Market can send us a message to the main to let us know! Same with any local artists we may have in Aurora Bay! (Feel free to google christmas markets to get a visual idea!)

The Markets will also have live music, so any of the bands or musicians in the group who want their characters to participate in that can as well!

TL;DR:

Muns can participate in the Christmas Light Contest, Parade Floats, and Christmas stalls! Just be sure to let us know your character will be participating.

The "Rules":

when posting Christmas Light Contest posts, write your character's name, their neighborhood, and tag our @aurorabayaesthetic blog and tag #aurorabay.contest

Let us know if you want your character to participate in the contest or in the parade!

Let us know if your character will want to have a stall in the markets or to play music at the markets!

You can tag posts as #aurorabay.christmas (optional, just helps prevent potential confusion)

first three event starters can be posted without having to reply to any first, after those three, please reply to at least two before posting your own.

Have fun!

[carewyncromwell]

“When the spooks have a midnight jamboree, They break it up with fiendish glee... Ghosts are bad, but the one that's cursed Is the Headless Horseman -- he's the worst!”

~“The Headless Horseman (cover)” by Bobby Waters

x~x~x~x

an addition to my HPHM Haunted Mansion AU // original prompt set down by @drinkyoursoupbitch​​​

x~x~x~x

After becoming master of the haunted Cromwell Manor, paranormal investigator Duncan Ashe found himself being recommended more and more hauntings up in New England, far away from his old Southern stomping grounds. This didn’t bother Duncan’s now constant ghostly companions, Madame Olivia and Jacob Cromwell -- Jacob had been born and both he and Olivia had died in Liberty Square, New York, at the aforementioned Manor, so they were very attuned to the area, however much it had changed over the centuries. Therefore when Duncan was asked to visit another town in upstate New York, one infamous for its ghost stories, both the Headless Man and the Medium in the Crystal Ball encouraged the idea.

“Why, we simply must go!” Jacob said eagerly. “If they’re in need of help with their ghost, you can more than provide it, Ashe. And just think of all the sights we could see! Mr. Irving paints such a vivid picture in his work about the place, I would love to compare how the town stacks up to it!”

“The location is not far from our old Manor haunt,” said Madame Olivia serenely. “We could visit it afterwards, if you want.” 

This idea cheered Jacob up even further -- his blue eyes glowed a supernatural blue. “Oh, yes! It’s very nearly Christmas -- Mum and Wyn would be so very happy, if we returned for Christmas...”

Duncan ultimately decided to follow their advice and accept the assignment. If nothing else, such a high-profile case would only help his career, and he was certainly not afraid of a challenge, when it came to restless spirits. His time with the 999 haunts of the Cromwell Manor was more than enough proof of that.

And so, with Madame Olivia’s crystal ball and Jacob’s spirit securely resting inside his dark suitcase, Duncan took a train up to New York, shifting then to a bus that could deliver them to the tiny village of Sleepy Hollow.

One could argue Sleepy Hollow was a town built upon an old ghost story. It certainly marketed itself that way -- Halloween had come and gone a month ago, yet there were still Jack-O-Lanterns, scarecrows, and orange and black everywhere, and on just about every street corner, there was some kind of sign referencing or decorated with the icon of the Headless Horseman. There were restaurants and bars named for him -- stores full of artwork and figures -- a sculpture set up in the heart of town -- even markers for places cited in the original novel by Washington Irving. 

Such a place could’ve been written off as nothing but a tourist trap, but truthfully, there was a strange aura about the place. Duncan noted it right away -- a bizarre stillness, punctuated by the occasional melancholy, chilling whisper. The supernatural was certainly active here. Even in areas that should’ve warded them off, like the main concrete street cars drove down to pass the Old Dutch Church, a dark aura lingered.

And so Duncan’s work began, to learn more about the ghost haunting these parts. Obviously the first work he consulted was Washington Irving’s famous book, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but the paranormal investigator knew that it was bound to have some crucial details missing. For starters, the book had been published in 1820, right after the success of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, about a ghost who had supposedly died almost fifty years previously. Another element in play, however, was how much the idea of a Headless Horseman itself could’ve been fictionalized. 

“The idea of a headless rider is nothing new,” Duncan said as he flipped through one of the books Liberty Square’s resident historian, Rowan Khanna, had gifted him. “The Irish told stories of the headless Dullahan centuries before Washington Irving wrote his book...”

“The Scottish too,” said Jacob. 

Duncan looked up from his book curiously at his ghostly partner, who was laying back with his feet propped up on the more shadowy side of the bench at their table. 

“The Cromwells have some roots in Scotland -- that’s where Mum got her name from, it was originally derived from ‘MacLaine,’” Jacob explained. “We used to pass old legends of Ewen of the Little Head around the fire on really cold winter nights -- a greedy man who lost his head in battle with one of his father’s comrades and then went on to haunt and slaughter the remainder of his clan on a midnight steed for the rest of his days...”

He bounced his own head off of his neck onto the table so he could adjust the red fleece scarf he’d materialized around his old-fashioned collar leisurely. 

“Jacob!” Duncan hissed, shooting a quick look around to make sure that none of the bar’s patrons were looking in their direction. Fortunately, they weren’t -- quite a relief too, since Jacob seemed completely nonplussed in the face of Duncan’s scolding. 

“The Brothers Grimm were undoubtedly inspired by similar German stories, when they wrote of Hans Jagenteufel and the Wild Huntsman,” Jacob’s head added a bit more airily from its place on the table. “Really, even the idea of a headless man on a horse isn’t anything new -- anyone who’s heard the story of Gawain and the Green Knight would know that...”

“Put that thing back on before someone sees you!” 

Duncan reached across the table to grab Jacob’s freezing cold, slightly translucent head and chuck it back on top of his neck with a scowl.

“Honestly,” the paranormal investigator grumbled as he adjusted the shadowy red scarf to try to hide Jacob’s slashed neck from sight again. “Right out in public like that -- you know the only reason people don’t run away screaming at the sight of you is because of Madame Olivia’s chants giving you a more corporeal form at night...”

Jacob’s lips spread into a grin that was both cocky and oddly fond. “Heh...what can I say? You and I both know I’d completely lose my head if it weren’t for you, Ashe.”

Duncan’s face flushed a dark red, and he muttered something else under his breath as he averted his eyes self-consciously.

~*~

Duncan collected local stories from the people of Sleepy Hollow over the course of the next week. Most agreed on several things -- the Horseman they saw looked just like how Washington Irving described him, complete with a black steed and a Jack O’ Lantern head, and he was most often spotted on the so-called “Headless Horseman Bridge,” and on the northern bank of the Pocantico River near the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. 

“It has been said among my spiritual kin,” Madame Olivia pointed out, “that crossing running water will do a cursed soul in.”

Fortunately no deaths or attempted murders had been reported -- everyone had been far too scared at the sight of the Horseman to do anything but run. Even so, a certain detail of the story rubbed Duncan the wrong way.

“Jacob,” he asked at one point, “did you carve Jack O’ Lanterns, when you were alive?”

Jacob frowned thoughtfully. “...In a way. There were tales told of Stingy Jack, who irked both Heaven and Hell so much that neither would take him, and so he wandered the earth with a single coal of Hellfire kept in a hollowed-out turnip...and certainly, carved pumpkins were used for decorations. But folks used all matter of vegetables to stand in for Jack’s head -- potatoes, beets -- turnips, as mentioned. And naturally we didn’t call them ‘Jack O’ Lanterns’ -- I would think that’s a more modern invention...”

Duncan nodded, looking convinced of something. “That’s what I thought. Washington Irving described a pumpkin as the Horseman’s head in his book, not a Jack O’ Lantern specifically. And from what I’m reading -- ” he indicated the open Internet search on his laptop, “ -- Jack O’ Lantern pumpkins didn’t really take off until the mid-1800′s -- decades after The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was published.”

Jacob raised his eyebrows with great interest. “...Then the Horseman everyone’s seeing can’t be the Horseman described in Irving’s book!”

“Exactly,” Duncan said triumphantly. 

He closed his laptop with a snap. 

“Come on -- if you want to come with me while I measure hot spots around the river, we’ll have to do it before daybreak.”

~*~

For the next three days, Duncan moved up and down the Pocantico River, to both the northern and southern banks, mapping hot spots and reaching out to the spirits in the cemetery on the south side. It wasn’t until the Winter Solstice that Duncan encountered the Horseman himself -- and that encounter very nearly proved fatal.

It all started when Duncan arrived at the far west side of the Sleepy Hollow cemetery, close to the Old Dutch Church. The ones Duncan encountered were all quite intrigued by his ability to hear and see them so easily, and even more so by his ghostly companions. One ghost of a particularly pretty young maiden sitting demurely on top of a gravestone even tried to flirt with Duncan.

“You remind me of someone I once knew,” she said dreamily, trailing her transparent, freezing hand through the air right beside Duncan’s jawline. “Far more handsome, without question, but your eyes are just as bright -- just as shrewd...seeing things no one else can see...”

Within seconds, Jacob’s translucent hand had cut through the air and snatched the spirit’s ghostly hand away from Duncan. 

“Be advised, Madam,” the Headless Man said very coldly, “that the gentleman is already spoken for.”

Duncan’s face flushed darkly. The lady’s spirit blinked widely up at Jacob, genuinely taken aback. 

“Spoken for?” she repeated very curiously. “By a long-dead sodomite?”

However lacking in vindictiveness her face and words were, however, they made Jacob’s eyes gleam a particularly dangerous, supernatural blue that made the lady spirit tremble. 

“Long-dead bisexual is the proper term, in this day and age,” he said icily, tightening his grip on her shadowy hand that little bit more before throwing it down. “Now shift your bob before I rip your quail-pipe out --”

The threat was enough to make the spirit disappear with a short puff back down into the gravestone she’d been resting on top of.

“Most would call that rude and most unreserved,” said Madame Olivia dryly from her ball. “I really don’t think that was wholly deserved.”

“I said Ashe was spoken for,” Jacob said stubbornly. “That should’ve been the end of the conversation.”

His still slightly glowing eyes flickered over to Duncan, as if double-checking that he wasn’t upset. Duncan was frowning with displeasure as well, but his flushed face and twitching of his lips made his expression much harder to read. He also was determinedly not looking Jacob in the face, which made the ghost’s eyes dim uneasily.

“...Ashe, I -- ”

“Katrina Van Brunt,” Duncan said suddenly. 

Jacob frowned. “What?”

But Duncan’s focus was completely on the gravestone the female spirit had disappeared into. His fingers ran under the name pointedly.

“Katrina Van Brunt,” he reiterated. “Obviously once Katrina Van Tassal, the maid who caught Ichabod Crane’s eye in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow! In the story, she later married Brom Bones, whose full name was truly Abraham Van Brunt!”

Duncan tapped the top of the gravestone pointedly. 

“Katrina! Come out, please! I need to talk to you about the Headless Horseman!”

The lady spirit -- Katrina -- poked her head out from behind the gravestone in an almost childish manner.

“Oh, please,” she said in a melodramatically miserable voice. “Please, do not bring up the Horseman! That story has only ever brought me misery...”

“What do you mean?” asked Duncan.

Katrina’s eyes glinted with resentment.

"You know the tale Irving told,” she spat contemptuously. “Everyone does. It was Brom telling that story that scared Ichabod so much that he was never seen again. It was Brom who some thought disguised himself as the Horseman to do him in, or summoned the Horseman with black magic, or otherwise attracted the Horseman's attention with his story. And the people who swarmed from all over after Irving’s book was published certainly never let him forget it! The Horseman haunted Brom’s footsteps, reminding him every day of that night when his words ended another man’s life. Soon he went mad, because of it! Kept saying it was he who ended Ichabod’s life, no mythical Horseman. Kept rambling that the Horseman would haunt Sleepy Hollow forever, because of what he’d done to poor Ichabod...”

Katrina had covered her face and begun to sob. Jacob’s eyes widened. 

“Then...the Horseman at the river...”

Duncan had thought the exact same thing. Tucking Madame Olivia’s crystal ball under his arm, he then grabbed Jacob’s wrist, ready to pull him along after him. When Jacob’s head inevitably flew off in the abrupt movement, Duncan snatched it by the hair with his other hand without skipping a beat.

“Let’s go -- we have an appointment at the Headless Horseman Bridge!”

~*~

The bridge labeled by the village of Sleepy Hollow as the Headless Horseman Bridge did not resemble any of the popular film adaptations’ image of it. One reason is that the “covered bridge” look often used in film was a stylistic choice -- the style was more commonly used further up north, where the Hudson River was much deeper and broader. Another such reason is because the bridge labeled as the Headless Horseman Bridge is not the original one, or even one built in that period -- instead it was only a replica of one photographed in the area sometime in the mid-to-late-1800′s. 

Perhaps it was for this reason that Duncan Ashe did not find the Headless Horseman here, as he’d planned. Instead, the Horseman took him by surprise when Duncan drove his rental car past the Old Dutch Church and over the Rockefeller Bridge to the other side of the river.

As soon as Duncan’s silver Toyota Camry had gotten over the bridge, out of the blackness, seemingly out of nowhere, a horrid black shape emerged from nothing and swerved out in front of it. Duncan flung the wheel around, swerving wildly, and collided with the railing of the bridge with force.

SCRRRRRRAPE.

The railing clawed into the side of Duncan’s car, leaving long, deep, jagged marks across its passenger doors.

Duncan slammed on the breaks and put the car in park. Once he’d made sure the abrupt stop hadn’t hurt the crystal ball that held Madame Olivia’s head, he rushed to check on Jacob. The Headless Man, however, had phased through the car on impact, and was now standing in the street, his head off and his sword drawn. 

“Jacob!” said Duncan. 

“It’s okay, Ashe,” said Jacob’s head -- it had remained in place on the passenger seat next to him. “Let the great ‘Headless Horseman’ do his worst! I can more than take him...I mean, truthfully, what could he really do to me? Chop my head off again?”

“JACOB!”

CLANG.

With only Duncan’s cry as warning, the Headless Man was just barely able to raise his sword and block the axe that had come down on him from above, held by a man garbed in a faded, torn, stained red and green Hessian uniform with no head inside the empty dark scarlet collar. 

It was the Headless Horseman. 

His ghostly gray horse reared back with a shriek that could chill blood, kicking wildly, as the Headless Man ducked and evaded both the kicking hooves and sharp axe.

“Ugh -- ack -- ”

Jacob’s head grunted in response to his body’s parries from the safety of the car seat. He gritted his teeth, his blue eyes shining with supernatural fire.

“Olivia! A little help with the horse, please!”

Madame Olivia immediately levitated herself up and out of Duncan’s suitcase on the floor of the passenger seat.

“Hedges and trees, a flowering vine,” she chanted as her ball began to glow an eerie lime green, “become now a prison -- go forth now and bind!”

From the sides of the streets, the trees seemed to swell up, stretching out of control into monstrous, ghostly roots that lashed themselves onto the Horseman’s gray steed like whips. With another shrieking whinny, the horse was chained down, slammed to the ground with such force that the rider was thrown off. 

Rather than be slowed down at all, however, the rider rose at once. He swept over to the Headless Man with the grace of a shadow and then pounced. He beat the other headless ghost back toward the edge of the river with a kind of supernatural strength that rivaled Charles Cromwell’s. 

“Ugh -- ” grunted Jacob. “Gotta say -- he’s really got a lot of energy, this bloke -- if I weren’t already dead, I’d be a little worried...”

Duncan gritted his teeth and, steadying his courage, he opened the car door and climbed out.

“Ashe!” said Jacob, startled. “Ashe, get back! He’ll hurt you!” 

Duncan dashed out across the bridge, stopping just three feet away from where the Headless Men were currently fighting.

“Brom! Brom Bones!”

The Headless Horseman stopped fighting. His frame turned toward Duncan, and even if he had no head, it was clear he was paying very close attention to the mortal man that had approached him. 

“We’ve just spoken to your wife,” said Duncan. “Katrina. She told us about your history with the Horseman -- with Ichabod Crane.”

The Horseman lowered his sword. Then, very slowly, he began to approach. 

Duncan could feel the sweat pooling down his neck -- he tried to look reassuring, however much his smile felt forced and the hands he raised seemed more defensive than pacifying. 

“It’s okay,” he said. “We’re not here to bother you -- we’re just here to help. Help you rest in peace, whatever it might look like. Help you pass on to the next life...or maybe even rest in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery with the other ghosts, if you’d like. I’m sure your wife would be happy to see you after two hundred -- ”

What happened next all happened very fast. The Horseman moved so quickly, he was mere mist -- the Headless Man lunged forward, his sword drawn in an attempt to protect -- Duncan hunched down and raised his arms, subconsciously trying to protect himself -- 

WHAM. 

Fortunately in the midst of all of this, Madame Olivia had managed to conjure a protective shield around Duncan that blocked the Horseman’s strike, knocking him back like a forcefield. 

“Ashe!” cried Jacob’s head still inside the car. 

The Headless Man reached Duncan’s side and began to slash at the Horseman, trying to beat him back. Unfortunately the Horseman was clearly very well-trained in battle -- he reached into his scabbard and yanked out a sword, and suddenly the Headless Man was having to keep both the Horseman’s axe and sword away from Duncan’s chest and neck.

“Run, Ashe!” cried Jacob. “Run for the bridge! He can’t cross the water!”

Duncan was reluctant to leave Jacob to fight alone -- but, after a second’s thought, he knew it was the best thing to do. Jacob couldn’t die in his confrontation with the Horseman, but he could.

Maybe if I can just get to the mid-way point on the bridge, thought Duncan, I can talk Brom down --

And so Duncan turned and ran. He ran as fast as he could, past the car and toward the base of the Rochester bridge -- 

“NO!”

Duncan whirled around just in time to see the mass of flames hurtling toward him. With a cry, he flung himself down to the ground, ducking and covering, as the flaming object flew through the air and smashed down into the center of the bridge.

Duncan looked up, and his heart stopped.

It was a sickly, hellishly flaming, yellow-orange pumpkin.

Not a Jack O’ Lantern. A pumpkin.

And when the Horseman once again phased through the air with such speed that he was suddenly right in front of Duncan, it seemed like there truly was no escape --

SHING.

Jacob’s head gave a strangled cry from his place in the car. Duncan opened his eyes, which he hadn’t even realized he’d closed -- and when he did, he stared.

Yet another ghost had materialized seemingly from nowhere, leaping off his own black horse with such speed that he blocked the Horseman’s axe with his own body. He was dressed in a very long pitch-black traveling coat with a very rigid high collar not unlike the one the Phantom of Cromwell Manor wore. Like the Headless Man and the Horseman, this ghost had no head, but he also carried no weapon -- instead, all he carried in his hands were a Jack O’ Lantern and a very old and worn tricorn hat. 

Duncan’s eyes widened.

“Brom Bones?” he whispered.

It was indeed the spirit of Abraham Van Brunt, otherwise known as Brom Bones. And at the sight of Bones having blocked him, the Horseman actually seemed to pause. 

Madame Olivia levitated herself out of the open car door so as to better call over to Duncan,

“It would be safest, Duncan, if you now fled! Go now, while the Horseman’s distracted!”

Duncan scrambled to his feet, stumbling back across the bridge as fast as he could. The Horseman made another move as if to slash at him, only for Jacob to make it over in time to block his sword again with his own. He’d snatched back his head from the car and secured it back on top of his neck. 

“Get the hell away from him!” Jacob snarled at the Horseman. 

The Horseman slashed at Jacob’s neck, only for his ghostly head to hop up and out of the way of the blow, before landing back where it belonged. 

“Can’t take my head off either, you old doddypoll!” he jeered through bared teeth. 

Duncan only looked back at the three ghosts once he was safely on the bridge. When the Horseman realized the only person who was both alive and had a head was out of his reach, his shoulders stiffened. Then he turned toward Bones, who still had the Horseman’s axe sticking out of his translucent chest. 

The two still-headless ghosts considered each other for a moment. Then, seeming almost irritable as his shoulders shifted toward Duncan to Bones and back, the Headless Horseman yanked the axe out of Bones’s chest. Then he turned on his heel and returned to his steed. 

Madame Olivia’s vines began to retreat and wither away to dust, and the gray horse straightened up, its eyes gleaming a hellish red. 

The Headless Horseman regarded both Bones and Jacob for a moment, his gloved hands gripping the reins in a harsh vice grip. Then, with an abrupt tug, he pulled up on the reins, and the horse reared back with another terrible shriek and charged back into the blackened trees. Duncan could feel the darkness of his presence fading as he disappeared, lingering in the air only like the faintest shiver one gets when they’re very tired.

Only once Duncan was positive that the Horseman was gone did he make any movement to try to come back across the bridge toward his car. When he did, however, the Headless ghost that had to be Brom Bones held up his hand in a warning gesture.

“Return to the south bank and stay there tonight,” his voice seemed to emanate from the light inside the carved Jack O’ Lantern at his side. “Your friend’s taunt got the Horseman’s attention. He’ll seek out your head to replace his, if you cross the river again tonight.”

Duncan stared down at the orange Jack O’ Lantern. 

At least its mouth isn’t moving like some novelty prop, he thought cynically, remembering when he’d found Jacob’s skull, only for it to become a head which came to life in his hands. 

“Wait,” he said suddenly, “then was the Horseman the one who almost made me crash?”

Bones’s shoulders fell slightly. 

“I regret to say that was me,” he said grimly. “In this form I have taken, crafted out of the regret I carry for Ichabod’s fate...I know I’ve inspired just as much fear and distrust as I did in life.”

Jacob frowned. “Are you saying you really did hurt Ichabod Crane?”

“I may as well have.”

The light inside the Jack O’ Lantern seemed to sigh.

“It was arrogance -- much like yours, Ghostly Stranger. I’d heard the tale of the Headless Horseman all my life. When I heard of the new schoolmaster who’d come to town -- the gawky, scrawny son of a condemned witch who charmed the ladies with his knowledge of herbs and love charms -- I resented him. Especially once he caught the interest of the woman I loved, Katrina. I saw the fascination he instilled in her, the intrigue, and I worried her eye would stray from me. So when I saw just how superstitious the schoolmaster was -- how much fear his mother’s belief in the supernatural had instilled in him -- I seized the opportunity and tried to paint him a coward. 

“That night of Halloween, at the party hosted at the Van Tassal estate, I made sure Ichabod had arrived and was sitting comfortably. And yes, for certain he was -- he was feasting like a man set to become king of a palace. Eying Katrina like a man who’d just caught sight of a beautiful gold statue. It spurred me to action. As midnight approached, I told the people amassed the scariest story I knew...and sure enough, Ichabod Crane hid like a child. Katrina was not impressed. And so I thought I’d won out. But just to be sure, I followed Ichabod Crane home that night, wrapped up in the darkest traveling coat I had with the collar and shoulders padded so my head wasn’t visible -- prepared to frighten him out of town once and for all. 

“I did frighten him, at first. I’d ridden in the trees beside him for about half a mile before he realized I was no ghost. Ichabod paused on the road and looked more carefully...and I don’t know how, but his eyes saw through the deception. Perhaps it was the eyes he’d inherited from his mother -- eyes that could see what was ghostly and what was not...”

Duncan’s eyes widened as Katrina’s words echoed in his head again. 

“...Your eyes are just as bright -- just as shrewd...seeing things no one else can see...”

“But then those eyes widened in terror when he realized that we were not alone. And because I was still in disguise as the ‘Headless Horseman’ and my head wasn’t visible...I was completely ignored by the rider who’d decided to pursue us, his axe drawn. 

“Somehow knowing at once that this rider was indeed no living Man in disguise, Ichabod fled on horseback. I, not as sure, pursued, shouting at the other rider to stop -- but of course, he paid me no mind. It was only when Ichabod crossed the bridge that the chase stopped...but, as everyone knows, it ended only with the end of Ichabod. And once Ichabod’s head was struck by that Hellfire-dusted pumpkin, the Horseman materialized a rope made of flames and yanked him back to the other side, breaking his bones as he slammed into the opposite bank. But Ichabod’s head was too badly damaged for the Horseman to use...so he bitterly rode off dragging the corpse along behind him, prepared to take another man’s head on some other dark, lonely night. I was left alone on my horse in a coat I’d ripped apart trying to undo so I could get my head loose well enough to see what was happening. Left alone in the knowledge that it was I who’d caught the Horseman’s attention and that that had led to the death of Ichabod Crane. In the end, I was the true coward -- for I rode home as fast as I could, too terrified to look back or tell anyone what had happened. 

“The next morning, I returned to the bridge, to find everyone crowded around the shards of pumpkin and Ichabod’s lost hat. Rumors swirled -- parts of the story came out -- and still others were embellished. I tried to ignore them. I tried to simply be happy and courted Katrina even more fiercely, just wanting to find some peace. But then the man Irving came to town, and well...soon the whole of New York knew. The whole of New England knew. Soon the whole nation knew of Ichabod Crane. And soon, whether because of my own guilt or something more supernatural at work...I saw the Horseman in every shadow, behind every tree -- heard his horse’s gallop on every barren road and saw his flaming pumpkin in my nightmares...”

The light inside the Jack O’ Lantern had grown very faint and oddly gray.

“Eventually...I’d lost myself completely. In my own mind, I was the Headless Horseman. I was the one who had killed Ichabod Crane.”

Duncan nodded. “And so after you died, you came back resembling the Horseman you pretended to be, the night Ichabod died.”

Bones’s black horse gave a soft murr. Bones brought the back of his gloved hand holding Ichabod’s hat along his flank to soothe him. 

“Duncan, I believe the lady called you?” asked Bones. His shoulder tilted toward Madame Olivia, whose crystal ball was now levitating at Duncan’s side.

“Yes,” said the paranormal investigator. “Duncan Ashe. This is Madame Olivia and Jacob Cromwell.”

“I am honored,” said Bones, “and I must admit, perplexed. I have never had anyone see or hear me quite as well as you, Master Ashe. Not well enough to not immediately run and hide in fear, and certainly not enough to hold a conversation.”

Duncan smiled wryly. “Well, people like me aren’t exactly common. And maybe now that you have helped me, you can find some peace.”

His expression then grew a bit more serious despite his smile.

“You’ve haunted this village out of the regret of doing nothing, in the face of the Headless Horseman taking a man’s life. Maybe now you can rest easy, knowing you prevented him taking another.”

Bones paused, the light flickering uneasily inside of the Jack O’ Lantern at his side. Then the light inside the lantern seemed to grow warmer.

“...Perhaps,” he said very softly. “...Perhaps that can be my penance...using this after-life I have to ensure no one else is ever lost to the Horseman’s wrath.”

Duncan gave a satisfied smile. “Sounds good.”

The ghost’s shoulders rose as if he was ready to respond. Before he could then, he withdrew, almost flinching. Duncan immediately guessed why -- dawn was starting to prickle at the horizon. 

“You should go,” he said firmly. “I know spirits are sensitive to light.”

“Yes,” agreed Bones. 

Duncan held out his hands so that Madame Olivia’s crystal ball could drop down into them. He carried it back over to the car, tucking it inside his open suitcase and then closing it so the ball was fully encased in darkness. Jacob likewise phased back into the car, putting down the shade so as to try to block the sun through the window. 

Bones himself climbed back up onto his black horse, which murred softly again as he turned them both around.

“I know not yet if my curse is lifted,” said Bones. “But if it is...I think I shall retire to the cemetery. ...I would dearly like to see Katrina...tell her of my misdeeds...”

Duncan gave a scoff as he climbed back into the driver’s seat. “Tell her a bit more than that, or she might not want you to stay.”

He then gave a slightly wryer smile. 

“We all make mistakes, Brom Bones. If I’d let myself get bogged down with mine...well, I wouldn’t be here now.”

He glanced at Jacob out the side of his eye. The blue-eyed ghost smiled broadly at him. 

Brom Bones adjusted his hold on his black horse’s reins. 

“Your words ring with wisdom, Duncan Ashe,” he said lowly. 

The light inside the Jack O’ Lantern flickered around its open mouth like a smile. 

“Thank you.”

And with that, he too flicked his reins, and his black horse rode off into the shadows of the trees. Duncan watched him go, before closing his car door with a quick snap and putting on his seatbelt.

“Ashe?” said Jacob. 

“What?”

“Was I wrong...to tell Katrina Van Brunt to back off?”

Duncan looked at Jacob, bewildered. The ghost was looking out the window, but his ghostly eyes were watching Duncan’s reflection intently.

“Where’d that come from?” Duncan asked at last, after a moment. 

“Nowhere, really,” Jacob said absently. “I just...Olivia acted like it was really over the line, and...well, if I upset you...I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”

Duncan blinked. Then, his face flushing, he looked up and away through the window. 

“Well...it...was a bit much, sure,” he said awkwardly. His hands clasped and unclasped around the steering wheel. “She probably was just startled by us being two men, and...well, you being so...forward, about it...”

“You said it isn’t illegal for men to pursue other men anymore,” Jacob said defensively. 

“It’s not,” said Duncan just as defensively. “But well, she doesn’t know that, and...well, it’s still...it’s still kind of odd, with you being dead and...”

“Is odd bad?” challenged Jacob.

“I never said that! It’s just that other people might think so...”

“Since when do you care about what other people might think?”

“I don’t!” 

“So I wasn’t out of line, when I said you were spoken for?”

“Yes! I mean, no, you were out of line, to act like that, but -- I -- ugh!” 

Duncan’s face was as scarlet as an apple by now. 

“I’m not mad about it, okay? You shouldn’t have threatened her or anything when she clearly didn’t mean any harm, but...well...”

“Well?” prompted Jacob, frowning in confusion.

“I liked that you were making your feelings clear!” Duncan burst out at last irritably. 

His ears burned as his voice fell down to a more uncomfortable, self-conscious mumble. 

“I liked that you...claimed me, I guess. Like we were an item, or something.”

Jacob frowned. “An ‘item?’”

“A couple,” Duncan snapped back, his flush darkening more than ever. 

Jacob blinked. Then his pale face burst into a grin, his eyes glowing supernaturally and happily blue, and he swept forward, bringing a hand up to tilt Duncan’s face toward him so he could kiss him full on the mouth. 

Duncan gave a choked moan against the ghost’s freezing cold lips, even as the deep kiss made his heart pump hot fire through his veins. 

When Jacob moved back at last, his mouth was spread into a broader grin than ever, even though his eyes were shut tight to avoid the light of day streaming in through the windows.

“Sorry, Ashe,” he said weakly. “It’s just really, really bright...”

Duncan made as if to open his suitcase again so Jacob could hide, but instead Jacob dematerialized, shrinking down to an insubstantial ball of mist that then buried itself inside the interior pocket of Duncan’s coat. 

“Are you okay?” asked Duncan.

“Better now,” said Jacob. “It’s nice and dark in here.”

Duncan zipped up his coat, thinking to block out the light even further. He could feel a pulsing, cold presence beside his heart -- almost like a living ice pack. 

“Ashe?” 

“Yeah?”

“I want to be a couple with you,” said Jacob softly, “odd it might be.”

Duncan’s face darkened with a fresh flush. He hesitated, his fingers tapping the steering wheel absently. 

“Might be a bit hard for you to court me when you’re dead,” he said at last. 

“I’ll try really hard,” said Jacob, and the smile in his voice was obvious. “That is...if I have your consent.”

Duncan’s dark eyes softened.

“You know you do,” he said very lowly. His lips then curled up in a more mischievous smile. “Or at least you would, if you weren’t such an airhead.”

“I’d say I’m nearly air itself all the way around, at present,” said Jacob very coolly. “And quite comfortable, for that matter.” 

The pulsing cold beside Duncan’s heart almost seemed to move into his warmth -- like a hand caressing his chest. 

“Maybe I’ll just stay here until we return to our room,” Jacob sighed quietly. 

Duncan gave a light huff, trying to ignore his burning cheeks. “Only you could be comfortable squeezed up in someone’s pocket.”

Even so, he found himself smiling as he adjusted his coat more tightly around him and then turned his focus back to the road. 

“Go ahead and rest now,” he said in a lower, oddly gentler voice. “You’ve had a long night.”

Jacob gave another very soft sigh as Duncan turned his focus to the road and, putting the car in drive, made a U-turn back over the bridge toward the motel room he’d rented. 

He’d deal with those scrapes across his passenger car doors in the morning. 

[chaoticcollectivenightmare]

200 Date Ideas for Fanfictions

⭕️Not proofread

⭕️Not spell or grammer checked.

⭕Please tell me if what is duplicate

⭕ From: Pinterest

Make chocolate covered strawberries

Paris night: get a baguette, French wine, and

cheese!

Read your favorite books to one another

Bake cookies together

Watch the sunrise, then make breakfast together

Attend a local sport game

Watch an entire season of your fav TV show

Go for a long drive

Planetarium

Art gallery

Play board games

Movie

Visit garage sales

Volunteer for a homeless shelter

Go dancing

Go to the driving range

Build a snowman

Ride go-carts

Rent a movie

Have a carpet picnic

Go to an arcade

Play Frisbee

Go kayaking

Go ice skating

Visit the pumpkin farm

Go to a forest preserve

Go to ballet performance

Visit a place listed in an entertainment book

Bike riding

Study social media marketing

Bowling

Haunted house

Out for coffee

Visit a flea market

Play bingo

Go to an opera

Swing by a bookstore

Visit another city

Go hear jazz or reggae

See an NBA game

Play in the batting cages

Visit Vegas

Visit a nursing home and hand out flowers to everyone

Have lunch at a trendy new restaurant

Grab a fish fry

Grab a pint at an Irish pub

Chinese food and DVDs.

Attend a poetry reading

Attend an author reading from their latest fiction work.

Go antiquing

Go out for drinks

Visit a winery

Attend a painting class

Visit an animal shelter-you may come home with a new pet

Go for a carriage ride

Visit the tourist spots in your hometown

Take a trip to the hobby store-pick out a project to work on for the afternoon

Take a walk-around a lake, in the moonlight, by the river, on the beach

Go to an ethnic festival

Create a scrapbook

Go to a shrimp boil

Attend a matinee

Visit the zoo

Go see a local band

Have lunch at a church festival

Go camping

Go hiking

Go rock climbing

Play croquet

Attend a farmer's market

Have dinner at a new place

Try out a new cuisine

Take part in a community theater performance

Go strawberry picking or visit an apple orchard

Attend a live, outdoor music night in your town

Go see fireworks

Go stargazing

Play mini golf

Ride bikes

Make Only That

Bonfire

Go on a long drive

Recreate first date

Have a fancy dinner

Pizza and a movie

Get ice cream and or donuts

Go to an arcade

Drive-in-movies

Picnic at a park

Watch a sunrise or sunset

Climb a mountain

Theme park

Go to the beach

Museum or art gallery

Rock pools

Bake cookies

Christmas light looking

Kick the footy around

Local zoo

Day camping trip

Go on a search for as many good climbing trees as possible, climb as high as you both can in all of them, compile photo evidence.

Go to a major chain bookstore, and leave notes to future readers in copies of your favorite books.

Have her dressed up as a ghost and you dress up as Pacman.

Walk around downtown holding hands, and whenever anyone sees you two, pretend to be embarrassed, and run off screaming "wocka wocka wocks"

Create photo evidence suggesting that you went on an adventure that didn't really happen.

Do the lamest tourist thing in your area that you have both secretly wanted to do forever. Have an unabashed good time!

In the middle of the night, drive to the beach, so you arrive just as the sun is rising, Have a breakfast picnic, then fall asleep together. Bring a sun umbrella.

Drive somewhere unknown and have dinner in a city you've never been to. With fake names.

Go to a minor league baseball game under the stars. Tell each other stories about how bad you are at athletics Randomly cheer for both teams. Eat lots of Cracker Jacks.

Build forts out of furniture and blankets, and wage war with paper airplanes.

Try and visit as many people as you can in one night, and turn as many things inside their apartment upside down as you can, without them noticing

Go to the airport, get the cheapest, soonest departing flight to anywhere when you show up, and stay there for a weekend.

Write a piece of fiction together Outside at a cafe. Ask strangers when you get stuck

Dress to the nines, pretend to be married, and test drive very expensive vehicles at an auto dealership.

Walk around a city and perform short silent plays in front of security cameras.

With camera and pair of boots, make photolog of a day in the life of the invisible man.

Walk around the city all night and find a place to eat breakfast at dawn.

Go to a restraunt and convince the cook to create something completely new for you.

Rent a movie you've never seen before. Set on mute and improvise dialogue

'Say yes' day

Go ziplining

Do an Escape Room

Visit an aquarium

Road trip to random place

Casino night

Invisible ink calligraphy

Vintage boardgames night

Visit a waterfall

Ride a ferry somewhere

Murder mystery night

Rent your dream car

Rooftop dinner and drinks

Rowing boat on the lake

Write your couples bucket list

Watch sunset from a hill

Spa-day and couples massage

Kiss atop a Ferris wheel

Hot air balloon ride

See a famous musical

Champagne and bubble bath

Ice skating at an outdoor rink

Learn a dance together

Overnight luxury hotel stay

Recreate your first date

Read favorite books to each other

Volunteer at a dog pound

Have a pizza and wine night

Watch your favorite childhood movies

Complete a coloring book

Free outdoor concert

Bar crawl

Movie marathon weekend

Bike ride

Evening at the fairground

Photography in the park

Try on clothes at the mall

Drinks at the barcade

Blackberry picking

Go to a barn dance

Play mini golf

Visit a planetarium

Rent electric scooters

Go bowling

Frozen yoghurts on the pier

Watch a new band

Cocktails masterclass

Go to a farmer's market

Coffee and cupcakes

Dancing at an arcade

Photobooth challenge

Scenic train ride

Virtual game night

Cook same meal together

Candlelit dinner over Zoom

Movie night

Learn a new language

Play '20 questions'

Happy hour cocktails

Online AirBnB experience

Painting evening

Online board games

Adopt a pet

Go salsa dancing

Tubing down the river

Paddleboarding at the lake

Sunrise silent disco

Dress each other in costumes

Play Twister

Go zorbing

Stargazing from a rooftop

Play laser tag

Graffiti art bicycle tour

Monster trucks show

Make a time capsule

Wine tasting at a winery

Water gun fight

Be tourists in your local town

Kite flying at the beach

Beach sand sculptures

[purlturtle]

From the weirdly specific and unrelated asks to know someone well: 2, 5, 12, 14, 15, 17, 28!

Hi Anon, and thanks for the ask!

I kinda feel like I already answered re: thoughts on veganism/question #2, but I'll do it again: I'm not vegan, probably never will be vegan, don't think that our environmental problems will be solved by universal veganism. I think it's important to be aware where your food comes from and how it is produced, including how the animals are treated in case of animal sourced foods. But veganism isn't the be all and end all. There's also a intersection of veganism (as an actual -ism) with colonialism and racism that I'm somewhat aware of but in no way knowledgeable enough to speak on.

5. Favorite form of potato: Reibekuchen/Kartoffelpuffer

(ID: a plate of potato fritters, served with apple sauce.)

I love plenty of potato dishes, and I think that Bratkartoffeln (pan fried sliced potatoes) are a FANTASTIC gauge for how good a restaurant is (as in, if they get them right, chances are high that the chef knows what they're doing). But if I have to name ONE potato form, it's Rievkooche (this is approximately how they're spelled in Cologne). They also stink up the kitchen a lot, so I rarely ever make them myself; they're pretty much only a Christmas market food.

12. Brand of haircare/skincare/bodycare I trust 100% - alverde, a store brand of the drugstore chain "dm", which operates in Germany and neighboring countries. Not sure how much help this is, but there you have it.

14: do you think you're dehydrated? Yes and no. Do I drink 2 liters of water a day? Heck no. Barely one. Am I dehydrated? Not according to my body: my skin is supple, my blood pressure perfect, my digestion works, my kidneys are happy as far as my doctor tells me. So. I think that 2 liters number is more of a bargaining/manipulation measure: if we (doctors/dieticians/nutritionists) tell them (other people) that high of a number, even if they won't drink quite that much, they'll probably drink more than they used to before, out of embarrassment. But I'm also a very big proponent of people knowing their own bodies best. Know what your body needs and what it's asking from you. Know how thirst feels (apparently something that can be unlearned). Take care of your body's needs, the way that works best for where you're at. This is also an intersectional issue, with classism, racism (especially in medicine), sexism (also especially in medicine), ableism, ... So yeah. I'll keep doing what works, until I get told or find out differently.

15. Rank the methods of death: freezing, burning, drowning - um, how? I've never... experienced any of them? I guess... I guess freezing is probably the "easiest", since from what I know (and that's all Hollywood, so don't @ me), you just go numb and indifferent and then you fall asleep and don't wake up? So yeah, that's probably what I'd prefer if I could choose. Downside of drowning: the panic when you can't get air. But probably doesn't last all that long? So maybe this would be second place? And burning, heck no. Ouch ouch ouch ouch! Please no. Too much agony for too long of a time before you pass out. I think.

17. An anxious compulsion you do every day. (Again I get the feeling I already answered that some time ago, but here goes:) none. I'm not an anxious person - I do have daily routines, and some of them stem from the wish to avoid negative consequences, such as brushing my teeth, but that's not anxiety. I *do* have covid anxiety in that I don't want to get it and thus have been avoiding group scenarios especially in inside spaces since the beginning, and do get anxiety attacks when I can't avoid those scenarios - but that's not a daily compulsion. So. None!

28. Last meal on Earth? No idea. Or rather, I love so many foodstuffs; it really depends on what I'm in the mood for. Or I could be clever and pick something that takes super long to prepare and/or eat, just to draw things out - but hey, maybe I'm an astronaut and this isn't about dying but just about heading out to a lifelong space journey. In any case it'll probably involve chocolate.

This was fun, thank you! 😁 I hope my answers were satisfying. Feel free to ask more!