#Isaiah Whack

[thewordisbond]

Expensive Pasta takes us through 'Atlantis' [album review]

Posted on https://www.thewordisbond.com/expensive-pasta-takes-us-through-atlantis-album-review/

Expensive Pasta takes us through 'Atlantis' [album review]

Expensive Pasta sounds like an exquisite members-only dish but in reality, it's the moniker of the newest trio building their reputations in the music scene. Made up of Florida natives James McCleary (lilsurfrat) , Isaiah Whack (YZZ) and rounded up by Tom Hunt (T. HUNT) from Nova Scotia, Canada.

[cloveroctobers]

DECEMBER PROMPTS 🧊 — 1. ISAIAH HOWARD

A/N: the lack of fics is atrocious and it’s also whack that the number of fics *SPOILER* that decide to unalive Isaiah. I’m looking at you archiveofourown and I don’t like that so I’m here to write a little sum sum. Something that is full of love and takes place months before the events of the show :) + I won’t be surprised if this flops but it’s been on my mind to write something since October but we’re here now so if you end up enjoying this please give me a like.

PROMPTS are from HERE + I’m using: 4.) Gift giving & 21.) “You’ve really made my Christmas this year.”

Synopsis: in which Isaiah has come to terms with losing one of his childhood best friends, just for them to turn up in town again after all these years.

<- read my December anthology prompts here.

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Port Lawrence was home once upon a time but being back in the water town brought on all the anxieties—a feeling you surely didn’t miss. The air was nippy compared to the hot continent you spent the last six months in. That became your home and Port Lawerence felt like more of a distant memory until chats with James became more frequent.

The animated boy never had any issue making you feel comfortable. He was the first you reached out to about a month ago and it felt like you never left with your various chats—although there was a huge time difference between you two—James was always interested to know the truth along with what you’ve been up to now that you didn’t live in the states but did question how you were holding up mentally most importantly. Which you appreciated but didn’t want that to be the focus of your conversations, which he respected.

A top tier friend that one is and it’s not something you ever wanted to forget, especially since you two used to be neighbors. Now here you were, down the hill making your way down James’ driveway to the festive decorated home. All the lights and wreaths were beautiful and you knew that he and his mother, Ms. Etten usually took great pride in decorating every year.

That hasn’t changed.

As you stood on the front steps just taking the scenery in, you didn’t have time to ring the doorbell as the front door was yanked open, revealing Margot Stokes who appeared with a less than thrilled expression on her face. She’s glaring over her shoulder before she turns back, facing you and halting her steps of stepping on the door stoop.

“Oh my god, it’s you. Hi!” Margot scrambled over her words, until a smile graced her face.

Awkwardly waving you say, “hey uh, Margot. You remember me?”

Margot rolls her lime green eyes, “of course I do. I don’t forget faces and I’ve also been sworn to secrecy by James a thousand times to not say anything to Isaiah.”

“Right…he’s in there?”

“Oh he’s in there alright, glued straight to Allison’s ass.” Margot muttered making you raise a brow.

“Allison?”

Margot sighed, “I’m surprised james didn’t mention that to you considering how much you’ve been talking…but yeah that’s Isaiah’s girlfriend. They’ve been together since the end of last semester? I don’t even want to bring up what I’ve witnessed against my will between those two living right next door to Isaiah. Truly ruined my summer.”

You grimaced, “Spare me the details please.”

“For sure.” Margot fanned her hand about with a frown, “Hate to be the gossip but just figured you should know…?”

Rolling your shoulders you let out a deep exhale. You didn’t think much about Isaiah having a girlfriend and it’s not like you thought it would never be a possibility. In fact you always though Isaiah and Margot had a thing. You left Port Lawrence two years prior, shortly after turning fourteen during a brutal November. Ties were cut off completely with everything that had to do with this town (even your best friends) and the more you tried to get answers the more the manipulation shut you up while be locked away. It took your grandparents and a lengthy battle with the court to get you out of a bad situation into a loving one.

You thanked them everyday and saw the beauty in life once you were able to live it. Now here you were back in the one place that felt suffocating and not far from the modern cage that should have been home.

A lot can happen in two years right?

Not having the time to provide Margot with a response, James butts into the conversation, peering in between the ajar door, “if you’re gonna storm off Margot, it would nice if you actually closed my front door, you’re letting all the toasty warmth out—YOU MADE IT!”

You couldn’t brace yourself fast enough as James body slammed you into a bone crushing hug, holding onto you as you fumbled along the wet snow. “Sheesh James! When did you get so strong?! You’re gonna cause my asthma to act up.”

“Shit, I can’t believe I forgot about that! My bad.” James was quick to stabilize you.

Lightly shaking your head at him, you both stared at each other for a moment before falling into grins and yanking each other back into a hug, rocking from side to side. “I’ve missed you bud,” you whispered to the curly haired boy.

You feel him nod, “feeling is definitely mutual! Now let’s get your butt in here before your nose turns into Rudolph.”

“Haha,” you mock at James who grabs your mitten covered hand before pulling you towards his house.

You feel your heart squeeze at the thought of all eyes on you but James swore it was just a small gathering, yet something in your gut told you that probably wasn’t true. He pauses at the door as he glances at Margot who has her arms crossed tightly while staring off into the foggy distance.

“Hey, Margot. You know you don’t have to leave right? Don’t let Allison get to you, okay?”

“I won’t,” she affirms, “I just needed some air.”

“Okay girl, whatever you need. My place is the safe space.” James smiles as Margot gives a small smile in return, before deciding to follow the two back inside but picking the bench in the entryway as her spot for now.

You turn back to James who’s pulling you all throughout his house full of students, not giving you enough time to soak in the massive Christmas decor but you pick up on a Ms. Ponytail (Ariana Grande) tune that a pretty Afro-haired girl is belting to no other than Isaiah Howard in the living room. There’s a crowd cheering her on and James nods his head enthusiastically before suddenly sending a glance to you. He lightly bumps your shoulder, gaining your attention.

“What do you think?”

“About…”

“Isaiah’s girlfriend, Allison,” James states, “don’t worry, I won’t say a thing.”

“Kinda like you not telling me he actually has a girlfriend.” You give him a pointed look while James raises his hands in surrender.

“…if I told you then you may have changed your mind about coming.” James rushes out a defense.

Frowning you say, “ and why would you think that?”

James mouth is agape before you’re swept off your feet by no other than Lucas Parker. A instant roll of eyes comes from a freckled face James, “Easy Lucas, we just got them back and don’t need you encouraging them to break something before Christmas gets here.”

Lucas scoffs at James before smiling down at you, “I knew that was you but had no idea you even thought about coming back to this place, which hurts that I was left out of the loop.”

You shake your head at the spontaneous kid with the wild smile that you often used to get into some reckless shit with. He was also one of the reasons why your parents wanted to get you out of town and fast but you always stood on the fact that it wasn’t ever his fault. You had a brain of your own and if you wanted to get into something crazy that you knew both Isaiah and James weren’t down to do, Lucas was the first person you texted. It was always a no questions asked kind of vibe between the two of you.

Between the both of you he had the most broken bones while you endured the scrapes, bruises, bad sprains, concussions, etc…Oh if your trash parents could see you now standing in the same room with the one kid they never wanted around their child.

“It is the most wonderful time of the year isn’t it?” You stated making Lucas breathe out a laugh as he tossed an arm across your shoulder, taking that feedback with ease.

“Hell yeah it is! Good to see you, come check me out when you have time. I gotta see someone about something.” Lucas told you with a squeeze before disappearing into the crowd.

James watched him go with a shake of his head, “he’s only gotten worse by the way.”

“How?”

“I’ll let him fill you in on that later,” James widens his eyes before grabbing your hand once more, “we have much more important matters to take care of so…Isaiah!” He called out after Allison finished with her mini concert and you dug your feet into the floor.

James whips his head back to you and is immediately confused, “what’re you doing?”

“I should be asking you the same thing!” You hissed while James blinked, “don’t call him over here, I’m not ready.”

“What?” James asked, “you had twenty-four hours to get ready! I told you he would be here, don’t tell me it’s because you found out about—

Glaring at your old freckled face friend you snap, “it has nothing to do with her. I don’t even know Allison. First it was Margot and now it’s you throwing that in my face and it’s really not like that.”

“Then what is it?” James pressed.

You whisper, “…what if he hates me?”

James dropped his shoulders with a shake of his head, “we both know Isaiah can be an oblivious asshole sometimes but I really doubt he hates you. We were both devastated when your parents took you away and we lost complete contact with you. It was like we were mourning you for forever and now we got you back. Time is precious and you’ll never know just how much if you decide to hide from one of your besties.”

Your relationship with James was the opposite of what it was with Isaiah. The both of you had no problem being open, having heart to hearts, and expressing love with each other whereas with Isaiah it was more of a push and pull kind of friendship? Don’t get that misconstrued though, the both of you would do anything for one another but you two were more likely to bump heads by challenging each other. James was the first to approach you at eleven years old and had the bright idea to form, “the three musketeers,” well in his case, “muskepeers,” thanks to his braces back then. It was rocky at the start but you couldn’t imagine life without Isaiah.

Until you had to.

You took a deep inhale and exhale making James nod his head in approval. He also proceeded with the same action as you, coaching you and himself because internally he also didn’t know how the hell this would all turn out. It’s been killing him keeping this secret from Isaiah and although Allison was okay in his eyes, he didn’t want to risk telling her and having Allison blab it to Isaiah. So he put his trust in Margot, ranting to her downtown outside of a bookshop one late fall night. Margot weighed out the pros and cons with James, despite the fact that personally she would have warned Isaiah beforehand.

However she only knew bits and pieces of what happened with you. The gossip around town was simply your family whisking you off to live in some cult commune after cliff diving with Lucas went wrong—which was not true. Maybe living in a commune would have been better over what they put you through, who knows?

Once ready, the both of you turned to face the living room but found no other than Isaiah standing there watching the two of you. There was no smile on Isaiah’s face which was the true contrast with your previous interaction with James but shock was written in his dark cocoa wide-set doe eyes. Swallowing you glanced at James, who gave you a curt nod and you stepped towards Isaiah.

With your eyes set on him and the Christmas pop music fading in the background, you used that as motivation to keep going. Isaiah didn’t step back but he continued watching you as if he was in disbelief still. Allison moved to the side, also staring but not without shooting a look at James, wondering why she wasn’t in on this…secret?

Isaiah still looked like Isaiah as your eyes briefly scanned over his face. He was only a little taller, hair grown out from its fade with curls decorating the top of his head. The baby face was also fading, which you gripped before pulling him into a forceful hug. That action alone made Isaiah forget how to breathe, his eyes stung as they flicked back to James who was now pressing his fingertips to his lips in happiness and Allison watched on unsure.

Isaiah wanted to be angry, not really at you but the fact that everything was so screwed up for you. It was all bottled up but he couldn’t help but to swallow it down as he raised his hands, which shook before he tightly gripped onto the back of your jacket, bunching the material beneath his touch and buried his nose against your shoulder, clenching his eyes shut.

You were here.

Time went on for awhile with the both of you just holding onto each other to the point Allison started to tap her feet. James wouldn’t let that be ruined and even snapped a picture on his phone for safe keeping. He wanted Isaiah to have all the time that he needed and he wouldn’t let Allison disrupt that. So he nudged her towards the kitchen, eyes continuing to watch his friends lovingly before he went to join allison in the kitchen.

“You’ve got something in your eye partner,” you teased once the both of you pulled apart.

Isaiah roughly wiped at his eye with his sleeve and scoffed, “no I don’t, shut up.”

Once the curly haired boy gathered himself he found the will to breathe normally just staring at you, “I feel like I’m still in a dream. Is this for real?”

“Come here,” you pulled your hand from inside your mitten to pinch at Isaiah’s neck, twisting the skin, making him yelp and slap your hand away.

He yelled, “ow! The hell was that for?!”

You laughed, “you wanted to see if you were dreaming so that was me telling you you’re awake so…don’t be a baby.”

“A baby? You probably broke skin and that’s gonna ruin my skincare tonight so you’re gonna have to see me outside.” Isaiah pointed in the direction of the front entrance with a hardened stare.

Waving your hands in faux fear you laughed in his face while he gripped you by the collar, ready to drag you outside so he could kick your butt with a snowball, “why must we fight when it’s almost Christmas, it’s supposed to be about joy and you’re trying to go to war but wait! I know how to handle this! I have something for you, Isaiah.”

Isaiah huffed as he let go of you, fixing your collar for you as you stood up straight with a thankful nod. Digging into your crossbody bag, you pulled out a stripped small box.

“No way,” Isaiah eyed you suspiciously, “you show up here like a ninja and you bring me a gift? I feel like this may also be a set up but I’ll prepare myself this time.”

Smiling at the boy you held out the box, awaiting Isaiah to grab it. Once he did he slowly brought it up to his eyesight, inspecting every inch of it and shook it around. Shaking your head in disapproval, Isaiah stuck his tongue against his top lip as he began to unravel the ribbon from the red and white box.

You clasped your hands together and pressed them against your chin in anticipation.

Craning his neck forward, cautiously he lifts the top of the box open, then closes one eye as if to protect himself—which was humorous really. Once Isaiah realized there was nothing inside that would bring harm to him, he shifts the top of the box to sit underneath it, to pull out a chicken nugget ornament with a Santa hat on top.

Which actually brings a wide grin to Isaiah’s face.

One you’ve seen plenty times before. One that reminds you of the time you got him to smile for the first time at eleven years old.

It was a insider back to your childhood of Isaiah’s love for chicken nuggets and how you referred to him as such when you were both younger. Inside the box was also a note which he began to read but shook his head, folding it back and placing everything back where it should be. He wouldn’t read it here at this house party full of nosy onlookers. Isaiah wanted to read it on his own time, where it was quiet and would keep the nightmares away. Closing the box, he holds out his arm welcoming you into another hug which you sunk into.

He whispers against your head, “You’ve really made my Christmas this year.”

Those words made you soft as you squeezed yourself closer to his chest. He didn’t hate you just like James said but you knew a conversation must be had at some point during your time here. However the bond between you two outweighed it all for the moment.

“…shit I honestly didn’t get you anything.” Isaiah suddenly said, “if I had known—

You snort, “that’s okay…you’re not exactly the best gift giver anyway. That’s my thing out of us three.”

“Hey! there was that one time—you’re not wrong.” Isaiah accepted his defeat with a scrunch of his nose and a solid nod.

Laughing you looked up at Isaiah, arms still wrapped around each other, “you not hating me is all that I need as a present.”

Isaiah deeply frowned, “don’t ever think that…I actually like your annoying ass too much, partner.”

He winks.

With a dramatic gasp you playfully reach to tap Isaiah’s jawline, “me too, nugget. Me too.”

Isaiah presses a kiss to your forehead just before the both of you break apart to James kicking everybody out so that the three of you could enjoy all the rest of what this season will bring.

Not knowing what was to come next fall…

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Continue with the rest of my ~5 days of Xmas~ anthology prompts here.

[heathtalbot]

HOARSE : a heath talbot playlist, listen here.

ONLY CHILD  -  tierra whack     /     SURROUND SOUND  -  jid     /     HEADSHOTS (4R DA LOCALS)  -  isaiah rashad     /     PALACE/CURSE  -  the internet     /     SKIN TIGHT  -  ravyn lenae     /     TOKYO  -  brockhampton     /     EGO DEATH  -  ty dolla $ign     /     SIMON SAYS (REMIX)  -  pharoahe monch     /     N95  -  kendrick lamar     /     HOARSE  -  earl sweatshirt     /     POP!  -  adanna duru     /     DARK RED  -  steve lacy     /     WUSYANAME  -  tyler, the creator     /     ARE YOU WITH THAT?  -  vince staples     /     OK OK PT 2  -  kanye west     /     STAND UP  -  tierra whack     /     GOOSEBUMPS (REMIX)  -  travis scott     /     COBRA  -  megan thee stallion     /     PUPPET  -  tyler, the creator     /    SOME THINGS   -  tobi lou     /     JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH  -  channel tres

[musikat18]

Phase 4 Is Almost Over And Contrary To My Initial Line Of Thought I Did End Up Watching All Of Them Somehow So Now You Get To Hear About It

I'll be talking about both the movies AND the series in order of release under the cut, the TL;DR for me is,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I don't know why everyone cares so much about if it was Good or Bad.

That might seem dumb to say on a Rating Post but I'll get to it.

WandaVision (1/15/2021)-- 9/10

I think the MCU has definitely had it's bobbles handling Wanda (even in this show) but this one actually really hit home for me. The fall/winter leading up to this show, I was actually in a pretty deeply depressive episode-- hardly able to leave my bed outside of class or speak to anyone around me in person, so even though I wasn't exactly feeling grief like Wanda was, I found her emotional arc of wanting to be In Control And Happy to at least be relatable. I do think the Agatha twist could have been handled better as far as writing goes, but I think that's mostly a flaw of the MCU formula (which you'll hear a lot in this post). I also don't think the Evan Peters of it all was anything to get that mad about, and people who were and are STILL mad about it can Submit Their Complaints To My Ask Box.

Also the final Scarlet Witch costume slapped I loved it.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (3/19/2021)-- 7.75/10

I can't really speak to the way everything in this show was handled, given that I am white as snow, but overall, there was a lot I really liked about this one. The writing and performance for Isaiah Bradley as acted by Carl Lumbly was so intense and probably my favorite part of the show overall. My main gripe is really the handling of the Flag Smashers and the need to have Walker saving people in the final fight. I think Walker was well past the point of getting the audience on his side For One Last Go by then, and the Flag Smashers were just...so, so horribly whacked out of line with their prior depiction by the end. It just wasn't congruent.

Speaking of incongruent....

Loki Season 1 (6/9/2021)-- 6.5/10

I really wanted to enjoy Loki. Like I really did. But sitting on it for a year and a half and rewatching it, I think it was just TOO inconsistent episode to episode. There are individual MOMENTS and individual EPISODES even that I think are very good on the whole, but I think it's too obvious when different writers are taking on different characters (Mobius especially). It was a pleasant surprise to see Jonathan Majors, though, and I don't think I hated the finale as much as some other people did. I just think WandaVision did a good job deconstructing Wanda, and TFATWS did a good job deconstructing Sam's relationship to the Shield, but Loki just didn't really have a grasp on Loki as a character for me.

Black Widow (7/9/2021)-- 7/10

This movie should have been in Phase 3. Also stan Florence Pugh. That's about it.

Also if you hate what they did with Taskmaster, that's fine but it's not that deep.

What If...? (8/11/2021)-- 4.5/5

What If had some really good episodes, like Star-Lord T'Challa & Stark Saved By Kilmonger. But it also had The Zombies Episode and Captain Carter and Whatever The Fuck That Finale Was. It's more inconsistency and connecting it for the sake of connecting it and not really stopping to PLAY in the worlds they created, which was a shame, and then when they did it was,,,,,,,,,,REAL hit or miss. Mostly miss.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (9/3/2021)-- 8/10

Delicious finally some good fucking food. First, kissing Simu Liu on the mouth because he's SUCH a great leading man. Second, it felt JUST disconnected enough from the MCU while still having the canon references to feel fresh. It was still very much In-Tone with the MCU as far as humor went, but the actors really carried this to something special-- Simu, Michelle Yeoh, TONY LEUNG????? icon. Even places where the narrative was weaker were WELL compensated by the actors, enough to make me eager to see the next installment.

Eternals (11/5/2021)-- 7/10

Do I think the cast was too large, in the end? Yes. But Eternals was still so...austere in a way the MCU normally is not. It was a very different kind of movie, formulaically. Sure, Big Gray Monster, but it was very much not front and center. Centering it on Sersi and taking advantage of Gemma Chan's Pure Power was great, and I loved how the dynamics between the characters drove the story.

Also, stan Phastos.

Hawkeye (11/24/2021)-- 6/10

I would have probably enjoyed it more if Clint's character buildup wasn't so little and far apart in other MCU movies. It felt like I was SUPPOSED to be relating to this old friend's struggle with grief, but it just Did Not Hit.

I was mostly here for Vera Farmiga. Real Girlies Know.

o i'm about to catch heat for this next one

Spider-Man: No Way Home (12/17/2021)-- 5/10

.......................No Way Home wasn't actually that good. I mean, it DOES go back and fix all my gripes with MCU Peter Parker and Zendaya sells as always and it was fun to see the old cast back. But uh. Into The Spiderverse did the multiverse thing to better effect, I think. The Audible Pause To Clap for Andrew Garfield's appearance,,,,we'll get to her later. Ultimately, I think Tom Holland is the weakest of the three Spider-Men of recent memory and it shows ESPECIALLY next to Andrew Garfield and without the background of having seen the other Spider-Man franchise incarnations, it's all that much weaker because you don't have the emotional context the film hinges on. It's fanservice for fanservice's sake. And we'll circle back to that. Also how dare you drag Matthew Catholic Sadboy Murdock into this.

Moon Knight (3/30/2022)-- 6.5/10

I hope Oscar Isaac and May Calamawy have gotten excellent treatment for carrying this show on their backs. I don't think Harrow (had to Google the character's name ffs) was strong enough to get by on Malevolent Pacifism alone, and it did just kind of Unravel at the end with the Unnecessary Big Fight & the show kind of just Stopping rather than Ending. Also, did not think it was necessary to TEASE Jake Lockley if he was just going to be in the post-credit scene. I would have rather they not bring him up at all rather than having hints so MASSIVE.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (5/6/2022)-- 3/10

When I left the theater for this movie, I didn't actually think I could hate it more than I did when it was over. Then I watched the Assembled on it. And I realized no, the depths of my hatred DO go deeper. I don't know what's worse-- the struggle of having to choose between the Wanda of WandaVision and the Wanda of the Non-D+ Series MCU and somehow choosing neither, leaving GAPING-WIDE plot holes for the sake of "having the coolest villain in the MCU instead of leaving it for the team of another Avengers movie" (Michael Waldron my detested), whatever the fuck the Illuminati was supposed to be, or bringing back Sam Raimi, who I think genuinely tried to direct something visually his own and artful, only to have him bogged down by Marvel's own capitalistic editing and filming practices. The pauses to clap for the Illuminati. How presumptuous and prideful do you have to be to include space for the audience to clap for your cameos? And I haven't even TALKED about Stephen yet, because there's almost nothing to say except it is a SECOND movie where he is implied to have to face consequences for his choices, only for none to appear because the Wider Canon demands he be fine. It is EVERYTHING the MCU is at its worst.

Not you Bruce Campbell, though, you're doing great.

Ms. Marvel (6/8/2022)-- 8/10

I think the reason Ms. Marvel ranks this well for me is not just the AMAZING attention to detail and authenticity of the creative team and Iman Vellani, but because Kamala Khan in the comics debuted when I myself was an insecure teenager writing fanfiction about my favorite superheroes and trying to survive school. I have a nostalgia for her character specifically that might bias me a little toward her show, but there was something so deeply authentic and warm about Iman's performance that I couldn't help being giddy to see her in every scene, despite the power changes and all the little things that would normally give me gripes.

Thor: Love and Thunder (7/8/2022)-- 5/10

You know that thing you do where you have two foods you really love, like, individually. Like how I like caramel and i like crawfish, which are two things that are great on their own. And then you do that thing where you go "what if I put those two things I like together!" And suddenly you're eating caramel and crawfish together and you wish you hadn't done that?

That's Love & Thunder and that's pretty much the sum of my feelings on it, if I'm honest. Like, I'm a fan of Taika's work and I like the two threads he did here separately, but not together.

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (8/18/2022)-- 6.5/10

I could talk at length about this show and good-faith criticism and bad-faith criticism and how one can unintentionally legitimize the other, but I think to be succinct I can sum it up here by saying while I had fun, I think the show, despite the efforts of the female-centered & staffed writing room, fell into a lot of traps, like putting a lot of focus on Jen's dating life. To me that was the biggest mistake. Dating can be a very large part of people's lives, but in the show it did feel like the dating parts outweighed the legal parts, which was a shame because this show had SUCH a great cast of actors playing the other lawyers. Tatiana Maslany was great in the role, but I don't think the writing necessarily always held up to the acting, nor did the lampshading of it at the end in that VERY APPROPRIATE AND KIND OF FUN fourth wall break make up for including it in the first place.

Also Augustus Pugliese you have my heart new favorite side character unlocked.

Werewolf By Night (10/14/2022)-- 10/10

Jack Russell you are my new best friend I love spooky things I love that it was self contained I love EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS. No notes. Well done. Blade next.

In Conclusion-- 6.23/10

I think, at this point, I don't really care if MCU Secretly Bad or MCU Actually Good. I think if anything, this phase points to the overall problem for Marvel being that, for the most part, they're feeding us the same thing over and over again. To me, the projects that stuck out the most here were the ones that tried something different. WandaVision experimented with TV tropes. Werewolf By Night was a Hammer horror special.

The ones that scored lowest, however, were either full of shiny but empty distractions or just more of the same.

It's not better than before. It's not worse. You're just too used to eating the same thing.

Order from a different menu.

[livetosxrve]

Isaiah whacks Ava on the back of the head pretty hard. "Don't talk like that to a man. Apologize for being snide and sassy."

Ava winces in pain, breathing in through her teeth as she holds back to the urge to swear. "Nnn.... F-Fine, sorry for being sassy...." She really has no one to blame but herself.

[spiritsoulandbody]

#DailyDevotion The Divine Push For Endurance

#DailyDevotion The Divine Push For Endurance Heb. 12 12And so, if your hands are letting go, take a firm hold; if you feel weak in your knees, stand firm; 13and make straight paths for your feet. Do this so that the crippled limb will not be dislocated but will be made well. The author of Hebrews uses a number of athleticisms in this section. We are all running a race to our heavenly goal. The previous mentions of Jesus enduring, the Father's discipline, and the prize at the end, if we don't give up are the motivation to continue and listen to these exhortations. He seems to be paraphrasing two passages from the Greek translation of the Old Testament. The first: Isa. 35, 3Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the stumbling knees. 4Tell those who are worried: “Have courage, don't be afraid. Look, your God comes with vengeance; God will pay back. He will come and save you. The second being: Prov. 4, 20My son, pay attention to what I tell you, and listen to what I say. 21Don't let these things get out of your sight, but keep them in the center of your heart, 22because they are life to those who find them and health to their whole bodies. 23More than anything else watch your heart, because from it flows your life. 24Put away from you a mouth that says crooked things; put far away from you lips that deceive. 25Let your eyes look forward, your gaze be straight ahead. 26Walk a straight path, and all your ways will be sure. 27Don't turn to the right or to the left, and walk away from evil. Certainly the promise in Isaiah 35:4 will come to mind to the congregation who hears this exhortation. We can only take a firm hold and stand firm knowing God is coming to save us and avenge us. Also, looking back to the previous verses where Jesus endured the cross and its shame for the joy set before Him, encourages us to endure as well. If we see congregation members becoming weak, we should exhort and encourage them as well, as we are one body and if one part of the boy is hampered, the whole body is hampered as well. His references to making straight paths from the allusion to Proverbs 4 tells us how to make our paths straight. We are to take to heart the instructions he has given earlier in the book about what we are to believe and how we are to act in accordance with those beliefs. It is easier to heal an out of whack leg, hip or back when we walk on level ground, straight paths. The level ground and straight paths is the Word of God. We should not fall to the right or the left of the paths as they are just opposite errors. God's Word, His commands and promises, are enough. We don't need to add or subtract from it. He is encouraging us with the words of buckle up, pull up your boot straps, and keep going like a good coach would to his athletes who are engaged in a contest or in training so we will push ourselves to our ultimate destination, the finish line, our joy in Christ Jesus and the rewards He has for those who remain faithful unto death. In the following verses of this chapter we will receive more instruction in the way, the straight path we should walk upon. This section looks back to encourage us to living out our faith in Jesus and then forward as to how that will look in our daily lives. Gracious Father, continually put in our paths those who speak Your Word, so we may hold firm, stand firm and walk in Your paths to the glory of Jesus. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Read the full article

[topreviewin]

The Pac-12 put simply two groups into the related Press preseason top-25 positions, less than just about any significant meeting. The Hotline is a tad much more upbeat. We see about four groups effective at attaining the NCAA Tournament into the Pac-12’s last period of presence. Arizona and USC will be the apparent selections; Colorado and UCLA in addition have reasonable routes into March Madness. Others? We won’t discount Arizona State or Oregon as at-large contenders. Beyond that, the pickings tend to be a tad slim. Presenting the Hotline’s top-25 positions for a season that starts Monday. 1. KansasHunter Dickinson’s arrival (from Michigan) adds among nation’s top people to a stout selection of returnees. It could take time for pieces to coalesce — two-thirds of this roster is brand new — however the Jayhawks will be the NCAA Tournament’s top total seed come Selection Sunday. 2. PurdueThe Boilermakers had been a lock for top echelon of this recreation the minute center Zach Edey revealed their return. The 7-foot-4 rating and rebounding device is regarded as five coming back beginners from a group that won 29 games, after that flopped into the NCAAs. 3. DukeYou require a Duke level to count how many blue-chip leads — record begins with Kyle Filipowski and Jeremy Roach — but also increased college dropout could feel the stress building on second-year mentor Jon Scheyer to create a-deep run-in March. 4. MarquetteThe Big East regular period and event champs get back almost all their secret people except forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper. The principal problem for Golden Eagles: Their particular meeting, which includes the protecting nationwide champs, is completely packed. 5. Michigan StateThe Spartans tend to be extremely well-positioned for an extended run-through the NCAAs as a multitude of blue-chip recruits join mentor Tom Izzo’s gifted selection of veterans. Topping that listing: all-everything shield Tyson Walker. The top Ten appears like a two-team battle. 6. UConnThe 2023 nationwide champions had been whacked by attrition (not surprising) but appear prepared to navigate the roster change with a stellar incoming course that features Rutgers transfer Cam Spencer. Obtain the Huskies early or all the best to you personally. 7. USCFew programs fared better into the offseason than USC, which welcomes right back defend Boogie Ellis and greets in shield Isaiah Collier, the nation’s # 1 recruit. Include a talented frontcourt — keep an in depth attention on Vince Iwuchukwu, an old five-star possibility — and mentor Andy Enfield features perhaps their most useful roster. 8. HoustonThe return of shield Jamal Shead and arrival of wing LJ Cryer (from Baylor) can help the Cougars manage their particular very first period into the tough huge 12. The increased competitors could negatively affect Houston’s seed but will strengthen the roster for NCAAs. 9. ArizonaWe continue to be believing that the departures of ahead Azuolas Tubelis (NBA Draft) and shield Kerr Kriisa (transfer portal) may benefit the Wildcats come March as his or her mins move to harder, much more sports people. If change causes some more early-season losings, therefore be it. Triumph are evaluated because of the few gains into the NCAAs. 10. Hillcrest StateSo what does the encore appear to be? The NCAA Tournament runner-up must handle soaring objectives and enhanced interest. The comes back of Lamont Butler, Jaedon LeDee and Darrion Trammell can help tremendously thereon front side, since will the arrival (from USC) of shield Reese Dixon-Waters, which meets completely with all the Aztecs on both stops of this judge. 11. TennesseeThe Vols washed up into the transfer portal as they are the group to conquer into the SEC if shield Zakai Zeigler totally recovers from their torn ACL once league play starts — of course they look for much more pop offensively. 12. CreightonThe Bluejays get back three double-digit scorers from a group that won 24 games and included a vital transfer in shield Steven Ashworth (Utah State).

But among top-12 groups in the united states is simply the third-best into the stacked Big East. 13. KentuckyThe Wildcats gone back to their particular one-and-done plan for roster building because the force on mentor John Calipari increases. The outcome had been impressive: They finalized the most effective recruits in the united states at three opportunities. Come March, Big Blue should always be a lot dangerous. 14. FAUOur belief in FAU continues to be powerful seven months following the miraculous Final Four run. The Reason Why? Because all five beginners return, as does mentor Dusty might. Nevertheless the transfer to the United states Athletic meeting suggests raised competitors, even more losings and a tougher course back in March Madness. 15. ArkansasMeet more skilled staff into the SEC due to the mixture of a stellar recruiting course, two effect transfers (Tramon Mark from Houston and Keyon Menifield from Washington) as well as 2 first-rate returnees (Devo Davis and Trevon Brazile). Don’t dismiss the Hogs as your final Four danger. 16. MiamiThe Hurricanes have actually a massive void to fill after the deviation of shield Isaiah Wong, but mentor Jim Larranaga’s system should contend. After Duke, the ACC is wide-open. 17. GonzagaWe merely don’t look at exact same degree of skill in Spokane that existed for many years under mentor Mark limited. Transfers Ryan Nembhard (from Creighton) and Graham Ike (Wyoming) can help counterbalance the losing Drew Timme, plus the WCC continues to be Gonzaga’s for taking. Nevertheless the wider trajectory seems to be flatlining. 18. New yorkFrom NCAA Tournament runners-up in 2022 to simple observers in 2023, the Tar Heels regressed massively. Armando Bacot and R.J. Davis tend to be right back, however the battle for 2nd invest the ACC (behind Duke) depends upon the newcomers in Chapel Hill, including Stanford move Harrison Ingram and Notre Dame transplant Cormac Ryan. 19. ColoradoThe 2nd level of Pac-12 contenders begins with all the Buffaloes, which welcome right back ahead Tristan da Silva and guard KJ Simpson. Two newcomers, mega-recruit Cody Williams and transfer Eddie Lampkin (TCU), assistance develop a core four that will propel CU back in the NCAAs. 20. VillanovaThe Wildcats thrived into the transfer portal with Washington State’s TJ Bamba and Richmond’s Tyler Burton (to call simply two). Include returnees Justin Moore and Eric Dixon, plus the post-Jay Wright plunge we saw in 2023 might be momentary. 21. Tx A&MThe Aggies have actually obtained 52 games yesteryear two periods but nothing into the NCAAs, therefore the force on fifth-year mentor Buzz Williams is significant. Four coming back beginners should assist handle heat. 22. Saint Mary’sLed by shield Aidan Mahaney, one of the better people regarding the western Coast, the Gaels should win 20 games (once again) and go back to the NCAAs. And the ground is large due to Randy Bennett’s stellar mentoring, therefore could be the roof reduced because of the not enough high-end skill. 23. BaylorAny system that averages 26 gains per period (in the last four many years) playing in possibly the nation’s best league warrants an area within our positions. Nevertheless the challenge is high for mentor Scott Drew following the triple-whammy departures of Adam Flagler, Keyonte George and LJ Cryer. 24. St. John’sIt should come as zero shock that first-year mentor Rick Pitino obtained substantial skill in a brief period of the time with all the Red Storm. (record includes Oregon State transfer Glenn Taylor.) By March, we expect you'll see St. John’s playing the NCAAs — plus the NCAA examining St. John’s. 25. UCLAThe roster return ended up being enormous, but mentor Mick Cronin is much more than effective at producing an entire more than the components. He won’t have much margin for mistake, particularly in just what should always be an aggressive meeting battle. But try to find an upside shock in Westwood. *** Forward recommendations, remarks and ideas (privacy guaranteed in full) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.

com or phone 408-920-5716 *** Follow myself on Twitter: @WilnerHotline *** Pac-12 Hotline just isn't supported or sponsored because of the Pac-12 meeting, plus the views expressed herein don't always mirror the views of this meeting. #university #basketball #Hotlines #preseason #top25 #rankings

[carlosreyeswrites]

🌵, 🦁, 🎹 , ⭐️ and 🚕

🌵- probably either when i was like 14 and somebody asked my character to slap theirs around the face for drama and then that said character collapsed and whacked their head against a glass cabinet and needed to get rushed to hospital for said injuries LMAO (yet their twin sister still stayed with my character and that was all not plotted?) or the drama that commenced after my character said he didn't want to date somebody else's and hugged his ex ... wow lol

🦁- ooh of all time? romeo/skylar, casey/coral, isaiah/leo, jesse/odette, romeo/patrick, keegan/india, wren/ethan probably

🎹- needing to add biographies to new character's blogs in rps (LIKE I GOT A TOOL TO USE NOW TO DO THAT BUT STILL ... YOU THINK I GOT TIME TO THINK OF ALL THAT SHIT?!?)

⭐️- people not knowing how to write friendship/platonic ships!!!

🚕- embarrassing but also iconic with my casey character telling his ex boyfriends new girlfriend to 'enjoy the taste of his ass' once they were arguing and she was telling him she'd gone down on his ex LMAO

[skullkxd]

eavesdrop

“Be nice to Isaiah. I know we all like pickin’ on each other, but he don’t know where the line is. If you hurt his feelings, I’ll whack you good.

… life’s hard enough, we don’t need to be dumbasses to him and make it harder for him. He’ll learn with time.”

[thesevenwondersofawitch]

Peaky Blinders s6 e3, Gold spoilers

RUBY!

RUN TOMMY RUN!

Oh my god, she has consumption 😭

The fact that Lizzie is the only one able to calm him down

Meh heart😭

Oh god, that X-ray machine is even more terrifying with all that is going on in the show rn

Ruby might need some gold

Oh, that's why the episode is titled that

THE DISEASE IS BIGGER THAN SHE IS 😭

YES TOM COMFORT YOUR WIFE BECAUSE I CAN'T 😭😭😭

Ruby looks so tiny in that room, oh my god it hurts!

"I'm so sorry, my darling." 😭😭😭😭

I'm not even 10min in and I'm balling 😭

The fact that he should be wearing a mask but isn't and yet he is😭

YEAH ADA HE NEEDS YOU

Well hello again Diana, we meet again.

That terrain is really lovely looking, reminds me of my childhood for some reason

OH MY GOD A RIBBON

Ah, Ada vs Diana 😏

"You know I like to fuck woman as well as men." Wow Diana, that certainly was small talk

Diana, I would like to punch you in the face

GYPSIES!!!

Tommy found the Lee's!

ESME!!!

Yesss Esme! You tell him!

Oh my god, I love her so much!!!!

Oh damn, Esme didn't know that Polly died

I missed Esme so much 😭

I really enjoy the tension between Ada and Diana, it's really funny

Ooooo, Gina is up to know good

She's sketchy

"My husband died, if course, we speak often." 😂 I love Ada

"Irish" thanks for that Gina

Ada is the best ever. Of course, she was raised by Polly, so it's not surprising ❤️

Gina really is up to no good

I feel like Ada is questioning every decision that got her stuck in that room

NOOO! TOMMY'S CAR IS DEAD!

Oh Esme, I do love you😂

Oh, I'm really interested in what Esme knows

Maybe one of Gold's daughters put a curse on his family as payback for her father's death

The suspension better be good on that car😂

Ada is such a boss😍

Oh my god! She's back where it all started!

Isaiah!

I'm living for Ada as the boss of the family and the company, like immensely loving it.😍

I feel like Isaiah is crushing on Ada😂

Ooooo, Ada knows what's up!

Yay Lizzie and Ada

Oh no, oh lordy, they think the illness has spread to both lungs😭

It didn't occur to me how little Lizzie knew about the gypsy families

We're getting such a different side of Lizzie this season and I really love it

Arthur!

Is Isaiah planning on bringing back the Peaky Blinders?

Yay! Back to Esme and Tommy!

"Can you still ride bareback?" I gotta get my mind out of the gutter 😂

I was really worried for the horses when he got out his knife, but all's good

Esme's face when he said he'd hang her😂

That dude is making Arthur cry and I wanna whack that dude with his broken football

At the same time, what a milestone for Arthur, he didn't resort to violence

Oh shit, who's Tommy gonna find

Oh no

NO

A child the same age as Ruby😭

Ruby must've found the stone in the river?😭

NO

Ruby's gonna die, isn't she😭

Tommy ripped the cross from the ground, that can't be good either

Esme wants Gold, cool

OH NO IT'S THE HOSPITAL AGAIN

IF RUBY DIES WITHOUT TOMMY BEING THERE IT WON'T BE GOOD

Lizzie's crying 😭

No no no no no

"She's gone, Tommy." NO😭

He wasn't there to say goodbye 😭

Fuck no they put her with the dead people 😭

SHE WAS ASKING FOR HIM? OH MY GOD NOOOOO!

Fuck, now I'm crying 😭

THEY KILLED HER THEY ACTUALLY DID IT NO

Ruby 😭

[twisterss]

Having Sarah Wilson, A BLACK WOMAN, serve as the mouthpiece for the cracker writer to dismiss Isaiahs very real trauma and wisdom as just something that was “getting to Sams head and making choices for him” like Sam wasnt naive as hell (which is character assassination in itself) - WHACK!!!!!

[siriuslyshewrote]

Blood, Amongst Other Things

A/N : This is kind of a spin off to Mayhem, Amongst Other Things, mostly just because I love writing about the Shelby Twins. 

Please request more for the Shelby Twins!

January, 1924 - Aged Sixteen

You really had been hoping for a quiet night in - your brothers were at the Garrison, Ada was in London, and Polly had gone out so mysteriously, you were certain she was going on a date. This, of course, left you with a completely empty house, which left you of hopes of a nice bath, and maybe some of the lovely vodka Arthur had brought back up from London, which you and Finn had slowly been replacing with water throughout the week. Talking of Finn, you had no doubt that he and Isaiah were out causing some type of chaos, but Thomas had banned the two of you from going out drinking together, after the incident with the Italians, and the gun, and the high heel earlier in the week, so you had, rather happily, been left at home. It wasn't often the house was so quiet, you thought, as you began to run the bath, humming, and dancing around the bathroom to the music playing on the radio outside.

That was, until, of course, you heard the door slam open, so hard that the walls of the house shook, meaning that it could only be your twin brother. 

“Finn?” You yelled down the stairs.

“Y/N? Don’t suppose you have a first aid kit, do you?” Isaiah's voice sounded relatively unbothered for the request he was making, but that did nothing for your anxiety. Isa was always like that - he could be shot in the stomach, and still sound chill.

“Why?” 

You replied, running down the stairs hurriedly, the panic that always festered in your chest, that had been there since the war, rising into your throat. You rounded the corner, glancing into the kitchen, seeing the sheepish face of your brother, and the grinning face of Isaiah, who clearly found this whole ordeal quite funny. 

“Oh, for fucks sakes Finn. What did you do?” You groaned as you saw Finn holding his arm, the shirtsleeve soaked in a red that could only be the colour of blood. 

“Oh, not Finn, my darling twin brother, are you alright?” Finn replied sarcastically, with a small grin. You whacked him half heartedly with the book you had been hoping to read in the bath.

Isaiah sniggered, pushing himself up so he was sat on the bench-top, legs swinging just above the floor, as you pushed past him to get the first aid kit out of the cupboard - that was, some bandages, and Arthur’s vodka. 

“We may or may not have come across the Italians again.” You could half swear Isaiah sounded gleeful, always up for a fight, as you pulled Finn’s hand away, and thankfully, were not faced with a bullet wound - just some shards of glass in his shoulder. 

You shot your twin a look, who still sat with that sheepish smile. 

“You went back to the bar, again?”

Finn shrugged, then immediately winced. “Well, you know, they do have fucking great whiskey.” 

You bit your lip, trying not to laugh at him. “You could have waited for me, at least.” You sighed dramatically, beginning to pull out the glass with tweezers. 

“Ouch!”

“You still haven’t told me how you have fucking glass in you-” 

“Well, Finny here, absolute genius that he is, slipped on what was supposed to be a smooth exit, smashed his glass, and , managed to fall directly into it.” 

Isaiah explained with a good-natured snort, through a full mouth, as he ate a leg of roast chicken that he’d just stolen from the chopping board. You decided not to tell him that Polly had made that for Sunday roast tomorrow, and had threatened death on any of the Shelby Siblings who touched it before then. 

You tried not to laugh again, though couldn’t help but to a little, as Finn wacked you with a half-hurt expression. 

“I got pushed, I didn't fall-”

“Sure, Finn mate, whatever you say.” Isaiah replied.

“You do realise that Tommy is going to kill you, yeah?” You grinned.

“Not if he doesn’t find out.” Finn gave you his imploring eyes, to which you rolled your eyes. 

“You think that I, favourite sibling, keeper of secrets, best twin, am going to tell him?” You said dramatically, tightly wrapping the bandage around his arm. “No, Finn, I think the massive fucking bandage on your arm is going to.” You passed him the vodka, to which he swigged, making a face at the taste. 

“I mean, he’s still pissed off at us, so maybe he won’t look that close-”

Suddenly, there was a creaking noise above you, and simultaneously, you all looked up to the ceiling. 

“You did turn your bath off, didn’t you?” Isaiah turned to your very pale face. 

“Oh, fuck.” You mumbled. 

And that was how the Shelby twins ended up running down the street in the middle of the night for the second time that week, with Isaiah in tow, and a noise that sounded vaguely like a ceiling collapsing under the weight of water behind them, and not several seconds later, the exasperated yells of their older brother. 

[rubysunnday]

Please may I request an imagine where the Shelby sister is involved in a family meeting. She pretty good a sixth sense like her aunt Polly and when the boys are talking she contradicts them, much to everyone else's amusement. Love you, stay safe X

You appreciated the fact that your brother’s didn’t leave you out of the family meetings anymore. It used to drive you insane that when John or Arthur came to gather everyone they always said ‘not the baby.’

You were technically older than Finn but the boys had conveniently erased that particular bit of information from their memories.

Which didn’t surprise you in the slightest. 

You’d been sat at the table, Polly next to you, reading a book when the front door had swung open. You tilted your head back, sticking your tongue out at John when he gave you the finger.

“Family meeting,” Tommy called, whacking John on the arm. 

Ada came in from the shop, Johnny Dogs and Charlie behind her, and closed the doors. 

You stood up, closing your book and grabbing your shawl. “I’ll be upstairs,” you muttered, scooting past Johnny Dogs and Charlie as they gave you a sympathetic look.

“Y/n, you can stay,” Tommy called after you. 

You nearly dropped your book.

“Wait, what?” You said, turning to look at your brother, a hopeful look on your face. 

There was a hint of a smile on Tommy’s face. “You can stay.”

“Why?” You said, suspicion niggling away at your excitement. “You ain’t about to marry me off to some fucking weirdo are you?”

John spat back out the sip of his whiskey he’d just taken, laughing.

Tommy rolled his eyes. “No, I am not about to fucking marry you off, y/n. Will you just come and sit the fuck down so I can start?”

Still suspicious, you walked back down the stairs, sitting down in the chair next to your aunt.

“Right, now that y/n has realised I’m not about to fucking marry her off -”

John choked on his drink again as laughter went up among the group. You slid down in your seat slightly, glaring at John as he chuckled.

Tommy cleared his throat, bringing the attention back to him. “We’ve had some intel that some of Kimber’s men are going to be down at the races next week, specifically Leicester and Warwick -”

“No they’re not,” you said quietly, your aunt smirking into her tea as she caught what you said.

Tommy looked at you. “You what?”

You looked up at your brother, releasing he’d heard you. “They’re not going to be there.’

Tommy narrowed his eyes.“Who?”

“Kimber’s men,” you explained. “They’re not going to be there.”

“How the fuck do you know that?” John asked, leaning forward to look at you, an incredulous expression on his face. 

You shrugged. “I just...do.”

“You just do?” Tommy repeated, crossing his arms.

“Sixth sense,” you said in way of explanation. “Like Pol.” You tilted your head in the direction of your aunt.

Tommy, looking unconvinced, sighed and closed his eyes, clasping his hands in front of him. “Y/N, this is your first meeting, so maybe you don’t know how this works.”

“Oh, I do,” you said, nodding. “You talk at them all for a while and then when you stop, they answer you and tell you what they know. You then start talking, again, ignoring everything they just said and then, about a week later, there’s another meeting where you kinda, sort of, admit that you should’ve listened to them because everything went to shit.”

John sniggered quietly, Finn next to him struggling to hide his laughter as Tommy stared at you, eyebrows raised.

“Kimber’s men are going to be at Leicester and Warwick, y/n,” Tommy said slowly, trying to get the meeting back on track whilst glaring at Finn and John to shut up, “I’ve got intel that they are.”

“Well evidently your intel is shit,” you replied, giving him a pointed look.

Finn let out a bark of laughter, quickly disguising it as a cough when Tommy turned his glare towards him.

“Y/N,” Tommy warned, “this is when I talk. And my intel is not shit.”

“Tommy,” You said in the same tone, leaning forward, “I’ve eavesdropped on enough family meetings to know that this is the part where you talk but I’ve also eavesdropped on enough to know that Kimber isn’t going to bother with Leicester and Warwick when Cheltenham is right there.”

Arthur, who’d actually been listening to you, sat up. “What do you mean, y/n/n?”

Tommy sighed, turning around in a circle, trying to calm himself down as his older brother finally started listening.

“Well, Kimber ain’t gonna bother with the shitty horses with the shitty odds, is he?” Arthur nodded, leaning forward.  “He wants money so he’s gonna go to Cheltenham where the decent horses and the decent odds are.”

“And how do you know what horses and what odds are where, y/n?” Tommy asked patiently, turning back to face you.

You looked at Tommy as you answered. “Sixth sense.”

Tommy groaned, bracing himself against the table as John snorted into his whiskey, Ada struggling to hide a smile at her brother’s despair.

“Y/N,” Tommy said, standing up and looking at you, “my intel is sound. More sound than your fucking sixth sense.”

“You listen to Polly’s sixth sense!” You exclaimed, pointing at your aunt who was watching the entire conversation with an amused smile on her face.

“Because Polly has been doing this for longer and actually knows shit!” Tommy exclaimed back.

You muttered something under your breath and Tommy narrowed his eyes.

“What was that?” He said snippily.

“Nothing,” you replied.

“Y/N.”

“All I said is that Aunt Pol knows what she’s talking about whereas you...”

“Fucking spit it out, y/n,” Tommy snapped, patience wearing thin. 

“Talk out of your arse half the time,” you finished, pressing your lips together.

Finn couldn’t contain his laughter at Tommy’s face, leaning against John as he wheezed. Johnny even chuckled behind you and you found yourself smiling slightly.

“Y/N!” Tommy exclaimed loudly, glaring at you.

“Tommy!” You shot back.

Tommy groaned, bracing himself against the table and lowering his head as the family meeting fell apart. Everyone in the room was failing at hiding their amusement and Finn was close to falling off his chair from laughing.

“My intel,” Tommy began, closing his eyes.

“Is shit,” you finished.

“Do you want to conduct this fucking meeting?” Tommy snapped, standing up and looking at you.

“At least my information would be correct!” You exclaimed, raising your arms. Tommy groaned again and pinched the bridge of his nose. “All I’m saying is that there’s no point in Kimber going to Leicester and Warwick when Cheltenham is right fucking there.”

“So, y/n,” Arthur called, turning your attention to him and away from his brother who he was slightly concerned was about to shoot himself, “what do you think we should do?”

Tommy swore at his brother as you gave Tommy a triumphant smirk.

“Well, I’d say you all go to Cheltenham but since old sour puss over there,” you pointed at Tommy, “isn’t going to let that happen, I say got 80/20. Most of you go to Cheltenham then the rest split between Leicester and Warwick.”

“Y/N,” Tommy said slowly, patience wearing thin, “my intel is saying that Kimber is going to be at Leicester and Warwick”

“Tommy, my sixth sense is telling me that he’s going to be at Cheltenham,” you replied, smiling as your brother threw his hands up, turning in a circle.

Once his circle of calming down was complete, he reached forward and poured himself a very full glass of whiskey and drinking it all in one.

“See, Tom,” you said, watching your brother with an amused smirk, “you should’ve just told me you were marrying me off. I would’ve run a fucking mile.”

“I’m fucking tempted to marry you to the next person who walks through that fucking door,” Tommy muttered, rubbing his head.

Ironically, the front door opened and Isaiah walked in, looking a bit flustered.

“Sorry, got caught up,” he said, frowning as everyone began laughing. “What?”

“So, I'm marrying Isaiah, then?” You asked Tommy, pointing at your friend. Finn was laughing so hard he nearly fell off his chair and even Polly was chuckling quietly.

Tommy didn't answer. Instead, he turned around and walked out the house.

“First family meeting and you managed to fucking break Tommy,” John wheezed, barely containing himself as the door slammed shut.

“I know,” you said, a proud smirk on your face. “I think that might be a new record for me.”

[elysiashelby]

In Another World - T. Shelby Imagine Ch. 12

Paring: (Eventual) Thomas Shelby x Aliena Welsh (OC) 

Fandom: Peaky Blinders 

Word Count: 10,468 

WARNINGS: Angst, Alcohol Consumption (borders abuse), Cursing, FIGHT SCENE (Detailed), Existential Crisis, Mentions of Blood & Bones Breaking

Summary: Aliena’s 18th birthday has arrived, but her mental health isn’t doing so well. She’s feeling more distant from the Shelby’s and in her role in their universe. Aliena has been partying a lot, drinking a lot of alcohol. How is that affecting her? 

MASTERLIST  CHAPTER 11  CHAPTER 13

A/N: This chapter has a fight scene. It’s mildly detailed, but be warned. Thomas does interact with Aliena in this chapter, however; it’s not a huge part of this chapter. Along with the previous chapter, this chapter centers on Aliena. Also, she’s still very depressed. BLACK LINE BREAK INDICATED START AND END OF FIGHT SCENE!!

Me nose was runny and tears slipped out of me eyes. Cassie was holding back me hair and rubbing me back as I vomited me guts out. I sniffed as I fell to me side. I got a hold of the handle and flushed the toilet.

“Tank you.” I said.

Cassie nodded with her squinted eyes and her lips pursed. “I got you, honey. I got you, Ali.” She was rubbing me arm now and didn’t let go of me hair. 

Slowly and not steadily, I stood up. Cassie followed me and didn’t let go of me hair. I turned on the faucet and rinsed me mouth of the taste. As I bent down to spit out the water, I felt a familiar tug on me hair. I raised me hand and tried to whack her grip away. She finally fuckin’ let go.

I gasped for air, looked to me side, and reached for me toothbrush.

Cassie cackled while walking over to the toilet. She put the lid down ‘n sat on it. “Not regretting leaving that here now, are you?”

I rolled me eyes as I brushed me teeth. “Nevah did, ya divvy.” I spat out the excess before going in and brushing me tongue as well. 

Anyway after all that, Cassie and I walked out. There was people asleep across the floor, on couches, on chair, ‘n even tables. Me hand flew to me mouth and I felt nauseous again.

“Cassie, we’re not fucking home!” I turned ‘round and clutched her forearm with a fury.

Cassie had the same flabbergasted look on her face.

“We fuckin’ fell asleep in the loo!” 

Cassie started gagging and I tsked as I stomped me foot.

“You brushed your teeth with somebody’s else’s toothbrush!” Cassie whispered-shouted.

I whimpered while stomping me feet. “I know I did.” I marched over to Angie and smacked her shoulder. “Angie, wake up! Wake up, we have to go!” I began shaking her.

She protested in her sleep, but eventually she couldn’t take it anymore and shot up.

“All right!” She yelled. “All right, I’m awake.” 

“Thank you.” I said with some snap in me tone. I looked over to Tina and luckily, Cassie saved me the trouble of waking her arse up. 

“Thank ya Jesus! Let’s fuckin’ go!” I shouted. Some people fucking whined in their sleep while others glared at me. I fucking glared back. The four of us stumbled our way ‘til the front of the house. 

“Wait!” Cassie shouted. 

I looked back at her and contorted me face in confusion.

She trailed off to the phone while saying, “I have to call Simmons .”

Collectively, we all groaned. 

I cradled me head and then let it drop limply. I must have stood there for .5 seconds before I huffed. “I’m waiting outside. Join me if you want!” So, I walked outside and sat down on the steps. 

It was fucking freezing! I really hafta to start bringing coats.

“Fuck, Ali! Aren’t you fucking freezing?” Angie asked me as she sat beside me.

I scoffed while rubbing me arms up and down furiously. “Yes, of course, I am.” 

Angie opened up her fur coat and ushered me to get in. I did so without hesitation. She shivered as I stole her warmth. Then, we started giggling. 

“Fucking London winters!” I shouted. This caused Angie to chuckle.

I could hear the doors open and close at the same time as a car engine did. I looked back to see Cassie and Tina walking out, heels in hand. 

“He’s here.” Cassie announced while walking past us.

Angie and I got up and followed suit. I don’t remember the drive because I fell back to sleep. Once we got to her place, we all decided to take a shower. I was made to go last since I had just flopped on the bed and closed me eyes.

I wasn’t asleep, but I didn’t want to be awake either. Tina came and shook me awake when it was me turn. I rolled up, grabbed some towels, and walked into the bathroom. 

I turned on the water ‘n made sure it was scalding hot before I stepped in. I sighed in pleasure as I was enveloped in its heat. I ran me hands over me hair and down me neck. 

Tommy’s been busy as was the whole family. Finn’s abar to turn twelve, but he’s growing fast. His baby fat is going away and he’s stretching out. 

God, was I teased when I came back bladdered the first night I went out! They all had a laugh. Arthur’s booming laugh made me wince which made more snickers go ‘round. Tommy even teased me abar calling him pretty.

“Me eyes still pretty, Aliena?” He asked me.

I tried smacking him, but he swerved and ran off. As much as me head was pounding, we- I was still happy. 

I sighed as I lathered me body with soap.

I still feel lost. I’m stuck cleaning and collecting payments from families. I only did that gig every two week, though. So, I took up another job and started helping Polly with the finances. I just double checked her math and did some of me own. The latter was only if we were swamped, though.

I wasn’t getting paid for that either. Two pound was enough, Polly warned me. I didn’t fight it. I saved up a lot of money. I just wasn’t out enough to spend it on much, but now that I am— it’s slowly decreasing. 

I huffed as I washed out the shampoo from me hair.

Finn is ‘aving trouble reading, finally. That coupled along with his growing desire to be apart of the family business, he’s getting even more discouraged abar school. Been hanging ‘round with Isaiah Jesus, who was five or six years older than him. Isaiah is a nice enough boy. Honestly, I don’t care what they do. They’re not me own children, after all.

I looked down at the water spiraling into the drain.

That’s a blag. I care deeply with what happens to that kid. Poor thing.

I sighed while turning off the shower. I wrang me hair multiple times to get out as much excess water as I could before bunching it up in a towel.

I didn’t like feeling like a freeloader in that house. It was just wrong. But I couldn’t deny that I loved the days like this where I knew I had no responsibilities because I already took care of them.

I would just sleep in bed. Or, like last night— party ‘til I blacked out. I also started writing again. Some original fantasy story. It was more for the 2000s, so I didn’t dare let anyone read it. After all, they wouldn’t understand some of the jargon I used nor the types of technologies. 

Once I was done drying off me body, I began to lather me legs in lotion. 

I was partying a lot! Like a lot. I can’t tell you how many times between December 16th and now, that Tommy had carried me off to bed. 

I kept telling him that he didn’t have to do that, but he insisted that he was doing it so I wouldn’t get sick. I’ve never not slept with blankets before, so I couldn’t disagree. I mean I did it when I was a child, I’m sure. But, I don’t remember if I got sick over it. I was sick a lot as a child.

I tucked in me towel and walked out. “I’m still alive.” I announced while walking over to me backpack. 

“Good. I was afraid you died in there.” Cassie chuckled at her own joke, which made me smile. 

I just yanked whatever I could out of it since it was holding everything I needed. New undergarments and clothes. Once I put on me panties, I dropped me towel so I could put on me bra. 

I finally looked up and watched as they talked amongst themselves. I tugged me hair towel off and patted me hair dry. 

“Hey, Ali. Your birthday is coming up. How do you feel about a party?”

With me back bent as I was drying me hair, I asked. “Where at?”

They collectively began to hum as I began me fight with jeans. I always had to jump once they got to me thighs. 

“Well, I wanted to throw you a party at my house.” Angie said as her hands joined in on the conversation.

I froze, instantly. I literally stopped putting on me shirt. “You mean at your mansion?”

She nodded with a sheepish smile on her face. 

I let me shirt stay stuck above me bust as I rushed to Angie. I hugged her as she giggled.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I chanted.

“Um, you’re welcome. I guess. I mean, I’m not doing this for a thank you. I want to throw a big party, that’s all. You’re one of my best friends.” 

I squeezed her tighter before letting her go. “Still, thank you. ‘Cause you don’t have to throw me a party at all.”

I gave her a big-toothy smile before I launched to kiss her cheek.

I went home the next day, fully sober. Don’t worry, yesterday was a rest day for me liver. Didn’t exactly want to die of a failed liver so soon. What am I talking abar? It’ll catch up to me later in life like with the boys.

Knowing me own luck, its gonna catch up with me sooner. Just watch.

I walked through the door and locked it behind me. It was seven, so I knew that Polly had to be up.

“Polly, I’m home!”

“In the kitchen, love!”

I walked in the room and there she was sitting with Ada and Karl. I cooed at the sight of him. I made grabby hands which made Ada chuckle. She passed him into me arms and I sighed.

“Hello, little one. How are you? Oh, you’re getting heavier. Mummy’s been feeding you right!”

I began to pepper his face in kisses which made him smile. 

“So, Ali. Polly’s been telling me that you’ve been to the big city with your friends. How are you liking it?”

I slowly took a seat before answering her. “Um, it’s not bad. I mean, during the day it’s beautiful. Perfect for people visiting, but at night-!” I scoffed while laughing. “It’s like everybody’s morals are gone with the light.”

Polly chortled. “So, like here except you get the same during the day too.”

 I rolled me eyes before blowing a raspberry. Karl giggled so I did it again. I looked at Ada and asked, “So, you and Freddie have any luck finding a flat?” 

She looked down, picking at her nails. So, that’s a no.

Ada scoffed. “It’s just so much harder than we thought. Things are really heating up within the group and Freddie’s friends can’t take us in because money is tight right now.”

I furrowed me eyebrows. “It is?”

It seems that I stepped on a landmine ‘cause there was a sparkle in Ada’s eyes. And so, she went on a rant abar communism. I only half paid attention, to be polite. Though Polly and I shared multiple judgemental glances at each other.

Karl, eventually, started to get fussy and I gave him back to Ada. Said he was probably hungry.

Polly cleared her throat when Ada stopped talking. “So, Ali, your birthday is coming up. What do you want to do?”

I hummed in thought. “Well, um, one of me friends offered to throw me a party at her place. So, I’m not sure. Plus, everyone is so busy. I don’t want to impose on anything.”

“Well, then. Guess a little celebration at the Garrison the day before wouldn’t be so bad, right?” 

I whipped ‘round to see Tommy leaning against the entrance of the kitchen, taking a drag from his ciggie.

I stopped getting after him abar them a while back. Didn’t see the point anymore. Especially now since I smoke too from time to time.

“No, it wouldn’t.”

He nodded. “We can see you drink in action. Wonder how many glasses of whiskey ‘till you feel a buzz?”

I felt me cheeks heat up as Polly and Ada snickered. I went to strike him ‘n he just lifted his arm.

I sighed and leaned on me head with the support of me hand. 

“Where am I needed today?” I asked, slightly already exhausted.

Polly hummed as she quickly swallowed her sip of tea. “I’ll be needing your help in the shop. Come on.”

I bit me lip, in order to stop the sigh that wanted to escape me mouth. I looked over at Tommy one last time, who was still looking at me. 

I spent the whole day running ‘round for Polly. Counting up money, retrieving money from the boys, and putting it away in the safe. I didn’t know the combination. I was just tossing it in. 

When she didn’t need me help, I was to go and make dinner. I did, in fact, make lunch as well. 

As I was doing that I went and called Cassie.

“Hello!” Cassie answered with a sing-song tone.

“Hello, Cassie.”

“Oh! Ali, what’s going on?”

I shook me head, even though, she couldn’t see it. “Is nothing. So, the Shelby’s are throwing me a little gatherin’ at the Garrison. You know the bar that Arthur owns now. And I was wondering if you and the girls can make it?”

I heard Cassie hum. “Well, I don’t see why we couldn’t. I know I’ll be there, but let me ask them and I’ll call you back.”

“Okay.”

We hung up and I refocused on finishing dinner. She called me back a little later saying that they agreed to come. Now, all that was left was for the day to come.

Today we were celebratin’ me 18th birthday. I’ve been with the Shelby’s for a year and 11 months. On me first 18th birthday, I was given a car. I wonder what I’m getting this year. Prior to the whole Kimber operation, I had been drawing a lot— but since, I stopped. I still have loads of paint and a single canvas left. 

I just hoped that they don’t give me the same thing. 

I wasn’t woken up the same way like last year either. It was the sun that woke me. I opened me eyes and laid in bed. I looked at the door in silence then turned away.

I could feel it in the air. Today was not going to be a good day.

I huffed while shutting me eyes close tightly. I slowly got up and turned ‘round so me feet where almost touchin’ the floor. I took a deep breath and let me feet touch the ground. 

I figured since we weren’t gonna be at the bar ‘til late at night. I was expected to still do me regular duties. I mean, after all, tomorrow was me birthday. I threw on a simple dress and boots then headed downstairs. 

I started working on breakfast. For who? I don’t know. Maybe just for me. I could hear the bustling of the shop. Men shouting. 

This empty room. This empty, vacant room with only me filling it. 

I closed me eyes and clenched me fists. The stinging pain of me nails diggin’ into me palm distracted me from crying. I shook me head and quickly plated me omelet. The chair scraped against the floor as I pulled it out and then I sat down.

I stared at it and stared. 

I’m not that hungry.

“Ali, what’re doing?” 

Me head snapped up and I locked eyes with Tommy. I blinked furiously before shaking me head a little, ‘n it really was just a little. 

I gulped before taking me fork, cutting a piece, and placed it in me mouth. “I was thinking.” I said with a little scoff, a goofy smile on me face. “Didn’t realize I was thinking that hard.”

He tipped his cap at me with furrowed eyebrows and squinted eyes before he walked off. 

I watched him and then dropped me fork. It didn’t taste of anything. 

To avoid causing up a stir, I scarfed down the rest of that omelet and then went abar me way. 

I went outside and pulled down the laundry. I tried keeping me head clear of everything and anything. But it was impossible. I kept making up plots in me head. I was just so bored without anyone to talk to.

‘I miss the kids.’ I caught meself thinking. I sighed while I clutched the basket closer to me body. I looked away before looking back ‘n walked back into the house. I had to start folding. 

Once I folded the clothes, I placed them in the room of their respective owners and then went back downstairs to clean up the place. I was in the middle of sweeping when lunch came ‘round. 

I did the usual and brought the boys and Polly their meals. Esme was at home today. However, there was one odd man out, Tommy. He was probably overseeing the designs of his office. They were going to start building soon. He said it would take anywhere from four to seven months. 

So with me basket like little red riding hood, I had to go on an adventure to take Tommy his lunch. When I got there, he dismissively thanked me. He literally didn’t even pick up his head, just took the bloody sandwich.

I didn’t even roll me eyes as usual. Didn’t see the point. I just went on me way. 

There was this pit in me stomach. It was making itself known more and more by the second.

I gasped in pain and leaned on a wall for support. I started smoothing me stomach by rubbing it harshly. But then I could feel the stares, so I stood up and began on me way again. 

By the time I got back, it was already late afternoon. I had to hurry up with the sweeping, dusting, and then beginning to polish the silver. I was not going to be able to finish that today!

I bought meself a type of curling iron and was dying to try it out. It was Tina who suggested it to me. Well, it was curling tongs but I was willing to burn meself to curl me hair. 

I picked out a pale-blue, dyed Burberry lace dress for tonight. I’ve been dying to wear it! I had a pale blue undergarment set to match. I put on said undergarments and dress, then worked on me hair. 

I got burned a couple of times, but it was worth it. The waves I’d get from having a bun just weren’t the same. I decided against makeup today. I just put on some chapstick and waited for night to roll ‘round. 

I kept meself busy by writing. I was on a sex scene for me story. It just kept me mind busy and away from negative thoughts. I didn’t stop writing ‘til there was a knock at me door.

“Ali, dear, are you ready?”

I slammed me journal shut and shoved it in its drawer. “Yeah!” I called out. “I’ll be right out!”

“Okay.” 

I got up from me seat and rushed out. I guess from the way I opened me door, Polly flinched. I gave her a sheepish smile.

“Shall we head out?” I asked.

She nodded while giving me a smile back. “Let’s go, love. I suspect the boys are already there. Starting without us.”

I scoffed. “Oh, Pol. I wouldn’t doubt it.” We shared another smile before we headed down the stairs arm in arm. 

“Aliena, have you met a boy in London?” Polly asked.

I shook me head. “Nah.” I took me coat off the hook, put it on, and managed to tug out me hair.

“Why not? I’m sure there’s hundreds of men out there that want to talk to ya!” She asked as we walked out the door, locking it behind us.

I tucked a piece of hair away from me face. “I mean, yeah. I have talked to men at the clubs.”

“But none of them worked out.”

I shook me head. “They all seemed to want one thing, you know. The ones that did seem sweet, fuckin’ turned ballistic on me at some point in the night. Then the real gentlemen just-!” I sighed. “There was just something missing.”

Polly sighed while patting me forearm that she was holding. “Yep, that’s men for you. Dogs that think with their cocks.” She sighed. “Well, there’s no rush. Take your time. Find someone you’ll want to spend the rest of your life with. But not too long, I want to be around to see that little one.”

A genuine smile and giggled let me lips. “I promise, Polly.” 

She pinched me cheek as we walked. 

“Is Ada and Freddie coming?” I asked.

She shrugged. “No idea. Last time we talked Ada said she wanted to come. But, with the new baby and the fact they’re practically still newlyweds because of all that’s happened— they probably would rather stay in.”

I half rolled me eyes. “You mean Freddie suggested that Ada stayed home.”

“Most likely.” 

We both grumbled at that. 

“Is that how married life is, Pol?”

She looked at me then looked away. “It’s not everything. It’s a part of it. Compromise. Ada can’t very well expect to go out whenever she wants. She doesn’t have a babysitter to take care of Karl, and you can’t bloody well expect the father to help.” She scoffed again.

Sounded like she was reminiscing.

I hummed and said. “True.”

We arrived at the Garrison, soon enough, and I opened the doors for her. It was just polite. Right?

We immediately went into the snug where the whole family was excluding John’s kids and Ada. So, really. It was just Arthur, Tommy, John, Finn, and Esme. Yes, Esme was here.

While it did irk me that she was here instead of taking care of the kids, it was not me decision to make. They had their own parenting style. And, Esme was not a bad person.

They cheered as we walked.

“Oi!”

“There’s the birthday girl!”

“Happy Birthday, Ali!”

I smiled while taking of me coat. Arthur came ‘round and helped me. I quickly thanked him and then found a spot to sit in.

Tommy stood up from his seat and reached over to me. “No, come on.” He said while pulling me up. “Up you get. Finn, go and get the cake.”

Finn was actually smiling rather than grumbling abar being made to get the cake. I covered me mouth with me hand in embarrassment. But went along with it, nonetheless.

Finn came back in balancing the cake in one hand as he had to close the door behind him. Polly took it from his hands and set it down on the table. Arthur and John were working on lighting all the candles.

The air was somewhat awkward yet filled with excitement at the same time. It was weird. 

As Arthur lit the last candle, they started singing. It was happenin’ all over again. I was covering me mouth with me hands and doubling over. 

“Happy Birthday, dear Aliena. Happy Birthday to you!” 

“Blow out the/your candles.”

I leaned down and thought abar it. ‘I wish I find happiness here soon.’ Then, I blew them out. They cheered and Polly was the first to hug me.

She whispered me a happy birthday in me ear before pecking me cheek and moving out of the way. Finn was next to wish me a happy birthday. I squeezed him tight while swaying us side to side. John stole me from Finn’s grasp, as always.

“Happy birthday, Ali. Is that a wrinkle I see?”

I gasped horrified and smacked his arm just as fast. He fucking cackled as he flinched. 

“Don’t listen to ‘em, Aliena. Happy birthday, Songbird!” Arthur roared as he brought me in for a hug. He shook us with made me make the sounds to match. I wasn’t expecting him to shake me.

Esme squeezed her way over to me and she wished me as well. We exchanged a quick peck on the cheek before I was left with the last one. 

“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” I teased while leaning back, me hands on me hips.

Tommy rolled his eyes, a small smile on his face. “Happy Birthday, Ali.” He hugged me and as I went to part from him, he kept me there. I felt him lean into me ear and I bit me lip harshly so I didn’t flinch. “For your present, I-!” He sighed into me ear, and I couldn’t help but flinch. “I, for lack of better words, added a headstone for your father. Happy Birthday, Aliena and I’m sorry.”

This imaginary romantic atmosphere was instantly shattered by the mention of me father. Great job, Thomas!

I smiled and thanked him as we parted. I made me way back to me seat. 

“Right!” Arthur shouted. “I say we get to opening these bloody presents. Get it out the way and drink Aliena till she drops!” He raised his mug to me while taking a drink of his bevvy.

I squinted at him while titling me head. “Fine, let’s get them out of the way!” I slid a box over from the middle of the table and began ripping it open. I shimmed the lid off of the box to reveal shoes.

“You’re gonna need a good pair of dancing shoes, if ya expect to be dancing ‘round clubs all the time, Ali.” John said with a cigar between his lips. 

I plastered on a smile and thanked him. I set in under the table and dealt with the rest of them. Arthur bought me more canvases. Something abar that made me laugh. I should expect canvases for all of me birthdays.

Once I sobered up, I opened up the last big box on the table. It was a coat from Polly. I faked a squeal, hugged her, and thanked her incessantly. It’s not that I didn’t like the coat. It’s just I never asked for one, either.

Then, there was this little box. I tugged on the ribbon and shimmed the lid off of it to reveal a rather expensive looking necklace. The snug quieted down and we collectively tried to find the culprit. Our eyes locked on the boy who was smiling the brightest.

Without a care in the world, Finn wished me a happy birthday. Cue Polly smacking him upside the head. 

“Finn, where’d you pinch that from?” Tommy asked while rubbing his bottom lip.

Finn, who was shielding himself from the last of Polly’s blows, answered. “Some jewelry store in London. Think it was called Madison. It’s not a big deal.”

All us shouted that it was indeed a big deal. I covered the box and pinched the bridge of me nose. 

Polly sighed. “No point in worrying now. I’ll be reading the papers in case people are looking for it. For now, give it to me. I’ll hide it away. It’s no good to be wearing that around here or right now.” She held out her hand for me.

I instantly gave it to her. I looked over at Finn who was looking rather ashamed. “You better beaut, you.” I shoved his face away, playfully. 

A small smile graced his face.

After that debacle, I ate a piece of me own cake while drinking gin. It’s been the first time in a long while that I’ve managed to get the chance to talk to everybody like this.

Made me really think abar how much I matter and how much I don’t. How much doing over Kimber changed this family. They were all busier. I wasn’t. They wouldn’t have done this if it hadn’t been me birthday. Well, they wouldn’t have invited me and Polly. It’s a fucking boys club in this family. Well, they did invite me in the past— but that’s all it is now, the past.

I downed a glass of whiskey and felt it burn me throat. I was getting used to it. I mean I started to drink at least twice a week. I could only limit me vices so much. It’s torture enough as is that I’m holding down the urge to smoke a ciggie right now. But, I am exposed to all the second hand in the air. 

“So, Ali. How are you feeling?” Arthur asked me as he was leaning close to Tommy. As if they had a secret bet or something. I knew what he meant by the question.

I shrugged me shoulders as I smiled. “I feel fine. Warm and fine.”

He scoffed and nodded before turning his head toward Tommy’s ear.

I rolled me eyes and went back to me conversation with Polly. We were talking abar how we were gonna get a grip on Finn. It’s sad that it took that child to do an actual robbery before anyone decided to listen to me. But, at least it’s happenin’ now.

After that I went on a conversation with John, who also asked abar me love life. It was getting so annoying to repeat the same damn things! Then, Esme had to add her two cents in and I couldn’t “snap” back in fear of getting on the wrong foot.

“I think you should experience life as is. Settling down is something you do later.”

I widened me eyes and put on a polite smile, but still had to bite me lip. Didn’t she have an arranged marriage ‘cause she was too wild. I nodded and then moved back to where me seat originally was.

One minute turned into five which turned into ten. 

Were these bitches really not going to show up? 

I looked ‘round to see everyone engaged in some kind of conversation. The boys were playing a card game while Polly and Esme talked. I was the odd man out. Just nursing me fucking bevvy. 

I don’t want to admit it, but this set up right here was hurting me feelings. Never liked feeling excluded. 

I took another glance at them again as I trailed me finger ‘round the rim of the glass.

I didn’t mean to do it, but I began thinking abar how it would be if I wasn’t here. Would they still have met up today? Under the circumstance of a nice day to relax after work. Did me presence actually affect anything? Why was I here? What was me purpose here? Am I supposed to help someone in the Shelby family? 

Am I supposed to prevent the second war from happening? Was this a blessing or a curse? Was this a curse?

“Ailena! Aliena, hun, we’re here!” Cassie shouted from outside the snug. 

I shot up from me chair, whipped back the door, and threw me arms ‘round her. We both laughed and swayed a little.

“You came. You fuckin’ slags. I thought youse weren’t gonna show.” 

Cassie laughed while petting me hair. “We thought you were home then we had to ask around where this bar was. We’re not from here idiot.” She knocked on me head as if she were knocking on a door. “We weren’t going to find this place if no one showed us it before.”

I pursed me lips. As I dropped me hip to the left while knocking me own head. “Oops, my bad.” I took Cassie’s hand in mine and ushered her into the snug. Angie and Tina followed suit. “Shelbys, meet my friends. This is Cassie Johnson, Lady Angelica Sallow, and The Honorable Christiana King. Friends meet the Shelbys. That is Arthur, Thomas, John, Finn, Esme, and Polly Gray.” 

Cassie uttered a “hi,” while waving with a smile. Tina just waved and smiled. 

Angie pushed her way through and greeted Polly. “Good evening, it’s so nice to meet you all, finally. Aliena has said all good things.”

Polly shook her hand, but I knew that face. She was studying her. I cleared me throat and clapped me hands. 

“Well, I wouldn’t want us to be all cramped up in the snug. So, we’ll be out there! Okay? Okay.” I grasped Angie’s hand and dragged her out of the snug.

“It really was nice meeting you all!” She shouted before I slammed the door shut. “What the ‘ell, Ali? She didn’t even get to say anything.”

I rolled me eyes. “Believe me, that was probably a good thing.” ‘She was sizing you up,’ was left unsaid. I flicked her forehead before leading them to the bar top. 

I waved Harry over who looked like he was stammering for words. He leaned down to the men sitting and said something to them that made them leave. I smiled and took a seat there.

“Anything I can get for you ladies? On the house. I know it’s our special Aliena’s birthday.” Harry said as he leaned against the top.

I smiled and said. “Can we get four gin and tonics, Harry? Thanks.”

“Coming right up.”

I turned ‘round so me back was against the top. “Thank God, youse came when ya did. I was dying of boredom in there.”

Cassie scoffed. “Maybe you should just-!”

I held up me finger, effectively shutting her up. “I literally just said that I was bored. I didn’t say I was being abused.” 

Cassie tsked while rolling her eyes which made me smirk. Tina cleared her throat before she spoke.

“So, that was the Tommy, you’re always talking about?” 

Me eyes widened to the size of saucers as I shushed her while me head did a full 180. “Don’t go announcing it to the whole fucking bar, Tina!” I looked ‘round a bit more before I leaned over Cassie and whispered. “But yes, that’s him.”

“He looks really intense. Is that your type?” Tina asked, unfazed.

I looked away before answering her. “Yes and no. He’s my type, obviously, since I have a crush on ‘em. But, the only thing he and the other men that I’ve been enamored with is high cheekbones.”

She oh-ed and nodded.

“Here you ladies are!” Harry said as the glasses clinked against the bar top. 

All four of us grabbed our drinks.

“Toast!” Angie shouted. We held our drinks in the air. “Today, we celebrate our little Aliena turning 18 a day early. Let’s try not to not drink too much ‘cause we are gonna party like it’s the end of the world tomorrow! To Aliena.”

“To Aliena! To me!”

Then, we drank as much as we could before having some sort of reaction. After that we paired off, I was talking to Angie.

“So, what happened to that guy you left with some nights ago?” I asked Angie as I took a sip of me bevvy.

She sighed as she used the straw to stir her drink. “It was a complete waste of time. In all honesty, I’m beginning to lose hope. I might as well just give up and let my father match me off.”

I shook me head furiously. “No! No, Ange. Don’t give up. What are you? 19, 20, you still have time to look. If you were 30, I’d be saying otherwise— but you’re not. You’ll find a guy when the time is right.”

Okay, I’m not bashing 30-year-old single people. Angie is expected to marry off at an early age in order to comply with the societal norms of the 1920s. Besides, she and her father have this arrangement that if she doesn’t have anyone she wants to marry for love by that age— then he has the right to marry her off.

She groaned while supporting her head with her hand, her elbow on the bar top. I rubbed her back up and down.

“You’ll find your Mister Right, Ange. I just know it. Hey, maybe, you have already met him.” I attempted to lighten her mood. “Either way. I think it’s too early to call it quits. Maybe we stop trying to find the love of our lives in clubs, eh? Try a cafe or a country club, instead?”

Angie turned her gaze to me and we shared a giggle.

“Eh?” I tried again.

“Yeah.” She whispered. “Yeah. You’re right.”

I smirked as I put me hand down and used it to bring me drink to me lips. “I know I am.”

I had two more gin and tonics before I felt that I was out of it. I was shoutin’, for sure. I was borderline slurring yet me sentences were still understandable. I had, technically, pre-gamed ‘cause the boys were trying to drink me under the table. 

I had stumbled out of the loo when I was attacked by me friends.

“Aliena! Ali!” They shouted.

I shook me head as I gripped their arms as they did mine. “What?” I shouted, confused.

Tina shoved Cassie forward who was cradling her cheek, but her lip was bleeding too. Me eyes widened and I immediately started inspecting it.

“What the fuck happened?”

Cassie looked away before looking back into me eyes. “I was talking to some guy. He came up to me at the bar. Then, this girl came up to me and just slapped me. She said that I should go to hell for being a homewrecker. That she bets that I’m nothing but a prostitute.” Cassie choked on a sob while rubbing her eyes. She smeared her eyeshadow ‘n mascara, making her look like a raccoon. Just like how I first met her. “Seems like they’re together or something. But I didn’t know. He came up to me. I swear. He came up to me. I would never flirt with a taken man, Ali.” She hiccup and whimpered.

I looked back to see Angie arguing with the girl. I could feel me blood boiling. I was filled with rage. That bitch made me Cassie cry. 

“Ali, she was wearing rings.” Tina pointed out, her voice strained. She motioned toward Cassie’s busted lip.

I titled her head down to get a good look at it. Then, I began to shake me head softly before I muttered, “I’ll take care of it.” She should’ve known who she was hitting before she’d done it. Should’ve hit her unfaithful man instead of slapping me best friend.

I grabbed a drink that was idle at the bar top. Angie and the girl’s arguing got louder. I saw as the woman began to raise her arm, her fist clenched.

“Oi!” I yelled. The girl twirled ‘round and I threw the drink in her face before punching her straight on the nose. She gasped in pain as she went to cradle her nose. I gave her a moment to recuperate.

Let’s have a fair fight now.

She looked up at me, her nose bloody. “You crazy fucking bitch.”

“A fucking bitch who’s friend you messed with, dumb cunt.” 

She growled before she launched herself at me, rather pathetically. I grabbed the hand that tried to slap me and gave her one instead. I managed to get both of her arms in me hold, I titled me head back, and head butted her.

Fuck did that bring tears to me eyes.

She fell to her knees as I let go of her arms. Instead of cradling her head, she wrapped her arms ‘round me legs and forced me down. 

I groaned on impact, but quickly shot up and punched her. She yelped and went to clutch her face.

The fact that she managed to make me fall pissed me off even more.

I grabbed a wooden chair that nearby, raised it in the air, and started beating her with it. She whimpered with each hit and started wailing. 

I didn’t care. This felt good. This felt cathartic. Why was me heart beating so loud? Why was I fighting off a smile? There was this cracking sound and before I knew it, the blood from her nose splattered across the floor. 

Her arms finally came up to protect her head, but that didn’t deter me. She turned over on her side, but I still didn’t stop. I gave one good strong swing and she left out a blood-curdling scream just as there was an audible crack in the room. Did I manage to break her arm?

“Ali! Aliena!” 

Me head shot up and I didn’t raise up the chair again. Thomas stood there with his hand out, signaling for me to stop. 

“Enough.” He breathily pleaded. “Enough now.” He took a hesitant step toward me, as if I were a fucking animal.

How fucking insulting! 

I couldn’t help it. I was just so mad. I raised the chair and slammed it against the wall of the bar top. I could hear people gasp. All that was left in me hand was one of the chair’s legs. 

I panted for breath. “There. Now that’s enough.” I ran a hand through me hair, effectively getting all me hair out of me face. The girl was whimperin' incessantly. It was so annoying. I kicked her softly as I  stepped over her body and told her to shut up.  

“Come on. Let’s go.” I called out to me friends. I could hear their shuffling behind me as I continued walking on.

Just as I was abar to pass Tommy, he caught me arm. 

“We’re gonna talk about this at home.” He whispered. His tone stern and chastising. 

I tsked and yanked me arm away from him. I marched on and caught the eyes of me employers. The look in their eyes were mixed with astonishment and disapproval. 

I rolled me eyes, hard before I opened the doors with bang.

“All right! Show’s over. Go back to what you were doing.” I heard Tommy yell.

I started walking faster. When I realized me friends’ heels were clacking behind me, I turned ‘round and waited for them. I rushed to Cassie and hovered me hands over her inflamed cheek.

She caught me wrists and held them tightly.

“We need to get some ice on it. We can’t have it bruising.” I muttered while inspecting her face again.

Angie scoffed. “What the fuck was that, Aliena?” Her face was contorted in some weird mixture of anger and disbelief.

“She got what she deserved. The dumb-arse raised a hand to Cassie expecting no repercussions. I decided to give her some.” I said with a booming voice. 

Cassie shook her head. “What about your hands?” She asked as she gently took me hands in hers and started to inspect them. “You punched her good. Are your knuckles swollen?” 

I shrugged me shoulders. “Don’t know. I feel quite a bit of pain, though.”

Angie groaned loudly. “Of course you would feel pain. You broke her nose, Ali! You headbutted her and then beat her with a chair.”

Me head snapped toward Angie. “Thank you for the play-by-play! What’s your deal?” I asked.

She scoffed again as her hands began to join the conversation. “What’s my deal? Aliena, YOU BEAT THAT GIRL WITH A CHAIR!”

“IT WAS AN OLD WOODEN CHAIR! Look at the end of the day, I would have done that for any one of youse. She fucking busted Cassie’s lip over a man. A man, Angie! So, I busted hers.”

Cassie sniffled loudly. “Thank you.” She whispered. “Thank you.” Cassie hugged me tightly and hid her face in me neck.

It has something to do with her past. But, I wasn’t going to out her to the rest of the girls— just because they couldn’t understand.

Tina waved her hands between Angie and I. “Angelica, I’m sorry but I’m with Ali.”

Angie scoffed as her eyes bugged out of her head.

Tina continued. “Maybe the chair was excessive, but we’re all drunk. We’re drunk! That fucking bitch just straight up slapped Cassie while she had her rings on, and...and-! Belittled her! That’s not right!”

“Tina just because we are all a little drunk does not excuse violence. I was handling it!”

I scoffed and ran me hand through me hair again. “Sure, you were handling it alright! Then, why did I have to stop her from hitting you?”

Angie averted her eyes. “She wasn’t-!”

“Yes, she was and you know it. You must have seen her cock her arm and/or at least see that her fists were clenched.”

Angie looked down at the cobblestone. “It just felt a little excessive.” She whispered as she hugged herself.

So, the leader of this pack has a little bite.

I sighed while pinching the bridge of me nose. “I admit the chair was a little over the top. I just got so angry and…” Me voice trailed off. “I’m sorry for, I don’t know, upsetting you. But what I’m not sorry for is defending you and Cassie.”

We left it at that and regrouped at the house. We talked abar it a little more before I poured everyone some water and distributed the bread. Cassie insisted on icing me knuckles, so I let her. When it was ‘round two in the morning, Cassie called Simmons.

I was hugging me arms as I watched them pile into the car. 

Angie’s head popped out as she said. “Remember I’m picking you up at four tomorrow, all right!”

I nodded. “Yeah, I got it.” I laughed as her head disappeared back into the car. I faced Cassie. I couldn’t help the pitiful gaze on me face. 

“Thanks again for, ya know, fucking her up for me.” Cassie whispered as she picked under her nails.

I winked at her. “We’re crazy together, remember.” We shared a laugh and then a hug. But after, she climbed into the car and I waved them off. I looked ‘round and then ran back into the house.

I already had a plan. I was just going to go to sleep to avoid a very uncomfortable conversation that I did not want to go through again. It was too unpredictable. 

Was I going to be confronted by just Tommy or is Polly going to be there too? Would it be a fucking family meeting? Might as well be, they’ll probably just harass me individually.

Oh fucking well!

I raced up the steps and slammed me door behind me. Me chest heaved up and down as I tried to catch me breath. I realized that I didn’t put makeup on tonight. 

I’m a fucking genius!

I ran to me bed, jumped in, got comfy, then closed me eyes. 

“Oi! Wake up! There’s no avoiding this, Ali.”

I jumped awake. Me heart was in me fucking throat and I threw a glare at Tommy. 

“Leave me alone!” I sluggishly demanded as I went to turn ‘round in me bed.

“Aliena, there’s no avoiding this so let’s get it over with, yeah.”

I shut me eyes tightly before letting out a big sigh. I rubbed me forehead before I yanked me blankets off me body. I heard Tommy walk out rather than see it. I got to me feet and walked after ‘em. 

As I extended me right hand fingers’, they throbbed in pain. I’m sure if Cassie hadn’t hounded me to ice them, they would be in much worse condition. 

We walked all the way into the family meeting room that was in the betting shop. Lights were lit, people in their usual spots. Esme wasn’t here, though.

That’s nice.

Polly with hands on her hips walked ‘til she was at Tommy’s side.

“You wanna tell us what that was all about?” She pointedly asked me.

I sighed while I rubbed me forehead again. “The woman hit Cassie. This man came up to her and started chattin’ her up. Turns out the fella was taken. The woman directly confronted Cassie as the problem. Called her names. Called her a homewrecker and said she was a prostitute. That’s when she slapped Cassie with rings on her hand.”

They all just stared at me blankly.

Well, fucking say something! Say it wasn’t me own fight! Say that they could’ve started this and not the woman. Say that I did a good job, or I had no right doing what I did! Say that I was out of control. ASK ME WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME!

I looked down at the floorboard. “I knew it wasn’t me own fight, but Cassie is me best friend. And I wasn’t thinking clearly. I had tossed back like three gin and tonics after drinking all that whiskey in the snug. It won’t happen again.”

Tommy sniffed, flicked his nose, then spoke. “Right, guess that’s it then. Don’t let it happen again, Ali.”

Me head shot up and I blinked a lot. 

That was it?

I just nodded and headed up the stairs. As I gently closed me bedroom door behind me, I slid down it with me hands hiding me face. Me body shook violently as I inaudibly sobbed.

I woke up with a headache. Not a hangover, but a headache. Luckily, I had a day off today. Afterall, today was me actual birthday. So, I turned ‘round and shut me eyes. I wasn’t going back to sleep, I knew that wasn’t happening— but I just didn’t want to get up yet.

Me hand was throbbing. I tried clenching and unclenching me hand as a way to soothe it. Just like the day before, I took me time getting up. But, I didn’t start getting ready.

I took off the dress I fell asleep in and picked out me fuzzy black sweater and grey joggers to match. I ran a hand over me face before sighing and dropping me hip to the side. I racked me hand in me hair, pushing it away from me face, and then walked over to me desk. I opened the drawer and pulled out me art book. 

I tossed it on me desk and flipped it open to a blank page. I just sat there and pondered abar what I should try drawing. I blew a raspberry before I snapped me fingers as the thought came to me. 

I was gonna try and draw Tommy using watercolours. 

I spent the whole morning working on it ‘til I couldn’t stand the ache in me stomach anymore. I sighed while racking me hair back again. I got up and walked downstairs. 

I was fairly greeted by the shouts of men coming from the betting shop. I walked to the kitchen and grabbed the bread nonchalantly. I cut meself two slices, kept the knife in me hand, then grabbed the jam with the other. 

I sat down with one leg tucked into me thigh on the chair while the other was bent. Grabbed the knife ‘n began to spread the jelly ‘round as I yawned. I took two bites before I decided I desperately needed water to wash it down.

I strolled over to the cabinet and pulled out a glass. We drank from the tap, so that’s what I did. As I was drinking me water, the front door opened. 

For fuck’s sake. 

I silently prayed to God that it wasn’t who I thought it was. And sure enough, Tommy Shelby came into view. I mouthed, “Fuck,” before sitting back on me chair. I could feel his eyes on me. I kept me gaze locked on the table. 

Tommy cleared his throat ‘n I instinctively raised me head. Tommy grabbed his cap off of his head ‘n held it in one hand as he pulled out a chair. He groaned softly as he sat down. 

He tsked. “So, Ali. You wanna tell me what yesterday was really about?”

I blinked. “I already told you what it was abar.”

He titled his head and his lips pursed a little. His eyes flickered to mine. 

Was he trying to say something with his eyes? ‘Cause it felt like it. It was like he was begging me to tell him me troubles. But, I didn’t want to.

“Are you sure, Ali? You’re tellin’ me you did all that because she roughed up your friend.”

I rolled me eyes as me tongue prodded the inside of me cheek. I kept quiet before scoffing. “She just caught me on a bad day. I was already drunk ‘n agaited. Angie said something that ticked me off earlier. And I think me Aunt Flo is abar to make a visit, so yeah.” I smiled at him mockingly before I took a big bite of me scran. 

He studied me face for a little more before he tapped his finger on the table and rose up suddenly. “Right.” He muttered before he left the room. 

 After that interaction, I scarfed me scran down and went back upstairs. I worked on me painting ‘til it was four. I heard that familiar honk and cursed in surprise. I was lost in painting. I scrambled ‘round to collect me things. I was going to stay over the weekend. 

Her incessant honking was raising me blood pressure and I fought back the urge to shout at her. I was zipping ‘round me room gathering everything. I slug me backpack on and flew out the door.

Just as I was grabbing me coat, a voice caught me. “Aliena, love. Are you sure this is a good idea?”

I stilled and looked at Polly. “How do you mean?”

She looked at me with a concerned face. “Should you be partying with what happened yesterday?”

I averted me eyes. “It’s me birthday, Pol.” I whispered.

She didn’t say anything in response.

I looked up at her before taking me coat hurriedly off the hook and running backwards. “Love you, Pol! Bye!”

As always, Cassie was waiting for me outside the car. We hugged and then climbed inside of the car. We brought up what happened again ‘n really cleared the air. 

I just wanted it to go away, ya know. Be forgotten. It literally happened yesterday night. It wasn’t going away anytime soon.

When we got to the flat, the girls wasted no time pushing me into a chair. 

“What are youse doing?” I asked through me laughter. I noticed there were other women in the room as well.

“I hired these women to do our hair and makeup. I want you to look your best! I even hired a photographer. But first, the dress you will be wearing!” Angie divulged as she walked over to the closet. She reached inside and pulled out a silk green dress.

It looked exactly like the one Kiera Knightly wore in Atonement. Me own gasps were not the only ones heard throughout the room.

Tina came into me view and took the dress out of Angie’s hand slowly. “I showed my family’s dressmaker the drawing you drew of me in this dress. I asked them to make one just like it. I wanted you to have the real thing.” She walked over to me and I took the dress into me hands as she held onto the hanger.

I stroked the fabric, silk. “Oh, Tina. It’s so beautiful. Just how I-!” Just how I remembered it. I hummed with a painful smile on me face. I hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek. “Thank you.” I whispered in her ear. 

Cassie clapped her hands. “Alright. Let’s get dressed before we get our hair and makeup done.”

We did as she suggested. Once we were all done changing, we sat down on the chairs where the cosmetologists were standing patiently. In a very movie-esque fashion, the cosmetologists flapped open their smocks and draped it over us, simultaneously. 

Angie was sitting in the chair beside me.

I looked over at her. “Angie, you didn’t have-!”

She held up her hand, effectively shuttin’ me up. “I didn’t have to, but I wanted to. So, let’s all just enjoy this.”

The cosmetologist began by curling me hair in loose waves and then proceeded to give me a faux bob. Something I could never achieve if I did this by meself. I struck up a conversation with her and she was happy to give me some tips. 

I looked at meself in the mirror. I couldn’t believe how me hair looked. I looked like I finally belonged in this era. I couldn’t stop the Cheshire-cat grin on me face. But I had to relax it as ordered by the cosmetologist. 

When it was all said ‘n done, they women left and I opened Cassie’s present. She got me an amethyst earrings and necklace set this time for me ma’. When I started to tear up, the girls rushed to me and begged me to stop before it could even begin. That got a laugh out of me.

The earrings were Long Cluster Gemstone Earrings and the necklace was silver with an amethyst teardrop. I rushed to put them on and then it was time to go. 

God was Angie’s mansion intimidating. Even more so that it was filled with people from high society that were unfamiliar to me. I knew I was going to meet with a lot of people tonight. 

The party was in a light swing when we arrived. I stuck to Cassie like gum on a shoe. While I desperately wanted to find a table and stand ground there or find some secluded place so that I could relax, I was stuck with Cassie— greeting her other friends and acquaintances. 

It was so embarrassing when they asked abar me family. Only to tell them that I’m an orphan and I met Cassie when I was giving her directions. I didn’t miss the faces. The faces of people who sneered at me. Teased me for me status behind me back. Made stories up abar why they were keeping me ‘round. Maybe even for the dress. It was a 1940s style dress, I think.

I didn’t expect to feel this way. I thought I could move past it, bury it all down. But, I was finding it harder to do than expected. Still, I kept a polite smile and dug me nails into me palm. 

When the mansion was packed, Angie ushered me to the stage where the band was playing. She made a big spectacle of it.

“Everyone, I gathered you all here to celebrate my good friend, Aliena Welsh’s 18th birthday.” She clapped which was mimicked by everyone in the crowd.

For pride, I suppressed the need to cover me face and spazz out. I kept that tight, polite smile on me face.

“Bring out the cake.” Angie shouted. On her orders, men in tuxes— the stewards or butlers or manservants— rolled out a cake and left it in front of us. Angie guided me where to stand. “We’ll sing Happy Birthday on three, everyone. One, two, three!”

A whole crowd was singing happy birthday to me. It was absolutely mortifying. I kept me gaze as Cassie, who was singing with a thumbs up. She knew I was freaking out. 

When the whole singing was over with, I made the same wish I did yesterday. I walked off the stage with Angie. I rushed over to Cassie and hide me face in her neck.

“They were all looking at me.” I whimpered.

She rubbed me back. “I know. I know, honey. How about we get a piece of cake, eat, then get fucking drunk. Huh? Sound alright?”

I looked up at her and nodded. So, that’s what we did. We ate a piece of cake and marched over to the bar. 

“Oooh!” I exclaimed. “Let’s play a drinking game!”

Cassie furrowed her eyebrows. “What game?”

“I think it’s called blowjob.”

She gasped while slapping her hand over her mouth. “Oh my god! Ailena!”

“Look we order three shots each and whoever drinks it the fastest without using their hands wins. You game?”

Cassie looked hesitantly. Her hand covering her mouth to hide her smile. “Fine! What the hell, right? You’re the birthday girl, after all.”

I cheered and called over the bartender.

We could only play one round of that game. I got buzzed fairly quickly since it was vodka. But we settled for beer. 

We danced, sat down, drank, smoked, and eventually I got so drunk that I started dancing modernly. I was swaying me hips while holding a bottle of whatever, dancing to the music in me head.

I felt hands wrap ‘round me arms. I turned ‘round to see Angie. 

“Angie!” I squealed before going in to hug her. She giggled before titling me head back.

“Aliena, you need to slow it down.” 

I blew raspberries. “I’m ‘aving fun. ‘Ave fun with me.” I kept her hand in mine as I leaned away and started dancing again.

Angie sighed while clutching her forehead. “Fine, I’ll have fun with you. Just! Stop dancing like that!”

I shrugged me shoulder and stilled instantly while a piece of hair fell into me eyes. “Okay.” Then, I pulled her to the bar where we chatted and drank.

I don’t know where I was. I was just extremely nauseous. I used the walls to support me as I stumbled along. The entrance doors were in me sight. I walked faster and felt me mouth water. I immediately doubled over into a plant and vomited.

When I was done, I stood straight while wiping me mouth. I gathered what was left in me mouth and spat it out. I whimpered as I clutched me tummy. 

I stumbled down the steps. Me legs were shaking like leaves. I groaned and plopped down on them. I bent over and started taking them off.

“Fucking devil shoes.” I grumbled. When I was done, I wobbled me way back up to me feet and walked further out in the backyard garden area, place, thingy.

I chortled at me thoughts.

When I got tired of walking, I sat down on some undistinguishable patch of grass. I was surrounded by acres of sophisticatedly cut grass.

I used me arms to support me as I leaned forward. I picked at the grass for a while ‘til it hit me.

I just threw up in one of Angie’s plants... 

Stutteringly, me arms gave up on me and I was laying down. I raised me arms to cover me face as it started to contort. A sob escaped me lips. Me shoulders shook violently.

I’m turning into an alcoholic. I drank ‘til I threw up in me mate’s flowers.

What’s wrong with me! 

TAG LIST: @amirahiddleston @nemesis729​ @salvatoreitmeanssaviour @tlfshelby1 @halepea @lilymurphy03 @marsfireeyes @masumiyetimziyanoldu @i-love-superhero​

[zoethehead]

"A Healing Outlander"

READ THIS- v

(warning, this has nothing to do with the outlander series, i'm calling it that since Isaiah is not from the realm of modir, he's from earth and ended up in the realm after crashing his car, and in on RP instance when i was playing as him; i was referred to as an "Outlander" hope you get the title now)

(Tw: Aftermath of torture, heavy emotions, near loss of sight, trauma and PTSD)

Characters:

-Isaiah(woke up in the realm after crashing his car into a tree while in denmark)

-Nils(elf warrior from the village of Karlia)

-

Game:"Modir's Fate (Roblox)

-

Isaiah started to stir back to consciousness from being hunted, he wanted to cry knowing that he was found and saved from the psycho who nearly killed him….

“Easy there Isaiah, you’re safe now…” a familiar voice called out….

Isaiah thought he had recognized that voice, as he rasped out; “N-nils?”

“Yes, it’s me….. Welcome back….” Nils spoke….

Isaiah looked at his surroundings, it was a bedroom of some sorts, a soft bed underneath his body that was able to stifle the pain from his wounds.

He reaches an arm up to his forehead, feeling a damp cloth covering it.

“You were in and out of consciousness for about a week, with a bad fever to add on to your cries…” Nils said, his voice now having a worried tone to it.

Isaiah still tasted blood in his throat, putting a hand to his neck and feeling bandages wrapped around where the gash once was.

“You were actually lucky that Vindr helped find you and get you to Egil--who helped patch up those wounds of yours.

Isaiah tried to get up, but pain exploded through his body and he whimpered as he collapsed back onto the bed, rolling onto his side..

“Easy, you shouldn’t overexert yourself right now….” Nils said, putting a hand on Isaiah's shoulder. Isaiah laid back down on the bed, cringing at the pain.

“How bad was the damage?” Isaiah questioned, now resting one of his arms against his chest.

“A ton of really bad stab and slash wounds all across your body, a poorly stitched knife wound to your abdomen, a split lip, a head wound caused by being whacked by something, and really bad wounds on your legs, you were as white as a ghost when i first saw you lying unconscious and covered with bandages….”Nils replied…

Isaiah sat up, wrapping the blanket around himself and looked down at the floor, a desolate and weary expression adorning his face, his mind still hazed over from the pain.

He now noticed the bandages on his knees and legs, shuddering silently at the memory of them being slashed so he couldn’t run away at all, before being slashed in the back, having his throat slashed, and almost losing an eye before he fell deep into the pit’s bloody waters--staining the now blood soaked bandages around his shoulder a deeper ruby red…

That’s where the memories seem to halt…

“Shh, it’s okay now--everything’s alright….”

Isaiah looked up, seeing Nils next to him, embracing him in an attempt to comfort the poor human through what had scarred him. “NO! Everything isn’t alright! I could’ve died---then what?” Isaiah yelled, his voice breaking as tears fell from his face.

“Isaiah, stop…the important thing is that you didn’t die, i’m here for you, ok?” Nils Vowed, holding Isaiah close to him, as Isaiah wept into Nils’ shoulder.

[paradisecost]

“What was that?” - Philip @ Isaiah

Send “What was that?” and my muse will truthfully admit to something! // @coming-xf-age

“Think I might be sick,” Isaiah rattles, thumping his chest with a closed fist like that might help him cough up whatever’s crawled its way into his lungs and settled there. He coughs again, fatigue seeping into his bones already though he’s barely been up three hours, and sighs as he runs a hand through curling white hair. “Feels like I got whacked by a charging bull. You think you can take care of things for me today? I’m gon’ go back to bed, I think. Some rest oughta fix me right up.”