#Little Matilda will now be going everywhere with me! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

futfemfantasies · 1 year

Text

“She’s my daughter too!” - Alex Morgan x reader

“That’s the problem, I don’t think Charlie has ever seen me play for my national team” You take a breath as you fight back tears and loosen you hand around your phone.

“You know I want her with me and the girls” You faintly hear the room door open and close due to being on the balcony. You turn around and see your roommate Steph and best friends Mackenzie (Macca), Caitlin and Alanna.

“She’s my daughter too! My name is on the birth certificate just as much as yours. Hell, she has my last name. I think you forget that sometimes she’s mine too”

Too angry to hear your wife, you hang up and sit on one of the plastic chairs. You don’t see it but your friends give each other a look and Steph decides to go out and comfort you. You breakdown in her arms and the rest come out for support.

“Why d-doesn’t she trust me w-with Charlie?” You ask your friends with bloodshot eyes.

“We aren’t sure what’s going on y/n/n but we all know one thing, you are an amazing mum. Nothing is going to change that” Alanna mentions, putting a hand on your knee.

“Thanks Lanz”

Macca offers to join the four of your friends for a walk and maybe some ice-cream on the way back from the place downstairs. You respectfully decline and the girls leave, giving you a tight hug each. You decide to have a long, hot shower before cuddling up in bed for a quick nap before dinner.

On the other side of the globe, Charlie had woken up hearing your voice on the call. She then proceeded to start crying because she couldn’t see you in the room. Charlie looked everywhere and in all the drawers and cupboards she could open and still nothing. While this was happening, Alex slipped on one of your Matilda’s hoodies and moved to scoop Charlie into her arms.

“Smell like mama” Charlie mumbles into Alex’s neck.

“We can call her later if you want baby” Charlie’s eyes light up and a wide smile spreads across her face.

The pair get ready before going downstairs for breakfast with the team. Alex walks into the meal room with Charlie on her hip, scrunching the yellow, green and grey material tightly in her small hands. Kelley catches sight of the mixed matched outfit and is about to say something before Alex gives her a stern glare. Alex grabs her vegan breakfast and some pancakes for Charlie before sitting with Kelley, Sonnett, Lindsey and Kristie.

“You ditching us for the girls down under Al?” Kelley teases.

“Never. Charlie’s missing y/n and she stopped crying when she had this so” Alex shrugs.

“I think Sam was saying she hasn’t seen Charlie since she could just walk” Kristie mentions earning a slight nudge, as to tell her to shut up.

Alex begins to think how long ago that was and it was at least a year ago, if not more. Alex realises what she’s don’t and she feels sick to her stomach. She pulls Charlie off her lap before taking the hoodie off and giving it to her. Alex grabbed her phone and moved to the side of the room before making a call.

You finish dinner when you see your phone ring from beside your plate. The photo of you and Alex on the beach pops up and you know she’s FaceTiming you. You decide to ignore it for now and call Alex back later. After a quick talk from the manager, you were all allowed a free night. Steph informs you she’s having a movie night with Caitlin and a few others if you wanted to join. You decline as you have to call Alex back.

You eventually get back to your room and you flop on the bed. You press the FaceTime button and put your arm behind you, slightly flexing your tattoo sleeve and muscles.

“Hey ba- oh my god” You laugh and take a screenshot of Alex’s face.

“What’s up Al?”

“I’m sorry for everything. I don’t mean to keep Charlie with me all the time. I’m just so used to you being here with the Wave. I didn’t give it a second thought. I’m really sorry baby”

“Hmm, it might take a little more than that” Alex rolls her eyes and calls Charlie over. She flips the camera and Charlie races over to Alex, as fast as her little legs can take her. You see something in Charlie’s hands and notice it’s your Matildas hoodie.

“She wouldn’t stop crying until I wore it” Alex mentions.

You talk with Charlie and Alex for a few hours until Steph came back in the room. You all talk for a little while longer until you and Steph both yawned.

“Mama and Aunt Steffy go to sleep now?” You looked at the time and realised you all talked for the last 2 hours or so.

“I have to go bubs so I can be ready for my game tomorrow”

“Okay mama. You call before play?”

“Of course I will. Te amo mucho princesa” Alex smiles at the interaction out of cameras sight.

“Te amo Mamá. Bye Aunt Steffy! Love you”

“See you soon baby girl, I love you too” Steph gets up from you bed and mentions she’s having a shower.

“I love you baby. I’m going to make it up to you both when you get home” Alex promises.

“Can’t wait my love”

You end the call and look up at the ceiling with a smile on your face. When Steph comes out of the bathroom, you two wind down before eventually going to sleep.

You finish the Cup of Nations on a high. You not only win the entire cup but get Player of the Tournament and the golden boot after scoring 7 goals in 3 games. You pack your suitcase and put your trophies plus your winners medal safely between clothes. You go down to the lobby and see most of the team there as some as staying behind to see family. Since it’s late at night, the bus to the airport is quite and most people are exhausted from the last 10 days.

After check in, customs and security lines, you and Emily arrive at your gate with 10 minutes to spare. You put your bag in the overhead and get comfortable in the seat. You pull out your phone to send Alex a quick text.

Hola mi amor, I’m finally on my way home. See you and princesa very soon. I love you Ale xoxo

See you soon baby x We can’t wait to see you

A short 18 hours later, you land and feel more tired than before the plane ride. After leaving the plane and getting your suitcase from the carousel, you text Alex to see where she is since Emily already left with her girlfriend.

Hey babe, I’m in the arrivals part. Where are you two?

Turn around x

You follow Alex’s instruction and you see Charlie running towards you. You meet her half way and lift her up in the air before you give her the tightest hug. You don’t realise you’re crying until you feel someone wipe your tears from your cheeks. You open your eyes and see Alex looking at you with sad eyes and a pout sporting her lips.

“No cuddles for me?”

“There’s always cuddles for you my love” You move Charlie to your hip and kiss Alex softly before giving her a hug.

“Let’s get you home”

Alex takes your luggage from beside you and you carry Charlie out to the car. You buckle Charlie in when she immediately grabs your hand tightly.

“Sit with me Mama” You nod and move around to the other side to put your seatbelt on.

The whole journey home consists of you holding Charlie’s hands and you both falling asleep. Alex stops at a red light and asks you a questions and when she doesn’t get a response, she turns around and sees you two cuddled up together. She takes a quick photo before driving the rest of the way home. Alex parks the car in the garage and goes to unbuckle Charlie when you tighten your arm around Charlie protectively.

“Hey, babe it’s just me” Alex reassures you.

“I’ll get her Al”

Alex gets your bag and starts going inside the house. You walk around to Charlie’s side and lift the toddler out of the car seat.

“We home Mama?”

“Yeah baby, we’re home”

You walk into the house with a half asleep Charlie resting on your shoulder, when you feel your shirt getting wet. You calm Charlie down before asking what’s wrong.

“What’s wrong bubs?”

“Missed you Mama” You pout and kiss her temple.

“I’m not going anywhere for a long time baby. I’m staying right here”

y/ninstagram story

#woso imagine #woso x reader #womens soccer #woso imagines #woso #alex morgan x reader #san diego wave #uswnt x reader

606 notes · View notes

hogwartslegacyreactions2 · 28 days

Note

Hii I just thought of this so no plan just fun, what are the professor's reactions to meeting MC for the first time and seeing a dog with them, somehow by some (alot) of luck survived the dragon attack and the first goblin attack in the bank.

Low key just an excuse to show off my brat girl who gets anxious like me so she's my best friend and I couldn't imagine going away for school from her lol

A/N: you have such a pretty doggo ❤️ I think I'll base her off of D&D familiars

HL PROFESSORS REACT TO MC'S FAMILIAR

The dog that followed MC around everywhere they went was more than just an ordinary pet, she's MC's familiar. This means she's sentient with human-like intelligence (and stubbornness), she could disappear and reappear on command (or at will), they had a special telepathic connection, they could sense each other's emotional state, and MC could see through her eyes at will.

ELEAZAR FIG: He loves her! He bent over backwards convincing the headmaster and deputy headmistress to allow MC to have their familiar around school. He also talks to her as if she'd talk back to him, even though she is strictly connected to MC.

MATILDA WEASLEY: She's very unsure. Familiars are beasts not of this world and can be unpredictable. She's only convinced by Fig getting MC to swear that their familiar will disappear during classes and not to tell anyone else what the dog really is. Now, if they cause trouble of any kind, MC is on thin ice.

CHIYO KOGAWA: She's a little surprised a dog was allowed at Hogwarts, but she doesn't care much. Thinks the dog's cute.

AESOP SHARP: He doesn't allow any pets in his classroom for obvious reasons, but if he sees the dog while out and about, he'll toss her a dried piece of toad meat. He had a dog once upon a time, so he's a bit nostalgic.

ABRAHAM RONEN: He losses his mind every time he sees her. Willing to break the "no dog in class" rule. He must love on and pet her every chance he gets. He showers her with presents; from treats to toys to hats.

MIRABEL GARLICK: She's allergic to dogs. Not too much, but her eyes water when MC's dog is near. She still gives her a pat. Every dog deserves pets.

MUDIWA ONAI: She knew what MC's dog was as soon as she saw her. She gives MC special crystals and herbs. "For meditation. Bonding with your 'dog' is very important, and these will help." She winks.

BAI HOWIN: Dogs are a fairly rare sight in the wizarding world, something is off but she can't quite put her finger on it. She's suspicious of the dog's true nature.

DINAH HECAT: She's glad to see more than just cats running around Hogwarts. Makes the day more interesting. She gives the dog a little pat when she sees her.

CUTHBERT BINNS: Doesn't even notice the dog's existence. Just keeps doing his thing.

SATYAVATI SHAH: She appreciates how well behaved the dog is. She never sees it chasing any of the school cats. Doesn't pay her any mind otherwise.

PHINEAS NIGELLUS BLACK: He's not a dog person. They're smelly, dirty, loud and obnoxiously needy. He was only convinced by Fig convincing him that the dog was necessary for MC's emotional well-being and denying them the dog "would look bad".

#hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy reactions #hogwarts legacy professors #eleazar fig #aesop sharp

45 notes · View notes

mittwoch-addams · 8 months

Text

Ellie Carpenter calls out online abuse but shrugs off her own

“The bigger you get, the more criticism you get.”

Ellie Carpenter is authorised to speak on this subject. Mainly because her football career has got real big, real quick – she is 23, has been playing for global powerhouse Lyon for three years, and been the Matildas’ undisputed starting right-back for even longer.

But also because the peak of that career – playing in a World Cup semi-final in her home country – brought with it criticism which would more accurately be described as abhorrent social media trolling.

It happened in August, when Carpenter failed to clear a long ball that resulted in England’s second goal of the Lionesses’ 3-1 win. It was a mistake that left her visibly “heartbroken” after the match, but it did not warrant what former Socceroos captain Craig Foster described at the time as “vile, misogynistic garbage”.

The abuse forced her to limit replies on social media, which were also flooded with supportive messages from fans, friends and teammates, including captain Sam Kerr, who told media she was “mentally one of the toughest kids I’ve ever met in my life”.

Sometimes it is hard for an outsider to know how much this “outside noise” – as many sports people, including Carpenter, call it – affects the individual at its centre. For some, it can devastate mental health and on-field performance. If that is the case with Carpenter, you wouldn’t know it.

Two months after the World Cup, she has been back in the thick of it with Lyon, who are once more top of France’s Division 1 Feminine table, and is now back in Australia answering questions about online abuse she would probably rather not be answering.

“To be honest, I don’t really read or look into that,” she says in Perth, where the Matildas are preparing to play three Olympic qualifiers.

“It doesn’t really affect me at all, because I do a job for my team and myself. I don’t really listen to outside noise. I had a great support system around me during that time, and just during the whole World Cup really.

“It [online abuse] is everywhere these days, and that just shows that the bigger you are, or the bigger you get, the more criticism you get. That comes with being a professional athlete as well.

“You see it everywhere in different leagues, different sport codes. So obviously it’s a problem, and I know a lot of people are trying to make apps and platforms to try and stop abuse and things like that, so that’s good that people are aware of it and are trying to change it.”

Carpenter is an old, independent soul for her 23 years. When she contested the World Cup, she did so after recovering from an ACL rupture, in another country, and opting for little personal support except from her partner and teammate, Dutch international Daniëlle van de Donk.

“You have to grow up very quickly,” she says. “I moved out of home when I was 15 and was living by myself, so you grow up automatically.

“I didn’t really get much downtime [after the World Cup]. You just kind of go straight into a new season, so you don’t really have time to reflect or stop for a second.

“But it’s been incredible to see the aftermath of the World Cup and what we’ve done in football and Australia, and for women as well. I can definitely be proud of that.”

Carpenter is allowing herself to enjoy her time in Perth. She was released early by her club and arrived over the weekend, so enjoyed a couple of extra days to recover from jet lag.

#ellie carpenter #auswnt #matildas

76 notes · View notes

eddiesgorlie · 1 year

Text

Young and Dumb

YoungDad!Austin x YoungMom!Reader

Summary: Austin and Y/n, the highschool power couple make the big mistake one night and Y/n runs off after two lines show up on the test. Austin never hears from her again until one day at a coffee shop.

Warnings: Small amount of smut. (Let me know if I missed any!) Timelines are super messed up and don’t match with the time that things actually have happened in his life!

Word count: 2,199

Now as I look back at 16 year old me as a 23 year old, I’d tell her to listen to what adults told me: Teenage boys are Young, Dumb and full of cum. That was Austin. He asked me out after a couple months of being science class partners. After the first couple dates, I fell and I fell hard for him. He was always such a gentleman, opening doors for me, paying for dinner and always taking care of me.

My question is how did I think that having sex in the back of his car in an empty parking lot one night was a good idea. What did I say though? We were young and dumb.

Six Years Earlier

I was laying down in the back of his car, completely exposed as he looked in his wallet, his pocket and almost everywhere you could imagine looking for a condom but he came empty handed. “I don��t have one, babe.” He sighed. My eyes looked over his toned body as I could feel was lust. “Just pull out.” I said. “I’m not sure.” Austin said. “Please, Aus. I want you.” I said. He thought for a moment and nodded, lining up with my entrance. He let out a shaky breath as he finally pushed into me and I held his hand as pain and pleasure took over. I pulled him closer to me, needing him everywhere. I whimpered as I felt myself getting close. “Are you going to cum, baby?” He asked. “Mhm.” I moaned. He continued to thrust until my walls clenched around him and he thrusted until he quickly pulled out. Not soon enough. He came on my stomach and collapsed down next to me.

We laid in each others arms for a little while longer before we got dressed and he drove me home. “I love you, I’ll call you tomorrow.” He said. “I love you.” I said and closed the car door.

The next week I didn’t feel well. I had no appetite and was fatigued, I just expected it to be PMS. That was until the nausea and vomiting started. After I was sent home by the school nurse for the “stomach flu” I made the decision to buy a pregnancy test. Once I arrived at the pharmacy and made it to the “family planning” aisle I grabbed 3 boxes of the cheapest tests and headed home after paying.

Sitting on my bathroom floor I tapped my foot as 4 pregnancy tests sat on the counter above me. I couldn’t be pregnant though, I was only 16. I was just over reacting. A moment later the timer on my phone went off and I checked the tests one at a time. The first one, two bold pink lines. I felt sick. I slowly flipped the second one to again be met with two lines.

All I could do was cry, I cried for days, especially once my parents found out. They tried to force me to abort but I refused, this was my baby and I was going to raise it. Austin called and came to my house but I never answered, I couldn’t handle to see him, out of anger, fear and embarrassment. Once I started showing, mom and dad couldn’t handle to see me anymore, they sent me to my grandma’s home in the next town over.

I took GED classes and got my diploma when I was 5 months pregnant. Grandma had money and was very willing to help pay for raising my baby but I refused, it wasn’t right to let her pay. I got myself in this situation so I was going to work and take care of it. I turned 17 when I was 8 months along and had two jobs, my day job a cashier at a grocery store and my night and weekend job as an assistant at a hospital. I thought about Austin a lot, I was so in love with him but I don’t think I could face him now.

I took maternity leave a week before my baby was born. My beautiful Matilda Lori Y/L/N was born on August 16th, the day before Austins birthday. I held her in my arms just looking at her. She had his blonde hair and pink lips. All I saw was him. She looked just like him.

Once my maternity leave ended, I got back to work while also taking classes to get my bachelors degree so I could get a better job, maybe get our own place. Grandma was so helpful, taking Matilda when I was working and when I had my online classes.

Finally I graduated, turned 20 and had a three year old in preschool. I was able to find a great job in marketing at a large company. I truly enjoyed it, I was able to work from home to be with my little girl.

Present Day

I looked through recommended kindergartens on google and tried my best not to cry, she was growing up and I couldn’t slow it down. “Mommy!” She screeched. I quickly shot up from my chair and ran through our house to find her in her playroom with her Barbie and Ken dolls. “What’s wrong, baby?” I said, coming to a halt and slipping until my back hit the door frame. “Look! They married now.” She said, holding the dolls and making them kiss. “That’s great, baby. Beautiful ceremony.” I said. “Mommy? Why do you not have a Ken?” She asked. Recently she had fallen into her “Why?” Phase and that was her main question. “Why do I not have a Ken?” The question made me sad, I hated that she was growing up without a dad but I wasn’t ready to start dating again. We had just moved into our own house in my home town and I was enjoying it just being us girls.

“Well, because mommy hasn’t found her Ken yet.” I said with a smile. She nodded and got back to playing. “How about we go get coffee……And hot chocolate!” I said, watching her light up once I said hot chocolate. “Yes!” She squealed. “Nom Nom Nom! I’m going to eat you!!” I said in a Cookie Monster voice as I chased her to her room. I sat her on her bed and walked to her closet. “It’s a little chilly today so we need long sleeves, ok?” I asked. “Ok.” She said. After digging through her closet, I picked out floral bell bottom leggings, a white turtle neck and a Jean jacket. “Do you like this outfit?” I asked her. She nodded. I helped her get changed and then walked her to the living room. “Mommy has to get ready, I’m going to put bluey on for you. If you need me just come get me.” I said, kissed her head and walked to my room. I decided on wearing a cute white floral sun dress with a cardigan over since it wasn’t too cold. I did my makeup and put my hair up in a claw clip.

I helped Matilda put on her pink converse and put on my matching pair. I locked up the house and got us in the car. “Are you going to get a fancy hot chocolate?” I asked as we drove. “Yes! Very fancy.” She said. “Are you going to get it in a fancy cup?” I asked. “No…” She said. “Are you going to get it with extra chocolate?” I asked. “No.” She said. “Oh come on.” I said. “No! Extra whipped cream!” She said excitedly. “Holy cow! Extra whipped cream?” I asked. “Yes! All the whipped cream.” She said as I parked the car. Thankfully at this time the shop was pretty quiet, just a couple of cars. “Ok, remember, we have to use our inside voices and laughs.” I said as I unbuckled her. I picked her up and set her on the ground, holding her hand as we walked inside. There was just a man and two women in the shop, thankfully not at our favorite table. “Hi! I’ll get a lavender latte and a very fancy hot chocolate, little miss has got an important instruction.” I said to the barista. “Perfect! And what is this request Matilda?” She asked. “Extra whip cream!” She said. “Good choice! I’ll have that ready for you in a second, Y/n.” She said. I paid and put a dollar in the tip jar while we waited for our drinks.

Once we had them and sat down at our table I checked to make sure work hadn’t called before I turned my phone off to enjoy our “Mommy Daughter date”. “Are you excited to start kindergarten?” I asked. “Mhm!” She nodded with a whip cream mustache. “Oh, lick you lip honey, you look like a general from the 1800s.” I said. She licked her lip and smiled.

We talked for a while, mostly about bluey and her toys but I was with my girl, thats all that mattered. A chair squeaked and a tall man with black hair walked towards bathroom, his head down. A couple minutes later he walked back, stopping before his table and turned and walked to ours. Thats when I saw his face, it was Austin. “Here baby, take this and go get all the bakery treats you want.” I said, handing her a twenty dollar bill and Austin sat in her spot next to me. I knew it would take her a while, she was extremely indecisive like her mama. “Hi..” I said. “Hi, Y/n.” He said. We sat in an awkward silence for a moment until he spoke up. “So, how are you doing? I see you’ve got a kid.” He said with a smile. “I’m doing great. How are you? Yeah, I do. She’s the light of my life.” I said with a laugh. “She’s adorable, whats her name? I’m doing good.” He said. “I’m glad to hear that. She’s my little Matilda Lori.” I said. His eyes shot up. “Matilda Lori?” He asked. “Yeah, when I was in the hospital after having her, I couldn’t decide on a middle name, I’m so glad I decided on her grandmas name.” I said. “W-what?” He asked. “She’s your daughter, Aus.” I said. He cleared his throat and looked at her as she couldn’t decide between a muffin or a sandwich. I saw his eyes get teary. “The first time I held her, all I could see was you.” I said. “Why’d you leave?” He asked. “My parents kicked me out and I moved in with my grandma.” I said. “Why didn’t you call?” He asked. “I guess I was embarrassed and scared you wouldn’t love me anymore. I regret not telling you everyday.” I said.

I watched as he collected his thoughts. “She’s 5 and loves playing soccer. Her birthday is August 16th and every year since she could talk she asks for a green unicorn. She’s healthy and is excited to start kindergarten this fall. I work at a marketing company and we just bought a house here this year. Now tell me about you.” I said. “Um- I’m still acting, I’m playing Elvis in the biopic.” He said. “That explains the hair.” I said. “A-are you married?” He asked. “Nope, but miss Matilda over there keeps asking why I don’t have a Ken.” I said. He gave me a confused look. “She’s obsessed with Barbie and Ken dolls.” I laughed. He laughed too. “Are you?” I asked. “No, I haven’t been able to connect with someone since you.” He said. “Same.” I said. I took a sip of my coffee. “I want you to have a relationship with her, she needs a dad in her life. She has a soccer game on Saturday, text me and I’ll send you the details.” I said writing my number on a napkin and giving it to him. “I’ll be there.” He said, putting the napkin in his pocket. “I don’t think we should tell her yet, she won’t understand.” I said. “I agree, she needs to at least get to know me first.” I nodded as Matilda walked over and sat on my lap, giving Austin a confused look. “Stranger danger?” She asked. “No honey, this is Austin. He’s mommy’s friend.” I said. She nodded and started eating her cookie. “It was great talking with you Y/n and it was nice to meet you, Matilda.” Austin said as he stood up. “It was great to see you, Aus.” I said. He grabbed his things from his table and walked out the door.

On Saturday I was sitting on my lawn chair, Austin next to me. He wouldn’t take his eyes off the game and clapped every time she scored a goal. “Can you believe shes ours? She’s amazing, isn’t she.” I smiled. “She really is.” He said. “Y/n, I know it’s been a while but would you want to give us a try again? Its ok if not, I just thought maybe since we have a daughter and because I really miss you but if not I’m ok-” “I’d love to.” I said, holding his hand.

Taglist:

@18lkpeters @abloversblog @purejasmine @violetdaze25 @maddiemunson333 @shelbygeek

272 notes · View notes

takemebackto-eden · 9 months

Text

Hey Stranger • An Eddie Munson fanfiction

Part One blurb •

Nina: “Why do you love me, Eddie?”

Eddie: “You were like coming up for fresh air.” [fiddling with his rings nervously] “Life kinda blurred into one long day. And then I met you.” [looking at her lovingly] “And you brought me back to life. I feel like the old me again.”

Nina: [looking at him sadly] “Do you think we’ll get through this?”

Eddie: “We have to.” [smiling at her] “I haven’t finished loving you yet.”

Eddie’s life didn’t change much after he returned from the upside down. People still hated him, blamed him, and he retreated to a shell of his former self. Life passed him by, blurring into the same everyday routine. Until Nina, Robin’s ‘sort-of’ cousin, arrives in Hawkins.

Fleeing from her past in California, Nina’s world is turned upside down (no pun intended) as she falls head over heels for the freak of Hawkins.

Can these two lost souls find peace with each other or will the demons of their past come back for them?

Chapter One - Black Magic Woman - A new person in town arrives at Hawkins Record Store.

Chapter Two - Freak - Eddie and Nina meet again at Steve’s house.

Chapter Three - Late Night Talking * - A much anticipated study group.

Chapter Four - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - Nina helps Eddie with his English assignment

Chapter Five - Everywhere - Crushes deepen at Steve’s BBQ.

Chapter Six - Happier than Ever - Nina runs for the hills, but the view is clearer at the top.

Chapter Seven - How Do I Get You Alone? - Eddie is Nina’s knight in a leather jacket at the Corroded Coffin gig at the Hideout.

Chapter Eight - I Think We're Alone Now * - Eddie confesses some truths and Nina helps Eddie.

Chapter Nine - Suitcase - Lovers Lake, it’s their spot.

Chapter Ten - Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby *- Nina confesses some truths and Eddie helps Nina.

Chapter Eleven - Go Your Own Way - The love bubble is burst by California calling.

Chapter Twelve - The Way You Make Me Feel - Robin and Nina have a girls night out on the town.

Chapter Thirteen - Cinnamon Girl - Nina’s insecurities get the better of her.

Chapter Fourteen - I Was Made For Loving You * - End of the school year brings a fun outing and two newcomers.

Chapter Fifteen - The Night Does Not Belong To God * - Nina and Eddie celebrate Eddie graduating in a unique way.

Chapter Sixteen - California Dreaming - Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Chapter Seventeen - Matilda - The ugly truth and bitter reality.

Chapter Eighteen - When I Was Young - Time heals wounds.

Chapter Nineteen - Mine * - The Beginning of the End, but in a good way.

Part Two blurb •

Eddie: “Nina, can you hear me?” [Nina strums the guitar again] “Nina! I’m right here baby, I’m here.” [Eddie reaches out to touch her, his fingers floating through the apparition of her. Yet somehow, she turns around, looking straight at him, more like through him.] “Baby…” [Eddie’s voice cracks] “I’m right here.”

Nina: “Eddie? Are you here?” [Eddie can see Nina speaking but no words can be heard] “I’m right here honey, I’m here!”

She lies down on the bed, clutching Eddie’s pillow tightly, calming down her shaking breaths. Eddie smiles as she lies down, strumming the guitar as she nuzzles into the pillow.

Eddie: “I’m here baby, I’m right here. It’s going to be okay.” [the song ends and Eddie puts away his guitar, lying down next to the apparition of Nina] “I’m coming for you baby, just hold on.”

They both lie facing each other; Nina in the Upside Down and Eddie in regular Hawkins, both so close but so far apart.

Chapter Twenty - Don't Fear the Reaper * - Halloween approaches Hawkins.

Chapter Twenty One - Season of the Witch - Something ominous is coming.

Chapter Twenty Two - Dark Signs - Eddie finally tells Nina the truth and an unexpected visitor arrives in Hawkins.

Chapter Twenty Three - Love You to Death * - Halloween night is here.

Chapter Twenty Four - Nothing Else Matters * - The penny drops / 6 days left

Chapter Twenty Five - Just Pretend - The party search for answers / 5 days left

Chapter Twenty Six - Euclid - Nina ascends / 4 days left

Chapter Twenty Seven - Follow You - The gang comes up with a plan / 4 days left

Chapter Twenty Eight - A Hundred Kisses *- The gang break the law / 4 days left

Chapter Twenty Nine - Beautiful Dawn - Nina and the gang work through the bucket list / 3 days left

Chapter Thirty - The Summoning * - Nina and the gang go to the Hideout for one last hurrah / 2 days left

Chapter Thirty One - Living On a Prayer

Chapter Thirty Two - The Apparition

Chapter Thirty Three - Delusions of Saviour

Chapter Thirty Four - All I Wanted Was You

Chapter Thirty Five - Lonely Day

Chapter Thirty Six - The End of Heartbreak

Chapter Thirty Seven - You and I

Chapter Thirty Eight - Eternally Yours

Hey Stranger One Shots • A collection of little bits I’ve written which didn’t have a place in the fic but I thought were cute, so I’m posting them here - COMING SOON

18+ PLEASE, MINORS DNI

content themes: whirlwind / fast romance, soul mates, swearing, smut, angst, fluff, alcohol use, drug use, mental health warnings, depression, abusive household, alcoholism, parental abuse / problems, violence, HURT/COMFORT, (all chapters with this content will have warnings above) Eddie survived the upside down, mentions of upside down, eventual return to upside down.

SMUT LABELED WITH *

28 notes · View notes

the-au-thor · 7 months

Text

Little Witch | Chapter 3

A/N: A chill one. We dive into Spencer's friends and his relationship with reader getting closer. Matilda is being a mini Spencer! If you want to be added to some tag list or want to scream at my face, go ahead and tell! ILY

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female reader

Words: 3.5 k

Warning: read it here!

Taglist: @cultish-corner

⇜ ⇝

"I missed you both..."

Chapter 3

You didn't expect to visit the BAU again. It's not that you didn't want to, but it wasn't your place; everything was too neat and immaculate—neutral colors, nothing flashy or sentimental. That changed when Penelope offered to give you a tour of the Behavioral Analysis Unit. She had been persuasive with an invitation to "have a cup of tea" the night before. Unexpectedly, you found yourself having tea in the place where Spencer worked on a day when no one should be in the office.

"I feel sorry this isn't in a cafe. I would have loved to invite you to my favorite place, but I'm a bit tied up here now," Penelope apologized.

"Doesn't it scare you?" you asked as she guided you to the office where she was temporarily staying. Something about some very dangerous serial killlers (yes, more than one) wanting her dead .

"A little. I hate being in hiding, and I hate even more that someone out there wants to kill me," she responded, her face showing terror. "I miss Sergio, my cat, and my plants a lot"

You entered the office and realized that the BAU's aesthetics had gone out the window in Penelope's temporary dwelling. Flowers adorned every corner, cartoon figures and stuffed animals were everywhere, and there was even a small stove.

"You've certainly made the place cozy," you added with a reassuring smile, placing your hand on Matilda, who was peacefully sleeping in your arms. "Do you think I can leave her on your sofa?" you asked, and Penelope quickly made space for Matilda, who stretched a bit and settled on the sofa to continue sleeping.

Penelope watched her with amazement. "She's so cute. She has your mouth and Spencer's eyes, it's amazing"

You half-smiled at her comment, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.

"You know Matilda is Spencer and my twin's daughter , right?"

Penelope nodded slowly, approaching a small coffee maker and turning it on.

"I know. Spence told me, but if she's your twin, Matilda will resemble you, won't she?" She shrugged as if it were straightforward. "You're her mom, and that brings me to why I invited you here while Spencer is away and can't stop me from doing it" she added.

"I thought you just wanted to get to know me," you said.

Pen nodded. "I do, but I also want to make sure you—.... I need to make sure you know you can count on us. I need to know that you understand Spencer is possibly the best choice to be someone's dad, right?"

You blinked, terribly confused, and stopped her. "Why do you think I wouldn't understand that?" you furrowed your brow.

"It's just that... I know the job he has can be terrifying at times, and I know the hours he puts in aren't exactly office hours, but I know he'll do an excellent job," she paused again nervously. "I'm overstepping, aren't I? Did I overstep? I'm sorry; I just really want Matilda to always have Spencer by her side."

You observed her carefully, feeling somewhat disoriented. You were certain that this meeting with Penelope hadn't been orchestrated by Spencer. Her feelings seemed genuine and honest. You decided to be diplomatic until the ice broke and tension left the table.

"It's okay," you murmured in response, taking a deep breath before speaking again. "I understand what you mean, but you have to know this: whether Matilda always has her dad around will depend on Spencer. I will never interfere in the relationship she has with her dad," you asserted with determination. Penelope's eyes gleamed with joy, and your words seemed to have a soothing effect on her.

Suddenly, her whole body seemed relaxed, and she smiled from ear to ear. "Is it true?" she asked in a hushed voice.

You nodded, giving a half-smile. "It's true."

She reached for your hands, holding them firmly and letting out a joyful squeal.

"That's fantastic! You have no idea the relief I feel now. Because I've known Spencer since he was 23, and he's one of the most amazing people I know. He's been through so much, and you probably don't know, but I've never seen him smile like when he talks about Matilda," she seemed to defend her point again, but this time more calmly. She released your hands slowly when the coffee maker was already working and served both of you steaming cups of coffee adorned with small marshmallows.

They sat at the small table Penelope had there and continued the conversation, this time with a more relaxed and familiar tone.

"We didn't talk much, Mela and I, but we certainly saw each other more often than our parents visited her. She was... a bit lost, and I was just starting to work as a primary school teacher. It was hard, and with the time Matilda came into the picture; we were so excited," you admitted to Penelope's enthusiastic smile.

"Can I ask... did you know you would take care of her in case... you know?" she asked somewhat hesitantly.

"Yes," you nodded in response. "Mela had said it. Although I never wanted something like that to happen, the prospect of having a daughter was certainly not a problem. I've always wanted to be a mom," you admitted.

Penelope took one of her homemade cookies to her mouth and, after eating, jumped to the next question. "And what about you? Have you never thought about starting a family?"

"I have," you admitted honestly without thinking too much. They were already there talking, right? It's not like this was going to end soon, and Penelope had gained your trust very quickly. "I had a boyfriend for many years; I thought I would start a family with him, but we eventually broke up when Mela died."

"Meaning there's no guy in your life right now?" She smiled.

It wasn't easy, with a life like yours—not that other people's lives were less challenging, but dating someone right now wasn't a priority on your list.

"No. There isn't," you half-smiled.

"It means that when you're not working, you're with Matilda," Penelope reasoned, somewhat surprised. "When was the last time you went out with a friend for coffee?"

You leaned back in the chair and sighed resignedly.

"The truth is, I haven't done it in a year," you admitted, making her open her mouth in amazement.

"Oh, sweetheart. You need to be part of our girls' nights. That happens when there are no cases, so Spencer can be with Matilda, and you come with us. My tequila Margarita is legendary, do you like margaritas?"

"I love tequila margarita," you smiled excitedly as Penelope reached out and took your hand.

"It's a deal!" she declared. "I'll call you when we have a day, and you must come, okay?"

You nodded, and with her face adorned by a smile, she took your hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, and then let go.

"Do you think you can leave here soon?" you asked, changing the subject a bit.

"Well," Penelope lowered her eyes to her cup and then looked at you with a hint of concern in her eyes. "Now that Spencer's here, maybe we'll work much faster. We're getting close to solving everything," she added.

You leaned back in your chair and finished your coffee. "You'll make it, and you'll be back home with your cat very soon, I know. You guys are the best in your field, and that's saying a lot," you tried to encourage her.

"I know," she sighed, distressed. "And that's the only thing that helps me sleep at night."

"Just have a little patience; I know everything will be fine."

Penelope was fantastic, and you had to admit that the three hours spent talking and drinking coffee flew by like a kite. She was interesting and admirable, and although your tendency to solitude wanted to discourage you, you were curious to meet the rest of Spencer's colleagues. You were reassured because they were the kind of people you would want Matilda to be around and see as an example.

"Is Spencer coming back today?" Penelope asked as you stood up to put on your jacket and wake up Matilda from her long nap.

"Yes, I'll take her to his house today so they can spend the weekend together," you explained. "They haven't seen each other in many days, and this little girl already misses him a lot, right?" you asked Matilda, who was starting to get up from the sofa with rosy cheeks and a bit of hair stuck to her face due to sweat.

Matilda opened and closed her eyes slowly and then yawned, a clear sign for Penelope to approach her and take her in her arms.

"It's okay, little doll, you'll go home soon," she cradled her in her arms, and you saw Matilda rest her face on Penelope's neck, causing her face to contract in a gesture of tenderness. She looked at you through her glasses with concern. "Did you say you came by subway?"

"Yes; I have my car in maintenance, they'll deliver it to me tomorrow morning."

Penelope jumped a little when her phone vibrated strongly in the pocket of her jacket, and she unlocked it to read something on the screen.

"Oh, just in time!" she announced. "Hotchner came to drop off some groceries and said he would take you to Spencer's house."

You shook your head. "It's not necessary. Subway is super safe at this hour still."

"I work for the FBI, and that's a big lie, but you tried. Hotchner will come up with the groceries, and you can go with him."

And that was it. You couldn't refuse any longer because you knew that no argument would be valid, especially not for Hotchner, who adamantly refused to let you go alone. He had even installed his son's old car seat, so you couldn't continue refusing, especially when he had gone through so much trouble.

You had always thought Hotchner was too serious. In a way, every time you saw him, you felt like a girl who had gotten into trouble, and her parents were about to punish her. But the ride in his car to Spencer's house helped you realize that when he smiled and wasn't working, he was a completely different person. They talked about Penelope and raising children. Your admiration grew when you learned about the circumstances in which he was raising his son, doing it alone and carrying the pain of losing his wife.

"Wait," Hotchner stopped you when you took Matilda out of her seat and said to him. "I know you've heard it from all the team members, but I want you to know that you can always count on us, okay? You're family, and we take care of family."

That honesty sent waves of warmth through your body, deeply moving you. Finally, you nodded, stroking Matilda's neck.

"Thank you, Aaron. I know."

The man nodded solemnly at you and said goodbye to Matilda with a wave that the little girl returned. You watched him drive away, disappearing down the main street in silence. Then, you turned to Matilda, prompting her to look at you, and you smiled cheerfully.

"Ready to see Daddy, little bug?" you asked, and the girl nodded, much less drowsy than before as you started walking towards the building where Spencer lived.

As always, he didn't take long to open the door, and after a few seconds, Matilda was jumping from your arms to Spencer's, clinging tightly to her father's neck. Spencer returned the gesture, burying his nose in his daughter's neck and closing his eyes tightly, as if convincing himself that he wasn't delusional, and you were both right there on the doorstep of his home. You observed them with an involuntary smile, and suddenly, Spencer's eyes opened while still hugging Matilda, and he smiled at you with teary eyes.

"I missed you both," he murmured, stepping back a bit from Matilda to take a step towards you and unexpectedly embracing you. It wasn't just a courtesy hug; Spencer was beyond mere social politeness. His arms enveloped you, and you felt his hand caressing one of your shoulders, leaving you somewhat stunned in the hallway in front of his door.

He had to invite you in to snap you out of the tiny stupor his gesture had left you in.

Spencer hurried to serve ice cream for Matilda, who was waiting seated in her little chair, swinging her feet as she usually did.

"How was Diana?" you asked as you heard Spencer moving around in his kitchen, opening and closing drawers.

"The first day, she was usually disoriented, but as time passed, her memory improved. Anyway, that will happen often; the doctor changed her medication again," he replied, appearing in the dining area with a tray of three plates filled with ice cream. Of course, Matilda's was loaded with colorful sprinkles.

You thanked him for the ice cream and sat down next to Matilda to help her eat, but Spencer sat on her other side, begging to be the one to feed her. Of course, you didn't refuse. Instead, you managed to see the happiness that covered Spencer's face with each spoonful of ice cream he brought to Matilda's mouth. Spencer's apartment was somewhat gloomy, interesting but still taken out of a Tim Burton movie. Nevertheless, it suited him; such a house should belong to a kind of Sherlock, a lover of gothic literature, and a Halloween party animal/ donut enthusiast. There, in the midst of his home, which could only be perfectly described by someone like Edgar Allan Poe, Spencer and Matilda laughing and eating ice cream with sprinkles were the perfect colorful aesthetic fracture.

"It's good that you went to see her. Maybe next time you can bring Matilda," you suggested.

He looked at you and smiled, but didn't give a clear answer. You didn't want to press him, but you knew something was bothering him.

"And you? What have been doing?" he asked, a blatantly drastic change of subject.

You rested your chin on one of your palms and watched them with a smile.

"We've been fine. Matilda is practicing a lot for her ballet recital," you added. "This Wednesday, Spencer," you reminded him.

Lately, they had noticed that Matilda was too restless, or so said her daycare teacher, who couldn't keep up with the girl. She easily got distracted and didn't want to sing the alphabet or numbers songs. She hated coloring animal cartoons with all her might and even more the naptime. They had been recommended to have her engage in some sport or physical activity that would distract her, and J.J suggested enrolling her in ballet. It had been good; although neither you nor Spencer had seen such distracted behavior, at least Matilda had found a pastime she truly enjoyed.

"I talked to Hotch. Everything's set," he nodded. "Besides, my official work doesn't start until a week from now."

"You can work on freeing Penelope from the horrible nightmare she's been living these last few days in Quantico," was your distracted response.

You couldn't see the curious frown on Spencer's face because you were too focused on the ice cream melting on your plate.

"Wait, I didn't tell you anything about that," you lifted your gaze and smiled playfully.

"Oh. Guess who invited me for tea this afternoon?" you replied with humor, causing Spencer to roll his eyes and smile.

"You won't be able to escape from Pen. I warn you," he teased.

You leaned back in your chair and took another spoonful of ice cream delicately, then, after savoring it, responded, "I don't want to escape from her. I actually liked her a lot."

You saw Spencer make that grimace he always made when trying to hide an embarrassed smile.

"We're making it work, aren't we? Raising Matilda, I mean" he murmured softly.

You wouldn't admit it, but that one sentence almost disarmed you.

Since you spent together that Thanksgiving dinner in Wyoming, you and Spencer had become a united front. You couldn't say you were friends; there were too many secrets between you to declare that level of intimacy, but at least now, you knew about each other, talked, and faced problems together. That was a huge progress compared to the tension that existed between you when you didn't talk at all.

"We're doing well," you reluctantly admitted with a hint of shyness. "Hey, I know it's not strictly your days to take care of Matilda, but I was thinking, since you haven't seen her for quite a few days... Do you want to have her tonight?" you offered, almost with a bit of pain in your chest.

The truth was, you hated being away from Matilda, but that feeling only made you think about how Spencer felt not having her close when she was with you.His eyes stopped on yours with surprise, as if he was crafting some lie, and when he didn't find one, he smiled excitedly.

"And what about you? Won't you miss her?"

"Terribly, but it's only fair. You've been apart for too long, and she really wants you to read that Matilda book... again."

David Rossi, one of Spencer's colleagues, had given her Roald Dahl's book as a Christmas gift, and Matilda was so excited about it that she always made you read the book to her without getting tired. If you didn't, somehow, she managed to snuggle into a corner of her bed and slowly connect the letters to form a complete sentence. She still couldn't read continuously, so she quickly got tired and asked you to read her favorite story again and again.

Spencer gave you an incredulous look and looked at Matilda with a smile.

"Little witch. Maybe it's good to change the story a bit. How about 'The Little Prince'?"

Matilda made a disgusted face.

"No-oh, 'The Little Prince' is dumb."

Spencer looked at you in shock.

"I know the DNA test came back positive, but this can't be my daughter."

You let out a contained laugh and looked at Matilda, who continued with the furrowed brow that she had undoubtedly inherited from Spencer.

"Oh. Bug, I think you'll regret saying that someday."

"'The Little Prince' is dumb," she repeated almost belligerently.

"Okay, little witch, it's dumb... why?" Spencer observed her as Matilda stared at him as if another eye or a horn had suddenly grown on his forehead. She leaned towards him and spoke.

"A rose talks to him, Daddy." Spencer burst into contagious laughter that prompted your amused laughter. Matilda remained totally serious. "Roses don't talk."

You saw Spencer put his hands on his stomach and bend over in laughter, and you felt the sting of tears in your eyes.

"Why is a little girl manipulating things with her mind normal, sweetheart?" you tried to say as you wiped the tears from your eyes and tried to calm down.

Matilda looked at you and crossed her arms, somewhat upset. Spencer straightened up in his chair once he had calmed down and tried to reason with the little one.

"Little witch, your mom and I aren't making fun of you. You are just adorable. You're brilliant and know what you want," he explained, caressing her hair with a smile. "Let's read 'Matilda''. But you have to promise to give other stories a chance, okay? Do you promise?" he raised his eyebrows and slowly won her over again.

Matilda relaxed and nodded gently. "Promise," she agreed.

And there it was again: both had immersed themselves in that bubble they had created. You ignored whatever sent twinges to your stomach and picked up the dishes to wash them. They wouldn't miss you anyway. You took the opportunity to fold the clothes that Matilda kept at Spencer's house and left Schrödinger on her bed while you listened to Spencer read to Matilda. Later, when Spencer and Matilda took you home and made sure you entered your apartment safely, you faced the lonely prospect that awaited you this weekend.

You poured a glass of your favorite wine, drank it while watching an episode of Fleabag, then went to bed. Your eyes were heavy, and you could feel sleep beginning to creep inside you. That's when you remembered that you hadn't told Spencer that you had missed him too.

And you couldn't sleep for the rest of the night.

#criminal minds #spencer reid #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid x reader #dr spencer reid #criminal minds fanfic #aaron hotchner #penelope garcia

23 notes · View notes

mermaidsirennikita · 2 months

Note

Any stalking historical romance you would recommend?

A Rose at Midnight by Anne Stuart. He doesn't stalk her at first, but he DOES after she poisons him with the intent to murder him (justified) and it doesn't really let up from there. Very dark, check your TWs.

Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt. Obviously. Valentine lives in his walls spying on Bridget for like. Months. Duke of Pleasure has some heroine-on-hero stalking with Alf acting as like a vigilante and watching the Duke of Kyle. Duke of Desire has some stalking as well. All of these are on the darker side, so check your TWs.

I just finished (and loved) The Gentleman Who Loved Me by Grace Callaway. The hero is 14 years older than the heroine and knew her when she was a kid--she was very much a little sister to him, she doesn't remember him because again, she was very young. Years later, when she's an adult, he comes across her again and begins keeping a look out for her, paying off people spreading gossip about her, threatening people who want to do her wrong, following her.... NORMAL BIG BRO STUFF.

Lady Charlotte's and The Seductive Spymaster by Grace Callaway. Charlie thinks her husband's long dead, but he's very much alive and has recently started following her around and fucking up her attempts to move on (after like OVER A DECADE). Very funny, and weeeeeirdly hot.

Beyond Scandal and Desire by Lorraine Heath. It's LIGHT here, but I do think that Mick Trewlove following Aslyn around as part of his Revenge Plot (and also staring out his window broodingly while rubbing a strand of pearls she lost in a bet at his club, which he immediately took from the winner) comes off as pretty stalkerish.

Rules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley. More heroine on hero stalking! The heroine is from the gutter and becomes obsessed with the stern lawyer hero, following him around all over town.

Melissa and The Vicar by S.M. LaViolette. Magnus hunts Melissa down like a DOG when she leaves him. And it takes him weeks and he doesn't sleep well during that time so he looks like SHIT and is completely deranged. I. Love. It.

In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint by Alexandra Vasti. Some light heroine on hero stalking from afar. The heroine draws the hero in some of her personal porn, which is, as we know, one of my favorite things.

Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas. Lmao Harry most definitely stalks Poppy everywhere and basically ruins her life to force her to marry him. Kinda king shit tbh.

Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale. GLORIOUS STALKERY. Allegreto does some mastermind.mp3 shit to get Elena in his clutches, only to realize.... she's kind of A LOT.

The Duke Who Knew Too Much by Grace Callaway. Again, some heroine on hero stalking, I think. Emma is stalking her hero to prove that he committed a murder because she saw him doing thing against his mistress's will before she died! And he has to explain what CNC is to her. Bless.

I would also say that Pippa and The Prince of Secrets has a good deal of stalkery vibes? Cull is Keeping His Eye on Pippa because she's getting into trouble and he's now like, the leader of a bunch of CHILD THIEVES LMAO. A lot of Grace's books have stalkery elements, tbh, and fortunately I do love that.

The Lady Hellion by Joanna Shupe has a heroine who dresses as a man to go fight for justice at night, and a hero who's all "NOW WAIT ONE GODDAMN MINUTE" and starts stalking her as a result. It's all fun and games until you're following some broad around through brothels at night, boys.

Never Seduce a Duke by Vivienne Lorret has a hero who becomes obsessed with the heroine and follows her on a wild goose chase across Europe because he's convinced that she stole his special secret demented Arthurian cookbook. She.... just thinks he likes her, lmao.

#romance novel blogging #romance novels #book recs

8 notes · View notes

moviebracket · 1 year

Text

One group of polls will go up each day and polls will be a week long! Submissions will remain open through the end of the first round, and I'll add some more first round groups depending on submission numbers! Apologies for the brief absence, I had some personal stuff going on.

Movies that lose by smaller margins may have a chance to return to the bracket at the end of Round 1.

Round 1 Group A

Lilo & Stitch (78%) vs Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (22%)

Pan's Labyrinth (53%) vs Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers (47%)

Legally Blonde (96%) vs The Last Temptation of Christ (4%)

Brother Bear (59%) vs Kubo and the Two Strings (41%)

Round 1 Group B

Stardust (47%) vs Heathers (53%)

The Batman (2022) (47%) vs Moulin Rouge! (53%)

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (58%) vs Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (42%)

Now You See Me (78%) vs Morbius (22%)

Round 1 Group C

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (29%) vs The Prince of Egypt (71%)

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (32%) vs The Princess Bride (68%)

Rogue One (33%) vs Spirited Away (67%)

Goncharov (90%) vs Love Actually (10%)

Round 1 Group D

A Silent Voice (38%) vs Princess Mononoke (62%)

How to Train Your Dragon (65%) vs The Sound of Music (35%)

Knives Out (43%) vs Howl's Moving Castle (57%)

Little Miss Sunshine (42%) vs The Little Mermaid (1989) (58%)

Round 1 Group E

A Quiet Place (45%) vs Zombieland (55%)

10 Things I Hate About You (72%) vs Lemonade Mouth (28%)

Juno (21%) vs The Addams Family (1991) (79%)

The Parent Trap (1998) (54%) vs Bend It Like Beckham (46%)

Round 1 Goup F

Rent (48%) vs West Side Story (2021) (52%)

Elf (39%) vs The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (61%)

Hairspray (2007) (43%) vs Mamma Mia! (57%)

Clueless (51%) vs Miss Congeniality (49%)

Round 1 Group G

Forrest Gump (50%) vs Kingsman: The Secret Service (50%)

Enchanted (69%) vs Ferris Bueller's Day Off (31%)

Battle Royale (45%) vs High School Musical (55%)

Matilda (1996) (60%) vs Chicago (40%)

Round 1 Group H

Mean Girls (54%) vs School of Rock (46%)

The Hitman's Bodyguard (25%) vs Grease (75%)

The Nightmare Before Christmas (51%) vs Parasite (49%)

The Wizard of Oz (46%) vs Star Wars: A New Hope (54%)

Round 1 Group I

Populaire (13%) vs Labyrinth (87%)

Matilda (2022) (17%) vs Kung Fu Panda (83%)

Superman (1978) (44%) vs The Sixth Sense (56%)

The Martian (65%) vs Trainspotting (35%)

Round 1 Group J

Dune (37%) vs Back to the Future (63%)

Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension (44%) vs The Return of the King (56%)

Home Alone (63%) vs Frozen (37%)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (59%) vs Meet the Robinsons (41%)

Round 1 Group K

Crazy Rich Asians (68%) vs The Phantom of the Opera (2004) (32%)

Alien (75%) vs Mulholland Drive (25%)

The Imitation Game (39%) vs The Simpsons Movie (61%)

Castle of Cagliostro (59%) vs Once Upon a Time in the West (41%)

Round 1 Group L

North by Northwest (22%) vs Arrietty (78%)

Scream (53%) vs War and Peace (1966/1967) (47%)

Arrival (18%) vs The Rocky Horror Picture Show (82%)

Little Shop of Horrors (1986) (55%) vs Night at the Museum (45%)

Round 1 Group M

Steven Universe: The Movie vs Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Everything Everywhere All at Once vs Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Rise of the Guardians vs She's the Man

Pacific Rim vs Treasure Planet (2002)

Round 1 Group N

Deadpool vs Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse

Pitch Perfect vs Get Out

The Perks of Being a Wallflower vs Mad Max: Fury Road

Inception vs The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Round 1 Group O

The Princess Diaries vs Paddington

Pride vs Velvet Goldmine

Shrek 2 vs The Devil Wears Prada

Saw vs But I'm a Cheerleader

Round 1 Group P

Evil Dead 2 vs Nope

Whip It vs I Love You Phillip Morris

Jennifer's Body vs Ginger Snaps

Bodies Bodies Bodies vs The Social Network

Round 1 Group Q

The Mummy (1999) vs The Silence of the Lambs

Fight Club vs The History of Future Folk

Cyrano vs Beetlejuice

Die Hard vs While You Were Sleeping

Round 1 Group R

Cocaine Bear vs Boy Meets Girl

Clue vs Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves

Coco vs Wendell & Wild

The Lost Boys vs Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

#bracket #tournament #movies

40 notes · View notes

holdmeclosertinytaron · 11 months

Text

RHW: Epilogue

Story Page / Playlist / Wattpad / AO3

PLEASE READ: The day is here. Right Here, Waiting is officially over. It's been a ride, to say the least. I've laughed and I've cried, but I've enjoyed every single minute of it. @brayndilyn and I turned a tiny little idea into something that I am infinitely proud of. Her love, support and help has been amazing and this story has given me a friend that I will cherish forever, so thank you, B!

You may notice that this epilogue is set on the 5th of August, 2023...TODAY. I wanted to do something fun and cool and having the story end on the day that it ends just seemed so fitting. I hope you enjoy the epilogue as much as you've loved the rest of the story. I'm off on a little hiatus now but I'll be back soon.

Word Count: 6.4k

Warnings: PURE FLUFF

August 5th, 2023

After a wet July filled with continuous torrential downpours, August brought with it the promise of the sunshine that everybody craved. Taron and Liliana had quickly escaped the hustle and bustle of London at the first sign of sun to spend the week in Aberystwyth with their family.

Liliana was excited to spend Matilda’s twelfth birthday with her. Matilda had started high school in September and had been so busy that Liliana hadn’t been able to spend as much time with her as she would have liked. Having a week to see her as often as she liked made her insides jump with excitement.

The second day they were in Wales, it was a warm Saturday morning and Liliana woke up before Taron. He nestled into her back with his nose tucked into the back of her neck. Liliana lay in bed for a little while after she’d woken up just to enjoy Taron’s touch on her skin, but when she grew a little too warm, she climbed out and pulled on some leggings.

Tina was already downstairs when Liliana slipped into the living room, and she turned her attention away from the TV to smile at Liliana.

‘Good morning, honey. Sleep well?’

Liliana nodded. ‘I did, thank you. Taron’s still sleeping but I don’t think it’ll be too long until he’s awake.’

‘You came downstairs,’ Tina chuckled. ‘I give him a solid fifteen minutes before he comes in here looking for you.’

‘I was going to say more like ten. I had to try so hard to pull myself away from him. I’m going to go make a cup of coffee. Would you like one?’

Tina shook her head softly and held her mug up. ‘I’ve got one already, lovely. Thank you though. I’ll come and chat to you in the kitchen, I’ve had a bit of an idea I want to run by you.’

Liliana walked through to the kitchen with Tina close behind her. She’d been at Tina’s house overnight countless times in the almost eighteen months that she and Taron had been together, but it wasn’t until that morning that she realised just how at ease she was there.

She didn’t feel the need to tiptoe everywhere she went in fear of making too much noise with her steps. She didn’t stop in doorways to listen and make sure that nobody was in a room before she entered.

And she felt completely free to make herself a drink or get something to eat without having to ask or feel like a burden. She let out a shaky breath as she grabbed the mug that Tina had bought specifically for her, and she blinked back tears.

‘So this plan?’ Liliana said to try and distract herself from the emotions racing through her.

Tina settled herself on one of the dining chairs and watched Liliana glide around the kitchen effortlessly. ‘I was thinking, because the sun has finally decided to make an appearance and because I want to celebrate getting to spend the entire week with my two oldest babies, what if we have a barbecue this afternoon?’

Liliana’s heart swelled at Tina calling her one of her babies, and she turned to her with an emotional smile. ‘That sounds really lovely. Taron and I could go to the shops if you needed? It wouldn’t be a bother.’

‘No, it’s okay,’ Tina insisted. ‘If you’re okay to watch the girls for me, I’ll go. Plus, if I’m being completely honest, I need Taron to clean the barbecue before we use it.’

Liliana let out a small chuckle. ‘I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to do that. I ought to be making him a drink too, huh? Considering it’s been five minutes since I got downstairs.’

‘It might be a good idea. Do you think Eliza would be okay with Matilda coming around today? She could spend the night too, if she’d like.’

The corners of Liliana’s lips curled up into a grin as she nodded her head. ‘That would be amazing. Thank you, Tina. But please let me give you some money towards the food and anything extra. It’s the least I can do for everything you’ve done for Taron and me recently.’

Tina shook her head firmly. ‘Nope. I won’t take money from you, Lili. It’s what family does.’

‘Exactly. Family helps each other out. Let me give you the money for the crisps and things at least then.’

‘Liliana Esme,’ Tina chastised lightly. Liliana looked down sheepishly and it took her a short while to finally look back up at Tina.

‘Sorry.’

Tina chuckled with a small wink. ‘There’s been this idea floating around in my head for a few months now but I didn’t know when, or how to bring it up in the best way.’

Liliana furrowed her brows as she put the used tea bag into the small caddy next to the kitchen.

‘I love you just as much as I love Taron and the girls. If anything happened to you, I would be beside myself. You are amazing, and I wish you’d had the grown up you needed in your life when you were little. I’ve been thinking…if you feel comfortable enough, this is, that you could maybe call me mum? You absolutely do not have to, I just thought…oh I don’t even know, I just thought it might be nice.’

Liliana’s breath stopped momentarily as a rush of contrasting emotions filled her mind. Tina had been more like a mum to Liliana throughout her teenage years than Eliza had, and she’d accidentally slipped and called Tina ‘mum’ on a few occasions. But knowing that she had Tina’s blessing–that she would finally be able to call someone mum again, and knowing that she had a mum who loved her, it sent something weird zapping through her body and she couldn’t control the emotion as she wasn’t quite sure what it was.

‘That’s truly only if you feel comfortable though,’ Tina continued. She could sense the difference in Liliana’s demeanour and wanted to diffuse anything before it got too bad and Liliana shut down. The last thing Tina wanted to do was upset Liliana. ‘I wouldn’t ever want you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable.

‘It’s just…I want you to have a mum that you feel safe with. I want you to have a mum that loves you how you deserve to be loved, because my god you deserve to be loved, Liliana. Anyway, would Matilda prefer hot dogs or beef burgers for the barbecue? I’ll be getting cheese and doing some fried onions. If she’s anything like you, I’ll be buying Tesco out of onions.’

Liliana breathed out a slightly teary laugh. She was thankful for the sudden change in subject. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to call Tina mum. If anything she would have loved to. There was just something holding her back.

Things with Taron were perfect, to put it swiftly, but she knew just how quickly things changed in her life; how quickly things went bad. The last thing she wanted was for her to finally feel comfortable enough in a family for it all to be pulled from under her. It had happened before, and she swore that she wouldn’t let it happen again.

‘You may need to buy Tesco out of onions. Chances are she’ll probably have one of each. She isn’t fussy, bless her. You could put any food in front of her and she would give it a go. I don’t know where she got that from, I was so fussy when I was younger.’

‘You weren’t fussy,’ Tina said seriously. ‘You just hadn’t had the chance to try a lot of foods when you were younger so you were nervous to sway away from what you knew. I never had an issue with you trying new things. But if she likes both, I’ll make sure there’s both. The girls are the same. I’ll get Taron to clean the barbecue when he comes downstairs and we’ll be good to go. I’m surprised he hasn’t come down yet, it’s been ten minutes.’

As if on cue, Taron strolled into the kitchen with his arms stretched above his head. He yawned as he made his way over to Tina to kiss her on the cheek.

‘Morning, mam. I heard my name. What are you talking about me for?’

Tina looked at Liliana and they shook their heads simultaneously with small laughs that made Taron look between them with raised eyebrows.

‘I bet I didn’t,’ he laughed as he stalked towards Liliana. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her lips gently. ‘You came downstairs without me.’

‘Unlike some, I wake up early and don’t want to spend all day in bed,’ Liliana chuckled playfully before she kissed Taron again quickly. ‘Your mum suggested that we have a barbecue this afternoon. We’re going to watch the girls while she runs to Tesco and I’m going to call Matilda soon and see if she wants to come. Eliza won’t have a problem with it.’

Taron twisted his body until his hips rested against the worktop. He wrapped an arm around Liliana’s waist and tucked her into his side before he grabbed her mug of coffee to steal some.

‘Oi,’ Liliana chastised with wide eyes, ‘that’s mine, you bugger. There’s a mug behind you that I made for you.’

‘Yours always tastes nicer,’ Taron shrugged. ‘A barbecue sounds amazing though. Do you need me to clean it then, mam? It’s not been used for…I don’t even know how long. The chances are it’s a right mess and will need a good scrub.’

Tina licked her lips as she stood to put her empty mug in the sink next to Taron. ‘Funny you should ask,’ she said playfully.

Taron shook his head in fake disbelief. ‘I knew I heard you talking about me. I’ll get it cleaned this morning for you so it can sit for a while before I light it. Can I put towards the shopping? I don’t like the idea of you buying everything.’

‘I already told Liliana that I won’t accept any money from the two of you for it. You are my babies and I want to treat you. Am I okay to leave the girls with you now? They’re due to be waking up soon but I have a feeling Tesco will be packed if I leave it much longer.’

‘That’s fine,’ Liliana said quietly before she leaned up to kiss Taron’s cheek. ‘I’m going to go and call Matilda. I’ll be right back, babe.’

***

As Taron had thought, the barbecue was in need of a deep clean. It wouldn’t take much to get it clean but Taron got the power washer out to help speed things up. In a feeble attempt to stop his t-shirt from getting wet and dirty, he pulled it away from his body and threw it just inside the back door where it would be sage.

While he cleaned, Liliana and the three young girls all laid out on blankets on the grass together. The three younger girls played on Taron’s Nintendo Switch while Liliana read a book. After working on her second book for so long, it was nice to read for pleasure rather than for work. She’d made sure to pack multiple books for their week away so that she wouldn’t run out of reading material.

Liliana read her book until Taron rubbed his palms on the back of his jeans to dry them off somewhat. He’d distracted her so well that when Matilda scooted closer to her, she hadn’t flinched. It wasn’t until Matilda tapped her on the leg twice that Liliana diverted her attention away from her boyfriend to her little sister.

‘Thank you for letting me come,’ Matilda said quietly while she hugged Liliana from the side.

Liliana turned to her and smiled fondly. For all of their differences, they were still so alike. They had the same personality, and Liliana could feel the love that radiated from Matilda in the small moments.

‘You are so welcome, Little Bug. Are you excited to start year eight in September? I can’t believe that you’re already in your second year of high school.’

‘I’m a little nervous. Year seven was fun but the teachers have said we’re really starting to get into things this next year.’

‘Year eight is a little harder than year seven.’ Liliana wasn’t the type of person to sugar coat anything when it came to Matilda. She wanted her to know that things could be hard, and then give her ways around making it easier. ‘But it will go by so fast and you are so smart that you won’t even be able to tell the difference. Before you know it, you’ll be in year eleven and doing your GCSEs. High school can be hard, and I don’t want you to let anybody tell you otherwise.

‘And people can be awful, trust me on that one. But you are so headstrong, and so incredibly smart that I know you’re going to do amazing. If anybody starts to give you trouble–students or teachers–let me know. Taron and I went to that school and most of the teachers we had are still there and I can talk to them. Mr Francis, he could probably tell you some stories.’

‘He’s my English teacher!’ Matilda exclaimed happily. ‘He’s always really fun.’

‘That sounds like Mr Francis. He was Taron and me’s English teacher too. He caught us passing notes one day and I don’t think I will ever live that down.’

Matilda’s eyes widened in glee. ‘I’m going to ask him about you both in September. Hey, Lili? Do you think that you and Taron will ever get married?’

Liliana took a deep breath and moved her attention back to Taron. His back tensed as he cleaned and Liliana couldn’t help but want to run her hands down the length of it and let them settle just inside the waistband of his jeans. She shook her head before her daydream turned into something erotic and turned back to Matilda.

She leaned in close and whispered, ‘I don’t know, Tilly, but I hope we do. I love him a helluva lot and it would be nice to be married to him.’

‘Would you have kids?’

‘I don’t know, Til. That’s something that Taron and I would have to talk about one day. Why? Do you want us to get married and have babies?’

Matilda nodded. ‘Yeah. I’ve always wanted a brother. And who doesn’t love babies?’

Liliana chuckled and hugged Matilda to her side. Though she kept her eyes on Taron. Matilda had planted a thought in Liliana’s mind and it had turned into a whole daydream about one day being able to call Taron her husband. The thought made her insides turn to mush and she couldn’t hold back the grin that took over her face.

Unbeknownst to anyone else in the garden, Taron had heard Matilda’s question and had strategically taken a break from using the power washer in the hopes that he would hear how Liliana answered. Taron had known since March of the previous year that he wanted to spend the rest of his time on Earth with Liliana.

In the April of 2022, he had designed and bought a ring that he hoped she would love, ready for whenever Liliana was comfortable enough to take the next step and solidify their relationship further.

The past eighteen months had been utter bliss for Taron. He finally had the woman of his dreams and his best friend all rolled into one. But he knew that Liliana still faced her inner demons every day and he was willing to wait as long as she needed before he asked her the most important question.

A couple of months after their trip to Scotland, Liliana had moved in with him and that was enough for Taron. Liliana was the first person he saw when he woke up, and the last person he saw when he went to bed. If they lived like that for the rest of their lives without the titles of husband and wife, he was sure that he wouldn’t have minded.

Five months prior, when they celebrated their one year anniversary, he had casually brought up the idea of marriage but Liliana had been hesitant. She had drawn in on herself again and Taron knew that it was too much too soon. He apologised for bringing it up and made it up to her again and again that night, whispering sweet nothings into her ear continuously.

He had hoped that the idea of marriage wouldn’t scare Liliana so much, and he’d come up with a tentative plan to propose to her in November. It would be the two year anniversary of when they reunited at Liliana’s first book launch. But Taron carried the ring with him wherever he went, more so that he didn’t forget where he had hidden it, but also because he was worried about how Liliana might react if she saw it.

The second he heard Liliana tell Matilda that she wanted to marry him, he thanked his lucky stars that he’d taken the ring to Aberystwyth with him and that it was stashed in the bottom of his suitcase where there was no risk of Liliana coming across it. He decided to seize the moment, and a plan started to form in his head.

Liliana and Matilda had continued to whisper while Taron had his epiphany, and luckily they hadn’t noticed that he’d stopped cleaning. He closed the lip of the barbecue softly so that it didn’t make too loud of a noise.

‘Well, I believe it will do for our spur of the moment party this afternoon.’

Liliana looked up at Taron and smiled happily, ‘Great job, babe. It looks clean enough to eat off of!’ She winked at him and he gave her a sarcastic look while he planted his hands on both hips and wiggled them joyfully. ‘You are something else.’

‘You got that right, baby. I’m going to go and get cleaned up and put my top back on before I join in on all the fun you four are having. Do any of you want a drink while I’m inside?’

‘Can you bring us all another can, please? Thank you.’

Taron went back into the house and continued to work on his plan to get Liliana alone for a little while. He hoped that if he timed it right, they could be back at the house to celebrate with everyone before the barbecue was in full swing.

He bounded up the stairs two at a time and changed into a pair of shorts and a new t-shirt before he grabbed the ring from his suitcase. Before he left the bedroom, Taron checked in the mirror to make sure that the outline of the small, velvet box wasn’t obvious.

As luck would have it, Tina walked in the front door as Taron got to the bottom of the stairs. She jumped a little but chuckled when she saw that it was only Taron.

‘God you have a way of sneaking up on me,’ she laughed.

‘It was totally not on purpose,’ Taron laughed. ‘Let me help you with these bags. What did you buy, woman? They’re heavier than the girls.’

‘Hush your mouth, child. Though I may have gotten carried away with snacks. So the chances are we’re eating all of this over the next few days.’

‘That sounds like a plan to me. I actually need your help with something.’

‘Sure, baby. What do you need?’

Tine looked at her son with a puzzled look plastered on her face. She could tell that Taron was up to something but she couldn’t fathom what it could possibly be. He put the bags he carried down on the table and then turned to his mum fully.

He checked the back garden to make sure that none of the girls were on their way inside before he stuffed his hand into his pocket and gripped the small box that he’d kept well hidden for almost two years.

‘I happened to overhear Liliana telling Matilda that she hopes that we get married one day. And I figured, why not ask her today?’ He pulled the box out of his pocket and snapped it open to show his mum the ring. ‘This wasn’t the plan but I can’t wait any longer. It’s been such a long time coming. She’s the one, mum. Liliana is the one that I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.’

Tina’s jaw was on the floor and she had tears in her eyes. It wasn’t a surprise that Taron wanted to propose. She’d known how Taron felt about Liliana for years, but she hadn’t had a clue that he already had a ring.

‘I was going to tell you that I planned to propose but I just can’t wait any longer.’

‘Oh my goodness, this is amazing. My baby boy is going to propose!’ Tina’s voice got louder and Taron immediately turned to the back garden.

‘Mam,’ he shushed her through gritted teeth.

‘I’m sorry, honey, this is just so exciting! What do you need my help with?’

Taron closed the box and stuffed it back in his pocket so that there wasn’t a risk of anybody else seeing it before the time was right. ‘I need you to distract Rosie, Marie and Matilda while I get Liliana up to Constitution Hill. I thought it only fitting that I ask her there. It’s one of the most important places to us.’

Tina nodded in understanding and pulled Taron in for a long hug. ‘Of course, that would be perfect. And leave it to me, I’ll make sure the youngest are good while you’re gone. I’m so proud of you, little boy. And I’m so happy that Liliana is ready for forever. I told her that she can call me mum if she wants to and she got emotional. She’s really starting to open up more and I’m so happy.’

‘I think she’s finally ready to accept that she’s part of a family now. I just want to make it official. I’m going to go and get her. We won’t be too long, promise.’

‘Take your time, Taron.’

‘Thanks, mam. I love you.’

‘I love you too.’

Taron hugged his mum once more before he walked to the back door and admired the four girls at the top of the garden. He slowly made his way over towards them.

‘Hey, Love Bug, come here for a second,’ Taron called to Liliana as he neared where she rested on the grass. He opened his arms and Liliana automatically stepped into them when she got up. ‘Mum’s just got back from Tesco and it’s such a lovely day out. What do you say we got for a walk quickly? I was thinking about Constitution Hill. It’s been so long since we’ve been up there.’

Liliana gave Taron the same puzzled look his mum had and asked, ‘But what about the barbecue? Surely we could help your mum get everything ready? She’s already done so much by doing the shopping on her own. I can’t leave her to prepare everything on her own too.’

‘She had mentioned asking the girls to help her prepare everything, and you know how much they all love to help out in the kitchen. Especially when Matilda is here.’

Liliana was still visibly sceptical, but she couldn’t deny that she would love some alone time with Taron. ‘Sure, babe, that sounds like a great idea. But let’s take the funicular up so we aren’t gone too long. I would still like to help your mum prepare some stuff.’

‘My thoughts exactly,’ Taron smiled as he leaned down to kiss Liliana. ‘Come on, let’s get going.’

He wrapped his arm around Liliana’s shoulder and walked them towards the garden gate that led them down the side of the house and to the street. Matilda looked up at Liliana and the crease in her brow was obvious even from where Liliana was.

‘We’re just going to take a quick walk up the hill. We’ll be back before the barbecue starts, I promise,’ Liliana assured Matilda.

Matilda smiled and gave her a small wave goodbye before going back to playing games with the other two. Liliana waved at Tina as they passed the kitchen window. She could have sworn that Tina winked at her when she passed by, but the sun was streaming in through the window so Liliana thought that it must have been the sunlight getting in her eyes.

***

Liliana had clocked the grey clouds making their way to town before Taron had, but she was sure the forecast hadn’t predicted rain so she hadn’t mentioned anything. Though she wished she had when she felt the first drops of rain hit her skin. Taron groaned loudly and grabbed her hand to pull her into the nearest empty doorway.

He pushed her against the wall softly and looked down at her with so much love that Liliana could physically feel her heart pulling towards Taron’s. Her hands slid up his front until she could pull him closer to her by the neck.

Her lips brushed over his and as she was about to pull away, Taron leaned forward and kissed her passionately. She sighed dreamily into him and held onto him tighter. When they had been caught in the rain and took shelter in a shop doorway all those sixteen years before, all Liliana had wanted was for Taron to kiss her.

Liliana smiled into the kiss and Taron copied. He thought the same thing and without needing to use words, they gave each other what their younger selves wanted.

‘Do you think they’d be happy?’ Liliana asked when they pulled apart to catch their breath.

‘Who?’

‘Our eighteen year old selves. Can you imagine telling them that in sixteen years they would be back hiding from the rain but happily kissing one another because they were in a relationship and had been for over a year?’

Taron thought for a moment as he held Liliana close. The rain had stopped already but they made no moves to continue their walk. He let his hands trail up to Liliana’s waist where he held her against him. He just hoped that she wouldn’t reach her hands down too low where she would feel the ring box nestled safely in his pocket.

‘I think they’d be annoyed that it took us so long to say something to one another,’ he said with a small smile. ‘But then I think they would be so happy. I know younger me would be. All I wanted that day was to kiss you.’

‘All I wanted was for you to kiss me.’

‘Then this is for younger us,’ he smiled before he leaned down to plant another kiss to Liliana’s welcoming lips.

***

Thankfully the rain hadn’t stopped the funicular and it was running when they got to the bottom of Constitution Hill. Liliana climbed in first and took a seat on the small bench to the left. Taron squeezed in next to her and put his arm around her shoulder happily.

‘Thank you for indulging me, Lil. I love spending time with everyone at home but I wanted a little bit of uninterrupted alone time with you.’

Nobody else stepped onto the funicular and as it started to carry them up the hill, Taron leaned in and kissed Liliana. It was deep and passionate, and the passion behind it caught Liliana off guard momentarily. Though she leaned in and kissed him back just as fervently. It didn’t matter how much time passed, kissing Taron was still her favourite feeling in the world.

‘Thank you for suggesting this, T,’ she panted when Taron pulled away. ‘I agree, it is very nice to have some alone time with you. No funny business though, we are still in public and the ride up is only a few minutes.’ Liliana wagged a finger at Taron and he put his hands up in surrender with a devilish grin.

‘I wouldn’t dream of it, Love Bug. But there’s nothing saying we can’t have a cheeky make out session, right?’ Taron winked at Liliana and leaned in to kiss her again.

By the time they pulled apart, they were nearing the top of the hill. Taron grabbed Liliana’s hand as he stepped out so that he could help her climb out of the carriage safely. She thanked him softly and leaned her hand on his shoulder as they walked.

The closer they got to the edge of the hill, the more Taron’s nerves started to hit him. His throat got dry and his hands had started to shake. He hoped that if Liliana could feel the shake, she would think that he was a little on the chillier side. The drop in temperature at the top of the hill worked in his favour.

Liliana pulled away from Taron and walked towards the edge faster than Taron. The views never failed to amaze her and the second she saw the entire bay, her lips curled into a smile and she took a deep breath. Her love for Aberystwyth grew once again when she’d started to go back with Taron. She no longer dreaded being there because she knew that she would be with the people who loved her the most.

The sunshine that had come back quickly after the rain had stopped, and by the time that they got off of the funicular, nobody would have known that it had been raining ten minutes previously thanks to the almost cloudless sky that had taken over.

Liliana towed Taron in the direction of their spot while she soaked up the sunshine, her head tilted up to get as much vitamin C as she could. They had never officially declared what part of the hill was their spot, but they both knew. They had spent countless hours up there talking about life while watching the clouds.

It was where Liliana had felt the safest when she was a teenager, and it was where they had realised that they had fallen for each other all those years ago. Liliana stood right at the edge and looked out at the sea. Small waves crashed against the bottom of the hill and Liliana matched her breathing to each crash.

There was a faint smell of seaweed in the air and the Y Consti cafe behind them wafted the smell of freshly ground coffee into the air. Taron stepped next to Liliana and took her hand in his. They stood and stared out at the sea for a moment, taking in the warm breeze and the few fluffy clouds that dotted the sky.

As Liliana was about to tell Taron that she was enjoying the moment with him, she felt him tug on her hand. When she turned to face him, he was lowering himself onto his left knee. He took the ring box from his pocket and Liliana’s breath caught in her throat.

‘Taron,’ she managed to choke out as she squeezed his hand tightly. Tears had already found their way to her eyes and she couldn’t help the ones that fell down the length of her cheeks.

‘Don’t say anything yet,’ he said quickly before he gulped. ‘Please. I want to say this before I forget anything I want to say.’

Liliana nodded, allowing Taron the room to say whatever he needed to. Though she knew what was coming. Her heart thumped rapidly deep within her chest and tiny drops of sweat started to build on the small of her back as the anticipation of what was about to happen poured over her.

When Matilda had asked her earlier in the day if she was going to marry Taron, Liliana hadn’t expected for Taron to propose to her that day. Things started to fall into place as she watched Taron. She’d not taken notice of it before but she should have realised that Taron had stopped cleaning at the right time, and then the next thing she knew, he whisked her away to their spot and he was on one knee in front of her.

She swiped away the tears that had started to fall so that she could look at Taron clearly, but she couldn’t wipe them away fast enough. They were falling freely down her cheeks and she saw a couple of people out of the corner of her eye watching the scene unfold in front of them.

‘It has been almost sixteen years since I said goodbye to you on that train platform,’ Taron started through a shaky breath. ‘When the train pulled out, I remember wondering if I was ever going to see you again. It was like I was losing the thing that mattered the most to me. When I got home, I sat in your chair and I just cried. I didn’t want you to leave, but I didn’t know if I was allowed to say anything. I remember thinking that I’d lost you for good.’

Taron paused and took a deep, shaky breath. Liliana wanted nothing more than to reach out and cup his cheek, to pull him into her body and hold him until the end of time. She wanted to be the one to look after him. But she held back so that he could continue in his own time. Liliana was in no rush. They had the rest of their lives to look forward to.

‘Then one morning when I was checking my mail, I found an invitation to a book launch. The second I read the name on top, Liliana Esme, I could feel the hole in my heart shrink a little.’

Liliana could remember making the guest list for the book launch as if it were only yesterday. She’d been asked to give a list of names of people who meant the most to her. When Taron’s name popped into her mind, she couldn’t decide what to do. It had already been over a decade since she’d last seen him, and a whole lifetime had occurred in that time.

She knew that it was a long shot that he would turn up, but she invited him anyway. And she would send that invite again just to have Taron by her side again.

‘You have always been my safe space, Lil, and I have loved you since we were eighteen years old. I wake up every morning and fall in love with you even more. The hole in my heart healed when I saw you again, and every day with you makes the scar grow smaller.

‘These past eighteen months with you have been the best of my life. It’s been a continuous adventure and I can’t wait to relive every single one for the rest of my life. I have loved dancing in Washington Square Park with you; eating croissants on a balcony in the middle of Paris; swimming in the Mediterranean Sea; running into the sea down there in the middle of the night in just our underwear.’

Liliana laughed through the tears that streamed freely down her face, and she held Taron’s hand tighter, if that were even possible. A stray tear fell down Taron’s cheek and Liliana leaned forward to wipe it away with her free hand. Taron leaned into her touch and let the corner of his lips turn up into a gentle smile.

‘Liliana, you are the strongest person I know, and the love that you show everyone around you knows no bounds. You love so hard, and with everything in you. Yet you struggle to love yourself, even now. It’s almost as though you are so busy loving everyone else that you forget to share that love with yourself.

‘I want to be the person who shows you love when you don’t feel like you can show it to yourself. I do not want you to ever feel the way you felt growing up. You’ve had me in your corner forever, but I am going to prove to you that I’m not leaving that corner. Not for one second. On your hardest days, I will be there. On days where we’re frustrated with one another, I will be in your corner. I will be in your corner no matter what.

‘I want you to feel loved every second of every day. And one day, I hope that you’ll have children in your corner. Children that you brought into the world. That…we brought into the world.’

Liliana took a deep breath. The thought of children wasn’t as scary as she would have imagined, but she was nowhere near ready to think about it yet. Though she knew Taron wouldn’t push anything, ever.

‘You are going to make an amazing mum one day, Lil. I have no doubt about it. I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love someone. You are still my safe space, my guiding light, my strength on my weakest days, and my warmth on my coldest days. I want us to be a family. I want us to start a family that will always show you love. ‘

Taron took another shaky breath and looked up at Liliana. His eyes were steady as they fixated on Liliana’s, and his hands stopped shaking just enough that he was able to snap the ring box open.

Liliana’s breath caught in the back of her throat as she looked at the delicate ring in front of her. It was everything she could have imagined and so much more. The sapphire and diamond ring glistened beautifully in the sun that shone down around them.

The smile she gave Taron was so big that it hurt her cheeks and she could barely see in front of her. But her smile told Taron everything he needed to know. She was ready. Liliana was ready to start the next chapter of her life. She was ready to be a wife, ready to take on the world with Taron, and ready to open up her life to him wholly.

‘Liliana Esme,’ Taron continued through a smile equally as wide as Liliana’s, ‘will you marry me?’

#rhw #right here waiting #lilianaesme #taron egerton #taron egerton fic #taron egerton blurb #taron egerton imagine #taron egerton x reader #taron egerton fluff #taron egerton writing #taron egerton fanfic #taron egerton fanfiction #taron egerton piece #my writing

11 notes · View notes

paradoxgavel · 1 year

Text

@istherewifiinhell tagged me to list off nine movies that're important to me! ty for the tag! ^^

okay, so... I'm gonna list em off here, and elaborate under a read more, bc i kinda wound up infodumping ehehe

i picked coraline, the thing (1982), lilo & stitch, matilda, into the spiderverse, lord of the rings (yes, all of them), mamma mia, klaus, and everything everywhere all at once!

Coraline

i absolutely loved the book when i was like. 10? 11? and when the movie came out my brother and i were just completely obsessed. like, he and i just wound up hyperfixating on it together for a while. I'm pretty sure i just. straight up have the majority of the movie memorized. it's always gonna hold a special place in my heart. <3

The Thing (1982)

my hands-down, all-time favorite horror movie. i somehow managed to go into watching it completely blind, no idea even what the premise of the movie was, all i knew was the title. and UGH it was so much fun watching it that way!! it's one of those horror movies where, the first time i finished watching it, i felt like i just got off a really crazy roller coaster. like, i was STRESSED, but like. that fun horror movie kinda stress. y'know?

Lilo & Stitch

awh lilo & stitch meant a whole lot to me growing up, and probably means even more to me now as an adult. i really related to lilo in a way i couldn't really figure out when i was little, and when i revisited the movie when i was older, it was just like "... oh. damn. i get it now. little mary was going through it, huh." it's just such a sweet movie and it makes me so happy every time i watch it.

Matilda

very much in the same vein as lilo & stitch. a protagonist i really related to when i was little, and really appreciated a whole lot more when i watched it again as an adult. just an absolute comfort movie for me. and I'm kinda including the musical version as an honorable mention bc. i really love that version of it too. <3

Into the Spiderverse

UGH it's just!! such a creative movie in all its little details and different animation styles and its characters, and just. it's one of those movies where every time you rewatch it, you notice something new. it was such a fun, creatively refreshing movie when it came out, and it's still just so much fun to watch. (also dr. liv octavius pls call me)

Lord of the Rings (yes, all of em.)

just!! fuck dude!!!! like!!!! "It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something. That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for."

Mamma Mia

this is just. me and my mom's movie. this movie is just inextricably linked to hanging out and laughing and being best buds with my mom. it's just so goofy and campy and silly and just. never fails to put a smile on my face. it's just a good time, and brings back happy memories and just. makes me happy. (except for when the Slipping Through My Fingers scene starts. that's when i either fast forward or leave the room or else my mom and i wind up just bawling our eyes out together ldfkjsldfjsd)

Klaus

my favorite holiday movie, hands down. beautiful animation, really lovely story, really fun characters. one of those movies where it's become a yearly tradition to watch it on christmas eve. <3

Everything Everywhere All At Once

ough. this movie just means a whole lot to me. just. the assertion that the antidote to despair and hopelessness is just. silly absurdity and sincere kindness. finding joy in the littlest, silliest, simplest things and sharing those things with the ones you love. it's so good! and the movie's just. an absolutely buckwild, nonstop ride, i love it so much. the first time i watched it was on my birthday last year! and i... kinda wanna make this another annual thing. watching eeaao on my birthday. <3

7 notes · View notes

earthtoanastasia · 2 years

Text

downtown girl - aesthetics 101

Hey everyone, it's Anastasia! Today, I'm starting a new series, aesthetics 101, where I'll be breaking down popular styles and teaching you how to live like the Pinterest girl you've always dreamt of being.

I thought the perfect aesthetic to start this series with would be the infamous downtown girl since it's been taking over the internet lately.

Think record stores, old libraries, subways, and NYC. Grab a cup of tea and a notepad, and let's begin!

Downtown Girl is an aesthetic that romanticizes living in downtown New York, specifically in autumn. It originated on Pinterest, and later everyone's For You Page.

The wardrobe is relatively simple to achieve since vintage pieces are really popular in this style. Big sweaters and oversized leather jackets are a must. As well as band graphic tees and tank tops, either flared or baggy jeans (usually low-rised), mini skirts and long flowy skirts. As for shoes, either Converse or Doc Martens. Bonus tip: if you're buying converse shoes, make sure to get the platform ones since they're MUCH more comfortable to walk in and, in my opinion, look better.

As for accessories, I noticed a lot of tote bags and even messenger bags while doing research. And most importantly, headphones. Either wired or the chunky kind. Funny story, I stopped using my 80$ AirPods a few weeks ago and switched them with my old, wired ones, just because they look aesthetic. I also bought JBL headphones, which, to be completely honest, look kind of bad on my head. But yeah, I just love the impact Pinterest has on me :)

Now you know how to dress like a downtown girl. But how do you live like one? I spent my entire afternoon researching and here's what I learned.

Go buy some records, even if you have nowhere to play them. Read everywhere! On the bus, at a cafe, in the park. It's up to you, just don't forget to take a picture! Learn how to play the guitar, or maybe go thrifting. Visit your local farmer's market and buy some fresh produce or start journaling (it's really fun actually). Also, start documenting your life on your parents' small, old camera!

But who am I, telling you to read, and not giving you any recommendations? Here's a list of books that I think downtown girls would read:

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Looking for Alaska by John Green

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan

They both die at the end by Adam Silvera

The midnight library by Matt Haig

Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe by B.A. S��enz

I also think they would go to garage sales or free libraries and pick up any book that seemed interesting, without caring about reviews and stuff like that.

Not everyone likes reading, so I'll include some movies/tv shows too:

Gossip Girl (tv show)

Gilmore Girls (tv show)

Notting Hill (movie)

(500) Days of Summer (movie)

Enola Holmes (movie)

Lady Bird (movie)

Dead Poet Society (movie)

Pride and Prejudice (2005) (movie)

Matilda (movie)

Finally, music. Any downtown girl's favorite aspect of life. Some artists I think they'd listen to are:

Lana Del Rey

Radiohead

The Smiths

Mitski

Weezer

Nirvana

The Cure

This was a long one, so if you've made it to here, thank you! Let me know what other aesthetics you'd want to see me go into next!

Also, I post more fashion, lifestyle, and pop culture related articles on my blog, so follow me if you're interested!

-xoxo, anastasia

#downtown #downtown girl #new york #fashion #lifestyle #downtown new york #aesthetic #style

21 notes · View notes

12pt-times-new-roman · 2 years

Text

c3e37

BELL'S HELLS LOGO YEYEYE

it looks so nice!! I love it <3

"between the realms of the gods" what does that mean? astral sea? dark parallel astral sea??

Chetney can smell the necromancy in the air.

"she might be being held in a location that these folks might know about that we don't." she's in the fucking ziggurat. I can feel it in my bones

oooooh interesting. when one of their trusted companions rolls a nat20, FCG gets advantage on the next d20 roll they make.

"like it's been in disrepair for hundreds of years." the entire cityscape is twisted and warped, like a mockery of what the city used to be. I'm imagining the houses from Nightmare Before Christmas. "there's a disjointed skyline, like there was some seismic activity."

the Roofs are Moving

orym, fcg, and ashton are trying to open a door. ashton goes to find a window. time is a flat fucking circle.

BONES??? erupting out of the ground in twisted masses of ribs and spines that are too big for the creatures they look like they belong to.

oh god the sun tree is gonna be made of bone isn't it?

this is so fucking cool. this entire landscape is insane. like, fuck. the heirloom sphere was cool, cognouza was cool, but this is such a different vibe and it's so new and different.

"Unlike the city you went to, where all the roadways were built for the ease of people walking through, this is a tangled mess."

the bones have marrow and blood in them. they are not made of stone. so where the fuck did they come from?

they hear a voice of a young boy from down an alleyway. Imogen reaches out and senses "presences, but they're not singular minds that you can connect with. It's odd. You feel they're there, but when you try and connect, it's like it's empty, not fully material. 'I've been noticing you following me lately, Matilda. Why is that? It's okay. Do you wanna play a game with me?'"

There's a young boy with red hair, wearing standard clothing, 12 or 13... across from him, a flickering shadow, a feminine form, like a young girl with a small purple glow in the chest. Imogen reaches out to her. "'I don't know if I should say yes. I like him, though.' [Don't trust him, Laudna.] 'Why? He's inviting me to play a game. That's nice, right?' [Tell us how to find you. Come home.] 'But I like him.' 'I found something I think you would like, and I wanna give it to you, but you have to tell me a secret first.' [Laudna, don't trust him.] 'Well, go on, take it!'" and the kid throws a handful of dirt at Laudna, who dissipates.

With know your enemy, the little boy has an AC less than Orym's, but more hit points. When he goes back into the city he vanishes into an ethereal form.

Orym spots a big red barn with lantern light inside, while everywhere else is lifeless, gray, and dark.

again. this is so fucking interesting. Laudna's memories are colorful and accurate to life — the kid's hair, the barn, the lantern light — while everything else is just dead. and that itself would be cool. but layered on top of that you have Delilah's will, causing bones to erupt from the ground and 15-foot-tall skulls to be embedded inside shark fin towers of stone that chase the Hells around. the city is trying to keep them out and Laudna's bright, colorful memories are guiding them through this maze.

they get to the hayloft and find a bunch of scavenged and hand-made dolls, drawings. and an even younger girl, no more than 3 years old, still with the flickering purple flame in her chest.

she won't talk to Orym, but she'll respond to Imogen talking in her head. "Is there a mean woman around here?" "Yeah. She won't let me leave." and she points to the Sun Tree.

some drawings are of a family of 3. one looks like a dragon or a snake with wings, something traveling over the sun. one shows a little girl like her with a very sad expression. and one is just black, dark scribbles. "that's what's beyond the city. that's how everything is now." "have you tried to leave?" "the tree won't let me... the tree won't let me."

......I don't think these are actually Laudna's memories. I think these are Matilda's memories that Laudna is inhabiting, because somewhere in the Outer Planes, Matilda is doing just fine while Laudna is trapped inside a body etched with trauma.

"I don't know if threats work here, but I'm gonna make one!"

BUILDING FROGGER

Orym spots another flicker of firelight. Imogen uses her connection again— "I'm Imogen. I'm a friend." "I'm sorry, I'm very busy right now, I'm getting dressed."

Ashton removes the necklace from the doll, and the doll crumbles into ash but the necklace remains.

In the firelit house, two people sit on chairs — a woman in a soft green dress and a man in an ill-fitting suit. Laudna, a flickering shadow, stands in the middle of the room. They give her a nice shawl and a dark skirt.

The descriptions of the parents match Delilah and Sylas, which tracks with them being shades of the two. So this is our Laudna, reliving the memories of Matilda, struggling to remember things she experienced but that Matilda never did. Maybe?

But that outfit that they gave her — a nice dark shawl, dark skirt, blue blouse — matches the description of the person in TLoVM we know is Laudna.

The roofs have stopped, but the tree is moving.

A failed skill check, Laudna goes back up the stairs, and the two parents attack Imogen and Fearne. The rest of the party sees tendrils of black smoke as their bodies become ethereal.

Shades defeated, and we go to the Sun Tree.

Imogen and Chetney drink a potion of possibility.

the description of the sun tree's branches reaching like hundreds and hundreds of arms searching for solace and finding none...... ow

Tendrils of purple ichor swirl into a torrent, forming the visage of Delilah Briarwood.

Orym sees Laudna not on a noose but up in the branches of the tree. Embedded deep into the tree's canopy boughs. Inside a cage made of branches, wrapping tightly around her, forming a boundary around the glimmer of purple energy within.

like evandrin.

"You know not of the eternity that awaits him, me, and all others that walk in his shadow."

Delilah reminds me so much of Trent Ikithon.

"This is not a place of my making... I've certainly exhibited an influence, yes. [Does that mean Laudna trapped you here, as much as you've trapped her?] It is not the most beneficial arrangement for one such as I, but you do what makes the most sense."

Ooooh Delilah failed a deception check against Chetney's insight

When Imogen tries to reach out to Laudna, there's a blockage. In the presence of Delilah, she can't get through to her.

Delilah's AC in her immaterial form is less than Orym's, and her strength is less than 10.

"We are not two beings cohabiting a form, we are one being... some children have a gift. I found I had a gift for learning. Her? She was one of the lucky to be born with something. But I didn't see that at the outset. She was... useful. I had to prove a point. And she was in the right place at the right time. Fate, or whatever you might call it, deemed that we meet at that time, and because of that, here we are. So she is special, because she is a part of my destiny."

this is also super interesting because the Hells can't just resort to punching this out. if they do, they risk the whole thing — they won't die, they'll just bamf back to their bodies (if Delilah can't do anything to sever their cords), and they know that.

"You're fading." "Do you know where I'm fading to?" "Best not to spill all my secrets." she's going to the MOOOOOOON

Chet out-bullshits the bullshitter!

Marsha takes Matt's seat??? WHAT IS HAPPENING??

I wonder how much stuff Matt had to remove from the back of the screen lmao

"You have to fight her... you have to fight her."

INITIATIVEEEEEE

hey can someone make a count of how many initiatives Imogen has started? that's gotta be like, 4 at least

THE TREE

THE FOG

I don't think I've seen such a beautiful map since the Cathedral in C2

(this is not relevant whatsoever but essek mention essek mention)

belilah driarwood

Liam sitting next to Tal is such a good pairing for difficult combats like this. Ashton and Orym are so synergistic, their abilities work great together, and

Ashton rage build update: 4 is possibility. That's probably the best thing they could've gotten, since it gives everyone within range a good bonus to their rolls.

"ʷᵉ'ʳᵉ ᶠᶦᵍʰᵗᶦⁿᵍ ᴰᵉˡᶦˡᵃʰ ᵇʳᶦᵃʳʷᵒᵒᵈ ᵃᵗ ˡᵉᵛᵉˡ ⁷"

ok, okokok, negative energy flood is a 5th-level spell

first use of brand of castigation by a PC! Chetney knows the direction of Delilah as long as she's on the same plane as him, and whenever she deals damage to him or a creature within 5 feet of him, she takes 2 damage.

turn undead time! "you kill to live, you don't live to kill, right?"

Imogen's using her ability!

Call Ruidus: she takes a certain amount of damage (looks like a number of d6 equal to something), and deals double that number of d6s to a target of her choice

....oh no

FCG is out. They wake up in Pike's house.

Hurting the tree hurts Delilah, it either takes double damage from fire or is veeeery susceptible to burning, and the Hells have a wildfire druid. I'm thinking that it's the source of Delilah's lair and legendary actions.

Imogen and Laudna both rolling nat1s on the Ruidus die....... Orym rolling two nat20s in a row on the Catha die...... this shit writes itself, man

that "get out" had huuuuge "because I was right" energy

and then Orym's out.

I still really wanna know why Chetney has the Shadow Touched feat.

.....Fearne should be adding 1d8 to all of these scorching ray attacks.

there sure is something about Imogen, Ruidus-born, infused with power she can't hope to understand, getting the HDYWTDT on an ashen, corrupted version of the Sun Tree, sacred tree of Pelor, with a lightning bolt drawn from the power of the Blightstar

"there's so much room to go fetal down here!" talisein continues to be an absolute mood.

#critical role #note watches c3 #critical role spoilers #critical role campaign 3 #critical role c3 #critical role liveblog

18 notes · View notes