#alice is my longest running special interest. I’ve been in love with it since my gran first read it to me when i was a toddler <3

[daisyprayers]

On July 4 1862 Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (pen name Lewis Carroll) took the three Liddell sisters, Lorina, Alice and Edith, on a boat ride along the River Thames. On the bank at Godstow he told the story of Alice’s Adventures Underground (later renamed Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) for the first time.

161 years later this book, and its sequel Through The Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There, have had an indelible mark on our culture. A classic of children’s literature, it has never gone out of print. It has been translated into 174 languages, adapted into dozens of films (the first of which was made in 1903) and inspired countless works of art. Its nonsensical whimsy and celebration of childhood is beloved by children and adults everywhere.

Out of any story I’ve read, Alice has had the most profound impact on me. I am forever grateful to the man who told it and then wrote it down, the man who captured its magic with his illustrations, and - above all- the little girl who inspired it.

“Thus grew the tale of Wonderland: thus slowly, one by one, its quaint events were hammered out and now the tale is done, and home we steer, a merry crew, beneath the setting sun. Alice! A childish story take, and, with a gentle hand, lay it where Childhood’s dreams are twined in Memory’s mystic band. Like pilgrim’s wither’d wreath of flowers pluck’d in far off land.” - All in the Golden Afternoon, Lewis Carroll

[isoldmysoultojonahclemence]

JONAH’S EVER AFTER ON IKEREV TW

I CAN’T I--

HIS RELEASE CAMPAIGN CAME OUT YESTERDAY BUT I ONLY SAW IT A FEW MINUTES AGO BC I WAS ON VACATION I CAN’T BELIEVE I MISSED THIS WHAT KIND OF JONAH STAN AM I

THIS MEANS THAT JONAH’S ROUTE CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN SOMEWHERE AROUND LATE OCTOBER OR EARLY NOVEMBER IN THE ENGLISH VERSION SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS

I’m putting the rest of this under a cut for length bc I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY

[Translation:

“On the 1 in a hundred million chance that I cannot marry you into the Clemence family, then I’m prepared to abandon my family.”

Whether it’s to build a family together, or to receive happiness together. For the one you love, the path you should take to the future is...

“You’re really too much. Don’t say something like...I’m sorry.”

The eyes that are brighter than the fireworks in the sky overflow with tears, and turn into strength to overcome the mirror blocking our path.

“When it’s only the two of us, I’m just Jonah...and I want to spoil you as much as I like.”]

ASDFKJWEIH;KAFJJE;LSAKFSD

I CAN ALREADY SENSE THE ABSOLUTE ANGST IN THIS ROUTE

IN HIS ORIGINAL ROUTE HE HAS TO ABANDON THE RED ARMY AND NOW IN HIS EVER AFTER HE HAS TO ABANDON HIS FAMILY TOO????? ESPECIALLY AS WE ALL KNOW HOW MUCH THE CRIMSON LINEAGE MEANS TO HIM??????????????????

And something I also really like is how the themes from the original route extends into his sequel, like the parts about “never apologizing” and “I can only be myself when I’m with you.” It just makes it feel more like a sequel and adds a better sense of completion uwu

ALSO JONAH’S TEARS ARE GOING TO DESTROY ME Y’ALL WILL SEE ME SOBBING ON TUMBLR WHEN I GET TO THAT PART

.

Here’s the mini talk list:

Luka + Sirius: please tell me about your families!

This one is already out, so here’s the screenshots!

[Translation:

Sirius: My home is always full of flowers, it’s a place that makes your mood lift.

Luka: Yeah...as opposed to Sirius’s family, mine was very quiet.

Luka: Even though it had always been pretty quiet...but ever since “that person” left home, it became even quieter.

Luka: Maybe it was because my family weren’t interested in me, so that’s why it feels so quiet.

Sirius: Haven’t you ever had experiences of playing noisily with Jonah in your home before?

Luka: No. We’re different from Sirius’s family...but there was only one time.

Luka: When I was young, that person had brought me out secretly before.

Luka: The both of us ran around and played in the secret courtyard that person found...

Luka: Until the skies grew dark.

Sirius: ...Is that so. Where is that courtyard full of memories? Is it close to your home?

Luka: I don’t know, I can’t remember...but, it doesn’t matter if I can’t remember it.

Luka: Now I think...it’s alright if that courtyard only exists in my memory.]

*deep breath*

ALKL;KCVKNCKDSA;KWOIWQOIK;FDMX;LZDS;ALKSJFA;LKJ

AKD;XJCEWQ8RJEIU;ANFVDFJSVVF’WDOIJ

;NWEFFKKGDMZXCKCERTIIUIBRI;JDSFJSMF;JLAEKF;LEQKJBNCM

FIRST OF ALL

A SECRET COURYARD???????? THAT JONAH FOUND?????????????? AND BROUGHT LUKA THERE TO PLAY???????????????????????? BUT ONLY ONCE???????????????????????????????????

I wonder how he managed to find it? But also it was to be expected that he would bring Luka bc he always wants to share what he loves with Luka (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

Also just imagine the little Clemence bros running around and playing (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡ ♡ ♡

But like...

OH MY GOD LUKA WHAT HAVE YOU GONE THROUGH ˚‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )‧º·˚

It’s so sadddddddd to think that the Clemence house got even quieter when Jonah left. Also I can’t figure out if Jonah “leaving” means that he left to go to boarding school or if he left to join the Red Army, but that was probably when Luka started to hate Jonah for abandoning him. I can’t imagine what it’s like to grow up in such a quiet and cold place and to have it grow even quieter and colder when the one person you thought cared about you left because now he has other things that are more important than you (/□＼*)・゜

Edgar + Kyle: can love between people of different social statuses exist?

The rest of these aren’t released at the moment I wrote this, so I’m mainly just going to be addressing my predictions!

So it’s clear that Jonah and MC are considered to be from different social ranks, even though MC is “Alice the Second” and has the power to nullify magic. She’s probably considered as a “commoner” in the Red Territory, so I can see why it would be difficult for Jonah and MC to get married.

And you know what else this reminds me of??? If we look at Seth’s route, we finally find out that the whole reason Cradle got divided into two was because a Red noble fell in love with a girl from a different social rank. And that romance tore a country apart, so.

Dean + Dalim: about family

Aight here we go. Are Dean and Dalim really family??? Do we finally get to find out??? Or at least get some sort of clue??? Bc I’m torn between the theory that they’re twins with amnesia or if Dean was some sort of clone created by the Magic Tower when they experimented on Dalim. And I have no idea when their routes are gonna be released, so I really hope we get more hints throughout each Ever After route.

Lancelot: Jonah’s tears

THIS IS THE SECOND MINI TALK THAT WILL DESTROY ME AFTER THE LUKA + SIRIUS ONE.

Also this is a reminder that Lancelot was probably the only one who has seen Jonah at his weakest before MC came along. It’s probably to be expected, since they’ve known each other for literally more than half their lives and also since Lancelot saved Jonah.

And technically Luka has known Jonah for the longest time, but I doubt that Jonah will ever show weakness in front of Luka because he considers himself as Luka’s protector, but it’s different in front of Lance. I feel like he can show his weaker side to Lance, and it just emphasizes how deep the relationship between them is.

SO GET READY FOR THE JONALOT FEELS WHEN THIS ONE COMES OUT.

Jonah: what is your ideal proposal?

OK I feel like this one is either gonna be super romantic or super cheesy. Or both, considering the type of person that Jonah is. But I’m gonna love it no matter what bc 1) Jonah can make even the most embarrassing situations funny and touching and 2) I’m too weak for my mille-feuille boi.

.

The screenshots for the “Peek at Romance” thing is here:

[Translation:

My dear Queen of Hearts, Jonah Clemence.

Jonah: In that party, every heir of the Clemence family will...

Jonah: Publicly introduce his fiancee, receive the acknowledgment and blessing of the whole clan, and finally step into the halls of marriage.

“What is a happy ending?”

--It’s when, the person who cannot be replaced becomes family.

Luka: Even though my brother is troublesome, and sometimes overly enthusiastic, but from now on please take care of him.

--It’s when, you become allies with the person you met.

Levie: Who hurt MC!? I’ll destroy that guy...!

Jonah: Calm down, Levie Castell. See who’s your true enemy clearly!

When he couldn’t provide an answer, it made tears overflow from his eyes.

And--while looking for an answer, it’s also possible to lose something.

Dalim: Thanks. Goodbye, princess.

Dean: I couldn’t ask any of the things I’ve been wondering before he ran...

But even so, we will still advance forward bravely.

This is all to receive the answer--to have a happy ending.

Jonah: From now on, everyone will see you as...

Jonah: The Queen of Heart’s...and also the head of the Clemence family’s wife.

Jonah: But, when there’s no one else, and when it’s just us two.

Jonah: We’ll become Jonah and MC again, and we can love each other as much as we like.

Jonah: I love you, MC.

No matter what happens, he, who is the most beautiful and pure in the world...

Will only accept a future that is even better than a happy ending...!]

I just...literally cannot express my love for this summary.

First of all I’m just gonna talk about the tone. Right off the bat MC calls him “my dear Queen” and it was just. So. CUUUUUUUUUUTE.

Also, the question and theme of “a happy ending” is brought up, and the rest of the sneak peek answers that question (it’s when the people you love become your family and the people you meet becomes your allies), but also explores how they could find those answers (Jonah crying when he couldn’t find an answer and advancing forward bravely because they just want their happy ending). And finally we finish it off with a super Jonah-like statement, announcing that he’ll accept no less than the most perfect ending of them all!

Moving on to the information revealed...it’s pretty cool how there’s a special party for the next head of the Clemence family when they’re ready to announce their marriage and gain approval. Also, it’s kinda wild to think that Jonah will eventually become a head of the family just like his father and his grandfather before that.

AND THE PART WITH LUKA AND LEVIE ARE LITERALLY SO ADORABLE. LIKE, LUKA INSULTING JONAH BUT ALSO LEAVING HIM TO MC AND LEVIE DEFENDING MC FROM PPL WHO WOULD HARM HER IS 10/10 PERFECT

Also it seems that Dean and Dalim’s backstories might be explored more but won’t be resolved just yet. I guess we really do have to wait until their routes get released to find out.

In short, this was an amazing summary of the route. WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER MONTH UNTIL I CAN FINALLY READ THE WHOLE THING???????????????????????????

.

Also FYI, this is all completely new to me. For the other characters’ sequels, I played it through on Ikerev JP bc I can’t wait until the releases in the TW and English version that’s like, a year later. But I didn’t read Jonah’s sequel bc my Japanese isn’t super good and I wanted to read my man’s story in a language that I can completely understand so I literally have no idea of what to expect apart from what I found out in the campaign release :3

Also also I’m probably gonna be posting for every part in the story I’m going through BC I JUST LOVE JONAH THAT MUCH. I guess it would make up for my inactivity this month ^^;

[soaringlanddormitory]

I wanted to make something for @isshinene!! Have some Elemental AU kind of Exposition!! It contains hints of your otp so!!

There’s some mention of “bedding” someone, but it isn’t really that nsfw? Just mentioned but just a warning in case uwu

The leader of the fire elemental was no other than Isshiki Satoshi. He was a prime example of a wonderful leader. He had the strength to be able to protect the people that wields the fire element, and he had the compassion towards his people. No wonder several loved this man and yet... there was someone who he cared about. Someone who he cared about but chose to be distant with him despite how they knew each other for a long time.

He had a smile on his face and whatever his thoughts were might have been bugging him for the longest time, but he didn’t want to show what he truly felt. His people were always a joy to see, so he’d rather not place out the fake facade he was currently having.

“I can’t believe were going to team up with the Ice Leader! She’s so grumpy, she glares at anyone she looks at!” 

“Kuga... Don’t speak so rudely.” Isshiki smiled nervously. “We’re supposed to be ready for this, we’re going to meet her soon. I think it’s best not to talk badly of her.”

The man named “Kuga” was a companion of Isshiki- but he was known to be loud and sometimes mocking. “Yeah, right.” He crossed his arms. “She probably talks badly of you too.” He snorted. “That’s the kind of person she is, most likely. She’s out here glaring at anyone, she probably thinks her stare makes people piss their pants but it’s just her with her constant period.”

“That’s enough.” Isshiki placed his right hand up before sighing. “I know you don’t like her that much, but the Fire Elemental and the Ice Elemental will have a temporary truce since we’ll be a team until this year’s competition will end.”

Kuga, noticing the sudden serious atmosphere only rolled his eyes. “Fine then.” Even if he wished to speak more, he couldn’t disobey the leader of his Elemental- at least, not at this moment. “For now, I’ll follow what you say.”

“Thank you.” He definitely knew who Nene Kinokuni was. He knew her much more than Kuga Terunori. She worked hard to be in the place she’s in, she went through so many obstacles to be that strong... all he didn’t know was the reason why she always stared at him with despise when-

He looked at her with the exact opposite feeling.

“Leader Isshiki Satoshi.” A common friend of the two suddenly popped out with a grin on his face. “May I talk to you for a moment? It’s a serious matter.”

“Kaoru?” He blinked a couple of times. He was confused because he wasn’t the kind of person to talk so formally. “Yes, of course... But make it quick, I wouldn’t want to disappoint our guests.”

“Wait why am I not included?!”

“Sorry Kuga Terunori, I have no time to waste.”

Yes. This certainly felt different.

The door behind them was locked and Isshiki stood up straight and fixed his clothes. “Why do you need to talk to me?”

“It’s about the Leader of the Ice Elemental.”

“Please don’t tell me you don’t trust her...” Isshiki trusted the gut feelings of Kaoru. He was always someone who was able to predict something out of nowhere, but the words he said... made him much more surprised.

“Bed her.”

“What?!” Yes, the poor leader did not expect this from him. “They’re going here for a formal matter. I would not want to force things so suddenly.” Isshiki had to disagree with the idea, especially the fact that Nene seemed like she hated him. 

“I know it is a formal matter, but do you think that your bond with her will make you two a good team?”

“Do you think my current bond will make her accept me asking that?”

“... Fair point.”

“Why would you think of this in the first place?”

Kaoru smirked at him before answering his question. “Having sex can make you go closer to a person and-”

“I know that’s not the reason. You’d never say things like this.” Isshiki knew him quite well. If something, he was the most gentlemanly person he met. It was quite odd he’d recommend that. “Can you place tell me the real reason? We’re running out of time.”

Kaoru slicked his hair back. “Knew it was a bluff, huh?” He began looking aside. “The real reason why I want you to do this isn’t for the bond. It’s for the power. I’ve heard that if two people wielding elements had some... physical initmacy, they could either become stronger or gain the ability of the other. I think it’s a fair trade.” 

“Is that how you got your ability of the Earth elemental?”

Kaoru paled at the question before he immediately responded. “Fuck no! I wouldn’t bed anyone anyone... At least not yet.” He was quite embarrassed by this question. “I got the Earth element because of my bond with them, also because I have the heritage of it with my father’s side. I would recommend you to get as close as you can with Miss Kinokuni, but that would take much longer.”

Isshiki knew that Kaoru was only worried about him, and he wanted that Fire Elemental to win this competition in hand with the Ice Elemental. “I understand, but don’t worry. I don’t need to learn how to ice to win this competition.” He smiled a bit. “I think I want to bring pride to my people using my own element.”

“If you say so, then I respect your decision. But if you do get close to Miss Icey-Red-Eyes over there, please inform me. I’d love to see you two together.”

“Kaoru...”

“I mean, can you blame me? childhood friend route here we go!” Kaoru laughed at himself before going back to serious business. “Seriously speaking. I want you two to win, but to win... You should get closer. Being two strong people, but having no bond... It’s useless. You’ll both be losing.”

Currently, the two leaders were now facing each other with two chosen people at their sides.

Isshiki was between Kuga and Kaoru while Nene was between Rui and Alice.

“You may leave now, we can handle this.” Her red eyes was focusing on the man in front of her, but the two people by her side understood what she meant.

“Okay Nene-chan~! If anything bad happens be sure to call us!” A girl with white hair winked at her before patting her shoulder. “We’ll be here in seconds! Now, now, let’s go Rui-chan~!” She skipped outside the door while the girl she mentioned only followed her from behind in silence.

“Nakiri Alice and Kofuru Rui are trustworthy people.” Isshiki had a warm smile on his face. 

“Of course I’d pick people who are trustworthy for this meeting.” She sighed before raising an eyebrow. “I’m not sure if that “chibi” was a good choice. He’s always loud, are you sure you made the right decision?”

“Shut up Little Miss Pigtails, you’re just jealous because I at least have people to talk to while you’re-” Kuga got lifted up by the other person beside his leader. “FUCKING-! LET ME GO-”

“No, No. We’re leaving. Good luck, Leader.”

With that, the door behind them was shut close and the two leaders were alone, and their direct attention was at each other.

“I’d like to think he’s trustworthy. He might not seem like it to you, but as someone who’s been with him for so long- I can say that he is.”

“Enough of defending your people.” She quickly changed the topic. “We have to discuss these matters. The competition.”

“I would love to discuss that, but I’d prefer if we get to know each other more. We’d be a team, after all.”

“Listen, Isshiki. I’m only here to discuss formal matters with you. am not here to acts as your friend. I want you to look at me as a fellow leader, not as your companion.”

It couldn’t be helped. He had no choice but to go with the flow. “I do look as you as a leader, Nene. But I hope you know that we would have to be in better terms if we actually win this competition.”

“I don’t see why we should be in better terms- at least personal relationships. The only thing we really need is good teamwork. It’s possible to achieve that without getting close to one another.”

He sighed and he clearly knew that it would be hard to get his way from the start, but he only wished that they could be friends. They only grew more distant after she won last year’s competition against him. “Why do you not want to do anything with me at all?” He finally brings up this question, a question he has always wanted to ask.

It did hurt that the person he wished to be closer to wanted nothing to do with him. The worst thing was he didn’t know why.

She glared at the male. “Should I repeat myself again? We’re only here for the competition. I don’t want to do anything with you. All I want to do is prove that I’m a better leader than you. I did not want to team up with you.”

Well, after she said that, he may have had a plan. It may be a low move, but if it was his only chance on this whole thing to work, then he has to.

“Alright. We’ll go with what you want. Let’s discuss the matters of the competition.”

“Thank you for finally cooperating.”

“But can we have a deal?”

“A deal?” She wasn’t too interested in a deal, but she still wanted to hear him out. “If this has something to “becoming your friend”, I’ll have to deny that.”

“No, nothing to do with it.” He smiled, but it was different than the smile he had shown a couple of times ago. “If we win this competition, we’ll have a duel.”

“What’s so special about that?”

“I won’t hold back.” He smirked. “And I know that you’ve always wanted to fight with me holding back.”

Nene twitched before her eyes got colder. “So you admit that you’ve been doing that?”

This was the only way to get her to work with him. “You have to tell me first.” He ingored her question. “Are we going to team up and win this competition or not? Because if we lose or we don’t become a decent team, the deal is off.”

“I can accept this. Being a good team will only be temporary. My pride lasts forever. If we win this together, then I’ll show you my true potential.”

Excellent, she agreed. “That’s nice to hear from the Ice Elemental Leader.” He showed his hand, offering a hand shake. “It’s nice to be your partner for this competition. I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

She looked over at his hand before looking back at his eyes. “Fire Elemental Leader, you better keep this deal.”

She gave him her hand, and they had a short yet firm handshake.

This is what started the alliance between the two teams: Fire and Ice.

[marisheeran-imagines]

Guiding Light - Christmas Special #3

A/N: Hi Sheerios!! This is the 3rd part (of 4) of our Christmas Special for Guiding Light! There’s a little bit of insecure reader on this, but won’t be the main focus, I promise… Oh, and this is the longest chapter of this special! Next one will be super special, and funny; I’ll be posting it tomorrow, ‘cause now I need to sleep, it’s 1:30am here, and I’m a bit tired. Hope you enjoy your reading, I love you and your support! Oh, and as in Lego House, I thought it would be a nice idea to add your nicknames in Guiding Light as well, because Ed and the reader are in a long relationship already, it’d make them even more intimate, what do you think? I’ll add that in the regular chapters from now on, it’s just a detail I wanted to share with you!

Title: Guiding Light Chapter Title: Christmas Special: First Christmas #3 Pairing: Ed Sheeran x Reader Rating: +18 Word Counter: +2800 Warnings: insecure reader

These are the warnings for the regular chapters, if you get interested on this extra!

younger reader (though ther’s no mention of her age), low self esteem, stretch marks, virgin reader, a bit of angst/anxiety due to her first time, fluffy, careful Ed, sweet Ed, encouraging Ed, mature content, NSFW, smut, oral sex {both receiving}

var Mariana = prompt("What's your name?","Example: Ana, Taylor, Emma...")

var Mari = prompt("Do you have a nickname? Please, what is it?","Example: Tay, Bella...")

December 24th, 2018 - Christmas Eve, Framlingham

“Are you ready, love?” Ed knocks on his bathroom door and you jump on your feet, looking at yourself in the mirror; oh, no, you’ve got the most frightened expression you’ve ever seen! ‘Don’t be ridiculous, document.write(Mariana), you can do that!’ you speak with yourself, breathing in and out slowly.

C'mon, they’re just Ed’s friends, your boyfriend’s friends, including his two perfect ex-girlfriends, from what you’ve hear about the guests list. You sigh, looking at the mirror again, you shouldn’t have picked this dress, you would have never picked this dress, but your momma insisted so much! And now you’re looking like a weird Mrs. Claus with your reddish-embarrassed face to match!

You look down at your feet, oh, these freaking heels! Your momma made you pick them too, and you regret have picked them even more than the dress!

“Baby, is everything alright?” Ed knocks on the door once more, and you fear he’s starting to get impatient with you. “Just a minute, Ed, I promise!” you look at your cosmetics at his sink counter, deciding which lipstick you’d put on: red or nude? Your eye makeup is not too light nor too dramatic, so, any of them would look pretty fine on your face “Oh, shit!” you groan, irritated. “Baby, what is it?” he asks and you sigh, frustrated, opening the door.

“OH, wow, baby!” he roams his eyes over your body and you pull the hem of your dress down, trying to cover your thighs better, even you’re wearing pantyhose, ‘cause you don’t want to feel cold, you still feel too much exposed “You look so gorgeous!” he smiles at you, cupping your face with both hands tenderly.

“Thank you, you look incredible too!” you say, blushing at his words. He’s wearing the Hogwarts Castle sweater you gave him a few days earlier because you couldn’t keep your anxiety to yourself, so you gave him his present before the time. “Thank you, love!” he giggles, pecking your lips and you remember you have to put some colour on them.

“So, what do you think, red or nude?” you ask him, showing him the two options of lipstick on his sink counter. He seems quite confused “Are you examining me? Is that one of the questions girls make to know if they’re dating a sexist guy?” now he seems concerned.

“What?” you giggle, frowning and confused, where does he come from with this kind of theory?

“I mean, if I choose the nude, then you may say it’s because I find red lipstick a ‘slut thing’, which is the most absolutely untruth!” his eyes widen and you shake your head “Of course I wouldn’t think so low about you, Ed!” you caress his cheek and he relaxes a bit “I just wanted your opinion, that’s all. I can’t decide which of them would be better with this look and makeup”.

“Well, I think you’d look amazing with any of them!” he shrugs, smiling at you. “Oh, thanks for your help!” you joke, rolling your eyes and he giggles “You asked for my opinion, didn’t you?” Ed wiggles his eyebrows and you sigh “Alright, I think I know what I’m gonna do!” you smile at your reflection, putting on the red lipstick and then the nude over it, mixing them and creating a new colour, with a fancy reddish shade.

“So, what do you think?” you turn around to face your boyfriend, who grins. “Even better!” Ed winks at you, offering his right hand, which you gladly take so he can guide you out of the room. “TEDDY, MY PURSE!” you scream as he walks you downstairs quickly, not even stopping at his bedroom for you to grab your belonggings “Oh, fuck!” he groans “Sorry, love!” he runs upstairs and you pray that your clumsy boy won’t fall!

“This one, right?” he swings your small black purse at the top of the stairs and you nod. In a few seconds, he’s back, beside you, and he holds your hands as you walk to his car “Ready for tonight, baby?” Ed asks, and you gulp, nervous, but as there’s nothing else you could do, you nod again, trying to push away your fears of not getting along well with his friends. What would you do if they don’t like you?

You also try to ignore the fact his exes will be there too, you had already made your mind up that you’ll do your best of this weird situation, you won’t let Ed down nor push yourself too far; all you’ve gotta do is to find the balance between these both situations and enjoy your first holidays with your boyfriend the best way you can!

Ed drives you to a pub a few miles from his house. He pulls over the car and opens the door for you, like the true gentleman you know he is. You grab his arm as he helps you to get out of the car and you walk into the pub.

Ed’s got a hand gently laid on the small of your back, and he smiles, waving at a man seated at a table in the farest corner of the place. You hold your breath, anxious as he guides you there; he caresses your waist when noticing you’re tensed “You okay, love?” he stops at the middle of the pub, making you both receive curious looks from the people around. Have they recognised him? “Yes!” you nod, wanting anything but to get people’s attention “Just a bit anxious, I guess. Let’s go!”.

He smiles sweetly at you “They’ll love you, don’t worry!” pecking your lips, - and leaving your cheeks flushed because of that - he takes your hands in his and you start walking again. “Hey, mates!” Ed grins at his friends, who stand up to compliment you.

“Teddy!” a tall guy - alright, almost everyone is taller than you - approaches your boyfriend and they hug each other. “Hi, Zak, it’s really good to see you!” Ed says, patting is friend back “This is document.write(Mariana), my girl. document.write(Mariana), this is Zak, one of my best friends!”.

“Wow, Ed, she’s really beautiful, how did you get her, man?!” Zak jokes, making you blush more “It’s really nice to finally meet you, document.write(Mariana)!” he smiles at you. “It’s nice to meet you too, Zak!” you say, timidly, shaking his hand.

“Alright!” Ed sighs, gesturing to his other friends “That one is Dan, beside him is Josh and Nic! The girls are…” he gulps, nervous looking from Alice to Cherry, they need no introductions to you, and you wonder if his reaction has anything to do with him still having feelings for them - specially Cherry, who is his most recent break up “Well, they’re Alice and Cherry. Guys, this is document.write(Mariana), my girlfriend!”.

You shake your hands with them, a bit uncertain if you’d be well accepted by the girls, but they act ‘normal’, or the most normal they could. Alice seems less uncomfortable with the whole situation, it’s been a long time since her and Ed broke up, after all.

Everyone orders your drinks and starts talking, like the old friends they are, and you feel a bit dislocated for not having lived your childhood or teenage years with them; they have so many memories together! “Yeah, okay, I’m living the live I’ve always wanted!” Ed raises his hands, surrendering himself as they talk about University and their careers.

“And your girl, what does she do for a living?” Zak asks, looking at you. “I’m an editor at a book company in London” you answer, feeling your cheeks burning when everyone else turns their attention to you; you just hate to be the in the focus of attention.

“Huh, so you’re a good reader, just like the girls here?” he smiles, motioning the girls with his hand. “More than a good reader, man, she’s an editor” Ed grins at you, his eyes glowing with the pride he takes in you. You can’t help smiling at him either, he’s so cute and such a support of your skills.

“You look great together!” Alice says, looking at you both. “Thank you!” Ed smiles “And how is your fiancé, is he alright?” you get surprised with this new information. You didn’t know she is in a relationship.

“He’s pretty good!” she answers with a smile “He’s with his family in Manchester, he’s granny isn’t that good, so he thought it would be better to spend the holidays with her”.

“Yes, he’s right!” Ed nods, and then looks at Cherry, you get tensed with the way they’re gazing at each other, almost like if there are still strong feelings between them. Would that be possible? They’re smiling sheepishly and you excuse yourself and go to the toilet.

Sighing, you look at your reflection in the mirror, trying, unsuccessfully, not to compare yourself with Ed’s exes; you’re nothing like them, you wonder why Ed picked you, you wonder if, after this night he will realise you are a mistake in his life, that he should have chosen another girl, any other one, maybe even one of his exes.

You blink a few times, avoiding the tears from falling down your face, you breath in and out slowly, getting ready to be kicked out of his life, you are as certain as tomorrow is Christmas Day, that, until the end of the night you’ll be single again. You open the toilet door, shocked when you see Ed standing there, waiting for you.

“I took too long? Sorry!” you try to force a smile. “No, it’s just, that, I know it’s not being easy for you, you may be feeling a bit dislocated, but I wanted to thank you for being here tonight!” he cups your cheeks, gently stroking your skin “It means the world to me! You are my world!” he grins, and his eyes, oh, his eyes are melting on yours, and the way he spoke to you, so truly, genuine; you know there is no reason to be insecure, you know he loves you, that he’s here for you!

And Ed leans into you, kissing your lips softly; he giggles on your lips, and you relax even more when he holds your hand, squeezing it gently, and you understand that as an assurement you are the girl he wants beside him.

“Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life!” you whisper, wrapping your arms around his waist. “You are the best part of it!” he chuckles, giving your lips small and quick pecks, making you giggle.

“Hey, Teddy, document.write(Mariana), come here, the drinks are on the table!” Zak smirks, gesturing to both of you. “Let’s go?” he asks and you nod “And we don’t have to be here for too long, we shall drink a bit and then go to my parent’s as we finish, alright?”.

“Sure, the Christmas Dinner with your family!” you agree, holding his hand and you walk back to the table.

(…)

“Bye, Teddy, it was great to see you, and it was amazing to meet you, document.write(Mariana)!” Zak kisses your hand and you smile at his sweetness. “Thank you, Zak, the same!”.

“Hey, hey! Stop gallanting my girl, mate!” Ed pats his shoulder and you all laugh “Merry Christmas, bro!”.

During and after your meal, you got along with everyone a little bit easier and started to feel comfortable enough to tell them more about yourself. You assumed Ed got quite impressed with you, as you’re not that talkative; his friends, though, are pretty nice nad now you can nearly consider them your own!

You and Ed say goodbye and wish 'Merry Christmas’ to the rest of them, and get into his car “Did you enjoy tonight?” he asks, anxious. “I really did!” you smile and he sighs “I was afraid you’d feel too out of place!”.

“I did, at the beginning, but I ended up getting used to your friends!” you giggle when he looks at you relieved. “Good, did you like them?”.

“Of course, I did! They’re your friends!” you peck his lips. “Alright, my parents, now?” he asks and you nod. “Rush a bit, Teddy, it’s almost midnight!” you joke and he laughs.

(…)

“Three minutes!” Ed groans, pulling the car over and you try not to laugh at his irritated face; he’s not that good with angry expressions, he always ends up looking like a upset kitten, instead of a pissed off man. He apparently had forgotten you had to stop by his farm to pick the gingerbread man and sugar cookies you’ve spend the day making before you go to his parent’s. And because of that, you almost arrived too late!

You get out of the car and try to run to the front porch and protect yourselves from the snow, but, as the well coordinated woman you are, and, the heels you’re wearing to help, you fall on the - you’re glad for it now - snowish ground. “Baby, are you okay?” Ed asks, worried, immediately pulling you up on your feet. Luckly, he was the one carrying the cookies!

“Yes!” you smile, embarrassed, feeling your cheeks burning. “Are you hurt?” he starts removing the snow from your back and hair quickly, so it won’t melt and get you wet.

“No, the snow cushioned my fall!” you admit and he sighs, relieved. “Two minutes, Teddy!” you grab his wrist, looking at his watch. He holds you firmly as you walk to his parent’s front door.

Ed rings the doorbell, and his grandma opens the door, a beautiful smile on her face “Ed, document.write(Mariana)! Finally!” she steps back so you can get into the house. She hugs her grandson tightly and then you; she always amazes you with her ability of making you feel part of the family, even you and Ed being dating for less than a year.

You walk into the living-room, and there you find Ed’s parents, Matt, his brother and his grandfather, Stephen, too. You both compliment them quickly, as the midnight comes.

“Merry Christmas!” you say, wrapping your arms around Ed’s neck. “Merry Christmas!” he whispers, holding you tight against his body and looking deeply into your eyes “I love you!” he smiles, pressing the tip of his nose on yours and you giggle before he kisses you tenderly.

You’re so glad you have him; you thank God for bringing a light into your world, he, Ed, is your light; he’s the man you love and the one who loves you back in a way you’d never imagine to be possible.

Raising your hand to his smooth ginger locks, you smile in his lips, happy for spending such a special date with a guy even more special “I love you too!” you say once he’s broken the kiss, grinning at him, the man, the love of your life, who is grinning back at you, his beautiful blue eyes glowing with the sight of you, and you feel yourself blushing that usual and soft shade of red to which he tilts his head, that cute little kitten look you adore on his face.

“Thank you for everything, these six months have been the best of my life!” he says in a low tone and you agree with him. “I must say the same!”.

“Hey, document.write(Mariana), time for the angel!” your brother-in-law calls you, and you frown, looking from him to your boyfriend. “Oh, it’s just to put the angel on the top of the tree!” Ed says, but you’re still confused.

“We want you to put it there, sweetheart!” Imogen says with a smile, bringing a glass angel “You are part of our family and it’s the most important decoration of the tree, we want you to feel welcomed!” she gives you the angel to which you look at, mesmerized.

“This…” you gulp when your eyes start getting wet “Thank you so much!” you look at Ed’s family, your family so happy and glad you’re finally fitting in! Ed’s got a sweet smile on his face as he grabs a stool, putting it beside the tree.

You take your heels off, not wanting any other accident and you climb up on the stool. Getting on your tip toes, you feel a strong pair of hands - Ed’s hands - holding your waist as you put the little angel on the tree.

Then you get off the stool and step back, looking at the big tree in the room, realising the meaning of your actions, they have accepted you, and besides you not having the same surname, that’s the true meaning of the Christmas: union, celebration and, the most important, family.

And apart from your own parents, you are happy to have this new family too, you see this almost like a prediction of the future; you can picture a few years from now, you and Ed, with your own family, maybe two or three red-headed children helping the both of you to put up the tree, the way they would react when they found the presents 'Santa’ left for them during the night… You can just pray and hope this will actually happen!

[erbinnerdgirl5]

Reading Questionnaire

No one tagged me in this but I wanted to do it anyway. 1. Which book has been on your shelves the longest? Oh god, so many, but I've been in the process of reading TheStand for almost a year now. My husband also keeps trying to get me to read The Name of the Wind but I keep having other stuff get in line before it. 2. What is your current read, your last read and the book you’ll read next? Current : Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Claire Last Read : Lady Midnight by Cassandra Claire Next : Not entirely sure but likely Seven Stones to Stand or Fall by Diana Gabaldon 3. Which book does everyone like and you hated? Game of Thrones. I've tried twice now to read Amit and haven't managed to get past the halfway point. 4. Which book do you keep telling yourself you’ll read, but you probably won’t? I don't even know. Half the books on my to-read shelf fall into this category. 5. Which book are you saving for “retirement?” I'm not sure I have any, TBH. I don't tend to save things for a definitive "later", I save them for "later, when I'm in the mood for that book". 6. Last page: read it first or wait till the end? No no no, why would you do that? I like spoilers as much as the next girl, but NO. 7. Acknowledgments: waste of ink and paper or interesting aside? I usually skim through them and if they're funny or seem interesting I read them. If it's just a list of names with little to know context I don't bother. 8. Which book character would you switch places with? Anne Shirley, Claire Beauchamp Fraser, some minor character from Harry Potter who gets to go to Hogwarts but doesn't end up being killed gruesomely by Voldemort or a Death Eater. 9. Do you have a book that reminds you of something specific in your life (a person, a place, a time)? A Wrinkle In Time, as good as it is, will always be slightly tainted by the fact that I got in trouble for reading it during "Diversions" (essentially recess) for my 4th grade GT class (because "we have no way of knowing that you aren't doing homework for your regular class and that's not allowed so you can't read while you're here") The Phantom Tollbooth and Alice in Wonderland and A Midsummer Night's Dream and MacBeth also all remind me of that stupid class because they were all assigned reading for it. AWiT is the only one with a negative association though because it was pretty much the first time in my life I ever got in "trouble" at school, and I still maintain that teacher was just being a bitch since every other kid in the class stood up for me and assured her I was reading it for fun and not for homework. 10. Name a book you acquired in some interesting way. I don't think this has ever happened. 11. Have you ever given away a book for a special reason to a special person? Oh I'm constantly gifting books to people. They rarely enjoy the book as much as I did. 12. Which book has been with you to the most places? Oh man. I don't even know. I don't tend to take re-reads with me places, I bring new books with me. But I guess whatever book has been on my kindle the longest has travelled the most. 13. Any “required reading” you hated in high school that wasn’t so bad ten years later? MacBeth, The Great Gatsby (I didn't hate it, I just didn't love it in school). I truly refuse to believe anyone will ever convince me that Bleak House or among Dick are worth reading though 😂 14. What is the strangest item you’ve ever found in a book? A tampon wrapper. That was weird. 15. Used or brand new? I don't usually have a preference by I do have an arbitrary goal I've set for myself to obtain used copies of all of Stephen King's books for dirt cheap. 16. Stephen King: Literary genius or opiate of the masses? I think my previous answer also answers this! 17. Have you ever seen a movie you liked better than the book? Fifty Shades of Grey 18. Conversely, which book should NEVER have been introduced to the screens? A lot of Stephen King's, namely 11/22/63. 19. Have you ever read a book that’s made you hungry, cookbooks being excluded from this question? Yes. I frequently will read a scene where characters are eating and start to crave whatever they're having. 20. Who is the person whose book advice you’ll always take? Usually if my friend James says I will like a book I will give it a shot, but he fully admits he doesn't always hit a home run with regard to what I will or won't like. 21. Do you dog ear your books? Do you underline/write stuff in your books? Dog ear sometimes, don't usually write in them unless it's notes for a class or something. I tag...uhhhh...I don't know, most of my Tumblr friends are ZR people and I have no idea if they are readers as well as runners so I guess...tag yourself?