#and you know what makes it all even more special? i saw louis for this first time with one direction on may 10 2014 on an all-stadium tour

[fruitylouis]

i couldn’t be happier to have been a part of his first stadium show <3

[happy74827]

The Calm After The Storm

[Mike Ross x Female!Reader]

Synopsis: A minor mishap sends a stressed out Mike over his breaking point, but thankfully, you're there to bring him right back down.

WC: 1624

Category: Mega Fluff, Slight Lime

It was about time that I wrote another Mike fic. Enjoy! (You best enjoy this @yoursacredqueenmother)

『••✎••』

Mike looked about ready to explode.

"Mike," you said quietly, reaching out to touch his arm. He was clenching and unclenching his fists at his sides. His breathing was coming out in short, shallow bursts. He was trying to look calm, but the way his lips pressed together and the tension in his jaw was a clear sign that he was not.

You weren't sure what was going to set him off. Maybe it was the stress of the case. Maybe it was the fact that Louis had him doing his dirty work again. Maybe it was a combination of the two.

But when he whirled on you, his blue eyes were dark. You had seen this side of him before, but it was only when Louis was being particularly nasty. It was a side that made him seem a little scary. You didn't think he would ever resort to violence, but the rage that was in his eyes now... you felt a shiver go up your spine.

"Of course, the night I planned to make dinner for you, we only have beer and cheese," he said, his voice rising. "I had a whole menu planned and then I get home and realize that my stupid, idiotic, asshole roommate ate all of the food."

"Hey, don't blame me because you don't know how to lock up the food," the aforementioned asshole said. Trevor was lounging on the couch, a beer in his hand and a half-eaten package of cheese next to him. He took another swig from his bottle and continued. "If you wanted something special, you should have hidden it from me."

That ticked Mike off even more. You saw him take a step forward, like he was going to pounce on Trevor and rip his head off, so you placed your hand on his chest. "Mike, hey, relax. It’s just food.”

"I wanted tonight to be special and then Louis decided to dump all his shit on me, causing me to be late a hour, and now when I come home to relax and make my meal. He devours it!"

"I'm a growing boy. I need sustenance."

"Trevor, you are such a—”

"Mike," you said a little louder, cutting him off. You put both hands on his chest, trying to calm him down. "Calm down, please."

He looked down at you, and his face softened. Some of the color faded from his cheeks, and his fists slowly relaxed. The tension in his jaw released, and his shoulders slumped a little.

"We'll just order pizza or something," you suggested.

"But I wanted tonight to be special," he muttered.

"It's already special," you assured him, smiling up at him.

He still seemed upset, but not quite as ready to murder Trevor. So, you pulled him by the tie, leading him towards the bedroom away from the prying eyes of Trevor — who personally, you thought to be a bit of an ass — and closed the door behind you.

You sat him down on the edge of the bed and crawled behind him to give his tense shoulders a massage. He leaned back into your hands with a sigh.

"Better?"

"A little."

You gave his shoulders a squeeze and placed a kiss at the top of his neck, near his hairline. Then another kiss right below his ear, which caused him to shiver.

"Now?"

"Mmm..."

You trailed kisses down his neck, then back up to his jaw. Your hands ran down his arms, squeezing lightly. His breathing was picking up, and you could feel him relaxing beneath your touch.

"I don’t think the fridge deserved that slam," you murmured against his skin. “You almost broke it in half."

He sighed again. “You’re right, I should’ve slammed Trevor’s head instead.

You let out a small laugh, and you kissed his temple. You moved your hands back up to his shoulders and pushed him down gently, so that his back was on the bed. He looked up at you, his eyes a bit brighter.

"So, Louis had you doing his dirty work, huh?" you asked, climbing onto the bed and straddling his waist. You slowly undid the knot in his tie, letting the silk slide between your fingers.

"Yeah. He always has me doing the boring stuff, and he never gives me credit for it."

"I thought you were technically Harvey's associate."

"I am, but Louis thinks he can order me around because he’s “in charge” of all the associates."

"Hmm, and then I suppose he blamed you for something you didn’t do?"

"Oh, you don’t know the half of it," he grumbled, his face hardening again. You ran your finger over his eyebrows, smoothing the crease between them, and his features relaxed once more.

"Well, you can worry about him tomorrow," you said, tossing the tie aside. You ran your hands over his chest, feeling the solid muscles beneath his shirt. He looked good in a suit, despite the tie he had chosen to wear today. Too tiny for his neck, but he looked handsome, nonetheless.

“I still can’t believe you wanted to make me dinner tonight, though," you teased, grinning down at him. "What's the occasion? It's not my birthday."

"No, but you told me a while back that you missed the home cooked meals back home. So I was going to make dinner, but now there's no food, so I can't, so now I'm a disappointment and a failure… again."

"First of all,” You reached out and smacked him lightly on the arm. He looked up at you in confusion.

"That's for blaming yourself. What did I tell you about doing that?"

"Blame the other guy?"

"No. Now, what did I tell you the last time you started blaming yourself for things?"

He sighed. "That it was okay and I'm human and it's perfectly normal to make mistakes, but I have to learn to not let them get the better of me and to focus on the future."

"Exactly. Now, secondly..."

You leaned down and captured his lips in a slow, gentle kiss. He lifted his hands and placed them on either side of your neck, deepening the kiss. His lips were soft against yours, and you smiled against him.

You pulled away slightly and leaned your forehead against his. "Secondly, when did I say that? I don’t remember talking about that.

"September 13th, around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. We were walking to the museum you wanted to visit, and we stopped to get hot chocolate."

"I—” You sat up, your brow furrowed. You stared down at him, wondering if he was joking, but he looked completely serious.

You knew his photographic memory was amazing, as he bragged about it constantly, but to have him remember a conversation like that so vividly and precisely? And on top of that, to have it stuck in his mind because it was important to you? You felt a surge of affection for him, and your heart swelled.

Mike noticed your look, and his cheeks colored. "What?"

A smile slowly grew on your face, and you shook your head. "You're so sweet."

"Well, I'm not exactly a piece of candy," he joked. "Unless you count Sour Patch Kids, in which case, I'm like, super sour."

"You are not sour," you said, laughing. "You're the sweetest person I know."

"Sweet like cotton candy or sweet like apple pie?"

"Hmm," you pretended to think, placing a finger on your chin. You were trying not to laugh, but the twinkle in his eye was making it hard. "Probably more like apple pie. Sweet enough without the cavities."

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away… well, technically, it would be dentist in this case, but still—"

You cut him off with a kiss, and he pulled you down onto his chest. Your noses bumped together, causing you to both giggle, but it quickly turned into a heated exchange of tongues. You were both breathing heavily, and you could feel the blood rushing through your body, making you feel flushed and hot.

Your hands were on either side of his face, your thumbs rubbing circles into his skin, while his were roaming all over your body, feeling the curve of your back, the slope of your neck, and the softness of your hair. He slid one hand underneath your shirt, and his fingers left a trail of goosebumps as they traveled up your stomach.

He broke the kiss and moved his lips to your neck, where he began nibbling and sucking on the sensitive skin there. You let out a soft moan, and you could feel him smile against you.

He rolled the two of you over, so that he was hovering over you. Those blue eyes stared into yours, and you smiled. His mouth curved up into a smirk, and you thought he’d pull your shirt off or start undoing his belt buckle.

But he did neither. Instead, he leaned close to your ear and whispered,

“Want to skip dinner and order dessert instead?"

You giggled, wrapping your arms around his neck. "Depends on what you're ordering."

"A Trevor free apartment for a few hours," he suggested, waggling his eyebrows. “Maybe some fried Oreos on the side?

You smirked as he pushed your hair back. His hand caressed the side of your face, and his thumb ran across your bottom lip.

"How about an appetizer before we get started on dessert?"

"That's my favorite part," he breathed, lowering his head towards yours. His lips brushed yours, and you closed your eyes, savoring the feeling.

Trevor was definitely an ass, but his eating habits sure did have a silver lining.

And, oh, was it delicious.

[daisyblog]

Auntie and Uncle Duties

Too Young Masterlist Summary: Louis and YN look after Olive.

Based on this request and this request.

Phoebe🩵:

Hey Sis! I’ve got a last minute meeting this afternoon, will you and Louis look after Olive for me please?😘xxx

YN let out an excited ‘agh’ as she read the message from Phoebe. There was no hesitation, they would be absolutely thrilled to spend the day with their niece. Plus, YN saw it as a way of her and Louis getting into practice of looking after a newborn again, considering it had been 9 years since Arthur was born.

“Lou! Lou!”. YN shouted with urgency trying to get his attention from the next room. “Louis!”.

Louis feet came to a halt as his sock covered feet ran into the kitchen. “What? What is it? What’s wrong?”. His voice was rushed as he tried to catch his breath again.

“We’re looking after Olive today!”. YN smile filled her face, as she broke the news to Louis. “Isn’t that exciting?”.

He couldn’t help but stare at YN in disbelief, at how she had shouted his name with such urgency. “Yeah it’s fookin’ great…but next time less of the shouting…I thought there was something wrong”.

YN only rolled her eyes at his words. “Don’t be so dramatic…I’m thrilled that Phoebe has asked us”. The large grin on her face told Louis that this really meant a lot to her.

“Pheebs thinks the world of you…all me sisters do…so of course they’d trust you with their babies.”. Louis reached around so his arms wrapped around her waist, his hands landing on her lower back.

“Makes me more excited for our little bean!”. YN looked down at the small bump that sat between them.

Louis smiled down as he thought about in a few months time, their family would have an extra little person. “Who would have thought ey? If it wasn’t for my blue eyes that night maybe we wouldn’t even be here”.

“It wasn’t just your eyes…I thought you were hot way before that night”. YN confessed as they were still wrapped up in each others arms.

Louis wore his famous smirk, enjoying the new information he was hearing. “Oh really? It was the striped T-shirt and braces wasn’t it?”.

“Definitely…just gave you that bad boy edge!”. YN teased before reaching up to meet his lips.

---

The moment Phoebe dropped Olive off at YN and Louis’ to go to her meeting in London, YN’s smile has not left her face. Louis loved many things about YN but watching her being a mother and auntie was something special. She was a natural and her caring side really showed.

“And how about me, you and uncle Louis go for a walk?”. YN spoke to Olive as she gently put her pink coat on her. “And then we can pick Arthur up from school…he’ll be so excited to see you…yes he will”. YN cooed as Olive looked up at her, the mini Phoebe taking everything in.

“Your auntie YN doesn’t stop talking does she?”. Louis gently took Olive from YN’s arms, rocking her gently in his as he looked down at his niece. “It’s the Styles in her…always chatting!”.

YN knew he was teasing but she couldn’t help but form a ‘O’ with her mouth at his words. “You’re cheeky….you know I’m the quieter Styles!”.

“if you say so babe…but Gemma has won that title fair and square…you and Harry don’t stop when you’re together!”. Louis defended his words as he placed Olive into her pram and placing a blanket over her to stop the wind from making her cold.

“Oh shush and let’s take our beautiful niece for a walk!”.

---

The couple had slowly walked to their local park, Louis pushing the pram as Olive slept constantly inside. YN couldn’t help but let her mother’s instincts take over and kept checking on Olive every few minutes to check she was okay.

Enjoying the calmness, they continued to walk through the park, over the small bridge and around the lake before deciding to head to a cafe for them to get something to drink and to be able to feed Olive.

Walking into the small cafe, they were lucky to spot a table towards the back of the shop and quickly claimed it as their own. Whilst Louis ordered them both cups of tea, YN carefully picked Olive up from her pram as she started to stir. Louis was quick to make a bottle of milk up, using everything Phoebe had given them. As Olive gulped down her milk, eager for her lips to meet the bottle, Louis and YN sat in silence watching in awe at the little baby.

“OH! Is that Louis?”. The excited voice caught both their ears, meaning they started at each other wondering how the interaction would go.

Louis quickly brought his mug up to his lips to take a sip, a way to distract himself as he noticed the two fans approaching them. “Uh hi!”.

“Hey…you alright?”. Louis was always polite to his fans, he was eternally grateful for all their love and support. But when he was in public with his family, he always felt the urge to be protective.

“Yeah…we just wanted to say hi and that we’re really big fans”. The older girl spoke, as she looked between Louis and YN.

“Oh well thank you love…I appreciate all your support”. Louis wore a grin on his face, as he looked between the two fans.

“Is this Olive?”. The younger of the two noticed the baby lying in YN’s arms, still drinking her milk.

“Yeah…we’re on uncle and auntie duty today”. YN joked as she gently rubbed Olive cheek with her finger.

“She’s so cute!”. They cooed over the newborn. After taking a quick photo with Louis, the fans were eager to leave couple to enjoy their time.

Wanting to let YN drink her tea before it got cold, Louis carefully took Olive into his arms as the little one began to fuss. He gently stood on his feet with Olive tucked up to his neck as he swayed her gently to help soothe her. The science in front of her made YN glad she was already pregnant because the sight of Louis holding Olive in his arms, caused her ovaries to dance. Wanting to cherish the moment, she quickly snapped a photo of the precious moment between Louis and Olive because it really was something special.

ynstyles

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ynstyles my heart can’t cope🥹🫶🏼🤍 View all 3,671 comments

lottietomlinson ❤️

annetwist absolutely beautiful ❤️❤️

the.daisytomlinson My heart🤍

thephoebetomlinson Olive loved her day with uncle Lou and auntie YN! Love you both🥰❤️

pillowpersonpp This is too sweet!

j_corden Waw! This is a special photo x

louisfan4 LOUIS🥹🥹🥹

1dfan7 I CAN’T COPE!!!

louisfan9 can’t believe we actually get to see louis holding his own baby soon!!

harryfan6 YN tell Harry we miss him❤️

Taglist :@jillsvalentinex @itsmytimetoodream @peterholland04 @youcan-nolonger-run @chronicallybubbly

[briefpeachdinosaur]

William and Albert have such a fake smile

(Alberts hair look so bad here lol)

Anyway this is the smile they most of the time carry around, it never reached there eyes because they don't smile they just put on a grimace, a mask to hide whatever must be hidden and they look really awkward + fake with it.

Louis dosen't smile often too but when he does It's a genuine smile but there was once this time skip chapter were he faked it.

Guys it really lookes like Albert has a Mole near his jaw on the neck or something please tell me you see it too and I never saw it before!!!!

This picture is a very great example, there smiles look more happier I'd say. Specially the first one, after all the sadness there finally togehter again. And also the first one is when they did business as lord of crimes.

However the anime did bring more effort in some ways to make there smiles look more geniuen more times.

There smiles look less awkward and less forced.

(Here maybe It's because there also alone and not doing Business)

I have to give the anime credits for making Alberts hair look better they look wayyyy more in place but they looked chaotic only when he had his hat on. Acually they looks chaotic all the time sometimes in the anime too.

However they sometimes made Williams hair look wayyy too big, for examples when we see his side Profil his hair looks so damn big on the back like what.

Louis honestly has the best hair from all of the characters there.

James and Sebastians hair looks too chaotic sometimes, freds hair sometimes reminded me of a hedgehog (I still love there hair and this is no hate)

But I also really liked Von herders hair and patterson his hair.

Anyways lets go back to there smiles again-

Here we can see him looking at william and his smile looks so fake again plus he is quit angry and he destroyed a little from the glass, It's likely he did that out of his own Anger and it mustn't have anything to do with the picture.

But maybe, maybe, mabye he saw trough that smile and saw the pain he hide, all the crimes and sadness and was so angry that they and most Importenly his little brother had to do that too.

He wanted to change the World but at what cost? At the cost of there happiness.

Or he was angry that it wasn't already changed?

Or he just didn't like the pic who knows ?

Also In that one chapter where Louis was on a Mission he had the Name "Lucas J. Morgans" as if no one could tell that the names could be connected somehow.

But Louis is really over looked even now after everything and he became in Charge of everything.

I think ppl see him as the cute boy and he is cute just like fred but lets not forget what they're capebale of.

He looks so matured and good in here like wow, he is so Handsome.

(Ig those old clichy movies are right, change your hair just a little and remove the glasses and your a whole new person)

Thankyou all for reading

❤️

Tags!!! @viiper1 @wolliak @diveintovortex

[watermelonsugacry]

So yk how h has been posting accidentally to his public ig story instead of his close friends? One day he post some really cute picture of wifey and he adds all the cute stickers he uses and he erases it like rq. it’s like omg he posted her accidentally BUTTT the kicker is that he also captioned it something like cute and dumb like “happy wife, happy life” and exposed tf out of them lolllll bcs he is sooooo the type to say that anyway loves u

Oh my gosh I like this better than my original idea

So this is the post he makes on his Instagram story that’s supposed to go on his close friends story but then quickly deletes it.

And every social media platform is going crazy over what was only up for 18 seconds.

GUYS DID THAT JUST SAY WHAT I THINK IT SAID???

THE RING!!!!

WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN??

GUYS I DONT THINK THIS WAS A JOKE

THEY'RE FINALLY MARRIED?!!

HOW LONG AGO DID THEY DO THIS?

Aside from the obvious downside of Harry's fuck up, they actually had a plan on officially announcing their new marital status after their one-month anniversary... which was the next day.

(Here's their wedding chapter: Forevermore)

liked by harrystyles, prettypenny, and 7,879,203 others

yourinstagram 12/26 happy one month anniversary 💍❤

View all 98,786 comments

gemmastyles my sister!! ❤

annetwist my beautiful daughter-in-law

lizzobeeating A-YO!! so beautiful MRS STYLES

pillowpersonpp you looked so beautiful that day! ❤❤now mitch and I can call you hubby and wifey for real now

ynfan3 NOO WAY

ynfan2 I CANNOT HANDLE THIS RIGHT NOW

ynrryfan7 we finally got their anniversary date!

harryfan1 the way that twitter is blowing up right now

liked by yourinstagram, annetwist, and 7,675,236 others

harrystyles 12/26 finally married my best friend 💍❤

View all 764 comments

yourinstagram took you long enough

↳harrystyles I was waiting on YOU...but it was well worth the wait

↳jefezoff hey h, what happened to 'happy wife, happy life?' 😂

ynfan3 their bickering is so cute!

ynfan2 GUYS THIS IS REAL!!!

harryfan1 i've been manifesting this day for so long!

liked by annetwist, prettypenny, and 879,203 others

gemmastyles you guys were made for each other ❤

View all 798 comments

ynfan3 they're so IN LOVE 🥹

ynfan2 I NEED SOMEONE TO LOOK AT ME THE WAY HARRY IS LOOKING AT YN

harryfan6 it's rumored that they did a backyard wedding!

ynrryfan8 small wedding choice is so them

liked by yourinstagram, harryfan1, and 969,764 others

louis91 welcome to the family @harrystyles

(for all the times I've caught your asses kissing in the hallways)

View all 764 comments

yourinstagram mind yeh business lou

ynfan3 WAIT TELL US ABOUT THESE TIMES

ynfan2 literally half of 1d are now family

harryfan1 her and harry standing next to each other i can’t

liked by yourinstagram, harrystyles, and 979,783 others

niallhoran congrats to you both. love you guys 🥂

View all 231 comments

↳yourinstagram we love you more Nialler ❤

↳harrystyles thank you for being with us on our special day 🤍

harryfan1 NIALL WAS AT THEIR WEDDING AWWW

ynfan3 DID WE GET A 1D REUNION?? AND WE MISSED IT?

ynrryfan6 supposedly it was only Niall and Louis

liked by ynfan2, harryfan6, and 979,783 others

zayn it was only a matter of time

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yourinstagram ❤❤

harryfan1 look at them!! so baby 😍

ynfan3 after 12 years they're finally married!!

ynrryfan6 they don't even know what lies ahead of them

liked by ynfan1, prettypenny, and 502,203 others

lottietomlinson @louis91 & @yourinstagram the second they saw each other

View all 472 comments

ynfan4 I LOVE THEM

ynfan3 they're such siblings oh my gosh

harryfan1 they're five years old and i love it

liked by ynfan9, ynrryfan3, and 532,203 others

harryflorals more of Niall and Louis at YN and Harry's wedding!

View all 764 comments

harrfan6 i still can't wrap my head around what's going on

ynfan3 NOUIS!!

ynfan2 their brothers were there for their special day!!!!

harryfan2 i bet they both cried

liked by ynfan9, harryfan2, and 86,912 others

ynupdates Liam just posted this on his Instagram story!

View all 321 comments

harryfan1 THEY WERE SO LITTLE

ynfan3 fetus ynrry!!

ynfan2 wait was he not at their wedding?

↳harryfan4 why do i get the feeling that that was on him 🤔

liked by ynfan1, prettypenny, and 58,361 others

ynrry_updates YN's stepmum posted the first pic and then she reposted Mitch & Sarah's post on her Instagram story!!

View all 165 comments

ynfan6 stop this is so cute

harryfan4 harry's a lucky guy

ynfan3 the MR & MRS STYLES?!!

harryfan5 she looks so beautiful!!

.

.

SINCE 2010 masterlist

I write for free so if any of you lovies would like to help a college girl out and buy her a ko-fi i would greatly appreciate it :) 💚

taglist:

@wobblymug @be-with-me-so-happily @ashtongivesmebutterflies @kiwiskiwiskiwi @darlingdesire @obsesseddd @hopefulwastelandcreation @cacapeepee @breezie-b00 @harrysfolklore @theekyliepage @sunshinemoonsposts @nervousspiderling @tbslonelyhes @tenaciousperfectionunknown @harrystylesrecs @certified-nalayak @itsjustsel @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof @gviosca @behindmygreyeyes @twobluejeans @allisonxmcu @theemeraldbutterfly @jean-love @marvellover-sam @b-reads-things @reveriehs @rach2602 @thurhomish @perrypughstyles @luvonstyles @mxltifxnd0m @teamspideyman @c00chiemonster @juiceboxrry @s8tellite @folklorehrry @illicithallways @claramllera @eunoiaax @hoya122 @nichmedder @sleutherclaw @gloriousmoneyrascalbiscuit @harianaswhore @teawithcyb0rgs @vrittivsanghavi @vc55bughead @futuristiccroissantlampsludge @onecrazydirectioner @valluvsu @itsgabbysblog @awkwardbisexuall @rosehel @sucker4angstt @isalove @diorchives @mrshiddlestyles02 @fdl305

[dxxtruction]

I sort of divorce Armand from the larger moral implications of the trail, and what I mean by that is - while he still falls at fault for all of them, and further had a morally special position to prevent it that he takes on additional fault for - his primary concerns are actually divorced from anything that's even going on. In other words, to get at understanding Armand I sort of have to take on his own position. He's rather self possessed and his only actual goal is to ensure he has stable 'love' (even if it can never be real or reciprocated without high control obligations/fear/threat/or lies both to himself and other(s)).

"I did not see your love lasting as long" = he sees the coven as a source of love. Which he'd accept, even in a debased position, if it meant a consistent stability in knowing he is 'loved' (if a fucked up idea of it).

So, if the coven wants to do this whole production he doesn't care how it goes, or what its implications even are, or would achieve, so long as he gets what he's after. (Meaning Claudia is little to no object to him in this, but to the coven they (C, L, and M), and the racist and public humiliation done onto them, are the primary objective.) He appeases this objective to get at and earn his own, rather than it coming from himself, or his own beliefs. Of which are only self serving, and morally bankrupt to begin with (generally he's moral, as he has certain values about being good, but he's extremely okay with doing amoral, and violent things if it serves his own interests). Since his objectives only extend to Louis, Claudia is killed. He never loved her in any way, and saw her as worthless for it, so she's killed.

Armand probably would've preferred, though, that she run off with Madeleine and Louis stay with him, but because he has such strong objectives about maintaining 'love' at all costs he gives to the covens wishes to earn it from them. (At least this is the impression I get from how he looks so defeated and sad by it, like he's not gloating in this).

He ties literally all his worth an existence onto others need and desire of him, and so puts himself in an awkward position where he believes he's nothing if he can't have someone to possess or to alternatively possess him (Thank you Marius de fucking Romanus /s). This idea about worth naturally gets projected onto everyone else, (again fucking thank you you actual prick). And the more worthless you are to the world to him the more he doesn't think you deserve to live, or there is a point to your existence.

The ideal of a worthy person to him is Marius (eugh yeuck), and the things Marius imbued into him as things which are valuable or which make him valuable. (Success, sex, beauty, intelligence, devout servitude, etc.)

This whole thing is why I'm also of the opinion he let Lestat do it (and/or he planned for it) so, come time for things, he has/could give himself a choice (however unworthy of it he is) between Louis and the coven. He's after his own self worth, and the image of this self worth is torn between the two.

"Who am I Louis?"

The only way he'd personally think he'd be worthy of it from Louis, I'd say, is if he was already fully divorced from all the implications so didn't see himself as responsible for them. Moreover, he was probably under legitimate threat by the coven, however shallow of one it may look to be, which would further cement this idea. Even if he did come to realize his own guilt and shame about it, maybe even recognize how at fault for it he was (hence later hiding in lies about it). As events were proceeding he'd effectively removed blame off himself, and remained innocent by his own mental framing of being helpless to prevent anything (perhaps unconsciously).

But anyway, he casts himself as helpless and this achieves unwarranted sympathy from Louis, and further, convincing the coven they're in control (he's using the tactic of a child crying), so he can come out on top of whatever choice he then ends up with. What's a bit interesting is that (I hope I'm remembering this right) he encourages Louis to leave again right before he goes to tear everything down. So this either implies he wants to give Louis a choice still, to go free, or had already chosen the coven over him. If it's the former I think that's important, because it shows he does see others have some inherent value outside himself. But (sadly) can't apply that same understanding to himself. (Which, again, might mean this idea he was helpless isn't deliberate. He's just screwed up like that, consistently under an impression that he just is. Which is the biggest lie there is perhaps, but given his life, something I can deeply understand, even relate, to where it comes from).

As a disclaimer this is just an explanation I've come to, as it makes sense to me, explaining partly as well his further abusive behaviors, and is not me trying to agree with his position. He doesn't deserve forgiveness in all this, and is at fault for everything he is shown to be doing or simultaneously not doing.

[28mindgames]

What were the highlights of the show last night for you?

Hope you had the best night 🩷

for context: it was one of the worst weeks of my entire life because on wednesday my grandfather had a heart attack and i had to travel urgently to my hometown and then to another city where he was in intensive care. so when i got the call in my mind the posibility of going to the show was cancelled and obviously that make me very sad but at the same time i felt guilty for wanting to go. however, my family insisted that i had to go but i waited until the last visit on friday to decide because i'm an only daughter, i'm his only granddaughter and my family consists of him, my uncle and my mother so it's not easy and he's my whole life but that same night i returned to rosario and very early on saturday i was able to travel to buenos aires, i arrived there around noon. the line was soo long but there was a beautiful autumn sun.

i met 5 other girls and i was really surprised not to see or talk to anyone underage, we entered at 5:30 in the afternoon and i unbuttoned my jeans and sat in the pit to eat an alfajor (jajsjs). the chaos begun with pacífica and continued with giant rooks (INCREDIBLE!!!). before the show started i was on the verge of losing a shoe and even though it was hot from so many people, i had 4 layers of clothes and felt very cold. at this point my throat hurt A LOT

i realized that liam was in the vip but in the part where i was (next to the catwalk) no one made much of a fuss and liam's "newness" lasted at most 40 seconds, which is why i'm surprised to see so much talk about him online when in my experience it meant nothing and the people around me said "uh it's liam, that's great" and after 2 minutes they were already focused on louis coming out on stage (no olé olé olé liam in my area)

about the show: i don't know if i have the words to describe it but it made me feel so much HAPPINESS, i think about it and smile at the screen, louis was beautiful (that color is great for him and i loved the outfit !!!) the feeling of the music in your chest in a live show is incomparable and the introduction of the greatest 10/10, there were things that surprised me like songs that i didn't think the audience would sing that louder as coacoac or face the music. megamix live is a religious experience, my eyes filled with tears during we made it (how good it sounds!!! god was it possible to beat ltwt? yes). the band? excellent, louis' voice? sweet and clear

my phone doesn't take nice photos at night and the videos are dubious and never do it justice, so for me it was great to focus on enjoying the show and not so much on recording every second or trying to get the best photo. i wish i could name one song in particular but i enjoyed them all, of the 1d covers, i felt more energy and it was louder wtbhg and i'm not going to lie i enjoyed it a lot (fun fact: that song was recorded in buenos aires during wwat - yes! overwork! yasss!)

the ooms fp was AMAZING AAAAAAAA !!!!!! AAAAA !!! !!!! SO MUCH FUN. i have watched the video that inspired it millions of times (rolling stones in buenos aires 2006 - around 5:30) dreaming of living something like that and it was better: there was pogo, energy and argentinidad. the saturdays fp made me cry. A LOT. you could feel the adoration and love of the public for him and every time louis spoke it felt special <3

after ooms i went behind the front pit to have a more panoramic view and i saw how chris (i had him next to me because he started taking photos during wtbhg and i 👀 🤔👽🚶‍♂️) and matt were toasting with the technical team. silver tongues is the perfect ending for the show and the fireworks were like the cherry in top of a cake aaaaand that's when it really hit me HOW COLD IT WAS (6°) and i wished for the next tour happens in spring when buenos aires is completely purple with the jacarandás and it's my birthday, the funny part is that now it's not even winter here. anyways I LOVED EVERY SECOND AND I ENJOYED IT SO MUCH <3 i love louis with my whole heart I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT NIGHT ♥️🇦🇷

[haggamennon]

♡Light Shower♡

How He treats you and one of your dates:

Louis x Herbivore!GN!Reader (Romantic)

+

(The Shishigumi Lions just being goofy and giving moral support to Louis)

TW: Fluff, Angst, and other things.

(not that much scary but if you feel uncomfortable reading, please, don't read)

Since you are a Herbivore, he would have maximum protection over you. He notice that tou were really shy near the other, he thought it was cute.

When the night comes, when everyone is sleeping, He spends hours talking to you on video call (even if you have been talking all day).

(he became more protective over you, and always keeps in touch with you, afraid of losing you).

To him, you are everything, he even told his dad that He won't need an arranged marriage because he wants to spend the rest of his life with you.

If there's anyone bothering or even taking your attention away from him. He'd make sure to show the person that you're taken.

When there are any holidays or when it is weekend, you two decide to have a movie night. In my mind, I think he's a huge fan of cartoon (Since he lost half of his childhood with... you know what....My Poor Baby😭😭😭)

He would sit with you on his lap while watching it. If any climax happens, he'll start asking a thousand questions about it...

He even gave you a gift. Two necklaces, one with a padlock and the other with a key, they were really special for both of you.

He stayed with the padlock collar and you stayed with the key one. (He said it was because he only had eyes for you and wanted to show you that he would never leave or betray you, and he kept his promise)

TW: Mentions of Anxiety, Depression and fear.

When He got disappeared during the festival, you started getting anxious, you couldn't find him anywhere.

You texted and tried to call him with your phone, but nothing. After a some months that looked like years, He appears just to unenroll from school...

When He comes to your dorm, to give you one last goodbye kiss. But all He saw was you with red eyes and your cheeks fur all wet from crying. He just realized that he might have made a big mistake by leaving you behind, but He didn't have a choice...

For the past one hour, He spent it by hugging you and apologizing a lot in between the hug.

He kept the promise. He never took off the necklace, nor did you.

You were so sad and worried that you just were happy and relieved that he was safe. You cried during the hug, making the crook of his neck all wet from your tears.

He keep contact with you after he left. He promised to hangout with you during weekends.

He always spoil you with gifts and flowers (you dorm basically is a garden from how much He cares about you)

When He told you that he was the Boss of the Shishigumi, you almost freaked out. You knew they're a gang made of Lions and they eat meat.

You were waiting for an day to tell him about your number mark...

One of your dates:

It was Saturday, you have finished your homework and were leaving the bathroom after a nice bath, you notice there was a left message from your Boyfriend.

"Hey. Ready to go out for dinner and spend some time together?"

"Yep. I just left the bathroom, I'll put my clothes and meet you outside the school. Just 15 minutes and I'm there, See you there♡"

"Okay, I'll be waiting♡"

You put on a casual outfit and uses a perfume and other things just to look perfect to go out with him. You pick up a jacket, to keep your dorm keys and your School ID Card with you all the time. You headed outside the building and went to the gates of the school. When you exit the place, you saw an expensive car parked near the school, Louis was leaning against the car, waiting for you while he thought about something else.

"Hey Louis!" You make him jump a little, making him look in your direction and give a slight passionate smile. "Sorry for making you wait here, hehe..."

"That's alright. How are you doing, anything new at school?" He asked as he walks towards you and give you a soft kiss on your lips.

"Just the usual things... Oh, right, Els told me that a new member entered the Drama Club, she said he's a Dall Sheep. He's quite a teasing type of guy, most of the carnivores hate him already..." You giggle at the end of your sentence.

He let out a soft laugh. "Looks like they are already replacing me, that's good, to be honest." He opens the car door and waits for you to enter. "Shall we go? There are some people who have been wanting to meet you for a while."

"Should I be scared about it?" You make a joke about it as you enter the car and wait for him to enter the car, you notice that there's a Lion driving the car and you get a little more nervous but you wave it off. "Oh, by the way. Where did you want to bring me?" You look at Louis with a soft smile.

He gives a slight chuckle. "You will know when we arrive there~" He says in a teasing and excited tone as he closes the door and tells to the Lion to start driving to the destination. During the way, you two start talking about some things, about the school, about his business, and how each other looks beautiful on this night.

Once you two arrive, a Lion opens the door for both of you to exit the car, you look up at the building. "W-woah, this sure is a huge building."

"I know right" He chuckles. You two start heading inside and he leads you to a dining room, that is covered in decorations and the table only has meatless food, it seems that Louis ended up asking them not to show any kind of meat in front of you... " Welcome to our major criminal organization that controls the Black Market, The Shishigumi"

You notice some Lions walking into the dining room and they seem really excited to meet you. Louis gives them an angry look, maybe he has to maintain a serious and dominant posture to keep them in line. When they see the expression on his face, they seem to chicken out and leave, having left a few more dishes on the table.

"Let's start eating then, those Lions don't eat vegetables so we'll have to enjoy it while there's still time, haha." He sits near you and both of you starts eating.

When the two of you were done eating, some Lions came over and started clearing the plates from the table. You sit there and talk for a while. When it was already late, the two of you started walking towards the main hall.

When you were at the gates of the building. You started talking with him. "I really liked this date..."

"Did you? What was the best part of our date?" Both of you stop outside the building gates.

"I think the best part of this date was hanging out with you. Every time you're around, time seems to stop. What I mean is I enjoy every moment when I'm around you" You hug him, time seems to stop and neither of you wants to break the hug.

"Was that a declaration of your love for me?" He makes a joke and you laugh, he breaks the hug and now he's looking at you with a passionate look on his eyes.

"You can think of it that way if you want." You look at him with a smile. "I think it's a 'see you next Saturday'..." you start walking towards the car but you stop and turn towards him, you kiss him and start running towards the car. "See you some other day! I love you! Bye!"

Louis froze, not knowing how to react. In the background, inside the building, you can hear male voices celebrating, it seems that they were spying on you two from afar, haha.

His face become all red and he couldn't even say a word. He could only see you walking away, his heart started beating wildly, it felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest.

As you entered the car, there was a Lion with a happy face. He starts driving to Cherryton then he breaks the silence "Haha, He sure loves you" He compliments your relationship. "I'm glad you make him feel happy, he seemed quite sad before unenroll from school..."

"Thank you, I really hope he isn't making so much trouble with you guys, ehe" You say to him, with a gentle voice. You keep looking outside the window, seeing some stores still open. As you arrive to your destination you say goodbye to the Driver and walk inside the school gates.

Once you arrived to your dorm room. There was just you there, probably your roommates went to a party... You go to the bathroom and take a nice shower again, and put a shorts and one of Louis T-shirt (that you stoled from him and now it is your pajama).

Once you lay down the bed, you check your phone and you see a message left from Louis.

"Did you arrive safe and sound?" He texted to you

"Yes, thanks for taking me on this date, I loved it^^" You sent it to him.

"Good. I'm happy you liked it, now take a rest. I love you ♡" He sends you a photo of him on his bed, smiling at the camera. "If you dare send this photo to someone else I will kill you😒"

You reply "You look cute on this one, I'll put it as my cell phone's wallpaper♡" You start to slightly laugh about it. "I love you too♡ Goodnight, Bambi"

"Night, Sweetie♡" He replies your message and you put your phone away to charge it.

You look up, staring at the ceiling with a passionate smile on your face. You start thinking about how lucky you are from having a wonderful boyfriend. You start to feel sleep consume you, you end up falling asleep with a small smile on your face.

I hope it was nice enough to make your day a little better, took me 3 days to do it, cuz I'm lazy.... this was an Idea that I had, well then...

Byeee! 👋(Also, if you want any character, my door is always open for ideas, just ask me and I'll bring it to you all)

[whatavery]

Ordained Defiance Ch. 1

Finally, after weeks of buildup, finally I can start posting this very special story. Of all the characters in Lackadaisy, I really wanted to create some Abelard content, because I love him.

So what better way to do so than to write a little fanfiction featuring him, his family and my OC? A slow-burn story set in the small town of Defiance, Missouri...

For the first chapter, I present you with an image of my new OC alongside Abelard!

This lovely piece here was drawn by the amazing @mergestucs1!

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With the sweeping, green hills, the freshly sprouting leaves on the trees and the mostly clear, blue sky, Defiance was beautiful in spring. The air was getting warmer, but the breeze still had a sharpness to it whenever it graced Abelard’s face. It was a Thursday morning like any other as he made his way into town on foot, the apricot-furred cat enjoying the spring weather. Abelard's shoes dug into the dirt road that led the way through the small town that was Defiance. Granted, it really wasn't much of a town (it was closer to a village, if anything) given how small it was, and how much distance there was between the homes here.

The lean reverend took long, fast strides, walking with purpose. His morning strolls generally took him all over Defiance. He started at home and took the scenic route out to Defiance General, going through the small community and finally ending by the church.

He'd left the store just minutes prior, having stopped by the outskirts of town to see the shop owner. It was usually his first stop these days. Most days Mr. Weaver was up and working early, despite his age. Abelard always did make sure to purchase something when he visited, often in the form of cigarettes or other small items, usually something edible. Sometimes he brought home bigger items such as potatoes and the like.

And Abelard would, of course, gladly take on Mr. Weaver in a round of chess when time allowed it. Reverend Arbogast usually wasn't one to turn down an opportunity to spend time with the locals. It was part of his daily routine, making sure to visit with members of their little community. Though he didn’t personally visit each and every inhabitant of the small town, he made sure to at least greet them whenever possible, whether by the church or around town.

The man running Defiance General was one of the few that Abelard regularly visited personally. As reverend, Abelard saw it as part of his job to maintain a good relationship with said community; it was what the reverend before him had done. And it was what he’d taught Abelard; it was any reverend’s job to spread the word of the Lord and maintain good relations to those who believed, and even those who didn’t. After all, it was how a man of faith might help others see the light.

And as village minister Abelard didn’t just do services in the church on Sundays. Of course, that was part of the job; he took care to preach to his fellow man, woman and child. Though it had been a while since the last time, he had also done confessions and he’d heard quite a number of things. But as was his sworn duty, he’d never disclosed this to anyone; it was for him, the Lord and the sinner to know.

He’d been doing this job for decades at this point, and everyone in Defiance, and the nearby townships, that was part of his congregation, knew him. He'd established a good trust and good relations with the community, but it had taken time.

The township of Defiance primarily consisted of a small collection of farm buildings and barns around a main road that stretched through the small town. Defiance General was the primary place to do shopping for those who didn’t wish to travel further away by car, where they had more options. St. Louis was about forty miles away and Abelard himself hadn't made the trip there in quite some time. He was content in this small town where he'd grown up.

The town itself had a few things of note, despite its small size. For one, there was a local mechanic, though it wasn’t really a proper business, just a farmer who knew how to handle cars and other machinery. It wasn't so unusual to see him taking a look at someone’s vehicle, just as he was today. The farm house he lived in with his family was one of the larger ones on the side of the road that Abelard walked on. The barn door was open and the tuxedo cat could be seen fiddling with the engine of one of his neighbors’ cars.

As Abelard passed, he was spotted by the mechanic, who wore messy overalls over his clothes. He waved to Abelard as he passed. “Good morning, Father Arbogast. How do you do?”

“I’m quite well, thank you,” the lean cat called back in a proper tone. Abelard waved back as well, and offered him the slightest of smiles. Abelard was clad in all black from top to toe; black shoes, black pants, black jacket, black hat. The only article of clothing Abelard wore that wasn't black was his white button-up shirt under his jacket. “I hope you are as well.”

Though not a man who smiled much, nor a man to whom smiling came naturally, Abelard still did his best to be personable with the locals. At least for the most part. That wasn't to say he was all-smiles around them all the time, far from it. Father Arbogast, as he was most often called, had quite a reputation for being a man not to cross. It wasn't often, but he’d had to tell local children off more than a few times, using the colorful language he had become rather infamous for. And for the most part, it worked. He’d even had to tell off their parents on occasion.

Children as well as their parents knew to respect him and that was how Abelard liked things to work. Abelard was never one to shy away from doing such things if someone were to do or say something morally apprehensive.

Abelard didn’t linger around too much as he continued down the road.

The houses around the main road were generally large, quaint farm houses, many of them quite old with a fair bit of distance between each one. Defiance had never had a large population. Abelard knew they currently didn’t even amount to a hundred. The entire community could fit inside the church during services, even despite how small the church was. In the open area of Defiance, they had a few small businesses, such as a post office, an inn and a carpenter who also did metalwork on occasion. There was also a single bookshop and of course, further away there was a train station with its depot.

The businesses were mainly being run out of people’s homes, further adding to the feeling of a small, tight-knit community amongst the locals.

The area all around was wide and open with small groves and forested area nearby fencing in the majority of Defiance. The rolling hills and fields all around offered space for farmland, like the cornfields near Abelard's home.

The cornfields had gone from being harvested for food to also being harvested for more unsavory reasons in recent years. He'd been there for it all, as the changing political landscape of America had ushered in changes to his life. Not just his life either; Abelard also knew the unspoken truth that farmers both in Defiance, as well as all over the country, were doing the very same thing.

Abelard had spent most of his life in Defiance, as had many of its inhabitants. He'd traveled to visit nearby towns and cities, but home was always here. For better and for worse. But the small town of Defiance needed him. The Lord’s work was never finished until the day of reckoning and Abelard intended on continuing to spread the word of the Lord till his last breath.

He knew that there was no such thing as a one-man army when it came to his job. Abelard wasn't entirely alone; he spread the Lord’s word, he preached to warn of sins and temptations in the hopes that his congregation would help spread the same message. It was the point of preaching at all to begin with, to spread the word of the Lord, to help enlighten and to save as many souls as he could.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil… That part of the Lord’s Prayer had taken on a new significance to Abelard just a few short years ago. The nation-wide prohibition on alcohol had changed so much for so many people, again for better and for worse.

For Abelard? To him the very idea of stripping away a source of temptation in such a way was an affront. It had never been something that sat right with him; Abelard knew so many who saw it as removing the very option of giving in to sin from their lives, but Abelard privately saw it as a disruption to the natural order of things.

If anything, it seemed to have inadvertently added a whole new caliber of trappings into the lives of many. Abelard knew as much, being an initially reluctant participant in the illicit alcohol business.

But alas, here he was; illegal liquor had paid for much of the maintenance around the church and the town. Abelard knew that the cursed liquid would go on to add temptation back into the realm of the living – of the souls who would eventually need saving. Abelard knew that the very allure of the illicit only made sin all the sweeter to the ones who chose to give in to it.

But in the end, he knew that the truly good people would make the right choices, even with temptation in their lives. God would forgive sins, and although Abelard too would do his part to make sure people would not be led into the many pitfalls in life, he knew these complexities to be a necessary evil to separate the righteous from the wicked.

But Abelard kept these views to himself and a very select few close to him.

Passing more homes on his way, Abelard spotted more people who were getting their days started; a woman looking after the small garden around their front-porch where her small children were playing; a young couple leaving their driveway together in a car. Once more Abelard offered waves on his way, even if the children seemed rather frightened of him. He didn’t mind, of course. There was a fine line between fear and respect, and Abelard hoped they would learn to walk that line well.

If nothing else, Abelard hoped the younger generations would be given the chance to grow up with all of life’s complexities; the good, the bad and the tempting, all ever-present. Their parents (and he to some extent) would need to arm them to face the many trappings of life, and never stray from the righteous path. Whether they'd succeed or not was ultimately in their own hands.

All he could do was hope for the best… And hope that they may never get involved in unsavory business like his family.

Being in the liquor business had proven to have more downsides than upsides to Abelard. He resisted the urge to spit on the ground, to curse the names of those he'd had to deal with, as he continued on his way. Lackadaisy, Marigold, they were both the same to him; bands of immoral, cutthroat criminal that needed him and his kin for liquor and nothing else.

Though Abelard had no qualms with partaking in the making and smuggling of the liquor, dealing with others in the business had been less than pleasant. All the trouble that had come with it… It had cost him an organ player as well. Little Defiance had been the scene of some gruesome acts of violence, which Abelard still found unsettling to think about.

And that was despite all he'd seen and heard in his fifty-two years on this Earth.

Leaving the main residential area, Abelard passed the single inn that the town had. It was a small, family-owned place, a decently popular location that Abelard had visited many times. It was a two-story farm house where the family lived on the upper floor and the inn itself was located down below. It was one of the popular places for members of Abelard's congregation to end up after service on Sundays.

After passing the road that would take him towards the Arbogast Funeral Home, Abelard made his way past a tree line and out to another open area. The wide, open space was fenced in by trees from all sides, and the nearest farm houses could look right up to the white church with its single tower and tall spire that pointed straight to the Heavens. It was a relatively new church,; Abelard recalled in his youth that his parents had remembered the time when it was still newly constructed. Since it had been finished, it had been the church his family would visit for services every Sunday morning, and eventually the one that he himself would be the reverend of.

It wasn’t large and grand, but it was beautiful. All-white exterior, the church had two small steps leading up to the two tall doors out front with one short, wide transom above it. Further above the window as part of the tower was a clock, a relatively new installation. On either side of the large doors was a window, each larger than the one above the door, with a grid-like frame holding many small panes of glass. Each side of the church had four similar windows lining the walls, always making sure plenty of light could shine inside. The dark roof was angled upwards, the front merging into the small tower. The tower itself wasn’t that much taller than the roof, a small platform housing a thin, eight-sided spire reached higher than the roof, ending up in a sharp point.

There was always something to be done around the church, always something new to worry about, surprisingly so for such a small town. The illicit, ill-gained money helped keep the church in pristine order, and while they were currently out of a steady organ player, Abelard had other things to worry about. The groundskeeper was looking to retire. He was old and he had been looking after the grounds since before Abelard became the village minister. Just looking for a new groundskeeper would be a a mild challenge in the small community. Just something new for Abelard to figure out in the near future. Hopefully, the current groundskeeper would stick around long enough to find a replacement, so they wouldn’t leave the grounds unattended.

As a brisk morning breeze ruffled his facial fur, Abelard arrived by the entrance to the church grounds. The church was right by a crossroad; corn fields to one side, open stretch of grassland with graves on the other. The cemetery had expanded since the church’s founding, of course. Being framed in by the farmland, there was only so much space that could be used for graves; further away more grave sites had since been established.

No one was around at this time of day and as Abelard made it up the small steps to the large doors, he removed his hat and stepped into the Lord’s House.

It wasn't a very spacious interior, being a small church, but the space available had been optimally used. Stepping onto the wooden floor, Abelard walked up the aisle by himself. On each side of him were pews that could house the entirety of Defiance’s population during services, and there was even room for more people from neighboring townships. And in part owing to the small size of the church, Abelard had mastered utilizing the building’s acoustics to let his voice carry from the altar to the very back of the church, for all to hear.

Behind the last pew on the right side of the church, a small spiral staircase led up to a small landing above the entrance. This was where the organ was located, overlooking the small church’s interior. Abelard admittedly didn’t spend much time up there, nor did anyone else these days. The landing was close to the ceiling, which was painted blue like the sky outside, but even a man as tall as Abelard could comfortably stand up there without bumping his head on the ceiling.

Abelard made a mental note to attempt to send for a potential organ player in the nearby townships. He might even have to send for someone living further away, such as over in St. Louis…

The wooden pews that stood in rows on either side of the aisle were painted white, like the walls surrounding them. There were two windows up ahead flanking the altar, right across from each of the windows on either side of the door. Perfectly symmetrical. Along with the four windows on each of the church’s longer sides, plenty of light always poured in through these in the daytime hours. The same went for the circular stained glass window up above the altar close to the rounded ceiling. And of course, once it was dark, the multiple bronze candelabras on the walls and the large ornate chandelier hanging from the ceiling in front of the altar would help keep the building illuminated.

Abelard stopped before the altar, right below the chandelier and closed his eyes for a moment, just enjoying the peace and quiet that the church offered him at times like this. The tall, lean cat had a white podium off to his left, where he would stand to preach and speak during services, facing the congregation.

Leaving the altar, Abelard slowly made his way back outside again, casting a glance out at the woods in the distance that served as the natural fence for this part of Defiance. Leaves were sprouting from the branches and the grass all around was starting to look as green as could be, it was a beautiful sight indeed.

The dirt road leading to the left from Abelard's vantage point led up towards where a small part of the cemetery was located. Further away along the road that ran along the side of the church was the Arbogast Funeral Home. It hadn't always been a funeral home, as it was these days; it had also been Abelard's childhood home where he’d grown up. He’d inherited the place from his parents and now it was also where he conducted his other ventures, including more unholy business.

Glancing up the path towards the cemetery, Abelard put his hat back on. The nearby funeral home would prepare the dead for burial, the church would hold a funeral service and the dead would be buried in the nearby cemetery. It truly was an efficient, albeit morbid, little system.

Abelard’s own parents laid buried there as well, as did other past inhabitants of Defiance and the nearby area. Growing up so close to not only the church, but also the cemetery had made Abelard’s skin crawl as a young boy, but these days the thought didn’t bother him at all.

The area outside and around the church was beautifully maintained, the grass kept short, the nearby trees kept healthy and the paths kept clear and clean. The morning sun’s rays casting a brilliant light over the trees’ fresh leaves, and the blades of grass, only added to the place’s natural beauty.

It was going to be a tall order to find someone new who cared about looking after the grounds this much. But Abelard had no doubt in his mind that he’d find the right person for the job, as was his responsibility. Odds were someone in town would be willing to do it – it would be easier and more efficient to not have to call in someone from out of town. Abelard knew he shouldn’t keep putting it off.

After enjoying a bit of time to himself, Abelard let out a content sigh. But he knew he ought to go about his business once more.

Turning back towards the church, however, Abelard spotted a single figure lingering by the white brick wall to the left of the church doors. He squinted slightly. He didn’t recognize the stranger at a glance, in part due to them facing away from him, apparently glancing out over the cornfields nearby.

The stranger turned their head as Abelard got closer, and already Abelard didn’t get the best first impression of them, noticing the way they were leaning on the church wall. They were practically lounging, like the church was their personal property.

“Ah, hello… Reverend Arbogast is it?” The stranger sounded uncertain as he spoke in a surprisingly soft voice. The Turkish Angora stood just a couple inches shorter than Abelard, his fur a grayish off-white color all over. His ears were particularly fluffy, though his fur overall was short, yet fuzzy. He had bangs reaching down to his eyebrows and the tips of his ears had white tufts on them. Very unusual.

Behind him he had a particularly fluffy tail that drooped ever so slightly. He wore a dark gray sweater with a thick, folded collar and a pair of blue denim pants. The right knee of his pants was torn open, his white fur showing through.

“Yes, how can I help you?” Abelard asked, his blue eyes taking in the stranger before him. Abelard's tone was polite, but slightly stiff. He didn’t recognize him, and yet there was something familiar about him at the same time. Abelard guessed he was likely from out of town – he made it a point to know everyone in Defiance, after all.

The stranger left the wall and approached Abelard, his fluffy tail fur swaying in the wind. Eyes met, sky blue and minty green, and Abelard noticed the younger cat had a face with soft, rounded, almost slightly… feminine features. The stranger held out his white-furred hand. “Well… I was just looking around a bit. I haven't seen this place in a long time…”

“You’ve been here before?” Abelard asked in surprise as they shook hands briefly. He squinted slightly at the white cat. Again, he got the sense that they’d met before…

“Oh, I lived here a decade ago, before I- Well, I moved out a long time ago.” The stranger’s stumbling didn’t go unnoticed by Abelard, but he was more so intrigued, though perhaps a touch suspicious as well…

Abelard still fixed the stranger with some amount of dislike, which based on the look on the younger man’s face didn’t go unnoticed. “Hmmm, I don’t recognize you… I know everyone in Defiance. What’s your name, young man?”

“My name’s Cainan – Cainan… Wirth.” Once more Abelard couldn’t help but feel as though something was wrong. The stranger seemed hesitant to give his name, which only made Abelard all the more suspicious of him. However, his name did stir something in Abelard – that sense of familiarity.

“Wirth? With an ‘i’?” Cainan nodded at this, though he didn’t meet Abelard's eyes when he did. “I see… Well, I might have known your parents in that case. Harold and Gabriela Wirth, correct?”

Abelard could see Cainan's face tightening at this, but the younger cat nodded. “Yup, them’s the ones. I was planning on visiting them after I’m done here, actually.”

At this Abelard raised an eyebrow as their eyes finally met again. He wasn't sure what Cainan's situation was, but this was… curious. For a number of reasons. The least of which being: “Well, they moved away a few years ago, if I’m not mistaken. They have not called Defiance home for a while.”

Cainan blinked up at Abelard with those pale green eyes. “… Oh.”

Was that disappointment Abelard heard in his voice? Or was it relief? Abelard genuinely couldn’t tell. The older reverend frowned down at the white cat. “You didn’t know…?”

The younger cat didn’t answer right away. Abelard could tell he was thinking hard about what to say. What was he up to exactly? He hadn't immediately struck Abelard as a troublemaker, though the way he hung around outside a church did seem suspicious. Abelard cast a glance over Cainan's shoulder towards the area beside the white building, which seemed to be quite untouched. When he glanced back at Cainan, the younger cat seemed ready to speak.

“Well, to tell you the truth, Reverend, no, I didn’t realize they'd moved. You know where to?” he asked. Again, Abelard found it curious how he spoke with the tone of someone just asking for the time; not with the tone of someone urgently needing to know the whereabouts of their parents.

“Hmmm, well, I don’t recall, I’m afraid,” Abelard told him calmly, though he watched Cainan closely, his gaze fixated upon the younger cat to wait for a reaction. Abelard had his suspicions, but he wanted to see just how Cainan might react to this information. To his surprise, the younger cat barely seemed to react at all – he just nodded slowly.

“Ah that’s alright. Guess I’ll try and ask around town,” was the response Abelard got, a surprisingly casual response. Now he was certain something wasn't right here.

“Were you hoping to run into them here?” The longer he spent in Cainan's company, the more Abelard could start to see some family resemblance. While he couldn’t say he'd been close with the Wirths, he still partially remembered what they looked like. He could see aspects of both Cainan's parents as he remembered them, when he gazed upon the younger cat before him.

“I suppose, yeah,” Cainan replied, his tone carrying that same casual carelessness as he spoke. Cainan seemed to hesitate for a moment, clearly thinking about… Honestly Abelard wasn't sure what was going through the young stranger’s mind. “I suppose I really just did come looking for you.”

“I guessed as much,” Abelard admitted, nodding slightly as he crossed his arms. The way Cainan had greeted him had indeed made it seem like he’d been waiting for him. Whatever this young cat could possibly want from him, Abelard didn’t know, but he was willing to hear him out. “So once more I ask you, how can I help you, child?”

Cainan’s left ear gave a small flick, possibly out of annoyance, though his facial expression didn’t show any signs of it. Abelard didn’t think calling him a child was unfair; he was young, clearly, though Abelard didn’t know quite how young. Perhaps he was older than his youthful face made him seem. “Well, I decided to return to town and, well, I’d like to do some work while I’m here. I’d like to… stick around for a li’l while.”

This was certainly a surprise to be sure. It wasn't at all what Abelard had expected of the young stranger, the reverend frowning slightly. He sighed. “Hmmm… And why didn’t you simply head into town and ask around? And why weren't you just honest from the beginning, young man?”

“I’m sorry, well, I figured this way was easier – I heard you were the village minister, so I figured… Actually, maybe this was a dumb idea.” Cainan suddenly seemed to change his mind mid-sentence. The younger cat shook his head and made to leave. “Sorry to waste your time, I should just drive-”

“Now hold it just a minute…!” Abelard put a hand on Cainan's shoulder to stop him in his tracks, gripping him firmly with his slender fingers. Cainan turned to look at up him, apparently surprised, his white eyebrows raised. “Slow down and explain yourself. I can’t figure out where to put you, if I don’t know where you came from.”

“So, you will help me…?” the Turkish Angora asked hopefully, his ears perking up immediately. Abelard let go of Cainan's shoulder and stared at him in disbelief. Had he been hoping for this kind of reaction…?

“I asked you to explain yourself. We shall see if we can find a solution to your predicament once I know everything… And I do mean everything.” Abelard had a feeling Cainan just might be a troublemaker, but of a different sort than the kind he had encountered before. He gestured towards the church with some apprehension. “We can step inside and talk, if you'd please.”

Cainan turned towards the church with an equal amount of apprehension of his own. He bit his lower lip and seemed to consider this for quite a little while. He awkwardly hovered around where he stood, though he didn’t step towards the church. “Uh… maybe we could talk out here? Or we could go for a walk? It was a long drive here, I’d like to just stretch my legs a little bit.”

Abelard thought it curious that he'd mentioned a long car ride, seeing as there wasn't a car around to be seen nearby. He looked at the younger cat, eyebrow raised in suspicion.

“Oh, I drove into town, but I walked here,” the white cat hastily added, apparently not ignorant to the doubt written all over Abelard's face. The white cat offered a would-be innocent smile, but given the hasty way Cainan had offered up a rather flimsy explanation, it didn’t make Abelard trust him any more. “And besides… I haven't really been in Defiance for years. You could show me around… Please…?”

Abelard scowled at the shorter cat, crossing his arms again. Cainan continued looking at him with that would-be innocent smile of his, but Abelard saw right through it. Whatever he was playing at, Abelard wasn't going to let him win. He knew for sure he didn’t want to participate in his little games. But if he wanted to stick around and work in the town he grew up in… Abelard supposed it wasn’t the worst thing to want, even if he was being deceptive about it. Still, something wasn't right about Cainan…

“Very well, we can walk together,” Abelard finally agreed, though he still scowled at the younger cat. Cainan on the other hand seemed perfectly pleased with this outcome. It indeed seemed like this was the outcome the younger man had desired.

As the two of them left the church grounds and walked up to where the two roads outside the church crossed, Abelard couldn’t help but feel like this was all an elaborate rouse. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Cainan was trying to manipulate him in some way. His intentions sounded innocent enough on paper, but the way he went about everything didn’t sit right with Abelard. “Now, young Mr. Wirth-”

“Ugh, no… Just call Cainan… uhm… please. Reverend.”

“Well, Cainan… If you wish for me to… potentially assist you with your plight, I must ask you a few things. And I ask that you return the favor by answering my questions honestly.” Abelard turned his blue-eyed gaze upon the other and fixated him with a scrutinizing look. “Do I have your word?”

“Of course, I’ll be… honest.” The hesitation made Abelard scoff and offer Cainan a side-eye as the two walked down the dirt road together. “No, sorry, I mean it. I’ll be honest – I swear.”

Abelard still scowled, but he ultimately nodded, breaking eye contact to look ahead. The two walked along the road that ran parallel to the church’s front door. They moved in silence for a few seconds as Abelard gathered his thoughts. He still wasn't at all sure what to make of Cainan. He didn’t appear very trustworthy; the way he spoke, his closed off body language from the way he slouched and the way he shrugged so often. Abelard very much felt that the answers he got from the white cat would prove whether he was to be trusted or not.

“So, tell me: when did you move away? And how come your parents didn’t contact you to let you know that they'd moved themselves?” Abelard decided to go for two big questions back to back. When he looked over to Cainan on his left, the younger cat did indeed seem taken aback by the questions. Abelard simply hoped he'd honor his promise and tell him the truth.

“Ah… Well, those are very good questions…” Cainan replied hesitantly, looking away at the cornfield they walked past. Abelard could tell he was stalling to answer, and he was starting to feel rather annoyed with Cainan already. Though the scowl on his face didn’t go away, Abelard calmed himself the best he could, and just waited. “Well, to answer the first one, I left town when I was… I think fourteen. Thirteen? Around that time at least.”

“Really now? And how come you decided to leave Defiance then?” Abelard wondered aloud, and he couldn’t help but privately wonder if Cainan had run away. It seemed unusual to travel away alone at such a young age. But all the same it seemed so unlikely; from what Abelard remembered of the Wirth family, they were a respectable sort, a good family with good values. They were people of faith and everyone in town seemed to like and admire them.

At least if Abelard's memory served him correctly…

“Oh, I needed a change of scenery.” Once more, Cainan appeared so casual. He stuck his hands into his pants pockets, looking completely unbothered. He still slouched a bit, whereas Abelard took proper strides, back as straight as a board. “Small towns like this are nice, but I wanted to see more of what the world had to offer.”

Abelard had to admit, the younger cat’s answer had surprised him. Assuming it was the truth, he couldn’t help but find it almost admirable to want to experience things like that at such a young age. Perhaps that was how his parents had raised him?

Of course, being out in the world meant temptation. How old was Cainan now? Abelard wasn't sure, but if he left about ten years ago, perhaps… Ten years was a long time… Who knew, maybe Cainan was older than he seemed at a glance. “And where did the road take you then?”

“Oh, here… there… all over the place.” Cainan offered up another casual shrug, Abelard feeling a twinge of annoyance shooting through him at the sight. “I started going from town to town. I traveled down south for a bit, then over east to St. Louis for a while. Never really out of state, though.”

“And now you’ve returned home.” Cainan glanced on over at Abelard in a manner that told Abelard all he needed to know. The look told him far more than the young cat likely meant for it to; he didn’t like the idea of referring to Defiance as ‘home’. Although he said nothing, it was written all over the younger cat’s face. “And what did you do while you were away exactly? I take it you must have done some kind of work to get by, have you not?”

Cainan nodded as they approached the treeline that bordered the fields near the church. Past the treeline there would be yet more farmland with more houses and more of what Defiance had to offer. “I did a couple different things. Factory work, courier work, personal driver, everything in-between, really.”

It was of course a very vague list, but Abelard supposed if he truly was that versatile and had gotten a lot of experiences in his time away from Defiance, he might just fit in after all. It shouldn’t be too hard to find something for him to do at least; Abelard was sure he (or at least the locals) might be able to find a niche for the Turkish Angora to occupy. But of course, that was all up to the community and how well he got himself reintegrated with them.

Defiance was a small, small town, but there should be room enough for one more – it might even help that he grew up there. Abelard wasn't sure if anyone would remember the white cat, but perhaps if they did, that might ease the transition.

As the two of them reached and passed the treeline, they also reached a more densely populated area. This was of course relatively speaking as the buildings scattered here still had a considerable amount of distance between them. Cainan glanced around with considerably more interest than he’d shown up until that point, his green eyes taking everything in. “Ah yeah, I do remember this place… a little. It hasn't changed that much from what I remember…”

“Suppose there’s not too much of a point in showing you around then. Hmmm, let’s see… If you left some ten years ago, I suppose you may not have seen that we have a bookstore now, have you?” Abelard asked as they approached the nearest building. He didn’t remember exactly when the bookstore had been opened, but he was fairly sure it must have been after Cainan left home.

“Oh, I don’t think so, no. I might have to stop by later,” the younger cat said. Abelard thought it might be the first time Cainan said something genuine. At the very least it seemed more genuine than anything else he had said up until that point.

Out here, there was more open grassland, less of it dedicated to farmland, more of it just simple grassy, green hills that rolled along the beautiful landscape. While there was distance between the homes here, they were closer in proximity than some the farms around the church. Cainan looked around curiously as the two of them continued along the dirt road. “Ah, I recognize some of the buildings.”

“So, where are you staying exactly? I take it you’re not staying in your parents’ old home. Are you renting a room at the inn?” Abelard inquired as they neared the very same inn on their stroll. Although it was one of the larger buildings in town, they only had two rooms they rented out, seeing as Defiance didn’t see many visitors, usually. It had a seating area inside for guests to sit and dine as well.

“Oh, no, I’m not. I’ve already got a bed with my name on it,” Cainan replied vaguely. As the two of them passed the inn and approached other houses, a few people took notice of the strange duo.

Abelard would nod in greeting to them, but he could tell people were curious. “And where might that be? If you’re planning on working here, I think we ought to make sure you don’t have to commute back and forth…”

“Ah. Well, I’m staying on over in Cottleville, it’s not too far.” Abelard watched Cainan closely, trying to see if he was being honest. He had a difficult time with this young, white cat; he was easy to read at times, yet other times, such as now, Abelard hadn't the faintest idea what he was thinking. His face was neutral, blank like a fresh new canvas, not showing a single discerning emotion.

“I see. I suppose that isn't too bad as far as distance is concerned,” Abelard reluctantly agreed as they continued on their way. He fell silent for a moment, the older cat needing a moment to think things through. They passed by the post office on their way.

It was another business that had had its start in someone’s home, albeit a house considerably smaller than most of the others. A single-story house where the very front had been converted into the post office where letters were sent and received daily.

Abelard privately thought that if anyone had kept in touch with the Wirths, Cainan may be able to get their new address and send for them… if that was even something he wanted at all. Abelard had gotten the distinct feeling that perhaps there was some unpleasant history between Cainan and his parents.

“So, say if you were to stay here, what work would you be willing to do?” Abelard finally asked after a brief of silence. He fixated the white cat with a scrutinizing stare once more. He supposed this too might reveal a bit about Cainan's current situation, as well as his character.

“Oh, anything and everything,” the young cat said almost lazily. “I did do food service for a while, but I don’t know if the inn would need to hire any help. I don’t know what else there would be around here. But I suppose I’ll just have to find out.”

Anything and everything was a very wide spectrum, and Abelard wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. It could mean one of two things to Abelard; either Cainan truly was incredibly versatile and not at all picky; or he was desperate. Abelard supposed that regardless, it shouldn’t be too hard to find something for him to do.

“I really ain’t too fuzzy about it. Maybe I’ll just stick around for a few days and see what happens.” Cainan cast an inquisitive glance back over his shoulder towards the post office. It was one of the first buildings one would encounter when entering Defiance from the direction they were going. “Hmmm…”

“What is it?” Abelard looked towards the building as well, then looked back at Cainan. He raised an eyebrow curiously.

“Oh, nothing, nothing. Just considering my options,” the younger cat replied with a shrug. Cainan pulled his hands out of his pockets and cracked his knuckles rather loudly, before resuming his slouching posture. “So, hmmm… anything else you want to know about me?”

Abelard could tell Cainan was hesitant, and odds were he was only asking to be polite; it was clear to Abelard that Cainan was being secretive on purpose. Whatever it was, the younger cat did indeed seem to hide something, though perhaps he just simply didn’t enjoy sharing. Abelard supposed he couldn’t blame him there.

“So, if you’re staying somewhere over in Cottleville, are you a permanent resident there? Or what is your living situation? I’m trying my best to understand here…” Abelard had a feeling he knew the answer, but he needed to be sure. That was assuming Cainan chose to answer truthfully, of course.

“I’m… more or less homeless at the moment,” Cainan admitted, looking up at Abelard. Their eyes locked again and Cainan just gave a small smile when he saw the look on Abelard's face. “It’s alright, I’m managing just fine for now.”

Abelard watched the younger cat for a moment as they continued on their way. He wasn't so sure; being a young man without a job and a home didn’t seem like he was managing. He supposed if he had money saved up that was one thing, but he also didn’t know for sure. Abelard's eyes drifted down to the torn knee of Cainan's denim pants. That seemed like something he could and would have fixed if he’d had the funds for it.

Although Abelard didn’t want to give Cainan too much just yet (in case he was the type to take an arm, when offered a hand) he couldn’t help but feel as though he ought to do something for him. As untrustworthy as he’d been acting up until this point, Abelard thought that perhaps he was making light of his own situation to make it seem less severe. Perhaps a coping mechanism of some kind.

Nevertheless, the two of them continued along the road. They didn’t speak too much outside of Abelard explaining which buildings were from after Cainan had left town, which seemed to be a good number of them. Even with Defiance’s small population, there ought to be quite a few new faces among them now, at least for Cainan who had been gone for so long.

The two had made it all the way to the road sign that would first greet those arriving in Defiance, at which point they turned back. They’d ended up further from the residential area and closer to Defiance General.

The post office was the first building of significance they reached on their way back. A decently sized building with just one floor, a quite scenic one given the open field behind it. Abelard knew a local artist had once painted a beautiful piece featuring the post office and its backdrop. It was, in fact, iconic to the residents.

Glancing through the main window as they passed, Abelard offered a wave to the local postman, Mr. Lang, who was working inside. The gray tabby offered a wave back, though he cast a curious glance at Cainan, who seemed to be glancing the complete opposite way. He almost seemed to willfully try to ignore the post office’s existence.

“Would you like to go inside? Perhaps we can ask if there’s work to be done in the post office.” Cainan turned towards Abelard again and looked apprehensive at best.

“Oh, uh… Yeah, we can head inside,” the younger cat replied, speaking with a similarly apprehensive tone, his eyes not meeting Abelard's. Abelard raised an eyebrow curiously. For someone who said they’d take on anything and everything, this was a curious reaction, when the very prospect of a potential job was brought up.

What are we going to do with you? Abelard privately wondered as he stepped up to the post office’s door, looking sideways at the younger cat. Abelard knew next to nothing about him at this point, maybe Cainan truly was doing better than he appeared to be.

He was an enigma, this one…

[acesofspadess]

The Brits

a/n: aaaaand we're back. thank you for keeping my motifs active with likes, and reblogs, I promise more frequent updates 🙏🏾

little bit of time jump... apologies

February 2012

Only a month or two had passed since you started the tour and it was beyond magic. You had turned 17 and Louis had turned 20

The first few weeks of the tour were beyond what you could imagine, sharing the stage with the boys and seeing all the fans at the locations you went to, you were beyond thankful that this was your job. Today was the Brits Awards and ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ was nominated for ‘British Single Of The Year’. You were putting your shoes on when the door that connected the rooms the band was staying in opened and you saw Harry and Niall looking at you with wide eyes. 

The thing is, these past two months have been some sort of special. You had all agreed that with tour, even though you would be with each other all the time, that dating on tour would probably get in the way of what you guys could truly have. You still acted as if that talk never happened though. 

You saw their eyes and knew you looked good. You didn't really ‘dress up’ a lot. You had good style and would say it looked good, but dressing up like you were now was special. ��Wow Petal, you look so beautiful.” you giggled at the airiness of Niall's voice and immediately got up to give them a big hug. 

“Thank you Ni.” you kissed his lips lightly so as to not get gloss on them. Harry stood there still. “Haz,” you turned to him a little worried, “you ‘right?”  It seemed your voice snapped him out of his daze and he surged forward catching your lips in his hard. You hummed into it before Liam interrupted. “Quit snogging you two, and Niall fix your trousers please.” He groaned walking into the other room to get Louis and Zayn. You pulled away from Harry with a giggle wiping the gloss off his lips. 

You turned to Niall who was adjusting his trousers and saw that his shoe was untied. You walked over squatting down to tie his shoe and you heard his breath hitch. “Sorry.” you realised shyly giving him a kiss in apology, which he happily accepted.

Getting out of the van at the O2 and seeing the fans lined up against the fencing was so strange. This was your guys first award show and -wow- did it live up to your expectations.

The performance and the winners, especially the commentary from James Corden was to die for. It was now time for the category your song was up for.

“It's time for British Single. This one is voted by you the fans. Now to announce the winner, it's a double Brit winning man who…” 

You were so anxious you tuned James out. Niall grabbed your hand from next to you seeing you zone out. You looked at him and your hearing came back as the nominees were being listed.

Hearing the band's name with the song in the background could have made you cry. You all connected your hands as you heard the famous lines.

“And the winner is…” the wait seemed longer than it actually was, “ONE DIRECTION!!” You all jumped up and stayed jumping in joy. You all went around the table hugging those who sat with you before walking up the steps with Niall and Harry escorting you, one hand in each of there's. 

You and Harry already knew ‘as the front runners’ of the band that you two would be handed the mic, but you passed it off to Louis instead. You hugged Tempah as he handed you and Harry the award. 

“Wow, we cannot believe that we are stood here on this stage. I wanna start by first saying this award belongs to the fans. We’d absolutely be nowhere without you. Thank you so much.” Louis thanked humbly while you turned to Harry. 

“A massive thank you to the fans. Everything we do is for you. This is yours,” he thrust the trophy in the air. “So thank you so much.” He handed the mic to you next and before you could even speak the room went up in applause making you smile bashfully, and the boys knowing that those cheers are because you are the only girl, encouraged them.

“I just want to say a quick thank you from the bottom of all our hearts to our family and friends who have stood by us  in these crazy almost 2 years. You mean the world to us, and to our fans…” you let the cheers die down. ‘We couldn't have done it without you, we love you so much, this win is for you.” 

Liam thanked all of our team and Niall thanked the fans one last time before James came up. “One Direction everybody! Thank you so much, you beautiful boys and gorgeous girl. Go and ring your mums, tell them you'll be home late tonight.” You all laughed walking down the stage and heading backstage to wait until the next break to sit back in your seats.

“WE WON!!” You cheered as you were all backstage and the boys jumped around you successfully tackling you into a hug which ended with you all on the floor. “Get off me you smelly boys.” you laughed as they all took offence. “We don't smell.” 

“How's this for smelly.” Niall kissed you hard his hands resting against your jaw, as Harry came behind you and put his hands on your waist moving them softly, while waiting for his turn, which he eagerly took leaving you with no air in your lungs after the heated kiss with Niall. You regretfully broke the kiss when you herd the cue for the break. Niall and Harry quickly kissed each other, before you were wiping lip gloss off their lips. “Don't know why you keep putting it on.” Harry whispered in your ear as you back to your seats and you rolled your eyes at him.

“This is a joke, don't start getting carried away.” You all laughed at James as he was sitting in between you and Louis. “How you feeling, Autumn? Great night right?” you nodded in agreement.

“It's absolutely amazing. I mean being here itself is an honour but being nominated and winning. We’re on top of the world right now.” you summed up briefly as James agreed.

“I mean it's been the most incredible year. Let’s get this right. Now your album is currently number 1 in Thailand, Sweden, The Philippines, Italy, Singapore, it's in another 20 top 10’s, and it's currently number 9 on the U.S. iTunes chart. Like how’d- Harry how did you feel to suddenly have an international album?”

You looked at Harry who was already looking at you. “I think it's just like- it just all kind of blew up so fast for us, it's been a complete whirlwind and it just completely shows how dedicated the fans are and worldwide it shows how good our team is. You know they've worked so hard and we’ve been working hard and having a lot of fun and you know, it's been amazing.”

 “Now Harry can you confirm or deny the rumours that you will be stepping out with denise welsh?” James turned the mic towards him and he paused. “No, I will not. I’ve got my dates right here.”

“You heard it here first folks…” but you couldn't focus on James when Harry was looking at you and Niall like you hung the moon and the stars, a soft smile gracing his face.

You found yourself in the middle, next to Harry on the winners couch after the show. It was just commotion as you all were a bit drunk. “You've got your first Brits. Congratulations!” 

You all screamed and cheered into the mic. “We can’t believe it all. I mean it's amazing to even be here let alone win a Brit, but I mean it hasn't quite sunk in yet. To the fans thank you so much.” Liam spoke first as you leaned over Harry. 

“I assume you're not going straight home tonight?” you all laughed and muttered some excuses. “Well we’ve got work tomorrow so…” you shrugged and the boys added on to that. 

They showed your winning speech and you all cheered after like you had just won again. “So Autumn we had Rihanna on earlier and she commented on your dress. We want to know who it is you are wearing?”

Your jaw dropped at the comment. “Rihanna asked? Oh god, um well my best friend made my dress and she helped put together the boys suits, so a big thank you to Beverly, I love and miss you.”

The boy whooped after you spoke also thanking Beverly. “So who gets the award guys?'' Without hesitation they pointed to you and you smacked your head. “They said this backstage.” you shook your head before continuing.. “But i'm gonna cast it and make-”

“Make jellies?”

“Yes, make jellies.” you laughed. “Right cause then you can just whip out the ole Brits jelly.” you and Harry fell into each other and laughed even harder at Nialls laughter through the mic.

When leaving you walked through the red carpet again and were handed a mic. “We just wanted to say thank you again to the fans, you've been rooting for us ever since it was out that we got nominated. Thank you all so much again.” you spoke in front of you. 

“Hello, well done.” You all looked to your left at the voice and realised the person asking you questions was over there. “Who is getting the award at the end of the night?”

“They keep saying me.” you laughed as they all agreed, “but honestly they might break it if i give it to them so i might be the smartest option.” They all booed at your answer teasingly and you rolled your eyes at them. 

You talked a bit about the continued tour throughout the rest of the U.K and Ireland, and then what was still normal in life. You honestly felt like the answer was everything and nothing. Of course you were still you and the boys were still the boys. You still had all your friends and family, but your life was on screens now, and to you and the boys you knew it was a part of the job, an abnormal job to say the least. 

“Now if you could snog anyone in the room tonight who would it be. You had no idea who to say but you were too shocked when Niall and Harry said you. “What?” you were shocked  considering you all said no dating and thought also meant no outing the fact that you practically were. “Oh yeah im changing my answer.” Zayn looked towards you. “Have you seen Autumn tonight?” Louis added and you just started shaking your head at them. “I believe we all want to snog Autumn.” Liam finalised and you slapped a palm to your face.

“Do you all have a crush on Autumn?” they asked and you looked at the boys with an eyebrow raise. “Who doesn’t have a crush on Autumn, is the question you should be asking.” Niall answered first and you giggled. “Right Niall. Of course we all have crushes on her. You would be an idiot not to.” Harry added and you rested your head on his shoulder in gratitude.

“Hold the trophy up one more time for the fans.” you all cheered as Zayn thrustedthe trophy in the air. “Thank you so much for having us.” you thanked one last time before getting back in the van.

“So you guys have a crush on me?” you asked when you were settled into the van. “Don't let it get to your head.” Liam groaned and you all laughed. Another successful night down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

taglist:

@youcan-nolonger-run @ravenclawdirectioner

@luxiorchive  @superlegend216

[fallingforel]

Louis and 70 pls 💗💗💗

A/N good morning, afternoon and evening (have to cover all bases because who knows where people may be in the world its evening for me loves 🫶) of course I would be glad to write this for you (sorry it took me so long to get round to it) on with the showww. OH and I'm gonna make you part of 1d in this hehhehe

PROMPT 70:“I don’t want you… I need you.”

Words: 1,094

warnings: mentions of death via car accident, mentions of alcohol, mentions of sick, mentions of sex its a generally fluff piece though so hope you enjoy.

Life was great at the moment, I was living life to the heights I'd never thought I'd get to 3 years ago when I was a little 19 year old who just lost both parents in a car crash to a teenage drunk driver who knew no better than what I did at that age, I performed on the x-factor stage after my mum told me to "chase your dreams sweetheart" getting me to where I am now. In a band with 5 boys we love performing every night recording our albums and I get to do it with my best friends in tow.

"So. If you guys didn't know. One of our band members has a birthday tomorrow, but we're not playing a show tomorrow. So can you make this show extra special for us? Her family couldn't be here tonight, because they're in better places. So can you make her feel superrr loved for us?" Louis asked the crowd that we were performing to in stockholm tonight. They screamed back.

"You know I think I see a sign over there that says Y/n we love you, we can be your family, there's another one that says We love you y/n happy birthday. There's another one that says I love Y/n more than free wifi. Wow Y/n you are getting the love tonight" Louis said making the crowd scream loud at that part.

"I think we should sing Happy Birthday to Y/n don't you think?" Harry asks which earns multiple yeses from the boys and screams erupting from the crowd and a shake of the head from me.

"okay okay. 3, 2, 1"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR Y/N HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU"

"I think that's the loudest happy birthday I've ever had. Thank you. Now time for one of our fans favourites this is teenage dirtbag"

⋆｡°✩

Running off the stage on our Very high high.

"LOUIS!!!" "Y/n, Love you did so great" Is all he says before he's pulling me into a very big hug and swooping me up into the air and then finally putting me down and letting go after much protest on his behalf but me saying I can't breathe did the job

"Thank you for that happy birthday. It was honestly the most love I've ever felt from one of our shows." "yeah well it was all for you and you did it. Happy birthday love" "thank you Louis" Is all I say before I'm pulling him into a hug again in which he wraps his arms around my torso and placing chaste kisses on top of my head.

"And you mean to tell me they aren't together?" Niall speaks up from beside Harry where they are both watching Louis and I from the wall just a few feet out of earshot. But I still heard it. "Yes we are very much not together."

⋆｡°✩

Louis and I decided to go out to celebrate my birthday, wanting to bring in my 22nd birthday with me. As I had no-one to have a phone call from so Louis decided to take my mind off of it and go celebrate. The other boys were too tired to celebrate I don't blame them so it was just Louis and I

"Lou it's getting late its like 3, we should probably get back. I'm gonna spew my guts if i drink another drop" "yeah that's probably wise me too, come on then dove" "That's a new one?" "yeah, they represent peace and that's what you've always shown. Even when you found out who hit your parents when you racked up the money, you were so calm, you were the one to apologise when you saw how guilty it felt. If that was my mum in the car I'd be saying all kinds of nasty shit to the driver who killed her. Guess that's what I like about ya, dove" "thanks lou but they also represent innocence and purity and I'm none of those two things am I lou?" "No I suppose your not but you do have a pure soul and I guess that is what matters the most" "alright stop with the spirituality mr donny. and lets get back to the tour bus I'm exhausted"

⋆｡°✩

we get back in and I sit at the kitchen table nursing a whiskey and louis looks at me funny

"what?" "thought you were gonna spew if you drank another drop of alcohol?" "thats different." "how?" "whiskey I can drink slowly, you made me literally DOWN shots" "thats the thing about you that makes me love you Y/n" I just burst out laughing because it wasn't true, the guy I liked had been crushing on ever since 2010 at the first group auditions stage liked me back. "yeah okay" "no I'm being deadly serious" "you're drunk lou. Go to bed" "No, I'm being deadly serious Y/n." "You just want me because your drunk Louis, I'm being serious" "and I'm being serious when I say I want you. Actually no fuck that, I don’t want you… I need you." "Louis you have to mean it because I am not going down that hole of where we mess about like silly fucking teenagers because we're past that point, being teenagers I mean we're fucking adults" "As serious as a heart attack, I love you darling" I jump into his arms where he drowns me into a heavy snog, "Fuck lou. I love you too."

⋆｡°✩

Last night was one of the best nights ever somehow after everything I ended up in Louis' bunk, the reminder of that was Louis kissing my shoulderbone waking me up from my post-sex slumber "Louis, You seen Y/n" Harry shouts from outside Louis' bunk which earns a giggle from me, ultimately making louis clamping his hand over my mouth. "NAH MATE, HAVEN'T SEEN HER SINCE WE GOT IN LAST NIGHT" I lick his hand that is covering my mouth "DID YOU JUST LICK MY FUCKING HAND!" "Lou who have you got in there?" which makes harry open the bunk, meeting eyes with the both of us "HOLY FUCK. Y/N AND LOUIS FUCKED." which makes the remainder of the boys (excluding louis.) scream from their respectful places on the bus "FINALLY WAS ABOUT FUCKING TIME" and then ultimately zayn says "SHIT NOW WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THEM FUCKING LIKE RABBITS"

⋆｡°✩

lets just say that night in stockholm lead to a certain song on four with the same place name, that I wrote.

⋆｡°✩

end.

[dollivication]

Hihiiiii, this is gonna be long, i've got a rant AND an idea thingy. i've mentioned before not bein into anyone other than Wesker in Resident Evil buuuut I just watched Resident Evil: Vendetta and I GET THE HYPE, I ADMIT, I GET IT. LEON'S MODEL IS SO FINE. I'm guilty to say seeing him in the movie and the old games vs in RE2+4 Remake, I prefer this design. He's more rugged? LAIK I KNOW HE STARTS OFF AS A ROOKIE BUUUT THEY COULDA KEPT HIS LOOK I saw people speaking about the newer design for his character saying they gave him the 'dumbass pretty boy' look cuz it makes more sense for him as a rookie cop in 2 but man.... Rookies can look like anything so if that were the case for the change....eeeeeh.... Also unpopular opinion, I also prefer Louis' old design. I'M SORRY, HE DOES GIVE OFF THE CREEPY UNCLE VIBE IN THE REMAKES MODEL. ANYWAY, I hope you're doing well today, staying hydrated and fed! Gotta look after yourself above all else. To make this less of a rant, I shall be the first (I think) to make a Wesker scenario/idea thingy. Wesker is all about himself, right? It's a part I surprisingly love about him. BUT LAIK, if he deems you special enough to make you his 'pet', just know he's NEVER letting you leave him. He knows all, where you go, who you talk to, what you're doing, etc. And if you even think of trying to contact anyone (perhaps a certain STARS agent...) you can find yourself tied up by his Uroboros tentacles and used for hours until he's done with work and uses you himself. He's superior, he tells you that, and he'll fill you up with his cum, talk about giving you a 'purpose' , laik breeding you to have his obviously 'superior, god-like children' OOP- He's a feckin menace, I can imagine if you go to get help in person (he has eyes on you at all times, so ofc you can roam around but not for long if you keep creep round some rookie or CHRIS) you'll end up in a bloody puddle, not dead but certainly taught a lesson... ☉▵☉ JUST AN IDEA FROM A DEPRAVED WESKER FAN DON'T MIND MEEE Love ya, Dolly (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ -Nell 🍓

NELLLLLL HAI HAILLO HEY :3!!!! WHEN I SAW THIS I LIT UP I CANNOT LAI… it’s always a treat to hear from yu!!! ^.^ and oh my we have MUCH TO DISCUSS TAKE A SEAT MWAAA 🩷🩷🩷

VENDETTA LEON IS JUST A SKRUNKLE!!!! HE IS a sopping wet andgrumpy kity… AND NOW THAT YOU MENTION IT,, it would be interesting to see him laik dat in re2.. laik how could this stingy critter get even stingier… a leon miserable from the start would’ve been pretty funy methinks LMAO

you are SO right about luis’ old design you are voicing thoughts i am 2 shy to say.. laik his new design is great!! but there’s a certain peculiarity to his old wan that screams yucky weirdo uncle.. might be dat wack ass hair and outfit GIGGLING he looks laik a vampire too !!! they’re both in special parts of my heart…. 🩷

I AMMM DOING SPLENDID and oh my lordy lord i forgot to drink water today THANK you for the reminder LMHREKSLFG i promise that’s not usually like me.. I HOPE YOU ARE DOING THE SAME HOWEVER !!!!!! please take lots o care!!!! >.<

THE. THE WESKER SCENARIO. IM SAT.!!!!??? TENTACLES,, ESPECIALLY FROM UROBOROS,,, ARE THE WAY TO MY HEART …. THE SUPERIORITY COMPLEX. BY JOVE!!! he’s so narcissistic and he’d probably tell you to be thankful that he chose you to have his kids… anyone would die for a chance like that!! (he is NOT wrong HEL))

his freaky ass would probably even put a shock collar on you,… god forbid you do anything that’s remotely out of line! AND ESPECIALLY god forbid you go near chris he’ll actually tweak the fuck out … i want wesker to stab me and say it was my fault for pushing him i CANNOT lie.. laik yur rite king i’m sorryIMSO SANE IM SO SANY

nell i’m hugging yu so tightly rn this crumb of thought was yumy… i lauv wesker so badly….sighs dreamily💔💔💔

[savebylou]

Good morning,

So, so happy for you and all of those who attended. Watching online was also breathtaking. The band was so good. Louis was wonderful and in his feels. The crowd looked so joyful. Dancing, singing, smiling, crying - so totally in the moment. Beautiful to watch Louis loving Mexico and Mexico loving Louis.

Weather wise it seemed like a nice evening. Yes? How were the openers? What are some of your top moments? What lyric got to you? Gave you chills? Made you think/say "Oh my"? Could you see the screens? What tattoo made you think "Oh this is real"?

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday, Funday, glad it is not Monday as you dance in the memories. Take care. W

Hi W!!Thanks for sharing your perspective 😭🤧🤧🤧😭. I love this quote you said "Beautiful to watch Louis loving Mexico and Mexico loving Louis." So true. I think is more easy for me to answer your questions right now that doing a recap so thank you for this:

Weather wise it seemed like a nice evening. Yes? Ok so it was nice until like 7-8 that the started to look a lot of clouds on top of us and they started to souns like a warning. I was worried but suddenly (Louis the Sun doing his magic) there was no cloud and the sky look clear again. It wasn't cold it was fresh I didn't wear a sweater, probably why Louis choose that perfect outfit.

How were the openers? Omg Giant Rooks were so freaking good. Is a shame that not a lot of people were there when they open (they were the first and play it at 7) and not a lot of people know them, but I hope they gained some fans, they said they will be back. For DMA'S I think they were amazing, I'm still not that familiar with his music, I listened to them before the show and really like them, but I do think the crowd need it more energy sadly they were yelling and clapping at some point but not enough, I hope they still felt some love.

What are some of your top moments? Gosh I think first was the Greatest intro, the screens, the band saying the ohohoh and then the Faith In the Future writing of Louis in the screen I almost lose it right there, I was going to cry I really couldn't believe I was there.

KMM was iconic, and it just felt that Louis was waiting for the traditional iconic fan project created by the fans in Chile. When he says here we go and we all started to doing the lights was magical. And I saw a video for feqw we were so many and look incredible, I can't believe I was part of that.

I mean all the songs had something special, we were so loud in btm, hoth,chicago, night changes, 505, all of them. I love every aecond of each song.

I think being part of the fans projects was something special for me. I always love seeing the fan projects and going from seeing them on livestreams or videos to being part of them in person was so special and the fact that Louis love them make me so happy. There were 3 fan projects the SIBWAWC that for a clip I saw it work 😭🤧 and Louis love it, also the Walls project with the lights of the mexican flag and fan signs that says Mexico Loves You (I don't know if this work out haven't see videoa with the lights). Same for Saturdays it was with white and red lights look really beautiful for the clip I saw.

What lyric got to you? The one of Angels fly "You'll be okay, we can talk tomorrow I'm on my way with some time to borrow" and Saturdays "My heart might be broken But I won't be broken down"

Gave you chills? Made you think/say "Oh my"? Probably Out Of My System Louis and the band were so freaking incredible.

Could you see the screens? The screns is the only thing I could saw ☹️. Before Louis the people in front of me were in an angle where I can saw the stage but then they move and it was only the screens for me sadly. Only saw once Louis silouette.

What tattoo made you think "Oh this is real"? You meam like a moment that make me realize thia ia real? Or a tattoo from Louis? I don't get that question but. If ia the first one besides the greatest intro probably when Louis started speaking. If is the second one uhm I couldn't see a tattoo of him in the screens.

Thank you for your questions W. I hope you have a lovely day.

[louisisalarrie]

what was it really like being in the fandom when 1d was still together? was there stuff happening like every day?

oh my god yes. it was incredible. almost every day we had new content, and it wasn’t all just promo or anything, like, the boys would post on their instagrams, tweet us and each other, there’d be interviews, twitcams, snapchats, photoshoots, new music, new content every day from the tour they were on etc., we were thriiiiiiiving. it felt like so much more of a special relationship, because they’d share more from a personal level and not just tweet to promote new stuff. It was very fun and wholesome and the fandom as a whole were just sooooo active.

due to having all this new content all the time, we also obviously got a lot of Larry stuff. and a lot of Larry stuff means active larries, proofs, a million gif versions of the same interaction, just… excitement. You never knew what they’d do the next day. Tumblr and Twitter was just full of 1d and Larry.

And I think this is a major factor as to why so many larries have slipped away, as well as antis, general 1d fans, etc., because we’re not really… getting much from them anymore. If you go have a look through the 1d Instagram, as well as the boys’ person instagrams, they were active sooooo often. It was a post almost every couple of days. And our fandom was very fun, but fandoms were so much more of a thing. It was like “Directioners vs. Beliebers” and while we argued about who was better, it felt not as purposely hostile as it does now. Fandoms just aren’t the same now, they exist in a different light. If you were around kinda the 12-16 yr old age during 2011-2016, being in a fandom, no matter the topic, was just a thing. It was a sense of belonging, and friendship.

Apart from being such a different fandom these days with the solos and baby fans on Twitter being involved, we also just aren’t getting anything except promo stuff/stunt content (in Harry’s case particularly) now. A selfie from one of them (Louis mainly lol) and we’re all happy and excited for like 24 hours before we’re parched again. The relationship we had back then was so fun and exciting. We grew up with them, and laughed and smiled and felt like we knew them. It just felt so different to the basic promo that every other artist was doing. But twitter and Instagram were used for that reason. But now, they’re very different platforms and we are in a very different social media and PR climate than ever before.

And I think with the lack of Larry content now, people reach to try and confirm that they are still communicating with us like before. Some of the theories I see on twitter about how Louis and harry are signalling to us are… for lack of a better term: wild. It makes us seem so stupid and like we look into things too deep and reach like crazy, and scramble for Larry to still be real. And that comes naturally when you still believe in something/still wanna prove it. You truly are gonna try everything you can to validate that belief to yourself, and to others. But it’s not doing us any favours.

The Larry thing came around from very clear proof, evidence, and interactions that we saw all of the time throughout 1d, but if I came into it now, I’d probably be on the “they once were together but aren’t anymore” side because I wasn’t there during 1d and the very early days, ya know? So I truly applaud baby larries for researching and upholding their belief in the boys because they deserve justice.

I miss it dearly, to be honest. The chaos, the love, the fights, the support, voting 100 times on some fan award so the Beliebers wouldn’t beat us, RBB and SBB, the belonging, the boys. Even the bad times were fun in their own way.

Anyway, living through that time, the stunts were very transparent to us because the 1d team floundered and stumbled and fucked up an incredible amount, because they hadn’t dealt with something so massive with such an intense fandom before. we watched PR try so many different ways to figure out the right equation, to techniques they still use now. I know very lovely folks who aren’t larries anymore, but still will never believe that louis has a kid. It’s really incredible and I don’t think there will be a time like that again, and the only way it would happen similarly would be if 1d got back together and a part of the fandom came back to tumblr. But now a lot of us are grown up and can’t be online 24/7, and we have bigger priorities/different interests. But I think we’ll always be here in some capacity, and the internet would fully explode if there was a reunion. God, could you imagine?

Anyway, yeah, it was a beautiful time and I miss it. Sometimes it’s lovely to go through old screenshots and their instagrams and tweets and remind myself of that time that was truly formative for us and being part of a journey that was so exciting and shocking with twists and turns and love and hate and chaotically posting about whatever happened that day and people finding lifelong friends out of a shared interest. Even the hate we used to get is nothing compared to today. It’s just so different. I wish everyone could’ve experienced that time because the ones who did and are still here… well… those boys hold a very special part of our hearts and i truly hope they come back. Even though it’ll be different, it’ll still be a bit the same.

Thanks for the reminiscing, anon!

[priincebutt]

from that 100 dialogue prompt post, 85 please! :)

85. “I almost didn’t recognize your voice when it’s not yelling at me.”

(Funny you requested this -- I've been wanting to do a "bad idea, right" by Olivia Rodrigo fic for so long, and this lent itself perfectly to that scenario. So, here's the start. Probably going to develop this into a hatef*ck smut scene down the road but I was so pleased with the start of it I wanted to post it!)

“I almost didn’t recognize your voice when it’s not yelling at me.”

Henry can hear the smirk in Alex’s tone – it’s right there, bright and haughty and self-righteous; it sings ‘I knew you’d call,’ and Henry, well, he hate’s that he’s stooped so low.

It’s just that… they’re both in Paris for fashion week. Henry had seen Alex’s picture on the glossy covers of tabloids, June’s arm draped in the crook of his elbow, dressed from head to toe in fucking Louis Vuitton, and he looked like a goddamn dream. A dream Henry can’t shake, a dream that isn’t his anymore. He’d made that abundantly clear when he’d broken up with Alex at the palace all of those months ago.

He’d screamed. He’d cried. He’d told Alex to leave when Alex asked for the words.

Nothing had hurt that much, but this – Alex’s smugness – is a blow straight to his pride.

“Yes, well… I saw you were in town, and…” And what, Henry? Wanted to relive the glory days? After all, Paris was where they’d first woken up beside each other. Paris feels special still, because his heart aches for those days even if he’d given all of that up. “It’s stupid, I shouldn’t have called.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” Alex bites out, and the words sting, and affirm that Henry is, in fact, a massive masochist. He’s a sucker for whatever pain Alex is willing to inflict on him.

The line is silent as both men think long and hard. Then there’s a sigh from Alex, and Henry feels that dangerous flutter in the cavity in his chest where his heart was, before he’d decimated it. “What do you want, Henry?”

“Have dinner with me tonight.” It’s out before he can think better of it, and he immediately bites his lip, knowing it was the wrong way to go. If Alex knows he has something Henry wants, he’s going to make him work for it. Really and thoroughly work to deserve it.

“No. You broke up with me, remember?” Alex sets his boundary, and Henry backs off, respecting it.

“How can I forget?” He mutters, more to himself than to Alex, though it does earn him a harsh chuckle. “Come to my hotel then, after whatever dinner you have planned.”

“Are you really booty calling me – in fucking Paris – at noon on a Tuesday?”

Henry lets out a crisp sigh and nods emphatically, then remembers that Alex can’t see him and turns the conversation around. “You’re going to the Louis Vuitton Men’s wear show at 2, right?”

Alex is quiet, making Henry wait, playing hard to get, and Henry knows he deserves it. “Yes.”

“Then you’re going to go to a dinner with some people you don’t really like very much, and you’re going to be bored out of your mind. You might as well get something out of this trip, right?”

Once again, Alex drags the silence out, and Henry’s sure he’s relishing it. “What, hate sex with my ex who chose his duty to his country over me? I’m not interested.”

“Are you sure about that?” Henry’s voice is curious, genuine and raw, because he can hear the hesitation behind Alex’s words, the way his sentence structure is crumbling with want to say yes. It hasn’t been long enough for Alex to be moved on, and Henry doesn’t know if he wants Alex back, or if he just wants to have some really fucking good sex, which he’s not had since the last time he’d been with Alex.

It had been a bold move, but he doesn’t regret it. And he internally cheers when Alex lets out another dramatic sigh.

“Fine. Where are you staying and when should I meet you?”

[lumiereandcogsworth]

okay I have some questions about the birthday boy 💛 did he still celebrate his birthday after his mother died, or rather, was he forced to celebrate because he's the Prince™️ or did his father kinda just not give a shit ? also what was his favorite birthday from his childhood (if he has one)

OKAYYYY IT’S ANGST TIME BABEY LET’S GET INTO IT!!

so, as i mentioned to you and as you saw, i DO touch on this a bit in his birthday fic today :’) but i am sooo happy to elaborate on all the utter sadness of it all :)

adam’s mother died in march when he was nine. that august, when he turned ten, i think everyone TRIED to celebrate him in little ways. lumi & plum still attempted to get him a gift, mrs potts still made him his favorite treat (macarons), and even cogsworth and cuisinier tried to coordinate a special dinner with all adam’s favorite foods… but adam really wasn’t himself. life had just been hell for him since her passing. he’d been struggling with nightmares, struggling to eat, struggling to be a person. he wasn’t even ten years old yet and he already felt so cast adrift.

i don’t think his father ever cared about adam’s birthday or even remembered. he’d be going over scheduling with his secretary and he’d be like “there’s nothing going on the week of the 26th, i’ll go then.” and the secretary would say “well. that’s the prince’s birthday…” and louis was just like “and? he’ll still age whether i’m here or not. and hopefully he’ll be more of a man by the time i return.” so that’s nice.

adam entirely just stopped caring about his birthday though. like at first he’d still appreciate the servants’ attention. but his father got stricter about them interacting with him and he equally started getting brainwashed into mistreating them too.

also oh man. okay so this is BAD. there WAS a birthday that louis DID do something for him. and uhhhhhhhhh. Bad. bad bad bad. i’ll try to say it quickly and simply.

for adam’s 13th birthday louis hired a prostitute to uhm. make him a man. she was twice his age.

okay i’ll let you work out the details there! sorry!!!!!

anyway. FUCK. after that, adam just suuuuuppperrr did not give a shit about his birthday. like genuinely despite how self-centered and arrogant he grew up to be, he literally did not make a big deal about his birthday. everyone else did though! his “friends” would always throw INSANE parties for him, and he’d go of course (if only to intoxicate the absolute hell out of himself and forget about everything) but he never ever told anyone that it was his birthday, and he always told people to shut the fuck up if they tried to sing or cheer for him in any way. and it DID confuse his people because they KNEW how much he loved attention. it just couldn’t be birthday-themed attention :/

okay sorry backtracking just a tad:

his fourteenth birthday he actually did slightly enjoy. it was his first birthday with “friends” from university. other shitty little delinquents, of course. and they STILL bullied adam. he was always the butt of the jokes in the group. he was the awkward loser boy that they kept around because he was the prince and was actually fun once you got some alcohol into him. so they celebrated his 14th birthday right when he got back to school after the summer, and, at the time, adam felt like he was actually accepted by people. (even if it was truly all a façade.)

his sixteenth birthday happened like a month after his father died. so obviously nothing happened on that day. pretty much everyone forgot because they were dealing with funeral plans and lowkey freaking out about the idea of adam inheriting the throne. the day came and went without any fanfare regarding it, and he wasn’t mad about it at all. (deeply depressed about it. but ya know.)

anyway yeah so he became an older teen, a young adult, and each year was the same shit. more parties and debauchery and exuberance. he hated his birthday but there was always a party and he was always the most wasted at it. i definitely think, on some birthdays, when he was all drunk and depressed, he’d sometimes escape the party to just be alone. wander to the portraits hall and throw glass at his father’s portrait. stand under his mother’s portrait and feel like shit. feel like he’d let her down. feel ashamed to be her son. drink more drink more drink more. things were bad :(

BUT ALRIGHT SO heyyyyyyyy let’s turn this around. end on a positive note? yeah? PLEASE?🥲 his favorite birthday from childhood was maybe his fifth. that was the year his mother gifted him his first horse, etienne. adam actually got to SEE this horse’s birth (which is a very precious fic of mine !! ) before he turned 5, but then i think on his birthday the precious foal officially became his. the queen asked her son what he wanted to name him, and adam wasn’t sure, but he loved the white diamond-shaped spot on his forehead, (he’s like dark grey otherwise) so she suggested the name etienne because it means crown :”) adam couldn’t ride him for a few years, of course, but he LOVED going to the stables with his mother to visit him and brush his hair and feed him carrots and watch him run around around with his mama 😭😭 (i also !!!!!! have another fic set when adam is ? i wanna say 12? but etienne is in it for a little bit, just to highlight their bond 🥺 ) anyway yeah adam loves that horse. i think all the horses got turned into statues during the curse and adam didn’t even realize how much he missed him until he saw him like that :(( he had definitely been neglecting him in recent years but ya know how it goes. he was definitely happy to start going on rides with him and belle with philippe 🥹🥹🥹🥹

anyway yay what a happy thought!! adam and his horsie!! don’t worry about anything else i said in this post!!! 💙💙💙💙