#brighton and hover

[woso-dreamzzz]

Blood Sugar III

Alessia Russo x Teen!Reader

Summary: You join Alessia's team

You were kind of lucky really.

You knew you shouldn't have been worried.

Everyone had told you not to worry but you'd still had your doubts.

You and Alessia fought like sisters so you would have accepted if she didn't want you in her space all the time. But here you were, freshly moved into Alessia's spare room and in her car on the way to training.

Brighton had been the club you'd played for since you were a kid. You loved Brighton. Your family loved Brighton but if there was one thing they knew about you, it was your competitiveness.

You had ambition. You wanted to win trophies. Maybe, one day, you'd go back but right now you were still young and you wanted trophies and medals and awards.

So, now, your release clause had been bought out by Arsenal and Alessia's hands reached over the console of her car and slapped at you.

"Stop trying to change the station."

"This station is boring," You bemoan," Can't we listen to something else?"

"My car, my rules," Alessia replies, slapping at your hands again to get you to stop," Maybe, if you actually bothered to go and get your license..."

You roll your eyes, arms crossed over your chest. "Lessons are expensive!"

"I'm not even charging you rent."

"That's not the point!"

Alessia laughs as she pulls into her parking spot, car still locked so you can't escape her.

"Now," She says and you fight the eye roll," You already know some of the girls from camp so there's no need to be nervous. Everyone else is just as nice. Just remember to-"

"Smile," You say," And speak politely and...Are you going to make me repeat the whole thing? You already told me at breakfast."

Alessia swats at you and you hear the click of the doors unlocking. "And you'll remember to check your sugar levels when you need to? We don't need you being on a first name basis with the medical staff just yet."

"Yeah, yeah. I got it. Cheese will check for me."

At the sound of his name, your spaniel stands up in the backseat, his ears perked up and tail wagging.

"He's a good boy. He'll keep an eye on me."

His wide eyes seem to convince her that he'll do his job and do it well so she picks your bag up from the footwell and practically throws it at you.

Introductions go smoothly enough. There's a lot of cameras and a lot of handshaking and Alessia hovers even though you really don't need her to.

"Not letting her out of your sight?" Lotte teases at lunch as Alessia ignores her food.

You're stood in line with your plate, squished between Kim and Lia and Alessia is just staring.

"Just making sure today goes well," She says to Lotte, leaning back in her chair to make sure her eyes are on you at all times," She's eating at a slightly different time to usual. I just want to make sure there's no hiccups."

"And you don't want her to have more of an excuse to say you hover? Because, you know that's what you're doing? Doing it from a distance means you're still doing it."

"She doesn't know that."

That shocks a laugh out of Lotte and she goes back to eating.

Alessia doesn't. She waits to eat until you've joined them at the table.

"What's up with you?" You ask, mouth full of food when you notice her staring.

"Huh?"

"You're staring."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"I'm not."

You shrug. "Okay, whatever but if the wind changes, your face will be stuck in that weird position."

Alessia pokes you with her fork. "Eat your food. And check your sugar levels."

"Yeah, yeah, let me finish first."

But in the end, you never really check your sugar levels.

You get drawn away by Kyra and Vic and their antics and Alessia finds herself in a conversation with Lotte about their plans later on in the week.

You're all relaxing in the break room together. Lotte and Alessia occupy one of the sofas while you, Kyra and Vic are all hooked up on one of the game consoles.

"Cheese, man," You groan as your dog nudges you more firmly with his nose," Stop it. I'm serious! Leave!"

Cheese nudges you again but you push him away. He tries one last time but you don't even look at him, too occupied with hitting the buttons on your controller to defeat Vic's character on the screen.

He whines a little, stomping his front paws a few times before going to stand in front of Alessia.

She doesn't notice him at first, too engrossed with the story Lotte is telling. Cheese gets impatient quickly, whining loudly and slamming his nose against her leg.

Alessia still doesn't look at him but her hand moves to gently scratch at his head.

Cheese doesn't let up though, roughly pushing his nose against Alessia until she looks down.

"What's up with you, huh?"

Cheese whines and very pointedly turns and sits, staring straight at you.

Alessia frowns but only for a moment as her brain finally catches up to what she's being told.

"Y/n!" She hollers over the noise of the game," Test your blood, please."

"Yeah, yeah," You say dismissively," In a minute."

"No, now. Cheese is alerting so you need to do it now."

"But-"

"No. We're trusting your dog, remember? So let's check your sugar levels."

You groan but go shuffling over to Alessia. You prick your finger and your face glows red in embarrassment as you read the screen.

"So...do we have any juice?"

Cheese drops a Capri-sun into your lap, tail wagging happily.

"Let's take it slow, yeah?" Alessia says as she draws you closer with an arm on your shoulder," Drink your juice and once you're stable again, we'll head home."

[lvnleah]

little moments | no more secrets.

find the no more secrets materlist here!

13 weeks pregnant | January 16th 2025 

You found yourself getting closer to Kyra each day, she was always by your side. 

You hadn’t stopped throwing up all morning, Beth had to pull over God knows how many times on the way to training. Each stop was filled with you either throwing up or dry heaving miserably on the side of the road. By the time you actually arrived at the training ground, you felt drained, your limbs heavy, your stomach aching, and your patience nonexistent.

Beth shot you a worried look as she parked. “You sure you’re okay to train?”

You exhaled sharply, leaning your head back against the seat. “I have to.”

Beth frowned. “No, you don’t have to. No one’s expecting you to push through when you feel like shit.”

“I’ll be fine,” you muttered, though neither of you believed it. “It’s just a little bit of nausea.”

Beth didn’t look convinced but sighed in defeat. “At least let me tell Renée how bad it’s been this morning.”

You groaned but didn’t argue. You knew Beth would tell her anyway, whether you agreed or not.

Dragging yourself out of the car, you walked sluggishly into the training centre. Your body protested every movement, nausea still churning deep in your stomach, but you forced yourself to push through.

Kyra was already in the changing room, “Hey, you—” Her excitement faded as soon as she got a good look at you. “Whoaaa. You look terrible, Hayds.”

“Wow, thanks,” you muttered, rubbing a hand over your face. “That’s so kind of you, Ky!”

Kyra’s expression shifted to concern. “No, seriously, you okay?”

“Just morning sickness,” you said, as if that made it any less miserable.

Kyra winced in sympathy. “Still? I thought that was supposed to ease up by now.”

You snorted. “Tell that to the baby. They love making my life hell.”

Training started, and you did your best to focus, but it didn’t take long for everything to catch up to you. At the end of training, you felt the familiar warning signs, your stomach twisting uncomfortably, cold sweat breaking out along your skin.

You barely managed to make it to the toilets in the changing room before you gagged violently, doubling over at the side of the toilet.

“Shit—” Kyra was at your side in an instant, her hand hesitantly hovering over your back before she finally made contact, rubbing gentle circles. “You’re okay, just umm…breathe. Yeah, breathe!”

That might have been comforting if, seconds later, Kyra let out a strangled sound and stumbled backward. “Oh my god. Nope. Nope, I can’t do this—”

Even in your miserable state, you couldn’t help but let out a weak laugh between heaves. “Are you serious right now?”

Kyra made an absolutely horrified face, taking another step away like distance would make it easier to handle. “I— I tried—”

But before she could even attempt to redeem herself, a firm but amused voice interrupted.

“Move,” Alessia said, stepping in. She barely spared Kyra a glance before crouching beside you, pulling your hair back and rubbing slow, soothing circles on your back. “Deep breaths. Let it pass.”

Kyra, still a safe distance away, groaned. “I was helping!”

Alessia raised an unimpressed eyebrow as she chucked. “You ran.”

“I panicked!” Kyra protested.

You let out another weak laugh, your body still shaky as the nausea finally started to settle. “Worst support system ever.”

Kyra gasped, “Hey! That’s mean.”

Alessia snorted, still focused on you. “Let’s get you inside, yeah?”

You nodded tiredly, letting her help you from your spot on the floor, while Kyra muttered under her breath about how unfair it was that her one weakness had betrayed her so badly.

14 weeks pregnant | January 22nd 2025 

Away trips were never fun but they were even worse now that you were pregnant. You weren’t playing, but you still wanted to be there to support the team. It also made you feel normal too. 

The team was traveling to Brighton, and despite the exhaustion pressing down on you like a weight, you’d insisted on coming along. You weren’t about to let pregnancy ruin you, and besides, you didn’t want to miss out. 

Beth had raised an eyebrow when you’d told her your plan. “Are you sure? You can barely stay awake for an entire training session.”

You’d rolled your eyes. “I’ll be fine, I’ve got my colouring books so it’ll be alright.”

So now, here you were, tucked into a seat on the team bus, wedged between Kyra and the window, with Caitlin and Katie sitting on the opposite side of the table to you. The four of you had somehow ended up as a little pocket of chaos, which meant the journey would either be entertaining or absolutely unbearable.

Kyra had been in a teasing mood since the moment you sat down.

“Hayden,” she said, poking your side as you tried to focus on your colouring book, “Hayden,” another poke. “Hayden,” yet another poke. “Haydennnnn!”

“Oh my god!” You grumbled, pausing your colouring that had your full focus, “What do you want?”

“Geez, I just wanted attention,” Kyra huffed, a pout forming on her face as she crossed her arms over her chest. “But you’re too busy colouring!”

“You’re a child,” you muttered, shaking your head as you returned to your page. 

Coloring was one of the few things that helped you relax, and with the way pregnancy had your emotions all over the place, you needed all the peace you could get.

Kyra leaned over, her chin resting on your shoulder as she peered at your page. “What are you even coloring?”

“A sunset,” you answered, carefully shading in the gradient of the sky.

“Looks good,” she hummed, before suddenly snatching a random marker from your set.

“Kyra,” you warned, already sensing trouble.

“What? I just wanna help,” she said innocently, uncapping the pen. But instead of contributing anything useful, she scribbled a tiny heart in the corner of your page.

You sighed. “You’re an absolute menace.”

Kyra just grinned, “And yet, you love me.”

You tried to fight back a smile as you playfully shoved her away, focusing back on your work. After a few peaceful minutes, though, you noticed something was… off.

You picked up a blue but it wasn’t blue it was purple. 

Frowning, you checked your markers and your stomach dropped. The lids had been swapped. Your yellows were actually oranges, your blues were actually purples, and worst of all, your favorite shade of yellow was completely ruined, mixed with a streak of dark green.

“Kyra!” you gasped, horror in your voice.

Kyra peeked at you with a shit-eating grin. “What?”

“My pens! You—you ruined my yellow!”

Across from you, Katie let out a loud cackle while Caitlin snorted into her drink. “You didn’t.” Caitlin gasped, “Kyra, you’re such a pest.”

Kyra gasped dramatically, as if she was shocked by the accusation. “I would never do such a thing.”

“Oh, you definitely did such a thing.” Katie laughed, “Yer ruined the poor girl's pens!”

“Okay, but in my defense, I didn’t think Hayden actually used that yellow.” Kyra shrugged, “Yellows ugly.”

You groaned, throwing your head back in frustration. “I always use that yellow!”

“Oops?”

“Oops? Kyra, I’m pregnant. Do you want me to cry?” you said, tears bubbling up.

Kyra’s smirk dropped instantly. “Wait no, no, don’t do that! I’ll…I’ll fix it!”

But Kyra was too late, tears were already streaming down your face and she began to panic. 

“Way to go, Kyra!” Caitlin huffed, “Hey Hayden, it’s okay. We’ll get you some more pens yeah?”

Katie handed you a tissue, “Well done, you’ve made the pregnant woman cry!” Katie added, kicking Kyra under the table. 

“Hayds, I’ll buy you new markers. I’ll buy you ten sets of markers. Please don’t cry.” Kyra apologised frantically. 

“You…you ruined all of my markers!” You sniffled, tears streaming down my face, “Colouring the only thing I like at the moment and…and I use the yellow all the time!”

“Hey, hey, please don’t cry,” Kyra begged, picking up her phone and typing the brand name of your pens into her search bar. “Are these the pens you use?” You nodded. “Okay, okay, look I’ll buy the pack of 200!”

You watched closely as Kyra brought the pen set but not just any pen set, it was the pen set you’d been wanting for months. The set you couldn’t justify buying for yourself. 

Your tears stopped immediately.

Kyra blinked at you in confusion as you wiped your face, sniffled once, and then just… smiled. Without a word, you leaned into her side, resting your head on her shoulder.

Kyra hesitated. “Wait… were you faking it?”

You hummed, eyes already drifting shut. “No,” you murmured sleepily, “hormones are just weird.”

Kyra relaxed, wrapping an arm around you instinctively. The warmth of her, the gentle rise and fall of her breathing, made it impossible to stay awake.

But just before sleep fully pulled you under, you mumbled against her shoulder, barely loud enough for her to hear, “I really wanted them but couldn’t justify it. Thank you.”

Kyra just looked at Katie and Caitlin who were biting their lip, trying not to laugh, “What the fuck just happened?”

“That’s pregnancy hormones for you, pest!” Caitlin said, trying her hardest not to laugh and wake you up. 

15 weeks pregnant | January 30th 2025

“Ow, fuck!” You yelped mid squat, immediately dropping the weight.

Everyone’s attention immediately turned to you. You felt the ache immediately in your calf. Being fifteen weeks pregnant, things in the gym and training were starting to slow down. 

Your body was changing a lot, you had a little bump now and everyday you noticed something new changing in your body. Gym session felt harder than before and it was driving you insane. 

Kyra was the first to reach you, eyes wide with concern. “What happened?” she asked, steadying you as you winced and sat on the ground. 

“Just—my calf,” you muttered, exhaling slowly. “I think I overdid it.”

Beth immediately rushed over to your side before listing off what felt like a million and one questions, “Are you alright? What did you do? Is it the baby? Do you need the doctor? What is it? Tell me!”

“Jesus Christ woman, I will if you let me.” You huffed, “It’s just my calf,” you reassured her, though the ache was definitely more than a small twinge.

Before you knew it you were sat on the ground, Kyra crouched beside you on one side with Beth on the other while Lia, Kim and Leah stood around you. 

Lia raised an eyebrow. “Hayden the physios said to take things easy! You need to follow their advice.”

“You mean ‘take it easy’ like you did when you had that knee injury?” you shot back. 

“Difference is, she wasn’t pregnant,” Kim pointed out, “Come on, let’s get you to sit down on a chair and let physio check you over.”

“I’m pregnant, not injured,” you argued, but the ache in your calf had you leaning into Kim slightly as she pulled you up.

“Yeah but you’re still overdoing it,” Kyra huffed, “You should just take it easy.”

“You’re pregnant and you just hurt your calf,” Alessia pointed out. “So… maybe listen to Kyra for once?”

“Can someone pinch me?” Leah asked, “Kyra’s making sense, why is Kyra making sense?”

Kyra rolled her eyes, “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Hayds, just go and get checked out.”

“Are you feeling alright?” Beth said, placing a hand on Kyra’s forehead. “You sure you aren’t the one who needs the physio to check you over?”

Kyra swatted Beth’s hand away, “Fuck off, Beth. I’m fine, I just think Hayds should get checked over.”

“If you don’t take me to the physio I’ll get you a takeaway tonight and we can watch whatever movie you want, Ky!” You tried to persuade Kyra. “I promise.”

She hesitated for a moment and just as she was about to say something, Kim interrupted her, “Absolutely not, no! You need to get checked.”

“But Kimmm!” You whined, trying everything to avoid the physio, “I’d be wasting their time!”

Kim sighed, shaking her head as she led you in the direction of the physio’s room. “No. Now come on, let’s get you to the physios.”

“Wait for me!” Kyra said, joining you and Kim, “I wasn’t actually gonna agree!”

Beth was already hovering again, practically ready to carry you herself if needed. “Do you want me to—”

“I can walk,” you interrupted, though your calf protested when you put weight on it. Kyra shot you a knowing look, and before you could argue, she ducked under your arm, letting you lean on her.

Lia sighed as you hobbled out of the gym with Kyra and Kim. “I give it two days before she’s back in the gym trying to squat again.”

“More like one,” Leah corrected. “That girls stubborn.”

“I can hear you, you know,” you grumbled. “I’m pregnant, not injured!”

Beth followed closely behind, “Yeah, well, you look injured right now, so maybe just once listen to your body?”

You sighed, allowing Kyra to help you down the hall toward the physio room. “I am listening to my body,” you muttered. “It just doesn’t always say things I want to hear.”

Kyra snorted but didn’t comment, instead adjusting her hold on you to keep you steady. Beth, however, wasn’t done.

“You know, this wouldn’t be happening if you actually rested like the physios told you to,” Beth continued. “Instead, you’re in the gym squatting like you’re not carrying an actual human inside you.”

“I wasn’t even lifting that much,” you argued, though the tightness in your calf was making you regret your stubbornness. “I was just doing some squats.”

Kim scoffed. “You literally just yelped and dropped a weight.”

Beth, walking beside you, shot you a knowing look. “And scared the shit out of all of us.”

“I’m fine,” you reassured her softly. “Promise.”

You finally reached the physio’s room before any of them could say anything else. Kyra helped you ease down onto the physio table while Beth stood close, watching like a hawk. The physio, Emma, raised an eyebrow as she pulled up a stool.

“What did you do this time?” she asked, already reaching for your leg.

“Nothing serious,” you said quickly.

“She tried to squat and dropped the weight,” Kyra interjected before you could downplay it any further.

Emma shot you a look before gently prodding at your calf. You hissed as she pressed on the tight muscle, and Beth let out a sharp exhale behind you.

“Tight as hell,” Emma muttered. “Probably just a strain, but let’s be sure.” She reached for some massage oil and began working through the muscle. “How’s everything else? Any other pain, dizziness, discomfort?”

“I’m fine,” you said, but Beth scoffed loudly.

“She’s not fine. She’s been pushing herself too hard.”

Emma glanced between the two of you before shaking her head. “That doesn’t surprise me. Hayden, you do realize your body is changing, right? Your center of gravity is shifting, your ligaments are loosening, and your muscles are working overtime to compensate. You can’t train the same way you used to.”

You groaned, letting your head fall back. “I know that, but slowing down is driving me insane.”

“I just don’t want you to push yourself so hard that something actually happens. To you or your baby.” Emma said, “You need to take things easy.”

Your eyes flickered to hers, and you sighed. “I’ll be more careful, okay?”

Beth studied you for a moment before nodding. “Good.”

Emma smirked. “Alright, let’s get you sorted. But Hayden, this means modifying your training properly. No more squats with weights for now.”

16 weeks pregnant | February 6th 2025. 

“Are you two sure you’re going to be okay?” Beth asked for what felt like the millionth time. 

“Yes, Bethany,” Kyra sighed, pushing Beth towards the front door, “We’ll be fine, I’ll look after the pregnant lady very very well.”

“Stop pushing me out of my own house, Kyra!” Beth groaned as she joined Viv at the front door. 

Kyra grinned, not looking the least bit sorry. “You’ll thank me later when you realize a night out without babysitting Hayds is exactly what you need.”

“Hey!” You mumbled, “I don’t need a babysitter! I’m pregnant, not a child.”

“You do realize Beth’s still going to text every five minutes, right?” Viv sighed, throwing her coat on. 

Beth shot Viv a glare. “I am not that bad.”

You and Kyra exchanged a look before responding in unison. “Yes, you are.”

Beth groaned, throwing her hands up. “Fine! Whatever! But if anything happens—”

“Yeah, yeah, we’ll call,” Kyra finished for her. “Now go before you change your mind and decide to stay home hovering over Hayds like a mother hen.”

Beth grumbled under her breath but finally stepped outside. “Try not to kill each other or the dog please.” Viv sighed. 

“No promises,” Kyra quipped as she shut the door behind them. 

As soon as Beth and Viv were gone, she turned to you with a mischievous grin. “So… how much trouble do you think we can get into before they get back?”

You sighed, rubbing your belly. “Ky, no. Beth and Viv will kill me if anything happens to us or the dog.”

Kyra pouted dramatically. “Okay, okay. No trouble. But that means we need a new plan. Movie night? Snacks? Ice cream?”

You considered it for a moment before nodding. “Ice cream sounds good. And a movie, if you don’t pick something terrible.”

“So rude.” Kyra gasped, rolling her eyes, “My taste is amazing!”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help smiling as you followed her to the kitchen, Myle following closely behind you. 

Half an hour later, the two of you were curled up on the sofa, a blanket draped over your legs, a tub of ice cream between you, and IT playing on the screen.

“This was a terrible idea,” you muttered, gripping the spoon a little tighter as Pennywise’s eerie smile filled the screen.

Kyra, who had insisted this movie was a “classic” and that you were both “definitely brave enough” to handle it, was now clutching onto you like her life depended on it. 

“Okay, but why does he have to be that creepy?” she whispered.

Myle, the only one completely unfazed, was curled up on the rug, sleeping peacefully while the two of you suffered in fear.

When a particularly terrifying jump scare had Kyra yelping and you squeezing your eyes shut, you’d had enough. “Nope. I’m done. Turn it off.”

Kyra fumbled for the remote, slamming the power button so fast she nearly dropped it. “Yeah, okay, maybe this was a mistake.”

You exhaled deeply, rubbing a hand over your bump, trying to protect it from nothing. “Beth and Viv are never going to let us live this down if they find out we got scared by a movie and had to turn it off.”

Kyra shook her head. “No, no, nope! They’re never finding out.”

A tense silence settled between you, both of you still very much on edge. The house, which had felt cozy and warm earlier, now seemed way too dark and way too quiet.

“…Do you think Pennywise is real?” Kyra asked suddenly.

You threw a pillow in her direction, “Shy would you say that! Are you trying to scare me into not sleeping?!”

Kyra gulped. “I mean… we don’t know he’s not.”

That was it. You were not spending another second in that living room. “Come on, we’re going to bed,” you announced, standing up so quickly you almost knocked over the ice cream.

Kyra didn’t argue. She practically sprinted after you, grabbing a spatula from the kitchen counter on the way.

“What the hell are you doing?” you asked, stopping at your bedroom door. 

“Weapon,” Kyra said seriously, holding the spatula like it was some kind of deadly blade.

“You are unbelievable.” You chuckled, heading into your bedroom with Myle trailing at your feet. “…But it ain’t a bad idea.”

“You’ll be thanking me when Pennywise shows up and I save us,” she muttered, sliding under the covers beside you. 

You weren’t sure how long you’d been asleep, but the sound of the front door opening jolted you and Kyra awake at the same time.

“Did…did you hear that?” Kyra whispered, her grip tightening on the spatula that she’d fallen asleep with. 

Your heart pounded in your chest. “Of course I heard it! Someone’s in the house!”

Kyra gasped. “It’s Pennywise. We’re done for.”

“Oh my God, Kyra, shut up!” you hissed, your brain not exactly working logically at 1am.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway. Kyra’s hand clenched around the spatula.

“This is it,” she whispered dramatically. “We’re gonna die.”

As soon as the bedroom door creaked open, you both screamed and before she could think twice, Kyra swung the spatula with full force.

A loud smack echoed through the room, followed by a pained “What the fuck!?”

“…Viv?” you said, eyes adjusting to see Viv standing there, one hand clutching her forehead, the other frozen in shock.

Beth, standing just behind her, blinked in confusion. “Did you just hit Viv with a spatula?” She asked before laughing. 

Kyra, still holding the weapon, looked equally horrified and impressed. “I—I think I did.”

Viv groaned, rubbing her forehead. “Why the fuck did you hit me?”

“We thought you were Pennywise!” you blurted out before you could stop yourself.

Silence.

Then Beth wheezed. “You thought—” She had to pause to catch her breath. “—you thought Pennywise broke into the house?”

Kyra sat there frozen for a moment before nodding. “Yeah. Yeah, we did.”

Beth lost it. She doubled over laughing, clutching her stomach while Viv groaned and muttered something in Dutch.

“You’re both fucking ridiculous,” Viv grumbled, still rubbing her forehead. “I come home after a nice night out, and I get attacked in my own house.”

Beth wiped at her eyes, still grinning. “Ky, I can’t believe you hit Viv with a spatula.”

Kyra huffed. “You weren’t the one who just spent two hours being traumatized by a demonic clown, Bethany!”

Beth shook her head, still laughing, before looking at you. “And you let her do it?”

Viv groaned again, still not over the fact she’d been smacked in the face for simply walking into her own house. “I hate you both.”

The next morning, you woke up to Kyra groaning beside you, muttering something about how her back hurt from sleeping in a weird position. You were about to tease her when the events of last night came rushing back.

“Oh my god,” you whispered, covering your face with your hands. “We are never living this down.”

Kyra groaned again, this time for a different reason. “Viv is never going to let me forget that I threw a spatula at her.”

Before you could respond, a soft knock on the door interrupted you, followed by Beth’s overly chipper voice.

“Good morning, my little horror movie survivors!” she called out.

You groaned into your pillow, “Go away, Beth.”

“Not a chance,” she said, pushing the door open. “We’re going for a walk. You two need fresh air after the traumatic experience you put yourselves through.”

Kyra peeked over the covers. “Is Viv coming?”

Beth smirked. “Yep. And she’s got a lovely reminder of your… reflexes on her forehead.”

Half an hour later, the four of you were strolling through the park with Leah, Alessia, Lotte, and Steph along with their dogs. You walked beside Beth, holding Myle’s leash while Kyra had placed herself between you and Viv, clearly still feeling guilty.

It didn’t take long for someone to notice.

“What the hell happened to your head?” Alessia asked, squinting at the faint bruise forming on her forehead.

Viv sighed, “Kyra happened.”

“Oh god, what have you done now?” Steph groaned, “I swear to god Kyra if you—”

Kyra immediately turned red. “I didn’t mean to!”

Leah raised an eyebrow. “Wait, wait, what?”

Beth burst out laughing, unable to hold it in. “Kyra threw a spatula at her.”

That was all it took for the girls to lose it.

Alessia practically doubled over. “You what?”

“Kyra!” Steph said, whacking her lightly on the back of her head, “Poor Viv.”

Lotte tried to be sympathetic but was biting back a smile. “Viv, I’m so sorry. That must’ve hurt.”

“Oh, it did,” Viv grumbled. “Never thought I’d get hit with a spatula…”

Kyra, still looking mortified, groaned. “We watched IT, okay? We were already freaked out, and then you two showed up and scared us half to death!”

Leah shook her head, still laughing. “So, your first reaction to being scared was to throw a spatula?”

“I panicked!” Kyra defended. “And it was the closest weapon when I went to bed!”

Alessia wiped a tear from her eye. “Oh, Ky, this is the best thing I’ve heard all week.”

“You’re all the worst,” Kyra muttered, shoving her hands in her pockets.

You squeezed her arm in sympathy. “I mean… you did say the spatula would come in handy.”

Viv let out a dramatic sigh. “Next time, just aim for Beth instead.”

Beth gasped, “Wow. Betrayal!”

As the laughter died down, the conversation shifted to other things, though every now and then, one of the girls would glance at Viv and chuckle under their breath.

Kyra leaned into your side, mumbling, “I’m never living this down, am I?”

You smiled, “Nope, you’re never gonna forget this.”

[little-diable]

Mermaids - Jasper Hale (smut)

Requested by @jannesyjane for my birthday bash celebration. The lyrics are from Florence + The Machine song “Mermaids”. Please like and reblog if you enjoyed reading this, your comments keep us writers motivated! Enjoy my loves. Xxx

Summary: Jasper once heard about mermaids which the reader is quite interested in, pwp

Warnings: 18+, smut, oral(m), piv

Pairing: Jasper Hale x fem!reader (800 words)

“What are you reading?” Jasper’s voice ripped her out of her thoughts, eyes flickering from the book to meet his golden eyes. He was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed in front of his chest. 

“A book I got from Carlisle, it’s about mythical creatures.” A soft chuckle left her boyfriend, body moving closer to plop down on the mattress next to her. His arm found its way around her shoulders, pulling her into his side before snatching the book from her grasp. His eyes wandered over the page she was reading, seemingly deep in thought while she pressed herself even closer. “Emmett and I met a woman once in England, she said something about mermaids, something about the mermaids, they come once a year, they climb the struts of Brighton Pier, they come to drink, they come to dance, to sacrifice a human heart.”

“Did you believe her?” Their eyes met, holding contact as the book fell from his grasp to let his arms find their way back around her middle. Jasper pulled (y/n) on top of him, smirking up at his girlfriend with something darkening stretching through his body, something that managed to elicit a similar sensation inside of her. 

“Of course we did, it’d be foolish not to believe a woman talking about mermaids.” Her lips met his before another word could leave him, successfully shutting him up. Jasper instantly chased the kiss, tongue running along her warm lower lip before meeting hers. (Y/n)’s mind was racing, high on his cold touch, on the way her beating heart was calling out to his dead one, how her hips began to roll against his middle without needing any further guidance. 

“Careful there, darlin’, didn’t you tell me to slow down last night?” Heat shot up to her face, remembering how sore she had been, desperate for a small break. A break she had clearly let go of the second their lips had met just now, aching for his touch once again. (Y/n) kept quiet, rolling her hips again to communicate what she wanted from him. “Go ahead, take what you need.”

Her hands undid his trousers with clumsy movements, freeing his half-hard cock from its confines. Their eyes met as she spat down on his tip, letting her saliva spread on his cold skin before she began to move her hands for a second or two. Even though she wanted to take her time, (y/n) grew more impatient, needing to feel him buried inside of her. 

“Look at you, darlin’, such a desperate little thing, huh?” She snarled at him, tightening her grip on his cock while adding more speed to her movements. A groan left Jasper, filling her bedroom like a song she knew all too well, knowing when to pause before reaching her favourite part. 

Jasper kept his arms crossed behind his head but she could tell that he was aching to touch her, to feel her warm skin press against his. Without breaking eye contact she pushed back down on thighs before pushing her damp panties aside to align his cock with her heat. Slowly, (y/n) sank down on him, head rolling back to relish in the all too familiar stretch. 

“God, Jas’, you feel so good.” He only let go of a raspy groan, eyes staring up at her to watch (y/n) fuck herself on his cock. At first she moved slowly, trying to ignore the slight burn she couldn’t get rid of, still not fully used to his insatiable need for her - but with every passing moment her movements grew faster while her walls fluttered around his cock. 

“You’re my favourite sight, darlin’, fuck.” Their eyes met again, silently communicating to allow Jasper to flip them around. He hovered over her while fucking her into the mattress, set on pushing them both over the edge for the first time that evening, very well knowing that this wouldn’t be the last orgasm of the night. 

Curses left (y/n), she had her legs wrapped around his waist, keeping him close while her orgasm finally flushed through her. She sobbed his name, fingernails trying to scratch his skin to try and desperately hold on as he followed her down the edge. 

“If I had known that talking about mermaids leads to this I’d have brought it up sooner.”

[octaneink]

‘Cause I'm alive when I feel you pressed up to my side

James Marriot x Fem!Reader

Summary : James simps through music Warnings : None (Unless you count me writing James as a sap) Notes : I saw the pictures taken by vap0rize_ on TikTok and my mind spiraled. I am so sorry if this is out of character for James. It is also based on a song called Happy Slides by Daily J!

The sun had barely crested the horizon as James stared out of the dust-splattered window of the tour bus with a notebook and pen in hand, his heart once again feeling heavier than the luggage stored beneath him. The vast, warm and bright expanse of the Australian motorway stretched before him, a stark contrast to the cosy flat in Brighton he'd left behind in the UK with the girl who'd captured his heart. The quiet hum of the engine had been his lullaby for days, a deafening contrast to the music he performed and the roars of crowds at each event.

The band members were scattered throughout the bus. Jago knocked out on one of the chairs with a pair of eye masks and ear plugs on, Matt and Jono individually flipped through well-worn dog-eared pages of books. Sam sat quietly moving his fingers on his guitar, mindful of making any noise, and Lou sat at the wheel.

James tapped his pen on the book, the page made looked like it had more things crossed out rather than actually containing legible words. The most recognisable being ‘song for you’, which made him think. Would you see it as cheesy? Would you even want a song dedicated to you? The both of you had only been officially dating for five months, slowly dancing around each other for eight, and been friends for two years. Was he coming on too strong?

Huffing, he flipped back a few pages to where the lyrics began. His pen hovered over the words, lightly tracing the lines he'd scribbled down weeks ago late in the night. The words bringing memories that held a warmth that bloomed deep within his chest, a melody of a time he struggled to capture at the moment. 

The words were created weeks ago before James left for his newest tour. Harsh winds shaking the bins under the window of their shared flat. The flat itself was warm, cosy, with a strong smell of aromatics as his girlfriend cooked their last meal they’d share for a while, and the occasional meow from Otto. James smiled softly and stared adoringly at her as every time the cat meowed, she’d respond in return, pretending to hold a conversation with him. 

He felt like a disgusting sap every time he thought about anything that was related to her. Her infectious laughter, and how the way her smile had a way of reaching into his very being — where one look, he’d melt, any stress he’d feel before having magically disappear. In the small, shared space, she had become more — his muse.

The pages fluttered as he flicked through them, revealing a photo of the three of them taped to the inside cover of the notebook. It was a Polaroid, peeling at the edges, the tape lifting as James did this for the 3rd time when he got a new notebook. She was cuddling Otto in her arms, while he had one of his arms around her waist. She faced the camera, eyes squinting slightly, with smile lines sprouted from them, while he looked at her with an utterly lovestruck expression it made his head hurt. Before her, he didn’t know he could look at anyone like that.

James blinked back to the warm tour bus as he read the words again. “Let's never leave this room.” he mouthed to himself, the memory of her voice echoing in his mind. The three lines on the page had come to him as naturally as her smile had stolen his heart—unexpected, unassuming, and utterly captivating. 

Though, he struggled to complete the piece. 

“James, you okay, mate?” Lou, peered at him through the rearview mirror, his eyes bleary with the remnants of last night's sleep and today’s early rise.

James looked up, his gae lingering on the horizon. “Yea mate, just tired.” he answered.

Lou nodded, the minutes pass between them in silence, then the bus lurched suddenly. “Shite.” Lou spat, turning the indicator to merge safely into the hard shoulder. The engine thwapping through the way, before it gave one last, loud, thwap and sputtered to a halt. 

The sudden silence was jarring, and the lads looked at one another with a mixture of shock and annoyance. 

“Bloody tour bus.” Matt muttered from the back, breaking the silence, and a round of groans and complaints ensued.

“Right,” he said as the others started to get up, “I’ll sit somewhere and keep out of the way. I doubt I would be of any help.” Noises of agreement bid him goodbye as he walked out of the tour bus with what he had on hand. As he walked away from it, he placed the pen as a bookmark and closed the notebook with an audible snap. Then, walking over the short metal fence, he sat on it facing the bush. 

A few minutes passed of him mindlessly humming an imaginary tune, then his mind raced with a sudden spark of inspiration. He knew he had to write it down it before it slipped away. He turned back to his notebook, the lyrics that had once felt so elusive now flowed from his pen like a river released from its dam.

The words picked up from the picture of their lives together in Brighton—the way the light hit their living room when she drank her morning cup, the sound of her socked feet on the wooden floor as she danced around Otto, who chased the cat toy in her hand playfully. 

As the bus sat there, a silent sentinel on the side of the road, James wrote until his hand cramped. He didn’t notice the passing cars, the sun rising higher in the sky, or the sound of his bandmates talking with a stranger about the breakdown. The only thing that mattered at that moment was the symphony of words that played out on the page before him.

Finally, with the sound of a distant tow truck approaching, he scribbled down the last word, with the tune clearer in his mind, he smiled broadly staring down at it. 

In the back, the driver of the tow truck climbed out, a burly man with an interesting hair cut and a kind smile. “Looks like you’ve got a loose fan belt, lads. We’ll have you sorted in no time.”

James nodded absently, his mind still lost in the world he’d just created in his notebook. As the band members moved to stand by him, and with the mechanic tinkering away, he remained seated on the metal fence, the song becoming clearer and clearer as the moments passed by. 

Humming the tune absent-mindedly and tapping the pen on his thigh as the beat caught the attention of Jogo. He looked over silently at James’ notebook, reading the words on it, a smile slowly started to spread across his face, “You fucking sap.” 

James startled, looking over him and seeing Jogo’s smug smile. James rolled his eyes. 

“What do you mean by that?” James replied, playing it off as if he wasn’t aware of what he had done.

Jogo snickered. “Don't play dumb with me. You've got hearts in your eyes and her name paraphrased multiple times all over your page.”

James felt his cheeks warm, and he quickly slapped the notebook shut. “It's just a song.”

The band members, having heard the exchange, gathered around curiously. “What's he got?” Matt asked, peering over Jogo's shoulder.

Jogo pointed the notebook out. “Looks like James here is feeling romantic. And he's been keeping it from us.”

James rolled his eyes again, “It's just an idea. Nothing serious.”

But the excitement on their face was palpable. “Come on, man,” Sam said, clapping him on the back, “Don't hold out on us. What's the new tune?”

With a sigh, James realised he couldn’t keep it from them any longer. He'd written it for her, but he didn’t expect the others to know of it so soon. “Okay,” he said, “But if it's shit, you can't laugh.”

The guys chuckled and stood closer around him, expression eager. He began to hum softly, the pen tapping on his thigh with a beat, then he took a deep breath and began to sing.

As melody grew, filling the surrounding space, and their eyes lit up as they recognised the potential. “That's a hit, James!” Jono said, clapping his hands.

James felt his cheeks flush under their praise. “It's just the start, really. Nothing special yet.”

But their enthusiasm was infectious, and each of them asked questions on what part they fit into as they drove off in the newly fixed tour bus. And as they pulled up to the new hotel near the venue they would play the night, Lou said “We'll make it something special, mate.” said with a grin, already tapping the rhythm on the steering wheel of the bus.

So, every night before they went on stage, they'd gather around on the stage, dim lights as production set up around them. James with his guitar, Sam with his bass, Jago with the drums, Lou with the keys, Matt and Jono on their guitars. They'd play around with the melody, adding bits and pieces, turning James' quiet confession into something that could shake people’s hearts.

The song grew into something that didn't just belong to James any more, but to all of them. It was a piece of their collective heart, a love letter to a girl they hadn't met but knew well through James' stories.

The days leading up to the last concert were a whirlwind of rehearsals and whispers. The band dropped hints to their eager fans through social media, building anticipation. Edits on TikTok popped up with a silhouette of James and his guitar, with the words 'Surprise at the end??' were in bold in the video’s descriptions. Many fans not in Australia called for the last concert to be streamed illegally. As for the people that were there, they were vibrating with excitement as the date grew closer. 

The hours before the last concert, James sat in the hotel room, his heart racing as he went over the lyrics for the final time. He could hear the muffled sounds of the city outside, but all he could see was her face, imagining her reaction to this song. He hoped it would reach her in Brighton, that she'd feel the same way he felt when he wrote it—alive.

As the sun set on the last day of their tour, the band's nerves were palpable. They'd been playing together for a while, but this was different. This song was personal, a secret shared with a crowd of strangers. The venue was packed, the lights were hot, and the air was thick with anticipation. The crowd roared as they took the stage, and James looked out into the sea of faces.

The setlist flew by, each song a stepping stone to the grand finale. The energy built, and the crowd sang along to their favorites, their voices a symphony of love and longing that echoed through the speakers. 

And then it was time. 

The stage went dark. A single spotlight fell on the band, and Jogo started the song with his drums, teasing a quiet introduction. The rest waited, their instruments poised, ready to bring the song to life.

The crowd, once lively, was silent, holding their breath for James to start singing. 

As they played, James couldn't help but think of her, her laugh, her smell, the way she'd look at him when he played her his favourite tunes. He sang with every ounce of his soul, hoping she could feel it, hoping she knew it was for her. And as the last chord rang out and the applause erupted, he knew he had given her a piece of himself that no one else could ever claim.

The aftermath of the show was a blur. 

One moment he was on stage singing his heart out for the world to see, then he was in the quiet hotel room, luggage packed for his return home in the morning. 

He picked up his phone, his thumb hovering over her number. He'd call her when the dust settled, when he could finally hear his heartbeat without the deafening applause. He had so much to say, so much to tell her about the journey this song had taken him on. But for now, he leaned back in the bed and closed his eyes, the echoes of the music still playing in his ears, a promise of what was to come when he finally returned home.

The flight home was a blur of airport terminals, screaming people, and sleeplessness, but the moment his feet touched the ground in London Gatwick, his tiredness evaporated. He took the earliest train, then a cab straight to their flat. It was late, and the lights were on when he arrived.

He knew she'd be waiting.

James placed the key into the lock, turning the key and stepped through the door. He removed his shoes, put on some slippers and took of his coat, hanging it up by the door. Then he walked into the livingroom. He saw her, curled up on the sofa with Otto in her arms. 

She looked up, her eyes lighting up when she saw him, and for a moment, he forgot all about the tour, the bus breakdown, the song. They rushed into each other's arms, and everything felt right again.

“Welcome home.” he hugged her tighter, “We missed you.”

He pressed a kiss on her head, “I missed you both too.” 

James moved them so they sat at the sofa, limbs intertwined “You have no idea how much I missed you.”

She smiled mischeviously up at him “Oh, I think I may have an idea.” pecked him on the lips “I think everyone online has an idea.”

James felt his cheeks redden slightly “Well, it's not like I was keeping it a secret or anything...”

They both laughed, and she cuddled closer into him, her head resting on his chest as they sat on the sofa. Otto jumped up and nestled in between them, purring contentedly.

“But seriously, James, it's beautiful. Thank you.” she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

He kissed the top of her head, and they sat there watching the tv “It's true, you know.” he said, looking at her.

Her eyes sparkled with happiness as she looked up at him, then she leaned in to press a lingering kiss to his lips. “I know.” she murmured, smiling. James puled her tighter to his side as her next words left her lips, “Let's never leave this room. What do you say? ‘Cause I'm alive when I feel you pressed up to my side”

I will say it with full CHEST, when I saw those pictures taken by vap0rize_.... IT WAS OVER

I HAD NO THOUGHTS LEFT

I felt absolutely filthy I had to make something cute to make up for it. I hope I hit the mark!

On another note this is the song that inspired this fic. Idk how to make it smaller 😞

[obsessedwithlarkin]

WELL-KNOWN DANCERS COMPETING FOR PROTÈGE AT RADIX NATIONALS (per studio)

AVANTI DANCE COMPANY:

• Kalliope Lindstrom - Runnin' Down (Junior)

• Rosie Zahoul-Sans - Moon River (Mini)

• Presley Loomis - Stay (Teen)

ALLEGRO PAA:

• Arina Bryzgunova - Gloomy Sunday (Mini)

BLA DANCE ACADEMY:

• Chloe Todman - Wild Is The Wind (Mini)

BOBBIE'S:

• Peyton Root - Beat In My Heart (Mini)

CANDANCE STUDIOS:

• Mila Hiatt - Ave Maria (Junior)

• Violet Rush - The Letter (Teen)

CLUB:

• Isla Gardner - Vanquish (Junior)

• Mikayla Isler - How Come You Don't Call Me (Junior)

• Lily Knopps - This Bitter Earth (Mini)

• Shale Herrera - Raincatchers (Mini)

• Navy Forrest - I Love You (Mini)

• River Sergerman - TBD (Teen)

• Sophia Schiano - TBD (Teen)

DC2:

• Gage Davis - Wherever I May (Teen)

DANCE DELUXE:

• Brighton Taylor - Buisness Of Love (Junior)

• Lauren Allison - Moi Elsie (Junior)

• Eva Gonzalez - Shallow (Junior)

• Emily Collins - Sorry It Had To Be You (Junior)

• Remi Skidmore - The Raid (Junior)

• Aleeza Quireshi - Hover (Junior)

• Aria Bongiorno - Heavenly Bodies (Junior)

• Kennedy Lyell - Amayzing Mayzie (Mini)

• Azury Romero - Rose's Turn (Mini)

• Adelina Quintanilla - Covergirl (Mini)

• Aracely Lee - Rise Warrior (Teen)

• Vanessa Soto - Cloaked By Raven's Wings (Teen)

DANCE STUDIO C:

• Lillian Simonton - Stone Angel (Junior)

• Gwyneth Woods - Dance With Me (Junior)

• Hinkley Lucas - My Discarded Men (Mini)

• Harlow Snow - I Dreamed A Dream (Mini)

• Gabriella Daschievici - Charge It Please (Mini)

• Delta Tomasik - Washed (Mini)

• Adalynn Simonton - Living Beneath My Soul (Mini)

DANCE UNLIMITED:

• Ella Venerio - Searching (Junior)

• Amaya Rodriguez - Answer Me (Mini)

• Bella Cianni - Echoes Of Purpose (Teen)

DANCE XPLOSION:

• Juliette Balija - This Will Be (Mini)

• Genevieve Balija - You Can't Stop The Beat (Mini)

• Aurielle Balija - Where Or When (Teen)

ELEMENTS DANCE SPACE:

• Talia Mempin - Black Lake (Junior)

• Kira Chan - In Portofino ( Senior)

ELITE PERFORMANCE STUDIOS:

• Kenzie Wright - Drag Shift (Junior)

EPIC DANCE COMPLEX:

• Avery Altobelli - Sacred Stillness (Junior)

EVOKE:

• Addyson Paul - Uncharted (Junior)

• Elise Carlson - The Rising (Mini)

• Victoria Martinez - Silent All These Years (Teen)

• Holand Fraley - Diva (Teen)

• Coltrane Vodicka - Concorde (Senior)

EVOLVE:

• Gemma Holmes - Patenipat (Junior)

• Mya Lanigan - All I Wanna Be (Junior)

• Sam Evans - I Found A Body (Senior)

GATEWAY:

• Colette Sutzman - Echoes (Mini)

JBP ENTERTAINMENT:

• Stella Brogan - TBD (Junior)

• Georgia Beth Peters - Suffering (Teen)

JWDA:

• Lilah Gow - Change The Angle (Junior)

K2:

• Aspen Roberts - Little Secret (Junior)

• Abby Viramontes - Do You Feel Real (Junior)

MATHER:

• Ava Guttman - Nature Boy (Junior)

• Leighton Brandt - Don't Get Around Much (Junior)

• Hadley Schulz - I Gotcha (Junior)

• ChaCha Shen - Body Language (Junior)

• Skye Harrell - All That Jazz (Junior)

• Nyla McCarthy - Dreaming Awake (Junior)

• Audrina Mossembekker - Of Another Life (Mini)

• Alexa Rauth - Titanium (Mini)

• Hayden Goren - Can't Take It Out (Mini)

• Sienna Morris - Veil (Senior)

• Kennie Shen - Blue (Senior)

• Maddie Ortega - Brave And Crazy (Senior)

• Delaney McCarthy - I'm Blue (Teen)

• Helena Olaerts - New York, New York (Teen)

NOR CAL DANCE ARTS:

• Alana Gordon - Spirit Fade (Teen)

OCPAA:

• Kourtney Gampol - My Discarded Men (Junior)

• Eden Roberts - Speaking (Mini)

P21:

• Madelyn Nasu - Women's Work (Junior)

• Madison Ng - Lore (Junior)

• Liv Matson - Leaving (Mini)

• Gracyn French - Seduces Me (Senior)

RENNER DANCE COMPANY:

• Tinsley Wallace - TBA (Junior)

SPOTLITE DANCE STUDIO:

• Dakota Casteel - New York New York (Junior)

• EmmaKate Caires - Sophisticated Lady (Mini)

STARS:

• Camila Giraldo - The Artist Within (Junior)

• Zoey Martinez - Becoming (Junior)

STUDIO 1:

• Kenly Carver - Daises (Junior)

STUDIO X:

•Brielle Arias - Quitte Pas (Junior)

• Kate Matthews - Bang Bang (Junior)

• Baileigh McJimson - Hater (Mini)

• Emery Bourne - Fallin' (Mini)

SUMMER'S DANCE WORKS:

• Camryn Conrad - Cry Me A River (Junior)

• Collette Conrad - You're So Vain (Mini)

SUMMIT DANCE SHOPPE:

• Hadley Morse - I Am Human (Mini)

TEMECULA DANCE COMPANY:

• Piper Dufour - My Tears Are Becoming A Sea (Mini)

THE ACADEMY:

• Patience Hughes - Lady Power (Teen)

THE COLLECTIVE PHX:

• Tenley Anthony - They Ran In Silence (Junior)

• Avery Stromberg - Awaiting (Mini)

• Kenny Opaska - Whisper (Mini)

THE COMPANY SPACE:

• Stella Marcodes - TBD (Junior)

• Vivian Marcodes - TBD (Mini)

THE MOXIE MOVEMENT:

• Alexa Paul - Suspicion (Mini)

THE SIX COMPOUND:

• Sophia Tooles - My Power (Junior)

• Bronson Arvillaga - Head In The Clouds (Mini)

THE VISION DANCE ALLIANCE:

• Caitlyn Polis - Don't Worry Baby (Senior)

THECREW:

• Starr Castro - Maybe This Time (Junior)

UTAH FESTIVAL BALLET:

• Ruby Taylor - Forgotten (Teen)

YYC DANCE PROJECT:

• Kinsley Stella - I Can't Feel (Teen)

[jameswilbyarchive]

NEW: My Favourite Things - Great British Life magazine Interview April 2025

Favourite role?

Maurice because very, very rarely is a piece of theatre or film about the character you're playing, and I was in every scene bar one. And it was a harmonious experience with the director James Ivory at the helm. He was just so supportive, inventive and wonderful. And I got on very well with my two co-stars Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves, and that also doesn't always happen.

Favourite playwright?

On one level, I love Stoppard but then I find you could say some people would argue he has a slightly particular frothy style in his use of language, and on another level I’d say Shakespeare because it's so profound.

Favourite director?

James Ivory, because he's one of those directors who has an amazing eye, and also an amazing ear.

Favourite co-star?

I loved working with Jonathan Pryce in Regeneration. What's interesting about really wonderful actors is you've just got to up your game. Also, Anthony Hopkins on Howards End, and Helen McCrory, who's sadly died now, on Witness Against Hitler.

Favourite theatre?

For the structure of the building, Glyndebourne. It seems to be a celebration of theatre, I'd love to do a play there, to direct a play, but I suppose it's not allowed. And the speed at which you can get out of it and into it and the bars and the restaurants, and the grounds – everything about it is a delightful experience before you've even watched whatever you're going to watch. The sight lines are so good, you can be quite far back and you still get an amazing experience and that's very rare in theatres.

Favourite location where you’ve filmed?

Canaima in Venezuela - you had to take a little prop airplane, land on a dirt runway, and there was just a sort of club, and it had about 20 chalets and a central dining space. It looked as though it was on a lake. And to the right of the lake were these massive waterfalls. It was just amazing and we were filming A Handful of Dust there for a week, and we all had to share one of these chalets because there wasn't enough of them for the entire crew. I shared with one of the actors who got very ill and went to bed at six in the evening. So I took my script on a boat, a long canoe, and under the starlight I was easily able to read and learn my lines for the next day. Charles Sturridge directed it for ITV, but it was a feature film with Kristin Scott Thomas, Rupert Graves and Alec Guinness.

Favourite thing about yourself?

Oh, bloody hell. That's just vanity. I'm a survivor.

Favourite thing about your work/career?

I love acting. It's a lucky thing because I've actually had not such a great career over the last 10 years, but when I get a chance, off I go and have a ball. I enjoy the whole thing, putting on the costume, the silliness of it all, and I revert to being a child every time. I love the theatre too although it’s much harder work for different reasons.

Favourite saying?

In The Prophet, a book of sayings by Kahlil Gibran, there’s one that really caught my eye, and I've followed it – and it's not necessarily done me any favours as I'm sure I’ve upset so many people in my business that I don’t work as much as I should – but it’s:‘most of us hover deviously between mute rebellion and prattling submission’.

Favourite house you've ever lived in?

The house we live in now near Arlington Reservoir.

Favourite place to walk?

Abbot’s Wood, it’s just literally five, 10 minutes away from our house. You can get lost in it, it's got so many different parts. I know it so well now, but at first, I had to pinpoint where the sun was so I could navigate my way home again. It's probably about 10 square miles.

Favourite thing to do on a day off locally?

Going fishing with my friend. We go down to Seaford or Newhaven. We're after things like bass and black hawk but we catch very little. Fifteen years ago you'd be pulling them out.

Favourite site in Sussex?

I do love the Pavilion [in Brighton].

Favourite drink?

Red wine. Bordeaux, claret.

Favourite thing about Sussex?

I feel obliged to be within striking distance of London because of my career. I'm always going into London for one reason or another, either to work there, do a costume fitting or a casting, so to be miles away seems counterproductive. Sussex has a lovely quality, the sea, as well as the countryside. I think it's quite interesting that where I am now, which is east of Lewes, is more rural and less stock-brokerly-belty than it was on the west side when I was in Plumpton.

Favourite decision you've ever made?

To become an actor. It was quite hard because I read maths at university and my father was a businessman and I think he was rubbing his hands and knees together that I would end up as an accountant or a banker. And I suddenly decided I wanted to be an actor, which rather threw him. He didn't put tremendous pressure on me not to but he kept pointing out that 90% of your profession are unemployed at any one point. I'm a lazy individual so the idea of sitting behind a desk doing accounting or banking didn't really appeal to me but the idea of playing in a room with lots of others really did.

Favourite place at home?

My study I suppose, get away from everyone, and sit there and do nothing, or learn my lines.

Favourite way to relax?

Probably doing The Times’ cryptic crossword. I do it every day, I'm an addict. What it does is it shuts me down in terms of anything else, so I'm not pondering and worrying about the worries of life. I also do Sudokus, the killer ones, and I’m also rather good at those as well.

Favourite time of day?

Just before dinner, let's say six o'clock, and you can have a drink.

Favourite season?

Spring. I love the idea that summer's about to happen and the buds are coming out. I just find it just electric – the garden springs to life and you think, God, where did all that come from?

Favourite Sussex restaurant?

I refuse to spend heaps of money on food. It would be somewhere quite cheap, I'm a Yorkshireman. Also, when you're out in the country, it's almost nicer to cook something for yourself than get in the car.

Favourite sport?

To play, tennis and to watch and to play, even though I have a sort of love-hate relationship with it, would be rugby. If England are playing rugby, I have to watch them. I played it to quite a high level as a school kid, even at university, until I realised they were all just too big.

Favourite item of clothing?

A black linen suit that I left on a train which really upset me.

Least favourite thing?

A bunch of middle-aged men in their cycling gear, taking up the road, thinking they're the bees-knees and just in the ****ing way and they can ***ger off.

Plans for April?

TV series ‘I Jake White’ out towards the end of the year. source: https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/sussex/24967090.arlington-reservoir-based-actor-james-wilby---favourite-things/

[undinecissy]

Arlington Reservoir-based actor James Wilby – My Favourite Things

By Louise Flind

Favourite role?

Maurice, because very, very rarely is a piece of theatre or film about the character you're playing, and I was in every scene bar one. And it was a harmonious experience with the director James Ivory at the helm. He was just so supportive, inventive and wonderful. And I got on very well with my two co-stars Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves, and that also doesn't always happen.

Favourite playwright?

On one level, I love Stoppard but then I find you could say some people would argue he has a slightly particular frothy style in his use of language, and on another level I’d say Shakespeare because it's so profound.

Favourite director?

James Ivory, because he's one of those directors who has an amazing eye, and also an amazing ear.

Favourite co-star?

I loved working with Jonathan Pryce in Regeneration. What's interesting about really wonderful actors is you've just got to up your game. Also, Anthony Hopkins on Howards End, and Helen McCrory, who's sadly died now, on Witness Against Hitler.

Favourite theatre?

For the structure of the building, Glyndebourne. It seems to be a celebration of theatre, I'd love to do a play there, to direct a play, but I suppose it's not allowed. And the speed at which you can get out of it and into it and the bars and the restaurants, and the grounds – everything about it is a delightful experience before you've even watched whatever you're going to watch. The sight lines are so good, you can be quite far back and you still get an amazing experience and that's very rare in theatres.

Favourite location where you’ve filmed?

Canaima in Venezuela - you had to take a little prop airplane, land on a dirt runway, and there was just a sort of club, and it had about 20 chalets and a central dining space. It looked as though it was on a lake. And to the right of the lake were these massive waterfalls. It was just amazing and we were filming A Handful of Dust there for a week, and we all had to share one of these chalets because there wasn't enough of them for the entire crew. I shared with one of the actors who got very ill and went to bed at six in the evening. So I took my script on a boat, a long canoe, and under the starlight I was easily able to read and learn my lines for the next day. Charles Sturridge directed it for ITV, but it was a feature film with Kristin Scott Thomas, Rupert Graves and Alec Guinness.

Favourite thing about yourself?

Oh, bloody hell. That's just vanity. I'm a survivor.

Favourite thing about your work/career?

I love acting. It's a lucky thing because I've actually had not such a great career over the last 10 years, but when I get a chance, off I go and have a ball. I enjoy the whole thing, putting on the costume, the silliness of it all, and I revert to being a child every time. I love the theatre too although it’s much harder work for different reasons.

Favourite saying?

In The Prophet, a book of sayings by Kahlil Gibran, there’s one that really caught my eye, and I've followed it – and it's not necessarily done me any favours as I'm sure I’ve upset so many people in my business that I don’t work as much as I should – but it’s:‘most of us hover deviously between mute rebellion and prattling submission’.

Favourite house you've ever lived in?

The house we live in now near Arlington Reservoir.

Favourite place to walk?

Abbot’s Wood, it’s just literally five, 10 minutes away from our house. You can get lost in it, it's got so many different parts. I know it so well now, but at first, I had to pinpoint where the sun was so I could navigate my way home again. It's probably about 10 square miles.

Favourite thing to do on a day off locally?

Going fishing with my friend. We go down to Seaford or Newhaven. We're after things like bass and black hawk but we catch very little. Fifteen years ago you'd be pulling them out.

Favourite site in Sussex?

I do love the Pavilion [in Brighton].

Favourite drink?

Red wine. Bordeaux, claret.

Favourite thing about Sussex?

I feel obliged to be within striking distance of London because of my career. I'm always going into London for one reason or another, either to work there, do a costume fitting or a casting, so to be miles away seems counterproductive. Sussex has a lovely quality, the sea, as well as the countryside. I think it's quite interesting that where I am now, which is east of Lewes, is more rural and less stock-brokerly-belty than it was on the west side when I was in Plumpton.

Favourite decision you've ever made?

To become an actor. It was quite hard because I read maths at university and my father was a businessman and I think he was rubbing his hands and knees together that I would end up as an accountant or a banker. And I suddenly decided I wanted to be an actor, which rather threw him. He didn't put tremendous pressure on me not to but he kept pointing out that 90% of your profession are unemployed at any one point. I'm a lazy individual so the idea of sitting behind a desk doing accounting or banking didn't really appeal to me but the idea of playing in a room with lots of others really did.

Favourite place at home?

My study I suppose, get away from everyone, and sit there and do nothing, or learn my lines.

Favourite way to relax?

Probably doing The Times’ cryptic crossword. I do it every day, I'm an addict. What it does is it shuts me down in terms of anything else, so I'm not pondering and worrying about the worries of life. I also do Sudokus, the killer ones, and I’m also rather good at those as well.

Favourite time of day?

Just before dinner, let's say six o'clock, and you can have a drink.

Favourite season?

Spring. I love the idea that summer's about to happen and the buds are coming out. I just find it just electric – the garden springs to life and you think, God, where did all that come from?

Favourite Sussex restaurant?

I refuse to spend heaps of money on food. It would be somewhere quite cheap, I'm a Yorkshireman. Also, when you're out in the country, it's almost nicer to cook something for yourself than get in the car.

Favourite sport?

To play, tennis and to watch and to play, even though I have a sort of love-hate relationship with it, would be rugby. If England are playing rugby, I have to watch them. I played it to quite a high level as a school kid, even at university, until I realised they were all just too big.

Favourite item of clothing?

A black linen suit that I left on a train which really upset me.

Least favourite thing?

A bunch of middle-aged men in their cycling gear, taking up the road, thinking they're the bees-knees and just in the ****ing way and they can ***ger off.

Plans for April?

TV series ‘I, Jack Wright’ out towards the end of the year.

April, Sussex Life Magazine

[crow-aeris]

My take on the Pokemon/Batman thing

Listed here are Bruce, Alfred, Dick, Jason, and Tim! Damian, Steph, Cass, and Duke will be listed in a second part

Bruce: He's a RICH mf, so his pokemon, especially those he's has since childhood, are all pedigree

Growlithe/Arcanine | "Ghost" - Bruce was gifted Ghost by his parents for his sixth birthday. He named the growlithe "Ghost" after the Gray Ghost, a show Bruce and Thomas Wayne watched when he was younger

Eevee/Flareon | "Blaze" - Bruce finds an eevee during one of Gotham's coldest winter. The eevee was crouched over his owner, who had died from hypothermia. Bruce, as Batman, contacted the authorities and they took the eevee to a shelter (ig?). Later on, the eevee escapes the shelter, evolves into flareon, and hunts Bruce down-refusing to leave his side. (The eevee elvolved into flareon because he never wants to see another person suffer from the cold.) Blaze joins Batman on patrols, especially during the winter, where he huddles up next to those in need until Batman can reach them and direct them to safety.

Riolu/Lucario | "Valor" - Bruce receives an egg while training with the LOA, which hatches into a Riolu, whom Bruce names Valor. Valor helps locate victims and people in need before guiding Bruce to them.

Absol | "Omen" - Bruce finds Omen, or rather, Omen finds Bruce during a Gala. The absol was rushing around, trying to warn people of danger while the elites were trying to call security to have the absol removed. Bruce saw Omen and remembered their ability to predict disaster, and pulls a fire alarm to force everyone out of the building. Soon after, a bomb goes off and everyone escapes safely. The absol follows Bruce home and refuses to leave, thus forcibly becoming a member of Bruce's party.

Aegislash | "Rex" - A gift given to Bruce by Ra's al Ghul, almost a promise or acknowledgement of sorts. Rex hovers behind Batman on patrol, watching his back and protecting him against attacks

Honorable mentions: Ampharos (a beacon of light admist darkness), whom I wanted to include, but decided not to. Umbreon (because angst), but I decided flareon would be better. Dratini (elegant af and cool-looking), but didn't really fit the story I wove.

Alfred: He worked in the british military, so his pokemon would mostly be centered around that era

Fletchling/Talonflame | "Sprite" - Alfred was given fletchling when he was but a young lad living in Brighton. He called the fletchling "what a spritely lad", and so the fletchling- now a talonflame who's gone through war with him- only responds to Sprite/Spritely

Blissey | "Madame" (Missy by the Batkids) - Alfred found Blissey at the manor's doorsteps soon after Bruce lost his parents. He'd expected the pokemon to leave soon after, but the Blissey stuck around. Alfred called her Madame as a joke, but the name stuck around. She can usually be found following Alfred around the manor while doing chores, or helping in the cave after patrol

Sobble/Inteleon | "Lad" - Alfred found a sobble during war times, and he felt bad for the lad. The sobble stuck around, and Alfred never found it necessary to leave the sobble behind, and so it eventually evolved into Inteleon and helped Alfred in his soldier days. Eventually, they all retired, and so Lad helps his trainer around the manor, and indulges the children whenever they ask Lad to shoot an empty can or something. This is another case of accidentally naming a pokemon, because the name "Lad" just stuck

Slurpuff | "Buttercream/Butter" - A gift given to Alfred by an old fried. Butter helps him bake and cook, and can also help detect lies! Butter is beloved by all within the household

Minccino | "Argentum/Archy" - Alfred found Argentum abandoned while on a grocery trip, and took the little guy in. Archy helps Alfred clean around the manor, and loves to fuss over the kid's rooms and hair (especially Tim's)

Honorable Mentions: Sinistea, because i was REALLY tempted to make a HAHA BRITISH joke, Drampa, because HAHA OLD.

Dick: Our favorite circus boy!

Pidgey/Pidgeot | "Skyler" - Skyler was the chick of his parents' Pidgeots, and she trained alongside him basically since birth, and she was there with him when Dick's parents died

Poplio/Primarina | "Poppy" - He was given poplio during his time in the circus, and he named him poppy as a pun! When Poppy evolved into Primarina, it was right after Dick found out about Jason's death, so it was... an experience

Zorua/Zoroark | "Monsieur Fox/Foxy" - Dick found Zorua while in his tenure as Robin, and the pokemon just stuck around. The name Monsieur Fox started as a joke, but Dick shortened it to Foxy when zorua refused to respond to anything else. Foxy helps alot during undercover/recon missions, and the other batkids would occasionally ask to borrow him for a mission or another

Eevee/Espeon | "Amy" - Dick helped Bruce rescue Amy from a pokemon trafficking thing, and Blaze adopted the eevee before ANY of them had a say. Amy evolved alongside Dick, the pair growing together into Espeon and Nightwing [insert something poetic and symbolic]

Honorable mentions: Chatot, because have you SEEN dick? He's a chatty little fucker as robin, and Chatot would make him that much more insufferable. Swablu/Alteria because I think dick deserves a dragon-dancing, party-sweeping alteria 😔

Jason: Our favorite dead robin :3

Vulpix/Ninetales | "Annabeth" - Jason found vulpix when he was younger, just before Catherine died. She would try and defend him whenever Willis got violent, but the man's Kingler would easily overpower her. Jason named her Annabeth after his personal hero, Annabeth Chase :3

Eevee/Glaceon | "Belle" - Jason found Belle rummaging in a trashcan. He felt bad for her and took her in, naming her after Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Belle evolves into Glaceon in the winter after Jason's death. She sat in the snow, refusing to come inside until she evolved into Glaceon (this highlights the fire/ice duality between Jason and Bruce, and how after his death, Jason grows colder towards Bruce and their ideals and way of controlling crime differs so drastically that it resembles fire and ice)

Honedge/Aegislash | "Alexander" - Jason received a shiny honedge as a "gift" from Talia. In order to be allowed to keep it, Jason had to convince the pokemon of his worth, fighting alongside it until it evolved into Aegislash. He named it Alexander after Alexander the Great.

Zorua/Zoroark | "Marley" - Jason receives a hisuian Zorua a year before he returns to Gotham as red hood. He accepts him partly as a taunt because Dick has a zoroark, but Jason's zoroark was a ghost type (A once-departed soul, returned to life in Hisui. Derives power from resentment, which rises as energy atop its head and takes on the forms of foes. In this way, Zorua vents lingering malice. -Legends Arceus. Departed soul? Dead? Get it, Jason? HAHA). He names his zorua after Jacob Marley, from a Christmas carol (Because not only is Jacob marley a ghost, has a J name, but also comes back to warn Scrooge to change or else little timmy will die (telling bruce he has to change before TIM will die (omg i'm a genius)))

Honorable mentions: Leafeon was my first choice when it came to Jason's eevelution, but it didn't really match. Next was houndour/doom because i wanted Jason to meet it while on the streets, but decided otherwise. And then a shiny magikarp/garydos, but decided against. Same with tyranitar and garchomp. Sure, they might be cool and powerful, but i don't think Jason would actively take in pokemon especially after his death, the only exception being Marley. Plus, those pokemon are typically seen as angry and uncontrolled, and I wanted to depict Jason as more cunning, sharp- a strategist willing to get his hands dirty rather than a brainless brute who ONLY wants his dad's approval

Tim: Another rich mf!

Vulpix/Ninetails | "Aurora" - Tim gets Aurora, a shiny vulpix, as his first pokemon, a gift from his parents after their trip to japan. (You bet your ass Aurora and Annabeth have met before, which is why Annabeth refuses to fight Aurora, even when Jason orders her to. the two vulpixes use to sneak out at night and play together :3)

Eevee/ Umbreon | "Selene" - Tim wanted to be just like his heroes, and begged his parents for an eevee. They decided to give him a well-bred and pedigree shiny eevee (their son deserves the BEST). Nyx evolves into an umbreon while he and Tim were chasing after robin with a camera, and Tim decided to change her name from Silver, to Selene

Munna | "Remmy" - After Brucequest and his time after Ras and Paris, Tim gets horrible nightmares. Dick gives him a munna to try and help Tim sleep better. He was initially distrustful, but after a while, he grows to accept her into his life. He named her Remmy after REM sleep

Archen/Archeops | "Iggy" - Tim finds a plume fossil while working with Ra's. He revives it before evolving it into Archeops. They work together to catch criminals, with Archeops chasing it down on the streets while Tim pursues from the roofs.

Noibat/Noivern | "Mya" - Tim finds an injured noivern as Robin, and nurses it back to health. He tries to release him into the wild, but the noivern came back, and Tim couldn't find it in him to abandon the little guy. He names him Mya, short for Myotis, the genus for bats

Honorable Mentions: Altaria, becuase i ALSO want him to have a sweeper, but sadly no. I debated on giving him Zorua, but I felt like it was getting repetitive, and decided against it. Corvidknight too, but i thought it wouldn't have matched

As mentioned above, next part will include Steph, Damian, Cass, and Duke :3

Here's part 2!

[dragonairice]

Thinkin about,,, the kiddos having sleep overs at Scratch / Todd and Adia’s house

Molly getting a streak in her hair that’s a cyan that fades to gold

Darryl aggressively third wheeling Mmmollie and he does think they’re sweet but he’ll deny any claim of that

Andrea starts developing various apps and her testers are Libby and Molly

Sharon and Pete keep expecting to look down to talk to Scratch but he’s taller than he used to hover

Scratch appreciates ghost hugs because he can feel how marshmellowy they are

Ghost shark lives with Scratch and Adia

They’re job is exploring and broadcasting what they find so they’re not in Brighton often, but they made sure to visit often

The next time the comet comes by, Scratch is very, very old. But he travels to the hillside anyways to see it with Molly and Libby

The three of them see the next one together as ghosts

Molly and Ollie get married young but they make it work

The Chen’s are huge fans of Libby’s books

[idiotwithanipad]

Corporeal AU: Robin headcanons🌕🌱

(The boy deserves it❤️❤️)

・The day would start out normally, not yet aware of the subtle changes.

・His hair and beard would be slightly more messy and tangled than usual, but throughout his thousands of years being dead, he wouldn't notice straight away.

・When everyone is outside in the sun, he starts to sweat. Strange, usually he can't feel the sun.

・Soon, the others start to notice Robin fanning himself and flapping the bottom of his furs to cool himself. His red face soaked with sweat to the point where he retreated to the shade.

・It was a long shot, but the caveman took off the top layer of his furs revealing the thin leather beneath and flopped them down beside him, expecting them to just fly back on. But they didn't.

・That's new. Even the others noticed that it had been well over two minutes and the scruffy furs hadn't returned to normal.

・Even in the thin leather, the heat was getting unbearable, and Robin got up to go back inside. But as he approached the brick wall, he ended up walking nose first into it with a hefty bump.

・The others couldn't have marched him inside faster, pushing him upstairs to Alison.

・It took them a while to understand what was going on, but for Alison, it was almost instant. She'd never been able to actually catch a hit of Robin's somewhat distinct scent before; his furs and breath were a dead giveaway.

・He could reach out and touch her arm without feeling sick, she could poke at his shoulder without her finger disappearing through him.

・During the other ghosts frantic hovering and amazed wonder, Alison had slipped away into the bathroom with a few items. By the time she came back out, Julian, Pat and Cap already knew Robin was in for it.

・Alison stepped out of her bathroom wearing a wetsuit she kept from her trip to Brighton, with two towels draped over her arm, sinisterly holding a shampoo bottle in her hand.

"First things first, let's sort this out..."

・The other men wished Robin good luck as Alison practically dragged him into the bathroom and wrestled him into the bath, furs and all.

・For the others, a wetsuit seemed like an odd choice, but by the time the chaos inside the bathroom was over, they understood why. She was just as drenched as the now soaked and pouting caveman who now smelled a lot sweeter than before. His furs practically poured like tiny taps. She was gracious enough to let him keep the beard.

・Julian and Pat held back no laughter at all and sounded like two school boys who's friend got forced to hold hands with a girl in a play.

・After about an hour of toweling the poor guy and drying off his furs with a hairdryer, he was finally free. But the hunger hit him straight away.

・Some floorboards creaked under his weight, causing him to freeze in place and look around as if the very house would collapse. Alison practically had to hold his hand on the way down to the kitchen.

・After thousands of years being non-corporeal, Robin had forgotten what things felt like, it was like he was a newborn trying to find his legs again.

・The others threw out suggestions for what modern food Robin should eat for the first time. The book was pretty wide open with many things to choose from since he'd only eaten steak and berries in life. Quite literally, Alison brought down a rather large recipe book from a shelf and let Robin (with help) flick through the pages until he saw something he wanted to try.

・Turns out, Robin liked the look of a chocolate cake. So Alison let him stick around to help bake it, the others watching and holding back their excitement.

・He takes an interest in the eggs.

・He's sticking his fingers in the batter before it even goes in the oven just so you know

・When the cake is finally ready, everyone waits with held breath as Robin, after a few attempts at holding the spoon correctly, managed to take a bite. He spits it back into his hand a few times, but he's never tried chocolate before so you can't really blame the boy.

・Eventually he starts to like it.

・Alison still cooks him a steak though, rump steak to be exact. Then all manners and cutlery are on the floor, he's picking that shit up with his bare hands and chowing down like no tomorrow.

・Even tap water is like a delicacy to him, despite how old and crusty the plumbing in the house is, it's a lot cleaner that river water and he looks amazed every time he drinks it, realizing he doesn't have to pick at his teeth afterwards to get rid of any residue of dirt.

・Pat insisted on letting Robin try fried eggs. But he must've been confused on how to eat them. By the time Alison had placed some utensils in the sink and joined Robin back at the table, he'd already picked the egg up off the plate and held it over his mouth letting the yolk drip down into it. Pat promptly left the room grumbling and crying about it being 'not the right way' to eat an egg.

・And of course, Alison took Robin outside and let him strike a few matches just so he could make fire again, much to his excitement. (She kept a bowl of water handy just in case he caught fire to anything)

・Alison made up a little nest of blankets and pillows in front of the lit fireplace so Robin could sleep there for the night, glad that he could finally feel warmth from a fire again.

・But the next morning came and Robin was back at square one, tangled hair, greasy furs, unable to feel the warmth of the sun and passing through everything he touched.

・Disappointed would be an understatement for how Robin felt, but little did they know that Mary would be next just a month and a half later...

[laxyaklovesloz]

DannyMay 2024 #10 Mausoleum

Master Post

“So, um, do you ever, like, hang out at graveyards?” Chelsea asked Danny one night.

Danny whipped his head in her direction. “What kind of question is that?”

Chelsea blushed. “I’ll take that as a no. I don’t know. A silly question, I guess. I just thought, you know, since you’re a ghost and all…”

“That I would hang out in graveyards,” Danny said flatly.

“Okay, I get it. It was a stupid question,” Chelsea moaned. “I was just kinda wondering… if there were ghosts in graveyards. Not like the ones you usually fight, obviously. Just… people who haven’t moved on or whatever.”

Danny tilted his head. “I never thought about that. Now that you mention it, I’m curious. Want to go hang out in a graveyard?” He smiled at Chelsea who blushed even more.

“You’re teasing me,” she protested.

“Yeah, but I do actually want to check it out. Are you coming with?”

A few minutes later, they were hovering over the nearest graveyard. Everything was silent. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful.

“It feels…” Chelsea began.

“Sacred,” Danny finished.

“That’s the word,” Chelsea said.

They wandered over to a mausoleum. It was a large stone building in the very center of the graveyard. Four columns flanked the doorway.

“This belongs to the founder of Amity Park,” Chelsea pointed out. “I wonder what he was like.”

“With my luck, probably a ghost hunter,” Danny huffed.

“Well, they’re not hunting any ghosts now,” Chelsea said. “So at least there’s that.”

“Is someone looking for me?”

Danny and Chelsea lifted their heads to see a ghost phase out of the mausoleum. He wore what looked like a prairie outfit complete with suspenders. He had black hair and yellow eyes, and his face held kindness in the green complexion.

“We were just visiting,” Chelsea said politely. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Chelsea.”

“I’m Danny,” Danny said with a bob of his head.

“The name’s Ezra Brighton,” the ghost said, tipping his hat. He had a slight accent. “So you’re the famous protector of this fine city,” he said looking at Danny.

Danny rubbed the back of his neck. “I try. I’m teaching Chelsea how to fight as well.”

“As long as you don’t do any fighting in the graveyard,” Mr. Brighton said. “Graveyards are sacred, you know.”

“We kinda picked up on that,” Chelsea said. “This place has a special feel to it.”

“It’s the resting place of the dead,” Mr. Brighton said. “Naturally, it has a ‘special feel.’ You’re welcome to stay here as long as you desire.”

“Thank you,” Chelsea and Danny said together.

Chelsea hesitantly asked, “Do you… do anything special… on holidays or… or deathdays?”

“Certainly,” Mr. Brighton replied. He smiled to ease Chelsea’s distress. “The veil between this world and the ghost world is most thin during the Day of the Dead. Many ghosts visit their graves on that day. They stay out of sight of humans, though. Don’t want to start a panic.”

“What about you?” Danny asked.

“What about me?”

“Why are you here now?”

“Because I like to watch over this town,” Mr. Brighton said fondly. “It has grown ever so much since my day. It’s wondrous to behold.”

“Wow,” Chelsea breathed.

“You’ve been here for a long time, then?” Danny asked.

“Since I settled here in 1763,” Mr. Brighton said. “I haven’t left since, except for visits to the ghost world.”

The three continued talking for a while longer, and then Chelsea said, “It’s getting late. I should probably go home.”

“Yeah, me too,” Danny said reluctantly.

“Thank you for your time, Mr. Brighton,” Chelsea said.

“Please, call me Ezra,” the ghost said.

“Okay, Ezra,” Chelsea replied, smiling.

She and Danny waved as they flew away.

[sportingoat]

Tight Race for Top 4 Heats Up in the Premier League

The English Premier League is living up to its reputation for drama this season, with a fierce battle raging for the coveted Champions League spots.  As of April 7th, 2024, the top six teams are separated by just a handful of points, making the remaining fixtures crucial in determining who qualifies for Europe's elite competition.

Currently, the race for the top four is a six-horse race.  At the forefront are the surprising high-flyers, Aston Villa. Under the guidance of Unai Emery, they've defied expectations and sit just one point behind the current leaders, Liverpool.  Arsenal, who finished outside the top four last season, are back in the hunt, occupying third place with a two-point cushion over the reigning champions, Manchester City.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also in contention, albeit slightly further adrift.  Spurs, with a squad brimming with attacking talent, are just five points behind Arsenal, while United, despite their inconsistencies, remain within striking distance, six points off the top four.

This congested fight for Champions League qualification adds a layer of excitement to the remaining matches.  Every fixture holds immense weight, with dropped points potentially derailing a team's European ambitions.

Here's a closer look at some key contenders:

Aston Villa:  Their attacking prowess, spearheaded by Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho, has been a major factor in their success.  However, their lack of experience in such a high-pressure race could be a potential hurdle.

Arsenal:  The young Gunners, led by the impressive Bukayo Saka, are playing with a swagger and a hunger.  Maintaining their consistency will be vital in their quest for a return to the Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur:  Harry Kane and Son Heung-min remain a lethal attacking duo, and the arrival of Dejan Kulusevski has added further depth to their squad.  Their performance in crucial head-to-head clashes will determine their fate.

Manchester City:  Despite their struggles this season, Pep Guardiola's tactical genius should never be underestimated.  They possess the experience and squad depth to stage a late surge.

Beyond the Top Four:

The battle for Europa League and Conference League qualification is also heating up.  Teams like West Ham, Newcastle, and Brighton are locked in a tight race for these coveted European spots.

The Bottom Half:

At the other end of the table, the relegation battle is surprisingly open.  With several teams hovering just above the drop zone, the remaining fixtures will be crucial for their survival hopes.

Unpredictable Finish Looms:

With the top-four race so tightly contested, injuries, suspensions, and crucial fixtures will play a defining role.  The next few weeks promise to be a thrilling ride for fans of English football, with every point potentially making the difference between Champions League glory and European disappointment.

[hearnest]

At Brighton Beach I watched a young red-headed girl in a denim jacket sit on the railing and jump down a great height to the sand, only a brief hesitation before the leap and landed perfectly in a squat. Far above her the clouds looked like the ones in the miniature landscapes in the background of old Flemish portraits. The right side of me was warm from the sun. 

The last hour of the morning I had slept with the window open and the fan off so the pale pink sky leaked in. With this heat it’s dream season now day and night, I sigh every time I wake up. 

I spent all day yesterday going on my back — laying on my black leather couch after short bursts of work, then on the beach ignoring company and rolling onto my side as if to sleep, later at night on my floor reading Mysterious Mozart, the plastic wrapped book hovering above me while my bones stuck to the hard wood.

In the morning I walk long empty sidewalks lined with trees weighed down by dew, large houses with columns and balconies and a flame burning out front, a porch made of dark wood and long grass in the yard. An old apartment building with metal entry arches like ivy painted white. Quiet quiet deserted as if it’s always late afternoon. Sound of a small ball bouncing.

I had a dream I was being stabbed in the back, and I kept waking up throughout the morning to groan and itch my head.

Now it’s dark. Silhouette of a figure standing on the white balcony, seen by someone half hiding behind the trunk of a tree. Light curtains blowing behind them.

[greenplantlizard]

shaider NEXT GENERATION

with toQger nearing its end, its time i finish one of toei's other 2014 projects!!!

oh hi new gavan, again

should've seen that coming

lmao i love the sign saying NOT EVEN CLOSE, fantastic energy

oh i forgot about commissioner gordon

priestess poe?????

LMAO every time i see our new shaider im like "AKIRA DATE?????"

hang on, that's the fushigi song playing in the background

leave it to tammy!!

thank you cameo

she may be dedicated to peace, but that doesn't mean she doesn't practice violence

oh lmao we're doing the people get stuck together plot

y'know what, tammy might be on to something with shu being a pervert after all

thank you over expository narration

oh hi kojiro!!!!! man's switched jobs once again i see :D

commissioner gordon's first name is NICHOLAS??????

the idea of space criminals changing their identities to become monsters of the week for villain organisations is kinda funny to me

did- did he forget what his own ability does? that's,,,,, hilarious actually :D

oh man we've got cameos all over, im gonna have to stop listing them or that's all this post is gonna be-

i say that and immediately ANNIE!!!!!!! MY GIRL ANNIE IS HERE!!!!!!!! this is the best next generation space sherrif movie because it has annie in it

aw shit this guy's connected to our main characters!!! drama!!!!!

get fushigi dimensione'd, idiot

i dont care if "marvel space" or "strange space" or "bizarro spacetime" is a more accurate translation, i just enjoy saying fushigi dimension

THE DONT CARE BOOGIE???? THAT'S SUCH A DEEP CUT WHAT

why is there a door in here with brighton's face on it

lmao why are the miraclers the only grunts who look mostly like their 80s counterparts did, not complaining if anything i wish the crushers fightrows more resembled their original design in the previous two movies rather than being just kinda guys with colourful hair wearing black

dude you said that kinda harsh huh

i love nu-sharivan's internal sigh at "this time we trust your intuition"

definitely didn't forget everyone's names again when this movie even has helpful banners telling you exactly what people's names are when they first appear, definitely not

oops

ENTIRE UNDERGROUND SPACE SHUTTLE????

gasp,,, horror girl was a teddy bear the whole time

oh tammy's MAD

which is y'know, understandable

luckily she is a grown adult who can manage her emotions and only kicks shu in the face when she thinks it'd be funny

welp, if you can't do it with emotional manipulation, do it with drugs????? that's a terrible sentence to say out of context hold on

i love the bone crunching sound effects every time she punches

straight people??????????????????

"Hello, Shaider" [Hello Shaider instrumental starts playing]

pitapita you have no idea how many special moves people can have

all's well that end- wait hang on there's 15 minutes left and a mystery to solve you've tricked me!!!

TWIST TIME

i here she graduated SEVEN times

so she did all this because it was funny?? that's kinda messed up ngl

choose your fighter: transgender priestess poe vs drag priestess poe

goddamn it gordon, batman will never forgive you for this, you'll lose custody of the robins!!!

she loves funny trick :)

you've heard of makuu space, now get ready for HYPER makuu space that literally only sucks in one person lol :D

time for a short lil team up, otherwise they'll get visited by the Mysterious Voice of the Children for never transforming together

imagine falling through another dimension while a giant head representing your misdeeds just kinda hovers behind you and then starts shooting lasers

woa hang on it's an original song!!! :D

and now they can go back to being straight or kickboxing each other or whatever it is they do :D

anyway, peace is restored to the universe, and our rebooted metal heroes will occasionally return...

[phantom-z0ne]

WIP Wednesday - May 28

I'll be editing my wips this week since I've been delaying doing so for some time now. Feel free to choose which chapter you want to see if there's more than one chapter listed, otherwise I'll be going through them at my own pace! :)

rules:

I'll share up to 5 WIPs file names and a snippet of my most recent writing

Send an ask/comment with the name of one of the listed WIPs and i'll write at least 5 sentences!

I encourage sending multiple requests!!!

WIP names:

karma's a bitch Chapter 1

phos gets yeeted into dc Chapter 1-5

when in doubt, post eerily accurate predictions online Chapter 1-2

snippet for phos gets yeeted into dc:

Flash took off, retrieving the victim and taking them to the hospital, passing them over to professionals that specialized in helping Snart’s victims. He resumed patrol, checking every nook and cranny of the city for any signs of crime. Feeling a bit peckish, he slowed down to grab a bite of food, pausing to shovel down his hot dogs—and neatly throwing the wrappers in the trash, he didn't condone littering, after all—before taking off again, energy restored.

There wasn't much for him to do, none of his other villains were out and about, so he just helped his adoring citizens with whatever he could. At most, it was just lugging things around for them or finding things they've lost. Nothing terribly interesting but he was happy to help.

In a loop around New Brighton, however, he found a panicked and disheveled looking man stumbling down the sidewalk. He zipped beside Carter, recognizing him as the bookshop owner who helped him a couple times in the past, the teasing remark on his tongue withering away the moment he noticed the steadily bleeding gash on Carter’s chest. Carter’s eyes hovered over his form, uncomprehending, before he lurched forward, gripping Flash’s hands tightly. He stuttered out a brief explanation, that he and his coworkers were attacked by a thief with liquid metal for arms and that he barely made it out, he suspected his coworkers were in dire conditions and needed immediate help. With a little prodding, Carter described his attacker in detail.

Flash frowned, while he knew that Captain Marvel’s meta already left Fawcett, he hadn't expected her to be in his city so soon. Flash sped Carter over to the nearest hospital after the man quickly rattled out the location his coworkers were last, heading there immediately after. Surely enough, two prone bodies laid in a dark alley.

[softswerving]

met paulina from berlin and tenzing from brighton. After an exhaustive run through the trip, we had sought pilgramage in a Pink Floyd Cafe. Two people from very different cultures and far away land. Tenzing invited himself in gently into a converwith us by suggesting us to try the momos in this restraunt. We got reeled into a conversation, no one saw coming. Paulina was rolling her smokes. She had distinct beautiful hazel eyes. I noticed her to be resebling someone I already know but yet like a touch of german to a familiar face. She was cool composed and mostly into her scribble pad and in her own rhythm. Tenzing had been for the most part the real driver of that conversation. He spoke very highly of the freedom and lively spaces in Brighton. Instantly shifting gear in his same breath speaking of the colors and sound that score the landscape of our land. He told us that he had been a refugee from Tibet and that he had come to see his mom, his cousins and his village in Tibet after 20 something years. My body surrendered after the long days and might not have ... children of banjaras looking with curiosity. catching an eye. who is the stranger in this land. a land so far away from our lived realities. I captured them on my phone. passed pleasantaries with them. After some time, we noticed a herd of young boys hover around us, asking for 10-20 bucks. Or just a plate of maggi. I have always tended to give away. It had been pointed out to me, that a couple of times I had been fooled by my perceptions and might have given in to a mirage. Therefor I must show some restraint.