#congratulations darling David

[starkwlkr]

silver springs | mark webber

thanks to everyone who voted! like my seb fic, this will only have three parts

part 2

warning: cheating

requests are closed

INSTRAGRAM

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yourusername congratulations oscarpiastri on your incredible sprint race win! first win in f1, but it won’t be the last!

oscarpiastri ❤️

papayafans481 DESERVED

teampiastri did anyone see the interview with david coulthard and mark webber?😭

leclerctears what happened??

teampiastri david kept bringing up y/n and mark couldn’t even say her name 🥲 he said mclaren team principal when referring to her

lewis8wdc what the fuck happened between them?🤨 i know they dated I’m guessing they ended on bad terms

op81xx girl they were gonna get married 😭 mark had the ring and even asked y/n’s family for their blessing there’s a thread on twitter about them

aussiegrit ❤️

multi21bitch you ain’t slick old man 🤨

view all 34,366 comments

UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX

Lando had scored a podium finish while Oscar had unfortunately suffered a DNF. After the podium ceremony, you were on your way back to the Mclaren garage when you heard a familiar voice. Mark was speaking with Fernando when you had walked by them. It had been years since you were that close to Mark. Of course he was in the Mclaren garage since he was Oscar’s manager, but you were a pro at avoiding Mark Webber.

You kept walking and finally made it to the garage where you congratulated the team for their effort.

“When was the last time she spoke to you?” Fernando questioned the Aussie. He was great friends with both you and Mark. He was one of many that thought you two would end up getting married. He was utterly shocked when Mark had told him that you were no longer together.

“March twenty fifth twenty thirteen. She blocked my number, she told me I couldn’t contact any of her family members either.” He explained. “I fucked up my life, Fernando.”

No one apart from Mark and you knew the reason for the break up.

“What did you do?”

“I hurt her. After Malaysia happened, y/n tried to comfort me, but I pushed her away. I stayed in the paddock late while y/n was already in our hotel room waiting for me, i told her to just go to sleep but she never listens. I was on my way back and I decided to go to a bar and I met a woman there. . . ”

It didn’t take a genius to know what would happen next.

“Shit, Mark.” Fernando mumbled.

“That’s not even the worst part, mate. I came back to our hotel room in the morning and she had her suitcase packed. She was going back home. The woman I was with had texted her from my phone and told her everything.” Mark remembered that night all too well. “She told me she never wanted to see me again . . .”

“Funny how that turned out.”

“But she also told me something else. Her doctor had called her a few days ago and told her she was pregnant. I fucked up my life all because I got mad at the result of a stupid race!”

Like everything else in the paddock, Mark’s words didn’t stay a secret for long. A rumor confirmed true traveled fast.

PRIVATE INSTAGRAM

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yourprivate happy birthday, my darling 🎀✨ i look forward to your sidewalk chalk artwork everyday ❤️

susie_wolff she’s getting so big! happy birthday!

yourprivate i’m not ready for her to grow anymore🥹

clairewilliams_official what an artist!❤️

yourprivate my own little picasso ❤️

zbrownceo happy birthday 🎂 i hope she enjoyed all the gifts the team and i sent

yourprivate she loved every single one, thank you!

[magicalyaku]

Hello and welcome to my 2023 reading wrap up! A big Thank You to everyone who followed my ramblings throughout the year! <3 I will continue through 2024. Maybe I'll learn how to write proper reviews, at least I'll try to remember better what I actually want to say about the stories. In 2022, I read 93 books plus my own. Guess how many it were in 2023? 93 plus my own!! xD That was huge coincidence and I love it. Of these 94 books, 4 are rereads (which won't be included in the "Favourite" sections), 2 are non-fiction, 11 are non-queer. I only DNFed 1 book (which is not pictured) and other than that I only disliked 6 books! (And it's a pretty soft dislike in comparison. I don't hate them nearly enough to want to shit on them again. :'D).

So on the the awards!

Most Read Author: KJ Charles (8 books)

Least Favourite Book: Daresh (Katja Brandis) (the one I could not finish for dear life)

Favourite Character: Brand (The Tarot Sequence) and Will (The Will Darling Adventures) (yes, there's a trend)

Favourite Covers (of books I read, not releases):

(There were too many. D:)

Highest Emotional Investment (aka The Agony, the suffering, the why you do this to me Award): Dark Heir - The Scottish Boy - In Memoriam

Wildest Story: The Adventures of Pinocchio

Favourite Books:

The Devil's Luck (L.S. Baird)

The Scottish Boy (Alex de Campi)

In Memoriam (Alice Winn)

Just Lizzie (Karen Wilfried)

Dark Heir (C.S. Pacat)

The Will Darling Adventures (KJ Charles)

Gwen & Art are not in Love (Lex Croucher)

The Buried and the Bound (Rochelle Hassan)

More Books I enjoyed greatly:

Oracle of Senders series (Mere Joyce)

Of Feathers and Thorns (Kit Vincent)

Wren Martin Ruins it all (Amanda deWitt)

Simon Snow series (Rainbow Rowell)

The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley (Shaun David Hutchinson)

The Tarot Sequence (K.D. Edwards)

The First and Last Adventure of Kit Sawyer (S.E. Harmon)

Sixteen Souls (Rosie Talbot)

By any Other Name (Erin Cotter)

The High King's Golden Tongue (Megan Derr) and more!!

Most Used Name: I counted names last year and didn't want to do it again this year because I read so much fantasy, so the names were all over. Still, there was one who stood out amongst them all with at least 4 instances, if not more. Probably more.

Will

Congratulations. I have to admit, I've always liked that name. My favourite character of all times and part of my one and only OTP is named Will as well and I kinda hope the last book of their second trilogy never comes because it will probably make me scream and ... ...

Bonus! This year, I counted pages! Because I felt that most books were much shorter than what I read before. So I wanted to know. Turns out, my feeling was wrong. My 93 books had a whole of 33011 pages which results in approximately 350 pages per book. That's pretty normal I dare say.

That's it for 2023! I had a very good year in books. I wanted to read less actually, and failed spectacularly because I had too much fun. And if anyone's wondering how I read so much, I read fast and I just didn't do anything else in my free time. Escapism to the max. I hope, the new year treats you well! I hope, you have fun with the books you read! Let's meet again soon! <3

[fiction-is-life]

Congratulations again on 500 followers! 🥂 You are so generous in sharing your talents with us ☺️

For a blurb, you know I have to prompt my two all time favorite things: Benedict Bridgerton and angst 😜 #122 from the list “I’m not going anywhere.” 💙

Touchstone of Our Character

Author's Note: Thank you soooooo much!! You are such an amazing writer and I am so honored that you would want to read my writing (especially angst since you are the Queen of angst)! Thank you for all of your support and I hope you like this little blurb!

Summary: “Dreams are the touchstones of our character.” -Henry David Thoreau

Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, Regency

Warnings: Nightmares, mention of death (in a dream), cheating

~

Benedict felt movement beside him that roused him from his slumber.  He still was not used to having someone sleep beside him every night, even though he had married (Y/N) over six months ago.  His old bachelor habits died hard, he supposed.  He couldn’t say it had started as a love match - his marriage to you - but he had quickly found a thousand reasons to love his wife.

While gazing at his wife, he quickly ascertained the reason that he had been awoken.  Your brow was furrowed and troubled, and your legs thrashed around under the blankets.  As he watched, you became increasingly frantic, obviously having some sort of terrible dream.

He reached over to grasp your silk-laiden arm (having opted for a long-sleeve night dress as it was winter), and gave it a small shake.  He whispered, “My love, wake up, it is just a dream.”

You woke with a cry, saying, “He’s dead.  You have killed him!  My love, come back, please!”  Your eyes were unfocused, and Benedict knew you were still fighting against whatever foe your dream held, so he shushed you gently, rocking you back and forth until you stopped shouting, opting for tears instead.

“Hush, darling, no one is dead,” he soothed, brushing your hair back from your sweaty forehead.  His heart tugged at the thought that you had been dreaming of him, and that you were now distraught over the thought of his passing.  He kissed your hair and your forehead, anywhere he could reach, trying to show you that he was alive and well.  “I am here.  I am not going anywhere.”

You simply collapsed in his arms, sobbing even harder at these words, spoken so sweetly by the brother of the man you loved, of whom you dreamt every night.

~

My Masterlist

Come Celebrate with Me!

[thebadgerclan]

Rings

Pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz x Henry Fox

Summary: Alex needs to return the ring...

This was a trip Alex never thought he’d have to make.  Only a month after painstakingly selecting an engagement ring for Henry; after stealthily getting his ring size, after pouring over designs, gemstones, engravings, after finally landing on the perfect ring for the love of his life, he was returning it to the jeweler.  Alex wanted to laugh at how absurd the situation was, but he thought better of it.  It wouldn’t look good if the President’s son started laughing hysterically in public, now would it.

The jeweler had cleared out her shop at Cash’s request, and she smiled when Alex entered.  “Mr. Claremont-Diaz,” she said, leaning on the counter.  “I didn’t think I’d be seeing you again.  What brings you in?”  Alex approached the counter, his hands in his pockets.  “Well,” he said, sounding sheepish.”  “I…uh…need to return this…”  He pulled the ring box from his pocket and set it on the counter, and the jeweler stared.  “Oh, Alex, I’m so sorry.”  But Alex wasn’t frowning, he wasn’t upset.  He looked…happy?

Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, takeout from Alex’s favorite dive down the block (because Henry still wasn’t great at cooking), David in a little tuxedo, candles on every surface, copies of Le Monde littering the ground and tables.  “Baby,” Alex said.  “What’s all this?”  Henry pressed a flute of champagne into Alex’s hand and a kiss to his lips.  “Can’t a man spoil his boyfriend?” was Henry’s rebuttal, and Alex laughed.  “I guess, but I feel like you have an ulterior motive here, babe.”

There had indeed been an ulterior motive.  Henry had cleared the dishes away after dinner and returned to Alex only to drop to one knee before him.  “Henry, wha-”  “Hush, darling,” Henry said.  “I have loved you since I first saw you in Rio, and I spent years pining for a man I thought I could never have.  Then you blew back into my life and stole my heart, and I never want it back.  Alexander Gabriel Claremont-Diaz, I love you.  I have loved you for every moment of my life, and I will love you for every moment, with every breath, for the rest of my life.  My love, will you marry me?”

Alex tapped his fingers on the counter.  “Yeah, turns out I won’t be needing that.”  The jeweler was about to offer her apologies again when Alex pulled his left hand from his pocket.  “Because Henry beat me to it.”  On his finger was a silver band studded with little diamonds, and on his face was the widest, dopiest smile imaginable.  “Oh, well congratulations!  Unfortunately because yours was a custom piece, I’m unable to accept a return on it.”

“Ah,” Alex replied, and he supposed that made sense.  Henry’s ring was also a silver band, though his was engraved with roses–the Tudor rose for England and yellow roses for Texas.  There was an engraving on the inside too, two short words: History, Huh?  “Can I suggest something?” the jeweler asked, and Alex nodded.  “Maybe use it for his wedding band?  I could easily have one made for you to match, if that’s the direction you guys want to go.”

Alex smiled, the thought of wedding bands setting a riot of butterflies loose in his stomach.  “I’ll have to ask him about that,” he said.  “Thank you, sorry to bother you.”  “Oh please,” the jeweler said.  “You’re not a bother.  Plus, you cleared out my store long enough for me to take my lunch break.”

Alex made his way home, where Henry was waiting in the living room.  “Turns out I can’t return it,” he explained, accepting his fiance’s (God, would he ever get used to calling Henry his fiance?) kiss.  “Why not?”  It was then that Alex realized Henry hadn’t seen the ring.  Henry had proposed, Alex had tearfully accepted, and then they’d gotten rather distracted.  He hadn’t asked to see the ring Alex had made, and Alex hadn’t thought to offer.

“Well, I had it customized,” Alex explained, pulling the box from his jacket pocket, offering it to Henry.  Henry cracked it open, gasping softly when he saw the ring.  “Alex, this is…”  “It’s alright if you don’t want to wear it, baby.”  “Put it on me!”  Alex smiled.  “Really?”  “Yes, you cretin!  Put it on me!”  “Look at the inside first, baby.”  Henry did, letting out what sounded like a mix of a laugh and a sob.  “Dear God, I love you so damn much.  Now put my ring on me!”

Alex took the ring from him, sinking to one knee before him.  “You gave me a flowery speech, now it’s your turn.  Baby, the love of my fucking life, I understand now why I snuck into June’s room and stared at that picture of you in her magazine.  It’s because I was so stupidly in love with you, even then.  Henry George Edward James Fox-Moutchristen-Windsor, will you make me the happiest man ever and marry me?”

Now Henry was crying.  “Yes, you tosser, now kiss me.”  Alex stood, pulling Henry into his arms and kissing him deeply.  He slid the ring home, and Henry gazed at it adoringly.  “I love you.”  Alex kissed him again.  “I love you more.”  “Again, I believe that’s up for debate.”  Hours later, a post goes up on both Alex’s and Henry’s Instagrams; both the same picture with the same caption.  Their hands are the focus of the image: Alex’s resting atop Henry’s, their engagement rings shining in the evening light. The caption: Another chapter in the history books, coming up… 💍

[kjs-s]

Treat You Better

Pairing: Matt Murdock x reader

Song: Treat You Better — Shawn Mendes 

Summary: Matt feels like he can treat you better than your boyfriend and wants you to know it

Word Count: 1810

Warnings: mention of controlling and intrusive relationship and messages

A/N This is my second entry for @caplanbuckybarnes's decade challenge

You were waiting outside your lawyers’ office when your best friend rushed up the stairs while looking for her keys.

‘’(Y/N) what are you doing here? And how long have you been waiting for me? I’m so sorry I kept you waiting’’ Karen still rummaged in her bag looking for the keys.

‘’Don’t be silly darling, you had no idea I would show up first thing in the morning. I just came over to ask the guys for a favor and to catch up with you a little.’’ She finally opened the door to allow you into their improved office. You hadn’t been over for a couple of weeks and the changes they had made were spectacular. They had placed a painting right next to Matt’s office and a plant next to the entrance. But what caught your eye were the brand new coffee maker and the new bigger couch.

‘’I gather you like what Foggy did with the place. He kept mentioning redecorating so he decided to surprise us. I am glad he kept it minimal though. So, you mentioned needing to talk to one of the guys is there anything I can help you with?’’ Karen asked you while sorting the mail.

‘’Well, I just got a job offer that is exactly what I was hoping to get with my chemistry degree. I already had two interviews that went exceptionally well. We will sign the contracts tomorrow so I hoped one of my lawyers would accompany me to the meeting.’’ You were beaming with joy talking about your new job. It was your dream job for a long time and you knew you would be working at a company that helped people get better.

‘’Congratulations (Y/N), tell me everything about the job. What company is it with? And how did they find you?’’ Karen asked while prepping the coffee maker to have something to offer you.

‘’It’s actually one of the companies I had my internship at that didn’t have many open positions at the time. But after my recent article, they approached me about a great opportunity. I don’t want to jinx it but as of tomorrow you will be best friends with the new head of R&D at Rand Enterprises.’’ Immediately afterward your phone started to buzz with messages from your boyfriend David.

Where are you?

Why did you leave without telling me anything?

You could at least tell me that you had something scheduled or wait for me to wake up before leaving.

Why don’t we have anything for breakfast? Didn’t you get anything before leaving? You always make something for us.

You sighed at the texts and decided to answer them later. The messages just kept coming though so you muted your phone.

‘’Don’t give me this look Karen. He is just checking up on me.’’

‘’I didn’t say anything sweetheart. But don’t you think that he checking on you all the time like that is a little controlling? I don’t want to intrude or anything I just find it to be a little off.’’ She offered you a cup of coffee but you declined.

‘’You could be right. He wasn’t like that from the beginning. Something changed a few weeks ago and he started texting me almost all day long. I am trying to find out the reason so that we could work on it but I feel like he will blow me off. I mean, just two nights ago I was almost in tears because he was asking me about what I was looking at while browsing. I still haven’t told him about the new job either. I have a feeling he might talk me out of accepting it or ask me to quit because it will have longer hours.’’ You were worried about that possibility for a while and you felt relieved confiding this in someone. You didn’t even let yourself realize that you were scared of that reaction.

‘’I’m sorry to hear that and to dampen your mood. If you need to talk more... .’’ Karen didn’t get to finish her sentence before Matt and Foggy entered the office.

‘’’ Good morning Karen, (Y/N) what a pleasant surprise. I haven’t seen you for so long.’’ Foggy gave you a warm hug. Matt also greeted you but you could sense something was on his mind. You asked about it and he lied that it was about a case. When you entered Foggy’s office to arrange for him to accompany you Matt revealed to Karen that he had heard your conversation and that he planned to talk to you about it. 

On your way out he held your hand in his and after congratulating you he reminds you just like Karen tried to before that he will always be around if you need anything. You always loved how compassionate Matt is and how much he cares about the people around him.

Your meeting was successful and you were elated. Your start day would be in two weeks to give you some time to settle anything you needed with your current job.

‘’It’s official now. So congratulations (Y/N), this deserves a celebration.’’ Foggy was also excited about you since he knew how hard you worked to get such a prestigious position.

‘’I’m not sure, I would have to ask David about it and you know that he doesn’t like gatherings.’’ You were still nervous about announcing the new job to him.

‘’It won’t be considered a gathering. Just the five of us and if he doesn’t want to come we will celebrate on our own. You deserve this and you are well aware that Karen and Matt want to spend more time with you. Especially Matt since this was actually this idea.’’

‘’I can’t promise anything but I will try to meet you at Josie’s tonight.’’ You checked to see that David had called you ten times and texted you asking about your meeting. You had told him you had a performance evaluation at your work.

When you entered the bar you looked around for your friends. Karen and Foggy were at the pool table playing so you made your way to the bar where Matt was ordering for everyone.

‘’I would like one of my usual as well Josie. Thank you. Hi Matt, how are you?’’ You took a seat next to him and noticed his smile when you addressed him.

‘’Better now that you are here. I am so glad you managed to come. It wouldn’t be a celebration without the one with something to celebrate. How was your day?’’

‘’I gave my two weeks’ notice to my boss. He was surprised but with all the times I was skipped over for a promotion he should have guessed already. I will miss some of my coworkers but we arranged to remain friends. They also mentioned a farewell party on my last day.’’

‘’That’s really nice of them. I am sure they will be sad to see you go.’’ Matt didn’t want to mention anything about your boyfriend not to dampen your mood. You helped him carry the drinks to the others and joined them for a few games.

After a few hours, Matt claimed he was tired and that he would leave. However, not feeling safe walking home on his own he asked you to go with him.

‘’(Y/N) I don’t want to intrude or anything but can I ask you a personal question?’’He asked after almost halfway through to his house.

‘’Of course Matt you can ask me anything you want.’’

 ‘’Are you happy with David? I noticed that when you talk about him your tone changes and becomes sad. I also heard you talking to Karen yesterday about him being a little controlling.’’

You were taken aback by the question that you didn’t even think about how he could hear you through the closed door. Maybe your mind was too focused on whether you are happy on not to register that information. You knew that his hearing was better than others but you had no idea how good it was.

‘’ You can tell me if I'm off but I feel that I know he's just not right for you. I don’t want to overstep any boundaries I just needed to let you know that I like you. And I'll stop time for you the second you say you'd like me too.’’

You couldn’t believe that you were hearing and Matt knew that you were overwhelmed with his confession.

‘’I am not expecting an answer right now. I just want you to know how I feel and that I just want to give you the loving that you're missing. Waking up with you would be everything I need, because I know I can treat you better than he can if you give me a chance to prove it.’’

Before you could respond you were already at his home so he bid you good night and left you to your thoughts.

Arriving at your apartment you met David who started inquiring you about where you were all those hours and he told you that one of your coworkers called asking about your preference for the cake for your farewell party. Just as you feared he listed all the things that would keep you at your dead-end job and how the new company and the longer hours wouldn’t be right for you. The most ridiculous excuse was that after some research he discovered that the new company wouldn’t allow you enough time off to talk to him about your day. You felt that he was talking like he meant giving him a report about everything and that was the moment you realized your friends were absolutely correct about him. So you broke up with him and told him to leave your apartment and lose your number for good. He mentioned that he would call you to reconsider but you told him not to bother.

Having finally clear thought you made your way back to Matt’s house.

‘’(Y/N) what are you doing here? Is everything alright? Are you hurt in any way?’’

‘’Everything is finally clear. You were right about everything you said earlier. I am so sorry I didn’t see it before and that it took me so long to understand that you were better for me. But I might need a little time to start something new. Would you mind if I just sleep on your couch? I don’t feel like being alone right now.’’

He insisted on you taking the bed and when you woke up in the morning he had bought breakfast and gave you all the space you needed to clear your head and figure out your emotions. It only took two weeks before you started dating and your friends had a new reason for a celebration.

[what-if-queen-camilla]

Chapter 12

04th August 1987 - Part 3

The ambulance arrived shortly after and neither the doctor nor the nurse could emphasise often enough just how brilliantly Andrew had done and how proud they all were of them; of course, Camilla was, too, but after both she and the baby had been checked and considered in excellent health, she suddenly felt so tired that she could have fallen asleep immediately. Her daughter, however, had other plans and was desperate for milk. “Yes, you must be hungry, my little darling…”, she whispered to her, tenderly placing her on her chest, guiding her little mouth to her breast. Thank goodness, after two children, she was relaxed and experienced enough so that breastfeeding wasn’t a big deal anymore and after a few minutes, both mother and child fell into a deep, happy sleep…

"Kensington Palace? Yes, Colonel Parker Bowles speaking. May I speak to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, please?" Shortly after 8 am, Camilla and Theodora still fast asleep, Andrew had decided that it was time to inform the real father of last night's events and has dialled the familiar number of the pass office of the Royal Residence and much to his relief, he was, indeed, transferred to The Prince immediately. "Andrew? What's the matter? Is Milla alright?", he hissed into the receiver, sounding incredibly anxious. He had quickly disappeared into his office to answer the call without risking his wife overhearing anything and his heart ached in concern about the love of his life and their little baby. "No worries, Sir, they're both fine.", Andrew declared, proudly adding: "Mother and child are as fit as a fiddle." Silence. "Sir?", Andrew asked carefully when the Prince didn't reply. "Um, yes, yes, Andrew, I-I'm sorry…", the heir to the throne stuttered. "I just - can you please repeat what you've just said?" Andrew chuckled. His astonishment and disbelief were almost cute and today of all days, he found almost everything cute. “Of course, Sir! With pleasure!", he exclaimed, almost bursting with pride and joy. "Camilla was safely delivered from a baby girl last night! Well, in fact - I delivered her from the little one - our daughter, I mean, your daughter - oh nevermind, they're both fine so… huge congratulations, Sir! I just thought you might like to be informed…" Charles' heart was beating like mad and his head felt like swirling. He tried to grasp what he had just heard. The baby had arrived. He had become a father once more - the father of Camilla’s child, the love of his life and himself had a daughter! "Oh my God…", he said unbelieving and with a teary voice. "I… I'll try and come over as soon as possible!", he promised. "Thank you, Andrew! Thank you so much!"With that, he hung up and sat down on the chair, almost in shock, but the very sweetest kind of shock imaginable. Camilla and him had a baby! All that he wanted was to go and see them both as soon as possible, to kiss Camilla endlessly for having given him the greatest gift in his entire life, to meet the little one and hold her, tell her how proud her daddy was and how much he loved her already, promise her that he would always be there for her and protect her from all evil… but it was Granny's birthday today as well and they had to go to Clarence House around midday for birthday party… As much as he loved his grandmother, as much did the whole rest of the bunch annoy him; his parents, his brothers, his silly sister-in-law, not to speak of his malicious wife… at least his darling cousins David and Sarah would be there as well and of course all the members of the public who'd be gathering around Clarence House and The Mall to sing Granny a Happy Birthday. How wonderful was it that his daughter and his grandmother were sharing a birthday? Oh how he'd have loved to tell her, it'd surely have been the most wonderful birthday present of all time! But it wasn't possible… he couldn't burden Granny with keeping such a secret, he loved her almost as much as he loved Camilla, and the little one of course, and he couldn't bear putting her in such a situation.

"Highgrove, really? Again?", Diana sighed, rolling her eyes when Charles requested to be picked up by a separate car as soon as the birthday celebrations were over, as they arrived at Clarence House a few hours later. "Yes, Again!", he declared, equally annoyed by her as she had appeared to be by him before. "I need some time on my own and you hate Gloucestershire anyway." "Oh, I really do hate Gloucestershire!", she snarled, looking at him with fiery eyes, but he was determined to keep calm this time, casually answering: "Great! There you go! So that's settled then." With this, he opened the door, swung himself out of the car and went straight over to his Granny who had already been waiting for them, without even looking at his wife anymore. "Happy birthday, darling Granny!", he said, lovingly kissing his grandmother on both cheeks. "Ohhh thank you, thank you, my dear boy.", the Queen Mother replied, obviously very touched and happy about all the attention she received on the occasion of her birthday.

Hundreds, maybe thousands, of well-wishers had lined the streets, excitedly waving to their beloved former Queen, singing for her, cheering her on, presenting her with the most beautiful flowers and posies and of course someone had arranged a birthday cake which she happily cut amidst excited rejoicing by the crowds. It was a jolly good celebration and everybody enjoyed themselves, except for Diana who stood in a corner, pouting. Of course she was upset because, for once, the limelight wasn't on her and she needed the people's attention even more than they needed her, but Charles just tried to ignore her and instead look forward to seeing Camilla and meeting the baby in a few hours. "Charles, darling, could you please help your poor old grandmother with all of these… parcels?", the Queen Mother asked her favourite grandchild, laboriously carrying dozens of cards and bouquets in both her arms. "Of course, Granny!", he replied and immediately rushed to her side to guide her into the house. Of course, they usually had servants for this kind of things but he was more than grateful for every opportunity to get away from the devil. "Are you going to see the Parker Bowleses later?", his grandmother asked as if it was the most normal thing in the world once they were alone. Charles was so perplexed he didn't know what to say. "I hear Camilla has given birth to a baby girl last night.", she chatted away while putting some of her birthday flowers into vases. "The little one and I have the same birthday, isn't that funny?" "Ummm… yes, yes.", Charles replied slightly overwhelmed. It wasn't surprising actually that the news had already reached her as well; Andrew was her godson and surely someone would have told her. But the naturalness she had asked him with whether he was going to see them later was… unexpected. Of course she knew that they'd been a couple once and that they were still close, that Charles was Tom's godfather and all of that… but still. Something about her question felt awkward. "So are you going?", she asked again, looking at him expectantly. Her eyes shone brightly, filled with pure love and happiness, there was nothing evil about his darling Granny, just like there was nothing evil about his darling Camilla… oh how he'd have loved to tell her! "Well, yes, I… I'm going to Highgrove later and I… might drop by in the afternoon.", he said. "Oh wonderful!", the Queen Mother exclaimed, rushing over to her desk, grabbing a closed envelope, handing it to her grandson before turning to the side table where they had just placed several vases with flower bouquets. "Which one do you think she'd like most?", the old lady asked, but didn't wait for him to reply. "Oh, nevermind, just take whichever you think she will like most! And, please, darling, will you give this card to her along with my very best wishes and heartfelt congratulations?" Charles' face immediately brightened up in delight. "Oh Granny!", he almost screamed with teary eyes and enthusiastically wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly. "Of course, Granny, I will!"

The Queen Mother's birthday celebrations actually did happen on that day. There's also a video of the enormous crowds gathering outside Clarence House.

[bedtimestoriesforbrokengirls]

The Daily Dad — Feb 1, 2024

Things you might want to know:

•Norman Jewison, Oscar-nominated director of ‘In the Heat of the Night,’ dead at 97 💭 To me, he was the “director of Jesus Christ Superstar and Moonstruck”. Fare thee well, old man.

DC's new Supergirl is House of the Dragon's Milly Alcock ❝ Milly Alcock will play Supergirl in the new DC Universe, alongside David Corenswet's Man of Steel and other heroes.

Syphilis cases soar to highest level in 70 years — staggering 207,000 syphilis cases reported in US in 2022 — 80% increase since 2018 💭 What the flippin’ furry fuck are you horny weirdos doing out there? What bubbling cauldrons of genital-shriveling disease are you embracing? And what’s next? Macramé vests, AMC Gremlins, and 8-tracks? I mean, clearly, you desperate little shits are aiming to bring back all the worst aspects of the ‘70s…

Even princesses of Hell fail sometimes, as shown in this exclusive clip from Prime Video and A24's Hazbin Hotel ❝ The princess of Hell has a breakdown in this exclusive clip from A24's Hazbin Hotel

Disney aims to revamp Buffy the Vampire Slayer (with help from Dolly Parton) 💭 It’s a nothingburger of a story, and amounts to glorified Dolly Parton clickbait. But just to be clear: where there is no Joss Whedon, there should be no Buffy. If we’ve decided we no longer wish to hear from Joss —and “I” among “we” have not— then we should no longer have Buffy. I don’t want to see Jay & Silent Bob written by Tina Fey, either. Or Legally Blonde directed by Wes Anderson. (Okay, technically, I’d love to see those things. But only in trailer form.)

Arc Search Review: My New Default iPhone Browser ❝ Every once in a while, I come across a new app whose design, feature set, or combination of the two redefines my expectations for a particular category of software. The new Arc Search app for iPhone, which is launching today on the App Store as a separate app from The Browser Company’s previous Arc Companion

Pokimane's main reason for leaving Twitch: 'So much manosphere, red pill bullshit' 💭 I’m wondering if this was the inevitable result of the internet creating thousands upon thousands of micro-celebrities? I mean, what if the only reason this “manosphere” bullshit caught on is that thousands of men were suddenly vying against thousands of women for views, and the women had boobs on their side? Brazen macro-misogyny probably looks like a viable weapon when all you’re packing otherwise is a micro-penis and a backward baseball cap.

Florence Pugh: Camera Broke During 'Oppenheimer' Sex Scene ❝ The actress joked that the malfunction was “bad news for whoever had to give [Christopher Nolan] the news.”

Amy Hart reveals trolls dubbed her the 'fat one' on Love Island as she shares throwback bikini snaps 💭 Amy darling, first, I’m glad your life is going so well. Good for you. Second, you were never, ever “the fat one”. That was Anna. You were “the crazy-eyed desperate one”. But dysmorphia gonna morph, I suppose.

Meet the sexy Egyptology scholars who dress like Indiana Jones characters 💭 I’ve only read the first few paragraphs. But I looked at the pictures. Good grief.

Apple Introduces Transcripts for Podcasts ❝ I switch to Apple system apps every summer to test the latest versions of the company’s OSes. I usually return to my favorite third-party apps over time, but Apple Podcasts has been an outlier since last summer for various reasons. The app has come a long way in recent years…

Award-winning lesbian realtor, 50, is jailed for tricking 90 year-old man with dementia into thinking they were lovers 💭 Congratulations to whomever wrote that title. I don’t think you could make it more sensational without including a reference to “Satanic terrorist strap-ons” or something.

[pedrito-friskito]

congratulations on 300 💕

i’m picking a fluffy thot 🦦 (i can’t tell if this is the right emoji cause i’m wearing contacts and i am not used to them) lmao

frank being a dad 🥹

omg rhi my darling my dear the fact that you’re my first ask for this is so PERFECT ♥️

did this get away from me a little? the answer is yes. am I made about it? the answer is NO.

apple pie life - frank castle x fem!reader

warnings: mentions of pregnancy, allusions to the trauma of frank castle’s life, tooth-rotting fluff

✨kay’s 300 follower celebration!✨

The summer air is thick, filled with the joyful shouts of Leo and Zach, Frank’s fake growls as he chases them around the Lieberman’s backyard with the hose in his hand, spraying the kids with ice-cold water to help beat the heat. David stands at the barbecue, half-hearted hey!s thrown across the grass when the water gets a little close to the food, but you and Sarah just laugh from your spots beneath the large umbrella, lemonades in hand and legs stretched out on the lounge chairs.

It’s been a perfect afternoon. There’d been footballs thrown around, Leo had insisted on painting your toenails a very summery shade of pink, and David had put a cold drink in your hand the moment you’d stepped onto the deck. Frank had gone straight to the kids, stripping down to his swim trunks and cannonballing into the pool without a second thought. You’d gotten a dripping kiss when he gotten out briefly, hours later, shaking his hair like a dog and spraying you with droplets.

“He looks good,” Sarah says to you, leaning towards you almost conspiratorially. “Happy.”

You nod, making a little humming noise. “He is. We are, I think.”

She eyes you, one brow raising. She points at your drink. “You need something a little stronger in that lemonade?”

“No,” you say, far too quickly, and press your lips together. “I…can’t.”

Her other brow shoots up, both lifting towards her hairline. “You’re—”

“Don’t!” you say, grabbing her forearm and squeezing lightly. “I haven’t…” Your trail off, jutting your chin towards Frank, who’s now got Leo on his shoulders in the pool, the pair of them playing catch with Zach as he runs around the pool’s edge.

“He doesn’t know?” Sarah asks, incredulous.

“I don’t know how to tell him!” you admit, dropping your voice even lower. You clear your throat; you can already feel the tears climbing your spine, wet and hot in your eyes. And it only gets worse when your eyes land on him on the other side of the backyard, laughing and smiling and carrying on. Damn these hormones. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Oh, honey,” Sarah whispers, reaching over and taking your hands in hers. “You’ll figure it out, I promise. And he…” She glances over at Frank, having the time of his life with her kids. He must feel your gazes on him, because he turns and waves, winking at you when you smile back. Sarah squeezes your hand. “He’s gonna be thrilled.”

+

It’s cheesy, is what it is, and you know it. But the timing was too perfect to pass up.

Father’s Day is a week after your barbecue at the Lieberman’s, and Sarah texts you nonstop from the moment you leave the house. You’re happy to have someone who knows, someone who’s been through what you’re about to go through, but really, you just want to talk to Frank about it, to tell him what’s coming. Through the week, it feels impossible. You go to open your mouth in the middle of dinner, but stop; the timing isn’t right.

You know what the day usually means to him. It’s hard, and you’ve seen it since you two became the two of you. Memories lurking beneath the surface of his handsome face, he’s always unusually quiet, sleeping most of the day away and asking you to stay close, because, “I just need you, sweetheart. That’s all.”

You’ve talked about kids once or twice, the conversations usually spurred by alcohol and grumbled wanna put a baby in yous. Frank wasn’t opposed, per se, there was just the weight of the past that he carried with him, and that would take time to work through. But you helped, he claimed. You always helped.

Woken by your morning sickness — something you’re shocked Frank hasn’t noticed yet, what with the sometimes sprinting to the bathroom first thing — you mill about the kitchen for a while, making yourself a cup of tea to soothe your stomach, a fresh pot of coffee for Frank. You wait a while, see if he’s going to make an appearance outside of the bedroom today, and when he doesn’t, you fill the mug, drop the single sugar cube in just like he likes it, and walk back upstairs.

He’s still asleep, when you walk in, his now longer hair sticking up all over, thick arms bunched around the pillow beneath his head. You perch on the edge of the bed, setting his coffee carefully on the nightstand. He groans when you put a hand on his back, pressing into his muscle, seeking out the knots and soothing them away with your fingers.

The groan tapers into a whine when you pull away, reaching for his shoulder. “Hey, don’t stop.”

“Brought you coffee,” you say simply, tugging until he rolls onto his side, facing you. “You should drink it while it’s still hot.”

Those thick brows pull down on his forehead, and he just stares at you for a moment. You watch, staring right back, your gazes locked before his wanders away, landing on the coffee mug sitting on his nightstand. You hear his sharp inhale, your eyes still glued to his face, as he reaches for the mug.

World’s Best Dad.

There are tears in his eyes, and it makes your heart ache, but he reaches for you, one hand curling around your leg, squeezing your thigh. “You’re always gonna be their dad, Frank,” you murmur, covering his hand with yours, rubbing your palm over his knuckles. “Always. But now…” You swallow hard. “Now you’re gonna be somebody else’s dad too.”

He just stares up at you, those big dark eyes wet and sparkling. “You’re…?”

“Pregnant,” you finish, nodding furiously, feeling the tears falling from your own eyes. “I’m sorry, I wanted to tell you sooner, I just—”

He’s up in a flash, putting the mug back on the nightstand, taking your face in his big hands, swiping the tears from your cheeks. “Baby, stop, no, no apologies. You’re not, this is…” He shakes his head, a broad grin spreading across his face and he leans his forehead against yours, absolutely beaming. “We’re gonna have a baby.” He kisses you softly, thumbs still swiping your cheeks, smiling into the kiss, gathering you closer. “We’re gonna have a baby.”

+

“She looks like you.”

From his place at the window, Frank’s head turns, the sunlight pouring through the window catching ever so nicely on his features, the tips of his reddening ears and the perfect bump to his nose. You love that nose. You watch as a slow smile weaves its way across his face, pulling at those unfairly full lips of his, his eyes squinting down at the sleeping baby in his arms as he rocks her, holding her in the crook of one arm, his other hand stroking her tiny cheek.

“Dunno,” he replies, cocking his head to the side. “She got your nose, thank God.”

“Hey,” you chide, adjusting yourself on the bed. “I like your nose.”

Frank scoffs, moving from the window, coming to sit at the edge of the bed. You’re struck by the parallel, how you’d perched on the edge of your bed at home some six months ago, a personalized coffee mug in hand, telling him you were expecting the tiny human now in his arms. How things have changed.

“She’s so tiny,” he whispers, and you reach out, running a gentle finger over the downy hair swirled on her small head. It’s dark, just like Frank’s, and you wonder if she’ll have his dark eyes too. “I forgot,” he continues, and your hand reaches up now, cupping his cheek, “how little they are.” He leans into your touch, gaze still trained on the baby. “You did so good, baby. She’s perfect.”

Tiny eyes blink open, peering up at her dad, and your heart clenches. Frank beams again, his free hand reaching for her miniature one, a quiet gasp when she wraps the tiniest fingers around his pinky. You lean up, wincing slightly, resting your head on Frank’s shoulder. Your daughter blinks between the two of you. “You see your mama, huh, sweetheart?” Frank coos, and you have to stifle your giggle at his high-pitched tone. “What?”

“I didn’t say anything!” you laugh, lifting your jaw to kiss his cheek. “I have to say though, she definitely got something from you, Castle.”

“What’s that?”

“Your big-ass head.”

“Hey!” he laughs, turning to kiss your forehead. “You love my big-ass head.”

“I do,” you admit. “I really do.”

—————

frank castle tags: @moonlarking @mindidjarin @freshabogados @steadyasthe-flowers @whosfrankie @ancientbeing10 @currentobsessionrabbithole @grounderprincesslookspissed

[pluttskutt]

So It Was

Congratulations @tessa1972 for winning my giveaway 🎉🎉🎉 Here is your price: a fanfic with your two darlings, Dorian and David! 👑

Dragon Age: Inquisition | pavelyan | T | 2.8 K Alternate Universe - Royalty // First Meetings // First Kiss

[dull-c]

the tate & tennant much ado gifs are going around again so it’s time for me to roll out my favourite story about seeing it. I went to london in 2011 - I flew 30 hours (give or take) specifically to go see this much ado, twice. was it worth it? absolutely. catherine was a perfect beatrice, her and david were magic, the second night I went they kept making each other laugh and lose it onstage and it was delightful. anyway I had pondered doing stage door but been too nervous to actually do it. until on a third night I had a couple of bevvies with a uk friend and she was like let’s gooooo! it’s just around the corner! so long story short I do end up meeting catherine (and david, but I was mainly there for catherine) at stage door, and because I was still a nervous wreck I had just bought a postcard with a picture of queen elizabeth on it and had written something eloquent along the lines of “you’re amazing” on it and I gave it to her and she said thank you darling and my friend snapped a picture of us and that was that. the photo was a good one (not a particularly flattering angle of me but catherine looked great and we were both smiling and no one had their eyes closed). anyway I posted it to facebook with (boratvoice) “MY WIFE” as the caption and continued on with my uk trip - heading off to cardiff to complete the nuwho tour. in the meantime one of my dad’s boomer friends who apparently had no idea who catherine tate was had seen the post on facebook and literally texted my dad to congratulate him on his daughter getting gay married

[thoughts-stuck-somewhere]

This is what I think about when I think about museum dates

I fear that what will follow will be quite, how to say it, kinky or even perverse, but, unfortunately, this is all I could come up with. All things considered, I am not a creative person and I have no idea how to describe something that is indescribable in its, what word to use, its grandeur? Let’s use that. But, really, how do you describe veins made of marbles that appear fragile in their indestructibility. And, honestly, how are you not distracted by those veins? Like, I would much rather climb this giant of six metre and touch that perfection of a nose than stay here thinking whether ‘perfect’ is the right choice of an adjective. How can you describe a hand that could quite literally crush you if it happened to fall in the wrong way? A display of power that, if I may say so myself, is quite attractive, if attractive is the right word. I should check a dictionary, but, my dear, my mind is preoccupied with other thoughts at the moment. Like those legs. Honestly, I would date this statue. David, I am free on Monday evening, if you have no Goliaths to slay we could, I don’t know, discuss how powerful your thighs look, do you go to the gym? Refocus! It is a statue. And this is not what we are here for. So, the task is to consider how words can describe an image. Image that is a statue in this particular occurrence. But, you know what, I find statues way more interesting, they are so human in their- how to say it, rock-ness? Rock-ness it is. They are so human in their rock-ness. You need new words to describe something so confusing. Because, come on, it is confusing. He is a hot dude, and he will never notice you. And not because he is hot and also a douchebag, no, I mean not really, like, I don’t know him personally. O god. Refocus once again. So, he will not notice you because, yes, he is hot, but he is also not real. Which, kind of a turn-off if you ask me (if you ask me in public that is, because if we are in private and quite close the answer may vary, but let’s keep it safe for now). How can you describe all that? If you can, then congratulations! You, my dear, are an artist. I am not. I just like looking at pretty things (and rock dudes) that would most probably not talk to me even if the case made it absolutely necessary and that would so destroy my poor little heart and my already mostly inexistent self-esteem. But how can you argue a hobby like that? I mean, have you seen those abs? Because I totally have, and they are glorious (here, glorious is certainly an interesting adjective, may that be it? We both know the answer is no, what a shame. I’ll leave it in there anyway because it sounds funny, glorious, glo-rious, glo-ri-ous. What an S, love that). Where were we? O yes, the abs and the veins and the hot-dude-who-would-not-talk-to-you-if-he-was-real. See? You cannot describe it satisfactorily. What did you grasp while reading this? A total lack of capability? Yeah, I know, but don’t be rude. I guess you grasped that there is no way to describe something that is so powerful. But maybe not even that, I am not arrogant enough to think I can give you a message. What you really got out of this is who my type is. Which is a very important piece of information if you happen to know many dudes. Useful for me. Send me names, darling. I am quite lonely. At the end of the day, I am thirsting over a statue.

(Statue: David, Michelangelo)

[alwritey-aphrodite]

Hey, congratulations on 900 followers!! I absolutely love your work and I cannot wait to see what else you have in store!! I just wanted to congratulate you before I ask for a prompt hehe.

🚢- Ted Lasso please! I am currently in university doing a double major in English lit and Classics (specialization in archaeology). I’m from Canada, I play rugby, and I love writing, baking, reading, and movies (my favourite is When Harry met Sally).

I also love Taylor Swift, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Arctic Monkeys, and Mac Miller (to name a few). And I think it’s necessary to add that I’m a Libra Sun, Cancer moon, Scorpio rising, and an Enfp.

thank you so so much🫶

Thank you so much darling!!

I think you and Dani Rojas would be perfect together! As the embodiment of human sunshine, Dani loves listening to all the things you learn about, finding everything you tell him absolutely fascinating. He’d be your number one supporter at your rugby matches (games?) and even though he’s definitely not used to those frigid Canadian winters, he’d love having you show him around your home town no matter the time of year, he’d just be so excited to learn more about you. He’d be the best assistant baker, helping out as much as you’d let him even though he sneaks a few bites here and there before everything’s ready, and his favorite part is definitely having a new treat to try, as much as he loves the baking process with you. His perfect way to end a tiring day of training would be to curl up with you and watch a movie, especially a rom-com, and just enjoy each other’s presence.

[spideyspeaches]

Okeeey so 🥊 ~ boxer boi and pregnant reader in hospital 😂

OOP-

Tw: cursing, birthing process.

Champion -> boxer!tom x pregnant!reader

"God get this baby out of me already!" You shriek, throwing your head back as you pant, blowling the sweaty hair off your face.

Your baby girl had been too excited to wait another week to meet you and her daddy, hence why you were right now in a hospital, throwing profanities you didn't know you were capable of coming up with while you clutched your husbands hand till it looked purple.

"Darling you're doing amazing, such a champ, even better than the time David got his balls kicked by his-"

"-are you comparing this with getting your balls kicked?!" You shout, wincing and squeezing his hands tighter when you felt another contraction.

"No no no darling! Of course not, silly me." He chuckled nervously, wincing when you squeezed the life out of his hand. Hissing at the pain, he looked at your pitiful figure, pushing your hair out of your face as you took a breath.

"As you should! It isn't fun pushing a baby out of your vagina." You grunt, whimpering when your doctor finally gave a wave for another push.

"Any moment now." The doctor said, "dad, want to cut the cord?"

Looking over at Tom as bent down to cut the cord, you felt heat rush to your cheeks as you remembered him being in the same position around six months ago.

Giving a final push, you scrunched your eyes as sweat pooled over your forehead, the cries of your sweet baby filling the room and a sudden parental feeling brewing in your chest.

"Congratulations! You have a girl!" The nurse smiled over at you two, taking her off to clean the blood and other fluids as you looked around the room, eyes finally landing on your husband's flushed face.

"Oh my god!" Tom chuckled, his eyes wide as he looked at your smiling face.

"She's here." You nod, now positively exhausted after the work.

"She's here."

[notarelationship]

In A Minute - Klaine Advent Edition: Day 4 ancestor

For Klaine Advent this year I’m going to try to finish up a story I started writing in 2019, but never finished because of *waves hands around* everything.

It’s a fake-dating story called In A Minute, and you can read the existing 4 chapters on AO3 here, or on tumblr here.  I originally expected the story to be another 2-3 chapters (or maybe 2 with an epilogue), so it should work out in the end, provided everyone behaves themselves.

Each Klaine Advent entry this year will continue the story, chronologically, i.e., I won’t be jumping around (unless the story calls for it). The word counts for each are likely to be all over the place; some could be 100 words, and some are sure to be more. I probably won’t post every day, but I’m not planning on doubling up any words of the day, so expect one entry per word. I’ll probably update AO3 when I have what feels like a chapter’s worth of story.

Thanks to everyone for reading!

-

Klaine Advent 2021 Word: ancestor Word Count: 415 Warnings: none

“Blaine, darling, has Michelle found you? She wanted to ask you a question.”

Blaine accepted his drink from the bartender, silently grateful that no one was checking ID at this hotel. He didn’t think it was a good idea to get drunk or anything like that, but his mother had spent the better part of the last 45 minutes introducing him to a lot of relatives that he’d never heard of, and he was nearing the end of his rope. Kurt had discovered that the ancestors of the woman who owned the vineyard participated in the Connecticut Witch Trials, and had  disappeared half an hour ago with one of the hotel party planners to find out more about it. Blaine hadn’t seen him since. “He’s probably hiding,” Blaine mumbled. He could hardly blame Kurt if he was hiding. 

“Did you say something dear?” His mother asked, but she wasn’t looking at him, she was busy searching the crowd for someone. 

“Nope,” Baine answered. “And to answer your first question, I have not spoken to Michelle yet.” He hadn’t really expected to see Michelle at all this weekend. She was the bride, and he was a cousin she spoke to once in a while at weddings or the biennial Anderson Family Reunions. “I assumed she had a lot of things to do before tomorrow.”

Before his mother could respond, Michelle appeared before him and practically shrieked his name. “Blaine! I have been looking all over for you!”

“Hi Michelle,” He gave her a friendly hug. “Congratulations on your big day.”

“Thanks!” Blaine thought she might be a little drunk. 

“Mom said you were looking for me?”

“Oh! Yes! Seb come here!” She shouted across the room and Sebastian appeared next to her. Blaine rolled his eyes. If his mother had enlisted Michele to assist her misguided attempts to fix him up he was going to be pretty pissed off. “Blaine I think you’ve met David’s cousin Sebastian?” 

He acknowledged Sebastian with a terse nod. “Of course.”

“That’s great, that’s so great! Did you know Sebastian sang in high school too?” Blaine shook his head, he wasn’t sure he did. “Well he did, and he’s got a great voice, and I want you two to sing a duet at the reception tomorrow! Won’t that be amazing?” 

Blaine felt a hand at his hip. “Did I miss something amazing?” It was Kurt. 

“Yes!” Michelle squawked. “Blaine and Sebastian just agreed to sing a duet tomorrow at the reception!”

[reallyhardydraws]

insp by what could come after @look-at-your-shattered-children‘s fic practically married, with some flower advice from @ladytrelaw … so have a drawing and a ficlet from me!

In the end they go for the smallest possible ceremony, just a little affair in Bristol’s city hall. Dea chooses a dress by touch, picking one in satin that swirls around her legs and makes her feel like Titania amongst the forest tangles. By smell she chooses lavender, of course, and weaves a stem into the braid in her hair, along with a few sprigs of baby’s breath because she’s heard they’re traditional, and a few larger chicory blossoms because Gwyn always said they remind him of her.

Gwyn himself wears charcoal grey and a bolo tie with a cold metal clasp, on which there’s the raised design of a wolf, and Dea had delighted in feeling out the point of its little snout. Looks like Mojo, she’d said, and Mojo had woofed his agreement. It had been her father’s, of course, since he’d had his western phase as a young man and Gwyn couldn’t be convinced into wearing a real tie come hell or high water, (though if you asked Dea, she’d say he was really only griping for show, and truly wanted nothing other than to wear the thing, with it being so special to Ursus.)

Of course she wears Gwyn’s mother’s bracelet, her something borrowed for years now, and elects Josiana her maid of honour, because as soon as Dea had mentioned wedding bells around her she’d essentially claimed the position for herself. And that’s alright - Dea’s world is little and once they’d got over their initial jealousy about each other, the two young women found they got along much better than anyone expected them to, what with their similar passions for Gothic romance and tragic theatre. Jojo had thrown herself into dress shopping and hairstyle choices and creating invitations for all of the three extra guests in attendance, and when Dea had found herself teary eyed on the morning of the event, Josiana had been the one to wipe away her tears and hug her tightly before they got into their dresses.

She meets Gwyn now at the altar, Mojo having led her up the aisle, and Gwyn reaches for her hands and holds them tight as Angelica, in the role of officiant, speaks. Together, they say all the necessary responses, and giggle like the schoolchildren they’d been when they first met once they hear the words I now pronounce you married. They kiss and Gwyn has been unmasked from the start, it’s only their dearest friends around anyway, (and everyone in attendance will say afterwards that in the springtime light pouring through the windows, you could hardly see his scars for his smile and the overjoyed tears in his eyes.)

Dea can feel those scars crinkle under her fingers as she holds his face in her hands, her mouth moving against his for a sweet, chaste moment before they pull away, and then they’re husband and wife. And someone snaps a photo and everyone cheers, and suddenly she and Gwyn are the sweet bubble-gum centre in a group-hug lollipop, with Osric’s good arm flung around Gwyn’s neck, and Ursus’s hands on Dea’s shoulders, and David and Jojo squeezing them around the outside, Angelica dragged somewhere into there too.

Together they emerge into the sunlight, and the perfume of roses hits Dea’s nose as tossed petals fly in her face and settle on her hair and shoulders. She holds on tight to Gwyn’s arm and presses her forehead into his shoulder and breathes deeply, deeply.

When they all get back to the house, (with a few white streamers pinned to the walls and a few vases of fragrant flowers on the sturdier surfaces,) Ursus gives a speech, a toast. He takes them all back to the day a scruffy twelve-year-old Gwyn had rescued a tiny eleven-year-old Dea and how, with some coaxing, he’d stuck around afterwards – and just how glad Ursus is that he did so. To my darling girl, he finishes, and my strong, brave lad. May you have many happy years together. May you never have to be apart for long. Beside her, with her hand on his back, Dea can feel a sob bubble up in Gwyn’s chest.

And they all drink, and the dining room table’s been turned into a buffet of home-made delicacies - pierogi and a huge pot of bigos from Angelica, she’d gotten the recipes during her studies in Poland, a selection of misshapen sandwiches because that was the best David and Osric could manage on a team effort and their combined culinary knowledge (which was negligible). There’s a cheeseboard Ursus put together based on a cookbook from 1978, and a cake Josiana commissioned from the best baker in the city - a three tier sponge with sweet buttercream and delicate sugar flowers. An hour later Osric climbs into the sofa with his shoes on and he’d be reprimanded on any other day, but today he gets away with it and gets to give a somewhat tipsy toast of his own, Gwyn, Dea, congratulations! Best ceremony I’ve ever been to, I think, bar that time I stumbled in on a biker wedding in Glasgow – yours a much classier affair I have to say, hey, good on ye!

You’ll be next! someone shouts up at him. Osric sticks out his tongue and gives a drunken chortle, stumbling down from the sofa before flinging his good arm lazily around David’s shoulders, spilling his champagne flute in the process. Jojo fiddles with plugging her phone into the stereo speakers so that they can dance - it’s no expensive wedding reception but they clear a little space in the kitchen for a dance floor and pair up, first father-and-bride and then maid-of-honour-and-bride and then bride-and-tipsy-dundonian and bride-and-tipsy-dundonian’s-boyfriend ‘til finally Dea finds herself in Gwynplaine Trelaw’s unmistakable arms.

“Hello,” he says, bending close to her. “We’re married.”

“Yes,” she replies, giggling. “That we are.”

After so long being practically married, she has to say it doesn’t feel all that different, or at least not yet, but she’s happier than she can express that all their friends were there to witness it happen. And she’s very happy with her dress, the slippery-smooth feel of it just like magic.

“I'm…” Gwyn starts. “I’m really happy. I mean, I didn’t think I wouldn’t be, but now that we’re here…”

“You’re right,” Dea says. “It’s wonderful, isn’t it? Maybe we should get married every week, so we can always feel like this. We could go to Las Vegas.”

“Oh really,” Gwyn replies, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Or we could do a destination wedding and head somewhere tropical.”

“The Bermuda Triangle!” Dea says, thrilled. “And then we’ll honeymoon in Dracula’s castle.”

Suddenly, Gwyn’s lifting her in the air and laughing as he spins them, like he almost never does, like he doesn’t care at all, like everything’s wonderful. Because everything is! Everything’s wonderful, right now, and Dea shrieks with surprised laughter too, still giggling when he sets her safely back down.

“I love you,” Gwyn says, breathless, like he’s so happy he could sing. “I love you.”

“I love you,” says Dea, “I’m going to tell you every day, 'til you’re sick of it.”

“I couldn’t ever be!” Gwyn says, and he twirls her, and they dance. They dance, and their friends dance with them long into the night, and they hold each other tight until everyone else has gone home, and then they dance once more even after all the music has been switched off, when they’re just in their pajamas and the flowers that had been in Dea’s hair are now in the sink, and they hold each other tight until the morning. 

There’s a ring on Dea’s finger, and a matching one on Gwyn’s. And Dea thinks, yes, they might just have to get married a few more times, because after all, she really likes her dress. It’d be a shame if she only got to wear it once.

[hannibalismos-jaaneman]

COLE DARLING CONGRATULATIONS ON 100 I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU🥺❤️

Can I have 🎶 recs (from you), 🎥 recs (again from you; I'm needy and desperate, sue me) and ❤️ (cym as your favourite quotes or Marvel villains)

Also a freebie, this is a question I want someone to ask me but I really wanna hear what you think about this: Do you believe in Hell and Heaven?

Ilysm, congratulations once again darling✨

AWW Dusty TYSM HONEY SAME TO YOU!!!!

So music recs? Okay..

Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce

Man of the Woods by Justin Timberlake

Achilles Come Down by Gang of Youths

Billie Jean by Michael Jackson

and No Choir by Florence + The Machine

It's okay I got you lol

I really like a lot of movies tbh but I always ask people to watch

Black Swan dir. by Darren Aronofsky

Call Me By Your Name dir. by Luca Guadagnino

The Battle of the Sexes dir. by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton

Little Miss Sunshine dir. by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton

And over a few weeks, I watched (who am I kidding? REwatched) some other movies so I guess I really like

The Social Network dir. by David Fincher (stop please lmao.. no i'm not laughing i'm crying)

Luca dir. by Enrico Casarosa (dese fish gay, gud for dem)

God's Own Country dir. by Francis Lee (yeah def should stop)

Maurice dir. by James Ivory (yeah imma stop lmfao)

Dorian Gray dir. by Oliver Parker (as you might see or must have already seen, it's pretty book incompliant in a few places and like it ACTUALLY makes me hate Dorian like a A LOT more than how i hated him in the book. he was KINDA bearable in the book but Ben makes me wanna murder him lmao)

Brokeback Mountain dir. by Ang Lee (i fell down the hell hole again lmao, no i'm crying rn too)

The Shape Of Water dir. by Guillermo Del Toro (came for Alexandre stayed for Doug and Sally lol. honestly, it's a wonderful movie)

And that’s it lol. These are all in my mind rn. I’ll add on in your inbox if I remember more.

Cym as quotes I love… okay

@tamaraheartz as "In case you ever foolishly forget; I am never not thinking of you."

@lucian-evander as "Behind every exquisite thing that existed there was something tragic."

@shit-thats-true as “Good decisions come from experience and experience comes from bad decisions."

@ghost-spidey as "There are no beautiful surfaces without a terrible depth."

@just-a-donut-who-reads as "Thinking is my fighting."

@johermione as “Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."

@star-dust-2317 as "In the end we are nothing more than love and space dust."

@the-girl-who-cried-wolf as "We are never alone. We are all wolves howling to the same moon."

Honestly? I don’t believe in Heaven and Hell because of religion. I know, I know, religion MADE them but they destroyed the entire concept of it. I don’t believe in Heaven because it claims that only the “good people” go there. Well? Didn’t the Gods themselves claim that nothing was black and white? Didn’t they themselves commit sins? I don’t believe in Hell because of the same reason and one more. Hell claims that it takes people who are “bad”. Well, then it also happens to take people who aren’t “normal” or “sane”. I mean, being gay is wrong, so you go to Hell? Pretty simple right? Now think about Alan Turing, the man who stopped the war and saved millions of lives; he was gay; I don’t think even God could muster up the courage to send a man to such a place after he saved these many people, knowing that he was himself in danger. But people frown upon it like God didn’t realise what he was doing. God works in mysterious ways, right? What if this is one of his mysteries? Why would he create something he didn’t like? God loves EVERYTHING he made. And THAT is why, I don’t believe for a second that there is any Heaven or Hell. I say we’re made of matter but there is some power that keeps all this going. So I believe in that power, not in “God”. I believe, we die, and because we are made of energy, we convert into its purer forms each time we die and change shape, somewhat like dilution. Like Keating said, “fertilising daffodils” and “food for worms”. Yeah, that’s it. One form of energy to another. See? Life goes on this way. And God made it this way. Because he wanted everything to live, but die too. You know how we die? By giving life to something else. Anything. Literally ANYTHING ELSE. Like an idea, a beginning, an end, anything really. That’s what it is. We don’t go to Heaven or Hell when we die. We become something else. Like the energy of our body becomes a plant, or an animal, a bird, a bed or a book too (like a tree from our remains grows up and then is cut down to make stuff). Seriously guys. We never die. So there is no point of Heaven or Hell. We are born and reborn and that cycle keeps going and we keep changing shape. I think, this was the idea of reincarnations but it just got muddled up with translations. Because I believe this and solely this.