#few things are better than a rainy autumn day <3

[happyheidi]

Rainy autumn 🍂

[fulmis]

Home - Part II (Joel Miller x F!Reader)

Summary: As you join Tess and Joel, you learn a thing or two at Bill and Frank's.

Warnings: Mentions of guns and I think that's about it, this is mostly some slight pining and slight spoilers for episode 3 of the series

A/N: I just remembered how sad episode 3 was ): also I apologize if there are any typos or mistakes pls let me know. Once again thank you so much for reading, please stay hydrated and ily. If you like the story, please consider reblogging!

Word count: 1.4K

Years passed by since that rainy night. Surely, you earned your place, with years of effort and patience, but the decision paid off in the long run. Their trust was hard-earned because their loyalty was as valuable as their ruthlessness. The world had turned into a dangerous minefield, and while you’d done your best to survive, the odds of making life anything better than what the QZ offered you were raised with the right company.

Time was anything but kind to the three of you, yet you remained alive. Safety wasn’t a real thing in this world anymore, but you did what you could to get by; daily routines included getting bossed around by FEDRA agents, moving and delivering cargo after curfew, and the occasional trip out of the QZ for merchandize. More often than not, the latter proved to be both in the highlights of your memories.

Many lessons were learned in those trips, as well as many firsts. There was the first time Joel taught you how to properly shoot, after being fed up with your seemingly endless missing attempts. The weather had finally cooled down, early autumn slowly creeping in after days and nights of scorching heat. You were on your way to Bill and Frank’s, approximately halfway through. Open grass that stood for miles ahead told you the walls that encapsuled Boston were finally far away from you. On the other side of your line of sight started the trees you were walking towards, on your way to set up camp for the night.

A hand took hold of your shoulder and made you stop following Tess’s lead. You turned with curious eyes to face Joel. “Let’s stop for a minute,” he looked at you then directed his eyes to Tess. “We can’t keep going if she doesn’t know how to shoot”.

So, you set up a few empty cans over a rock while Tess gathered wood nearby to start a fire. You took a stand a good couple of feet away from your target and held up the gun in your hand. “See, that’s where you start off”.

“What do you mean?”

“You can’t hold a gun like that,” a calloused hand wrapped around yours. “You need to take hold higher along the grip… yeah like that, now put your left thumb under the other. Left hand squeezes down on the right”. As he talked, his own fingers squeezed tightly around yours; the sheer strength, even if you know it’s the barest hint of what he’s actually capable of, made your heartbeat faster. “Now aim again”.

There was also the first time you were allowed inside Bill and Frank’s house, a few years after that first visit. According to Tess and Joel, Bill wasn’t easy to trust someone, so they kept your first visits strictly to business and the lunch Frank made him reluctantly cook. On a rare occasion, after the food that proved to be the high point of your whole year, Bill and Frank exchanged a look then Bill cleared his throat, “You, guys uh… would like to stay the night?… It seems to be getting a little late, and Joel, I might have some work for you on the fence system”.

The three of you widened your eyes in disbelief, and Frank gave Bill the proudest of smiles. Night came around, and you found yourself in the middle of Frank’s painting room. You wondered across the space, fingers grazing the unused canvases which you recognized from past trips here: one of the things you had traded with Bill. That time it had seemed unusual his insistence on getting art supplies, but you had learned not to question what people were looking to exchange. Still, as you stepped in the room the answer was laid before your eyes. Countless paintings were scattered all around, bold colors melted in the canvases, some of sunsets, others of flowers, but mostly variations of the same face: a love letter in shades that caught your eye.

Not even the hot shower you had gotten a few hours ago warmed your heart like this. You wondered what it would feel like, to have anything that resembled the love that stood right before you. It was silly to want it, you knew, to wish of love when the world was left in shambles. Before the outbreak happened, you never really pictured yourself getting married or building a life with anyone, your priorities definitely far away from that. The feeling was only exacerbated when everything was taken away from you, your family, your friends, and anything you had ever loved before.

No one was exempt from loss anymore, but the choice to not go through it again was all yours; at least that’s what you told yourself. The best course of action looked like keeping anyone at bay from your heart, for better of worse. To your dismay, the more you stood in the room the more it started to look like you had been lying to yourself.

The thing was that maybe love was never your priority, it just happened to have never truly left your mind. Life had turned into a survival camp since so many years ago that it just took a spot in the back of your soul, much like any other menial desire that wasn’t a necessity. For so long your focus had been placed under doing whatever it took to make it into another day that you had forgotten life like this could exist.

Violence polluted almost every corner of earth, that seeing quite the opposite felt close to dream. A whole house of a dream, filled with memories of a lifetime, worn by use not damaged by being forgotten. It smelled of food and was adorned by mementos carefully gathered through the years. During late afternoons, Bill would sit next to Frank in the porch that was right next to this room, the door open so they could talk while Frank painted. Nights were spent playing the piano or reading books out loud to each other, or so had Frank told you. It wasn’t a tale of folklore, it all stood right in front of you.

Who even found love in the apocalypse? Being here surrounded by a home, by the closest to normalcy you had seen in ages felt surreal. By all means, there may never be a future like this in your cards, but it certainly wasn’t impossible if they were able to find it. That single thought sparked a sense of hope in your heart that you found hard to shake since that day, regardless of how much you tried to drown it with reality in the years to come.

“Did you like to paint?” A familiar husky voice snapped you out of your daydream.

“Huh?”

“Before… uh, before it all happened.” Joel took place right next to you, crossing his arms and nodding towards the canvases in front of you.

“Oh, no… I mean, I wouldn’t know, I never really tried before…” You take a look at him, strong arms straining a button down he definitely wasn’t wearing before, dark brown hair damp and combed back. Before you were able to consider him any longer his eyes met yours and forced you to look away, the weight of holding his gaze suddenly too much to bear.

“What did you do?” At the sudden question, you couldn’t help but look up again, the simplicity in it amusing on its own. A soft chuckle escaped your lips, this was probably the longest you had talked to Joel about anything that was personal, and in hindsight it was one of the rare moments he inquired about you in private.

“I… wow, I guess I liked to cook. Nothing fancy, just… for fun I guess. My mom taught me, she was a great cook… I haven’t really done anything like that since…” He gave you an apologetic look, almost as if he was sorry he had asked in the first place, but you just smiled in acknowledgement.

“I’m sorry if I-”

“What about you? I don’t expect to believe your only talent is shooting clickers”

That seemed to appease his sudden nerves, the barest hint of a smirk at the side of his lips. “No, uh… a contractor”

“So that’s where the handyman skills come from,” your smile was quickly reciprocated, a rare sighting all in all. The rest of the convesation was dropped from your memory at some point in time; nevertheless, nothing could have erased that smile, probably the most important first you gathered in that trip, one you would look back on time and time again, one more spark to fuel the fire that slowly grew inside your heart, no matter how hard you tried to deny it.

------

Read Part III here!

[welcometololaland]

The game where you bold all that apply (and I put unhinged things below).

Thanks for the tag @olinsghost! Sorry I'm so late but thank you for thinking of me, I appreciate it <3

APPEARANCE: i’m under 5’5” // i wear glasses/contacts // i have blonde hair // i prefer loose clothing to tight clothing // i have one or more piercings // i have at least one tattoo // i have blue eyes // i have dyed or highlighted my hair // i have gotten plastic surgery // i have or had braces // i sunburn easily // i have freckles // i paint my nails // i typically wear make-up // i don’t often smile // i am pleased with how i look // i prefer nike to adidas // i wear baseball hats backwards

(unhinged notes: ANYONE who has read Love Game aka. the Tennis AU knows how much I love Nike - that's a FACT. Also, I should wear glasses but I don't (don't @ me @rmd-writes), i love oversized t-shirts but ALSO crop tops BUT i'm a tummy hurt girlie so loose clothing is sometimes necessary. i want a tattoo so badly but i'm so indecisive. i never wore my retainer so now i have to get braces AGAIN and sometimes i wear hats backwards but NOT baseball caps purely because i don't have one).

HOBBIES AND TALENTS: i play a sport // i can play an instrument // i am artistic // i know more than one language // i have won a trophy in some sort of competition // i can cook or bake without a recipe // i know how to swim // i enjoy writing // i can do origami // i prefer movies to tv shows // i can execute a perfect somersault // i enjoy singing // i could survive in the wild on my own // i have read a new book series this year // i enjoy spending time with friends // i travel during school or work breaks (if i can afford it) // i can do a handstand

(unhinged notes 2.0: i love sport and have played like 10 billion of them in my life, i learnt the piano for like 15 years or something stupid but i'm still not that good, i can do a somersault and a handstand because i take acro classes which are SUPER fun and I did a front tuck the other week! i'm flipping!!! fun fact my sister is an amazing singer - i did not get those genes but i like singing to myself in the car and i HATE singing in front of anyone else. could i survive in the wild on my own? fuck off. absolutely not).

RELATIONSHIP: i am in a relationship // i have been single for over a year // i have a crush // i have a best friends i have known for (more than) ten years // my parents are together // i have dated my best friend // i am adopted // my crush has confessed to me // i have a long distance relationship // i am an only child // i give advice to my friends // i have made an online friend // i met up with someone i have met online

(unhinged notes 3.0: every day i wake up and wonder when my partner is going to be like wtf have a done, but yes, i am in a relationship. i've known two of my best friends since primary school (5 years old). my advice is never good but i give it anyway. i have several online friends and i've now met quite a few of them in real life and i am BLESSED for that!)

AESTHETICS: i have heard the ocean in a conch shell // i have watched the sun rise // i enjoy rainy days // i have slept under the stars // i meditate outside // the sound of chirping calms me // i enjoy the smell of the beach // i know what snow tastes like // i listen to music to fall asleep // i enjoy thunderstorms // i enjoy cloud watching // i have attended a bonfire // i pay close attention to colours // i find mystery in the ocean // i enjoy hiking on nature paths // autumn is my favourite season 🍂

(unhinged notes 4.0: okay hear me out. early autumn is the best season because it is still warm, light (but not too hot) and the leaves are starting to turn pretty colours!!! spring is too rainy imo, summer too hot and winter too cold. the ocean TERRIFIES me but i think that's part of it's allure. i like listening to thunderstorms but i better not be outside when i do).

MISCELLANEOUS: i can fall asleep in a moving vehicle // i am the mom friend// i live by a certain quote // i like the smell of sharpies // i am involved in extracurricular activities //i enjoy mexican food // i can drive a stick-shift // i believe in true love // i make up scenarios to fall asleep // i sing in the shower // i wish i lived in a video game // i have a canopy above my bed // i am multiracial // i am a redhead // i own at least three dogs

(unhinged notes 5.0): LOVE the smell of sharpies. LOVE IT. i am the idiot friend, not the mom friend. one time an ex-boyfriend tried to teach me how to drive stick and i'm pretty sure we broke up 2 weeks later).

tagging the following mutuals but ANYONE feel free to join in! @rmd-writes @clottedcreamfudge @carlos-in-glasses (i love when you do the notes) @heartstringsduet @lightningboltreader @strandnreyes @lutavero @guardian-angle22 @lemonlyman-dotcom @iboatedhere @cha-melodius @treluna4 @celeritas2997 @alrightbuckaroo @alltheprettyplaces @goodways

[3d-wifey]

Once More to See You: Of Departures and Homecomings

Pairing: Anthony Bridgerton x Reader Synopsis: Anthony is not one for flowery musings. He isn’t a poet, nor does he spend his time admiring the arts or waxing poetics about beauty and such. No, he leaves that sort of thing to his brother. But as you peer up at him with expectant eyes, the lights of the chandeliers painting you in a soft yellow, he can understand why a war was waged over Helen of Troy. Word Count: 4.2k Warnings: N/A A/N: I wrote this after watching a shit ton of Anthony tiktok edits and 3 episodes of Bridgerton. Ao3 link + Playlist

You have always preferred Autumn. The changing of the leaves, the rainy days spent inside, and the crisp air that carried a cool breeze. As you and your mother stand before your carriage, the breeze you love so much comes to soothe the heat of humiliation from your face.

Your mother is steadily advancing in her pregnancy and you both will be making the journey from England to Paris to be closer to your father. The decision to move was a sudden one, giving you only a few weeks to get your affairs in order and say your goodbyes. The Bridgertons, a family who had practically taken you in and treated you as one of their own, have come to see you off.

Lady Violet Bridgerton and your mother converse the way only old friends can. Eloise gave you a book that reminded her of you to read on your journey, Colin and Benedict gave you advice surrounding noblemen that you were confident was largely nonsense, and you and Daphne exchanged tearful hugs. Even the little ones said their goodbyes before running off to play.

You should have left by now. But everyone knows who you are waiting for, and everyone knows he won't come. All except—

"Just a few more minutes." Daphne reasons. “He’ll be here.”

You have already been waiting for over half an hour. There is only so much small talk your mothers can make on your behalf before it becomes truly pathetic. Despite all of that, Daphne is sure Anthony will come and no amount of convincing will persuade her otherwise. Stubbornness is a trait they both seem to possess.

You sigh. "Daphne—"

"No. He promised me he would be here to see you off." Overwhelmed with your own business, you gave Daphne the task of informing her family about your departure. She told you Anthony had given her his word that he would be here to bid you farewell and that he wouldn't miss it for the world. You may not have been there for the discussion, but you’re sure she embellished it to make you feel better.

"You should have seen his face when I told him. He was miserable, truly."

In reality, your relationship with Anthony is partial at best. There has never been any indication that he has ever felt the same as you. At most, he sees you as a sister. But if that were the case, he would be here now, ready to see you off with a bittersweet smile. You know it’s only wishful thinking on your part to think he sees you as anything more than his sister's bothersome friend.

"Well, I guess I am not terribly important to him." You jest, but you can tell it had fallen rather short. Just as well. You didn’t find it too amusing to begin with.

"You cannot possibly believe that in earnest—"

You grasp her hands before she can try to convince you to stay any longer.

"Daphne, I understand what you are trying to do, and I thank you for it. But if Benedict throws me one more pitying look, I will be prone to hysterics." She huffs a laugh before a look of disconcertion takes over her features.

She shakes her head. "I just do not understand why he has not shown." 

The wind picks up, ruffling your hair and the skirts of your dress, as well as giving you a good excuse for why your eyes are welling up.

"Nor do I. Now, I'm afraid if I do not get into the carriage, my mother will drag me by the ear herself," you kiss each other's cheeks in farewell, "Write to me?"

"Of course. You needn't even ask."

After you and your mother climb into your carriage and set off on your course, it is much harder to disguise just how hurtful his absence proved to be. You had held out hope that Anthony would come to his senses and he would show you the kind of love that all the great poets wrote about, but that was just the childish musings of a girl. It is nothing less than tragic just how long it has taken you to see how little he cares for you.

As the familiar scenery of London fades away outside your window, you find yourself barely suppressing a sob. It is mortifying to be weeping over a man who has never given you the time of day, and, yet, here you sit crying into your hand. Your mother pulls you to her side and you let your head fall to her shoulder.

"Maybe he will write to you."

You say nothing of how little you believe that and, instead, bury your face in her shoulder.

After settling down in France at your father's estate, the next three years went by in a blur for you. Many things changed, but your one solace was Daphne, and never once did her letters falter in frequency. 

She told you all about the gossip back home and in turn, you made sure not to spare a single detail about how different the nobility of Paris was compared to London's. You gushed about how much your brother had advanced in his learnings and she wrote to you about her etiquette training.

She told you of her insecurities surrounding marriage and how she doubted she'd have a love like her parents and you told her about how utterly isolated you felt. You weren't able to attend her debut, but you were able to send as much advice as possible.

Through it all, you never received a single letter from Anthony. You didn't hold it against him. It just proved you valued your friendship more than he did if it could even be called a friendship. It was more so him just indulging your embarrassingly childish crush. A crush that, despite the years, hadn't quite gone away.

Though she did it sparingly, likely for your sake, you found yourself becoming giddy when Daphne mentioned him in your letters. Your heart would kick up in speed as your fingers traced his name on the rough parchment. There were many a night where you wished he would suddenly write about how much he missed you and your company.

However, as your mother adjusts the feathers on your head for what must be the thirtieth time, you realize that’s all trivial to think about. Your parents have allowed you to push it back for two years now, but you can no longer delay the inevitable.

It is time for your debut.

You haven’t told Daphne of your plans to come back to London before the queen this season, hoping to surprise her. She had told you Eloise would be debuting as well so you know the Bridgertons will be in the crowd.

Your mother adjusts the hem of your gown one more time before the guard at the door gives you the signal. It’s your turn.

"Miss Y/n Dupont...presented by her mother, the Right Honorable Countess Dupont."

The grand doors open before you, displaying an aisle with people on either side and the queen seated at the end. You summon all of the lessons in etiquette your mother had drilled into you and walk forward. 

Your entire life has accumulated into this one moment. Each of your steps are steady and sure as you cover the distance between you and the queen with your mother at your back. Your chin up high, back erect, and a delicate smile on your face.

You bow into a deep curtsy before her majesty. In the crowd, familiar faces catch your eye. Though they have matured with age, you’re able to make out the Bridgerton family's faces fixed with surprise and delight respectfully.

"Very good, my dear." Queen Charlotte praises with a slight smile. Though it isn't as big a reception as Daphne got last season, it’s by far the best anyone has gotten all day and certainly more than you were expecting.

As practiced, you and your mother back up and bow once more before walking back down the aisle.

-

The debut was cut short with the arrival of Lady Whistledown's latest column. Shortly before you and your mother leave to prepare for the ball, you hear your name being yelled from outside the carriage. You look out the window to see Daphne frantically waving.

"Stop the carriage!"

You push the door open and ignore the hand of the coachman as you all but jump out. She calls to you again and you gather your skirts under you, walking as fast as you can to her without it being considered running.

She meets you halfway in an embrace that nearly knocks the air out of you. Wedlock seems to give one abnormal strength.

"Daphne," you pull away from her, "or shall I say, Your Grace."

"You most certainly shall not," you giggle at her scandalized face, "Daphne will suffice."

"Well, you must forgive me, Daphne. It is not every day one's friend becomes a Duchess." 

It isn't long before the rest of the clan comes to say their salutations.

"Oh, you looked wonderful out there, dear!" Violet gushes as she pulls you into a hug. Her motherly embrace is one you have particularly missed. She squeezes you once more before moving over to your mother, who you completely forgot about in all the excitement.

You thank her before greeting the other young lady who was supposed to debut along with you.

"Eloise, look how much you've grown," the last time you had seen her, she was barely at your shoulders, "I'm so sorry your debut was interrupted."

"You need not worry," she waves you off, "Believe me, this has worked in my favor." You are, in fact, inclined to believe her. For as long as you have known her, Eloise hasn’t been keen on the feminine traditions women are expected to take on in the Ton.

One by one, you catch up with the people you regard as a second family. Exchanging stories of your journeys and things you missed in your absence and it’s as if no time had passed at all. 

Until he steps forward.

You knew he would be here—you did, and you had gone through many possible scenarios of how your meeting would go. What you would say, how you would act, how he would react to seeing you if he would react at all. 

However, many things are different in theory than they are in practice. In theory, you would keep your cool in his presence and he'd be utterly floored by your manner. In theory, he would be the one vying for your attention and you wouldn't even bat an eye.

Yet, in practice, your heart races as his eyes lock with yours and you feel awfully close to being ill. 

In practice, you’re the same as when you left three years prior: wholly and positively in love with Anthony Bridgerton.

"Countess Dupont," he bows his head to your mother before pausing a breath, "Y/n." You falter at the sound of your name rolling off the tongue of the one voice you have wished to hear for what felt like ages. If your relationship had ended differently, on better terms, you would have lunged at the opportunity to say his name in turn. 

As it stands, you are both past that easy companionship you once shared.

"Lord Bridgerton," for some reason, you can see Colin and Benedict give twin winces in your peripheral vision, "It has been far too long." It feels as if everyone has stopped to listen in on your conversation. Probably because everyone has stopped to listen to your conversation.

You feel yourself grow warm as the weight of everyone's gaze falls upon you, but none heavier than his.

A series of expressions pass over Anthony's face, none of which you can even begin to parse before he swiftly settles on indifference.

"I would have to agree," he clears his throat, trying—and failing—to clear the stilted air between you both, "Though not time wasted, it would seem. You've been in good health, I hope?"

"I have been well. And you?"

"Much...of the same."

You thought you had loosened the hold that the incident had on you and removed any lingering bitterness you had, yet it seems it still dictates your interactions with him. Despite your muddled feelings towards him, you can’t help but notice he’s just as handsome as you remember.

Thankfully, Colin steps forward before the conversation fails even further.

"Not to interrupt this remarkably stimulating tête-à-tête, but—actually, I would very much like to interrupt it."

"Colin Bridgerton!"

"Oh, we were all thinking it, Mother!"

-

Lady Danbury's ball is in full swing. Dreary debutants and maddening mamas swarm the room like locusts, setting their sights on any eligible bachelor they see.

Anthony looks out over the soirée and deems himself lucky that his reputation keeps him from being approached. He knows he will need to marry, sooner rather than later, but he can’t find it in himself to settle for a marriage of convenience.

Maybe some part of himself, some part of him that hadn't died with his father, still holds onto the childish notion of a love match.

Though, not everyone can be as lucky as Daphne and Simon.

His siblings don’t share the same resistance to consorting as he does. Eloise in particular should be on the lookout for admirers like the rest of the debutantes.

No, instead of socializing, they spend their time recounting his reacquaintance with you in great, mortifying detail.

"You should have seen his face when she came through the door, Eloise. I'm surprised his eyes didn't roll out of his head with how wide they were." Colin stage whispers to their sister.

"I especially loved the part where he froze up when she called him "Lord Bridgerton". You're a real," Benedict pauses, wide-eyed at Anthony's glare, "charmer. I'm sure the poets envy your eloquence."

"It couldn't have been that bad." When he saw you debuting before the queen, the only thing he could focus on was how much you had matured since the last time he saw you. 

No longer were you the young girl chasing his coattails. The girl—the woman he saw was nothing if not awe-inspiring. But he can confidently state that he hadn't expected such a cold reception from you. You greeted him as if you were strangers and walked away just the same.

"Oh, no. It was horrendous. Ow," Eloise yelps as their mother pinches her arm, "I guess it could have gone worse. Somehow."

"Chin up, brother. It's only up from here," Colin chimes in before mumbling into his drink, "Hopefully."

Lord Almighty, strike him down now.

Before he can defend himself, a hush falls upon the room. Ladies whisper behind fans and gentlemen stare in awe, himself included, as you come through the entrance arm in arm with your mother.

Of course, he came to support Eloise, but he can admit in the safety of his own mind that he had hoped to see you as well. And see you, he does.

As it is, the daughter of a foreign Earl would garner plenty of attention, especially one as beautiful as you. But with the Queen giving you such a phenomenal reception, it seemed your allure only soared.

All eyes follow you as you and your mother greet Lady Danbury before making your way toward his family. Did you notice the effect you had, the attention you reaped?

Your royal blue dress sways with each of your steps as you come closer and his breath catches in his throat before he forces himself to swallow around it. You bow your head in greeting.

"That is a gorgeous dress!" His mother compliments you before kissing your mother's cheek in greeting.

"Why, thank you. We brought it with us from France." You preen. Had you always had that slight Parisian lilt to your voice? How hadn’t he noticed that until now?

"She looks lovely. Right, brother?" Benedict's sharp elbow nudges Anthony in the arm as he stares at you. Later, he will thank Benedict for giving him this opening. But, for now—

Anthony is not one for flowery musings. He isn’t a poet, nor does he spend his time admiring the arts or waxing poetics about beauty and such. No, he leaves that sort of thing to his brother. 

But as you peer up at him with expectant eyes, the lights of the chandeliers painting you in a soft yellow, he can understand why a war was waged over Helen of Troy.

"Stunning. You look—stunning." You hold his gaze for a moment before looking away, seemingly bashful. He wonders at what point in your lives did he become someone you hid yourself from.

"Thank you, my Lord." There it is again. That steady growing distance between you and him. You bow your head in thanks before turning and starting a real conversation with Eloise. 

Is that all you’ve him to? An afterthought?

He interjects at multiple points in your conversation, adding his input in hopes that he'll grasp your interest, but you don’t even spare him a glance.

"There are plenty of young men in attendance. I wonder who will approach me first." You grin at Eloise—who undoubtedly does not share in your enthusiasm—and your eyes are bright with excitement as you look around the room.

"I'd advise proceeding with caution. You shall be surprised with what these pests will attempt for a foreign wife of large title and an even larger dowery." He speaks up once again and, finally, your attention turns to him.

"Is that so?" He doesn’t know what to say to you when you look at him like that, eyes wide with curiosity as you peek at him from under your eyelashes and he falters. Instead of coming up with a witty or even articulate response, Anthony sputters in a way that he is sure looked reminiscent of a fish on dry land. 

He’s determined you really don’t know the effect you have.

"As it is your first season, and you don't have a brother here to help you sort through the excrement, I'd like to offer my services as a chaperone." He proposes as if it is a benevolent act of charity and not a thinly veiled excuse to keep you close to him. An excuse he is sure you see right through.

"What of Eloise?" Your mother asks.

"She has two other brothers who will keep a close eye on her. Right?" He looks over at Colin and Benedict who both turn to each other before nodding in agreement. 

He is thankful they both choose at that moment not to make an ass of him.

"While that is a very generous offer, my Lord, it is wholly unnecessary. Not to mention improper, as I am not your sister." He needn't be reminded of that. It is a fact he is well aware of.

"Yes, you most certainly are not," the corners of his mouth twitched up as he clasp his hands behind his back, "And forgive me, my Lady, I had not thought of it that way."

"Yes, well, with those sorts of suggestions, you will lead many to believe you do not think at all. Now, if you all will excuse me, I have a dance card to fill." Your smile is stiff as you turn your back on him to continue your rounds with your mother. 

He is sure you meant the remark to be scathing, and if anyone else had said it to him, it might have left him scowling. Still, when you look back over your shoulder at him with a satisfied smirk in place, he can’t help but smile in turn.

"Why is he smiling? That was worse than the first meeting." Eloise voices.

He sees Benedict shake his head in his peripheral. "I haven't the slightest clue."

-

"You must forgive me for staring, my Lady, but I've never met anyone as…exotic as you. The French have always intrigued me."

Next partner.

"Pardon me for asking, but what am I to expect in terms of your dowery?"

Next. Partner.

"My profession? I'm sure it's too complicated for your delicate sensibilities. Don't worry your pretty little head about it."

Next. Partner.

By your fifth round of dancing, the conversation with your potential suitors only further declines in quality. You hate to admit it, but Anthony's earlier statement proved true. You seem to be a lighthouse for vermin. Perhaps you should have taken him up on his offer, but the very idea ignites your nerves.

Spending the entire night alone with a man like him—even with your mother in attendance—is dishonorable and calls for scandal. Even if said man holds no affection for you.

You take a break from the dancing and horrid small talk by the refreshment table. If you knew the company in England was so dull, you would have stayed and debuted in France. You could have spent time with the number of Bridgertons in attendance, but you need a moment of respite.

"Escaping by way of refreshments?" You sigh into your drink at the accented voice coming from behind you. Though you know it is the entire reason that you attended, you are getting tired of pompous men thinking they are owed your time. 

"Yes, though it doesn't seem to be working considering your being here." Your posture straightens like a cracked whip as you spin around, you hadn't meant to say that out loud. "I'm so sorry, I hadn't—"

"No need," he laughs, "You were only being honest. Rarely do people of high standing speak their minds. It’s refreshing." Despite what he said, you are still mortified at your behavior.

He bows before you, "Count Henri LeClair." The name LeClair seems familiar, but you can’t put your finger on it.

He is quite a bit taller than you, at least by a head. His dark brown hair shines copper in the light and warm brown eyes peek up from beneath his fringe. A red, velvet coat is tailored well to his lithe frame.

You curtsy in turn and introduce yourself.

"Ah, I already know who you are. Um, our fathers, they worked together in France." 

"Oh, LeClair! Yes, yes I've met your father before." That's why the name seemed so familiar. The Right Honorable Count LeClair was a family friend before his untimely death, but you had only met him after you moved to France.

"So, you're the little Henri he spoke so fondly of," you grin up at him and realize little might be an inaccurate description, "What are you doing in London?"

"Perhaps I can explain while dancing?"

He holds his hand out for you to take as the band readies themselves for another set. He would definitely be the best dance partner you've had thus far. And he’s quite pleasing to look at, so even if the conversation did fall through you'd at least be in good company.

"Perhaps you can." You take his hand in yours and allow him to sign his name on your dance card before he leads you to the dance floor.

There are some lulls as there often are in discussions and he isn't the perfect conversationalist, sometimes speaking too little or too much, but you eventually find your rhythm with each other.

It isn’t terribly engaging and you aren’t swooning at everything he says, but he’s easy to talk to and you enjoy actually being able to speak freely.

He explains to you that he began his tour in Europe and decided to start in London before continuing his journey to Ireland. Under the urgency of his mother, he decided to stay for the debut and look for a wife.

"Thank you for this," you smile at him as the violins reach their crescendo, "I was afraid I would be doomed to a night of dull conversations with even duller men." He spins you under his arm before he pulls you back towards him. You follow him step for step as he leads.

"I hope you do not mind me asking, but do you...already have a courtship with Lord Bridgerton?" He asks with a tilt of his head.

You blink rapidly, taken aback. "Whatever would make you think that?"

He nods over your shoulder towards the other side of the room where the Bridgertons converse amongst themselves. Your mother and Violet are locked in conversation, Colin and Benedict are chatting on either side of Eloise, and at the end of that line stands Anthony.

His face is pinched with a deep furrow between his brows. His lips are pursed together in a thin line and his jaw is stiff. That’s all normal. What isn’t normal is the way his eyes haven’t moved an inch from your dancing form.

There is no telling how long he has been watching you, and if you didn't know any better, you would assume he’s jealous.

But you do know better.

Daphne's whirlwind of a season is no secret to you and you had read enough from her letters to know how much Anthony's overprotectiveness had played a hand in it. It wouldn't do to have him scare off any of your potential suitors as he did for her.

"He's a family friend, nothing more." You say far harsher than you meant to. It is the truth, no matter how much you wish it to be the opposite. 

Best not to think about that.

[diana-fortyseven]

My Hitman fics and ficlets taking place during Agent 47's and Diana Burnwood's Freelancer era, ranging from Mission Fics to Slice of Life.

The pairing is Agent 47/Diana Burnwood.

Sharing is caring! <3 [AO3 | Tumblr | Twitter | Pinterest | Pinterest]

Teen & Up, Established Relationship, Domestic Fluff, Autumn

Tea and books are among her favourite ways to spend her weekends, this much he knows. She always says they go perfectly with rainy Sundays, and he has to admit that this combination is particularly charming, as he learns to fill the abstract concept of "home" with meaning.

Teen & Up, Mutual Pining, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Mild Angst

She's been hiding from him for almost a year. He's been running away from her for just as long, until he stopped, until he decided that he had to face her, get his answers and move on.

Explicit, First Christmas (Almost) at the Safehouse, Car Sex

It's their first Christmas together as a couple, and Diana Burnwood and Agent 47 are on their way to a certain cabin in the woods, when they both learn a valuable lesson: Some things in life don't go as planned, others will come exactly as desired.

Teen & Up, Established Relationship, Fluff, Snow

Agent 47 wakes up on New Year's Day, without Diana Burnwood by his side. She has plans to teach him something new, and the first day of a new year is an excellent time to do something for the first time.

Teen & Up, Mutual Pining, Candlelit Dinner, Confessions

After their year apart, Agent 47 and Diana Burnwood are working together again. It's better than before, even the little things that are worse than before.

Teen & Up, Mission Fic, (Mutual) Pining, Hurt/Comfort

Agent 47 and Diana Burnwood are on a mission together. Things go wrong, and they have to abandon their plans in order to hide.

Explicit, Mission Fic, (Mutual) Pining, Undercover as a Couple

One year after the downfall of the ICA, Agent 47 and Diana Burnwood have started their own Agency. They've had a rough start, but after a few poorly paid contracts, things are looking better now. Their target, a criminal with a pristine public image, is hosting a party. It's the perfect opportunity to infiltrate, and Diana knows exactly how she can help 47 gain access to the target's private rooms.

Explicit, Mission Fic, (Mutual) Pining, Undercover as a Couple

New Year's Eve in Paris is one of the most romantic experiences for any couple. Except, Diana and 47 aren't a couple. They haven't even planned on pretending to be one. Both have business to attend to, but that doesn't mean they can't try to find pleasure in what they're doing—until the party turns from sweet to sour.

Explicit, (Mutual) Pining, First Kiss, Outdoor Sex

After one year apart, Diana visits 47 in his new house for the first time. They have a lot to discuss, but some things remain unsaid, and other things are said in a language 47 didn't expect them to speak.

[shoshanna-hart]

task 1: all about autumn and halloween

1. What's your character's fall aesthetic like, are they more into the spooky season, or do they like the cozy feeling of fall?

Shosh loves Halloween, it’s one of her favorite holidays. However, her aesthetic style is much more cozy autumn vibes. Flannels, blankets, mugs of hot chocolate, fires, fuzzy socks, candles, et cetera.

2. How does your character feel about the Halloween holiday?

As mentioned, it’s one of her favorite holidays. This is most likely because it was one of the easiest to celebrate as a foster kid. Christmas and Thanksgiving were much harder, given that they’re such family-based holidays and Shosh had no real family of her own. Plus, the candy was hers and hers alone when she didn’t have much that truly belonged to her.

3. When it comes to Halloween weekend, are they more likely to go to a Halloween party, or stay at home handing out candy?

Before she got married, Shosh was all about going out and partying. But after, she didn’t have much of a choice but staying home to hand out candy. She did enjoy seeing all the kids in costumes, but staying home was scary enough without the holiday.

4. If your character had to be any mythical creature, what would they be, and why?

Phoenix, since they rise from the ashes.

5. What is your character's favorite go-to Halloween movie?

Hocus Pocus. Something fun and not too scary that reminds her of simpler times.

6. What is your character's favorite kind of Halloween candy?

Shosh is one of those weirdos who likes candy corn. In general, though, she loves anything chocolate.

7. What was your character's favorite Halloween costume that they've ever worn?

Wesley and Buttercup with Beck.

8. When it does come to costumes, in general, does your character go the do-it-yourself route, or are they more into buying something?

Somewhere in between! She buys components of a costume, then puts them together. For example: she’ll buy a purple dress and a green scarf individually, then wear them together to make it into a Daphne costume

9. On the spooky side, does your character believe in ghosts?

She's unsure, usually wavers back and forth. She tends to err on the side of energy lingers, not sure if souls do.

10. What animal screams 'Halloween season' to your character? Or makes them think of autumn?

Frickin' bats, obviously. And cats.

11. What hot beverage does your character reach for on a chilly day when they just want to warm up a little bit?

PSL, next question.

12. And what about food? Is there a certain treat that they have to have in the fall?

Shosh has a major sweet tooth, and fall has the best sweet treats. She loves cinnamon rolls, candy apples, pies, snickerdoodles...she wants it all.

13. Pumpkin spice everything -- yay or nay?

Almost everything, yes. Very few things aren't better with pumpkin.

14. Pick the weather -- is it a windy fall afternoon, or a rainy autumn evening?

Rainy autumn all the way.

15. What is your character's favorite fall scent? Something that really sets the mood?

...Pumpkin spice. Shosh also loves cinnamon apple and bonfire scents.

16. When it comes to fall and Halloween, does your character go all out with decorations, or do they prefer to keep it simple? Or don't decorate at all?

Inside, Shosh likes to keep it simple. Her interior decorating style is already pretty maximalist, so she feels as if too many cheesy decorations clash. Outside, things are little more all-out.

17. Favorite autumn related activity to do during the season?

Apple picking, pumpkin picking, and corn mazes.

18. There's a pumpkin in front of your character... what are they going to do? Paint it? Carve it? What will they make it look like?

Could go either way, but leans towards painting. She's much better at painting than carving. Plus, she feels like painting a pumpkin will last longer than carving it. She painted some with florals to decorate Wild at Hart. At her place, it's more likely to be a ghost, Sushi, or bats.

19. Is there a certain song that your character hears that just screams 'Halloween'?

20. The leaves are falling. Is your character more likely to rake them, or let them lay in the yard?

More likely to ask Beck to rake them.

21. When it comes to fall fashion, is your character more into sweatshirts and sweatpants, or skinny jeans and warm sweaters?

Both: at home or at Gull's Landing, she lives in only Beck's sweatshirts. When she has to go outside, jeans and sweaters.

22. What about color palette, is there a certain color that your character reaches for in the closet when fall rolls around?

Dark green is her favorite to wear, complements her hair and her eyes well. She also loves a deep plum.

23. Does your character get scared easily? Do they feel more on edge this time of year?

She does scare easily, but doesn't necessarily make her feel more on edge. For the most part, she knows when to expect it, like when goes to a haunted house or watches a scary movie. And Beck's always there with her, so she's not overly scared.

24. Let's light the fire -- where is it? Are we talking indoor fireplace, or outdoor campfire?

As long as it's warm enough, outdoor bonfire. When it gets too cold, fireplace.

25. Probably the toughest question that they could be asked... is your character more of an apple or pumpkin pie person?

Don't tell anyone, but Shosh actually prefers apple pie to pumpkin pie.

[custarcake]

GEORGIA HEADCANONS

 [ Georgia headcanons because I'm from Georgia and I love him <3 ] 

 Georgia was taught piano by Britain during the colonial times. Just simple, easy songs that could be learned within a lesson or two (they never lasted more than a few hours, but he never minded much). He saw Britain less and less throughout the years. The trustees left as well. But that was fine with him - he had his darling people, and being the youngest of the original 13 states had its perks, he always had somebody to race horses with, he just had to ask real nicely.

 It doesn't matter where he's shopping, he will find a blanket to buy. Has his own collection of blankets that he keeps safe; the special ones (a well-worn wool blanket from South Carolina that he doesn't know why he keeps, a royal-blue knitted one from Kentucky, and one he stole from Louisiana). 

 When he sleeps (which is very frequently), he tends to not dream, just drift away peacefully, but on the naps he does, he goes back into his memories of the past and relives them. They're mostly pleasant, even if they end up bittersweet when he wakes up. 

 He finds rainy days the best when he's getting himself comfy. Hates driving in them. 

 Georgia can't get a lot of work done because whenever he tries, he always ends up curling into bed (or rather, anywhere he can get comfortable) and closing his eyes, for just a small moment… 

 He likes to bake, and Virginia is usually his unwilling helper. Asks for suggestions on what to make, never follows them. 

 His room is always dimly lit. It's easier for his eyes (for him to sleep) that way.

 I headcanon Georgia to be 5'8 or 5'9. 

 He still considers himself friends with the rest of the south, even if the majority acts like they hate him, because he knows they actually don’t. 

 While we're here, here's a playlist I made for Georgia: this one!

 Enjoys watching anything with Gordon Ramsey. From Kitchen Nightmares to Hotel Hell - he's down with it. He turns on the television, in his own house, everything else silent, and he almost wishes there was somebody there with him. 

 Especially likes to watch the television while he eats because hearing emotion, seeing emotion, makes him feel less alone and like there's someone there with him. 

 Also!! He likes Stranger Things too. 

 Georgia and Florida get along well, and Florida's always trying to convince him to go out and do something with him and Louisiana but Georgia's just too sleepy. And doesn't exactly want to get arrested because 8/10 whenever the three of them 'go out' …they go out with a bang, or more fittingly, into a cell. However, there are times where they just chill and Georgia really does appreciate those times. 

 Georgia enjoys apple pickings and other calm farm activities. Something about continuous, simple, domestic acts, always with somebody else, always with gentle laughter and warm summer days, endears him. 

 He tends to attract the laziest of cats, ones that just sit around and stretch all day, yawning and purring. He relates deeply.

 Georgia is a medium-weight when it comes to alcohol, but when he's either really happy or extremely upset, he's more susceptible to the effects of it.

 His nostalgia aside, his favorite season is Autumn. Georgia likes the fallen, orange leaves, the pumpkins and orange lanterns, the dark, comfortable nights that linger well into the daytime. 

 Georgia has a lot of sweaters. They're mostly for lounging around, some gifted by Kentucky, others store-bought from so long ago he can't even remember. 

 He genuinely does like living at the statehouse, even if he gets awaken every now and again by some stupid stunt or anything of that nature. It's worth it.

 Georgia had a tendency of falling in love when he was a newer state. It never turned out good, always in tragedy that he knew from the start. He's learned better now, although he has his moments. 

 Georgia absolutely loves picnics, loves planning them, loves going to them, loves everything about them. Especially if they're near a pond or field. 

[ladydragonkiller]

Good evening, Liz! For monikers, I've been thinking between pirate or dragon. Pirate fits the person-archetype theme, but I would be remiss to ignore your URL. Perhaps you can choose between the two, or even pick both?

I've had cornbread muffins, which might count, but no good plain bread freshly homemade. Comes with living poor and disabled in a city, I suppose. The custard is frozen, yes, the ice cream type. I find I prefer custard ice creams over the regular kind, for some reason. There's little discernible difference, but the places I get my frozen custard must have better options, I suppose. I enjoy sorbets quite a bit as well.

Thank you for the hoorahs in return! I'll save them for a rainy day, perhaps once I've gotten some sewing done, or if I need motivation to get started on it.

Eclectic fashion is my favorite, honestly. Though, less eclectic where nothing fits together, and more the kind where you get one really loud piece and build something around it. I've a few choice items I've found at thrift shops that are just delightfully horrid, and I love the challenge of making them presentable. I especially enjoy "owning" the tackiness and being proud in it.

For scents... Perhaps a compromise between your two poles of options? A fresh apple, perhaps. Food-based but light, and it brings to mind images of late spring to early autumn, where everything's green and loud. Makes me think, also, of noisy, shameless laughs with your close friends. It seems to fit you quite well.

My favorite baked good... I'm quite partial to danishes, usually with cream cheese. I've been meaning to try the varieties with fruit topping, though. You also can't go wrong with cake, though.

For your question: if you could have any animal as a magical familiar, which animal would it be?

- With love, the Knight

Jereliz the pirate-dragon certainly has an air of whimsy about it, and let it never be said that I don't appreciate a good portmanteau (even if neither of those is technically a portmanteau. shhhh)

Cornbread muffins are good! But yeah, a nice loaf of fresh baked bread with chewy and soft insides and a crispy crust, still steaming from the oven, is irreplaceable. I hope you get to experience it someday!

Custard ice creams are often a bit richer than their egg-free counterparts, as they're made with egg yolks (which have a fair amount of fat) along with the usual cream/milk mixture. You might be detecting that difference without realizing, or it might just be a matter of flavor choices like you'd said. Maybe it's the subtle egginess! In which case I imagine you would really like eclairs, souffles, and popovers.

here's a few more for you to stockpile: Hooray! Yippee! Wahoo!

That's an excellent way to go about fashion, I think. I tend to not invest a lot of energy in my outfits, so I go more for pieces that bring me joy individually and that aren't super off the wall, so I can mix and match fairly easily.

I like that! Or maybe some ripe strawberries, fitting the same categories (i have had strawberry based nicknames in the past because of how much i like them <3) I'm honored to be compared to the boisterous laughter of friends, that's one of my favorite things to both hear and do.

Danishes of all sorts are lovely. In specific, are you referring to the breadier/cakier type, like you usually find in stores, or the flakier, almost croissant-like type? I've made both, and they're both delicious, but notably different.

Oooh, that's a tricky one. Believe it or not, I'm not going to immediately go for an owl (though it's tempting). Though I love them dearly and admire them aesthetically, they're maybe not the best match for my personal vibe. they're also dumb as rocks

Maybe a prairie dog. They're unassuming at first sight, relatively small, and very cute. I definitely wouldn't want to go for an extremely large predator-type animal, as I'd be a cottage-core type of magic user. Prairie dogs are also quite social (and though i do appreciate my quiet time irl, I also very much enjoy talking with friends, both irl and digitally)

also, they love to hug and kiss, and i'd love to snuggle them

If you don't mind, I'd like to borrow the same question for you! What would your magical familiar be?

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Wednesday 31 October 1832

8 55

11 ½

grubbled last night but quiet this morning  talking things over     added to former difficulties she thought she might not be fit for the society I should wish    argued her out of this and at last got her to shorten the time of waiting for her final answer from   three April to one January    she seemed satisfied this would be better    should be settled before we set off the end of January for the continent    she seems less and less likely to say no     in fact we talk and act as if yes was all but said breakfast at 10 – F53° at 9 ½ am and very fine morning - wrote out Saturday Sunday Monday - out with Miss W- at 11 ½ - walked about the fields at Cliff hill - near an hour then - rain prevented my going to Shibden and sat an hour at Cliff hill - my aunt sent Hemingway over with note of compliments from Mr Jeremiah Rawson and to say he would call upon me at Shibden between 12 and one on Friday - (wrote back answer compliments and should be glad to see him at that time)  - and letter 3 pages and ends and page crossed kind letter from M- (Lawton) - well - sorry to leave Lawton - C- has taken a house at Leamington to be entered on in December - will go to it 1 January M- hopes to see me there before my leaving England whether I go to Bath to the Norcliffes or not - hopes my friend Miss W- is better  writes in rather more than usually pensive and affectionate strain? wrote the following to Eugénies’ sister dated ‘Shibden hall - Wednesday 31 October 1832  Mademoiselle will you be so good as to tell your sister Eugénie, that I have received Mrs. Herberts’ answer which is satisfactory, and that I should have written a few posts sooner, had I not been from home – Before finally engaging your sister, I should like to hear from herself that my wishes have been fully explained to her, that she has seen my first letter to you, and is satisfied – I should consider her wages six-hundred francs, or twenty-four pounds sterling per annum, and should engage her from some day in January next, of which day she should have a fortnights’ notice – I am etc. etc. A. Lister’  sent letter to ‘Mademoiselle Pierre 89 Marine Parade, Brighton, Sussex’ by Eastwood at 6 ½ pm when Miss W- sent to Halifax about a box from London - Dinner at 6 - tea at 8 ½ - before reading over coal lease § and afterwards looking over maps planning journey thro’ Italy and Switzerland and by the Rheine home - we are to be off the end of January back next autumn and go for a month to Scotland and then return and plant at Shibden  and do our business at home keeping up our travelling establishment and being off again as soon as we could   thought we could live in sufficiently good style at Lidgate for a thousand a year   talked quite as if for minds were made up upstairs at 10 3/4  at which hour F51 ½° - rain at 1 ½ for an hour and afterwards showers – rainy evening  

§coal lease to Hinscliffe of 5 acres the road just above Lidgate at £200 per acre surface measure and no allowance for galls or faults the coal in the new-house land sold by the late William Walker at £250 per acre.

[nerdwriting]

11 of The Best It's-Autumn-and-I'm-Curled-Up-at-Home-In-My-Couch Comfort Movies In No Particular Order

Some days exist for the very purpose of movie marathoning. You know the ones, gray, chilly, rainy, autumn or fall-like days where the only sensible thing to do is wrap yourself in blankets, get some popcorn and a mug of cocoa and treat yourself to a cozy home cinema experience. Here are 10 movies across many types and genres to help you set the mood:

1. Practical Magic (1998)

Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock's witchy 90's flick feels like it was a movie made specifically for cozy fall nights, (ironically, since most of the story is set in summer). With October coming ever closer, what is better than a movie packed with magic, love, gorgeous kitchens, midnight margaritas and some sisterly necromancy?

2. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

The ultimate comfort movie. Breakfast at Tiffany's is a classic for a reason. The perfect balance between fun, charming, beautiful and a little melancholic for flavor. It features Audrey Hepburn's iconic Givenchy looks (and décor!) and heartwarming performance, a little gift shop theft, sprawling sunrises in New York, super rats, soulful balcony serenades to George Peppard and the OG friends to lovers tale. This movie was made to be watched on a chilly, cozy day. For those interested in getting into older movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's is the best and most charming entry point.

3. The Godfather (1972)

While not exactly many peoples idea of a comfort movie, there's something undeniably cozy about watching the descent of decent war hero Michael Corleone into ruthless mafia boss while you sit snug and safe in front of your TV. Whether it's the coloring or the music or the suspense, The Godfather is an absolute top tier Fall program.

4. A League of Their Own (1992)

Counting with names such as Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Lori Petty and even Madonna, this film really is in a league of it's own. Sisters Dottie and Kit join a nascent women's baseball league and fight to keep it alive and relevant with the lack of funding and care from male investors and organizers. There's baseball, there's road trips, there's the establishment of women's sports leagues, there's complicated sibling relationships, friendship and companionship, there's dancing and Madonna and Madonna dancing, and, of course, baseball, if you're into that.

5. Divine Secrets of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002)

Divine Secrets has it all: life long magical friendships, fraught and very complicated family relationships, surprisingly good mental health and addiction depiction for the early 00's, and some questionable southern accents. The story starts with Siddalee Walker (Sandra Bullock, queen of cozy popcorn flicks, clearly), famous playwriter in New York, upsetting her mother Vivi (Ellen Burstyn and Ashley Judd) when an interviewer implies she was a bad mother. After an epic long distance fight, Vivi's friends, the eponymous Ya-Ya Sisterhood, "kidnap" Siddalee and bring her back to her hometown in Louisiana for a nice and painful rehashing of their youth and Siddalee's childhood, and some long overdue healing.

6. 101 Dalmatians (1961)

While counting considerably less accolades than it's Golden Age or its 90's Renaissance, the art direction and style of Disney's Silver Age is particularly charming and beautiful. 101 Dalmatians has had a few versions over the years, but the original 1961 film still holds up in a special way. It's strong lineart and warm, cloudy autumn London are the perfect background for this canine and human family's odyssey to get their puppies back from iconic villain Cruella De Vil, and the perfect mood for a comforting marathon. Also it's high time we as a society acknowledged what a bop Roger's Cruella tune actually was.

7. O.S.S 117 - Cairo, Nest of Spies (2006)

This french parody of 60-70's spy movies is a series that deserved to be a global hit. Jean Dujardin stars as Bond-esque buffoon, Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, in a witty but loving take on the spy genre, cultural imperialism and France's 007 predecessor, and it's every bit as hilarious and delightful as it sounds. The first installation is a personal favorite, the absolute best pick me up for a cold autumn day. This one is what you could possibly call a underground sort of movie, but depending on where you live it's available to you on Prime Video! 12 out 10 stars, highly recommend.

8. The Mummy (1999)

There are some movies that are practically perfect in what they set out to be, and The Mummy is one of them. It's scary, it's funny, it has adventure, suspense, amazing costuming, ancient Egypt, mummies (of course), double crossing, ancient curses, doomed love, Rachel Weisz as a cute librarian, Brendan Fraiser as a cute bounty hunter, and Oded Fehr, in general. What else could we want? The Mummy is the ideal rainy saturday, popcorn on your lap, feet under the blanket, home theater adventure sorta movie.

9. Sabrina (1954)

Classic, blueprint, romcom of romcoms, Sabrina even had a 90's do-over with Harrison Ford (inspired choice of a Bogart substitute, won't lie) and Julia Ormond, but nothing beats the original. Humphrey Bogart, William Holden, and Audrey Hepburn at her most fashionable and charming star in this timeless puppy love turns to pining turns to maturing into your own person turns into finding what you really want out of life and love. It has chocolate suflés, Paris, romantic boat rides, and crucial life advice of the "don't carry glasses in your back pocket" variety. Get yourself popcorn and a blanket and enjoy this romance the way it was supposed to be enjoyed.

10. Knives Out (2019)

If you've ever holed up at home on an autumn day drinking wine from a mug and playing Clue, you know why Knives Out is on this list. Set on a detective board come to life and counting with a star studded cast, Knives Out is a whodunnit layered and twisted up and flipped upside down like a pretzel, or a donut, as it may be. (whodunut?? sorry.) Hired mysteriously by an anonymous source, P.I Benoit Blanc pokes into the conditions surrounding the apparent suicide of the eccentric Thrombey family patriarch, Harlan Thrombey, who happened to be a whodunnit writer himself. It's a perfectly balanced mystery, complete with sharp commentary, comedy, tension, and the lushest set and costume design to come out of the last few years.

[cosmos-coma]

A Gift from Above- Part 4

A/N: Part 4! it’s a longer chapter since I couldn’t find a good stopping point. I cannot express how much I love Ciri as a character and all of her potential for growth, so you and Ciri do become good friends. Please check the warnings if you have any concerns.

Pairing: Eskel x Reader

Warnings: Childbirth (sorta? background character), Blood (no more than cannon levels), abduction (alluded to),

Word count: 4.1K

Summary: It’s been almost 6 months now and it’s nearing winter. You guys unexpectedly meet Geralt and Ciri in town and things are going well, but prying eyes can lead to hands that take. 

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

-----------------------------------------

The two of you had been traveling for almost six months now, following your paths side by side. Together you traveled town to town in search of new contracts and people that needed healing. Easily, you two fell into a comfortable routine, Eskel would go out on hunts, and you would sell your wares and heal those in need around town. When he came back cut and bruised you would help heal him or try at least. 

Eskel often asked that you kept your tinctures and magic for the next person, claiming his potions would suffice just fine. However, occasionally he would relent and let you take care of him, watching your steady hands bandage him up or sew him back together again. Those were precious little moments to you, calm and slow times where you could take care of your Witcher and show him the tenderness he deserved. When you patched him up, you’d always ask him to tell you about the contract. Whether it was just a few nekkers or a seemingly impossible curse, you loved to hear him speak and feel the depth of his voice vibrate deep in your chest. 

Occasionally, you’d find him doing the same thing to you, getting you to talk just so he can hear your voice ring out. You had watched Eskel brew his potions many times and you knew he was better versed than your average human in what each plant could be used for. Still, on the long rides from town to town, he would point out a few plants along the road and ask you what you use them for. Never set forth as a mocking tone or a test of wits, just an air of genuine curiosity and a soft smile as he listened to you ramble on. 

You had gotten to know Eskel better in this time, as you two became more comfortable with each other. You learned and loved all of his little habits; the way he rubbed his scars when he was nervous, the way he never stopped being polite to anyone, and the way he would subtly brush his hand against yours when he wanted to invite you closer. But your favorite thing about him you learned after about a month of travel together, when he finally let himself really relax. You’d learned that he liked to hum and sing little songs he had learned from people along the path. Sometimes it was in boredom, sometimes it was when the days were rough and rainy and you both needed something to keep you going. His voice was gravely and a bit unpracticed when you heard him for the first time, but a smile broke out onto your face nevertheless. 

When you had met Eskel it was early spring and now the colors of autumn were looming above you, bringing with them the threat of winter. Over the months, Eskel had talked about his home in Kaer Morhen and how his brothers and he would come together each season to resupply and recount the year's trials and tribulations. 

 He told you that being a guest was reserved for very special people, and though you felt special in his gaze, you knew it was too short a time. You repeated this fact to yourself and that you shouldn’t really hold your breath on him asking you, but you couldn't help the little flame of hope in you that refused to be extinguished.

You two headed towards a new town rumored to have been befallen by more monsters than usual lately. Upon arriving Eskel headed for the notice board, picking up a few contracts before you both continued off to the tavern to get a room. 

It was fairly quiet when you entered, a few people scattered here and there and two or three near the back corners, which was not uncommon for midday. When you walked in an imposing figure immediately caught your eye. White hair, yellow eyes, metal medallion, and a young ashen-haired girl beside him. 

Eskel had talked about his brothers before, and always with a deep sense of fondness, even when referencing the “ever sarcastic asshole” as he put it. Though Eskel’s face lit up differently when he talked about his brother Geralt. The endless childhood shenanigans and the pain of going through each trial together made them brothers in something stronger than blood.

You nudged Eskel’s side to alert him, but he had already caught the familiar scent of a brother and was scanning the crowd to find him. Eskel grinned when his brother and niece finally saw him and the young girl was the first to speak up.

“Uncle Eskel!” Immediately losing her somewhat serious persona, the girl ran over and practically launched herself into a hug.

Eskel laughed and hugged her back as she kicked her legs excitedly. “Hey there, Ciri… Gods, your grip has gotten stronger than a siren’s...” He looked happy as he set her down to turn to his brother. 

“Geralt...” He greeted and came forward to embrace the man. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Well, I couldn’t just let you take all the contracts… with money like that you could probably buy yourself a house and retire and I plan on retiring first.” Geralt hugged him back and glanced quickly at you standing off to the side.

Eskel punched him in the shoulder as he pulled back and turned to you. “Y/n, I've told you about my brother, Geralt, and his child of surprise, Ciri…” 

“You may have mentioned them once or twice..” You smiled and greeted them, offering your hand to shake and it was Ciri who took your hand to shake first.

She was a character, to say the least. You could see from her eyes and lack of medallion that she wasn’t technically a Witcher, though she still wore armor and a sword. She dropped her smile when she turned to you and did her best to put on a very serious expression, no doubt copying the slight frown that she’d seen Geralt pull hundreds of times.

You bit the inside of your cheek, trying not to grin and break her character but you couldn’t help it. “It’s nice to meet you Ciri...” you grinned a bit, still trying to fight back its full force and she herself couldn’t help but crack a little and smile back. 

You then turned to Geralt. He gave you a quick glance up and down, instinctually looking you over for potential threats before he shook your hand. “So Y/n. How'd you come to meet Eskel?”

```

Eskel sat back and recounted the tale of your meeting as the whole group sat down to eat. 

“So, there I was in the woods outside of Larcost…” He started and recounted his tale in full, from getting clipped by one of the four wyverns he was hunting, to waking up to a strange woman and her campsite. As he continued, he could see Ciri mentally taking mental notes for future contracts. However, what caught his attention more was the faintest smile gracing his brother's face. Despite the dampened emotions that Witcher’s had, the joy that Geralt felt watching his brother light up like this still cracked through his hard exterior. 

Eskel knew Geralt didn’t miss the way his heart sped up as you took his hand under the table, squeezing gently. However, he didn’t mind. Geralt could see his face beet red for all he cared, as long as you kept holding his hand. 

During his tale Eskel had glossed over some of the specifics about your magic at first, but as you smiled softly at him and nodded he clarified in hushed tones to his brother and niece. 

```

That evening Geralt and Eskel, agreeing to work together on many of their contracts, had set out to town and the surrounding woods to try and gather information. You and Ciri also wandered the town, looking to stock up on supplies and trade for small trinkets.

It was a fairly busy town, despite the sun hanging low and the monsters in the area, people were still going about their business as best they could before night truly fell. There was not much you found to trade for in the dwindling hours of the day, but that just gave you an opportunity to get to know your temporary companion. 

She had talked shallowly and quickly about her past as the princess of Cintra and how she came to meet Geralt. You didn’t press her any further and instead talked about your own path to where you are now and asked a bit about what being a Witcher in training was like for her. Eventually, though she diverged from your small talk and cut straight to her point. 

“So” she started, “You and Uncle Eskel?” She looked up at you pointedly, the slightest bit of a smirk on her face.

Your cheeks heated a bit as you glanced down at her. “I-, Well… Yes, that's right…”

Ciri then grinned, a slightly cheeky smile pulling at her expression. “Do you think you’ll be joining us at Kaer Morhen then? We badly need people who aren’t 70-something-year-old men with swords to make it interesting.”

You laughed at that and shook your head. “I’m not so sure about that…. I know how special you have to be in order to be asked to come with and we haven’t talked about that yet, so I can only assume we’ll meet again in spring, but the time is coming to decide.” You commented and looked towards the tree line at the leaves, already orange and yellow. It would only be a few short weeks before the first frosts came and Eskel would be back at the keep.

“What do you mean?” Ciri furrowed her brow in confusion and cocked her head to the side some. “Why wouldn’t he take you with him? He obviously lov-” 

Ciri’s words were cut off by a pained shout and the following cries of an infant from a home not far beyond you. With a silent glance at each other, you two took off towards the sound, your footfalls loud in the silence placed over the town following the commotion. 

When you arrived a young man, most likely in his 20s, had stumbled out the door of his home, clutching a newborn infant and shouting to anyone who would listen, though it seemed you and Ciri were the only ones. 

“Please! My Aleena, my wife, she is dying! This is her first babe, please, she cannot die now!” He urgently pleaded and rushed towards you two. You saw he had tears streaming down his face and a deeply worried look about him. You figured this must've been his first child, first family, first wife to produce such desperation in him. 

Ciri watched you as you nodded and took the man's hand in comfort. “I will take care of your wife, on the condition that you do not enter while I work” He had made a face and opened his mouth to disprove and argue, but upon taking in that no one else was willing to help him, he relented and quietly nodded. 

“Please….” That was all he said before you pulled Ciri into the home with you, quickly getting to work. Ciri understood the assignment immediately and began covering windows from prying eyes. 

You looked over at the woman laying on the bed in front of you. She had struggled during childbirth and the lower half of the bed was now stained with fresh blood and her skin had paled severely. As you came to her and kneeled down you felt for her pulse, finding skin cold like marble and a slow heartbeat that seemed to keep getting softer.

“What are you going to do?” Ciri asked, now by your side and ready to do what she can. 

“I'm afraid no tincture or tea will work fast enough for her…” you spoke quietly as you rolled up your sleeves. 

“You’re gonna do magic?” Ciri’s voice betrayed her calm expression and she sounded both excited and worried, as her own experiences with using her magic had not been as benign as intended. 

“I think I have to..” you spoke and extended your hand, resting it on the abdomen of the woman before you. 

Her wounds were internal and extensive and you knew this would take stronger magic than you had used in a long time, but the man's desperation echoed in your ears.

As you began to channel, that familiar warmth spread through your body, starting from deep in your bones and extending itself out to radiate off your skin subtly. But this was no simple job. it's harder to save a life that's barely there than to let it go, and something in you was determined to not let this one go. 

As you pressed on a fiery ache bloomed in your chest, hot like a torches flame. The woman before you was beginning to stabilize, but you couldn’t quite pull her back to full health, the pain in your body resisting you as you tried to push further. You began to get in your own head as you channeled, causing your magic to waver a bit and begin to falter. 

Can I actually save this woman? Or will this all just be a wasted effort?

Is an effort to save someone ever truly wasted?

You could feel Ciri’s eyes on you and you almost wished she’d look away as you felt tears prick and pool in your eyes at the exertion and the strain. If you had looked at Ciri you would have seen a soft expression dance in her eyes. An expression that was some parts reverence and other parts understanding. 

Ciri was anxious, as anyone would be in the situation, but she had an idea. She reached out a hand, pausing in hesitation before she touched your own hand with hers. At the first moment of contact, you felt a cool wave pass through your body as the woman finally healed fully, aided by Ciri and her magic. 

You fell back into a sitting position, holding your arms close to you as much of the warmth in your body subsided. After a few moments, you saw the bleeding stop and the color return to the face of your patient. Though your muscles were exhausted you couldn’t help but smile at Ciri. “Did you know you could do that?” you spoke gently, your voice now more hoarse than before. 

Ciri paused a moment before shaking her head, but she too smiled a little. “Did I do good..?” she asked. 

“You did great.”

```

Earlier in the evening, Geralt and Eskel had been out in the woods searching for clues relating to their contracts and taking care of a few nuisance monsters along the way. 

“So, She’s the one you were dreaming about all winter?” Geralt asked, getting right to the point. Eskel had told Geralt what was going on after the first few times he had dreamed of you and though Geralt was skeptical at first, he never stopped supporting his brother. 

Eskel nodded as they looked around. “She is. Every part of the woman I dreamed of…”

Geralt nodded and paused his search for a moment, watching his brother. “So you're taking her back to the keep for winter, right?”

Eskel paused a minute and looked back towards his brother. “I don’t know yet.” 

“What do you mean you don't know? Eskel, it’s a week and a half at most before you have to start the journey to Kaer Morhen. You need to ask her sooner rather than later.” Geralt pressed. His brother was being stupid and standing in his own way again. Anyone could’ve seen that you and Eskel were more than made for each other. 

You both took caring for others to heart, nothing was purely a job to either of you, it was someone else's life. Geralt had worried sometimes that this would get in the way of Eskel staying alive on the path, but he knew it also made him an extremely dedicated Witcher. Geralt had also heard on the journey out to the woods that you had strived to be as kind as you could to those you encountered, but unlike Eskel, you were more than happy to tell people to go plough themselves when they deserved it. 

Geralt couldn’t think of someone better suited for his brother and, as much as he hated to entertain the thought, maybe destiny was at play here. He sure as hell couldn’t explain the dreams otherwise.

“Or at least bring her back for Ciri’s sake… Maybe Vesemir’s too, they could certainly use someone new and rational to talk to all winter.” Geralt suggested, trying to somewhat gently push his brother in the right direction. Eskel knew Geralt wasn’t exactly the first to spill his feelings on any matter, but if Geralt was urging him to do something, it was time to listen.  

Eskel laughed a bit, “Maybe you’re right…” he nodded to himself as he spoke. “I’m getting in my own way again, aren’t I?”.

“At least you’ve gotten better at noticing it by now…” Geralt answered. 

The moment was cut short as both their medallions started to hum, more than it had when a stray endrega had come closer, and more than Eskel had felt when you’d used magic these past months. They both felt it coming from the direction of town and, glancing at each other, they quickly mounted their horses and raced off. The shaking of their medallions grew suddenly as they neared town and up to a humble house near to its outskirts. 

A man was peering inside through a crack in the window as they strode up, a newborn babe in his arms. He had pleaded to them as they dismounted to leave those inside to their work, but Geralt and Eskel got more concerned when the vibration of their medallions stopped suddenly. They both had a hand ready to grab their swords and together burst through the door. 

```

You yelped in surprise, and Ciri flinched as Eskel and Geralt burst through the door unannounced, ready to draw their swords. You all seemed to let out a collective sigh of relief as you realized no one was a threat and a mix of smiles and confusion broke out amongst the group. 

As Ciri ran over to Geralt, all smiles to excitedly tell him about what she did with her powers, Eskel came over and kneeled beside you.

You smiled wearily at him; Ciri had given you the final push you needed but your body was still overused. “I’m sorry, Eskel… did I worry you?” 

Eskel sighed softly as he shook his head, but his small smile betrayed his serious tone. “You always worry me, Y/n… What am I going to do with you?” He took your hands and inspected you for injuries as he always did, finding naught but a few bruises and sensitive spots welling up from the warmth the magic had created within you. 

“Hmm.. I guess you’ll have to just keep me close. That way we can always worry about each other” you said with a grin. 

You were interrupted by the man coming in to see his wife’s state. “My Aleena… Is she..?”

You squeezed Eskel’s hand and smiled, relief and contentedness finally settling within you as you realized all was done. “She’ll be just fine…. Might have some residual pains but use Saint John’s wort or valerian root sparingly for it and she should be okay.”

He looked as though he might openly weep again and rushed forward to hug you in his appreciation and relief. “Oh, I can not thank the gods enough for sending you two to our town. If you had not heeded my plea I-… it’s not something I could even think about.” 

You smiled a bit and patted his back lightly before Eskel let off a low and jealous rumble, a warning for him to keep his space. 

He quickly stepped back towards his wife and held his babe close. “What do I owe you..? I could never amount to an even trade for what you’ve done, but I can try to come close.”

You shook your head and waved him off. “No need. Spend the money on food and medicine to help your wife heal. You’ll need every cent starting a new family..” He nodded a bit at this, certainly not about to argue the kindness you granted him, and said his thanks again before tending to his slowly waking wife. 

Eskel held your hand as you tried to stand, but your legs were too tired to support you, and instead, you fell into Eskel's arms, already there to help you. 

Eskel carefully gathered you in his arms and chuckled softly. “Let’s try this instead” he spoke and carried you out to the horses where Geralt and Ciri stand waiting.  You felt your heart skip a beat as he carried you over to Scorpion, and again when he carried you up to your shared room. His focus never strayed to the looks you both got from villagers, or to the wolves howling in the distance of the woods, staying only on you. Focused on the way your heart fluttered under his touch and how his own jumped as you tucked your head into his neck.

By the start of the second day, you had completely recovered, no aching bones or muscles. This ended up working out well as Geralt and Eskel needed an extra day to finish out their contracts. Though reluctant, you had to shoo Eskel out of the room this morning, ensuring him that you would be okay after a bit of breakfast and that Ciri would keep you company. 

Once Geralt and Eskel were gone you ate and chatted with Ciri in your room. You were happy to see that she had opened up a little more after your joint “contract” yesterday and she talked in more detail about her struggles to control her powers, the kinds of consequences it had, and the few occasions where she seemed to have control of it. You listened and nodded, reminded of how destructive you had been when you started, not necessarily to the same degree, but you understood her struggle to control the emotional set-offs to her magic.

You liked Ciri, she was a bright kid and far too spiritually mature for her age, no doubt from all the events she had lived through. You were glad that she had found another soul to confide in and ease the burden on her shoulders, even if it was only momentarily. 

You chatted about nothing and everything, from what had worked for you controlling your magic to the best prank Lambert pulled last season. You were both happy to have some company outside of your respective Witcher’s and you were sure they felt the same way too.

Eventually you had gotten on the topic of practicing alchemy, something Ciri seemed to be lacking on in terms of focus. “Oh, I have just the thing for this potion, where did I put it?” you asked yourself as you dug around your bags. “Hm, I must've left it in my saddlebags when we arrived. I'll go grab it” 

“I can go if you need…” Ciri suggested and watched you get up.

After a big stretch to prime your stagnant muscles, you shook your head “That’s okay Ciri, it’ll be good for me to move after recovering all day yesterday. I'll just be two minutes” you smiled at her and put on your shoes before heading out to the stables. 

There was a cool breeze outside and the sky was just sprinkling the smallest droplets of rain upon you, one of your favorite types of weather. Dreary to others, but you always thought about the plants and mushrooms that sprung to life after the rains. Winter would be here soon and you had to relish the rainy days as much as you could before they turned to cold frost, not that you didn’t enjoy the falling snows when it came. 

You were starting to wonder what you would do for winter if Eskel didn’t want you to follow him to the keep. Would you huddle down somewhere in a temple, as you had done before? Or would you risk continuing to travel, knowing your stores of ingredients would eventually run out?

You were so lost in thought as you rummaged through your saddlebags that you hadn’t even noticed the shadow that came up behind you or the bag that slipped over your head until it was too late and you were encased with darkness.

---------------------------------

Taglist: @writingmysanity @open--till--midnight

[screamingtime]

[13-31/10/21] [25-43 DOP]

hello :)

i kind of disappeared from this blog for almost 3 weeks haha sorry for that. my life has been kind of hectic. overall uni workload isn't THAT bad but there is always this looming thought of incoming tests that you don't really know how to prepare for (because there is simply no way that you will be able to learn everything in this field).

what i've been up to:

- making more anatomy flashcards (the neverending task lol)

- watched a few lectures that i've missed (i still have a lot more to go)

- i went out with some uni friends for pizza and a walk in the forest (we found a cemetary and it looked stunning)

- touched some human skulls (the brains were way more interesting)

- studied in the library,,, a lot

- passed my theory driving test! (my practical exam is in more than a month hah)

i want to try to post at least once a week so we'll see how it goes.

i hope you guys are having a lovely day

my answers to the #autumn studying challenge are under the cut

13th October - What is your favourite autumn movie?

definitely nightmare before christmas

14th October - What are your favourite songs to listen to in autumn?

i usually just play some random autumn playlist on spotify. jazzy and acoustic sort of thing

15th October - If you could magically get rid of anything about autumn, what would it be?

the mud! it's so freaking annoying because to get to my bus stop i walk through a field (becuase it's quicker that way) and after it rained i have to either walk around the puddles or accept that my shoes will be covered in mud haha

16th October - What is would your perfect autumn day be like?

waking up early, having some nice breakfast with a warm cup of tea, going for a walk in the park

17th October - Outside or inside?

inside!

18th October - Sunny autumn days or rainy autumn days?

if i'm going for a walk- sunny, if i'm staying at home- rainy

19th October - Pumpkin spice lattes or hot chocolate?

hot chocolate because i don't drink coffee

20th October - What is your usual autumn outfit?

big coats, big jumpers and regular trousers

21st October - Falling rain or a crackling fireplace?

why not both haha

22nd October - Pumpkin pie or apple pie?

23rd October - Walk in the woods or read a book in front of the fire?

24th October - Fluffy socks or slippers?

fluffy socks. i hate wearing slippers. i always leave them somewhere and forget where they are

25th October - Fireplace or bonfire?

bonfire

26th October - Spooky mood or cozy mood?

cozy mood

27th October - Trick or treat?

treat. i have a massive sweet tooth

28th October - Haunted house or Halloween party?

i haven't been to either of them but if i had to choose then i'd probably be the party

29th October - Buy a Halloween costume or make a Halloween costume?

make one! especially if you're using the clothes you already own. it's so much better for the environment

30th October - If you could dress up as anything for Halloween, what would it be?

i love the idea of Jimi Halloween where people dress up as people encountering every day life situations. i'd probably dress up as a person who has just realised that they got on the wrong train

31st October - Are you doing anything for Halloween?

not really. i'm staying at home and doing work for uni. i might watch something later in the evening with my sister

[yandere-sins]

Escape

Yantober List! Feel free to participate at any point :3

It’s escape time! I hope the anon from before has been waiting patiently for this! You finally get to be free!... or do you?

»»————————————  ♡ ————————————«« 

Was there even one thought more important to you than escaping?

Could there have been anything that would have made you hesitate, made you think twice before you did what you did? Overthink the plan you hatched for weeks before you attempted to pick the lock for the first time? No. No, there was nothing that could have prevented you from this.

Every day you despised Rhys a little bit more. Every day you tried to make his life a living hell, just like he did it to you. This was justice, nothing more, nothing less. You would do whatever it took to fulfill your plans, no matter how hard they still seemed. Working towards them was your daily goal, even if you got frustrated a lot when you felt like you were having a set back on them whenever Rhys put you back into a miserable state.

For days you asked Rhys to watch crime movies, trying to figure out how to do what needed to be done. You even had become a bit more agreeable with him again, so he’d trust you enough to only bind your wrist and legs, but without restricting you to any furniture. It had been hard, you had wanted to make him suffer as much as you did more than once, but at the same time, you just had to wait for his regular grocery run.

Seeing him off with a smile felt almost wrong for Rhys, but he took any gentle gesture you’d give him happily and with relief. He, too, had become exhausted by your constant fights and the rough measurements he had to take. Just last week, he wouldn’t have been able to leave you at home unbound. Going out on a shopping trip without continually having to contemplate your moods was almost a luxury to him now. And so he went out of his way to fetch you your favorite dessert, partly to have some more time to breathe out and also to make you happy and comport with you.

There were no better escaping conditions for you than now.

It was a struggle, but you managed to pull your arms forward from behind you, threading your legs through them so you could hold your hands before you. Since Rhys needed them for his morning wash, there were always some bobby pins around; you just had to find one. Feeling your way around the cabinet in the bathroom, you tried to make them out, eventually finding the little box where he kept them.

Sure, it would have been easier if you could have used stationary, but Rhys threw most of it out when he allowed you to walk around again, deeming it unnecessary and dangerous. Aside from the one multi-tool he owned and carried on himself all the time, he had done so with most of the things in his apartment, especially cutlery and scissors. So, with the limited movements of your hand and your teeth, you had to take out the bobby pins, bending them into the shape of the tools you had seen on TV.

Everything else, you already put back in its place. You couldn’t be sure that it worked, or you’d be able to open the door on time and flee, and if not, you’d be save from Rhys not knowing what you did. It cost time, but that much you allowed yourself. Kneeling down in front of the door, you did your first try, the rope grinding against your skin painfully as you used your hands, but you kept going even with the pain. Testing the water, you tried to apply pressure on the lock, but all you could feel was resistance. Nothing seemed to happen, and you could already feel the disappointment and frustration that came with it not being as easy as the movies made it out to be.

But it was your only chance.

With a deep breath, you continued until - finally - you heard a click. You weren’t sure what you did, but this seemed to like the right thing. However, it worked, it worked, and you would not complain, only rinse and repeat. Every click gave back some courage on your shoulders, despite it also making your hands shiver more and more. You were so close, so incredibly close to freedom. How many more clicks until you’d be free?

You didn’t count, but the final click unlocked the door Rhys had always kept you behind. Why hadn’t you done this sooner? It was almost too easy, yet you had never attempted it before. Stumbling to your feet, you opened the door fully, unbothered by the fact you wouldn’t be putting on shoes. Luckily, it wasn’t rainy outside, and though the sweatpants, tank top, and socks you were wearing were little support for the autumn weather, you didn’t look back to waste time on being more comfortable.

Without hesitation, you walked outside the door, leaving it open as you toddled to the stairs that would lead you to the ground level. One after another, you walked down, your head bouncing back and forth between the street and the stairs under you. You didn’t want to fall, but you also didn’t want to get trapped on the stairs if Rhys came back. Eventually, though, you gave up, sitting down to slide down the steps.

Once down, you couldn’t help your heart bursting with a mix of pride and happiness, but also the adrenaline, paranoia always sitting in the back of your mind. You couldn’t run, but you had to get away. Sadly, Rhys wouldn’t stay away forever. Yet, you really had made it! You actually managed to get out of your prison all on your own! Rhys had worked hard to make you feel like you couldn’t take care of yourself, but if he was here now, you’d have been able to tell him just how easy it was after all.

Moving forward, towards the street in front of the building, you could already think of all the faces you’d be able to see again, all the things you soon would be able to do! There was no sight of anyone when you looked around the corners, and you chose the path straight ahead, leading into a public area with a lot of trees and thickets, a playground nearby. Keeping yourself hidden was a mere thought of better being safe than sorry, especially when Rhys eventually noticed you being gone.

You also hoped to find people there. Someone who’d help and even someone or something to cut you free of your restrains. So you did your best to waddle and jump forward when out of the corner of your eyes, you saw someone turn the corner behind the apartment building. You looked up at the person, hopeful that they would help you.

When, in reality, it was a very familiar face you made out.

Blood draining from your whole body, you hastily made your way behind a tree, sinking to your knees and hiding your body from sight, crawling into a bush as best and quiet as you could. You were lucky enough that his attention was on his phone, but you had to admit that you didn’t think you’d hardly have time to get further away. Cowering in the bush, you listened to the asphalt footsteps, which slowly approached the building.

You probably wouldn’t have needed to, but you held your breath as he passed by, and you listened to his footsteps. In less than a few seconds, he’d notice the open door and that you were gone, but you couldn’t move an inch. Remaining quiet was better than doing anything rash and draw his attention.

Just as you predicted, you suddenly heard him come to a halt on the stairs before his steps became faster. He called out your name as he disappeared in the doorway, but Rhys was quick to turn around, rushing down the metal steps, calling for you again. He sounded angry, but even more, he sounded desperate. He approached the park area, and you simply clasped your hand over your mouth, counting the seconds while his feet crunched the leaves and stone beneath them. From a hole in the thicket, you could make out his jeans, see him stand nearby.

Your name, again. It made you flinch, but you took all the composure you had to not be noticed, merely shutting your eyes close.

And then, you heard him running, distancing yourself from your position.

He hadn’t noticed you.

You felt the tears burning in your eyes, overwhelmed with knowing that despite not being safe, he didn’t find you and didn’t know where to look. Relief made your shoulders shake as you muffled your happy sobs, feeling some of the tension fall of you. For a moment, you really thought he’d see you. Who knows what superpowers Rhys possessed when it came to you, but you were so scared that he’d notice you and bring you back.

The question now was where you were going to go to be safe and rest up. The park wasn’t a good choice, now that he was roaming it. Your home wouldn’t be safe either as you didn’t have keys to get in, and it would be the first place he was going to look at. The police. Straight to the police, that would have been a good idea. But where was the next station? Whatever you did, you knew you couldn’t stay. Staying would give Rhys a chance to find you, or the day would pass and night would make everything even more complicated. And so you crouched onwards, slowly, always double-checking your surroundings.

Fueled by the confidence that you could do this, and soon, go back to the life you wanted.

Continue

[putschki1969]

「KEIKO First Live K001 ～I'm home～ 」First Impression

1.Be Yourself: Live instruments sound so much better here than in the studio version but Keiko is quite shouty and out-of-tune during some parts (mostly the chorus). Maybe not the best start but hey, I still enjoyed it. 2. 始まりは | Hajimari wa (Beginning): Better than the studio version imo but overall pretty similar. 3. Ray: Definitely better than the studio version. A lot more ooomph if you ask me. By now KEIKO is really into it and not as shouty as she was for “Be Yourself”. Unfortuantely they kept those weird electronic sounds from the studio version in the live back-up track. I had hoped they would get rid of those.

MC:She greets everyone at the venue and watching at home. She hopes we will all have a great time. Next up is a song that hasn’t been revealed yet.

4. 溜め息の消える街 |Tameiki no Kieru Machi (A Town Where Sighs Disappear): New song for the album. I like it but it’s not my favourite. From what I can make out, the lyrics are lovely though. Love the rainy vibe

MC:Keiko loves how the following song opens up wide sceneries. She has always liked that about songs so after consulting with all kinds of people, she decided to pick this song for herself even though it’s quite different from all her other songs. It’s actually the oldest song among all her pieces.

5. 茜 | Akane (Madder Red): A very traditional sound with some Chinese elements I think. Kinda like Wakana’s Kinmokusei but not quite as good imo. But still, I am blown away, such a beautiful ballad. Fits Keiko’s voice perfectly. LOVE IT (just a few tiny little off-key moments but nothing too bad)

MC: Self Introduction. 10 years of Kalafina and vocalist at YK’s lives. Some promotion for YK’s upcoming live. For the next section she wants to cover some songs that she has sung during YK lives in the past.

6. 宝石 | Houseki (Jewel): The musicians don’t do a good job here, the drums in particular sound quite out of place and borderline grating to my ears. Or is it just me? Keiko is providing lovely and solid vocals but imo they aren’t quite on par with the FJ performances I have seen in the past. 7. 風の街へ | Kaze no Machi he (Towards the Town of Wind): This one on the other hand is absolutely FLAWLESS imo, KEIKO hits every note and I just love how she chooses to sing her lines. It’s different from her old style so I don’t think you can compare it to those FJ performances from the past. But it does remind me of the more recent performance I saw during the YK live in Taiwan. The musicians also sound much more balanced here.

MC: Keiko talks about the venue being in Shibuya which is a very important place for her. She would come here weekly during her time in school since she took voice training lessons here. At one point she heard a song by Yutaka Ozaki at Shibuya Scramble Square and immediately fell in love. During her time in Kalafina she would always name him as the artist that has influenced her most. So of course she has to cover one of his songs for this live.

8. I LOVE YOU (Yutaka Ozaki Cover): This made me cr even though I have never heard this song before. You can tell KEIKO feels strongly about his music.

MC: Introduction of musicians & reading some comments Bass.目黒郁也 Ikuya Meguro (she loves his solo in Kaze no Machi he) Key.ミトカツユキ Katsuyuki Mito (he sings a bit in Hajimari wa) Gt.和田建一郎 Kenichiro Wada (Hajimari wa, Tameiki no Kieru Machi) Dr.北村望 Nozomu Kitamura (she met him at the PrincessPrincipal live)

Everyone is going crazy about Kacchan (the pianist) in the comments. She shows off her haribo gummies and M&Ms in the clear bottle. Lots of fans are having dinner while watching the live which Keiko finds super cool. She had steamed buns for breakfast. I love that she is wearing her super old boots that she used to wear back in her Kalafina-days (during live-house encores in particular). She chose an outfit in which she feels relaxed. Keiko wanted some up-beat songs for her live so the following two were chosen quite quickly.

9. エンドロール (End roll) : So the bracketed lyrics are backing vocals provided by herself. No guest vocal unfortunately. Either way, a really good song that gets everyone hyped just as promised in the tweets. Reminds me of a song but I don’t know which one. I guess this is Keiko’s “Ongaku”, maybe it even reminds me of that? 10. Change the World’s Colour: Her deep voice is back!!! Combined with a super high vibrato voice during the bridge (just wow - that singing style is gorgeous, reminds me of her singing in Sans Toi M’amie). Btw, for a second there I thought she was gonna sing “Mata Kaze ga Tsuyoku Natta”

MC: She talks about her countdown tweets where she wrote down some lyrics of the previous two songs and was teasing everyone with some hints. Keiko probably wouldn’t have chosen those two songs if it hand’t been for this live stream concert. She thanks everyone for waiting so long for her return. She is super grateful to be able to hold this live.

11. 命の花 | Inochi no Hana (Flower of Life): Stunning! As gorgeous as the studio version but much more impactful.

ENCORE: Album Release =>  December 2; It was planned for autumn but it ended up being winter. She apologises for letting us wait. Her excitement when she mentions that YK has written a song for her album and Kore-chan has provided the guitar playing is so freaking cute. She is the most precious human-being on this planet.

12. 七色のフィナーレ | Nanairo no Finale (Finale of Seven Colours): my first thought was that it sounded kinda futuristic XD Also, you can definitely tell it’s a YK song but it really fits Keiko’s solo style. Love it, a super catchy tune, the chorus in particular. And those lalalas!!! *is dead* 13.& 14 Double Encore Synchronicity & Nohara  (Venue ONLY): Wish I had been there T_T

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Can’t wait to rewatch the archived version. My faves (in no particular order) were probably Ray, Akane, Kaze no Machi he, I LOVE YOU, End Roll, Change the World's Color, Inochi no Hana and Nanairo no Finale.

You CAN STILL BUY tickets so be sure to SUPPORT KEIKO! It’s totally worth the money. The live lasted about 1 1/2 hours, pretty short but an okay length for a first solo live I would say. The audio and video quality are great and now that the live is archived till September 13 you won’t have to deal with any streaming issues. Find my TUTORIAL here. Keiko sounded fine for the most part but occassionally she was a bit out-of-tune. She is really straining her voice with this new singing style. It’s a bit of a hit and miss I feel. But I think she will eventually figure out how to sing her songs in the best way possible. Wakana did the same thing.

Now I am gonna try to order the live goods. Will let you know whether it works or not. EDIT: Okay, I couldn’t do it since the payment needs to take place on delivery...Stupid methods from the dark ages...Need to find another way to get my hands on the goods.

»——————⋆◦★◦⋆——————«

Based on her past experiences, an original album which expresses a "new KEIKO" with various sounds will be released on December 2nd!! A special song written for KEIKO by Yuki Kajiura - a legend within the world of anisong - will be included in this album. It’s titled "七色のフィナーレ | Finale of Seven Colours" and the lyrics are written by KEIKO!! Release date： 2020/12/2  Title：to be decided 【CD Contents】 ・命の花 ・Be Yourself ・Ray ・始まりは ・七色のフィナーレ and others (a total of 10 songs)

https://avex.jp/keiko-singer/news/detail.php?id=1085854

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Hikaru’s reaction tweet after watching KEIKO’s live stream concert.

I had a great time filled with lots of fun and happiness. Looking forward to the album!

[wardenrainwall]

Favorite Things

Tagged by the lovely and wonderful @best-of-the-vein and @khajiithasnowares thanks so much! <3 <3 <3

I've been tagged in a few things lately, and I swear! I'm getting to them!

Flowers: I don't think I really have a favorite flower. I really like most flowers, especially ones that have lots and lots of petals that are really full. But then I'm always drawn to poppies when I find artwork of them (but I think that's because of the wizard of oz).

Fruits: I think I'd have to say... if it's fresh, pineapple? I will eat that stuff until my tongue bleeds and then eat some more. Dried, gimmie mango with chile powder (the trader joes stuff I can never resist)

Scents: I am a sucker for the sweet/baked goods kind of scents but lean toward the spicy/musky ones more often than not. Pipe tabacco & leather or I have a scotch and aged oak candle that I just want to shove my face into and never leave it.

Seasons: fall/autumn is the best time of the year! leaves turning! the first time it rains after a long stretch of hot weather (oh, that scent is wonderful too!) Halloween, of course, because costumes, and I'm a basic white girl and love a pumpkin spice latte and you can pry it from my cold dead fingers. It gets rainy and overcast and dreary and I just want to curl up with warm drinks and watch storms all day long! (though that would be so much better if I lived on the coast!)

Tea: Black teas, earl grey, flavored or not, chai. I'm not picky, I love tea! Hot or cold!

Tagging @morganlefaye79 @illusivesoul @emileoutofit @kojottek but no pressure!!

[heychangbin]

get to know me better??

was tagged by @something-tofightfor (thanks for the tag!) to do this thing so lets go!

i’m an i-need-to-pull-the-driver-seat-all-the-way-in kind of person // i wear glasses or contacts // i have blonde hair // i prefer loose clothing to tight clothing // i have one or more piercings  // i have at least one tattoo  // i have blue eyes // i have dyed or highlighted my hair // i have gotten plastic surgery // i have or have had braces // i sunburn easily // i have freckles // i paint my nails // i wear makeup // i don’t smile often // i am pleased with how i look // i prefer nike to adidas // i wear baseball hats backwards

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hobbies and talents

i play a sport // i can play an instrument // i am artistic // i know more than one language // i have won a trophy in some sort of competition // i can cook or bake without a recipe // i know how to swim // i enjoy writing // i can do origami // i prefer movies to tv shows // i have read a new book series this year // i enjoy spending time with friends // i travel during school or work breaks // i can do a handstand

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relationships

i am in a relationship // i have a crush //

i have a best friend i have known for ten years // my parents are together (they were until she passed a few months ago, so i’m counting it)

 // i have dated my best friend // i am adopted // my crush has confessed to me // i have a long-distance relationship // i am an only child //

i give advice to my friends // i have made an online friend

// i have met up with someone i met online

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aesthetic

i have heard the ocean in a conch shell // i have watched the sunrise // i enjoy rainy days // i have slept under the stars // i meditate outside // the sound of chirping calms me // i enjoy the smell of the beach // i know what snow tastes like // i listen to music to fall asleep // i enjoy thunderstorms // i enjoy cloud watching // i have attended a bonfire // i pay close attention to colours // i find mystery in the ocean (it’s where the kaiju come from!!) // i enjoy hiking on nature paths // autumn is my favorite season

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miscellaneous

i can fall asleep in a moving vehicle  // i am the mom friend // i live by a certain quote // i like the smell of sharpies // i am was involved in extracurricular activities (was part of my schools robotics club, and leadership) // i enjoy mexican food // i make up scenarios in my head to fall asleep // i sing in the shower // i wish i lived in a video game // i have a canopy above my bed // i am multiracial // i am a redhead // i own at least one dog (3, candy, billy, and birdie) // i have a cat

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apple juice or orange juice | breakfast in bed or dinner in a blanket fort | peanut butter or butterscotch | rain or snow | water park or amusement park | (bass) guitar or drums or violin | flip flops or sneakers | big cats or bears | ocean or lake | bonfire or picnic | draw or write | oak or mahogany | volleyball or tennis | key chains or postcards | queso or salsa | skateboard or rollerblades | porch or patio | love quotes or inspirational quotes | hearts or stars | backpack or duffle bag | orchard or garden | baby bunnies or baby ducks | pastels or earth tones | New York City or Los Angeles | secret stairs or secret tunnel | street magician or escape artist | fairies or gnomes | comedy or mystery | purple or green | daisies or dandelions | crayon or chalk | sunglasses tinted blue or sunglasses tinted yellow | bracelets or rings | question mark or exclamation point

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indoor plants or gardens // cloud-watching or star-gazing // water or fire // paperback or hardcover // running or hiking // sleeping with socks or without socks // fruit or vegetables // hanging plants or succulents // dark wood or light wood // handwritten or typed // instagram or pinterest // braids or pigtails // dc or marvel // books or movies // oceans or meadows // forests or fields // sweet or salty  // ice cream or chocolate // hoodies or sweaters // piercings or tattoos // summer or winter // boots or sneakers // house or apartment // cars or motorcycles // curls or straight hair // castles or cottages // sunny days or storms // reptiles or birds // disney or nickelodeon // strawberries or watermelon // essays or posters // phones or laptops or desktop // glass or stone // dark or light // photos or paintings // circuses or theatres // reading or writing // dogs or cats // poetry or novels // monsters or ghosts // thrift shops or libraries // fiction or non-fiction

tagging: @juguitos @suchatinyinfinity @aureate-laureate @dickbaggins @the-blind-assassin-12