#i'm in a dark place (portugal)......

[marciliedonato]

serious question besties, do we think there's an actual chance that paramore will do a eu tour after this or considering they're apparently opening for tayl*r sw*ft in all of eu that counts as their eu tour....bc i dont really care for ts at all and ik tickets for that would be an arm and a leg and a kidney, my future firstborn child and a blood sacrifice but there are literally 2 shows in lisbon and im literally catastrophizing it all so what do we think....bc at this point im just 😬 🫠🥴

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias x Reader - Flight Hours Part 3/3

+ 18

Part 1 Part 2

Ruben and Reader are flight attendants on their way to Portugal. Although they are of to a bad start, the two end up finding common ground.

Enjoy!

You woke up in a dark hotel room, curtains drawn, and the beating of Ruben's heart in your ear. You lay with your head on his chest. His hairless chest, not even a single stubble. You snorted at the fact that he was a waxer. However, he left it naturally where it mattered.

"What's so funny?"

You raised your head. Ruben's body stirred below you.

"Are you laughing at me?" He said, with a raspy voice.

"Maybe." You smiled and let your head fall back on the pillow.

"Maybe?" Ruben's hand reached for your face, his thumb tracing the outlines of your lips. "You shouldn't be laughing at someone who's offering you housing."

"No?"

"No."

"What should I be doing then?" You were seductive with your touch. Your hand slipped under the covers, tracing the bumps that were Ruben's abs.

"You should thank me." He smirked. "Thank me by..."

A beat.

Ruben's muscles clenched as your hand unremorsefully cupped his groin, feeling how his dick grew stiff beneath the palm of your hand.

"You were saying?"

Ruben's throat moved when he swallowed. You squeezed his dick and stroked your hand up and down his stem. "We've got less than twelve hours together Ruben, how would you like to spend them?"

"Like this." He nodded. "Just like this."

"Good."

He kissed you. Capturing your lips with a dark moan escaping his mouth. You stroked him faster, wanting to please him. However, Ruben was quick to force his weight onto you, flipping you over to lay on your back.

"We fucked without a condom last night."

Your hands came up from underneath the covers. "I know." You said, running your fingers through his hair.

"Are you on the pill?"

"I'm not. But there's a pharmacy at the airport."

"Okay."

Ruben bent down to kiss you, his beared rough against your skin. His chest vibrated against yours when he spoke. "I'm not gonna lie by saying that I'm not tempted."

"Tempted to what?"

"Let you have my baby."

"Ha!" You laughed. "And leave me to be a single mother while you continued your marvelous life as a flight steward? It makes me wonder how many little ones you might have out there."

"I promise." Ruben lifted your thigh, wrapping it around his waist. You lay naked, his skin against your skin. Ruben's erection put pressure against your opening, slowly caressing the tip of your clit. "You're the only one I'd let have my babies." He said.

"And why is that? You don't even know me."

"Maybe not." Ruben aligned his hips between your legs. His mouth at the lobe of your ear. "But we would make such beautiful babies, don't you think?"

"I..."

He didn't let you answer. Instead, your mouth was left ajar, with Ruben thrusting his dick inside of you.

"Fuck." You squinted your eyes and arched your back with the sensation that followed.

"God, you feel so good."

Ruben's hands were placed on each side of your head, his body hovering over yours. He pushed himself into you with the rhythm of the rocking headboard. Ruben fucked you sensless well into the early morning, breakfast being the last thing on your minds.

Arriving back at the airport, back into the reality of the day, made a wave of sadness wash over you. You had the privilege of following Ruben to his gate, and that's when the epitome of your creeping depression hit you the moment you realized that you and Ruben might never see each other again.

"You okay?" Ruben asked, your hand in his.

"All good." You smiled, a fake smile. "Have a safe trip."

"Wow, wow."

You attempted to break free of his grip. However, Ruben pulled you back right away, his eyes searching your face. "Is everything alright? Why are you..."

"I'm fine Ruben, Jesus."

His eyebrows furrowed, looking at you. You had tears in your eyes. Silly tears. Embarrassing tears.

"Y/N." Ruben wiped your tears, his hands swiping your cheeks. He regarded you softly, no trace of the cocksure man you encountered in an airplane bathroom.

"God, you must think I'm in love with you or something." You snorted.

Ruben's half-hearted smile made it harder for your tears to stop flowing. If he could just let you go.

"I want to see you again." He said.

You closed your eyes and sighed.

"What?"

"I don't do long distance relationship Ruben and neither do you."

He chuckled. "I guess not."

"Yeah."

Ruben pulled you into a hug, kissing the top of your head.

"I hate goodbyes, that's all."

"Well then this shouldn't be goodbye, shouldn't?"

"Please, Ruben." You pulled out of his embrace, regarding him dressed in his steward uniform, suitcase in hand. "Are you telling me that you want to do long distance, because not an inch of me believes that you of all people is able to commit to something like that."

"Well, I am, and I want to."

"Why?"

"What do you mean, why?"

"Why do you want to be with me, when you literally have the whole world at your feet?"

"Do you want me to spell it out for you too?"

"Please, feel free."

"Y/N, you're all I've ever wanted in a woman. You're beautiful, smart and funny. Not to mention the best sex I've ever had."

"That's it, I'm leaving."

"No, you're not."

You turned your back on him. However, Ruben had lunged for your waist, railing you back in.

"Let me go Ruben." It looked like the two of you were sharing a heartfelt hug. However, it was mostly Ruben doing the hugging, his lips pressed to your temple.

"I can't let you go." He whispered.

"Why not?"

"Well, you're currently carrying my baby, which makes you the mother of my unborn child."

A laugh bubbled up inside of you. A laugh with a life of its own. A beautiful laugh.

"Leaving you behind at the airport without a promise to return, would be a very irresponsible thing to do, don't you think?"

Your forhead knocked against Ruben's, your nose nudging the tip of his nose. "You're crazy. Do you know that?"

"I think it's called love."

"We can't be in love, we just met."

"And yet here we are."

You wrapped your arms around his neck, nuzzling your face into the crook of it. The smell of him, you'd miss it so much. "They're about to call on your gate. Text me when you land in Tenerife."

"I will."

You let him go. Ruben kissed you goodbye, and then you let him go. He stopped at the tunnel of the gate, waving goodbye. However, you knew in your heart, along with the life you were growing in the pit of your stomach, this was not the end. This was the beginning.

THE END

Part 1 Part 2

[justrainandcoffee]

Inferno (Alfie Solomons x fem!oc)

Alfie x Rose masterlist

Summary: Twenty two years is the time that Alfie waited for that moment. Lawrence Evert was the man who ruined his wife. His Rosie. Evert broke Rose in thousand of pieces for four years and if something characterizes Alfie is that he never forgives. Evert dared to put his feet in Margate and he was going to pay for that with his own life.

Warnings: || Dark fic. || Torture: physically and mentally. Guns. Knives. Mentions of rape/sexual abuse. Mentions of Antisemitism. Mentions of previous killings. || Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Words: 2.1k || This is an alternate universe where Rose's ex-husband is alive (temporary.)

"I think a storm is approaching."

Sitting in Alfie Solomons' living room, Lawrence Evert looked through the window where he could see the ocean and the black clouds.

"It is, yeah. It is."

He heard rumours about his ex-wife being in Margate. That bitch who stole everything from him, including his lands and manor. Rose Solomons was now. The woman of a baker with so much money that could afford a house next to the beach and claim the sand and that portion of the ocean as private property. So rich that that they said that half of London belonged to him. And yet, it was just a baker.

Lawrence Evert wasn't used to lose. He was a lord, owner of mines and ships in England and Portugal. If he wanted something, he got it.

Margate seemed to be a ghost town when he arrived that morning. The first time he visited it, he saw people walking. Adults working and kids running around the streets. But this second time, everything was empty as if everyone disappeared. An unpleasant feeling ran down his spine. It wasn't the feeling that everyone in Margate disappeared but everyone was dead.

Except one person: Alfie Solomons.

His face didn't show any emotion, like a soulless creature waiting in the shadows for the perfect opportunity to show his true form.

The sound of the thunder made Lawrence Evert startled but Alfie remained quiet and still looking at him.

"How's your wife?" Lawrence asked.

"Alive."

Evert nodded. Maybe he should leave the Solomons' house and return to his new place and forgot everything about his manor, his money and his pride.

"She's the light of my life," added Alfie and Lawrence contemplated him as the man in front of him grabbed a match to light up his pipe. "Do you know what happen when there's no light?"

"Darkness."

"What smart boy ya are, aren't ya, Evert?" Alfie smirked but his eyes remained cold as the weather outside "Darkness, yes. Darkness."

"I think you're busy, Mr. Solomons, I need to go and -"

"You're not leaving, Evert. We didn't finish 'ere. You came here for business, innit? Then, we need to talk about business."

The scar on his face and the dim light of the lamp behind him gave him a grotesque appearance, in Evert's eyes.

"I- I don't really think we have much to talk about. I- I think it was a bad idea to come here, I'm not really interesting in making business with a baker."

"I'm not just a baker, Evert. I'm much more than that. Ya know when I was just a baker? When I was 16, when Rosie was 16, too. The moment that ya, almost 40 years old, put your fucking eyes on her, there I was just a baker. Long time ago, yeah, long time ago."

Through the smoke around him, Alfie stared at the man with pure hate.

"My Rosie," Alfie said standing up and walking towards the armchair where Evert was "I'd kill for her. No, let me rephrase this: I killed for her. And I'm going to kill for her once again. Soon."

Alfie leaned against the window and looked at the sea. "I bought this house for her. I promised her a house next to the sea when we were just kids and this is one of the things I'm most proud about. Us, our dogs and the beach. It's our little paradise. Rosie is happy, so, I'm happy."

"I-"

"You're not going anywhere, Evert. Not now, not in an hour, not ever again. This is the day you're going to die. But first, I'm going to play with ya. I'm going to torture ya. I'm going to enjoy every fuckin' second of it, because I waited for this moment twenty-two years."

A gunshot sounded inside the Margate's house at the same time a thunder broke the skies above the ocean. Evert's painful scream, accompanied the infernal melody that on that moment was filling the whole town.

Alfie, gun in hand, looked at him like he was a looking at a shit on his new shoe.

"I'm going to need a new chair," was all he said while Lawrence Evert was on the floor holding his shattered hand against his chest. The bullet destroyed his bones and tendons and the pain didn't allowed him to think.

Alfie sat in his sofa again and crossed his legs. He stroke his gun and kept talking.

"I killed your brother," Alfie said to Evert "I did it inside a Catholic church, because we all know that ya and your fuckin family believe that praying could save ya from hell. I had another theory and wanted to prove to him. Fuckin' cunt yer brother was, wasn't he? He called my Rosie a 'Jewish shit'. Yeah, he did it. So I had no other option but strangled him with his own rosary. I still have it, like a trophy."

Evert was paler, probably because he was bleeding but Alfie didn't pay attention. Instead, he put his hand in his pocket and removed the rosary that he kept there. He saw the horror expression in Evert's eyes.

"Ah, ya recognize, ain't ya? I'm guessing you never know what happened to him, who killed 'im. Well, now ya know." Alfie chuckled and threw the rosary in Lawrence's face.

"Please…"

"Did Rosie say please when you were raping her? When you put your dirty hands on her body? I bet she did."

"Sh-she wanted."

"No, she didn't."

A new gunshot. This time Alfie destroyed his left knee. Evert was trying to get up when the bullet made him fell over the rug again.

"You're not going anywhere, I told you, Evert. This is your final destination. You shouldn't came here." Alfie scratched his beard before continuing "when I was a kid, me mother gave me a book. She barely knew English, but a friend of hers gave it to me 'the Divine Comedy'. Pretty interesting, especially the Inferno. Did ya read it?"

On the floor, Evert was a mix of snot, tears and blood. "DID YOU READ IT?!" Alfie yelled at him and Lawrence tried to recoil, sobbing. Alfie rolled his eyes "oh, fucks sake."

From a table next to where he was, Alfie took a knife. It was a pretty weapon that Rose gave him once, several years ago. Never used it, but it was a good chance to do it now.

"I just want to talked about literature and you're making the things quite complicated to me, Evert. If you're going to die soon, then at least have the decency to talk to the only human being around ya." Alfie's knife ended on Lawrence's shoulder and his scream resounded around the house, but Alfie barely blinked. He was being careful to not cut any important artery but he wasn't being gentle at all. The blade penetrated his flesh, completely. "I'm going to ask once again, did ya or did not read the Divine Comedy?"

"No, FUCK YOU, I DIDN'T!"

"Good, see how easy is to reply the questions another man asks?" Alfie sat down on his sofa again, while Evert was on his carpet with two bullets in his body and a knife on his shoulder. He was shaking, probably about to suffer a shock. But alive. "This memorable quote from the book stayed with me until these days: 'Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.' It was a warning that Dante see before going down to hell. Beautiful."

Alfie stood up and chuckled "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here." He repeated "I should put this sign in my house to warn unwelcome visitors. You made a big mistake coming here, Lawrence Evert. Ya did. Looking for what? My wife? Again? Rose outsmarted you once and she did it again. How many people did ya see coming here, Lawrie?"

"None."

"Ah! Ya learnt how to answer to me. See? Ya, smart boy. "Alfie patted Lawrence's shoulder "Exactly. None because Rosie knew you were here. She's more than my wife, she's very influential here, she's trying to be a member of the Parliament, you know that? My Rosie, getting a seat next to those fuckers. So, Rose talked to the local authorities and you know what they decreed? Curfew. Because a rapist was loose in the streets. To protect young girls, minors. No one saw you, here, Evert. No one was going to see your dead body either because there's no one outside. And this beautiful storm is helping. Listen to the thunders, claiming your fucking soul."

And to corroborate his words, another one resounded in the sky.

"Weather is angry. Maybe your god is, too. But I assure, Lawrence Evert nor the weather or your fucking god is angrier than I am. You touched, you broke the only thing that I love in my life. And you're going to pay for that because nor the fucking knife on your shoulder, the bullets can be compared to the things I'm going to do to you. And you're not going to have another opportunity to ask for mercy because I'm going to kill you just when I consider that you're less than a worm. And you're going be too tired, too catatonic to talk. Maybe once you're dead and suffering along your brother and your fucker mother, then, and only then maybe you'll understand what means to harm Rose and if you decide to reborn and touch her again, I'm going to do this again. And I'm going to enjoy it, like I am going to enjoy now."

Deal or death, said Tommy Shelby the first time he met Alfie. "I know you're angry, Mr. Solomons…"

But Tommy never saw Alfie really angry. Unlike Lawrence Evert.

So Alfie forced him to stand up and dragged him out of the house. The man was screaming in pain and fear, claiming for help that never was going to arrive.

The rain and the sea will erase everything, Alfie thought when at the seashore his knife found Evert's liver and then his penis. He was soaking wet, his back hurt, but adrenaline was keeping him on his feet. That was the man responsible for Rose's trauma. He was the one who took her away from him. He was the one who ruined their lives for almost five years. And was there at his mercy, alive because Alfie wanted him alive. But not for so long.

The beach was a mess of blood and flesh, and if not the storm and the sea, then the seagulls were going to erase the rest Alfie's job.

A boat was approaching the coast. There, two of Alfie's men were ready to take whatever remained of the man to deep ocean.

"No one touch Rose Solomons and live to tell the tale."

The last gunshot blew up his brain and then, finally, Evert died.

The fireplace was on when Alfie entered the house again. The old rug covered in blood wasn't there anymore. There was a white bowl with hot water and a towel next to his sofa and his favourite record sounding in the living room.

"Once, my mother said one of the things that shows love to another person was a warm cup of tea. I agree. I always love coming here after work and have a teacup in my hands, while you're there next to me."

Alfie, still covered in blood and shaking because of cold and the rage that filled his body moments ago, was just watching at Rose who was standing in front of the fire smiling at him.

"So," she continued "I thought you could like the same. There's dry and warm blanket next to the fire as well, Al. You need to take off your clothes or you can catch a cold."

He obeyed. The feeling of the clean and warm blanket caused him a good sensation.

"Here's the cup of tea," she said offering it to him who accepted it. "I must add that along with the tea, one of the things that I consider love language is a hot bath. Those where you can relax and forget the world. But I'm reserving that for later."

Rose winked at him and Alfie couldn't help but smile. He didn't say a word yet, he was just listening to her. The white bowl next to the sofa had cloths that Rose used to clean his hands first and then his face.

"I don't want our bath be dirty with his blood. Once I promised you that he never was going to be between us again and I'm doing my part."

She sat on his lap and used the cloth to wash the last string of blood that was dirtying his eyelids. The water once clean now was red. Slowly, she used the towel to dry his face and hair.

"You're perfect now," she said. "As always."

Alfie left the mug on the table put his hand on the back of her neck to kiss her. That was the woman he loved with his whole heart.

"I love you," she whispered against his mouth while he started to lift her dress.

"I love you, too. I love you, Rosie."

A new thunder broke the sky, but this time didn't cover Lawrence's screams of pain, this time the rain and the thunder accompanied them. And while they were making love in front of the fireplace, Evert's corpse was devoured by the ocean to never been seen again.

[billdecker]

The Mills & Boon book I'm reading, Gentle Savage, continues to be incredible. Here's what's happened so far...

At 17, Kelsey is kissed by her father's friend and business associate Marshall (I know, ew), who is in his mid-20s and constantly calls her honey-bee (yet another ewwww) then fast forward four years and it's the eve of her 21st birthday and Marshall is randomly taking her out for dinner.

Kelsey works at an interior design place in London and is constantly sexually harrassed by the boss's son, Greg, who has ever proposed to her. Anyway, so Kelsey goes to dinner with Marshall where they eat some weird fish and almond on lettuce concoction, and there are many ladies there with their dates who are staring at them because he's dated them ALL. He is the most man is have ever men'd. Before dessert they go for a slow dance and. they're joined on the dancefloor by a woman named Jade and her partner Kent. Jade is all up at Marshall and being spiteful but flirting, and then he reveals that Jade is actually married to Kent and, basically, Kent get your wife the fuck away from here before I punch you (yes, he is that dramatic).

The following day is Kelsey's 21st birthday party and Greg is there, drunk, and he's telling everyone from their company that they've been seeing each other so to save Kelsey from SOCIAL RUIN (this book was written in 1993, not 1953), Marshall suggests a fake engagement because Kelsey's dead dad would want him to save her. Kelsey is a spikey young lady and she's not taking any of Marshall's shit. Greg tries to get all gross with her again but Marshall saves her and they announce the engagement and Greg drives off in his sports car.

To also save Kelsey from COMPLETE AND UTTER SOCIAL RUIN FOR SAYING NO TO GREG, Marshall is giving her a job to renovate a villa in Portugal he has just treated himself to. That means she'll get to live over there for six months so by the time she returns she can call off the engagement by saying he's a total cad and people will feel sorry for her because apparently everyone hates him just as much as she does.

The day after that, Marshall turns up to take Kelsey out for a drive and she spots a wedding and she's like, 'Let's watch!!!! The bride is so pretty!!!!!' So they stop and Marshall is suddenly VERY SAD. Turns out he just loves and leaves the ladies as he does with his big masculine prowess because he OBVIOUSLY HAS A DEAD WIFE. We do not yet know what his wife Laura died of, but the bride looks just like her and he is SAD.

He says he's taking Kesley for afternoon tea and they rock up at this manor house but it's not a country hotel like he told Kelsey but his HOME. And he's not a cold, hard headed brute at all, because HE LOVES AND ADOPTS ORPHANED DOGS, and has an old couple called the Rooks living with him who work for him.

By this point they have shared several kisses and Kelsey has realised she is in love with this man, who is only ever described as dark and sardonic, and she is absolutely desperate to bang the absolute life out of him. This is where I've got up to but when I've finished I'll update, but I'll leave you with this amazing quote describing one of their kisses.

'...he was completely still and then his arms went around her, drawing her to him as his mouth plundered hers. His kiss was violent in its intensity, a fierce hot hunger seeming to take hold of him, ripping the veneer of civilisation away in a second of time.'

[ask2pame]

regarding your rant on frances design: TELL ME ABOUT IT. tbh i think all the designs peaked with beautiful world, and everything after that was just...discount budget versions of whoever theyre supposed to be. the beautiful world designs are GORGEOUS on their own, but compared to world stars? theres no contest. some designs i do like, like england looks nice, if not a little too polished, and portugal is really cute, but everyone else just got twinkified and butchered. and i love a twink! i do! but they look like they could be swapped out with my little pony designs and it wouldnt make a difference. france to me will always be a blonde with a ponytail, a little unkempt, with chest hair and stubble and flamboyantly manly with a touch of tragedy. thats france to me. not whatever waif they cooked up in the more recent series

// ok ok i can't tell if u mean like ''oOOOh tell me about it' as a phrase or u actually are inviting me to tell you about it but i'm going to take it as permission to ramble <3 but im putting it under the cut so i dont spam

okok so UR SO RIGHT i think the new designs are so OFF... like it kinda lost the plot. the characters are all weirdly polished?

ok im just gonna run down the characters i have a lot of thoughts about CUZ my god

ENGLAND!!! its gotta be beautiful world

cuz the early seasons england gets his crankiness on point but this design fits just how cranky and posh(?) he is, like he dresses like an old man and wears outdated 'punk' fashion, he drinks tea like an old lady.. it fits hes cute and expressive.

this england isLOSING hair where did his EYEBROWS GO!!!! thats HIS WHOLE FUCKING CHARACTER but also i really dislike the change from him going from a dirty blond to a bleach blond... doesnt work...

i want my man to look like he has a nicotine addiction, rugged and smug as shit. i think they leaned too hard on the 'tsundere' trope for him cuz hes not puffy cheeks with pouty lips hes an old man with a laundry list of war crimes

-

ROMANO

ok. this one is a little hard cuz romano is good in ever season but he has these little minor changes that drive me CRAZY but my favorite will always be the earlier seasons

this ver of romano was a NASTY bitch he just showed up to be an asshole and i love it so much , i love his hair being dark brown with brown eyes ok , at the minimum his design fit his voice...

for beautiful world i think hes cute but i really don't ? like his eyes being green? like i dont know it just never felt right to me:( i like him having brown eyes

and later his design leans into the prev but when u look at him u don't see that one guy who REALLY doesn't wanna be here hes . too soft?

and the newer romano does have the bad attitude but now he's suffering from the 'progressively becoming a ginger' syndrome that a lot of hws characters have now

-

RUSSIA

my pick for him is all over the place bc i think his new design is SO FUCKING CUTE like i wanna bite him and crocodile death roll him but i think he is SUFFERING from cuteness.... hes so . soft?

earlier seasons of russia showed up just to say some morbid shit and be brutal as fuck but he could also lean into being cute, thats his whole gimmick, cute but scary. his current design is cute with no threat.

i think beautiful world had that balance between cute and scary, he was cute and say mean shit like before and was ready to throw down any time america showed up, thats his whole deal. and you know at the bare minimum he's supposed to be fucking BIG and world stars makes him look like a fucking twink

-

SPAIN

beautiful world was WORKING to make spain look good, he was ugly . he was boring. and then he walked in with a new tan and a warm hair color and the cutest smile (tho its hard to find pics of spain in these seasons cuz hes younger in a lot of them) and then it's just

what the hell happened here. i feel like im going insane but did his skin tone get ashy? like it looks more grey. and i know saying spain is 'tan' is generous but what the fuck happened. why did all his colors dull, why is his hair so . boring. where did the body mass go, where did the attitude go... world stars spain is very 'head empty' and not in a good way ....

-

CHINA

one of the most overlooked characters but i love him

i think my favorite ver of him is still his original cuz i preferred him with dark brown hair and dark brown eyes and he's side part... it was so cute... and they swapped it for a middle part .... </3

like he was so cute ;; plus i preferred him as this kinda irritable older know it all character, like he was groaning and huffing and did NOT want to be there. but then he kind of got? infantalized(?) i think they wanted him to be cute but idk if china is considered one of the ancient nations by its own rules, then can we tone down the :333 factor on him a bit

like just comparing but this might be me raise hands at hima for this characterization. what did you do to my boy

like do u see it. am i crazy

-

these bitches

these 4 just suffer from success in their OG and the beautiful world just made them way better (except i miss italy's darker hair </3) and then they just got handed bad animation in world stars

ok thats all i have time for rn BUT YEAH

[unicornbeck]

Which leads me to a question...

When in Season 3 will Crowley's glasses come off? (And 2 sub-questions: when will we, the audience see his eyes uncovered, and when will he trust Aziraphale enough to take them off again?)

As much as I love our demon's gorgeous golden orbs, one of the things I'm very much hoping for is a reliance on this established symbolism to convey what Crowley is too tongue-tied, or too wounded, to say.

If we see his eyes at all in episode one, I'd be very surprised. A little disappointed, too, although I suppose I could see an 80s-style training montage of Crowley drinking As Much As It Is Physically Possible For One Immortal Being To Consume-- but even then, I don't think he'd take his glasses off. And I don't think the angel will get a look until the second half of the season, at least.

Part of me really wants him to have stayed in London and established connections with humans or Muriel, but honestly, I think getting spectacularly dumped by the only being he's ever loved (because he finally went against every instinct and every belief about his own unworthiness that he had) would leave him feeling gutted, embarrassed, humiliated, hollowed out, carved into pieces. He won't want to be seen at all.

Given the way neither Maggie nor Nina saw either of our ineffables disappear, Nina because she was pretty swamped, and Maggie because she fell asleep, they may think that the boys ran off together. If Crowley comes back he'll be miserable fielding questions about it. I really want Nina to get him spectacularly drunk and get him talking. But I don't think he'd let a human in that far.

I think he would go on a binge, alone, and he'd spend almost all of it castigating himself for having allowed himself to believe that anything might happen with Aziraphale. He's a fucking demon, he will remind himself. He knows better than to open himself up to that level of vulnerability, that kind of hurt. He'll go to some pretty dark places, not Hell, but here on Earth. He'll see his pain as mostly his own fault, with a healthy dose of pissed-off reserved for the angel and Heaven and the Metatron. I think he'll be angrier at himself than he is at all the rest of them combined, though, and that's saying something. He'll try to drown the broken feelings with alcohol and and anger, masked by indifference.

He's faked things before. But it will leave him cold and joyless. He might try to sleep for a few years, to avoid dealing with it. Might run away for a spell to other places... But we know that nothing will solve it for him.

I kind of want Crowley to become a surfer, and to channel his self-destructive risk-taking into fighting waves in Portugal. He'd look great with surfer hair, and I can see him pretending pretty successfully that it's healed him, while inside, he'd still be a mess.

Somehow, my post that started as a thoughtful meta ended up as a suggestion for a really spectacular AU.

[hikarry]

Living in my little bubble, surrounded by wonderful queer, left-leaning friends and allies, it's easy to believe that the world is progressing toward a more inclusive and understanding future. Within this sphere, love is celebrated in all its forms, acceptance is (almost always) a given, and societal advancement feels like a tangible reality.

But recently, I stumbled across something that shattered this comforting illusion I was trapped in—a surge of young, right-wing extremist voices emerging here, in Portugal. Yes, you read that right. Portugal. The very country people think it's pacific and everyone is vibing and "CRISTIANO RONALDO" and "FOOTBALL" and "WHORES AND WINE" and what not.

I was browsing through the depths of social media when I came across a series of podcasts led by disturbingly young and fervent right-wing kids. Legit kids. These aren't fringe, obscure channels, but rather platforms that are gaining alarming popularity among teenagers and young adults and what they say is...is simply absurd. Their messages are a chilling echo of the far-right rhetoric we’ve seen spreading across Europe like wildfire. They are just, what, 19 year olds spitting ideas from our dictator 50 years ago? There's literally a girl saying women are born to be at home and raise kids. A GIRL.

And it’s not just Portugal. Look at bloody France, for crying out loud. Across Europe, there's a disturbing trend of young people being drawn to extremist ideologies. Countries once celebrated for their progressive values are now grappling with a resurgence of nationalism, xenophobia, homophobia, and ultra-conservative agendas. The rise of far-right parties in countries like bloody Germany. Fucking Germany. Germany. Someone fucking slap me.

For a long time, I believed that each generation since around, idk, after WWII, was stepping forward, breaking down barriers and forging a more equitable society. But these young podcasters are a stark reminder that we are not all moving forward together. Instead, it seems that for every step forward, there are forces pulling us ten steps back.

It's easy to feel insulated when everyone around you shares your values. The idea that young people—the supposed torchbearers of future progress—are espousing such regressive views is not just disheartening; it's terrifying.

Cause, yes. I'll confess. Since the last presidential election here in Portugal (2020, I believe? Fuck me, I don't know politics, I'm just ranting alright?), the guy running for the extremist right got 3rd place with a really small difference from the woman in second place and I thought "There we go. The old uneducated folk trying to fuck this up. Fucking Salazarists. Just fucking die already." but little did I know a lot of his votes and one of the reasons why that party is now the 3rd strongest force in the Portuguese Assembly it's because of people my fucking age. Or even younger than me. People that grew up with information on their fucking fingertips.

If we want to truly advance as a society, we need to understand why these ideologies are taking root and work tirelessly to counteract them. The bubble of comfort and progress we live in is not representative of the world at large. And if we want to protect and expand the values we hold dear, we need to step out of our bubbles and confront the darkness creeping in at the edges.

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2023: #10 & #09

10. PORTUGAL Mimicat - "Ai coração" 23rd place

Decade Ranking: 33/116 [Above Diljá, below VICTORIA]

Man, I wish Eurovision had better things in store for Mimicat than 23rd place. It feels like highway robbery? I'm pretty sure we all agree that "Ai coração" slaps? It's cute, whimsical, well performed, her voice is a temple, her dancers sublime.

This is one of the best choreographed bops in recent mothering. SERVER SERVED, MOTHER MOTHERED, as we all knew she would the second she won FdC.

However, I can't shake the feeling that the budget was cut drastically short between Lisboa and Liverpool. The whole ensemble looks more inexpensive? It's not even the missing couch, the camera work and backdrops are uninspired and look like they've been cobbled together last minute? At times, it feels like you're watching a rehearsal. Why is everything so DARK? Why are there SO MANY wideshots? So that we cannot appreciate how good the dancers are?

The issue is one of respect, or rather the lack thereof others had for Portugal. Not many, including RTP for some reason, seemed to believe Mimicat was an easy qualifier (HAVE YOU HEARD THE SONG?!) and even the newspapers here called her "a surprise revelation that came out nowhere to deservingly take a slot in the finale" ummmm.... At this point, you know the writing is on the wall and Mimi will be tossed into a death slot to serve as kindling for the Loreen coronation pyre.

However, I respect Mimicat and her heart, of which she has so much, so I still grant her the top 10 she deserves! 🙂 A suboptimal Mimicat is still a Mimicat, you know. Some people carry the Serve gene, and it is dominant in her.

"Ai coração" is -if nothing else- a wholesome, catchy earworm that is a joy to listen to and behold under any circumstance. Top shelf filler, eventhough it deserved more distinction. Mimi OWNS it, it's her song, and only she can perform it this well. Her vocal, the dancers, the build up it's all delectable and I savour it. It made for a fun and whimsical three minutes that definitely earned more than an unfair bottom five finish for the ultimate crime of not being a bookmaker's pet.

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

09. ALBANIA Albina & Familija Kelmendi - "Duje"22nd place

Decade ranking: 31/116 [Above VICTORIA, below Albina (Tick Tock)]

MORPH! It's been YEARS since the last time I've had a positive whiplash between preshow and postshow, and here we are (and it's not the last one...x) I've done a complete 180 on Albania and have ZERO regrets. "Duje" flies in the face of every principle Eurovision 2023 stood for (a song that IMPROVED from the NF and was RESPECTED by its stage director), how could I not reward them with a generous, well-earned spot in my top 10?

But first things first - Yeah, "Duje" came into Eurovision with a lot of problems. It was outright bad in FiK. It was off-putting, cult-like, amateur and had no true identity beyond "Hi We Are The Kelmendi Family From Albania This Is Our Song Representing Albania". The only salient detail was that Albina wore a giant ass cloak that obscured half her face, as her family awkwardly shuffled around like cross-wired automatons. Everything about FiK "Duje" was lame and inept, and I was rooting against its qualification - This one, I concluded, was not for me.

How wrong I was.

I don't even know HOW OR WHY, but once in Liverpool, it clicked. I completely underestimated that Albina Kelmendi's is kind of an amazing talented performer, and good god this was a great performance. Both in the semi and in the final she delivered on the passion and the pathos, which the act put at the centre.

THE SCREAMINNNNG

THE DRAMA

The CHOREOS

Which brings me to the act which... SJB magic at its finest tbh. It respects the people on the stage. The Kelmenboys were recalibrated into competence, and Albina's dad, sister and sister in law all proved decently charismatic individuals that could serve as worthy foils to Albina.

Albina's mother and brother remained servephobic blocks of wood but that humanizes them, in a way - Mama Kelmendi is just Doing It As A Favour For Her Kids, just like how Mery Bas is doing Zorra for her 500.000 gay manwhore sons. which is earnest.

Alban otoh... hasn't improved at all, lmao. It's hard to discern whether its the complete inability to perform or just not giving a fuck because moving and singing is tedious yo, or both (also like Mery Bas). At a certain point you have to accept his role as one of comedic foil lurking in the background (notice how he's always directly behind Albina) and in that role, I can appreciate him. Missing his cues all the time with a bored look on his face amidst a group that was whipped into a style of discipline you only see at North Korean national parades, gives just enough personality to the performance to make it work, and not seem like Albina, and five androids.

I'm still figuring out how it all came together as well as it did, and where they Actually rank for me, so about 9th seems a good poiint to start? "Duje" was really good, and that's enough for me. If an act that I didn't like very much delivers the drams out of nowhere, I'm not going to ruin it by overthinking it. "Duje" may have gotten the typical Albanian result but through magical happenstance felt just that bit more special and earnest than the typical Albanian entry.

THE RANKING!!!

(feat. a new graphic since the old one wasn't clear enough imo)

The font of the numbers could use some tweaking but oh well, i think this looks better? Next update whenever I'm ready I guess.

[loversofthegrave]

BALLAD OF A FREAK BOY - sammy playlist X

no one's boy marcy playground 2. my beloved monster eels 3. where is my mind pixies 4. me and the devil soap&skin 5. please please please let me get what i want deftones 6. to be alone with you sufjan stevens 7. flume bon iver 8. child psychology black box recorder 9. brother alice in chains 10. your lucky day in hell eels 11. king's crossing elliott smith 12. i'm so tired fugazi 13. talk show host radiohead 14. son of sam elliott smith 15. how to fight loneliness wilco 16. heart of darkness sparklehorse 17. lonely day system of a down 18. metal heart cat power 19. bleed the freak alice in chains 20. half right heatmiser 21. nutshell alice in chains 22. bottle up and explode elliott smith 23. troubled times screaming trees 24. sad and beautiful world sparklehorse 25. last call elliott smith 26. a wolf at the door radiohead 27. bootcamp soundgarden 28. frogs alice in chain 29. losing my religion r.e.m 30. say hello 2 heaven temple of the dog 31. do you believe in the rapture sonic youth 32. mental eels 33. gouge away pixies 34. novocaine for the soul eels 35. spaceboy the smashing pumpkins 36. last night i dreamed somebody loved me the smiths 37. inbred ethel cain 38. the bends radiohead 39. i need some sleep eels 40. sleep forever portugal, the man 41. father of mine everclear 42. just mark ronson, phantom planet 43. opium marcy playground 44. jigsaw falling into place radiohead 45. sinister kid the black keys 46. special death mirah 47. the wolves (act I and II) bon iver 48. why i don't believe in god everclear 49. love of the loveless eels 50. about today the national 51. it's been awhile staind 52. too afriad to love you the black keys 53. one more suicide marcy playground 54. lonely boy the black keys 55. mouth bush 56. to forgive the smashing pumpkins 56. fell on black days soundgarden 57. out of my hands dave matthews band 58. what's the matter milo greene 59. little black submarines the black keys 60. cold contagious bush 61. only dying - demo stone temple pilots 62. eye the smashing pumpkins 63. abuse me silverchair 64. soma the smashing pumpkins 65. pretty (ugly before) elliott smith 66. the vampyre of time and memory queens of the stone age 67. ugly - sadlands demo the smashing pumpkins 68. freak silverchair 69. feel the pain dinosaur jr 70. creep stone temple pilots

[ms-snape]

FIRST MEETING (world cup)

Summary: Y/n meets Hakim Ziyech after Morocco qualify in the Semi-final.

Y/n's POV

I hug the pillow over my head unable to face the daylight, but hey with a manager/best friend like Leila I didn't have much choice.

"Come on Y/n, I have to get you ready for the game," she said as she rummaged through the hotel room closet.

"but the match is at 6pm, it's only 12 o'clock" I say checking the time in my phone.

"Yeah, but you should go sooner because of all the paparazzi" sometimes it was really exhausting being a celebrity, with all the paparazzi ruining my life, all the relationships I had until then it was all over because of them. I slowly get up from the bed and walk over to Leila who was still rummaging through the closet, I reach out and pull out a Morocco jersey and jeans.

"you're taking your head too much, I'm not going to wear a stupid and shiny dress for a game, that would be ridiculous" I said while I was going to the bathroom to take a shower.

Hakim's POV:

I would be lying if I said that I was not nervous for the game against Portugal, if we ever won this game it was straight to the semi-final, we had passed so many teams, among them Spain and now the Portugal, provided luck is on our side again.

"Ready for one of the most important matches of our careers?" Soufyan approached Achraf and I shook my head as I tightened my shoelaces.

Y/n's POV:

~After the game~

I was watching all the moroccans in the stadium celebrating which made all the fans morocco go through to the semis with a 1-0 win over portugal i wish i could have stayed and savored the win longer but that would mean dealing with harassment from the paparazzi, so I got up and joined the bodyguard who was to escort me outside, but my plan was obviously for nothing once near the exit door the camera flashes dazzled me.

"Shit" I mumble suddenly I felt a hand grab my wrist and drag me to a dark place.

"I think we sowed them" a deep voice said to me, suddenly a light flooded the room, I could now see that we were in a kind of janitor's closet, I look at the man who had saved me from paparazzi who turns out to be...

Hakim Ziyech

(Thanks) I manage to say

"No problem, I know it must be hard the pressure they give you." He smiled at me and I felt something really weird.

"Oh I'm Hakim by the way" he said stretching out his hand, I shake it saying

"Y/n"

"I know, you're kind of famous" he said which made me blush.

"I'm not the only one famous in this room, well done for the grading by the way" we spent the next hour talking about everything and nothing until we were sure the paparazzi were gone.

"The way is clear I think" he said looking left and right of the corridor to check, it was totally deserted, suddenly I remember that my phone was in airplane mode, I turn it on and see that I have 67 missed call from Laila, the poor thing must have been worried after 2 hours without any news, I decided to send her a little text message to reassure her.

"Shall I drop you off?" Hakim asks me.

"No it's good you've already done too much for me"

"I insist, plus there's no one to take you back" he said taking out his keys, I shrug my shoulders and he makes me sign to follow him which I do without hesitation, on the way to my hotel Laila sent me a texto.

~Be careful when you come there are paparazzi in front of the hotel~

"What is it?" Hakim seemed to notice my disgusted expression.

"My manager just texted me, apparently there are paparazzi outside the hotel" I said putting both hands to my face, I felt the car stop and a hand landed on my thigh.

"It will be fine Y/n" he tries to reassure me.

"I really wished I had a normal life ," I sighed.

"A lot of celebrities want that, all because of people who just want to see them freak out, so don't give them that satisfaction, understand?" I nod my head looking him straight in the eyes, the look lasted a few seconds before he started the car again. Arrive at the hotel he parked a little further to avoid the votours.

"There's a back door over there" he said getting out of the car I did the same and followed him to the door which fortunately was open.

"I think that's where we part," I said, smiling at him.

"It'll be a shame if this is the last time we see each other, he began before pulling out his phone, so maybe we should go out one of these days."

"I would like that, but after the world cup to keep you focused"

Two months later

I heard my phone ringing taking me out of a wonderful dream that I won't write to you, I let out a hateful sigh against the person on the other end of the line who immediately evaporated when I saw who it was, "Hakim <3", the famous Moroccan footballer and I had started dating since the World Cup despite Morocco losing in the semi-finals, I clear my throat to remove all traces of sleepiness from my voice before dropping out.

(hi) I heard him greet me and just one word from him made me smile ear to ear, it still had the same effect on me even after all the dates we had.

(Hi) the greeting back.

"sorry if I woke you up, I know it's early" he started to apologize, and God, I could forgive this man anything.

"No no it's okay, so in wich honor is this calling?" I asked him.

"well, I was wondering if you were free tonight?" I could hear the hesitation

"it depends for what"

"to have dinner with me" I felt my heart skip a beat, we had been on quite a few dates, but not the kind of dinner party, despite that I already knew my answer.

"I would love to" I said before Leila walked into my room without knocking of course, thinking I was still sleeping, so you can imagine her surprise when she saw me well and truly awake on my bed talking on the phone.

"Good Hakim, see you tonight," I hung up while Leila gave me her smirk.

"Shut up!" I shouted, she started laughing to which I responded by throwing a pillow over her head.

Hakim's pov

I was laying on the bed thinking about the night I'm going to spend with Siham tonight, I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel attracted to her, because I clearly was and that was a relief. t to learn that she was also living in Italy, it would have been torture to live far from her.

" are you still sleeping?" A voice made me jump. I get up to see my brother at the door.

" Knock before entering" I glare at him.

"I thought you were sleeping, after all you don't have practice" today he dares his shoulders, I get out of bed and head to the kitchen to prepare my breakfast.

"there is the PSG match against Bayern Munich tonight, we watch it together?" He proposed to me, in other circumstances I would have accepted, because we often watch matches together except that tonight I couldn't.

"no, I have other plans" I simply tell him, he looks at me frowning

"Do you have a date?"

"how you?" I start my question but he interrupts me immediately.

"It's February 14, Hakim , Valentine's Day, you can't have any other plans than to go out with a girl" it made sense.

"so who is the poor girl? I know her?" He asked, I shrugged and turned to my cup of coffee. "maybe you've heard of her before, but I doubt you know her personally"

"what's her name?" I hesitated to answer this question, but decided to do it .

"Y/N, her name is Y/N" I confessed, he smirked and I knew that was the start of a series of questions.

"where are you taking her?"

"I rented a restaurant for the evening," I told him effortlessly, waiting for the next stupid question, but I certainly wasn't expecting what followed.

"You love her?" I didn't know what to answer to her,of course I cared about her and everything but I don't know if I'm in love with her, that would be a big word.

"I don't know"

I sighed

well, I'm sure you'll have the answer to this question tonight, by the way, what are you going to wear?"

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

That's it

Thank you for reading and see you soon for a new imagine.

Love u❤

[mr-nauseam]

So some time ago @rosesandalfazemas ask me for a list of fanfic recommendations... You probably have already read most of them or even know more works because this is a small world and I'm outdated but well!

ENGPORT FICS -AO3 EDITION

> Lovesick by Ludwiggle73

Summary: Fresh out of rehab, Arthur Kirkland is ready to get his life back to normal—or, at least, as normal as a rockstar’s life can be. He’s supposed to be sober now . . . but everyone knows love can be a drug. He might have a new lease on life, but the withdrawal of a lovesick heart could very well be the end of him.

...

This is a classic, you know I will never shut up about this one but is punk ENGPORT, what we needed in this damn world and a great character study about England!

> O grito das gaivotas (The cry of seagulls) by Saso_615

Summary: João took out two bottles of rum and his precious instrument from the boat they had settled on the beach. Arthur was already close to the greener parts of the island ; palm trees, different kinds of plants, tall grass and bird chants drew the prince's attention. Though, he would be stopped by his captain who wanted to stay closer to the water.

"I'll teach you how to dance like the women in my country. Venha. (Come)" He placed a hand behind Arthur's back to lead him to a perfect spot.

"I will not dance like a woman!" The brit protested, though it only made the portuguese laugh.

"Come on, even for me?"

...

I just read the title in Portuguese and I UNDERSTOOD NOW WHAT IT SAYS AND WHY IT IS WRITTEN LIKE THAT. Eu sou agora muito poderoso.

What can I say? It's fucking amazing. PLEASE read the warnings also if you can't stand a bastardized characterization of Spain I think it would be better to don't read this one but If you can. Go ahead!!

> Of Pointed Teeth and Tongue by Allheroeswearhats

Summary: Arthur Kirkland, against his best wishes and reason, is in love with the memory of someone he met on a beach many years ago.

...

*I pound the table*

THIS IS PURE ART. YOU HAVE NO IDEA JUST READ IT!!

> Sailing away by chocoCate

Summary: There is a secret place in the depths of the castle of Picas, a magical room accessed through an invisible passageway.

Only a few people have been lucky enough to observe the room, drawn by an arcane magic that dates back to the time of creation.

Inside, the hands of a clock guide the destinies of the chosen, consecrating them as the new rulers of Picas.

Only Kings, Queens and Jacks have the honor of observing its ancestral mechanisms, of perceiving the strange sensation of the magic that caresses their skin and envelops them completely, of listening to the ticking of the hands that write their future.

No one escapes the destiny marked by the impassive hands, according to ancient legends.

But someone tries; well, this is the story of that attempt.

...

IS IN ITALIAN... I translate that description BUT HEAR ME OUT!! JUST USE THE TRANSLATOR BECAUSE THIS ONE IS A CARDVERSE ENGPORT + PIRARES. WHAT A WONDERFUL CREATION. THIS ONE REALLY WORTH ALL THAT WORK.

> For i want what i cannot have by primaveris

Summary: Not at all, Arthur, Afonso wants to say, you're so much stronger and braver than I could ever dream to be.

...

I read this a long time ago but I remember even now, how, like a ghost these words hunt me for we so touching. A cute and tortured fan work.

> Watch me cry all my tears by our beloved: Kai_Maciel

Summary: An aging, sickly sailor leaves his empty house to venture into the sea once more. This time, he won't be coming back.

...

The title is a foreshadow of how you will end after read this one but I swear IT WILL WORTH IT!!

> The Dark World is Not Far from Us by le_serpent_qui_nous_devore

Summary: Summer, 1943. War warms the Mediterranean. Portugal simmers in his own resentment.

...

VERY HISTORIC. NOT EXACTLY A ENGPORT ENGPORT ONE IN A EXPLICIT WAY BUT IS A MASTERPIECE

> Alliances by NothinToSeeHere

(best username 🤭)

Summary: Arthur stumbles across his nemesis, Francis and brother, Allistor together in a compromising position, and lifelong friend Miguel (Portugal) is by his side in an instant. Much angst, and lots of fluff for the rarepair lovers!

...

Dude YOU DONT KNOW. BUT THIS ONE MAKE ME FALL INTO ENGPORT. I read this one on tumblr and gOD WHAT A EXPERIENCE!! Very emotional 💗👌

> Murphy's Law by extrastellar

Summary: Arthur is single and salty, and he can't even be left in peace at a dumb frat party, but at least the bloke who interrupted his sulking is actually pretty hot. So it's just Arthur's bad luck that everything that can go wrong, does go wrong and he ends up without a name, or a number, and a mission.

...

One of my comfort fics 💗

> Jorge's Day by Shachaai

Summary: A small group of Nations attend a garden party on the feast day of a patron saint some of them share. It's obviously not a birthday party for one of them. It obviously is.

...

Shachaai IS ONE OF THESE NAMES. Like of course! if you became a engport fan you will ending reading one of their stories because they will make all engport content existing for years but that one is my favorite

> A Guiding Star by sailorgreywolf

Summary: Portugal and England's once strong and enduring relationship is filled with rough edges and complications that must be resolved if they are to return to their love.

They have a heart-to-heart talk.

...

This one dont have a summary but I make one. I hope it mades justice to it.

> A faery song by our godness: cakewizard

Summary: What an odd nation his friend was, Portugal thought and took his offered hand. He was more careful during the rest of the trail, watching for upturned roots and low hanging branches, England’s tight grip on his hand leading the way.

...

People will say they carry the burden of making the world's best engport and they will be right 🙄

[clochanam]

👀 // heehee hoohoo

send in 👀 to hear what aisling would say about your muse to another person. ( ACCEPTING! )

it's been six months since alec left. what a pleasant way to describe it. like he just handed in his resignation and went to portugal for his early retirement. not like he broke her heart and turned against the tiny shard of MI6 that remained good at their core. six months. and if you include the period of determined denial, it's really nine.

high time to do something about it, then. she hands in her resignation, packs her bags, and gets to work. every single location the two of them ever visited on missions. the sites of highly important government officials who owed him favors. past safehouses, places close to his heart. she tracks every single one of them down, and records everything. photos, notes, recordings, footage, all documented meticulously. no disguises. just aliases. anna jenkins. alice jennings. allison james. aliases that cling to the truth and lure him in like breadcrumbs. only he's much too clever to fall for something so indiscreet.

it's what she wanted. a loyal recruit sent to figure her out, desperate enough to prove himself that he might get a little... excited. and he does. he takes a metal pipe from a construction site, follows her into the dark apartment, arm raised to strike. and then she emerges from behind him, slams her heel into the back of his knee, and cracks her elbow against that spot between the neck and the base of the skull.

when he wakens, enraged by how easily he was taken down, she's got him cuffed to the shower, door closed and leaving a grimy pane of glass between them. " scream. go on. you have five seconds, then we need to get back on track. you were a little easier to handle than i expected. "

" you think he doesn't know where i am?! "

" no, babe, i know he does. it's what i'm counting on. i just need you to deliver a message for me. " she lowers herself to sit on a soft velvet stool. the second he opens his mouth, she twists around to pull the toilet chain. instantly, ice-cold jets of water spit from the shower head, dousing him as a stifled yelp leaps from his open mouth. " yeah. shit plumbing. explains the low rent, though, huh? anyway. the message. i want you to tell alec that i left. i'm no longer working for MI6. and i want a meeting. "

" the two of you are actually certifiable. why the bloody FUCK can't you just go be with him?! or leave him alone?! what's this bullshit of turning the world into a fucking chessboard?! "

" not an MI6 man, then? not CIA, not by the inability to follow orders. so an independent mercenary. makes sense. see, here's the thing, tom. you join something like MI6, or the CIA, and you learn a code. brotherhood is a sweet name for it. loyalty. but in the end, it's just blind faith. just assuming they give you the correct information, the truth, the honesty that you're obligated to give them. alec saw it way before i did, probably since before i ever got involved. i suppose... ever since we'd met, he'd been protecting me. he'd take the kill shot so i could go home with clean hands. he'd hold me when the nightmares had me caught. he went through so much just to keep me safe. it took me ages to see it. the lies, the deceit, the amount of times we were fucking abandoned. when i got the call from felix, he urged me to go. so then i was the one who abandoned him. he had to endure it all alone. when i'd come back, it was like watching him disappear bit by bit. you know what that does, tom? to a person? to watch the love of their life fade and transform and emerge completely different? "

" ...this is who he's always been. "

" doesn't matter. either he lied to me for all those years in the field, in the cabin, in our bed, or he's lying to me now. either way. the lies end here. tell him, tom, because i know he's enroute, i know it's only a matter of minutes. tell him to meet me in the cabin. alone. he knows better, after all. hallowed ground, if you like the religious metaphor. "

" i don't. "

" tough shit. " she yanks the toilet chain on the way out, and another onslaught of ice cold water hits him, causing a shriek to serenade her on her way out the door.

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias/Trent Alexander Arnold x Reader - Dark Rivarly Part 4/15

Part 5 and 6 are already out on my Patreon for FREE!

Reader is Trent Alexander Arnold's twin sister. The two have been inseparable since childbirth, more so now when Reader is fresh out of university looking for a job, crashing at her brother's place whilst doing so. One day Reader gets a job offer that she cannot refuse, however it would mean working for her brother's biggest rival in football, Ruben Dias.

Enjoy!

"You want me to be your what?"

"Stylist." Ruben repeated.

The shop was supposed to be closed as the time was currently fifteen minutes past nine. But apparently Ruben had sent for you earlier that day, however there had been some miscommunication between him and his assistant, ultimately leading to Ruben returning to Grandma's shop, looking for you personally.

"I'll pay you twice as much as you're getting here." He said. Clueless to the fact that Grandma wasn't paying you at all, working you like a slave.

"But why me? I'm not a stylist." You asked, still shook from the way he had barged into the shop, surprising you in the dark.

"Look, I'm in a bit of a crisis. My stylist just quit on me." He explained.

"She did? Why?"

"He actually. And I guess I sort of fired him."

"Oh. And why is that?"

Ruben looked to his feet, hiding his blossoming cheeks. "Well, after my appearance at the award ceremony in Portugal the other day. People..." He coughed. "My teammates to be specific, started calling me the leprechaun of Manchester City."

"Hmm. I wonder why?" You smiled.

"I'll admit that going with the green suit wasn't the best fashion choice I've ever made." He nodded. At least he was able  to see the funny side of it. To you Ruben had initially come off as someone who couldn't take a joke. Like his assistant for example. "I should have listened to you when you tried to warn me. But that's why I'm here, to listen to you, as my new stylist."

"I see." You said, folding your arms. You began circling him like a shark. "Even though I have no experience?"

He shrugged. "You seem to have enough fashion sense."

"Right."

You were currently wearing blue jeans and a Levi's t-shirt, complemented with a pair of run down sneakers. Ruben must really be desperate for a new stylist. You wondered how you could use this in your favor.

"And you didn't freak out when I came into your store the other day. Most people would have begged for an autograph or a video of me giving a shout out to their business. You didn't ask me to do any of that."

"Right." You nodded. In the back of your head you were laughing. "So you need someone unafraid to tell you like it is. For example when you make horrendous fashion choices and so on?"

"Exactly." He nodded. "I need someone just like that. I've worked with so many people that call themselves professionals but just end up kissing up to me. It's money wasted on my side, since I get people kissing up to me for free every day."

"Alright big boy, enough about your complaints of being rich and famous."

Ruben frowned. "I wasn't complaining."

"No?" You looked at him skeptically.

The corner of his lips twitched. "Okay, maybe I was complaining a little."

You chuckled.

"So this job offer, what else does it include?"

"What do you mean?"

"Beyond my salary I mean. What are the other benefits?"

"Well, you get to come with me to all of my events, football games and such."

You rolled your eyes.

"What? You don't like football?

"It's not that, I've just had enough of it in my life."

"Because of your brother?"

"What?" Your heart jumped.

Ruben laughed at your startled reaction. "It's just that when you mentioned him. It just seemed like he is a very passionate Liverpool fan."

"Right, a fan." You chuckled. "I guess you can say that."

"Yeah, some people get like that. I say it's bad for the sport when people get too personal about it. At the end of the day it's just a game."

"Tell that to Grandma." You muttered.

"What?"

You perked up "Nothing! So when can I start?"

Ruben's face lit up. "I'll have my assistant send a car for you tomorrow. I need to shop for a new wardrobe after firing my former stylist. I can't trust to wear anything he's made me buy."

"Hold up." You paused. "You're shopping for a whole new wardrobe. Like entirely new clothes?"

Ruben nodded. "Even socks."

"Right. I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

"I'll see you tomorrow..." Ruben stepped up to you, offering his hand. "I didn't get your name."

Heat rose to your face. "It's Y/N. Y/N, Arnold."

"Nice to meet you Y/N Arnold, I'm Ruben Dias. Your new boss."

A thousand thoughts roamed through your mind, firstly how handsome Ruben looked up close. However you quickly shook that thought away. It was a dangerous thought. A thought that could lead to something messy. You wondered how Grandma would take it if you quit working at the shop. Technically you wouldn't need to quit, but you couldn't tell her that you were working for Ruben Dias, a Manchester City football player. What would your family say? What would Trent say?

Trent....

He would be outrageous. Betrayed to the bone, just like he betrayed you. The thought amused you, sincerely because it would be the ultimate revenge. The perfect revenge.

********************************************

"Look at her Ruben, she's too young, too inexperienced."

"She's perfect Miranda."

Less than twenty-four hours later, a car was sent to pick you up from your grandmother's address. You were taken to some obscure boutique in Manchester that was highly praised for their men's couture. Ruben named his budget and left you to it, whilst he and his assistant sat back discussing your arrangement as if you couldn't hear them.

"It's a gamble Ruben, if something goes wrong she'll...."

"It won't." He said sternly. You were surprised how much he was pushing to keep you, even though his assistant clearly thought otherwise. "Trust me, she's the right person for the job."

"I'll believe it when I see it." His assistant muttered. Just then you came baring a mountain of clothes.

"A little help." You groaned.

Ruben stood, unhanding you the many items. You had gone all out, picking out outfits for every occasion, casual and formal.

"I guess I better try these on." He said.

"Yes, and remember, black can never go with blue, nor red with white."

"Got it." He nodded and disappeared into the only dressing room in the shop.

"Ruben might think that this is a good idea, but I don't." Miranda, Ruben's assistant said.

You sat down next to her.

"Hiring a young girl like you to be his personal stylist can only end in heartache and I'm not talking about my heart or Ruben's."

You pondered her words and thought carefully how to respond. "I'm Y/N, by the way. I don't think we were probably introduced that day, you mistook me for my colleague Jennifer."

Ruben's assistant looked down at your outstretched hand as if you were offering her a shot of poison Ivy. Either way, she was too professional not to shake it. You startled her with your firm grip, making her meet your determined gaze. "I take it the term personal assistant, doesn't really require me to have a personal relationship with whom I'm working for. I'm only here to do my job and go home, no?"

His assistant searched your face, eyes narrowed. A sly smirk then twitched the corner of her lips. "That would mean a job well done, yes."

"Good." You let go of her hand. "Then we're both on the same page."

For you this arrangement was strictly business. Strictly revenge to be exact. There were no other strings attached.

"Yeah, this is what I'm talking about."

The curtains to the dressing room flung open and Ruben stepped out wearing a leather jacket, gray turtleneck and a pair of dark jeans that fit him a little too well.

"I like this look. Good job Y/N."

"Pleasure is all mine." You smiled.

His assistant stood. "Shall we take some pictures for your Instagram?" She pulled out a small camera out of her purse. A Canon camera to be exact, with the ultra lens. What seemed odd to you was perfectly normal to Ruben, who followed his assistant out of the shop and onto the streets. He began posing in front of the camera, leaning against a brick wall, whilst Miranda snapped a couple of shots.

"Are these for Ruben's Instagram?" You questioned.

"Yes." He answered, since Miranda ignored you. "People would love to see the outfit of the day, it's also the fastest way to get a response, see if you've done your job well." He winked.

You were still frowning. "Why aren't you smiling?" You asked.

"Huh?"

"In any of the photos. Why so serious?" Your words made him chuckle just as his assistant snapped a shot. Miranda groaned as she looked at her camera, examining the image.

"What? He looks good." You said, peering over her shoulders.

"He looks unprofessional." She said, "The brands that Ruben is working with won't want him beaming at the camera like a foolish boy."

"I bet the fans would love it." You said, to which Miranda turned to you with the nastiest of glares. Luckily Ruben appeared behind the both of you, his attention drawn to the image of him beaming like a foolish boy.

"Keep it." He said. "Y/N is right, the fans will love it."

You had the sudden urge to stick your tongue out at Miranda, however you managed to contain yourself, turning to Ruben and bowing your head with courtesy. The way he was looking at you, a stupidly boyish smile on his face, told you that doing your job was going to be harder than you thought. However it was all for one cause, to make Trent pay for what he had done.

[residentraccoon]

Israel and Italy good, but I think the juries overrated them too much.

Italy just seems to do well in general but the performance just left me completely underwhelmed. Israel I can't really see why it got points, other than for the performance.

Very proud for Estonia, Belgium and Lithuania. Some true dark horses, so props to them

I thought Austria will get MUCH more televotes like it was mad popular what happened??

France and Spain got TANKED and that sucks, they were SO good, Europe um tf??

WHAT DID THEY DO TO MOLDOVA COME ON THEY JUST DID A FULENN I'm absolutely gutted, it was perfect and so catchy and forest rave song in native language what did you want more Europe come onnnnn

Serbia, Slovenia and Portugal my beloveds noooo what kind of sick joke is this?? POLAND IS EVEN HIGHER THAN THEM EUROPE WTF LIKE SERIOUSLY WTF

And to end this stupid post, Europe still continues to ignore Germany, like...okay I'll stop now. That was NOT a last place moment.

[lapontoart]

I'm considering leaving my country for a better (or at least, a decent) lifestyle and the only 2 places I have in mind are the UK and Portugal. It's a big jump in the dark, but I need a change in my life. I need to talk with my family first, telling them how I felt.

[eurovision-del]

Portugal start their Eurovision selection tonight with the first semi final of Festival da Canção. This is another national final I always look forward to, so what did I make of this year's songs?

iolanda – Grito

João Borsch – Pelas Costuras

Rita Rocha – Pontos Finais

Bispo – Casa Portuguesa

MELA – Água

Huca – Pé de Choro

Rita Onofre – Criatura

Perpétua – Bem Longe Daqui

Nena – Teorias da Conspiração

Mila Dores – Afia a Língua

No Maka ft. Ana Maria – Aceitar

João Couto – Quarto Para Um

Maria João – Dia

LEFT. – Volto a Ti

Léo Middea – Doce Mistério

Buba Espinho – O Farol

FILIPA – You Can’t Hide

Cristina Clara – Primavera

Silk Nobre – Change

NOBLE – Memory

I generally enjoyed this selection – writing up a few notes on each song as I listen to help me rank them, the word I used more than any other was ‘interesting’ – usually as a compliment but occasionally not so much. However, aside from a couple of songs at the bottom that did not work for me, I enjoy the vast majority of songs here, but two stand out above the rest.

My absolute favourite is Grito. This is a fantastic song, dramatic without being melodramatic, sombre but never dull. I love the way it progresses, from the completely a cappella opening (which will be impressive if she can nail it live) building up to a climax on the titular cry at the end of the bridge, before drawing back for an ending that summarises the melancholic tone of the whole song. I love the melody on the chorus, the little repeated ‘ainda arde’ is beautiful and sticks in my mind. The overall sound here has an almost cinematic quality with the orchestration, it feels powerful, but also haunting at the same time. It’s a brilliant example of the sort of ballad I love.

I also really like Pelas Costuras – I knew I would before João even started singing with that guitar intro and immediate pulsing beat. It’s a very cool sound, and the descending melody gives it this dark colour which I love. I like the way it’s been produced, it’s got this gritty quality to it while also sounding polished and complete, and I love the tone of João’s vocals on the studio cut.

I really want one of those two to win. While there are plenty of other songs I enjoy, those two are so far ahead of the rest of the pack for me I’ll miss them if something else wins. Of course, my opinions could change if either fails to deliver live, but I’m really hoping they can both pull it off. Looking at the whole competition, the semis are really unbalanced in terms of how much I like the songs in each – in my entire top 10 there's only two from the second semi – not a great place to be in cause it means I'm definitely gonna loose some songs I like tonight, but on the other hand it means I’ve got a lot to look forward to in the show itself!