#it rises in ben barnes’ eyes

[belle-keys]

the age-old discussion as to whether or not ben barnes was poor casting for dorian gray is incredibly funny to me like yes we know that dorian is supposed to look like an innocent blond cherub instead of a dark luciferian daddy long leg prince of sin because literature but it all comes down nitpicking in the end because i’m just sure that oscar wilde the man himself would have been salivating over ben every waking minute of his damn life if he were here

[jazzkrebber]

lmao i made something

[ravens-two]

PAC: What Does Your Future Spouse Look Like?

This reading includes:

your FS's general physical traits

your FS's vibes & celebrities with similar vibes

The extended reading includes:

your FS's fashion style

your first impression of your FS 

Disclaimer: this is just for entertainment purposes, and as a pick-a-card reading it may not resonate for everyone.

TIPS | BOOK A READING WITH ME | PATREON | LINKTREE | SUGGEST A PAC TOPIC

Pile 1

Houdini - Dua Lipa

Five of Cups, Ten of Pentacles, Two of Pentacles

Pile 1, the first thing I notice in your person is their eyes. It's not necessarily about the color - although it could be that they're a particularly pretty color - but more that they are very expressive. It also seems that for most of you, this person has really big eyes. Perhaps round or almond shaped too. Think something like Al Pacino, Cate Blanchett, Liv Tyler, Kurt Cobain or Adrien Brody for example. They can convey a lot of emotion with just their eyes. I also see that some of them have crow's feet when they smile too, which is really endearing honestly.

Another thing that I pick up from your person is that they seem to have a vaguely sad vibe to them. Do you know that meme "my poor little meow meow"? Their vibe is a bit similar in a way. They just look like they're sad and you have the urge to take care of them. Again, think a bit about someone like Kurt Cobain or Adrien Brody.

When it comes to their body they're tall or, at least, they give the impression of being tall and broad. Especially for men, they have broad shoulders even if they aren't muscled or chubby. For the women I also think that they tend to have broad shoulders and a narrower waist, but their most prominent feature seems to be their chest. They may have big boobs or they tend to use clothes that emphasize their boobs. I think that even for the men, their chest is quite prominent.

When it comes to vibes it's mostly what I've already said your person has this "please love me" vibe. Despite this, they're capable of commanding attention and they tend to look quite elegant. It may be that they have a lot of pisces placements or a pisces rising. In general, I think that they're attractive, but not like conventionally attractive or Hollywood attractive if that makes sense.

I also think that your person shows themself differently to different people. With you they may feel more comfortable to be a "poor little meow meow" while with others they're more closed off and may even appear a bit cold. I just heard that they have a poker face, so with other people they may completely close off and be hard to read.

(extended reading here)

Pile 2

Kiss Me More - Doja Cat ft. SZA

Six of Wands, Page of Wands, Eight of Swords

Hi, pile 2, your FS is the type of person that gets other people's attention. They are very conventionally attractive (I feel like especially when it comes to their face), but they don't really see themselves life this. In fact, I think that they're quite insecure about their appearance. This almost feels like body dysmorphia honestly (and for some of you it could be related to them being trans, while for others it could be related to an eating disorder). The reality is that they can't see themselves the way other people see them.

They have really thick and luscious hair - it reminds me a bit of Carlos Sainz or Ben Barnes for the men - and most likely it's either wavy or straight. For most of you they have rather long hair, the men tend to have up to shoulder length hair, while for the women it can come down to their waist. When it comes to color, most likely it's dark, but for some of you it could be bleached.

Most of them seem to have tanned or dark skin, this isn't really about skin color, if they have black skin for example, it's really dark. For the people with lighter-skin they have a tendency to blush a lot or get flushed (especially after drinking). They also have really pretty teeth, probably very straight or they just look endearing, and a pretty mouth too. Despite having a pretty mouth not all of them have thick lips, it's more about the shape of their mouth. I feel like they tend to smile a lot. It kind of reminds me of Julia Roberts a bit who is known for her smile.

Some celebrities that have similar vibes to them are Carlos Sainz, Julia Roberts, Anok Yai, Adut Akech, Dominik Szoboszlai and Michael B. Jordan. 

When it comes to their vibes they seem to be youthful and always in their own world. It's almost like they aren't really paying attention to what's going on around them. They also seem to be a bit introverted or closed-off in public, despite all the eyes that they attract. If surrounded by friends they may be a bit more open and might be cracking up jokes with them. No matter what they seem to be really nice and will always give a small smile to other people, like the waiter at the restaurant for example.

(extended reading here)

Pile 3

The Shadow of Your Smile - Nancy Sinatra

Four of Pentacles, King of Swords rx, Ace of Pentacles

Pile 3, your person doesn't seem to be very tall. They're either medium height or actually small. It may also be that their vertical line is short even if they are in fact on the taller side they seem shorter than they really are. But, the most noticeable thing about them is that they seem to always have a serious expression on their face - some of them even have a resting bitch face. I think that they have very expressive eyebrows, they may even move them without meaning to. You'll be able to tell what they think by their eyebrows. Like, they may have look super serious almost as if they're upset but by their eyebrows you can actually tell that they're just relaxed. Speaking of their eyebrows they also seem to be very full or bushy. I don't think that there's a monobrow here, but it could also be the case.

When it comes to their face your FS has really strong facial features, especially their jaw and nose. The jaw reminds me a bit of Angelina Jolie for the women and for the men it seems to be a bit of a mix between Timothée Chalamet and Henry Cavill. For some it's more square while for others it's sharper. The noses here tend to be either aquiline or roman, but either way they're also quite prominent. Think a bit Gisele Bundchen, Jenny Slate or Alba Flores for example, or Hrithik Roshan and Dev Patel.

I don't know how to explain it but they also have a very earthy vibe, like tanned skin, freckles, calloused hands, it's like they just came back from working in the garden, if that makes sense. They also have brown or black hair, and the men tend to have beards (nothing too big though). They also have super clear and healthy looking skin.

Besides the eyebrows I also think that they have really noticeable hands. Their hands may be big or just very pretty in general, they may be veiny too. Their nails are healthy and well kept, and they probably have long and thick fingers. The way they move their hands may also be very attractive, like their gestures or just by being very dextrous with their hands. When it comes to their body they tend to be thicker or chubbier, I'm seeing like amazing and really thick thighs for both men and women. I also feel like your FS exercises a lot or they move a lot because of their work and so they tend to be chubby with a lot of muscle underneath.

In general, I think that their vibe is just very chill. They have a "don't fuck with me" vibe, but they're just doing their own thing and don't really want anyone to bother them. They also seem to be very hard-workers and earthy as I said, like down-to-earth too. These aren't people with delusions of grandeur.

(extended reading here)

Pile 4

Crazy - Aerosmith

Lovers rx, Empress rx, Knight of Cups

Pile 4, this is my androgynous and gender non-conforming pile. If you're familiar with the Kibbe body types or essences, these people would be the Ethereal or Angelic essence. Do you know the Lord of the Rings elves? Yeah, basically that's the vibe. Their features are delicate and they can look a bit otherworldly. Think of Tilda Swinton, Willow Smith, Halle Bailey or Lisa Bonnet. For the men you have again Lee Pace and Orlando Bloom as elves, but also Eddie Redmayne, Cillian Murphy, Jared Leto and Ethan Torchio. For me, Ethan Torchio from Maneskin is the best example for men here. He embodies the facial features and hair that makes him look quite androgynous, and also a bold and avant-garde style.

In general, your person tends to look a bit flirty or mischievous. Again, they have this elf or fairy vibe to them. They tend to look playful and approachable. This isn't the type of person you'd be afraid of talking to, they just seem super nice and open. 

No matter the skin color your person also tends to be pale, this is more their complexion really. Some of them may look a bit like vampires think Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in Interview with a Vampire. They also have clear skin and the men tend not to have beards. When it comes to hair it tends to be long, especially for the men. For the women, I actually think that they may tend to have shorter hair or even a shaved head.

Their faces are beautiful, but not really conventionally attractive. They have something otherworldly about them that just pulls you to them. They may also have asymmetrical faces, especially when it comes to the eyes or jaw. Also, speaking of eyes they have really intense eyes. The type that seems that they can look right through you. Besides pile 1, this is the pile that seems like they may have light eyes.

When it comes to their body shape they are leaner instead of muscly or thick. They may have muscle definition, but they're just lean and maybe a bit lanky. They seem like they have a high vertical line or they're tall. In general though, they're just long. They have long legs, long arms, even long fingers.

(extended reading here)

[astraveritas]

★ people with taurus rising or prominent taurus in their chart tend to have eyes that are more far apart, their cheeks are usually fuller, and smiles are wide with nicely shaped lips

serena williams (taurus rising); brendan fraser (taurus moon/rising); gigi hadid (taurus sun/mercury/rising)

janet jackson (taurus sun/mercury/mars); sam smith (taurus sun/mercury/venus); dionne warwick (taurus moon/ rising/jupiter/saturn/uranus)

★ scorpio rising men eyebrows are just low straight thick line above their deep set eyes, they out there looking like -_-. they also have long eyelashes, and their eyes tend drop on the outer corners. this whole thing kinda creates the illusion of their eyes always being hidden in shadows.

hrithik roshan (scorpio rising/pluto in 11h); chris evans (scorpio rising/pluto in 11h); kid cudi (scorpio rising/pluto in 12h); jim carrey (scorpio rising/pluto in 10h)

★ cancer sun/virgo mars women have the prettiest eyes, just baby deer in the headlights.

ariana grande (cancer sun/virgo mars); saweetie (cancer sun/virgo mars); phoebe cates (cancer sun/virgo mars); lady london (cancer sun/virgo mars). — also both ariana and saweetie have taurus venus, and phoebe has taurus moon)

★ leo sun men with cancer placements in their chart tend to have cleft chins

ben barnes (leo sun/cancer mars); ben affleck (leo sun/cancer ascendant/venus); matt leblanc (leo sun/cancer ascendant); 

cameron monaghan (leo sun/cancer venus); sebastian stan (leo sun/cancer venus); shawn mendes (leo sun/cancer venus/mars)

★ queens of the bohemian/hippie style are without a doubt mutable suns/heavy mutable energy in personal placements, especially the gemini-sagittarius duo, I mean look at the material

stevie nicks (gemini sun and mercury/virgo mars); sasha obama (gemini sun and mercury/saggitarius mars); florence welch (virgo sun/gemini moon); 

zoe kravitz (saggitarius sun and mercury/virgo moon); mary-kate olsen (gemini sun/virgo moon); erykah badu (pisces sun and moon/saggitarius mars/ascendant)

★ it’s weird but I can always spot scorpio rising women cause of their shoulders, they’re usually bit broader, straight, with nice collarbones, their upper body seems to be triangle shaped cause of their shoulders and wider ribcage

diana ross (scorpio rising/pluto in 9h); lana del rey (scorpio rising/pluto in 12h); lily rose depp (scorpio rising/pluto in 1h)

★ margot robbie and sharon tate both have cancer rising and moon in 3h with jupiter conjunct ascendant

they both have more square shaped head with really short chin, that I’ve noticed in a lot of cancer rising with chart ruler in 3h

carla bruni (cancer rising/moon in 3h); sara gilbert (cancer rising/moon in 3h); fergie (cancer rising/moon in 3h)

[padfootagain]

Caught Red-Handed

Hi! I am answering two similar requests that were sent my way a few weeks ago. Anons requested that Ben and Reader would get caught while making out by the Shadow and Bone cast.

The fic was a little short when I wrote only what you had requested, so I’ve added a cute domestic scene at the beginning. I hope you don’t mind!

Thank you for all your sweet messages anon, they made me very happy!!! I hope you like this piece I wrote for you! Tell me what you think about it :)

****

Pairing: Ben Barnes x reader

Warning: fluff, tooth-rooting fluff even, some making out but no nsfw content

Summary: You and Ben are happy to be reunited when you come visit him on set in Budapest, while he’s shooting Shadow and Bone. Maybe, you’re even a little too happy, and you get caught by the cast being a little too… passionate.

Word Count: 2882

There is something awfully lovely about mornings.

Or, to be more precise… there was something awfully lovely about this particular morning.

It wasn’t about the scenery, though. It wasn’t about the young sun coming up, still shy and yet already promising a warm day; nor was it about the glistening rooftops of Budapest. It wasn’t about the delicate light coming in your bedroom that painted the walls golden, and it wasn’t about the beautiful architecture of the town.

It wasn’t about the hour either. It was barely 6 am. You could have wished for a little more rest. The covers were warm and soft on your skin, the mattress comfortable, you could have been reluctant to get up. You could have played the infamous five-more-minutes game. No, it wasn’t about all of this.

Actually, it was about that smell of coffee that filled the apartment. It was about the soft humming you could hear, coming from the kitchen, in a deep and warm voice. It was about the quiet rummaging, the scraping of a spoon against glass, and the rhythmic hit of a knife against a plate. You smiled before opening your eyes.

It was about the man who was preparing breakfast for the two of you.

You let out a yawn before finally opening your eyes. His side of the bed was empty already, but it was alright. You knew he was there. You could hear him in the kitchen.

You still let your hand roam across the empty space by your side, out of habits. After two months being separated by thousands of miles, it was normal to feel like all this was a dream.

It wasn’t though. You truly were in Hungary, you had arrived the previous evening. Ben had come to pick you up at the airport despite his busy schedule. Shooting a Netflix TV show was, after all, a lot of work. Still, he took time to be with you. He always did…

You had flown across the world to join him on the set of Shadow and Bone, and would stay for a couple of weeks. These were your vacations, and you couldn’t be more satisfied about them.

You picked up some clothes on your way out of the room, and soon headed to the kitchen to find Ben cutting fruits and preparing toasts, a warm cup of coffee by his side on the counter. He kept on humming and swaying as he cut an apple in slices, setting the pieces in two different plates. You noticed that he was wearing his earphones, thus not noticing you as you approached. It gave you a moment to lean against the doorframe, and enjoy the sight of your boyfriend standing there, in the kitchen bathed in early-morning light. He was wearing his sweatpants but no shirt or t-shirt, and you took your time to admire his back and shoulders, study the muscles of his arms moving with each fall and rise of the knife. You took in the sight of his dishevelled hair, and his naked feet, and the pure intimacy of the scene. There was something gentle in this domestic moment, outrageously simple, and you reckoned that was what made it all beautiful.

He was surprised when you wrapped your arms around him, pressing your chest against his naked back and dropping a kiss on his shoulder.

He winced, taking off his earbuds.

“Your hands are freezing!” he cried with a laugh.

You pulled away a little, unfolding your arms so your hands wouldn’t touch his chest anymore.

“Sorry,” you apologized with a bright smile and a small voice.

But Ben was merely laughing, and he took one of your hands in his.

“That’s okay. I don’t mind.”

He brought your hand against his lips to drop a sweet kiss on your knuckles. But when you touched him with your free hand again, he jumped and pulled away completely, fleeing.

“Ha! No, okay… I do mind. I do mind, you’re too cold. That shouldn’t be allowed, at this point,” he protested, laughing more than ever.

You were struggling not to laugh as well, and tried to pout instead.

“I can’t even touch you!” you protested.

He handed you your cup of coffee as an answer. You were finally facing him, and you noticed the dark bags under his eyes, the way his eyelids fell more than usual on his black eyes. He was not fully awake yet. But then, he didn’t seem to have taken a shower for now, which explained his drowsy look.

“Warm your icy fingers first. Then you can touch me all you want, but no more ice cubes!”

You accepted the cup of coffee, the warm porcelain burning your skin. You let Ben stand before the counter again, before teasing him.

“I can touch you… all I want?” you asked with a flirtatious smile, bumping your hip into his.

You saw his cheeks reddening, and the way he was biting back a large grin. He picked up the knife again, and resumed his cutting.

“Now… that could be arranged.”

You let out a giggle, before kissing his cheek. He turned to kiss your lips.

“But not before tonight. No time for shenanigans this morning.”

“Really?” you pouted again.

“Don’t give me that look,” he chuckled, trying to ignore you, but miserably failing to do so. “We just have time to eat some breakfast, get a shower, and then we are needed on set. Or well… I am needed on set. You’ll just spend your day distracting me.”

“A shower?”

“Don’t. Start. Besides… I thought last night was enough to get us through at least twelve hours without you giving me that look again.”

It was your time to shy away, and Ben’s turn to smile contently as he tortured you.

“Right… you’re right.”

“Now, I’ve made breakfast. Let’s hurry! Besides, everyone is asking about you, and when you’re joining us on set, and they keep on repeating how they miss you… bla bla bla,” he pulled a ridiculous face, full of disgust, and you couldn’t help but laugh.

“Ha yes… that must be so annoying that your colleagues love me more than they love you,” you chimed, and Ben gave you his best villain stare.

“I do not find it funny.”

But it made you laugh even more, and he broke out of character in a mere second.

You took another sip of coffee while Ben was wiping his hands and putting the knife down on the table. You tentatively touch his arm with just the tip of one of your fingers.

“Too cold still?” you asked, making your voice shy.

Ben shook his head, his smile still on his lips.

“No, it’s fine now.”

“YEEEEEES!” you cried, rushing to hug him and almost tackling him to the ground. He was back at laughing like crazy.

You held him tightly, releasing him just for a second so he could get comfortable and wrap his arms around you as well.

“Thank you for making breakfast,” you mumbled against the skin of his bare shoulder.

“You’re welcome, darling.”

He dropped a soft kiss on the top of your head.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” he whispered, holding you tight.

You smiled, pressing your cheek harder against his collar bone.

“Me too. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

“Or well… actually, I’ve missed your shirts. Like this one I’m wearing… they’re very comfy.”

“I hate you…”

“Y/N!”

Three steps.

You only needed to take three steps on set for everyone to be aware of your presence, apparently. You could thank Jessie and her happy cry for that.

She rushed to hug you, and you welcomed her embrace with a bright laugh.

“Hi! It’s so good to see you!”

“Ben kept you away from us for way too long!” Kit added, giving you a hug as well.

“I did not!” Ben defended himself. “She’s the one who didn’t want to see any of you.”

“Now, we know that’s not true!” Jessie replied, sticking out her tongue.

“I was just busy with work,” you explained. “I couldn’t go on vacation before now.”

“Excuses, excuses…” Freddy shook his head.

It was strange to see everyone in full costume again. You spent your morning chatting with your friends, depending on who was waiting for a scene. Ben left you with the Crows to get ready, and you didn’t see him again before lunchtime. Or well, you did see him when you watched him from afar while he was working on a scene but you remained unnoticed, to avoid bothering him.

He fell on a chair by your side for lunch, heaving a tired sigh. It was a merry time, full of laughs and joy and stupid jokes. Jessie took several pictures of you and Ben, and you looked at them fondly on your phone after she shared them with the whole group. Ben leaned closer to look at the screen too.

“You look adorable,” he admitted as he stared at your bright smile.

��I’m not sure how I feel about these scars of yours though,” you teased, pointing at the large marks that had been added across his face.

“It’s to show how much of a bad guy I am. I am tough. Tough guys have scars, you know?”

“Sure,” you laughed. “The Darkling, for sure, is a very bad guy. You, on the other hand, are probably the cutest person I’ve ever met. You’re the opposite of a bad boy.”

He heaved a dramatic sigh, shaking his head slightly as he stared at nothing.

“And then… all my sex-appeal was gone for good…”

You laughed at him, and the mere sound brought a smile to his lips, the kinds he couldn’t refrain.

“I wouldn’t say that, now. We still have some plans for tonight, remember?”

“Plans? Us?”

You looked around quickly, but no one was paying attention to your conversation with Ben. You leaned closer to whisper in his ear.

“You did promise that I would touch you all I want…”

Despite his make-up, you saw his ears and cheeks redden fiercely.

“True… I won’t have the scars anymore by then though. I won’t look like a bad boy anymore.”

“I’ve always preferred kind souls, anyway,” you replied with a grin, before you would drop a peck on his lips.

You rested your head on his shoulder while you listened to Danielle and Amita chat happily, and were disappointed when it was time for him to go back to work.

You walked with him across the main building, hand in hand, accompanying him to the set. He rubbed circles against the back of your hand, the gesture tender and soothing. It was quiet in this corridor, everyone either finishing their lunch or going on set as well. People were busy. Meanwhile, you took slow steps while Ben was rambling about some movie he had watched that week. You forgot for a moment where you were: in a foreign country, in a building you didn’t know, where people created fantastic worlds out of their imagination. Only when you looked at Ben and saw him in full costume, with dark marks across his face, did you remember that he was at work. It was strange, really… the way he always made you forget everything else in the world whenever he was near.

“You’re alright?” he asked with a frown. “Am I being boring?”

“No, of course not. I’m sorry, I was just… thinking.”

“A penny for your thoughts?”

“It’s just… I’m just happy you’re here.”

Ben offered you a tender smile, slowing down his steps until the two of you came to a stop. The corridor was empty, silent. You could hear the distant whisper of busy rooms, but the air around you was still. Ben raised his hand to cup your cheek, his thumb tracing tender patterns across your warm skin.

“I’m happy you’re here too. Even if… you’ve abandoned me all morning.”

You laughed at his teasing, and he did the same.

“Now… again… it’s not my fault if I’m everyone’s favourite!”

“I highly doubt you are, darling. But if it makes you happy…”

You stuck out your tongue.

“I can assure you though that you are someone’s favourite,” Ben added through a chuckle, “if not everyone’s.”

“Whose?”

He let go of your hand to wrap his arm around your waist and pull you closer to him.

“You are my favourite.”

You let out a bright laugh.

“Considering that I’m your girlfriend… I do hope so.”

“It was a tough competition though…”

“Do you really want to sleep on the couch tonight, my love?”

He rested his forehead against yours as he laughed.

“What about that plan of yours, huh? I thought you had planned some very sinful activities…”

He bumped his nose against yours a couple of times, until it would make you smile.

“Well… for now all I have are plans. Nothing more.”

He hummed, and you closed your eyes. Because you could feel the way he held you tighter against him, the way his fingers were caressing your cheek, his thumb travelling downwards to brush your upper lip. You were so close, your two breaths mingled in the small space between your faces. Your heart had sped up, and so had his.

“We both know those plans will happen though,” he assured you.

“Really?”

But he didn’t answer; he merely closed the gap between your mouths, and you wouldn’t have been able to find any argument against these plans of yours as he did so.

You kissed for a long time, your fingers lost in his hair despite the fact that he was needed on set. And the more time passed by, the more heated your kiss became… lips against lips dancing together, capturing, grabbing, pulling, crashing…

When his lips left your bruised ones to travel down to your neck, you had forgotten how to breathe altogether. He left a trail of goosebumps in his wake as he dropped warm, hungry open-mouthed kisses down the side of your neck, all the way to that sensitive spot at the birth of your shoulder. He slipped his hand under your shirt, warm fingers running across your back until he teasingly moved his hand to your ribs, his thumbs rubbing the soft skin. You couldn’t refrain a gasp as his fingers grazed the edge of your bra, and you held tightly on his shoulders for balance, your knees suddenly feeling dangerously weak…

You were, however, in the middle of a corridor, and you were well aware that things couldn’t go further than that. So, you held his face in your palms, pulling him away just enough to kiss him again…

… until you heard some shocked cries from the end of the corridor.

You broke away just enough to see Archie, Freddy, Amita, Kit and Jessie all shouting dramatically and covering their eyes.

“How disgusting!” Archie shouted.

“My eyes! My eyes!” Jessie added.

And all of them added their own cry of despair. Ben rolled his eyes, clenching his jaw in an annoyed gesture that remained filled with fondness. Meanwhile, you were giggling uncontrollably, burying your face in his shoulder to hide your embarrassment.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough!” Ben called, struggling not to laugh, and blushing profusely.

“Can we look now? Have you stopped?” Amita asked, peeking through her fingers.

“They make rooms for that kind of stuff, you know?!” Kit exclaimed.

But soon they were unable to refrain their laughter, Jessie being the first to break out of character.

“Alright, alright… let’s go back to work,” Ben replied, shaking his head playfully while you finally broke your embrace and put a step between you and your boyfriend.

“You might need to go back to get your hair done before going back though, mate,” Archie teased, pointing at Ben’s hair that you had, indeed, turned into a proper mess of dark locks.

It made all of you laugh, but Ben could hardly deny that it was more than necessary.

“All of you are just jealous I have the most wonderful woman on Earth just for myself,” he replied, as your friends started to walk towards the two of you again.

“Absolutely not. We just found your PDAs insufferable,” Freddy replied.

“Really?” Ben asked back, rising an eyebrow.

He looked at you with such a mischievous glint in his dark eyes, you knew he meant trouble…

“Kids, these days… they’re a little prude, aren’t they?” he teased his friends, nodding towards them while still staring at you, making them all laugh and exclaim various excuses and arguments to defend themselves.

“You’re right… but they’re young, that’s why,” you nodded. “They still have much to learn…”

“Why don’t we traumatize them some more, then?” he offered, closing the space between the two of you again.

He wore this shit-eating grin again, and his dark eyes glimmered with mischief and something dangerous…

You nodded.

“Yes, we should…”

You were interrupted by a pair of familiar lips against yours, as he held your face in both his hands…

His castmates started their shenanigans again, but you merely smiled into the kiss this time, unwilling to pull away.

After all… you liked it when Ben was full of this kind of mischief…

[theweeklydiscourse]

The Darkling’s ending in Shadow and Bone season 2 was so excessively cruel that it flattened every bit of complexity Ben Barnes had imbued him with along with the nuance that could have been carried over from the books.

I saw a post on twitter that read something along the lines of “People hate humanizing depictions of abusers because it forces them to exist in a complicated emotional reality that their victims were trapped in for years.” I believe that this passage is emblematic of the approach the writers took to rewriting and adapting the end of Ruin and Rising into the Netflix show.

Now I’ve written at length about how I believe that the “Darkling as an allegory for abusive men” is extremely flawed and ultimately fails to convey the message it wanted to deliver. But interpreting the show through the lens that, in the writers minds, Aleksander is a good and subversive depiction of an abusive man me helps me understand why they rewrote the ending.

In the books, Aleksander’s death is not only written explicitly as a sad (not triumphant) moment, but also an extremely intimate one. At that point, he had essentially given up and surrendered to Alina following the devastating realization that without Alina and Baghra an eternity of suffering and loneliness awaits him. He could never return to the community he had built and protected for decades and this moment is recognized in the text as a tragic culmination of his life of struggles. Of course, this moment is not without its flaws given that it supports the narrative that power = corruption and evil, but it is humanizing regardless. He dies in Alina’s arms in a moment of vulnerability where Alina promises to fulfill his final wish and is allowed to feel saddened by his death.

So of course the Netflix show opted against this. Of course Alina can’t feel any emotions aside from self-righteousness and anger. Of course she must spout a heaping of faux-badass and on the nose lines like “there is no redemption” and “let them come” as she’s impaling him with a sword. OF COURSE she can’t hold him as he’s dying or show a shred of anything that might be construed as sympathy because in the eyes of the writers, that would portray the complicated nature of their relationship.

Alina can’t display any vulnerability or even acknowledge the fact that she killed a persons who she once cared about and had a profound connection with because the writers are so deeply obsessed with anticipating any and every potential criticism of the story that they strip the characters of the little complexity that they already had. I can’t help but feel like the writers were so fixated on the idea of making a powerful statement on “scary manipulative men” that they leaned really hard into Alina being a stoic girl boss who stands up to the evil man and is so freaking badass that her emotions and empathy evaporate.

Really it was an act of cowardice. After all, why take risks and humanise your sympathetic villain when you can just vilify and condemn him for actions that were ultimately for survival?

[starlightshadowsworld]

So in comics there's definitely been and are characters that everyone just agrees that they have to die.

And stay dead.

Think of Thomas and Martha Wayne, Uncle Ben etc.

Now these have changed from what they were initially

After Death in the Family, Jason Todd was supposed to stay dead.

And he did, for 17 years before coming back as the Red Hood.

Like there was a fake out in Batman: Hush that it was Jason and it was wild.

Bucky Barnes, also meant to stay dead and did so for 37 years.

... 37?!

Before becoming the Winter Soilder.

And these aren't in universe years, this is real world time.

Now it's hard to imagine them not wandering about.

So I'm trying to think what 3 characters I think should stay dead.

At least for the forcible future.

And who's dead that should be bought back.

.

Staying dead: Jason Grace (Percy Jackson: Heroes of Olympus.)

Yeah... I know.

I love him I'm still holding out hope he will return but I don't think it's coming.

I say think because... Leo.

Jason Grace is the perfect example of, I followed the rules, I did everything I was supposed to and I still lost everything.

He's the perfect soilder, the paragon of heroism and he fell sacrificing himself to save his friends.

I think it's best if Jason stays dead because his death is used to show the fragility of human life.

Of the harrowing lives demigods lead.

His final words are punctuated by him staring at Lester, Apollo in his eyes as he's stabbed.

And telling him to remember.

Remember what you saw, remember the way my life drained from eyes.

Remember this day, and know I'm not the first nor the last.

It's such a powerful moment.

Especially because Apollo gets to know Jason and is hit throughout the book that Jason is so young.

That he's just a kid.... that they all are.

Demigods aren't promised happy endings.

Most don't live to be adults, and it's perfectly and tragically shown perfectly through Jason's death.

He just got the life he wanted, found out Leo's alive... And than in a moment it was all gone.

Also, for Jason who's served 14 years at 16, he deserves to rest a while.

.

Coming back to life: Summer Rose (RWBY)

Didnt see that coming, I was very much on the "Oh my gosh can we not... Can she just stay dead" train.

Now look at me.

To be fair we know more than we did than and I am really interested to know what happened to Summer.

What happened to STRQ in general to be honest.The tragic death that no one speaks of.

Who's events seem to be only known by Summer herself.

And with the rise of Grimm like the Hound, a beast made of both grimm and silver eyed warriors.

With the note from Ruby and Yang that Summer could have been the turning point.

From Salem killing silver eyed warriors to capturing them.

Given Salem was trying to kill Maria when she was young, now am old lady.And has only ever tried to capture Ruby.

That and Grimm Summer is just the concept ever, I wanna see Summer Rose the paragon of being a huntress be an underling for Salem.

Especially if she's not as reluctant of a follower as we may believe.

.

Staying dead: Junko Enoshima (Danganronpa)

Junko is that werid one of I want her to stay dead but like keep her memory alive.

Because it makes sense too, woman caused the apocalypse.

And if we're still operating in that universe it makes sense she'd be bought up, especially after the fact.

But I don't think Junko herself should be bought back.

I get why they did it in Danganronpa 2 because it made sense.

But after, I don't think Junko needs to keep being our main bad guy.

I think exploring the word, her followers and hell people have nothing to do with her would be a lot of fun.

If they do bring her back I'm not gonna be mad, just think hey if we can have multiple protags it'd be fun to have multiple villians too.

She can't carry all of this on her own.

If they do bring her back, kinda defeats the purpose of her death.

Of why it meant so much to her, why she had to lose to Makoto the ultimate hope and her own class.

She lost but she also won.

It's such a huge thing and to bring her back and than kill her later it really deminishes the impact her death had.

... That and...She'd need a whole new body because who knows what happened to her corpse.

.

Coming back to life: Matsuda Yasuke (Danganronpa)

Speaking of followers of Junko I'd like to see.

We know little about Matsuda, given he's only appeared in Danganronpa Zero.

I think him being around would be really interesting especially in a world where Junko stays dead.

Because Matsuda is that complex thing of being someone infatuated and in love with Junko.

He was her childhood friend and boyfriend after all.

But also someone who wants her to change.

He created a version of her devoid of despair and he'd be happy to keep her that way.

Which is a unique perspective because most Junko followers think she's the most perfect thing ever.

And I think having that perspective would make for an interesting story.

Because no one really sees Junko as a fully realised person, not even Mukuro her own sister.

Also even aside from Junko, Matsuda also plays a huge role in the killing game's.

He's the one responsible for the memory wipes.

Being the Ultimate Neurologist.

I personally would love to see the memory stuff explored given it was always second to the killing games.

I get why but it's so cool and not something we talk enough about. Wonder if he was scouted by Hope's Peak not just for having a talent but for it's usages.

Say... The Kamakura project 👀.

I dunno but I think Junko's boy toy deserves some time in the spotlight.

.

Staying dead: The Grabber (The Black Phone)

His death was not only deserved.

It was fucking satisfying.

Watching Finney use everything the other boys gave him to beat that fucker.

That has kept him hostage, killed several others and is now getting his just deserts.

Was glorious.

... And I'm well aware that there's a sequel coming.

And I'm just hoping he stays dead.

Because not only do the ghost boys, Finney and Gwenny deserve to rest.

The Grabbers death was just perfectly set up and delivered so brutally.

That him being alive and returning to die later kinda ruins the ending.

Because it's Finney's fight to freedom.

I mean if that's the way they go with it, I can't say I'm not intrigued but yeah... Not in a rush to see him again.

Would much rather see someone else wear that mask.

.

Coming back to life: Sammy Emily (Five nights at Freddy’s)

The fact everyone dies and comes back to life in this series.

But not Sammy is a crime.

I'm sorry but the story about the mysterious twin brother of the girl who becomes the puppet.

Is something I wanna see.

I know he's only been mentioned vaguely in the Silver Eyes books.

But that's only more reason.

Just Sammy who's thought be dead for years raised by his mother and having an unexplainable connection to Freddys.

I mean tons of kids in the Fazbear Frights books have been drawn or compelled to go to Freddys.

His would make the most sense.

Maybe Williams after him?

Maybe it's Charlie in the Pizzaplex recognising and calling out to him.

Maybe he's the new night guard at the place trying to figure out what happened here... And why it feels familiar.

Maybe he knows about Freddy’s but he knows Charlie was taken and killed.

A parallel to Charlie thinking it was him in the original books.

Maybe he's out for revenge or just trying to find his missing sister.

There's so many possibilities.

I'm just saying if we can get a book about Sea Bonnie's we can get a Sammy Emily story.

.

Well that's my list.

Feel free to add your own, I'm curious.

[caffiend-queen]

The Auction

Chapter Three: Not Out of Obligation

In which we learn What Comes Next for our new brides.

Chapter Two here

Like everything I write, this is 18+ only. I am barely capable of looking after my own children, I can't parent you, too. Plenty of profanity, explicit object sex, and general dystopian misogyny

James…

“It’s done.”

I barely got the words out before Rowan was nearly leaping on me, arms around my neck and tearfully thanking me. Her angry shell cracked wide open - at least for the moment, I reminded myself - and her joyful, lovely face was alive in a way that was so different from the bitter, practiced way she’d been onstage.

I just blurted it. “You’re so beautiful.” I’m amazed still that such a perfect woman had been walking the streets of the same city I had and we’d never found each other before this. Amazed at my good fortune and that she didn’t seem to hate me. That she was grateful. 

But, I thought, just how grateful?

“I don’t know how to thank you,” she began, but then her light dimmed, just slightly. “But, I promise, I will be the best wife I can be for you. You saving Ben for me, I just-”

My fingers slide into her hair and I kiss her again, I don’t want to hear her forcing herself to be the bride that was bought and paid for. Rowan’s mouth is open and wet from my tongue and god, I have never tasted anything so sweet. 

She sucked in a determined breath and her hands moved to my jacket, slipping it off my shoulders. The cuff caught like it always does on the glove on my left hand and I pulled back. Rowan’s long fingers - musician’s fingers - were already trying to unbutton my shirt. 

“Wait.” I caught her hands in mine. “Just… take a breath. This has been an insane day for you.”

Goddamnit. Her eyes rose to mine, that pale, perfect green. The color of the Nile River. I’d seen that river twice, once as a kid when it was that exquisite color, like nothing else on earth. The second time, choked with bodies and parts of it on fire. I shook my head and tried to smile. 

“Oh, god. I’m so sorry,” she started speaking very quickly, “I just… you want to be in charge of course and I’m throwing myself at you-” 

I watched a flush rise up that silky, pale skin on her neck and groaned internally. My fucking dick is about to tear a hole through these pants. 

“No Rowan, it’s not that. I don’t want to sleep with you because you think you owe me. Sex out of obligation is…” 

She’s stepping away, arms crossed and that pretty blush is turning her face red.

Rubbing the back of my neck, I feel my willpower slipping. I’ve got to get away from her or I’ll be fucking her right here in the hall. I press a button on the wall next to the light switch, and Mrs. Kashif is standing in the doorway instantly. She’s even made me jump before when she materializes out of nowhere.

“Rowan, this is Mrs. Kashif, she runs the household.” I watch her nod and smile at my house manager, who inclines her head politely. “Mrs. Kashif, this is Rowan Barnes. My wife.” If she’s surprised, the old broad will never show it. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Barnes. Perhaps I can introduce you to the staff tomorrow and take you on a brief tour?”

And Rowan takes it all in stride, straightening back up and clearing her throat. “It’s my pleasure, Mrs. Kashif. Thank you, I would like that.”

Meantime I’m standing there with my cock so hard it’s like a fourth person in the room and I know my housekeeper is carefully keeping her beady brown eyes away from me. “Can you show my wife to the master bedroom and help her get settled?” 

My wife, I think, that sounds so good.

Looking at my bride, I manage to smile even though all the blood’s left my head and settled down south. “I’ve got some work to finish tonight. Why don’t you get some sleep?” She’s even prettier when she’s confused, that hard careful shell is gone and her pink mouth moves for a moment before she manages to say, “Of course. Thank you. I’ll… see you, then? Later, then?”

Leaning in so I don’t poke a hole in her stomach with my dick, I take her chin and give her a slow, light kiss. God, her mouth. It’s perfect. Like the rest of her, perfect and I want to shove her against the wall and suck on her tongue…

Fuuuuck, you asshole! Get it together!

“Yes, I’ll try not to wake you. Goodnight, Mrs. Barnes.”

Rowan…

“Yes, I’ll try not to wake you. Goodnight, Mrs. Barnes.”

This was not how Rowan expected the night to go. She’d been picturing James jumping her and ruining her vagina ‘till sunrise. He’d looked so hungry from the moment he’d gotten her alone. 

Following the tall and angular housekeeper up the huge, sweeping staircase, she looked down to see James watching her with a half smile before he turned and went into what she assumed was his study.

What are the odds that I’d actually get a decent man, she thought, a little stunned, a truly good human being?

She smiled tentatively until that cynical voice surfaced again, “Yeah, what are the odds? This is too good to be true, you sucker. 

While she’d been wrestling with what Ben called V.I.C, "her vicious inner critic," Mrs. Kashif had paused by an open door, waiting with a polite smile. The smile made it clear she’d been waiting as in waiting. Walking faster, Rowan caught up.

“This is the master bedroom, Mrs. Barnes.”

The room was ridiculously huge. She could have fit three of her crappy apartments just into this one space. The walls were a deep chocolate hue with cream-colored crown molding and trim. The windows on the second floor were just as tall as the ones on the ground floor, with an elegant wrought-iron balcony outside matching doors. Rowan tried to picture herself sitting at the little table outside, perched on one of those wildly expensive chairs and haughtily sipping tea, A snort rose and she just held it back by slapping a hand over her mouth. Yeah, she was so not cut out for this shit.

“You’ll see that the door to the master bath is just adjacent to the fireplace…” Mrs. Kashif was wearing a severe black dress, her hair in a severe black bun, and sensible shoes. But she still managed to have more intimidating dignity in one pinky finger than Rowan suspected she herself had in her entire body. She wondered if the woman despised her, thinking she was just another rich, useless asshole that the housekeeper would have to wait on hand and foot.

Oh, damn the bathroom was too perfect to pee in. A huge glass enclosure housed a shower with multiple heads and the most exquisite tub - long and gracefully sloped and clearly big enough for two, even if one of those two was a giant like her… husband?

Oh god, she cringed, the V.I.C was back and whispering in her brain, I can’t have a husband! And he’s going to want babies! I’m not ready, how do I even-

“Here you will find the dressing room, Master Barnes has made available the left side for your wardrobe.” 

She thought about the battered armoire she’d picked out of a trashpile. Ben painted it blue with flowers snaking up to a sunny sky along the drawers, and that was where they’d hung their meagre stash of clothing. And now there was a dressing room. Polished wood shelves and drawers, one side hung with an endless array of astronomically expensive suits, crisply pressed dress shirts and ties neatly rolled in glass trays. A display drawer for watches that would have cost more than Rowan could have made in her lifetime. She put an index finger on one, a chrome vintage Rolex. 

The familiar, comforting fury was rising again. This man with his insultingly costly watches. Buying her. Buying her fallopian tubes and ovaries and her apparently spectacular DNA. Angry was good. She could handle angry. Enraged Rowan was the most effective version of herself. Furious meant she could deal with anything. Even a Rich Asshole who bought her.

“Of course, we use Sferra Palace sheets, I hope you are comfortable with Italian cotton?”

Mrs. Kashif was standing stiffly next to the bed. It was a massive affair with a high mattress that Rowan couldn’t have accessed without a running start and African Blackwood posts, carved with vines and faces of animals and rising regally over the bed with ivory and navy blue pillows and a hugely thick and downy comforter. As gigantic as James was, surely the bed could fit like, six or seven of him comfortably.

Rowan wondered if he’d hosted an orgy in this bed. Would Mrs. Kashif, the woman who did not look like she liked her at all, tell her this? The woman’s expression was completely neutral, but those dark eyes told a different story. She was quite clear the new Mrs. Barnes Did Not Belong.

As if I fucking want to, she thought bitterly.

Still, it wasn’t in her to be impolite. Not to a fellow member of the working class. Mustering a smile, she said, “Thank you. I appreciate your tour and the information. I know it’s quite late, so I hope we didn’t disturb you coming in.”

The housekeeper arched a brow. “It is my purpose.”

“What- you mean your job?”

“No.” Mrs. Kashif corrected flatly, “My purpose. Serving Master Barnes is position so sought after that it becomes a life’s purpose. It is no mere job,” she finished with a slightly contemptuous tones on the last word.

Rowan’s lips pursed. Okaaay, she thought, that level of devotion is creepy, but sure. “Well, again, thank you for your time, and I won’t keep you from your own bed any longer. Good night.”

The other woman inclined her head and left the room silently.

Eyeing the colossal bed and the perfectly turned down cover, pillows plumped and sheets glowing in the light from the elegant scones, she backed away uncomfortably. The bedroom was deathly silent. There was no screeching of brakes or shouting from pedestrians, she noted. No sirens. This gargantuan, fancy fucking mansion blocked all the business of the lower forms of life. Walking over to the corner window, she sat on a wonderfully cushioned window bench, drawing up her legs and looking out at the city. The part the Rich Assholes saw.

“It will be okay,” Rowan whispered. “Tomorrow I’ll see Ben and we’ll just… figure it out. It’ll be okay.” Really? That was exactly the phrase she’d avoided with the crying girl today. Because it was most definitely not going to be okay.

Glenna…

Ransom was snoring next to her in bed, maybe it wasn’t snoring, more like wheezing because he kinda passed out after that last round. She was grateful because sweet baby Jesus, she couldn’t feel anything below her waist and her nipples were on fire from being bitten so much. Was he warming ‘em up for nursing? Oh, god she hoped he wasn’t one of those weirdos who wanted to suck the milk along with the baby because after he opened a couple of drawers in that scary-looking armoire she saw enough hardware to know Ransom Drysdale already had plenty of kinks.

Sitting up cautiously, she watched to see if he’d stir, but Ransom just grunted and turned over on to his side. Slipping out of bed, Glenna stretched and gave her ribs a scratch. Turning to stare at her new husband’s broad back and excellent wide shoulders, she sent a silent prayer of thanks up to the Lord. There were some nasty-looking guys there at the auction - what did Rowan call them? Oh, the Rich Assholes. A'course Ransom was kinda one of them but he was hot and he’d just ruined her for all men with that huge jackhammer dick.

After groping blindly on the floor to find something to put on, she padded across the vast, shining floor of the bedroom to look out the window. Tugboats crisscrossing New York Harbor, their sweeping spotlights lit the water, and further out there was the Statue of Liberty on her own little island. She took her brothers and sister out on the ferry to see Lady Liberty when they first came here. The Lady was much smaller than she looked which made sense. Because all the liberties she used to stand for were now only for the rich. The statue looked tired, Glenna thought. Tired of holding that light when it didn’t really shine any more.

Mina…

What was happening here? Who was this man?

Loki Laufeyson terrified her from the first second she’d spotted him, holding up one imperious finger for the final bid on her body and soul. For the next five years, anyway, she reminded herself. Of course, she knew better than that. Once Auction Brides gave birth, very few of them were willing to just give their baby up and disappear with their bag of money. So it was a new kind of ownership, then. Dancing to a rich man’s tune forever?

And this place! It reminded her of the castle from Beauty and the Beast, a massive mansion with Gothic spires and stained glass windows more beautiful than anything she’d ever seen before, even in books or movies. A high stone wall around it all to keep anyone from looking in. There had to be servants because someone laid out a simple meal for her, but they were gone before she could see them and say thank you. Invisible, silent servants. Did Loki scare them as much as he scared her?

She’d been too dazed to recall anything between the front door and ending up in his study. Shame flushed through her like a bucket of hot water splashed down her back.

Earlier that evening…

“Remove your clothes.”

Mina just stared at him, stunned at how fast he was going. But when he’d seen her shocked expression, he’d just chuckled lightly, circling her like a panther, examining every inch of her body.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of, darling. I simply want to enjoy your beauty right now.”

He owns you, she thought bitterly and half scared to death, so just… do it. Down went the pretty dress they’d put her in for that awful “wedding” and her hands rose slowly to her bra.

Loki had seated himself in a big chair by the fire, his long body filling it and still dominating the room. He nodded to her, “And your bra, darling. Let me see those lovely breasts.”

The fancy lavender lace bra joined the dress, neatly draped over the side table. His cold blue eyes were assessing her again, idly swirling that expensive booze in his glass.

“Mmm…” he hummed approvingly. “Those sweet brown nipples? The color of a good dark chocolate. Perhaps I will pour some over them one day and lick you clean.” His tongue came out to slowly trace his lips. “And now those scant scraps of lace. Push them down your legs. Slowly, mind.”

Mina’s mind turned sluggish, everything went into slow motion, the burning logs in the fireplace, the pulse of Loki’s throat as he took another sip. Everything but those eyes of his, flickering like an incandescent blue flame. Rowan said they need us, she thought. They’re scared enough to pay for us. Her fingers went to her panties and she slowly pulled them down, trying not to be awkward. But her hands flew to her center as the lace puddled around her ankles.

Like a snake striking, Loki’s cane flew up and the tip slapped her hands away. “Ah, ah. No hiding what is mine.” The slim wooden cane was stroking lightly up one thick thigh, then the other. “Your skin glows, do you know that, sweet Mina? Almost as if it absorbs light and makes it brighter still. And such a tantalizing pussy…”

“I didn’t wax,” she blurted, “they told me to, but the esthetician stripped off all the rest of my hair and took pity on me when she got to…there.”

“Good.” That cane was still sliding along her. “You are a woman capable of carrying a child, you should not be hairless like one.” The cane’s tip sharply tapped her knee. "Spread your legs.”

Sucking in a desperate gasp of oxygen, she slowly slid her right foot wider, leaving that part of her exposed to Loki and she was dying right now.

He made a sound, something deep and guttural and a little scary. “Aren’t you just… the most delicious thing? Your tender little cunt is swelling for me. And this…”

She jumped, alarmed, as the smooth wood slid between her thighs, between the lips he’d been praising and stroked along the slim furrow between them, stroking lightly, maddeningly, back and forth and rubbing her clit on each pass.

“Look at my cane, darling.”

Mina forced herself to look down and smothered a moan. The wood was shining with her slick, her arousal making each movement of his instrument of torture slide easily along her most sensitive, private parts.

“I think my lovely bride rather enjoys this…” his voice was deeper, his crisp English accent slurring slightly and Mina thought of the image of a panther circling her again. 

“Now, just like that,” Loki purred, “your proud shoulders back, your head up like the regal goddess you are.”

“I j- j- just-” Oh, no don’t stutter now Mina!

He didn’t seem to notice or care, eyes still trained on her swelling center and the slight, helpless movement of her hips. “Shh…” he soothed, “so close, aren’t you, darling? Be still!” His cane slid free from her and landed a sharp tap on her hip. “No moving. Focus on how you feel.” 

The evil cane was between her legs again, sliding along faster now with a twist upwards and against her clitoris each time. “Beautiful…” the rich lunatic who’d bought her sounded almost reverent. “Your toes are curling, lovely Mina. I believe you are very close to coming. Would you like that?”

“I- it’s…” Oh, my goodness, she thought despairingly. Was that a trick question? What kind of maniac makes you-

“Yes! Please I’m so close can I come?” Her breasts were heaving and it took everything she had to not bend her knees slightly and rub harder against the silky, slick wood but cruelly, he slowed its movement.

“Such a very good girl,” Loki approved, “asking so nicely, without any prompting. Such good manners…”

The way he purred the last sentence made it quite clear to Mina that this had nothing to do with manners at all. 

The leather of his chair creaked as he leaned forward, eyes alight and intent on her wet center, slick glistening in the black curls there and streaking along her inner thigh. And then, thank you! The cane moved faster, sparking all the delicate nerve endings so exposed now and her throbbing pearl, flushed and she was going to keel over. She was going to pass out and-

“You may come.”

This moment would have been the last thing Mina ever could have anticipated, but she gasped out in gratitude, “Oh, thank you! So good, I…” her babbling silenced as a tidal wave of pleasure hit her, nearly knocking her over and making the muscles in her legs shake and clamp down on that insidious cane. How was it that a piece of wood had made her come harder than anyone or anything in her life?

Just as her knees buckled, Loki was up and one long arm around her waist, holding her up and murmuring compliments. He lifted his cane, examining the wet wood and ran his tongue lightly along it. 

“Just as I knew it would be,” he wasn’t as unaffected as he’d pretended because his voice was husky, “utterly delicious. You, darling, are a delicacy.”

In a matter of moments, his horrifyingly expensive Tom Ford jacket was wrapped securely around her and Loki swung her up into his arms, carrying her lightly up the sweeping staircase as if she was a feather and not what her mom had called, “well-established and sturdy.”

“Your fertility tracker tells me we have two days before you reach your full potential,” he commented, putting her down gently on a spacious bed, the duvet cover and pillows done in shades of ivory and oyster. “So I shall let you rest.” He nodded over his shoulder. “Your ensuite is there. And there is clothing in the dressing room for you.”

Leaning down, so he was eye to eye with a dazed Mina, Loki lifted her limp hand and kissed it lightly. “You were an orchid in a garden of weeds, darling. I am very pleased with you.”

Present… Shifting again on the sinfully puffy mattress, Mina flushed again at the memory of earlier that night in her intimidating husband’s study, thinking again, Really, who is this man?

Alerting mutuals who I think might be interested, please let me know if you’d like on or off this list. Thank you!

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[fideidefenswhore]

If someone came to you tomorrow and said we need you to make a movie or TV series about Anne Boleyn who would you cast (for Anne or for any other characters you would include)?

I would need a time machine for some of them (unless we were doing a series about her through flashbacks of those who survived her...could be great, actually), such as:

Sarah Foret as Mary (Howard) Fitzroy, Duchess of Richmond:

The above would be like, her in the 1550s? Sarah Foret circa 2004 is truly how I envision Mary in the 1530s tho:

(Left)

Ok, good a starting point as any, let's go with the rest of the relevant Howards:

Lotte Verbeek or Caitronia Balfe as Elizabeth (Howard) Boleyn, Countess of Wiltshire (these would be perfect if we began around 1520), Natasha McElhone for late 1530s

Colm Meaney as Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk:

Jeremy Irons as Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk (1540s...for earlier I can't think of who has the right juice to pull this role off, maybe Pablo Schreiber?):

Now, onto the Boleyns,

Either Aidan Turner or Ben Barnes as Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire (again, circa 1520, they are actually the right age for this, had to remind myself of this, too), Tobias Menzies for late 1530s

Theo James (this is cheating, unless I'm casting an AU where the Boleyns rise and do not fall 1536-, aha...unless?, but I know he can convicingly play a wide array of ages from Time Traveler's Wife) or Leo Suter (more accurately aged) for George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford, or somewhere in between, Jonathan Bailey:

For Mary Boleyn, I'm going to shortcut again and go with a previous documentary casting, Elizabeth McCafferty (I loved Lois Brabin's acting but it's really clear the casting department wanted to play on the 'contrast' btwn sisters for BSR, the one confirmed portrait we have of Mary suggests that she was actually brunette with amber eyes, not the ScarJo typecast that has had such staying power):

For Jane (Parker) Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford, I would cast Morfydd Clark:

Phoning in the Henry&Anne, I'm going to stay with the casting of the newest Borman documentary short (I simply love it, so),

But I'm going to try my hand at Henry VIII circa 1540s and cast Eric Keenleyside:

I've stayed in the familial but I'm also going to play my ace of casting Sarah Pidgeon as Margaret Wyatt (hopefully BSR has broken the mold and in the future we're going to get the full cast of AB's confidantes and friends, among them:

[dragon-kazansky]

11:11

Gender neutral reader

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x Reader

Inspired by the song - 11:11 by Ben Barnes

Song choice by @mischief-siriusly-managed​​

Rooster knows exactly how to sweep you off your feet.

♡♡♡

Another night at the Hard Deck. The best place to gather when life wasn’t being taken up with work. A place to relax after a long day. The place he first laid eyes on you. Rooster loved the Hard Deck because of that reason alone. This was your place. He met you here. Told you he loved you on the beach just outside of here. This is where you wait for him after he’s away for so long. Penny looks after you when he can’t be there to do so himself.

The Hard Deck is special to him and it’s all because of you.

No one has kept count of how many rounds of drinks everyone has. They just kept on coming and everyone just kept on knocking them back. The room was alive with laughter and loud chatter. Penny smiled as she handed over drink after drink.

You were leaning against the bar waiting for the next round you had just ordered, eating from the snack bowl that Penny kept refilling because everyone had been at it. You laugh at something Coyote says beside you, keeping you company so he can help you take the drinks back.

Rooster is watching you with the softest of smiles on his face. The most beautiful person in the world and you’re all his. How did he get so lucky?

A hand is placed on his shoulder. He turns to his left and sees Phoenix smiling at him. He gives her a questioning look and she just turns her head slightly, eyes flickering to the piano behind him. He glances over his shoulder at the instrument and smiles at her.

“Just this once,” he laughs.

Sitting down at the piano he thinks for a second. Sure, he could play something fun and upbeat to get everyone singing and laughing some more, but a thought crosses his mind.

What if just serenaded you here in front of everyone?

Right now that sounded like the best idea he had ever had. Flexing his fingers a bit, he begins to sing as he presses the keys lightly.

“Is it late? 11 minutes past 11 It's both always but never our time Nothing to regret The rest just might be heaven You're always but never really mine.”

People begin to grow quiet as they turn to Rooster. You turn away from Penny to look over at the piano. You’d know his voice from anywhere. You smile at the sight of Rooster in his element. Other than the cockpit of a plane, Bradley’s second most comfortable spot was at the piano. Just like his dad, so you’ve heard.

“You stopped my heart from fifty feet It pumped and sang and skipped a beat And when I sleep my soul you keep.”

You just realise that Bradley isn’t even looking at the piano. He’s looking at you. Your heart begins to race. Suddenly you feel like you did that first time you met him. The first time he looked at you, smiled at you, said your name.

“I wish for you to be happy I wish for you to be free I wish for you to be fearless That's wishes one, two, and three And I won't wish to be yours or for you to be mine But I'll wish them all for you every time.”

He’s singing the song he heard you singing to when he decided to surprise you by swinging by your place after your first date. You hadn’t heard him knocking on your door. When he heard the music playing, he decided to walk around the side of your house finding your open window. He smiles when he heard you singing loudly without a care in the world. 

The night before he had taken you out on your first date, and clearly you were still buzzing from the whole evening. Bradley hadn’t told you, but that night he hadn’t slept a wink. He had been up all night thinking about you. The way you smiled, laughed, looked at him. He could still feel the kiss you had placed upon his cheek.

“Is it warm? clouds but the sun's in the sky Rises over mine but sets with you When it's dark I'll try not to ask you why, or what you'll do.”

You leave Coyote at the bar and make your way over to the piano. Bradley is smiling at you as you approach him. You can’t stop smiling, cheeks already hurting. You place your hands on his shoulder as you stand behind him. Bradley tips his head back to look up at you.

“You stopped my heart from fifty feet It pumped and sang and skipped a beat And when I sleep my soul you keep

I wish for you to be happy I wish for you to be free I wish for you to be fearless That's wishes one, two, and three And I won't wish to be yours or for you to be mine But I'll wish them all for you every time.”

You begin to sing with him, swaying gently as enjoy the music. It never ceases to amaze you that every time he does something, you fall in love with him over and over again. Bradley always has your best interests at heart, and it gets you every single time.

Never before have you felt more in love with someone than this man right here.

“If one day the stars align, you feel ready to be mine I hope you'll find the strength to come With trumpets, pipe, and drums.”

You move to sit with him on the bench. He smiles all the more as you lean into him. You’re only looking at one another. Though others sing around you, but you’re really paying attention to any of them.

“You stopped my heart from fifty feet It pumped and sang and skipped a beat And when I sleep my soul you keep, oh-oh, yeah

No, and I won't wish to be yours or for you to be mine But I'll wish them all for you every time Yes, I'll wish them all for you every time Oh, I'll wish them all for you every time.”

The moment the song is over you grab Bradley and pull him into a kiss. He grins into it as his arms snake around you, pulling you as close at you possibly could be. Kissing you is his favourite thing to do... well, second favourite thing to do with you.

You smile as you tuck your head under his chin and hug him.

“You learnt that song for me?” You ask, hearing all your friends cheer and continue singing, even though Rooster had stopped providing the music.

“Of course I did. I’d learn to do anything for you.”

You look up at him and smile softly.

“I love you so much. Don’t ever forget that, OK?” You say.

Bradley laughs softly. “Trust me, babe, I could never.”

You grin and pull him into another kiss. He’s happy to continue making out with you in front of everyone.

Tonight you had fallen in love with Bradley Bradshaw all over again. You hope this feeling never ends.

[stardust948]

Either Katara or Zuko make a mixtape for the other. What songs are on it?

My time has come

Katara's mixtape for Zuko 🔥❤️‍🔥🔥❤️‍🔥

Whispers in the Dark - Skillet

Heart & Soul - Built by Train

What's Up Danger - Spiderman into the Spiderverse soundtrack

The Phoenix - Fallout Boy

Take on Me - Hidden Citizens

Glitter and Gold - Barns Courtney

Fire - Barns Courtney

Outlaws - Au/Ra

Yellow Flicker Beat - Lorde

Alive - Sia

Centuries - Fallout Boy

Hallelujah (I'm Not Dead) - Citizen Soldier

Beautifully Strange - Ely Eira

Waste My Time - Grace VanderWaal

King - Lauren Aquilina

What You're Made Of - Lindsey Stirling

Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis

Hello My Old Heart - Oh The Hellos

Temporary Love - Ben Platt

I'm Still Here - John Rzenik

Broken - David Archuleta

Shattered - Trading Yesterday

Still Into You - Paramore

True Love - P!NK

Hold My Heart - Lindsey Stirling

Paper Rings - Taylor Swift

Invisible String - Taylor Swift

The Sun - Aurora

Golden Hour - JVKE

Zuko's mixtape for Katara 🌊💙🌊💙

Lovely - Billie Eilish

Ocean Eyes - Billie Elilsh

River - Bishop

Bottom of the River - Delta Rose

Use My Voice - Evanescence

Otherworldly - Starset

Geyser - Mitski

Warrior - Aurora

Unstoppable - Hidden Citizen

Rise - Katy Perry

Can't Knock Me Down - Pretty Panther

Running Up That Hill - Kate Bush

Hope of Morning - Icon for Hire

Last of the Real Ones - Fallout Boy

Apple Tree - Aurora

Wide Awake - Katy Perry

Daffodil - Florence + The Machine

W.I.T.C.H (Woman in total control of herself) - Devon Cole

What the Water Gave Me - Florence + The Machine

Something About Us - Daft Punk

Somebody to Die For - The Hurts

Cut you a piece - Alex Brightman

Moondust - James Young

Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol

Some Kind of Beautiful - Tyler Ward and Lindsey Stirling

Ease My Mind - Ben Platt

I Don't Want to Lose You - Luca Fogale

Ur So Beautiful - Grace VanderWaal

Promises - Hadestown Soundtrack

A Drop in the Ocean - Ron Pope

Way I Am - Anna Blue

Drop Everything - Capital Cities

Heat Waves - Glass Animals

Telepatia - Kali Uchis

Rewrite the Stars - The Greatest Showman soundtrack

The Only Exception - Paramore

When the Day Met the Night - Panic! At The Disco

If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn - Sleeping with Sirens Lyric

[placeholdfm]

♙      ⸻      ·   。…      [      ben  barnes  +  forty  one  +  cis-male  +  he/him      ]      the  city  of  new  york  welcomes  alastair  arundel  to  the  social  season  of  1887.  known  to  be  diligent  and  virtuous,  their  rumored  distant  and apathetic  tendencies  might  prove  to  be  their  unmaking.  the  street  musicians  often  string  along  a  tune  that  sounds  like  take  me  back  to  eden  by  sleep  token  whenever  they  are  near,  hoping  for  a  coin  or  two  as  a  reward.  unbeknown  to  their  peers,  alastair  views  the  social  season  as  business  opportunities  but  when  holding  a  secret  such  as  being  engaged  but  in  love  with  someone  else,  it  would  be  best  to  keep  their  opinions  to  themselves.      ⸻   

ABOUT

full name: alastair arundel nickname: none which he responds to, but a certain few says al. position: landed gentry of house arundel.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

age: fourty one. eye color: dark brown distinguishing features: sharp cheekbones, a light stubble and tall figure. hair color: black. sexual orientation: heterosexual. jewelry or accessories: carries his fathers old pocket watch.

PERSONALITY

good personality traits: diligent & virtuous bad personality traits: distant & apathetic character inspiration: severus snape, anthony bridgerton & the darkling the greatest joy in life: to see his family prosper. greatest fear: having to watch the one he loves abandon him forever.

BIOGRAPHY

born the eldest son of the Arundel family Alastair was given a name from their heritage. in truth, they wished to name him Alasdair, but considering they no longer lived in the Scottish highlands where their line originated from they decided to go with Alastair - the meaning of the name ever present as "man's defender". growing up Alastair was a very quiet child, he was the complete opposite of his younger siblings, and was often looked upon as the one with his head in the game, not in the clouds. As he got older Alastair understood his responsibility as the oldest of the Arundel children and was often tutored by scholars on taking over the mantle from his father when the time came. In truth he did not mind it, the ever-looming responsibility and position he one day would hold - he somewhat reveled in it.

instead of wishing to play alongside his siblings, he would be found with a book in hand, often about the great battle leaders and in the meetings his father held regarding business. often the head of the family would bring Alastair along on his travels to make him understand the vast riches they held with their land and the ever-eager-to-learn child loved it.

In his youth, there was one individual who caught the attention of the Arundel child, a flower amongst the thorns which made the young man fall instantly. there was no denying the affection he held for her and a certain spark had ignited a rather playful side even to the introverted young man. His dreams however got shattered when an engagement was announced and Alastair went back into his own being, never wishing to let another enter his heart ever again.

in his late thirties when he'd come into himself as a man, Alastair took in his closest best friend's daughter. not because he wished to, but because he didn't have the heart to watch them wither away without her parents who had perished in a rather horrific way. At this point in life, Alastair had become the head of the family, his parents died at sea, leaving their children behind and thankfully in states where they had all become somewhat of age. Alastair took the role of gentry and since he had prepared for such a role all his life, he found himself being content with it.

However, the trip to New York gives the gentry new ideas, new territory to explore and since the whole family has A new life and a new beginning is on the rise and Alastair is both excited and cautious about this new adventure, yet he believes there to be more they can achieve here even if it seems rather difficult.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

the fiancee: someone Alastair either met when coming to New York or someone he brought along from England. he doesn't love this individual, it's simply to preserve his family line and he holds no emotions but the one of a safe haven towards them. the business partner: they given Alastair an interesting offer and he is without a doubt considering it (could be someone trying to trick him, or an actual business proposal)

[nikodimopoulos]

& the fighter still remains ;

Character Name: Nikolaos Dimopoulos

Character Age: 39

Character Birthday: June 11, 1984

Gender & Pronouns: Male, He/Him

Time in Tonopah Valley: 31 years

Occupation: Owner of Dionysos

Gang Affiliation: Los Santos (Capo)

Neighborhood: Glenn Estates

Face Claim: Ben Barnes

BASICS.

Sexuality: Bisexual

Ethnicity: White

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: Brown

Height: 6'1

Hometown: Pathas, Greece ; then Tonopah Valley & 9 years old

Education: High School Degree

Languages: Greek, English

Relationship Status: Single

Children: None

STATS.

Personality Type: ISTJ-A

Moral Alignment: Lawful Evil

Positive Traits: Direct, Dilligent, Strong-willed, Intelligent

Negative Traits: Stubborn, Ruthless, Judgemental, Cold

Mental Health: PTSD

Fears: Failure

FAMILY .

Father: Yiannis Dimopoulos

Mother: Helen Papadakis

Siblings: tbd

BACKGROUND. (tw: injury, amputation)

Born in Patras, Greece, Nikolaos Dimopoulos, a symbol of family dreams, arrived on a sunny summer day to loving parents Yiannis and Helen.

The family's pursuit of a bright future led them to relocate to Tonopah Valley, Nevada, where they established Dionysos, a seemingly authentic Greek restaurant that concealed a dark secret.

At sixteen, Nik learned the unsettling truth: Dionysos was a front for Los Santos, a criminal syndicate laundering money through the restaurant.

Nik's life took a dark turn, as he worked with his mother, learning restaurant management and "fixing" financial records. He became more ruthless, daring, confident.

Against his parents' wishes, he joined the US Navy, believing his training would benefit Los Santos upon his return.

Tragedy struck during a patrol, leaving Nik as the sole survivor with a lost leg and hearing loss. He was closely monitored during his recovery in Tonopah.

Fueled by anger and determination, Nik dedicated himself to Los Santos, rising to the rank of Capo. He became an enforcer, unflinching in his willingness to carry out violent tasks.

Took over Dionysos from his parents, though they still have a heavy hand in running it.

Nik's internal struggle between humanity and darkness continues, with only time holding the answer to his ultimate fate.

[stressed-chaos]

Memories - Part 17

Here we go. I don't personally know Ben Barnes' family so this is based purely on imagination, please treat it as such.

Hope you all like this part! Comments are appreciated!

Warnings: one mention of killing

(Let me know if I missed any)

As the sun rose in the sky, the sunlight peeked through the half drawn curtains, waking Sebastian up from his much needed rest. He stretched his arms, almost hitting Y/N in the face, but stopped himself before he could and yawned, letting out a sigh. Great, another day, even his thought held a sarcastic edge. He noticed Y/N had her arm draped around him and shrugged before checking the time, 8:30 a.m. “Well, sounds about right,” he muttered, slowly removing Y/N’s arm from himself and getting up.

Before he could fully get up though, Ben came in with a tray full of pancakes, toppings and tea. Sebastian groaned seeing his beaming face, “Bud, what do you even get up so early for?”

“You know, you should too. It really helps.”

“Alright, alright dad.” He exaggerated the ‘dad’. “It’s way too early for this. And I’m way too low on liquid fuel to deal with anything.”

“Sleep well?”

Sebastian nodded, already getting up to brush his teeth.

Ben noticed Y/N still peacefully sleeping in the bed with a faint smile on his face. HIs mind raced with the thoughts of everything that was about to happen today. Rather than waking up by…maybe talking or shaking her, he yanked open the curtain. He wasn’t successful though, since Y/N just groaned and turned her face away, almost getting swallowed up by the blankets. Thoughts were swimming in Ben’s mind and finally, he jumped on Sebastian’s side of the bed, quickly kissed Y/N’s cheek (which only made her smile a bit more) and started singing an alarm type song, that too, loudly.

Wake up, wake up, wake up,

It’s a brand new day.

Wake up, wake up, wake up, 

Let’s begin today.

Though he knew it wouldn’t work, he surely got a response from Seb who was rinsing his face, “Grandpa. You only have to wake her up, not our neighbors. They never subscribed to the exclusive Ben Barnes alarm.”

“You didn’t too?” 

“Exactly.” And he turned back to his task.

Ben was surprised, about Y/N not waking up at the smell of pancakes. Usually she had a really good knack for smelling food, some may even say, close to a dog’s nose (it was only for food though). But he had to wake her up, one way or another. This time, he tried a softer approach and started running his fingers through her already tousled—or as she would call it, ‘hot mess’ hair, tenderly stroking them. He started softly singing again, completely ignoring the meaning of the song.

Rise up glorious sun

Bathe me deep within your glow

Crown my brow glorious one

Brighten surely, take it slow.

Rise up, Rise up

Rise up, Rise up

Rise up, climb up and meet the sky

Sweet love arise.

Sebastian spoke again, “Okay…yeah I could get used to that one.” Now if that didn’t work, he would have to use an air horn or maybe water and he was meaning towards the former. Luckily for Y/N, Sebastian and their neighbors, he didn’t have to use it. Y/N let out a groan, followed by a hum and meekly opened her eyes. “Morning, what time is it…seriously? 8:45? Dude, what did you wake up that early for?”

Ben just shrugged and spoke in sync with Sebastian who was trying to mimic him, “Because you should and it helps.”

“Helps with what? Not killing you? Cause that surely isn’t helping me suppress that.” Y/N had no plans to get up from the bed anytime soon. Though the pancakes looked promising and could be considered as a nice bargain.

“Not that exactly. You have heard the saying, Early to bed and early to rise— he got cut off.

“—makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Like hell it does…alright fine, DAD. I’m getting up. You’re lucky you brought pancakes.”

While Y/N was freshening up, Sebastian, who was just too hungry to care (he really loved Ben’s cooking), dug in the food, wolfing it down. After swallowing it with an audible gulp, if it had been any louder, they possibly would have heard all the food drumming down his digestive system, he commented, “Your shirt has holes in it.”

“Thank you, I hadn’t noticed that.”

“Sarcasm? Cause that shirt does look eaten by caterpillars.”

“You bet.”

Finally, he decided to deliver the news he had been so excited and nervous about, ever since he got it, “My parents are coming over.”

His words were awarded with two people choking, one on their food, one on air. “What!?”

“Yeah, they called and said they wanted to visit.”

“When are they arriving?”

“Sometime between afternoon and evening.”

While Y/N was gulping down her food this time, cause food first, everything else later. Sebastian pulled Ben aside and whispered, “Do they know?”

“Of course they do,” Ben was confused.

“No, no. Do they know about what all happened yesterday?”

Realization dawned on Ben’s face, “Oh shit.”

“Yeah, oh shit. Do you think she remembers them?”

“Wouldn’t hurt to ask.”

It actually, in fact, did hurt to ask. Since she did not remember Ben, she also did not remember his parents, or his brother. Sure his parents were understanding people, but they would still be hurt knowing their daughter in law did not remember them, again. When Y/N asked about them, he merely said, you’ll see.

Sometime around the afternoon, they went to get the much needed groceries. She picked up any candy bar she could find, claiming she would need them for her time of the month (but she just needed an excuse to eat them). Ben knew they would end before her time of the month hits. She had bought loads of chocolate, enough to make even Moony tell her it’s enough and also got some food to cook, since she wanted to make a nice first—er, impression, on her best friend’s family. Ben had to constantly ease her nerves by reminding her that they had known her ever since she was born, she had many chances to ruin her impression already. 

It did remind him of the time when Y/N met them again after they had begun dating. Nothing changed though, just when they told his parents, they both shouted ‘FINALLY!’ and high-fived each other, a way better response than what they got when they told the girl’s parents.

Sebastian went home sometime after that, claiming he would love to stay, but had an urgent, last moment meeting with his manager. The two started working on the lunch, nothing burning this time. He purely adored these domestic moments with his wife, since due to their jobs and everything, they were pretty seldom.

He also discreetly tried to take a picture of Y/N half covered in flour and hair a mess, claiming she looked just beautiful, in a french accent, along with a chef's kiss. He was not able to do it very discreetly though and after some protests, Y/N agreed to let him take a picture and dumped some flour on his head too, both of them bursting with laughter. Settling with a selfie, their faces beaming and ribs hurting, with Y/N kissing Ben’s cheek, they cleaned themselves up and finished their cooking.

Sometime around 4 or 4:30, a light knock sounded on the door. Both of them were too distracted by bantering and cooking to notice it. A few more unnoticed knocks later, the person started ringing the doorbell continuously. The bickering pair jumped and let out a big, ‘Coming’, still when the ringing didn’t stop, they continued muttering the same with a few elegant curses, most of them coming out from her.

Ben opened the door to immediately be engulfed in someone’s arms. He recognised the familiar scent of his mother and smiled widely, eyes meeting over her shoulder with his brother and father. Her mother pulled back to take a good look at her son, instantly registering the happy change in him. He moved on to hug and greet his father and brother and didn’t notice Y/N coming out from the kitchen.

“Hey what’s taking you—oh hi.”

Ben’s mother smiled even widely, Y/N was wondering if her face might split in two. She instantly moved to hug her daughter in law, who awkwardly hugged her back. Her eyes met a man looking a bit like Ben, but younger, he didn’t mention having a brother, and she gave him a small smile. He broke apart from his father to see the situation, a warm smile forming on his face. 

He was about to introduce them to each other for Y/N’s sake, but she beat him to it. A confused look formed on his family’s face. 

“I told you they know you.”

“Yeah, but it was on…impulse I guess?”

“You didn’t have to, it's alright.” He introduced his family, specifically teasing his brother by calling him as annoying and a pain in the ass.

“That was a very specific description. Nice to meet you all.”

Ben sensed the confusion on his family’s face and gave them a silent look from over Y/N’s shoulder saying, I’ll tell you later. They understood and played along. 

“Nice to meet you too, dear.”

After they went inside, Ben informed hernabout needing to tell his parents everything and she nodded solemnly before leaving the room.

“Okay, so let me get this straight. She remembered you over a year later, even your wedding it seems, and then fainted, forgetting you all over again, and us due to you, but this time not everything. Now she thinks you’re just her childhood friend, not knowing you two are married. She also thinks she’s meeting us for the first time, but she knows she isn’t, despite being literally raised with you and Jack.”

“That’s a summary of it.”

“My sister doesn’t remember me?”

“Sadly, no Jack.”

“Do you have any plans on what you’re going to do?”

“I don’t know, dad. Maybe wait for her to remember? Or make new memories? I may never have her back fully but I can still try.”

They went towards the kitchen to see Y/N with her hand in a bag and mouth full of marshmallows. She gave an awkward smile on being caught, quickly composing herself. All of them silently chuckled, good ole Y/N. They assured her that they understood. A few jokes later, everything was back to normal. All of them gave a hearty laugh at one of the stories Ben’s parents were telling. That and the siblings bantering like teenagers had quickly become Y/N’s favorite thing. She occasionally joined too, quickly ganging up with one to tease the other. 

They complimented Y/N on the food, and she blushed, “I can’t take all the credit. Ben was a big help.”

“He was a big help? You must be mistaken,” Jack spoke, never missing a chance to tease his brother. 

“Well…except for the part where he dumped flour on my head and then cracked an egg, he was.”

“Told you. I hope you took revenge?”

“She dumped water, chocolate and cracked two eggs on my head. I had to take a full on shower.”

A 14 year old Y/N chased behind Ben as he ran laughing, with chocolate chips while his brother recorded it. He stopped when she let out an ow and Jack hid in the side, chuckling and not closing the camera. He turned around and cautiously moved towards his fallen friend, whose head was down. He could hear a sob and when he reached within an inch of her, she lifted her head and grabbed his hands, yelling “Gotcha.”

They were planning to bake a cake for christmas. It wasn’t a christmas cake but more like a birthday cake. A chocolate-blueberry cake but the chasing match took a lot of their time. Three teenagers baking without any supervision wasn’t probably a good idea. It would’ve been maybe, if the teenagers in question weren’t these particular three. Actually it was just two now, Jack left claiming he had some homework to do, and surprisingly neither of them saw through his lie. Their families had been trying to set them up. 

They were still young, yes, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t an obvious mutual love between each other. Even if they did not know it yet, their parents did. And yes, Y/N’s parents were involved in this too, maybe realizing they went too hard on their daughter and were trying to mend stuff, unaware of the storm that would forever ruin their relationship a few years later. 

Y/N and Ben, after some protests from the latter, with him calling her out (to which she stuck her tongue out at him), finally began working on their disaster—I’m sorry, masterpiece. Getting all the ingredients out, the boy mixed them thoroughly and a little enthusiastically than needed, causing some of it to spill out, earning him a light hearted scolding from Y/N. Adding the chocochips and blueberries they set the timer and left it to bake. 

As soon as Y/N turned after putting the cake, she felt something sticky running down her face. She gasped and her eyes met with Ben’s deep mischievous ones, without an ounce of guilt in them. And for a blueberry on top of it, a shit eating grin also adorned his face. That grin didn’t leave his face while dumping some of the leftover batter and he took full advantage of his partner being frozen in shock, and garnished it with a few chocochips and two blueberries as if trying to make—and failing I might add, dog ears.

Y/N broke from her popsicle state and looking at him straight in the eye, she dumped the dry flour packet on his head and rubbed it all over his head. Despite her anger for Ben right now, she had to admit, it felt nice running her hands through his ridiculously soft hair. It felt like she was dipping her hands in melted marshmallows or was sleeping on a water bed or found her feather like pillow after a shitty day, it was a sense of calm. It was a little weird though, it’s usually the person through whose hair the hands are being run that turns calm, not the other way round, but logic was out the window right now. 

She had Ben in a tight hold, basically had him trapped between the counter and herself (Ben was too much of a gentleman—gentleteen basically to push her away). She prepared to use the same tactic and crack the last egg on his head, but Ben’s voice rang through her ears.

“Noooo, my darling hair,” he was almost to the point of whining, trying to squirm himself out of her grasp. He even tried to reach for the egg before it could drop down on his head, but ended up making just grabby hands in the air. 

“Should’ve thought before starting a food fight, buckaroo.”

She added marshmallows as dog ears on his head for effect.

Needless to say, the cake was a disaster.

But Y/N running her hands through Ben’s gorgeous locks became a common occurrence.

[padfootagain]

Bookshelves

Hi everyone ! Here is a cute little something to answer this anonymous request for my 6k event : “I am in love with your writing style 💖😍 Can you make ben Barnes one with trope 16?”

Thank you for your request, anon! Hope you like the cute drabble I wrote for it!

****

Pairing: Ben Barnes x reader

Warnings: so much fluff you will get cavities

Summary: Nothing’s better than reorganizing your bookshelves with the love of your life on a crispy autumnal afternoon…

Word count: 1258 (short but sweet!)

Ben Barnes’s Masterlist – Main Masterlist

The air is crisp and cold and you love it. It’s greyer than the leaves outside, they still wear their orange and red colours. The sky matches the global atmosphere of that afternoon: heavy with upcoming rain, gradients between black and white, smelling of the earth after a storm. You have a warm mug waiting for your lips right by your side, there, on the floor. A warm blanket wrapped around your frame and a fire cracking over cold stones. It’s warm, it’s autumn in all its splendour.

It's a simple afternoon, basked in Eta James’s voice, and it’s easy to forget that tomorrow is just another Monday, that you will have to go to work and get up before dawn and fight the cutting edges of the cold wind against your cheeks. It’s easy to forget that this day will have to end. Especially when Ben’s voice rises from somewhere behind you, a low hum that spreads warmth and reassurance across your heart, makes it skip a few beats in its excitement. He’s humming along the melody, matching the warmth of the saxophone and the quietness of his padding feet against the tiles. When he sits down by your side again, a refill of warm tea in his favourite mug, his hair is dishevelled, wearing an old black hoodie and some sweatpants, along with colourful fuzzy socks.

And you love it. You’ve never found him as stunning as he is now, looking cozy and warm and infinitely intimate in the simplicity of his appearance. Nothing fancy. Nothing done to impress you. You’ve passed this uneasy stage of your relationship a long time ago. You love each other too much now to accept anything from the other but their true self. You admire the curve of his jaw darkened with stubble, and the grace of his eyelashes brushing his pale cheeks, and the enticing beauty spot under his right eye. You’re not even thinking as you reach up to brush his messy dark strands of hair back, out of his face, so you can see him better. He’s smiling, turning towards you as you move your fingers through his hair, just the way he likes it.

“Alright, so… how do we proceed with this?” he asks, something mischievous glinting in his dark eyes, and you can’t supress a smile.

The task at hand is huge: rearranging the bookshelves of two people who adore reading is going to be a mission that will keep you both busy for the whole day. You’re going to love every second of it, no doubt.

“Do you want to reorganize everything by author? Genre? Colour?”

“Author is more practical.”

“Colour is prettier.”

He chuckles, rolling his eyes.

“I will do whatever makes you happy, my darling.”

“Do you want to separate our collections?”

He raises an eyebrow at that.

“We share a last name by now, we’re done compartmentalizing stuff and labelling them as ‘yours’ or ‘mine’. Whenever you’re sick, even your bloody virus becomes mine…”

You laugh at that, playfully pinching his thigh.

“Hey! It’s not my fault if you caught my cold last month! I told you to stop cuddling me, and you didn’t!”

“You looked too miserable. I was feeling too bad for you…”

The admittance is a mix of fondness, shyness and something extra-sweet that your heart can’t handle. It quickens its pace as it overloads.

“Right, so… we’re putting them all together, but how? Because for now, our books are a mess.”

“I vote authors. Because I’m an organised person,” Ben argues, but you pull your tongue at him at the playful teasing in his tone.

“I vote colours, cause it’s more aesthetically pleasing.”

“I vote for whatever makes you happy, cause I’m a clever lad, and I know I need to pick my battles in this relationship…”

“Clever lad, indeed!”

You exchange a laugh and a tender kiss, before starting to empty the shelves, Ben standing up to take the books out and passing them to you so you could organize them in piles.

It takes what looks like forever to empty all the shelves fully. You have mountains of books around you by the time you’re done, and Ben has changed the music to some Louis Armstrong and his trumpet. It has started to rain, and you have to turn on the lights as the sky turns a darker shade of grey. The rhythmic pattern of the rain against the windowpane and the rooftop warms your heart, and draws white clouds over the windows.

Ben is becoming increasingly distracted though. By the time the shelves are empty, he’s restless and keeps on playfully pushing your legs with his feet.

“Stop it!” you smack his foot away when he attacks again, making him giggle in the most adorable way.

“Let’s take a break,” he argues with such an adorable pout, you are this close from yielding, but you don’t, shaking your head.

“Come on, we can cuddle after we’re done with this,” you offer, and you notice the grin he fails to hide.

“In bed?”

“In bed.”

“Can I be little spoon?”

“If you want to, sure.”

This time he gives you a proper grin, bright and full of mischief.

“Oh, that’s a deal! Hurry up!”

You laugh at him as he starts picking piles of books, but he quickly slows down to organize the shelves correctly.

And you love it, it’s so satisfying to reorganize your bookshelves. You add some figurines, some cute pictures of the two of you as decoration to fill up the empty spaces on the shelves. And then it’s finally done, complete.

“I have to admit that the rainbow thingy looks stunning. Highly impractical, but stunning.”

“I think so myself!”

Ben drinks up the cold remnants of his tea, wincing at the nasty taste.

“We did such a good job! All our books finally put together in a pretty way!”

Ben hums in agreement, wrapping his arm around your shoulders to hold you closer, dropping a sweet kiss to your head.

“We did an excellent job!”

That’s when he realizes that his favourite figurine is missing. He looks around frantically, but you merely chuckle as you point towards the coffee table.

“Marty’s over there,” you joke, and he heaves a relieved sigh, walking over to get his Back to the Future figurine, and he places it on a shelf.

“Now, it’s perfect!” he chimes, turning towards you. “And I think we deserve to rest now.”

“You mean… cuddle?”

“Of course, I mean cuddle! You promised I would get cuddles out of this, do not break your word!”

You laugh at him but follow him anyway, teasing him some more while you make your way to your bedroom.

A few minutes later, you are buried under blankets, watching the rain fall on your windows, the touches of red from the trees in the distance, Ben tugged into your side, his head buried in the warmth of your neck as you stroke gently his back.

He heaves a content sigh.

“I love you, darling,” he whispers into your skin. “God… I’m so happy right now. This is the best, isn’t it? Just… doing the simplest of things together. Just… doing nothing. Just… being here, together.”

You hum, kissing his forehead, and you notice then that he has closed his eyes. He’ll soon fall asleep, he often does when you hold him like this. He can’t help it. He feels so peaceful in your arms, safe, untroubled.

“Yeah… yeah, I think that’s the best, indeed…”

[westeroslive]

when  the  sun  rises  in  the  west,   the  gods  eyes  are  drawn.  may  the  seven  have  mercy  upon  you  as  we  welcome  you  to  court,   lord jayce rowan, princess alysaella targaryen, lady khailey dayne !   now  a  victim  of  the  court,  the  bards  compare  your  beauty  to  ben barnes, phoebe dynevor, alisha boe  as  you  play  the  game  in  the  midst  of  seasoned  nobles.

behave  and  follow  the  queen's  word  written  in  our  checklist  and  submit  your  account  within  24  hours.  

࣪𓏲ּ  ֶָ  𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝒕𝒗  ⁝         ben barnes,  38,  cis  man,  he  +  him.    announcing  the  arrival  of  JAYCE  of  house  ROWAN,  the  LORD  of  ROWAN, heir of rowan.  whispers  among  the  court  name  them  to  be  both  QUICK-QITTED  and  BLUNT  in  disposition,  and  those  closest  to  them  speak  to  their  interests  in  weaponry.  if  we  bards  could  compose  a  song  for  them,  it  might  tell  stories  of  the first drops of snow falling  ;  perfectly tailored coats in the colors of the midnight sky  ;  fathomless onyx eyes never betraying anything  ;  having nothing to lose making you far more dangerous than anything else .  the  seven  whisper  to  their  most  devout  queen  as  she  sleeps,  making  her  question  where  their  loyalties  truly  lie.  are  they  right  to  whisper?  for  their  loyalties  truly  lie  with  HOUSE  ROWAN. (  ooc  :  sun,  21+,  she/her,  cst  )

࣪𓏲ּ  ֶָ  𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝒕𝒗  ⁝         phoebe dynevor,  25,  cisfemale,  she/her.    announcing  the  arrival  of  ALYSAELLA  of  house  TARGARYEN,  the  PRINCESS  of  KING'S LANDING.  whispers  among  the  court  name  them  to  be  both  GREGARIOUS  and  JAUNDICED  in  disposition,  and  those  closest  to  them  speak  to  their  interests  in  swimming.  if  we  bards  could  compose  a  song  for  them,  it  might  tell  stories  of  late nigth swims in the lake alone, spending days wandering the halls staring at artwork, listening to the waves crash.  the  seven  whisper  to  their  most  devout  queen  as  she  sleeps,  making  her  question  where  their  loyalties  truly  lie.  are  they  right  to  whisper?  for  their  loyalties  truly  lie  with  THE  TARGARYENS.          (  ooc  :  e, 28, she/her, cst  )

࣪𓏲ּ  ֶָ  𝑤𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝒕𝒗  ⁝         alisha boe,  27,  cisfemale,  she/her.    announcing  the  arrival  of  KHAILEY  of  house  DAYNE,  the  LADY  of  STARFALL.  whispers  among  the  court  name  them  to  be  both  KIND  and  HEATED  in  disposition,  and  those  closest  to  them  speak  to  their  interests  in  gardening.  if  we  bards  could  compose  a  song  for  them,  it  might  tell  stories  of  unfinished letters strown about her bedroom, rose petals ripped from the base, and long nights awake in hr bed.  the  seven  whisper  to  their  most  devout  queen  as  she  sleeps,  making  her  question  where  their  loyalties  truly  lie.  are  they  right  to  whisper?  for  their  loyalties  truly  lie  with  THE  MARTELLS/DORNE.          (  ooc  :  e  )