#liam mcknight

[moviesandmania]

THE IRISH MOB (2023) Crime thriller - trailer and release news

The Irish Mob is a 2023 Irish crime thriller about the Garda police’s attempts to disrupt the activities of a vicious gang. Written and directed by Patrick McKnight, making his feature debut. Produced by Rob McCarthy who also stars. Executive produced by Deirdre Barry. The Knightvision production also stars Pauline O’Driscoll, Liam Griffin, Eoin Duffy, Baz Black, Gerry Cannon, Aidan O’Sullivan,…

[havenroyals]

Another day. Another royal scandal featuring the Crown Princess of Haven.

Over the weekend, Crown Princess Emelia co-hosted a Pride celebration with her godsisters: Lady Zenobia, Countess of Pleer, and Hartley, the Duchess of Finle. All proceeds were divided amongst six LGBT Youth organizations the three women are patrons of. In a statement - and a speech delivered by the Crown Princess at the event - she proudly explains:

"A Mother's love is everlasting. Unfortunately, many LGBTQIA+ individuals are cast aside by the families who brought them into this world. Myself and my sisters, speak to you all as friends, mothers, and allies who will forever stand beside you. I can proudly say your love is beautiful. Your character is phenomenal, and anyone who cannot accept that is not welcome in our home. Know you are loved, and we are proud of you as we are of our children."

Her touching words mirrored King Liam's from a few years ago when the royal family led the 200th Annual Pride Festival. Prince Max and his partner, Dr. Alanna Lynn were also in attendance - which, sadly, has added to the controversy for our favorite royal.

Reporters Piec O. Sheetz and Elizabeth McKnight went viral for their heated discussion over the event. O. Sheetz (a devoted royalist, who has not been the Crown Princess's biggest fan) was "revolted" over the amount of skin. He ranted over our heir's "lack of respect to her parents, her King." The journalist went so far as to question her parenting skills - never mentioning Hartley's or Zenobia's mothering. He re-sparked rumors of an internal feud when asking why the Duchess of Harkne - a fellow mother - was not in attendance.

Elizabeth, however, spoke with facts and not emotions:

"What is this nonsense about [Emelia] wearing shorts?" speaking firmly as O. Sheetz interrupted. "No, no. I listened as you foamed at the mouth. Please respect me and let me speak. I was there. I was invited as a journalist to this event. It was scalding. One of the hottest days Morroe has experienced. People were basically naked, but we're discussing this grown woman wearing shorts?" "Here are the things we should be discussing. That event brought in over §100 thousand. She was handing out water bottles, making sure everyone was cool. She helped put up tents despite her team telling her to sit down. She spoke and shook hands with nearly everyone there. Other royals do not get as personal as she does. Even when people discussed their struggles - not relating to the event at all - she listened. She thanked them for telling her. Just this morning, a statement has been put out expanding their patronages and her plan to aid in a cool air plan. But, yes, let's complain about her wearing shorts."

I guess this is how we're closing Pride Month. Short drama. Happy Pride from Gossip Queen!

GQ | Previous | Next

[ao3feed-peterstiles]

Karma's a Bitch (And so am I)

Read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/56243803 by sifshadowheart Stiles Stilinski survived everything Beacon Hills ever threw at her. She survived, and then she got out. FBI Internship, college degree, becoming an agent in what amounted to the Freak Squad for the FBI? She did it all. Survived it all. Until a shooter with either horrible or impeccable aim managed what everything that had ever gone bump in the night had failed at accomplishing - but of course, because Stiles was the universe's favorite punching bag, it couldn't just end there. One moment all she could hear was the high-pitched wail of a heart monitor flat-lining. The next, she was hearing voice in her head, something was chowing down at her throat, and a bloody arm was being shoved in her mouth as she was forced to drink. Blink, she's FBI Special Agent Mieczysława "Stiles" Claudia Stilinski, magical human and nogitsune survivor; blink again she's Sookie Stackhouse, part-fae telepathic barmaid dying from a dual attack by drainers and a vampire who just couldn't help himself but bite. Stiles didn't know where the blame fell for the weirdest twist yet in her story laid, but she had a pretty good place to start: with one Bill Compton, her would-be Maker. After all: karma was a bitch, and so was she. Words: 4248, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Series: Part 1 of What Goes Around Comes Around Fandoms: Teen Wolf (TV), True Blood (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Categories: F/M, M/M, Multi Characters: Stiles Stilinski, Eric Northman, Godric (True Blood), Pam Swynford De Beaufort, Bill Compton, Adele Hale Stackhouse, Jason Stackhouse, James Kent (True Blood), Malcolm Beaumarchais, Diane Hardwicke, Liam McKnight, Lafayette Reynolds, Sam Merlotte, Tara Thornton Relationships: Stiles Stilinski/Eric Northman, Stiles Stilinski/Godric (True Blood), Stiles Stilinski/Eric Northman/Godric (True Blood), Godric/Eric Northman, Godric & Eric Northman, Eric Northman & Pam Swynford De Beaufort, Stiles Stilinski & Pam Swynford De Beaufort, past Stiles Stilinski/Peter Hale Additional Tags: Always Female Stiles Stilinski, Female Stiles Stilinski, Isekai and Transmigration, Transmigrator Stiles Stilinski, Stiles Stilinski Takes Over Sookie Stackhouse, Smart Stiles Stilinski, Ruthless Stiles Stilinski, Survivor Stiles Stilinski, Magical Stiles Stilinski, Post-Nogitsune Stiles Stilinski, Vampire-Faerie Hybrid, Vampire Stiles Stilinski, Manipulative Eric Northman, Ruthless Eric Northman, Maker Progeny Relationships, Threesome - F/M/M, Vampire Turning, Worldbuilding, Unreliable Narrator, Dead Sheriff Stilinski (Teen Wolf) Read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/56243803

[carpe-noctemseries]

Character Bio: Leeland "Frost" McKnight

Head of one of the oldest bloodlines in existence, Frost is the vampire equivalent of nobility. He dates back to the Silla Kingdom of ancient Korea, and as such is well aware of his status. He meets it with a blend of responsibility and 'fuck it we ball' that's honestly inspiring.

He owns the nightclub 'Wreckquiem' and uses it both to keep an eye on his community and as a way to grow more affluence. There are few members of the supernatural scene who have not at least heard of him tangentially.

Despite his prestigious position, Frost himself is relatively down to Earth. He isn't one to suffer a fool, and he's a little behind the times, but he's a good friend and a powerful ally. His nickname was given to him when he was still young due to having inherited the ability to control ice from his sire.

Appearance: Mid back length blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin, 6'0 (182 cm), tall and long like a spider, androgynous features, gothic formal/gothic casual, three sets of fangs.

Likes: Alcohol, talking shit, small cute things, stealing art from colonizers, pretty boys

Dislikes: Fire, humidity, boring people, lawn flamingoes, Liam the Lame

[dragonsden-ranks]

NOTICE: Island Rankings have been updated.

Congratulations to Ale Bolivar Vicente Sanchez and Elliot Raws for topping the ranks in November!

Scarlett McKnight and Tessa Fuchs have been assigned LEVEL 0 ACCESS.

Kane Whelan, Liam Connolly, Raven Powers, and Uriel Zeriah have been assigned LEVEL 2 ACCESS.

No new perks have been earned.

The next update is scheduled for January 1st.

@alebolivarx @pretty-boyelliot @scarlettxmcknight @tessa-fox @kanewhelan @liamoftheirish @raven-powers @urielscorruption

[thegayhimbo]

True Blood Season 1 Review, Part 2 of 2 (Spoilers Ahead)

Apologies for this coming a few days later. It’s been a busy week, and I’m only starting to discover how time-consuming these reviews can be. I’m also currently in the middle of re-watching season 2 (and you can check out my ongoing thoughts about that season as I post about it). For later reviews of the True Blood seasons, I may just give general thoughts on what I liked and didn’t like. The only exceptions will be if I want to do a separate character/story analysis from a particular season.

In any case, let’s get cracking. 

To start off, I will be honest that, even as someone who identifies as gay and seeks out LGBT+ representation in media, the “vampires as a metaphor for oppressed minorities” message never worked for me (at least not in the way the show presents it). For one thing, I found the metaphor redundant and unnecessary when you already had minority characters like Lafayette and Tara (both of whom are black and part of the LGBT+ community) who could represent themselves without becoming vampires. There’s also the fact that both of them had to struggle with relatable real life issues (racism, sexism, homophobia, socioeconomic status, etc) than affected them on a daily basis. Scenes like Lafayette’s AIDS Burger speech for instance did more to convey the homophobic bullshit Lafayette constantly deals with, and I wish the show had expanded more on those moments.

The other part is I don’t think the metaphor was as clever or well-thought out as the writers wanted it to be because of the way they set up vampire society. If anything, the show accidentally undermines its message about tolerance based on how vampires act/behave on the show and what they do to humans. 

One thing that always irritated me (especially in season 1) is how the writers consistently downplayed when humans had valid reasons to be wary of vampires that wasn’t just rooted in bigotry: Over the course of the show (and even in the books) we find out many vampires have kidnapped, raped, tortured, drained, and killed humans in the past, or else turned them into vampires without their consent. We see this in season 1 with Malcom’s nest, Bill’s trial, and the murders/abductions vampires perpetrate against humans. Nan Flannigan (the spokesperson for the AVL) mentions at one point that vampires usually kill humans, and must consistently cover it up and lie about it on TV because she knows it makes vampires look unsympathetic. There’s also the entitled and bigoted attitude vampires have towards humans where they see them as either food, pets, slaves, or disposable commodities. What’s worse is vampires like Malcom, Diane, and The Magister (who’s a high ranking official in the vampire government) have comment on this:

From “Mine” (1x03):

Diane: Not everyone wants to dress up and play human.

Malcolm: Not everybody thinks it was such a great idea. And not everybody intends to tow the party line. Honey, if we can't kill people, what's the point of being a vampire?

From “I Don’t Wanna Know” (1x10):

Magister: Humans exist to serve us. That is their only value.

Some might say that you can’t judge the actions of a few vampires and equate that with all vampires. However, the problem is this isn’t just a case of a few vampires. Vampire culture and society in the books and the show are based solidly on seeing humans as either inferior beings, food, or subservient slaves who only exist to serve vampires. This attitude is deeply engrained, and has been for thousands of years. It constantly affects the way they relate to and interact with humans, and as I pointed out earlier, vampires have a history of kidnapping and killing humans that goes back centuries.

Humans have only known about vampires for 2 years as of season 1 (they came out of the coffin in 2006, and the show starts in 2009) whereas vampires have committed atrocities against humans for THOUSANDS of years, and have arguably acted as the oppressors in those situations. They have advantages that humans don’t (glamouring, superspeed, super strength, ability to drain, etc.) that make them dangerous, and they have chosen to keep some of those abilities from humans because it’s convenient for them to do so. And since many vampires can’t or won’t control themselves (or else make justifications for why it’s okay to treat humans the way they do), that is a BIG PROBLEM for humans who get caught in their crosshairs.

Likewise, as we find out in the later seasons, the vampire government is depicted as corrupt and self-serving (to say nothing of how humans are procured for the monarchs/chancellors, or the barbaric justice system they have), and their entire mainstreaming agenda is more interested in pretending to be civilized for humans (and encouraging vampires not to get caught feeding on humans) rather than actually trying to get vampires to change for the better. It’s also mentioned in season 4 (by Bill of all people) that vampires have a history of infiltrating human organizations (like the Catholic Church) to carry out their agendas. All of this was depicted over the course of the show.

Please note I am NOT saying that humans are guiltless in the way they’ve treated vampires. If anything, season 1 was pretty clear about showing how bigoted humans could be towards vampires. We had drainers like Amy Burley and the Rattarays who targeted vampires for their blood because of it’s magical abilities. Likewise, we were also shown hate crimes towards vampires (the rednecks who burn down Malcom’s nest) and organizations like The Fellowship of the Sun who were heavily anti-vampire. 

But the thing is the show clearly frames such bigotry in a negative light. The message that both the books and the show emphasize is that humans must learn to be tolerant of vampires. Characters like Jason, Tara, and Arlene are expected to grow and become more open-minded about vampires, no matter what kind of reprehensible crimes vampires commit. 

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing..............except that the show perpetrates a double-standard regarding how vampires treat humans vs how humans are expected to treat vampires.

It would be one thing if the books and the show took the position that vampire’s treatment of humans is bigotry that needs to change. Instead, the books and show frame it as "that's just the way they are, and it’s their nature, so deal with it." I cannot begin to describe how many times I’ve heard this excuse from fans whenever the vampires do something morally reprehensible. The problem is that completely undermines the message of tolerance that the books and the show constantly emphasize. You can't be tolerant of someone who sees you as food, who intends to harm you, and who views you as subservient to them. It also doesn't work to claim that humans must treat vampires as equals but it's okay for vampires to still indulge their bigoted attitude towards humans and treat them as inferiors, or that it’s okay for vampires to torture/rape/drain/kill/abduct humans because “that’s just who they are.” 

And please spare me the rape and abuse apologies, or the excuses of “you can’t apply human morality to vampires” or “there are different rules” or whatnot. I’ve heard them before, I don’t agree with them, and as stated, I think they undermine any message of tolerance and learning to co-exist peacefully with others who are different from you. There is a BIG DIFFERENCE in my eyes between a vampire who needs to feed on a human for survival, and a vampire who tortures/rapes/inflicts pain on a human out of sadistic pleasure or just because they can. There is nothing relatable or sympathetic about a character who perpetrates that kind of evil on someone else, and I’m done seeing people trying to make justifications for why it is. 

In any case, this is just my take on how the “vampires as a metaphor for oppressed minorities.” I don’t know if I’ll get blowback for this (I suspect that I will), but I wanted to clarify on the reasons I had problems with how the vampires are portrayed and how that contradicts the message of tolerance and peaceful co-existence that both the books and the show claim to endorse. 

[bobbedrake]

me remembering that james and liam could’ve actually been iconic and cute but instead HO chose to re-hash mcknight instead

[oughttobeclowns]

Review: LIFT, Southwark Playhouse

Review: @liftmusicalldn @swkplay "a cracking showcase for its talented cast"

Nearly 10 years since its Julie Atherton-starring debut, London musical LIFT is vibrantly revived at Southwark Playhouse “We’re all hiding from something” Craig Adams and Ian Watson’s musical LIFT was first seen at the Soho Theatre in 2013, in a production that featured Cynthia Erivo but more significantly, an epically good Julie Atherton. This beautifully-designed (Andrew Exeter) revival at…

[thedailycounternews]

It Could Happen To You... South Carolina's Family Court Cartel

It Could Happen To You… South Carolina’s Family Court Cartel

Every individual who is forced to go through Family Court felt it would never happen to them. The Family Court “Cartel” is among one of the most secretive industries in the United States and in South Carolina. So, what exactly is Family Court and how does it work? How does it aid in the destruction of families and children for profit? To begin the name Family Court is used as a marketing tool to…

[ginger-grimm]

MERRY CHRISTMAS @luucypevensie

Grace, thank you so much for humoring my crazy ideas this year. I am so glad we got to talking more and I love the crossovers we have created. I admire your creativity so much. You are so easy to talk to and so kind. Keep being you and I look forward to seeing what else you come up with in the future. Muah, much love!

featuring: Ash McKnight and John B Routledge, Verena Black and Beth Lambert and Liam Dunbar and Laurel Davis

[shewillreadyou]

Being: Chapter 2-Back at one

As always. I hope that you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing.

A/N: This is the answer to my very FIRST ASK!!!

Also, this is the long awaited 2nd chapter to my new TRR series “Being” it will follow Liam and Karis on their adventures as monarchs and new parents. I think it should be sweet. Thank you to @secretaryunpaid for pre-reading part of this chapter and being a HUGE inspiration.

Disclaimers: Most characters are property of Pixelberry

Warnings: If you are under 18 please, just don’t. Language, adult content and some NSFW.

Word Count: 4100 ish

Catch up: Chapter 1

Pairings: Liam x MC (Queen Karis Rose Vasquez-Rhys)

Song inspiration: Back at One- Brian McKnight

Be Kind: Hit the heart button, leave a comment or reblog. It makes a writer so so happy.

Months had passed since their fairytale wedding and romantic honeymoon. They had returned to face the music concerning their pregnancy. Ana De Luca, a long time acquaintance of the crown had paid a paparazzi for private photos of Karis laying on the beach with her growing bump exposed. Adonis agreed to give her the exclusive in return for the pictures and a bit more time to announce their big news on their own terms. 

The day had come for the press conference. The PR team for the royals only told the press that their monarchs had big news to share. Security at Valtoria was so airtight that only people on a short list were allowed on the grounds. The press was only allowed for the announcement and had a short time thereafter to vacate the premises. Adonis arranged for a team of stylists to make sure his queen was presentable for this potentially stressful day. Karis was carrying their heir in her hips. Her bump was still modest for someone 8 months along. Perez, the designer responsible for her wedding dress and his seamstress Enoch, dressed her in an off the shoulder, floor length, royal blue gown that hugged her curves. 

Adonis was sure his heart skipped a beat when he laid eyes on his bride. She was sitting at the vanity inside their bedroom putting on the blue sapphire and diamond earrings he gifted her for Christmas. “Love, I have no words,” he said as he kissed her cheek, not daring to ruin the makeup that had taken nearly an hour to perfect. “It’s time,” he announced as he took her hand. “Both Kenyon and I will be by your side the entire time. I will make the announcement and we will take a few questions from the press before the celebration.” 

Kenyon was posted outside her door. He smiled at Karis before clearing his throat. “Your maaajesty! You look--“ Liam scowled at Kenyon who immediately trained his eyes forward. “Appropriate for the occasion. You look very appropriate.” Karis laughed as Adonis brooded. They headed down to the grand ballroom, where they had a photo shoot with Ana, capturing the momentous occasion. When they were done they joined the press on the east lawn. 

Royal trumpeters played before the royal crier announced, “Their Majesties, King Liam and Queen Karis Rhys of Cordonia.” Karis’ hand rested in the crook of his arm as he escorted her to the podium. He looked deeply into her eyes, and her nerves seemed to settle. “People of Cordonia, before I took our queen as my bride, she was made aware of her responsibilities as she serves in this role. She has humbly trained under Queen mother Regina not only soaking up her role and responsibilities, but our culture. I had no doubt that she would be the queen that Cordonia needed. She had, even during our engagement, stepped up to the plate and excelled far beyond what I could have hoped or asked of her. 

I am aware that some have noticed that her majesty has been missing from the public as of late. Today, we have gathered here on the same grounds where my parents made this same announcement many years ago. Without further ado, Queen Karis and I would like to announce the coming of the royal heir to the throne of Cordonia.” Karis stepped from behind the podium resting her left hand on her bump to wave at the crowd. The news was met with a rapturous applause, whistling and cheers.   

The afternoon was filled with congratulatory fluff, indulgent food, and schmoozing with Cordonia’s upper crust. As promised, Kenyon didn’t leave Karis’ side. When she had her fill, per usual, Adonis was nowhere to be found. After fruitlessly searching the estate for her King, Kenyon escorted Karis to the master suite. She rested her swollen feet on the chaise lounge. “Is there anything I can get for you or help you with, ma’am?” Karis shook her head. “Kenyon, I have told you a million times, you can call me Karis in private. And since you asked, yes. Can you please help me out of these heels? They are pretty but they stopped being comfy hours ago.” Kenyon hesitantly approached. 

He gently pulled her swollen feet into his lap. After removing one sandal, Karis noticed a bulge in his pants. She didn’t think much of it, he had never said or done anything inappropriate, as his large hands fumbled with the buckle on the second one. The door opened and Adonis entered the room; his eye immediately fell upon Kenyon kneeling in front of Karis. “There you a-- what is the meaning of this?” Kenyon stood abruptly, Karis’ foot falling to the floor, but before he could speak, “I couldn’t find you love, and my feet are killing me. Kenyon was just being helpful.” Adonis looked between Kenyon and his very pregnant wife. “Thank you for your-- help, Kenyon but I got it from here,” Adonis said dismissively. “Of course, sir, I’ll be right outside if you need me, Karis,” Kenyon said as he exited the room. 

Adonis gathered some pillows that were arranged on the bench at the foot of their bed. “Fuck you mean? And just why would she need you? I’m here,” he mumbled under his breath. “What’s that love?” she asked as he propped her feet on the pillows. “Nothing, the next time your feet hurt, call me,” he instructed as he poured himself a bourbon. She laughed. “Promise.” He put the tumbler down and disappeared into the closet. “I was just saying good evening to some of our guests, you know?” 

When he returned he was carrying her favorite nightgown. He walked into the master ensuite before Karis heard bath water running. “Helpful my ass,” he muttered as he removed his cufflinks, placing them on the dresser. Karis watched as he undressed in the midst of his tantrum. His shirt fell off of his muscular shoulders and Karis’ breath hitched. Her eyes widened when his trousers fell to the floor. He approached her wearing nothing but his boxer briefs.He extended his hand, “come love, it’s bath time.” 

He led her into the ensuite where he unzipped her gown, cursing quietly as it pooled on the marble floor. “Karis, you are a whole lotta woman,” he whispered in her ear as he unhooked her bra. Her full perky breast sprung free as he watched in the mirror. She shimmied out of her panties before he helped her into the full tub. She looked at him with hooded eyes. “Is there something on your mind, Adonis?” He slipped out of his underwear and into the tub. “I’m just thinking, maybe we should restructure the guards. Maybe, I can put Mara on you and maybe Kenyon would do better with Regina.” 

“Wait, Mara the one who was supposed to be guarding Regina when she was kidnapped? Where did these thoughts come from?” Adonis pulled her foot out of the water as he began to massage her. “I think he is too comfortable with you, too familiar. Since when did he start calling you Karis?” She knitted her eyebrows together. “When I asked him to call me Karis. I spend a lot of time with him. It’s weird for him to call me Ma’am. Tell me you’re not jealous?” Adonis smiled smugly, “Of your guard? Ha!” he threw his head back in laughter. “Well, it seems that way.” She bit her lip, and batted her eyelashes as he took her big toe into his mouth circling it with his tongue before releasing it with a pop. “I am the KING of Cordonia, I have my health, wealth, and the finest woman walking this earth carrying my heir. Remind me again why I would be jealous of your guard?” She smirked. “Exactly,” she said as she attempted and failed miserably at getting out of the tub on her own.

Adonis grabbed her wrist pulling her soapy body down into his lap. “Hey, you know what? I’m sorry, I was out of line,” he swept her hair to the side exposing her neck before kissing it gently. “Do you forgive me?” His husky voice, his breath tickling her neck and the way his chest vibrated as he was pressed up against her back made it all but impossible to say no. “No,” she said it anyway. “Please,” he pleaded in a sensual whisper. “Forgive me Karis,” he growled. She bit her bottom lip and shook her head, no before she shifted in his lap. She felt his erection nearly impale her. She couldn’t help but think how easy it would be to get into reverse cowgirl right there in the tub. He started to roll his hips slowly as he apologized in different languages. “Scusa...Es tut uns leid...Pardon...Gomen’ nasai… Joesonghabnida...Lo siento,” he whispered into her hair.   

His large hands began to knead her shoulders. Her eyes closed and her head fell back to rest on his shoulder. It felt heavenly, her soft mewing encouraged him. “I don’t get it, you are always so confident in everything you do,” she panted. He kissed her exposed neck gently as his hand moved down her torso and around her swollen belly into the water. “You still don’t get it, do you? I found my kryptonite,” he said as he cupped warm water in his hand and poured it over her belly. “You’re my kryptonite, Karis Rhys. The thought of some other man touching you, even looking at you, if only to help remove your shoe; it drives me to distraction. It certainly cracks my unyielding confidence.” She smiled, flattered by his words. 

Her life to this point still seems like a dream. From meeting him at work, to spending that first night at her place with him. Losing him as suddenly as they connected. Reconnecting in Paris. The first time they made love, him buying the house in DC. The proposal in Paris, and their fairytale wedding. They have certainly had a whirlwind romance. He had been perfect, except she knew that no one is perfect. He was close. His hand gently slid across her thigh and found her center. He caressed her bundle of nerves before sliding into her as much as she could take. He tried his best to remind her with every thrust who she belonged to, her whimpers confirmed that she was fully aware.   

The next few weeks seemed to fly by, Karis could be found putting away freshly laundered baby clothes, arranging diapers and wipes into the basket below the changing table, or fussing over the crib bedding. Adonis did everything in his power to keep her off her feet. She usually waited until he was in his morning meetings before heading into the nursery. She had scrubbed the kitchen, in their quarters, and dusted the newly decorated living, dining area.

When he returned from his meeting with the counsel, he found her vacuuming their bedroom. “Babygirl, what are you doing?” His voice boomed over the sound of the vacuum. She jumped before turning it off. “Karis, baby, my queen. We have talked about this. We have staff that can do this for you. You are supposed to be resting.” She waddled over to him and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “I am tired of lying in bed. I was trying to kill time before the new chapter of Foreign Affairs releases on the Choices app. Blaine is so hot,” she giggled as she fanned herself. 

“I’m hotter,” he said as he walked his wife over to the bed. Instead of helping her lay down, his large hand splayed across her back gently bending her over the plush bedding. His other hand traveled up the soft smooth skin of her leg. Her silk nightgown gathered at her waist as he freed himself from his trousers. Just when she took a deep breath anticipating him entering her, he dropped to his knees to taste her. Within minutes her orgasm was within reach. “Adonis, I’m close,” she panted. His long digit joined his tongue in pursuit of her pleasure. She gasped before her body started to gently shake. He waited patiently as she rode out her first of three orgasms she would experience that afternoon. 

When they were done, she was exhausted. His mission was accomplished. He hoped that she would sleep until he returned from his afternoon meeting in Fydelia. Kenyon was posted outside of her door. He had just returned from lunch when the King departed. It was like any other afternoon. Kenyon always took his lunch when he saw Liam “checking in” on Karis. It was always hard to look either of them in the eye afterward. Karis woke a couple hours after Adonis left with mild stomach discomfort. She drank the water that he had sent to her side table and turned on her side, which was the advice from Dr. Dameron the last time this happened.

She felt better a short time later. She smiled at Kenyon sheepishly as he shook his head. She was creeping down to the nursery. She wanted to make sure that the new packages that arrived had been put away. She didn’t think much of it, she would be back in bed before Adonis returned. Kenyon sat in the recliner on her insistence that he took a load off. She dropped a pair of baby socks that rolled under the chaise lounge. “I’ll get that,” he offered. “No, I can pick up a pair of socks,” she insisted. When she reached for the socks she didn’t feel anything. She got on her knees feeling triumphant when she located them under the lounge. She held the tiny grey socks in her hand as she attempted to get up from the floor. “See! I’m not helpless!” She stood proud of herself, while Kenyon chuckled at her theatrics. 

Suddenly, a gush of warm fluid rushed down her leg. She looked at Kenyon with a look of horror on her face. “This can’t be happening. Adonis is not here. It’s a few weeks too soon.” Kenyon immediately stood taking control of the situation. “What happened?” She clutched her belly, taking a deep cleansing breath, “my water broke.” Once the initial shock wore off, Kenyon called the doctor  as they rehearsed, before calling Liam. The phone went straight to voicemail. “Sir, this is Kenyon. It’s time. Dr. Dameron instructed us to head to the hospital immediately. I will try calling back once we are in route.” His next call was to Alexsei, Karis’ driver. “Alpha Rabbit has commenced. Meet me out front in 3 minutes.”  He ended the call and turned to Karis, “look at me. We have gone over this. You are ready. Your bag is already in the truck.” 

He moved to her side and she wrapped her arm around his shoulder for support. He flung the strap to her purse over his shoulder as they headed towards the stairs. She struggled to walk, stopping every few yards for a contraction. “If I’m not being too forward Ma’am, may I?” She nodded her head and Kenyon swept her into his arms, carrying her bridal style out to the truck. 

“Where is Adonis?” she asked as she riffled through her purse with tears running down her face. “He’s at a meeting in Fydelia. His phone went to voicemail when I called. I left a message. I will try calling again.” 

Karis took deep breaths like they taught her in the private child birthing lessons Adonis insisted on her attending. The pains had begun to come closer together and stronger with each instance. In between contractions she fruitlessly attempted to reach her husband. She wiped the tears from her eyes before Kenyon turned to her. “Everything is going to be ok, Ma’am.” She reached across the seat and patted the top of Kenyon’s hand flashing him a strained smile that didn’t reach her eyes. 

21 minutes later they still hadn’t heard from Adonis. They were met at the private entrance of the hospital by a team of nurses who helped her into a wheelchair, and took her inside to the grand nursing suite where Liam was born 31 years earlier. Kenyon stood watch at the door while Karis gave a urine sample and changed into a silk hospital gown. They got her settled into bed and asked her if they could get her anything. Karis was terrified and alone. She kept thinking about how Adonis scolded her for allowing Kenyon to help her when she couldn’t find him. 

There was a knock at the door that tore her from her thoughts. “Come in.” Kenyon entered the room with his hands over his eyes which were clenched tightly closed. “Good news Karis, I was able to get in touch with King Liam. He’s on the way.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Kenyon. You can uncover your eyes. I am covered.” He dropped his hand and slowly opened his eyes. “Are you, uhh comfortable? Did they do the back thing?” She looked at him, confused. “You mean an epidural?” He smiled sheepishly. “Yes, that’s what it’s called. It made my sister feel a lot better when my niece was born.” Just then another contraction started and she reached for his hand. He nervously looked over to the door before offering his hand. She squeezed his hand while breathing through the momentary pain. “I guess this means you didn’t get the drugs?” 

When it was done she looked at him. “How long before Liam gets here? I’m scared, Kenyon. The contractions are getting closer and closer. I don’t want to have this baby alone.” His heart sank. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that he was over an hour away in Fydelia. His eyes must have given it away, her eyes went from sad to panicked. “Kenyon, I know this is a lot to ask, but if he doesn’t make it here on time, will you stay with me?” He swallowed thickly considering what she just asked. He reached over and offered her tissue to dry her eyes. “Aww, come on Karis, don’t cry again, you’re killing me. He’s gonna be here.” he lied. He knew that there was the possibility that he wouldn’t make it. “But if not, of course, I’ll stay with you. But he’s gonna be here soon.”  

Just then her purse fell to the floor from the chair. When Kenyon went to pick it up he discovered that it likely fell because of her phone violently vibrating from inside. “Oh, it’s your phone,” he announced. She extended her arm. “Well, pass it to me.” He instead passed her the entire purse. She looked at him with her brows knitted together. “What? My mom told me to never go in a woman’s purse.” She smiled as she pulled her phone from her purse. Another contraction came as she took deep breaths. When it passed she called Adonis back. 

“Hey babe, it’s me.”

His voice was sorrowful. 

“Babygirl, I’m so sorry. I never should have left you alone. Howard is driving as fast as he can to get me there. Just try to hold on.”

“Babe, don’t apologize, you had no way of knowing that this would happen today. Just get here safely. I’m scared.” 

“I’m sorry you are there going through this alone. We are still about 35 miles out.” 

“I’m not alone. Kenyon is here with me.” 

Liam cleared his throat, “yeah, well, I will be there soon.” 

“Adonis, I don’t know if I can do this. I’m not as strong as I thought. I’m kind of freaking out over here.” 

“Karis, listen to me my Queen. You are so much stronger than you think. You are brave, and courageous. You can do anything. Don’t think too much. Just take it one contraction at a time. Remember your breathing.”

“What would I do without you?” 

“Heh, I don’t know, but I don’t want to find out.” 

“Another contraction is coming.” 

‘Baby, focus on my voice. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.”

“Ok, it passed. Thank you. Kenyon just brought me some ice chips. I’m going to get on the birthing ball. I’ll see you soon?”

“Yes love, we are only 17 miles out now.”

“Adonis?” 

“Yes love?”

“I love you.”

“I love you more.” 

They end the call as the nurse and the doula enter the hospital suite. Once Karis was out of the bed and onto the birthing ball she became even more uncomfortable. She was in active labor. Her pains were hard and closer together. She was getting tired. 

“Hazel, will you help me? I think I need to use the restroom.”

“No ma’am, we are going to get you back into bed so that nurse Emilia can give us the go ahead to start pushing.”

“Pushing? But Adonis… my husband isn’t here.”

Hazel grabbed her hand and said, “Yes pushing, we want to make sure we don't put baby in danger by holding off too long. I’m sure Adonis will be here soon so he can help you with your breathing as you begin to push.” Her Calm demeanor and comforting words consoled Karis in that moment. 

After a vaginal exam, the nurse confirmed that she was indeed ready to start pushing. 

“Unfortunately, your baby didn’t get the memo,” Hazel quipped. 

A team of nurses swarmed the suite getting things set up for the birth of her baby, Cordonia’s heir. The tears started to pour again. Kenyon stood helplessly before, “I’ll just wait outside,” he said quietly. “But Kenyon, you promised,” she sobbed. “That was before they pulled your covers off.” She pouted and gave him the most ridiculous puppy dog eyes. “Ok, I’ll stay. But only until King Liam arrives.” he looked at Hazel, the doula and asked, “how can I be helpful?”

“I am going to stand on the left and empower Mom, and you stand on the right and help hold her thigh.” Kenyon’s eyes went wide. “Forget it. If you are going to be all weird, then just go,” Karis chided. “I promised I would and I will.” He swallowed thickly before placing his large hand on the joint behind her knee mirroring what he saw Hazel doing. “Am I doing this right Ms. Hazel?” She smiled and  nodded her head reassuringly.  

“Now Mom, on the next contraction, take a deep breath and push.” 

Karis could feel her abdomen tightening. When the next contraction came she took a deep breath and pushed. It felt like she was constipated and needed to relieve herself. On the next contraction, it burned like nothing she had ever experienced. “You’re doing so well Mom, a few more pushes and you get to meet your baby.” 

Tired and in pain Karis looked at the nurse and said, “Oh, screw you! This hurts!!”

“Karis!” Kenyon blurted. “Oh, screw you too! You try pushing a watermelon out of a lemon.” 

Then came another contraction, but this time instead of focusing on her breathing, she screamed at the top of her lungs, “Adonis!!!! I hate you! You did this to me.” Just then the door flew open. “You called for me, love?” He smiled at her and she melted like she always had. 

His presence was a momentary distraction from the insurmountable pain. He had finally made it. He wasn’t going to miss the birth after all. When she laid eyes on him she began to sob. “I don’t really hate yooooou.” One of the nurses helped him scrub up and get into a gown. He gave Kenyon an appreciative elbow dap. 

“Adonis, how nice of you to join us. Get over here. Are you ready to meet your baby?” Dr. Dameron asked. 

“Yes, of course,” he said before kissing Karis sweetly on the forehead. 

“Good because on this next contraction she will deliver the head.” 

On the next contraction, Karis seemed more focused than ever. Kenyon wiped the sweat from her brow before she closed her eyes. “I’m here with you now, baby. You are doing amazing. You can do anything.” His confidence in her gave her just the strength she needed to champion through. Quietly, she took a deep breath, tucked her chin into her chest  and pushed as hard as she could. “That’s it baby, you’re doing it. I can see the head.” 

Dr. Dameron checked for the cord around the baby’s neck as the nurse suctioned it’s airways. On the next push Dr Dameron moved behind Liam positioning his hands to catch the baby. 

Karis pushed one final time and the heir to the crown of Cordonia was born. “Oh my God, Karis, love! You did it! He’s beautiful.” 

She looked up through the tears, “he? It’s a boy?” The King began to sob and he shook his head confirming. Dr Dameron looked at the clock, “12:09” she told the nurse. Congratulations, your majesties, “It’s a boy.” 

@txemrn @pixie88 @secretaryunpaid @khoicesbyk @blackkingliamstan @mom2000aggie @shannonwrote @hopelessromanticmonie @chemist-ana @rideordiechronicles @lucy-268 @dcbbw @darley1101 @maurine07 @sfb123 @bbrandy2002 @kingliam2019 @schnitzelbutterfingers @lem-20​ @choicesficwriterscreations @no-one-u-know @jessiembruno @queenrileyrose @thefrenchiemama @somersetmummy @axwalker @gkittylove99

TRR: @twinkleallnight  @bebepac @mainstreetreader @romereadingshop @romewritingshop @lem-20 @texaskitten30 

[monochromemedic]

you can tell my hands were getting tired but those are all of my ocs. Matt (top left) Liam (top right) Cedric (bottom left) and Edward (bottom right)

[ao3feed-peterstiles]

Karma's a Bitch (And so am I)

Read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/56243803 by sifshadowheart Stiles Stilinski survived everything Beacon Hills ever threw at her. She survived, and then she got out. FBI Internship, college degree, becoming an agent in what amounted to the Freak Squad for the FBI? She did it all. Survived it all. Until a shooter with either horrible or impeccable aim managed what everything that had ever gone bump in the night had failed at accomplishing - but of course, because Stiles was the universe's favorite punching bag, it couldn't just end there. One moment all she could hear was the high-pitched wail of a heart monitor flat-lining. The next, she was hearing voice in her head, something was chowing down at her throat, and a bloody arm was being shoved in her mouth as she was forced to drink. Blink, she's FBI Special Agent Mieczysława "Stiles" Claudia Stilinski, magical human and nogitsune survivor; blink again she's Sookie Stackhouse, part-fae telepathic barmaid dying from a dual attack by drainers and a vampire who just couldn't help himself but bite. Stiles didn't know where the blame fell for the weirdest twist yet in her story laid, but she had a pretty good place to start: with one Bill Compton, her would-be Maker. After all: karma was a bitch, and so was she. Words: 4248, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Series: Part 1 of What Goes Around Comes Around Fandoms: Teen Wolf (TV), True Blood (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Categories: F/M, M/M, Multi Characters: Stiles Stilinski, Eric Northman, Godric (True Blood), Pam Swynford De Beaufort, Bill Compton, Adele Hale Stackhouse, Jason Stackhouse, James Kent (True Blood), Malcolm Beaumarchais, Diane Hardwicke, Liam McKnight, Lafayette Reynolds, Sam Merlotte, Tara Thornton Relationships: Stiles Stilinski/Eric Northman, Stiles Stilinski/Godric (True Blood), Stiles Stilinski/Eric Northman/Godric (True Blood), Godric/Eric Northman, Godric & Eric Northman, Eric Northman & Pam Swynford De Beaufort, Stiles Stilinski & Pam Swynford De Beaufort, past Stiles Stilinski/Peter Hale Additional Tags: Always Female Stiles Stilinski, Female Stiles Stilinski, Isekai and Transmigration, Transmigrator Stiles Stilinski, Stiles Stilinski Takes Over Sookie Stackhouse, Smart Stiles Stilinski, Ruthless Stiles Stilinski, Survivor Stiles Stilinski, Magical Stiles Stilinski, Post-Nogitsune Stiles Stilinski, Vampire-Faerie Hybrid, Vampire Stiles Stilinski, Manipulative Eric Northman, Ruthless Eric Northman, Maker Progeny Relationships, Threesome - F/M/M, Vampire Turning, Worldbuilding, Unreliable Narrator, Dead Sheriff Stilinski (Teen Wolf) Read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/56243803

[little-big-fan]

• Imagine Liam Payne - Casamento

Quantidade de palavras: 1.734

Contém : Romance e alta dose de fofura

N/a: peço perdão pela demora para postar, tive alguns imprevistos, mas está aí. Feedbacks são mais que bem vindos, me digam o que vocês acharam depois.

N/a 2.0: Em certa parte do imagine pedirei que vocês coloquem a música "Marry your daughter - Brian Mcknight" para ficar mais emocionante.

Beijos seus lindos ✨💜

Malu Beck

•Liam Payne POV•

Hoje era o grande dia, hoje eu me casaria com o amor da minha vida. S/N/C era a mulher dos meus sonhos e eu pedia a Deus que permitisse que casássemos um dia e esse dia é hoje, lembro- me perfeitamente de quando a pedi em casamento, estávamos dando um jantar em comemoração ao sucesso de seu trabalho como jornalista.

~3 meses atrás~

Hoje é um dia muito feliz, a matéria publicada por S/N minha namorada - e se tudo der certo em algumas horas será noiva - foi um sucesso, o que resultou em sua carreira como jornalista crescer absurdamente e pra comemorar decidimos fazer um jantar. Convidamos apenas amigos e familiares próximos, os meninos e meus pais já estavam avisados sobre o pedido que eu iria fazer está noite, afinal, eu não conseguiria fazer nada sem a ajuda deles. S/N está em nosso quarto terminando de se arrumar enquanto eu vejo se está tudo okay com o jantar e a surpresa.

-Amor , como estou? - diz S/N descendo as escadas.

-Esta perfeita, com toda certeza a mulher mais linda desse mundo - digo indo ao seu encontro e puxando - a para mais perto.

-É mesmo? A mais linda? Acho que não ouvi direito, pode repetir? - diz dando uma risada gostosa.

-Ah! Danadinha, isso mesmo, a mais linda do mundo inteiro e só minha - digo sorrindo bobo. É incrível a forma que sou completamente apaixonado por essa mulher.

-Karen ligou? Ela me disse que estava esperando Geoff terminar de se arrumar - pergunta suavemente.

-Ligou sim, e bem brava, meu pai conseguiu irritar - lá - digo rindo - eles devem chegar em alguns minutos huh? Agora eu quero um beijinho - faço um biquinho fofo.

-Quantos quiser - espalha beijinhos por todo meu rosto.

Escutamos a campainha tocar e logo S/N se separa de mim e vai receber os convidados. O jantar estava indo bem, todos estavam animados com a ocasião então decido que aquela era a hora de botar tudo em prática. Peço licença da mesa dando a desculpa de que irei ao toilet, corro rapidamente para o quarto e pego o buquê e as alianças. Depois de tudo pronto, desço com o buquê atrás de minhas costas e me posiciono bem em frente a mesa de jantar.

-Posso ter um minuto da atenção de vocês? - digo alto - eu quero fazer uma coisa especial, S/N amor vem cá.

Vejo a mulher de meus sonhos levantar sorrindo num misto de emoção e surpresa e caminha até mim, logo segurando em minha mão.

-Primeiramente isso é para você - estendo o buquê em sua direção e logo seus lindos olhos s enchem de lágrimas - eu estou um pouco nervoso mas vamos lá, quando te vi pela primeira vez naquele bar algo em você me deixou curioso, não sei se era a forma confiante como você dançava ou a forma como você não precisava fazer nada para chamar a atenção. Quando tentei me aproximar de você logo fui cortado com um "Não estou interessada" e minutos depois nos esbarramos e você derrubou bebida em mim - todos riem - você ficou desesperada e disse que tinha uma blusa masculina em seu carro e me ofereceu, eu te tranquilizei e disse que não tinha problema e quis te pagar uma bebida, você surpreendentemente aceitou. Depois do bar e de trocamos nossos números nossas saídas se tornaram frequentes, meses do teu lado e eu nunca tinha tudo aquela coragem de pedi - lá em namoro, até aquela noite em que estávamos na praia de noite vendo a lua. Você estava tão linda, com os cabelos soltos e o vento bagunçando eles, com uma camisa minha amarrotada, com os olhinhos espremidos aproveitando a brisa, e quando pedi e você aceitou eu tinha certeza de que casaria contigo um dia, poderia te chamar de Sra. Payne, poderia ter filhos contigo. Você não é só minha namorada, mas também é minha melhor amiga, é quem está comigo em todos os momentos, é quem aguentou a mídia e as fãs em cima da gente. Eu quero passar o resto da minha vida contigo, quero envelhecer ao teu lado, quero poder gritar aos quatro ventos que eu sou o cara mais sortudo do mundo por ter casado contigo. S/N/C você aceita ser minha pra toda a eternidade? - pergunto me ajoelhando.

A essa altura do campeonato todos estavam emocionados, principalmente nós dois, S/N me analisou sorrindo por uns segundos e a preocupação se tornou evidente em meu rosto. Será que ela diria não? Mas todo o medo vai se esvaindo a medida que o sorriso dela aumenta e ela pronuncia aquela pequena palavra de 3 letras.

-Sim! - diz animada - é claro que eu aceito me casar contigo, eu te amo demais.

-Eu também te amo - coloco o anel em seu dedo e a puxo para um beijo cheio de emoção.

~ Tempo atual - dia do casamento ~

Nem percebo quanto tempo fiquei lembrando daquele dia, em alguns minutos ela finalmente seria a Sra. Payne, me olho no espelho mais uma vez e me arrumo melhor. Minha mãe entra na pequena sala e caminha até mim.

-Eu nem acredito que você irá se casar querido - diz emocionada - vocês dois são tão lindos juntos, não a decepcione filho.

-Eu não vou mãe, prometo fazer dela a mulher mais feliz do mundo - meus olhos brilham ao dizer aquilo.

-Esta na hora de ir querido, está pronto? - diz me puxando.

Ao entrar na igreja cumprimento todos os convidados com leve aceno e me posiciono no altar extremamente nervoso, olho para os meninos e eles me fazem um joinha para me acalmar.

(N/a : podem colocar a música)

Logo a música começa a tocar e é como se tudo ao meu redor estivesse parado, meu coração para e o ar some. Céus! Como ela estava linda, aquele vestido realçando seu corpo, um sorriso enorme no rosto, eu nunca imaginei que ela poderia ficar mais linda do que já é. Naquele momento era só eu e ela, o *vestido* caí tão bem em seu corpo, e meu deus, essa mulher é perfeita demais para ser real. Meu sogro a trás lentamente até mim, as rosas jogadas pelo caminho só deixam tudo mais lindo ainda, quando finalmente ela chega até mim meu sogro sussurra em meu ouvindo "Cuide bem dela".

-Estamos aqui hoje para celebrar as melhores coisas da vida, a confiança, a esperança, o companheirismo e o amor entre esse casal.

Vocês foram convidados para compartilhar este momento com S/N/C e Liam James Payne porque são as pessoas mais importantes para eles. O respeito, a compreensão e o carinho que sustentam o relacionamento deles têm suas raízes no amor que todos vocês deram a este jovem casal. Por isso, é uma honra para os noivos contar com a sua presença, aqui, hoje. Vocês são parte insubstituível do seu ontem, do seu hoje e de todos os seus amanhãs. Eles escolheram um ao outro como sua família, e hoje estão celebrando o amor que já começou e que vai continuar crescendo ao longo dos anos. Pois o casamento é a união, é uma caminhada rumo a um futuro, que envolve abrir mão do que somos, separados, em prol de tudo o que podemos vir a ser, juntos. - faz uma pequena pausa - S/N e Liam , vocês já foram muitas coisas um do outro , amigos, companheiros, namorados, noivos. Agora, com as palavras que vocês estão prestes a trocar, vocês passarão para a próxima fase. Pois, com estes votos, vocês estarão dizendo ao mundo: “este é meu esposo”, “esta é minha esposa”. - se prepara para perguntar - Liam James Payne, é de livre e espontânea vontade que você aceita a S/N/C como sua companheira em matrimônio?.

-Sim, é de livre e espontânea vontade - digo sorrindo.

-S/N/C, é de livre e espontânea vontade que você aceita o Liam James Payne como seu companheiro em matrimônio?.

-Sim, é de livre e espontânea vontade - diz chorando.

-E agora as alianças. As alianças são símbolos físicos do compromisso de um casal e de sua ligação emocional e espiritual. Elas são consideradas um círculo perfeito, sem começo nem fim. S/N/C e Liam , que estes anéis sejam um lembrete visível de seus sentimentos um pelo outro neste momento. Ao olhar para eles, lembrem-se que vocês têm alguém especial com quem compartilhar suas vidas. Lembrem-se de que vocês se encontraram um ao outro e um no outro, e de que nunca mais andarão sozinhos. - o filho de Louis juntamente com a filha de Zayn entram com as alianças - Liam, leia os votos aqui escritos.

- S/N/C, eu te dou esta aliança como sinal de que escolhi você para ser minha esposa e minha melhor amiga. Receba-a e saiba que eu te amo. - coloco a aliança em seu dedo.

-Agora é sua vez S/N.

-Liam James Payne, eu te dou esta aliança como sinal de que eu escolhi você para ser meu esposo e meu melhor amigo. Receba-a e saiba que eu te amo. - coloca a aliança em meu dedo.

-S/N e Liam ninguém além de vocês mesmos detém o poder de proclamá-los esposo e esposa. Porém, vocês nos escolheram como anunciantes desta boa nova. E assim, tendo testemunhado sua troca de votos diante de todos que estão aqui hoje, é com grande alegria que nós declaramos que vocês estão casados. Pode beijar a noiva - diz sorrindo.

E é nesse momento que a puxo pra mais perto a beijando intensamente, as pessoas ao redor de nós começam a aplaudir e parabenizar. Ao sairmos da igreja nossos amigos e familiares estão formando uma passagem para jogar pétalas de rosas em nós até chegarmos no carro. As gargalhadas de S/N são como música para meus ouvidos, acenamos de longe para eles e entramos no carro.

-Próxima parada, nossa lua de mel Sra. Payne - falo de forma engraçada.

-Mal posso esperar Sr.Payne - dá uma risada gostosa.

E assim partimos para o aeroporto felizes por finalmente estarmos casados.

[liam-93-productions]

In case you needed any further proof that Liam Payne has the voice of an angel, he just kindly served it up on a silver platter. The 26-year-old star recently partook in Elle magazine's Song Association video series, which challenges participants to belt out song lyrics based on various one-word prompts — each in less than 10 seconds. Although Payne ran out of time on a few of the prompts, those he did win were quite the delight, namely his smooth-as-melted-butter cover of Jay Sean's "Down." The former One Direction band member also chose hits by Calvin Harris, Brian McKnight, Justin Bieber, and Michael Jackson, in addition to a few of his own songs. Witness his impressive vocals (and adorable demeanour) by watching the entire clip above.

[thegayhimbo]

True Blood Season 1 Review Part 1 (Spoilers Ahead)

It’s been about 2 years since I first saw season 1. Contrary to the hundreds of GIFs and posts that I’ve reblogged about True Blood, I’m a lot more familiar with the later seasons of the show than I am with the first season. When I first viewed season 1, it didn’t click with me, and the only reason I sat through it is because I had seen clips from season 2 that convinced me the show was worth watching. I’m not someone who usually gets into the vampire genre (aside for a brief period of time when I was in middle school), but something about True Blood hooked me in and got me to watch it. I can’t say that it’s a show I completely love, but I am inspired to talk about it.

In any case, I’m doing a rewatch for the first time as a way of getting closure on this show, and maybe moving on so that it isn’t in the back of my head all the time. I also wanted to view the show with fresh eyes, and see if my opinions changed while watching it.

This review will be split into 2 parts because I’m realizing that I have a lot to say about season 1, and it’s gonna get lengthy. Part 1 will just focus on my general opinion about the season. Part 2 (which will be posted a few days from now) will focus on my thoughts about how the vampires ar portrayed on the show.

Overall, my opinion about season 1 improved a little bit during rewatch. It’s not my favorite season of television (and Lord knows there are issues with it), but it’s a lot better than I remember it being. The casting is stellar, and I didn’t have any problems with the actors or how they played their characters. The interactions between the characters kept me engaged even when the main story started to drag (more on that in a minute).

While re-watching season 1, I was surprised to pick up on some subtle aspects that had been planted by the writers in season 1 that I missed the first time around, and that would come into play in the later seasons. For instance:

Sookie mentioning that her cousin Hadley had been missing for over a year since she ran away from the rehab center that Gran paid for, and that she didn’t know how to get hold of her (all of which makes sense come season 2).

The appearance of Theodore Newlin (Steve Newlin’s father), his subsequent death in the 3rd episode, and Steve Newlin taking the reigns of the Fellowship of the Sun

Bill warning Malcom, Liam, and Diane that he knew of “higher authorities” than Eric, and Diane saying “Well she can suck on sunlight for all I care” (All references to Queen Sophie Anne).

Diane mentioning that Bill “used to be fun” and that he had a very “sizable appetite.” Also, the reference to Bill having a sexual relationship with Diane in the 1930s (which is around the time he left Lorena). 

Jason telling Amy about how his parents died, and how he felt responsible for it (the death of their parents becomes a major plot point later on).

There’s a lot to be said about the way the later seasons handled its arcs, but I think the writers were planting seeds in season 1 for future stories and twists that would be revealed down the road. Some of them were capitalized on. Others weren’t. 

I will say for the record that I firmly believe the twist about Bill that gets revealed in season 3 was planned by Alan Ball and the other writers from the beginning of the show, and it does color the way I view Bill’s character and his relationship with Sookie, even in season 1. I should also point out that one particular aspect of the season 3 twist came directly from the books (and those who have read them know what I’m talking about here), so there’s that. Again, I’ll go more into detail about the Bill/Sookie relationship and my thoughts on it as I go through this rewatch.

In regards to the main story about a serial killer coming to Bon Temps and Sookie trying to figure out who it is, I will admit that not only did I NOT find this story engaging anymore, I thought it DRAGGED and should have been resolved within 6-7 episodes as opposed to 12. It’s a lot less thrilling when you already know who the killer is, and while there are some nice clues and red herrings that get dropped, the constant attempts at misdirection (like that scene when Sam goes over to Dawn’s house and sniffs her sheets, or Jason consistently being framed for murder) feels time-consuming instead of fun. It doesn’t help that the story loses momentum halfway through the season, and gets bogged down by all these other subplots that don’t connect to it at all. 

Also, I didn’t pick up on this the first time, but rewatching has helped me realize there are some irritating plot holes with the story I couldn’t overlook. For instance:

In one scene, Sam goes to Dawn's house to sniff around and pick up Rene's scent. Later on, he’s at Gran’s house after Gran died where he also should have identified that same scent since Rene climbed through the window. And considering that Rene spent a huge amount of time at Merlotte's and interacted with Sam on many occasions, Sam should have been easily able to associate Rene's scent with the scents he found at the crime scene, and figured out early on that Rene was the killer. So why does it take him so long to connect two and two when Sam already knows what Rene smells like?

Likewise, it's been established that vampires have a good sense of smell. Bill was around Rene in several scenes, and should have been able to pick up his scent at Gran's house after she was murdered. So how come this doesn't happen?

On top of that, when Bill gets interrogated by Andy and Bud about Gran's murder, he claims that he heard a car (most likely Rene's) pulling up across the cemetery to Gran's house. He also claims that vampires had heightened senses. However, when Sookie finally reads Rene's mind in the season finale, it's shown that Gran screams and Rene shouts at her before killing her. So if Bill could hear Rene driving up to Gran's house.................then how come he didn't hear Rene and Gran shouting at one another before Gran got killed?

For that matter, why did Rene go over to Gran’s house in the first place? He knew that Sookie was going on a date with Sam. He saw them leave the church together, and he had no idea when Sookie was going to be back. It came off like really poor planning on his part for someone who’s been methodical about how he killed people up to this point.

Also, why didn’t Rene throw away the video he took from Maudette’s house, as well as the tape on bulding a Cajun accent? That seems incredibly stupid leaving that stuff around from someone (like Arlene’s kids) to find, especially since he no longer had use for that stuff.

There’s also the way Sookie’s mind reading abilities work. I thought the way that was handled was not only inconsistent, but that it also didn’t make sense how she didn’t pick up on Rene being the killer in the first place. Everything about that screamed “plot convenience.”

The other thing I noticed is that a lot of the problems that fans complain about in the later seasons (added side-plots, deviating from the books, added supernatural creatures, plot holes, inconsistent mythology, characters making stupid decisions, the focus on vampire politics, the problems with the Bill/Sookie relationship, etc) can all be traced back to season 1. To give a few examples:

There were a BUNCH of side-plots in season 1, from the Jason/Eddie/Amy arc to Tara’s exorcism and her conflicting relationship with Lettie Mae to Lafayette’s hook-up with the closeted gay senator to Sam’s backstory to Bill’s trial and so on. I didn’t have an issue with this because I get the idea was to do world-building and show different sides to the characters (if anything, I found the side-plots more interesting than the main story), but I always find it odd that one of the biggest complaints about the later seasons was the added side-plots and how people couldn’t follow them. Frankly, I thought they were pretty easy to follow, and could even be engaging at times.

Even in season 1, the show introduced other supernatural creatures besides vampires. Sam was revealed as a shapeshifter, Maryann was introduced as this unknown entity (and would later be revealed to be a Maenad), Sam mentioned the existence of werewolves to Sookie, and even Sookie was implied to be a supernatural herself because of her ability to read minds. Add in the fact that the books had a plethora of other supernatural creatures (werepanthers, faeries, demons, witches, etc) that were bound to be introduced, and I think it’s pretty fair to say that this show wasn’t always going to stay “grounded in realism” like some people complain it should have been.

Vampire politics was always there from the beginning: The show was NOT subtle about its “vampires as a metaphor for oppressed minorities” message that it kept shoving out there (and again, I will talk more about that in my part 2 review because there’s a lot to be said about they way vampires are portrayed on this show). Characters like Nan Flannigan and Steve Newlin were introduced in season 1 (albeit regulated to TV) as well as organizations like the American Vampire League (AVL) and the Fellowship of the Sun (FOTS). There was already a conflict within the vampire community between vampires who mainstreamed and vampires who wanted to keep killing humans like they’d done in the past. Bill’s trial gave an extremely ugly look into how vampires dispensed justice among their own kind. And there were constant references to the VRA (Vampire Rights Amendment). This show was pretty clear from the beginning that the driving force behind this story was about whether or not vampires could integrate into human society and co-exist peacefully with humans.

Also, in addition to the added side-plots, we also had the expansion of characters like Lafayette (whose character was completely different from the books) and the introduction of Jessica (who wasn’t in the books at all). Basically, this show was already beginning to deviate from the books even before the later seasons happened. 

The way V works in this universe is all over the place. For some people (like Jason and Amy) it acts like an LSD drug, whereas with Sookie, it just gives her heightened senses and dreams about Bill. Lafayette does briefly tell Jason that V has different effects depending on the individual, so maybe this really isn’t a plot-hole. However, at the same time, it just feels like V was whatever the writers wanted it to be. In other words, inconsistent mythology was already a thing in season 1. 

As for characters doing stupid stuff, this came as a surprise to me as well, but it isn’t just limited to Jason. Some examples include:

Tara deciding to drive drunk down the road in the middle of the night while downing a bottle of Vodka (and later getting arrested for it).

Sam sleeping on the same bed as Sookie in dog form, even though he knew (or should have known) that he could transform back into human form while sleeping, and Sookie would see him naked (which is exactly what happens).

Lafayette deciding it’s a good idea to sell Jason V instead of just giving Jason the Viagra he requested in the first place.

Bill letting Diane, Malcom, and Liam into his house when he knew Sookie was coming over to give him the numbers for the electrician. Also it was pretty stupid of him to not consider how Diane, Liam, and Malcom would react to seeing Sookie, or whether or not Sookie would be scared off by the way those three were acting.

Bill deciding it’s a good idea to mouth-off to The Magister about mainstreaming when a.) It is painfully obvious that the Magister doesn’t care about seeing humans as equals, and b.) Bill stands the risk of angering the Magister and making his situation worse than it already is.

Andy’s insistence that Jason is good for the murders without considering all of the evidence, and his refusal to admit he’s wrong. That, and he sucks as a cop.

Sookie using the gun to attack Rene, run out of the house................and then throw the gun into the bushes instead of keeping it as a weapon to defend herself.

Bill choosing not to erase the bite marks on Sookie, which could have made her a target for other people who hated fangbangers (although it’s debatable whether or not this was stupidity on Bill’s part or if this was done intentionally). 

And I’m sure there are plenty of other examples, but my point is that Jason isn’t the only one making stupid decisions here. Again, YMMV on whether or not a character’s stupidity makes sense in the context of the story, or if it just screams “plot convenience,” but it was there. It seems like Jason gets made the scapegoat by fans for everything that was wrong with the first season whereas the problems with other characters/stories get ignored because of inherent biases in the fandom.

I know it sounds like I’m ragging on this season, and I guess in some ways I am because I’ve long been tired of the constant bashing of the later seasons, as well as the excessive hate that gets directed at some of my favorite characters (Jason and Tara) while everyone consistently ignores the other problems with characters and stories that existed as far back as season 1. I am being genuine when I say that season 1 had its moments (the Tara and Lafayette moments were probably the highlights of that season) and it was better than I remember it, but it’s not a favorite of mine. I don’t really see myself going back to rewatch season 1 as often as the other season. And if it had been the only season of True Blood they made, I probably never would have watched it again. Like I said, something about season 1 just didn’t work for me, and I think a lot of that has to do with the show placing more emphasis on the character’s flaws over their redeeming qualities. It was season 2 rectified this and helped to soften the characters in a way where I cared about them. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 where I’ll give my opinions on how I think the show handled vampires.