#she does business either in her office or she goes to the city for it

[softquietsteadylove]

Hey. Had this idea of Thena being a billionaire and Gil being her private chef on her private little beach house in the Hamptons!

Maybe you can do something with that? 😊

Gil smiled as he plated the perfect omelette, gleaming yellow, nice loose scramble in the middle with a pristine outside. He sprinkled on some green onion for garnish; Thena acted like she didn't care about presentation but he knew she liked it when her food looked nice.

Thena was...interesting. She could be hard to read, maybe. He had been in the private cooking business for a while, and he'd had a variety of clients. But no one like Thena.

Thena had this old family house, basically a castle, way out here in the Hamptons--as antisocial as possible. She was in charge of her family's generational wealth, he was pretty sure they did business with historical...stuff. Or something.

Thena didn't talk much. The first time he interviewed for the position with her in the room he wasn't even sure if she spoke English. But her assistant - a very sweet man named Karun - assured him that 'the Madame' was perfectly nice. Just not to bother her.

But Karun was right: Thena was nice. Sure, she didn't exactly make small talk with him while she was eating or anything. But she had a nice smile, she was prompt with money, both for his pay and for any of the ingredients he needed. He always had transportation home, or he had a room ready for him if he was staying for a whole weekend.

Gil put the plate on a place mat at the opposite counter top. Thena liked eating in the kitchen instead of the cavernous dining room. She ate a a French style omelette, or if she was feeling adventurous, maybe a frittata, or he had even prepared omurice for her once. She liked fresh pressed grapefruit juice with a little natural sweetener in it. And berries picked from the gardens.

And he liked to add a little flower if there were any blooming on the strawberry plants while he was out picking.

Thena came in through the patio. She had already done her morning routine, then. A light workout, a shower, maybe a sauna. Her phone was in her hand but she famously didn't accept anyone speaking to her before 9 in the morning. She smiled and nodded to him as she took her seat.

She was in a good mood.

Gil turned around, carefully transporting the gold rimmed cup with his best cappuccino yet. He had even looked up how to make latte art to make a heart design in it.

Thena blinked, surprised as it slid into her view. She looked up at him.

He just nodded, encouraging her to take a sip.

She raised an eyebrow but did so. Usually he waited for her to ask for a specific coffee, since it could vary largely depending on the morning.

He shrugged; something about how beautiful the sunrise was had told him she would want something fun. It wasn't sunday, so she wouldn't want something as filling as a latte. But she only drank black coffee when she was already in a bad mood. Actually, now that he thought about it he ought to get more vanilla soy milk.

Thena sighed at her first sip, her shoulders lowering as she let the hot beverage soak into her. She really was in a good mood.

Gil just chuckled, keeping his comments to himself. He had come to respect the serenity Thena created for herself in the early mornings. He turned again to clear his dishes and fill the dishwasher.

He had to get soy milk, and a few other general weekend groceries. And he needed to get ingredients for a recipe he saw online, essentially a lemon cake tiramisu. Thena liked zingy, fresh flavours, and she enjoyed having something sweet on hand for if a craving hit her out of nowhere or after a hard day.

"It's perfect."

He tried to conceal the surprise he was feeling. But he couldn't help it; Thena had almost never commented on anything he made her, unless it was a brief line attached in an email. He turned, "y-yeah?"

She nodded.

He pursed his lips faintly. Back to silence--okay, sure. He peeked in the fridge to examine what else they had and what he needed. When he had asked Karun what Thena liked to keep on hand, he had merely stated that Thena was so bad at cooking, and so selective about food, that if left to her own devices she would probably just eat raw fruit forever.

"How did you know?"

He grinned. So, he was making progress! He had tried more actively in the beginning to get her to warm up to him. But he had come to accept that Thena didn't withhold her words deliberately. Still, he liked it when she did talk. "Just thought you'd be in the mood for it."

She raised her eyebrows at him from behind the cup being tipped up to her lips again.

He closed the fridge and moved back to the counter. "It's nice and mild out this morning, so I think you should have slept well. Stocks are looking good and you don't have to travel this weekend, right? I figured you would want something a little fun."

Thena smiled through his explanation. Maybe some of his observations of her would be a little much to some. But she nodded, looking down into her cappuccino, one leg bent and resting on her cushioned stool. "I assumed you would prefer when I travel?"

Gil blinked.

She set the mug down, as if this were a very important business meeting. "If I'm here, you don't get the weekend off. Or at the very least, you have plenty of work to do before hand."

"I don't mind," he shrugged easily. It was part of the job, and as far as clients went, Thena really wasn't all that demanding. She wasn't even that high maintenance, all things considered.

Food was easy to procure, either grown here or paid for out of her pocket. The only real stipulations of what he made was that she had to eat it. Karun was kind of like a worrisome father in that way. He had added specifically that she needed more vegetables, and that meant it was up to Gil to make them in such a way that Thena would actually like them.

"Do you ever think you may be too agreeable?"

"Hm," Gil ran his hand over his chin (he needed to shave). "I think it's more like...part of the job, y'know?"

"Hm."

Gil blinked at the new tone of the sound. She looked back at her breakfast. She sounded almost...disappointed. Disheartened, and now poking at her omelette like a dejected little kid. Gil leaned off the further counter and moved closer to her. "I just...wanted to do something kind of special for you."

She peeked up at him. She was awfully cute for some zillionaire old money type. Her hair was nice and soft from being gently blow dried, she didn't have any makeup on, fresh from the shower. Maybe all rich people were really, really pretty.

"You're not contractually obligated to be thoughtful," she smiled as she said it, but he got the impression that she didn't fully believe in her own joke.

He shrugged again, pushing the little flower closer to her, "call it my signature, then. Every chef has their own style--I like being a little sweet."

Thena smiled at the little white strawberry flower. She even reached out to it, but just barely let her fingers brush its soft petals, as if she would make it burst into flame. "Quite."

Gil inhaled, feeling better now that she was smiling again. She looked up at him, the sun behind her, making her hair glow. He blushed.

"Thank you, Gilgamesh."

He laughed faintly, feeling shy as she turned those siren eyes on him. He leaned back from the counter, sticking his hands in his apron pockets. "Hey, it's my pleasure, really."

"If you have shopping to do, Karun will call for a car for you," she added as he started slowly slipping - stumbling - out of the kitchen.

"Th-Thanks!" Gil squeaked out before reaching the hallway. He pulled his apron off and gripped it on his way to take it to the laundry room.

"You require transport, sir!"

Gil jumped at the sudden appearance of the man in question. "God, man, can't you walk a little louder!"

"My apologies, sir," Karun just chuckled. "The Madame walks lightly--as do I."

Thena walked around like a cat. She was silent, graceful, long legs...

"Sir?"

Fuck. Gil nodded, twisting his apron in his hands. He tilted his head as Karun shuffled closer, even waving him down so he could share something secretive.

"Excellent choice with the cappuccino, sir," he disclosed with glee. "The Madame has been trying to strike up a conversation with you for some time. I believe this was the perfect-"

"Karun!"

"I must go," he waved to Gilgamesh before dashing off to see to Thena's needs.

Gil felt a little stunned. It sounded like Karun was telling him that Thena had been wanting to talk with him. But that didn't seem right. Of all the times he had tried to chat with her, she had never bit, even once. And he didn't really think of her as the shy type.

He sighed, shrugging it off. He had groceries to get, anyway. Maybe he would try talking with her again, later.

[danikamariewrites]

imagine being Rhys and Feyres sweet little housewife 🤭🤭🤭 baking and cooking for them, making the home clean and peaceful for them, going shopping, sitting on Rhys’ lap whilst he works, sucking on Feyres tits whilst she paints being spoiled and babied ALL the TIME, extreme princess treatment, it’s not a want it’s a need 🤍🤍🤍

Housewife headcanon

Feysand x reader

A/n: I don’t want to be a housewife BUT I would be for them

Warnings: fluff and slightly nsfw at the end

After a year of dating Rhys and Feyre they convinced you to move in

When you did they were adamant about you making yourself at home because the River House is your house too

Since acts of service is your love language you easily became incorporated in their daily routines which they love

You get up early before Rhys goes to training and make him a small breakfast and coffee. The first time you did this he was surprised. “Darling you didn’t have to do this.” He said, kissing your temple before eating. “I know, but I wanted to. I know you don’t eat before working out and that’s not good for you Rhysie.”

Before he leaves you give him a kiss and tell him “have a great day baby, I love you.”

Then you go back to bed to cuddle with Feyre for another hour until she gets up

You bring up coffee or tea - whatever she’s in the mood for - and the two of you get ready together. Sometimes Feyre does your makeup if you feel like it. You love having her hands all over you, she’s soft with you when she plays with your hair and holds you

When Rhys comes home the three of you sit down for a proper breakfast and talk about what your plans are for the day

Your first few weeks you took it upon yourself to add more furniture into some of the rooms and make the living room a little less old gothic looking

You got a new rug, new arm chairs, and a big comfy couch with new blankets and you hung a few of Feyre’s paintings

Over the months you worked on de-gothifying the place and making it more homey

When that project was done you could tell Rhys and Feyre felt more relaxed at home. All those dark colors must’ve reminded them of literally everything bad and work of course

You also love to cook! Going to the farmers market is your favorite. Fresh bread and foods from all over Prythian at your fingertips

Once a week you make a big meal for the 3 of you with stuff you bought from the market. You also make dessert which is usually ice cream, brownies, or cookies

Feyre and Rhys have always showed you so much love and affection, even before you moved in

To show you that they appreciate everything you do they dial up your Princess treatment to what feels like a million

They buy you any and everything you could ever want

They love taking you out for shopping trips in the city together but sometimes they get so busy you go on your own

You like going on your own sometimes, that way you can get them little surprise gifts

Other days you feel like doing nothing but sitting around the house or being with one of them while they worked

With Feyre you helped her with correspondence or planning lessons and gallery’s for the art studio

Sometimes the two of you would snuggle and read together on the couch in her office

Other times creativity would hit and Feyre would ask you to pose for a sketch for a painting. As she paints you sit with her just in awe of her talent

“You’re amazing Fey. I don’t know how you do it,” you say to her. Feyre turns her head to quickly press her lips to yours as thanks. “Thank you my love, I couldn’t do it without my muse,” she teases

When you compliment her she’d boop your nose with whatever paint she was using and you’d giggle while blushing like crazy

That usually ended with the two of you covered in paint naked on the floor

With Rhys you love taking naps in his office either on the plush leather couch by the fire or sitting on his lap

You read or help him sort paperwork and write letters to the other high lords

Usually working with Rhys is pretty boring unless your in his lap staring up at him with heart eyes, admiring that beautiful jaw line and sparkling eyes

“I can feel you staring darling,” Rhys lightly chuckles out. Your cheeks turn pink a little and you hide your face in his neck. “I can’t help it you’re just so damn pretty.” You mumble. “Another laugh shakes Rhys’s chest. “Hey, look at me.” You slowly pull away from his neck and meet his violet eyes

Rhys shifts you so you’re straddling him with your back to his desk. His hand comes up to softly hold your chin, forcing you to keep eye contact with him. “I love it when you stare at me pretty girl. Reminds me of how much you love me. Do you stare at Feyre too?”

You nod, a soft smile pulling at your lips as he inches his face closer to yours. “Mmhh, and what does Feyre darling do when you stare at her like that?” Rhys gently kisses you as he taps on your mental shields, asking to see what you did with Feyre yesterday

You happily show him, hoping you can end up in the same position with him

You also show him images of the 3 of you together in bed hoping that you can have both of them sooner rather than later

[phoenixyfriend]

Entry of the Gladiators 5

Chapter 5: Kings of Crime

That is so much spice.

This is the last of the already-completed chapters, so the updates will be slowing down drastically from here lol

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

Ahsoka doesn’t like Bruklinn very much, but she can admit that it is, in fact, a great base of operations for the kind of bullshit they end up doing.

She’s not actually allowed to be too involved in the crime side of things. Mostly, she goes out on her own, in disguise, and plays at being a vigilante. It’s comparatively small-scale work, but it makes her feel better, and it’s fun. When she is in the mansion that Master Kenobi managed to secure for them, she’s usually either practicing her forms with Skyguy while he monologues at her to work on the Maul impression, or helping teach Skykid how to meditate or something. Her masters are a little too busy to teach him, most of the time, and it’s not like she minds. She’s done crèche duty before. Kids are fine, and this one is mini Skyguy.

Her lack of inclusion does mean that, after a few months, she’s actually a little surprised to learn that Master Kenobi has basically taken over all organized crime operations in Bruklinn, and through that, the Five Stations as a whole.

(He uses the Ringo Vindan accent more than his real one, these days. She doesn’t entirely like it.)

“Now, for all that I may have intended it, I am shocked to admit that we’ve managed to take the station,” Master Kenobi tells her. Skyguy looks pretty gleeful about it all. “Not officially, o’ course, but the main families have all fallen into line.”

“And we’ve got minions,” Anakin adds.

Ahsoka knows about the minions. Some of them bow to her when she passes, and not like a Jedi bows, but like… like a courtier to royalty or something. It’s weird.

Most of them are crime people that followed them from one of the planets deeper in the sector. Some are Bruklinn locals. Turns out their little fake Sith operation is better than the competition for a lot of these people. They’ve been real popular as employers for the folk that do night work. One of the girls joked that she could teach Ahsoka how to stage dance… and then Skyguy’s mom ushered Ahsoka away before she could answer.

She knows what the lady meant by ‘stage dance;’ she’s not stupid. It could be useful, if she does undercover work. Or gets a boyfriend or a girlfriend or something. Maybe she’ll want to show off. Sixteen is totally old enough to learn how to dance sexy.

“I just wanted to keep you up to date on what’s been happening in this here city,” Master Kenobi tells her. “You need to know what’s going on, just in case things change on your… jaunts about.”

“Also, I’ve got a mission if you want it,” Anakin adds. “Could be me and you, could be you and Rex, could be all three, depends on what you want.”

Oh, heck yeah. “I’ll take it.”

“You don’t even know what it is yet,” Rex points out drily.

“I need a real mission,” Ahsoka insists. She’s bored. “What are we doing?”

“By chance,” Master Kenobi says, just a little too slowly, “we have come into control of what used to be the Pyke Syndicate.”

“It wasn’t chance,” Anakin stage-whispers.

“We haven’t taken the people on,” Master Kenobi says, deliberately ignoring the muttered ‘because they’re dicks,’ from Rex, “but we’ve ended up with quite the collection of, ah… warehouses ‘n real estate. Offices, housing, ships.”

“Drugs,” Anakin finishes. “We ended up with their drugs.”

“There are so many drugs,” Rex adds. “So many.”

“Yes,” Master Kenobi allows, “we have admittedly come into possession of many, many shipping containers of smuggled spice.” He sighs, not a little theatricrally. “We do need to rid ourselves of it, and simply burning or burying would cause more problems than it solves.”

Ahsoka blinks. “So… we’re smuggling drugs? Where to?”

Anakin grins.

(Continue on AO3)

[manicplank]

What do they do all day? (More headcanons) I am very bored.

Peppino: Delivers pizzas, but business is shit sooo... He and Gustavo probably play cards while waiting for orders. At home, he watches T.V. or learns new dances. Unbelievably flexible for his age and weight. Goes to Noisette's movie nights every now and again.

Gustavo: Outside of the restaurant, he still loves to cook. He takes his time cooking himself a good dinner (and sometimes will invite Peppino over for a meal. He worries about him.) He likes to teach Brick new tricks or simply pets him. They like to watch shows together. Goes to Noisette's every Monday for movie night.

BONUS Brick: Naps! Big on naps! Likes to snuggle up to Gustavo or lays his head on Gustavo's lap. Has some toys around that he likes to play with. His favorite toy is Gus's shoes.

Mr. Stick: Works in finances, probably works full time. Outside of work, he gambles or stays home and watches whatever show is trending. He either loves it or hates it. Very critical. Enjoys a good nap quite often. Might have a drink or two after 5. Sometimes goes to movie night at Noisette's.

Pepperman: PAINTS, DUH. Outside of painting, he probably does models, like cars or rockets or whatever. He's always trying some new form of art. Tried origami, but his fingers were too big. Definitely cried over it. Not invited to Movie Night Mondays.

The Vigilante: Works on the farm. Feeding the cows, cleaning the pastures, bailing hay, etc. He cries happily every time a calf is born. Loves the farm life, it brings him peace and joy. He prefers it over being the sheriff. However, he usually only works when there's a bounty involved since the western district is pretty quiet crime wise. Goes to Noisette's every other Monday for movie night.

The Noise: Works A LOT. Whether it be on set or in office, he works anywhere from 8-12 hours depending on the day. Typically takes a nap when he gets home unless it's close to dinnertime. After that, he might watch an episode or two of something (and criticizes it, much like Mr. Stick. He thinks his shows are almost always better.) Sometimes he might play a bit of video games. On his days off, he practices skate tricks, naps, or gets into trouble. Might "accidentally" get a little too drunk in The Pig City and have to call Noisette for a ride home. Doesn't usually participate in Movie Night Mondays, because he doesn't like the people. Calls his mom every Tuesday.

Noisette: The cafe is only open 3-4 days a week from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., with her getting home around 1 or 1:30. She has a group of friends, her girls, who she goes to brunch with occasionally. They definitely gossip. I imagine them like a younger, less boring version of Sex and The City. While Noise is gone, she watches his shows. For some reason, he gets all bashful when she watches them while he's around. She's his #1 fan, after all. She also watches a lot of cheesy shows and movies. Loves romcoms and chick flicks. Hosts Movie Night Mondays with just about everyone she knows. Except Pepperman. She despairs him.

Fake Peppino: Depending on the day, he will sit and stare at the wall ALL DAY. He doesn't always need entertainment. He might help out Gerome and clean up whatever Gerome simply can't stomach (guts, bones, etc.) Some days, he's silly. He'll zoom around the slum. He might want to play. (Stated in a previous post) He likes to play fetch and tug if war, typically using something important... Like a gun or a knife. Something he isn't supposed to have, he will pick up and run away from whoever is trying to take it from him. Only allowed to explore the rest of the tower when SUPERVISED, typically being kept on some sort of leash. Pizzahead refers to this activity as "walking the frog." Goes to Noisette's every Monday for movie night.

Pizzaface: Surprisingly, he's typically on autopilot unless it's SHOWTIME. He floats around the tower keeping everything and everyone in check. Basically a security guard. Plays cards in the saloon with Noisette every now and then. Might knock over one of Pepperman's statues for a laugh. Might go to Vigi's and pet a cow. Might argue with The Noise just for the sake of pissing Noise off. Sometimes has long talks with John or Gerome, feels bad that they got caught up in the tower mess.

Pizzahead: Works in the lab a lot. Always trying to create the perfect clone. Sometimes will tinker with Pizzaface's mechanics. Goes to the cafe every now n then to grab a coffee and chat with Noisette. Dresses up like a cowboy and has a drink at the saloon. Stalks Peppino. Might take the frog for a walk. Not allowed at The Fun Farm after he tried to steal a baby cow. "It was just so cute!" Will talk to John on the fifth floor, much to John's dismay. He also chats with the toppin monsters and tinkers with their gears. Always goes to Movie Night Mondays, he and Noisette are besties despite her not realizing that he's the "Pizzaboy Guy."

Pillar John: Stares at the wall. He can't do much else since he's stuck in the fifth floor bound by cheese. Might chat with Pizzahead out of boredom, even if he doesn't like him. Talks with Gerome at any chance they get. Made good friends with Gustavo while Peppino was running through the levels. Wishes he could go to Movie Night Mondays. Also wishes he could go to the cafe and order some food (crazy, I know, but based off the treasures used to resurrect him in the end, I think it's safe to assume he'd eat LITERALLY anything.)

Gerome: He doesn't get to do much of anything but his job. Might sneak away for lunch, a nap, or to chat with John. Goes to the cafe for a coffee. Might have a chat with Peppino or Gustavo. Mostly avoids everyone else. Wishes he could go to Movie Night Mondays, Noisette still invites him every single week.

[psychangels]

a collection of hcs i have abt the gang!

chai talks in his sleep. he also tends to curl up and make himself as small as possible. experiences sleep paralysis pretty often. can sleep basically anywhere. wakes up from 10am-1pm, goes to bed from 10pm-12am

peppermint clings to things. pillow, person, plushie, 808—whatever is closest. naps a lot. wakes up from 9am-11am, goes to bed from 12am-4am

macaron moves around a lot in his sleep. he's definitely fallen off the bed before bc of it. has a lot of lucid dreams. wakes up from 7am-9am, goes to bed from 10pm-2am

korsica is a sleepwalker. used to use caffine to keep her awake, post-game she either just ignores the exhaustion or takes a nap. wakes up from 5am-7am, goes to bed from 12am-4am

cnmn doesn't sleep bc he's a robot. he does have a sleep mode, but he doesn't rlly use it unless he's super low on charge and can't recharge soon.

808 takes naps a lot, but she doesn't actually sleep, she just enters sleep mode. she only fully shuts down every once in a while, usually when she recharges. she has charging beds in a lot of different places; under peppermint's desk in the main hideout area, on peppermint's desk in her room, in chai's room, in korsica's apartment and office, in macaron's apartment and office, and in roxanne's office

chai skateboards. he wasn't able to for a while, bc he left his board behind when he came to the island, but upon learning abt how he misses it the gang get him a custom board. he also enjoys some other sports, like gymnastics and basketball. he spars with macaron and korsica sometimes as well

peppermint likes to bike. she also enjoys weight lifting, wrestling, boxing, and, of course, shooting. she has her own personal range

macaron likes boxing! he spars with korsica and chai on occasion. he also lifts weights

korsica runs, boxes, lifts weights, and just generally fights. she loves sparring a lot, and tends to go overboard, which pushes her sparring partners (chai and macaron) away for a bit. but eventually they'll agree to spar with her again

cnmn said it themself: they weren't built for fighting. but they do enjoy watching others, alongside participating in other things, such as basketball

808 loves just running around, scratching up anything she's allowed to. generally leftover zanzo merch.

chai gets his hair trimmed whenever it starts to bother him. in terms of maintenance, he doesn't do basically anything with it other than brush it

peppermint cuts, shaves, and dyes her own hair. a...friend of hers used to do it when she was younger. similarly to chai, for maintenance, she doesn't do much with it outside of brushing

macaron goes to a barber he knows well. he takes very good care of his hair

korsica gets her hair trimmed every couple of months. she brushes her hair and uses hairspray every once in a while.

cnmn gets a thorough washing at the end of every month

808 grooms herself, though if she's rlly dirty peppermint/chai will use some pressurized air to clean her alongside a proper washing

chai has a little sister who he hasnt talked to since some time before he left for vandelay island. they never knew their parents, and they were raised by their grandma. they grew up on the outskirts of a city

peppermint and kale were never rlly close. he was gone pretty early on in her life, and just generally wasn't around much. she does have some good memories of him, but they easily get buried under everything else. there is some part of her that does care abt him despite it all, but at the end of the day she hates him. she was fairly close with her mom, but roxanne was still distant in her own way. she was very caught up with work, so she wasn't always around and missed a lot of things.

macaron is an only child who, like korsica, does his best to keep in touch with his parents

korsica has 3 siblings. two r younger than her. she doesnt get to talk to them much bc she's very busy, but she does her best to keep in contact. same goes for her parents

[unknownfacelessfanfictions]

Part 4: A Symbol of Love

Pairing: Tysess x Ophelia (OFC) Fandom: Star Trek Prodigy Words: 5.3K Summary: Ophelia has to learn something more about the culture of her significant other as well... A/N: Huge credit for this Part goes to @indignantlemur who is the creator of the "ruuphviik neek" ( andorian courtship rings) that are featured in their magnificant fanfiction "Emigre" ( which you all should totally read, because they put a lot of work into creating not only the story and the characters but also a whole culture with traditions for Andorians). Thank you again for allowing me to use this, I really hope that this part does not dissapoint your expectations.

Body Language Masterlist

Hectically, Ophelia threw on her beige coat, tucked the phone under her ear, and glancing at the clock, uttered a Klingon curse taught to her by a Klingon on a space station, which instantly earned her a scolding from her mother, who was on the other end of the line. "Ophelia Celeste Zubira. Don't put words like that in your mouth. Your father and I raised you better than that." Ophelia rolled her eyes. "Mum, you don't even know what I said. You speak English and Spanish. Not Klingon." All at once she noticed that the bags, which she wanted to take with her, were no longer beside the door. Panicked, she snapped her eyes open.

"I speak Bengalis too." Sheyla Zuberi sounded offended, however Ophelia didn't have time to worry about that right now as her evening, if she didn't find the bags, would be ruined. "Don't take offence, Mum, but your Bengalis isn't what it used to be either." Ophelia was too busy searching behind the giant potted plant Noum had once given her as a joke and loved to pay much attention to her mother's snapping. "Listen, Mum, I love you, but my boyfriend and I were going to cook together today and I think I've lost the ingredients and I have to be there in fifteen minutes.

Silence reigned for a moment and Ophelia paused in her search. Her mother was never quiet. Never. "Mum? Are you still there?" "You have a boyfriend? Un novio?" Rolling her eyes she continued her search. Of course that was the only part that mattered. "Yes, Mum, as unbelievable as it is I have a boyfriend."

This statement was enough to bombard her with questions, however Ophelia stopped her half way, inwardly wincing at the disrespect shown to her mother. " His name is Tysess, he is the first officer of the ship I serve on, he is sweet, lovable, confident and yes he loves me, I know that. We have been together for almost five months and I am really late. I'll call you when I arrive in Barranquilla, love you." Without letting her get a word in edgewise, knowing full well that she would regret it when she returned home, she hung up and threw the phone on the sofa before hurrying to the kitchen.

A load fell from her mind and she breathed a sigh of relief when she found the two bags on the small kitchen counter of her borrowed quarters. Hastily, she hurried over and took one last look inside to make sure everything was there before dashing for the door and making her way away from the Starfleet compound, making it to the Andorian neighbourhood.

Over the years, many large cities had formed small neighbourhoods that were home to more non-humans than humans, and San Francisco, with Starfleet's headquarters at its heart, had the most neighbourhoods in all of America, especially in terms of Founder species.

Which did not mean that members of that species lived there exclusively, no. It was merely the case that mostly the inhabitants of other worlds, especially at the beginning, had come in batches and in groups and had accordingly settled together in one neighbourhood. Thus, over the centuries, several generations of non-humans had been born on Earth, who had rarely if ever seen their "home planet". In fact, Ophelia was good friends with a Denobulan family who had been living on Earth for almost two hundred years and that consisted of six generations now.

Tysess had settled in the Andorian district. He had explained to her that it was not because he wanted to live only among his own, but simply because there were shops and places there that had typical Andorian things like food that were otherwise hard to get and he just liked having everything close by. Moreover, the Andorian district was the closest to Starfleet headquarters, which allowed him to be there quickly in case of an emergency.

Ophelia personally did not live in San Francisco. She herself associated this city too much with work and study to live here in peace. Instead, she had bought a small flat in Seattle, which was her pride and joy.

However, since she had been newly promoted and was now partly responsible for the repairs of the USS Dauntless, she had expected so much work that it would have been too much trouble to always drive from Seattle to San Francisco, so she accepted Starfleet's offer of small quarters where she only ate and slept.

Tysess had offered her to stay with him, but he had seemed hesitant, which she could understand. They had only been together for five months and moving in together and living together was a step they had agreed on that was still too big. But that wouldn't stop them from having a date night.

When they had decided to give this relationship a try, they had promised each other that they would do their best to understand each other's culture and Tysess had done this, like everything else in his career and life, with excellence. While they had not had much time together due to the Protostar and its chaos, they had done their best.

Then, a few days ago, Tysess had gently taken her aside and asked her to spend an evening together. Ophelia would leave tomorrow and return to Colombia to visit her family. She had filled out the necessary forms regarding the Dauntless and now the repairs were in the hands of Starfleet engineers, so she wanted to give herself a few weeks rest. Tysess had to stay longer to work, otherwise she would have asked him to come along to introduce him to her family, so they had agreed to devote tonight to just each other.

In addition, Tysess had asked her to teach her something about her culture. Ophelia had been sceptical at first. Her parents were each from two different cultures, making her and her siblings children of four cultures, but in the end she had agreed to teach him about the culture that had been most prominent in her life: Colombia. Ophelia had sat down to pick out simple, yet typically Colombian, dishes from her childhood, which she now wanted to make and share with Tysess.

But as she flipped through her abuela's cookbooks, she had suddenly realised how little she actually knew about Andorian culture. However, she had to admit immediately afterwards that she had never really asked.

Many species felt that sharing their cultures was something very private. Tysess himself could be quite withdrawn and introverted from time to time. Which was not to say that he didn't trust her, no. In fact, Tysess had already confided so many private things to Ophelia that she probably knew more about him than anyone else.

And as much as she wanted to know more about Andorian culture, she would not press Tysess. She would be patient and wait until he was ready to talk to her about it. And until then, the only thing she could do was to introduce him to her cultures and customs and make him feel trusted and loved.

Five minutes later than agreed, she rang the doorbell, a little out of breath. The downstairs front door had already been open and Ophelia, already late, had seized the opportunity and slipped into the building, where she now stood in front of his flat door. Her gaze slid to her reflection, which was reflected in the window.

The black and loose blouse fit reasonably acceptably and the light-coloured trousers didn't look particularly dirty either. Ophelia had tied her loose hair back with a blue scarf. Tomorrow morning, before returning back home, she had an appointment with her hairdresser, who would braid her hair. Today she still had to cope with open hair, even though it didn't really bother her. Braids were just usually the easiest to work with.

The door opened and Ophelia's gaze was instantly focused on Tysess. He was wearing a grey jumper with wide puff sleeves and collar and some kind of black yoga pants, which he had explained to her were a typical piece of clothing on Andoria. He smiled slightly and stepped aside to let her in. "I was beginning to think you weren't coming."

Ophelia shook her head in amusement and pressed a kiss to his cheek as she passed before setting the bags down on the floor. "Forgive me, mi amor. My mother had called and I didn't want to cut her off right away. But come on, it was only five minutes. I've been much later before." Tysess stepped behind her and took her coat from her, hanging it on the coat rack. "Besides, I might have misplaced the bags of ingredients for today for a moment and panicked."

Tysess chuckled softly and lifted the bags easily, handing her a pair of slipper-like shoes. "Here, so you don't get cold feet." Ophelia had to smile in the face of his thoughtfulness and hurriedly exchanged the boots for the slippers before following him into the kitchen. His flat was pretty. It was kept simple and mostly painted in neutral tones, yet he had somehow managed to demand a touch of personality to it with little. However, Ophelia would not judge his style of decorating. She already considered it an honour that Tysess felt so comfortable around her that he let her invade her privacy so far. Admittedly, she had already been in his quarters on the Dauntless, but it had not felt so intimate.

In the kitchen, Tysess was already unpacking the bags and accordingly stood with his back to her and for a moment she simply allowed herself to look at him from behind. After all, she was his girlfriend, so she was allowed to do that. Besides, it was absolutely not her fault if Tysess' jumper had to stretch so impossibly over his shoulders, was it?

"I assume your family is fine," Tysess asked over his shoulder, and Ophelia reluctantly disengaged her gaze from his shoulder blades. "Everything's fine at home. My siblings are there too, though Julio had to leave his boyfriend, I still don't know his name, at home. Apparently he caught the Klingon flu. Don't ask me how though, I have no idea."

She heard Tysess laugh softly and a warm feeling spread through her. Of course, Ophelia didn't mind that Tysess was a little more controlled in things like showing emotion, and heavens she would never complain about him being in "first officer mode" (her term for when Tysess was in command and giving orders, looking very handsome), but those moments when he allowed himself to really laugh and relax made her heart swell. Metaphorically speaking.

"Don't laugh at me," she protested, playfully offended, crossing her arms in front of her chest. He turned, shook his head in amusement and stepped towards her to place his fingers under her chin and lift it slightly. "Would never do that, beloved."

Ophelia's knees went weak at the use of the nickname and then when he pressed his forehead against hers, it was over and she felt the blood rush to her face. "Stop being so damn charming," she grumbled, but wrapped her arms around him. "Stupid Andorian." " Adorable human." With that, Tysess let go of her and went back to the bags, where he immediately brought an opaque cake bell to light and turned to her with a questioning look on his face. "That's our dessert." Ophelia stepped towards him, took the cake bell from him and, at an approving nod from Tysess, placed it in the latter's fridge.

Said Andorian leaned back against the kitchen counter. "I thought we were going to cook together today." His expression looked serious, but she could hear the teasing in his voice, so she grinned cheekily at him. " That's quite all right, though the starter and main course will take up enough time as it is. Besides, I didn't want to bring several glasses of fruit soaked in rum and wine for the Torta Negra Colombiana as well." She patted his arm. "Don't worry, Tysess. You'll get to cooking." A smile spread across her face and she reached into the bag and pulled out two aprons. One yellow for herself and one purple for Tysess, who raised an eyebrow at the sight of it.

"Don't look like that," Ophelia scolded gently and put the apron on him, careful not to touch his antennae. " That's what it's for, to make sure you don't get dirty. Besides, purple suits you." With that, she grabbed the, now empty, bags and, promising to put them away later, hauled them to the floor before putting her hands on her hips and smiling happily at him. "So, are you ready to learn some of the Colombian cuisine?" He saluted in jest. "Yes, ma'am."

Tysess stood next to her and looked at the ingredients as if trying to figure out what they would make. "So," Ophelia brushed a strand of hair behind her ears. "I thought it would be good if we started with relatively simple things for now. I don't know how good a cook you are, or how often you've made human food, so I wanted to start with the most classic dishes of my childhood."

She looked up at him. Tysess didn't seem offended that she was suggesting he might not be able to cook, but actually looked curious. His antennae were pointing forward and swaying back and forth a little, which Ophelia believed was a good sign.

"For starters we have pandebonos. These are sort of little Colombian cheese buns. We're going to mix this cheese," she pointed to the mozzarella and feta cheese," into the dough so that the dough becomes very fluffy and you can pull it apart like cheese strings. We do the classic version. Sometimes people fill it up with other things, but that's how I've always eaten it at home. We'll make a simple salad to go with it. It might not be typically Colombian, but it tastes really good." When no questions came from Tysess, she continued.

"For the main course, I chose my favourite childhood dish, which I had every year for my birthday and which my mother always made when I was unwell. Arroz con Pollo." Tysess tilted his head and Ophelia knew his translator was working. "Rice with chicken?" She nodded with a smile. "Exactly. It's actually pretty simple too. You cook chicken with vegetables and lots of spices and serve it together with rice. Quite basic actually, and maybe not completely typical Colombian, but incredibly tasty."

A little unsure if he agreed, she looked over at him, but he just smiled gently down at her and she smiled back in relief. "That does sound like a plan." Tysess rolled up his sleeves and looked at her expectantly. "What do we start with?"

~**~

Over the next two hours, the two of them worked around in Tysess' kitchen. Ophelia didn't even want to think about the quantities of vegetables and meat they had cut. Well, much more Tysess. After she had shown him how to properly cut each vegetable, Tysess had taken it upon himself to process the mountain of vegetables and meat. Ophelia suspected he didn't want her near knives for fear she might hurt herself. Under other circumstances, this would have hurt Ophelia. After all, she was an adult and skilled enough to cut simple food, otherwise she would never have made it this far in engineering, however, she cut him some slack.

The events concerning the living construct and, yes you could call it that, Starfleet's massacre, all weighed heavily on them. Ophelia had woken up screaming and crying several times in the past weeks as well, Maira's corpse more than visible in her mind's eye.

However, next to the Admiral, it seemed to weigh most heavily on Tysess. He had thrown himself into his work over the last few weeks, as if it would give it some value of unnecessary redemption, which he didn't have to do. Because she knew, even though she had told him it wasn't his fault, that he still blamed himself and would probably continue to do just that for a long time to come.

Most of all, she knew, he was afraid of losing her and even the smallest possibility of hurting herself, for example with a kitchen knife, made him feel uneasy. Ophelia knew it couldn't go on forever, but she wanted to indulge him once more tonight. Besides, she really wasn't complaining, as she had made sure that everything was well seasoned, perfectly put together and it had been her job to taste it all.

Now they were sitting together at Tysess' dining table, which he had set with devotion. He had fetched a bouquet of flowers for her, which was in a beautiful vase of Andorian craftsmanship, as he had told her. Since it was dark, he had lit candles which gave it a slightly romantic ambience and he had actually taken the trouble to fold the napkins.

When Ophelia had first seen the table, she had fallen around his neck and covered his face with dozens of kisses, thanking him and telling him that he was just sweet. Tysess had acknowledged this with a roll of the eyes, but his antennae had betrayed him, swaying gently back and forth in love.

Ophelia watched Tysess gulp down his last pandebono. "And?" He nodded in agreement and smiled gently. "They were excellent, Ophelia. Thank you." He looked thoughtfully at his plate. "They probably would have even pleased my sister, who is usually quite a fussy eater." Ophelia almost dropped her glass of wine at the casual mention.

(Tysess had provided it, as it was the best alcoholic drink, next to the classic Andorian ale, on Andoria, according to him. The wine was made from the tuber of a plant whose name Ophelia couldn't remember, but which meant something along the lines of "frost poison". At first the name had put her off a bit, but she had dared to try a sip after Tysess had explained that the poison part only referred to the rest of the plant and only if it was raw and unprocessed. And indeed, this wine was one of the best she had ever drunk).

Tysess had never spoken of his family before and that comment had, admittedly, thrown her off. "You have a sister?" Tysess looked up in confusion before his expression turned a little sheepish. "I guess I didn't talk much about my family, did I?" And before Ophelia could answer him, he launched into a narrative about his family, interrupted only when they dished up the main course.

He told about his parents, both his "birth parents" and his "additional parents", Ophelia had almost forgotten that Andorians usually married in fours, which he hadn't seen in a long time. He told about his younger sister, who was a biologist, and his younger brother, who had graduated top of his grade at the Andorian Academy of Arts and Crafts. In fact, the vase on the table in front of them was his.

Ophelia listened to him spellbound, rarely interrupting him for questions and otherwise simply enjoying the sound of his calm, deep voice, which wrapped her up like a blanket but did not make her sleepy. She was learning more about Tysess than she had hoped to for the evening, so how could she think of sleeping.

Ophelia, however, did not realise he had finished until he stared silently at his, now empty, plate. "Forgive me, I've talked a lot. I didn't mean to bore you." Ophelia's chest tightened at the sight of him, antennae drooping, gaze down and avoiding her, and gently, yet lovingly at the same time, she placed her hand on his.

"Tysess. Don't apologise for talking to me. I love listening to you, especially when it comes to such things as family." She smiled gently. "I know Andorians don't like to open up to people they're not close with, which is why it's nothing but an honour for me when you confide in me about such topics. Please don't apologise for such a thing."

Tysess looked up a little embarrassed, but turned his hand so that her palm was in his and squeezed it gently. "I really haven't told you much about myself, let alone my culture, have I?" Her mind raced, searching for an answer that would make him not feel bad, before she paused. She had learnt early on that Andorians valued truth above all else and couldn't stand hypocritical posturing.

Ophelia sighed resignedly. "No, you haven't. And I confess that it has made some situations a little more complicated to understand, but I respect your boundaries and I'm not complaining. I know you'll tell me more as time goes on, once you feel comfortable enough, and I'm more than fine with that. And no-" she interrupted him as he started to speak, "-I will not accept criticism. You respect my boundaries, you always have, which is why I will respect and accept yours. Because that is the only way a relationship works, with respect and acceptance.

She stood up and picked up her plate and his. "I'll get the dessert and please, mi armor, don't worry too much about it." Lightly she leaned down and pressed her forehead against his. "I love you."

Ophelia initially feared that the mood would now be heavy on them and Tysess would retreat back into himself, but it seemed as if he was as confident as she knew him to be and they made light conversation over the course of the meal, in which Tysess praised the cake more than once, causing a swell of pride in her. After the meal they cleared up together and since Tysess, for whatever reason, didn't seem to own a dishwasher, they decided to wash it by hand. However, he turned out to be something of a child, as he more than enjoyed occasionally splashing Ophelia with drops of water or depositing little clouds of foam on the tip of her nose, until she finally threw him out of the kitchen and told him to go ahead and wipe the table.

As it was still quite early in the evening, they decided to end the evening with a glass of Frost Poison wine in his living room ( she didn't know if she would ever get used to that name). Ophelia had put her legs up and pressed her back against his front, telling him about the events of the last few days. Tysess was silent, occasionally humming his agreement, only to lapse back into silence. Ophelia let him remain silent, after all he had been talking a lot too, and only stopped when he quietly interrupted her with the whisper of her name. She turned her head slightly to look at him over her shoulder. "Yes?" She heard him swallow and felt him slowly sit up, which also caused her to sit up and put her feet on the floor.

"There is something I would like to talk to you about." He looked nervous to her, kneading his hands in his lap while his antennae twitched in different directions. "I ... have been thinking about mentioning the subject to you for some time now, however, the appropriate situation has never presented itself. After our conversation today regarding borders and Andorian culture, however, it seems fitting."

Ophelia put her hand on his and she looked at him seriously but lovingly at the same time. "It would be my pleasure. But only if you are comfortable with it, Tysess. I just don't want to force or pressure you into anything." Tysess shook her head and looked at her. "You don't, beloved. You don't."

He took another breath, Ophelia slowly beginning to worry, before he sat up straight and turned to her, looking deep into her eyes, brown meeting purple-grey. "There is a tradition on Andoria when courting. It's called the ruuphviik neek." Ophelia frowned. "I think the UT has a bit of trouble with the term, unless it's called... dating circles?" Despite his visible nervousness, Tysess chuckled softly. "Not quite. A suitable translation would be..." he hesitated briefly. " -Courting rings."

He gave Ophelia a brief moment to get the meaning of it. Even if it wasn't necessarily what she had expected, it did make sense. She had heard of many cultures wearing a sign of a relationship. Even on Earth, similar symbols were used in many cultures, though if more for engagements and marriages. Ophelia nodded slightly, inviting him to continue. Tysess exhaled audibly. "I don't know about your culture, but on Andoria, Andorians wear a ring at the base of their antennae to show they are in a relationship. Usually one ring is worn for each partner."

Ophelia hummed softly and nodded. "There are similar traditions in my culture, however these are engagement and wedding rings and meant for much later in the relationship." Tysess frowned. "Engagement?" "Oh." Ophelia had assumed he was already familiar with the term. "When a human couple decides to get married, one proposes to the other with an engagement ring. If the latter accepts, the two are engaged, wear the engagement rings and are in a state of engagement until the wedding, when they exchange wedding rings." She considered for a moment. "Otherwise, I don't really know of any such symbols to show that one is in a relationship."

Her eyes fell on Tysess, who looked a little embarrassed, at least judging from his dark cheeks. "These courting rings are not so ... binding. They merely signal that one is currently in a relationship. Neither marriage nor ... engagement, are part of it." His antennae swung back and forth a little. "Of course, these rings, are replaced upon marriage, however, the ruuphvik neek are not nearly as binding." Ophelia gave him an encouraging nod as his gaze fluttered briefly to his lap.

"They are a sign that a couple is ready to take a step from the still fresh, sometimes uncertain, stage of the relationship, the beginning stage you could well say, into a more solid relationship." Ophelia's heart pounded in her ears and all of a sudden the flat, which was otherwise very cool, seemed surprisingly warm. Tysess gently brushed a strand behind her ear and smiled that calf-eyed smile that melted her heart. "I don't know about you, Ophelia, but I'd be willing to take that step." Ophelia didn't know exactly what to say, which is why she let her impulsive thoughts control her, fell around his neck and kissed him.

It wasn't the response Tysess had probably imagined, however Ophelia was pretty sure it got her answer across sufficiently. For a moment he seemed surprised, but she could feel the tension fall from him as she felt his shoulder relax under her hands. Gently he placed his hands, on her hips and when they separated, he rested his forehead against hers. "I guess that was a yes." Ophelia laughed softly. "Otherwise it would have been a very strange 'no', don't you think?" Tysess pulled back looking amused and regarded her. "Thank you." "Not for that. I'm afraid I can't wear it around my antennae, though."

Tysess just smiled. "I think we could find another solution for you." Ophelia nodded and leaned forward to kiss him again as her hair fell forward. An idea occurred to her. "How about my hair?" His antennae curled in confusion and she hurried to explain. "I was going to the hairdresser tomorrow anyway to have new braids braided. I could have the ring braided into my braid then, couldn't I? It's not unheard of to have such things braided into your braids and would be a lot more practical than a ring or bracelet that would interfere with work. If that could be done?"

Tysess considered for a moment and gently ran his hand over a strand of her hair before smiling. "As long as it doesn't bother you?" She shook her head. "Of course not, I'd probably barely notice it is there. I've always wanted to do something like this and now it even has a wonderful meaning." Ophelia leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his again. "Now explain to me where we're going to get these rings."

In the end it was a lot easier than she had thought, Ophelia had expected that they would have to get the jewellery in some special Andorian shops, but she had forgotten that there were such things as replicators in their time. About half an hour later, which they had spent flicking through or scrolling through magazines, there were two rings in the palm of her hand, one larger than the other. They were made of an Andorian metal that appeared greyish-silver but gave off a slight blue-violet glow when held up to the light.

Gingerly she took the larger of the two rings, Tysess's ring, and held it up. "May I?" Tysess hesitated for a moment, understandable since the antennae was one of the most sensitive parts of the Andorians, but then nodded in agreement and sat down so Ophelia could even reach his head. "Which side?"

"Doesn't matter." Ophelia nodded and decided on the right. Very carefully, one hand as steady as if she had to disarm a torpedo, she pulled the ring over the tip of the antennae, along the shaft until she reached the base. Slowly she pulled her hand away and looked at her handiwork with illogical pride. "You look wonderful." She pressed a kiss to his forehead.

Tysess rose slowly, wiggling his antennae to get used to the feeling, then went into the hall to look at himself in the mirror. Ophelia followed him and wrapped her arms around him from behind. "The colour compliments your eyes." He glanced over his shoulder at her. "You were actually right about the colour choice." As he turned, she pressed her ring into his hand. "Keep it for me, will you? Though I'm afraid you won't be able to braid it yourself, you can come if you like. But be warned, it may take a very long time."

~**~

Ophelia was right. The whole process took a little over seven hours, but Tysess had not left her side for a moment, which had even impressed her hairdresser, a Klingon, a little, even if she did not want to admit it. The end product, however, was something to behold. Ophelia had had the ring on the right side woven into the braid that framed her face, about ten centimetres from the parting. In addition, she had chosen fifteen small cylindrical golden metal beads, which were woven into her hair at irregular intervals. Thus, the ring did not look lonely, but it stood out as special.

Tysess and Ophelia stood at the shuttle landing site and said goodbye. He carefully stroked the ring in her braid before pushing it behind her ear. “You look beautiful. ” Ophelia blushed a little, but grinned broadly and quite in love. “You don’t look bad either. ” A sound made them look up and realize that the shuttle was landing. Hurriedly she pressed one last kiss on his lips.

“Don’t overwork yourself. And wish me luck, mi amor. I slipped out on the phone that I have a boyfriend and my mother probably won’t leave me alone. ” “I hope you’re not going to say anything bad. ” Ophelia grinned and released her hand from his. “Only the truth. ”

The boarding didn't take long, she had secured a window seat, and before she knew it, they were in the air, flying towards Colombia. Ophelia glanced back at Tysess, but the only thing she could see from him was a blue patch of color in the distance and a bright sparkle in the sunlight above it.

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@bigblissandlove1 @akamitrani @indignantlemur

[thehouseofwayne]

[ 𝙳𝙴𝙲𝚁𝚈𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶 ] : 𝙶𝙲𝙿𝙳 𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙴𝚂𝚂

𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙄𝘿𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙍𝙀𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙏 #1 GCPD 22:08 : “ John Doe found cold and unconscious. Announced Death on the Scene. Pick up at Midnight. 

𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙄𝘿𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙍𝙀𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙏 #2 GCPD 23:01 : “ John Doe identified. Bruce Wayne alive and breathing. Alfred Pennyworth insisted to take him to the hospital himself. Commissioner signed off on it. 

[ 𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 ] : 𝙼𝙴𝙳𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻 𝚁𝙴𝙲𝙾𝚁𝙳𝚂

𝘐𝘕𝘊𝘐𝘋𝘌𝘕𝘛 𝘙𝘌𝘗𝘖𝘙𝘛 #78 THOMAS ELLIOT HOSPITAL 09:56 : Patient came covered in blood and what appeared to be burnt up bits of kevlar suit barely recognizable. No life threatening wounds despite needing stitches needed on two puncture wounds on either side of the shoulder blades around three inched deep. Possibly from rebar and other debris from the Attack. And one long curved cut across his lower back among older scar tissue. Too deliberate. Will advise Primary Care Physician. Minor bruises on the body. No symptoms of concussion but patient might still have hit his head. Too much blood. 

𝘔𝘌𝘋𝘐𝘊𝘈𝘓 𝘙𝘌𝘗𝘖𝘙𝘛 [ From the Clinic of Dr. Leslie Thompkins, M.D.] MRI implied no damage. Almost like a miracle. Trauma induced amnesia? Unlikely. Something happened down there. Alfred needs to talk to Bruce. Reassure him this might just be temporary. Need to talk. 

𝘔𝘌𝘋𝘐𝘊𝘈𝘓 𝘙𝘌𝘗𝘖𝘙𝘛 [ From the State Medical Examiner ] : [ NOTES REDACTED ]

[ ERROR - FILE DELETED ]  - ADMINISTRATOR RIGHTS RESTRICTED: ᴘᴇɴɴʏᴏɴᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀɪᴢᴇᴅ. 

[ 𝚆:/ 𝙱𝙻𝙰𝙲𝙺𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 ] : 𝙿𝙴𝙽𝙽𝚈𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝚁𝙴𝙲𝙾𝚁𝙳𝚂.

The Lazarus Serum’s effects weren’t absolute. It kept him alive but with it his memory. Something 𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗦 hoped would only be temporary while 𝘼𝙇𝙁𝙍𝙀𝘿 𝙋𝙀𝙉𝙉𝙔𝙒𝙊𝙍𝙏𝙃 had hoped to be absolute. And what was initially thought to be a miracle eventually turned to a curse for Bruce. 

While his Brain couldn’t bring out the memories in him, it retained the fault in his structure. The pain that is as old as him in his bones and his nerves. There are scars he can’t recall. A house that is as unfamiliar to him as his face on the mirror. And it takes a whole month of him questioning and struggling to even get up out of bed from the pain for Alfred to show him everything. 

His parents. Their grave. His children. Their bed. The promise of more horrors and proofs to the stories that had marked his skin and bones for decades if he pushes even further. But for some reason, he doesn’t push. He doesn’t ask why the clock in his office is always at 10:27pm. He doesn’t ask about the bats around the manor. He doesn’t ask why there’s more shadows in the corner nowadays than he thinks there should be.

He goes to therapy. 𝘿𝙍. 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙎𝙀 𝙈𝙀𝙍𝙄𝘿𝙄𝘼𝙉. She knows him, she said. Folders upon folder for him to see. A box filled with notes just on him. Proof of something. A life talked about and lived more extensively than his already thorough Wikipedia page. He likes her, he thinks. He trusts her. 

𝗗𝗥. 𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗦 helps with his physical therapy. He learns how to walk again slowly. He learns how to handle the pain until it becomes familiar, tolerable. Even if it takes nearly over six months just to feel like he’s himself again. 

When he’s bored, Lucius offers him the 𝘞𝘈𝘠𝘕𝘌 𝘍𝘖𝘜𝘕𝘋𝘈𝘛𝘐𝘖𝘕 as his to oversee until he’s ready to come back as CEO. It gives him a better view of the aftermath from the ground. He sees the terror left in the wake of the Joker’s attack. He sees the community that knits itself back together in 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘽𝘼𝙏𝙈𝘼𝙉'𝙎 absence. He thinks he remembers why his parents did it ; what they died for. It must be this. Helping the City. Helping the people. Helping the kids. 

He busied himself with other children. Working from the new Kindergarten they had rebuilt in Midtown, right in the middle of the city. 

[ 𝚆:/ 𝙱𝙻𝙰𝙲𝙺𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 ] : 𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙿𝙾𝚁𝙰𝙻 𝙳𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙾𝚁𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝚁𝙴𝙿𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚂.

DIVERGENCES FROM COMICS:

Bruce figures out within the 1st month that Alfred kept the truth from him. He didn’t hide away from his own parents death and tried to process the entirety of his whole life and memory taken away from him and decides instead to step back from it. Naively, convinced, maybe, that this time around he can do better as Bruce Wayne. 

He focused his home efforts on getting better physically and mentally. The Serum aggravated his nerve problems, leaving him almost unable to control any of his muscles until he asked for help. 

He couldn’t remember his kids for a long time. And even then, with how little he knew and only really seeing what he felt was the aftermath of putting his own children in danger, his efforts to reach out to them wasn’t easy. And it didn’t help that Alfred did his best to protect him so to speak, keep him in a bubble. 

So his longing for his kids is turned into projects focused on helping out the children in Gotham. 

OPTIONAL PLOT POINTS:

Definitely fine with rolling with some of canon where Bruce absolutely doesn’t remember anyone, even his time as Batman, from his kids to the league. 

He’s engaged to Julie Madison. 

And he avoids putting on 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐖𝐋 for as long as he could. 

[bruz3r]

Incident Report from GCPD 22:08: “ John Doe found cold and unconscious. Announced Death on the Scene. Pick up at Midnight. 

Incident Report froM GCPD 23:01 : “ John Doe identified. Bruce Wayne alive and breathing. Alfred Pennyworth insisted to take him to the hospital himself. Commissioner signed off on it. 

E.R. Doctor Notes: Patient came covered in blood and what appeared to be burnt up bits of kevlar suit barely recognizable. No life threatening wounds despite needing stitches needed on two puncture wounds on either side of the shoulder blades around three inched deep. Possibly from rebar and other debris from the Attack. And one long curved cut across his lower back among older scar tissue. Too deliberate. Will advise Primary Care Physician. Minor bruises on the body. No symptoms of concussion but patient might still have hit his head. Too much blood. 

From the Clinic of Dr. Leslie Thompkins, M.D.: MRI implied no damage. Almost like a miracle. Trauma induced amnesia? Unlikely. Something happened down there. Alfred needs to talk to Bruce. Reassure him this might just be temporary. Need to talk. 

[ NOTES REDACTED ] ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛  ERROR ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ERROR ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛

[ FILE DELETED ]  - ADMINISTRATOR RIGHTS RESTRICTED: PENNYONE AUTHORIZED. 

The Lazarus Serum’s effects weren’t absolute. It kept him alive but with it his memory. Something Leslie Thompkins hoped would only be temporary while Alfred Pennyworth had hoped to be absolute. And what was initially thought to be a miracle eventually turned to a curse for Bruce. 

While his Brain couldn’t bring out the memories in him, it retained the fault in his structure. The pain that is as old as him in his bones and his nerves. There are scars he can’t recall. A house that is as unfamiliar to him as his face on the mirror. And it takes a whole month of him questioning and struggling to even get up out of bed from the pain for Alfred to show him everything. 

His parents. Their grave. His children. Their bed. The promise of more horrors and proofs to the stories that had marked his skin and bones for decades if he pushes even further. But for some reason, he doesn’t push. He doesn’t ask why the clock in his office is always at 10:27pm. He doesn’t ask about the bats around the manor. He doesn’t ask why there’s more shadows in the corner nowadays than he thinks there should be.

He goes to therapy. Dr. Chase Meridian. She knows him, she said. Folders upon folder for him to see. A box filled with notes just on him. Proof of something. A life talked about and lived more extensively than his already thorough Wikipedia page. He likes her, he thinks. He trusts her. 

Dr. Leslie Thompson helps with his physical therapy. He learns how to walk again slowly. He learns how to handle the pain until it becomes familiar, tolerable. Even if it takes nearly over six months just to feel like he’s himself again. 

When he’s bored, Lucius offers him the Wayne Foundation as his to oversee until he’s ready to come back as CEO. It gives him a better view of the aftermath from the ground. He sees the terror left in the wake of the Joker’s attack. He sees the community that knits itself back together in THE BAT’S absence. He thinks he remembers why his parents did it ; what they died for. It must be this. Helping the City. Helping the people. Helping the kids. 

He busied himself with other children. Working from the new Kindergarten they had rebuilt in Midtown, right in the middle of the city. 

DIVERGENCES FROM COMICS:

Bruce figures out within the 1st month that Alfred kept the truth from him. He didn’t hide away from his own parents death and tried to process the entirety of his whole life and memory taken away from him and decides instead to step back from it. Naively, convinced, maybe, that this time around he can do better as Bruce Wayne. 

He focused his home efforts on getting better physically and mentally. The Serum aggravated his nerve problems, leaving him almost unable to control any of his muscles until he asked for help. 

He couldn’t remember his kids for a long time. And even then, with how little he knew and only really seeing what he felt was the aftermath of putting his own children in danger, his efforts to reach out to them wasn’t easy. And it didn’t help that Alfred did his best to protect him so to speak, keep him in a bubble. 

So his longing for his kids is turned into projects focused on helping out the children in Gotham. 

OPTIONAL PLOT POINTS:

Definitely fine with rolling with some of canon where Bruce absolutely doesn’t remember anyone, even his time as Batman, from his kids to the league. 

He’s engaged to Julie Madison. 

And he avoids putting on The Cowl for as long as he could. 

[pinkiepiebones]

Dear Zombie, It is I, Robby, I guess? I'm not particularly accustomed to being called that, but I suppose it's never too late to start. I've heard the act of naming cements psychological ownership. Thus, you giving me a name might express your desire to own me? That is somewhat unsettling, considering my recent history, but also flattering, so I'll take it. You seem like, as they say, "cool people," so I'll trust your intentions are pure. And Robby is much better than "The Fly Patient." Do I get to give you a nickname, too? (Yes, I want to own you, my dear internet friend, but in a non-creepy sense of "I'm glad you are in my life and I hope you stay there of your own free will.") How about Z? Could be read as either Zet or Zee, whichever you preffer. I feel a little odd giving a prompt about myself, but here goes: Would you please give me a cloudlessly happy memory of my daughter? Sincerely yours, Robby

Hey, you!

Oh gosh I don't want to own you. I can barely take care of myself, I don't think I could handle owning or being in any way in control of... No, no, I threw "Robby" at you only because there's already a "Robert" in my life and I've known him for 25 years, so he has seniority in my dumb little head I guess.

... Z's good. Simple. Hmm. "Robby and Z" sounds like a children's television program. I bet we'd make a cool show though! Teach kids about, I dunno, art and baking? Mmm... impressionist cookies...

I dunno if I can write this right, my friend. Here goes:

Lillian Elizabeth Renfield has pushed her small desk in to Papa's work room. She is quiet cunning for a four -nearly five!- year old, and moved her desk bit by bit as the day went on- the world outside was covered in deep snow, too deep to play in with Mama and Papa, too deep to build snowknights to fight a snowdragon. Mama and Papa are fussing dinner and the wood stove in the kitchen. So, Lillian took it upon herself to move to Papa's work room, and do business as Papa did.

She stands on the scuffed toes of her shoes and pulls a book from Papa's shelf. It is a rather boring book, with big words and no pictures, but she carries it with the same reverence she gives her story books and places it on her little desk. She looks at Papa's desk and situates the book as he has done with another equally boring book. She sits down and takes a crayon in her little hand and does what Papa does- she turns the pages, makes faces, and scribbles notes.

After a full two minutes, she stops. Goodness, grown-ups are boring! She replaces the book on the shelf and returns to her desk. Papa writes and reads so much, he must be so very bored at his office in the city. Lillian holds up her scribbles and ponders. Then, an idea strikes her. She plucks a fresh piece of drawing paper from her drawing pad.

'Dear Papa,' she writes with her favourite red crayon, 'I have tried to be a lawyer. It is very dull. I thank you for being a lawyer. You are a good man. I want to be a princess or maybe a writer. Not a lawyer. On the back of this page I have drawn us fighting a dragon. Please take it with you on your next bisness trip and know I am with you.'

Lillian looks over her writing. Her handwriting is well-practiced; Mama makes sure Lillian takes her time to write "legibly," whatever that means. She nods, approving of her message, and signs it.

'With all of the love in the world,

Lillian E. Renfield'

She turns the paper over and draws herself and her father fighting a dragon, as she had indicated on the letter. She barely finishes colouring the dragon's bat-like wings when Mama calls her for supper. She hastily folds her letter and tucks it into Papa's work bag, then hurries to the dining room.

[halsinthebear]

Pls share nope theories? 🥺

I'm on mobile so formatting is going to suck BUT

also most of these have been shared/plotted/discussed with @murraybaeman so credit goes there too but I've got three major theories.

1] Amber Park

let it be known that I find Wrenn Schmidt unbelievably beautiful so jot that down. HOWEVER Amber is absolutely a foil for Em-- Em is the businesswoman while OJ does the actual work and Amber is more like Jupe's manager than his business partner. the Gordy's Home flashback implies Jupe may not have been the best actor so Amber literally dresses Jupe (well depending on how you look at it) and runs lines with him to make sure Jupe is putting on his best show.

she's even still commanding from the sidelines of the Star Lasso experience. given how Jupe says their sons are going to perform for the crowd, you wonder how much Amber (or Jupe) were trying to get their kids into Hollywood as well. also like. her husband's been feeding horses to an unknown entity and her introduction shot is her trying to sell someone on coming to the Star Lasso show.

I also loved the fantastic ginger wig they put on her just for the quick shot of the Jupiter's Orbit poster you saw in her office.

2] Angel and the tarp

this has, like, no official confirmation but it's my dumbass theory and I'm sticking to it.

while Angel tying a tarp around him with barbed wire is just clever thinking, when I saw the movie it immediately made me think of a cilice. seeing as JJ has been compared to biblical angels (also Angel...angel...get it...haha...), I thought it was interesting that Angel uses a tarp (uncomfortable material close to the body) with barbed wire securing it, because cilices were common with devout Catholics to continually moritfy their flesh in the name of holiness.

also Google tells me most modern cilices are now mostly BDSM accessories so. that was fun.

3] the Wizard of Oz

this is my most conspiracy theory theory so grain of salt here.

I am still partially convinced this movie was Jordan Peele's Wizard of Oz. but also still. grain of salt.

a) the shot of Mary Jo's during the attack is pretty similar to the framing of the Wicked Witch once Dorothy's house fell on her

b) a deleted scene has Em schmoozing on the Walk of Fame with a prominent Dorothy mannequin in frame

c) Em's name can either reference the Emerald City or Aunty Em...or both???

d) when Em falls asleep in her RV, she's watching an Oprah clip where the woman interviewed makes a joke about not being in Kansas anymore

e) Mary Jo, at the Star Lasso show, has two pins on her sweater-- a hot air balloon and an old traveling wagon. like the wagon Dorothy meets the fortune teller in and the hot air balloon that she leaves Oz in.

f) Em is the Wizard to OJ's Dorothy to Lucky's Toto to Jupe's Ms. Gulch

AAAAAAND we're done.

[terrainofheartfelt]

It's not seasonally appropriate, but do you have any winter dair headcannons? I'm yearning for snow right now.

Nothing makes me yearn for wintry things like the dead of July, just like nothing makes me yearn for summery things like the dead of February. Ah, the duality of man….

Ok here goes:

Dan has a Lorelai Gilmore level obsession with snow, the first one of the year will make him wake Blair up in the middle of the night so she’ll at least come to the window and bask in the awesomeness. Those nights when it’s just about to snow Dan always stays up late working to keep vigil. 

Blair swipes Dan’s clothes literally all the time but especially in winter. If she’s not at work, or going out, or seeing people, then she’s at home in his sweaters and socks, because they are always warmer than her own lounge wear. 

Blair is a very good skater and Dan has no skill to speak of whatsoever. As Nads astutely pointed out in her dairis xmas fic, Dan saw the ice capades when he was five and freaked out, so he refused to try in those formative years. Which is just to say, on the ice he has all the grace of a baby deer. When Harold and Roman are around (either them visiting NY or dair in France) he will try for 15 minutes, and then he and Roman will hang out and chat on the bleachers while the Waldorfs do their thing. 

Dan definitely gets injured once and Blair Freaks (bc hospitals creep her tf out), but once the pain meds hit Dan is extremely entertaining. You’re pretty. No like, you’re so pretty. He proposes at least three times and twice she reminds him they’re already married and the third she just says Sorry, I’m taken and he gets so SAD

The Humphreys have a super secret cocoa recipe that they share with NO ONE and though Blair would almost always prefer tea, she loves it when Dan gets in a Mood and makes it. 

Snow days don’t get called much in New York but there’s a storm one year that shuts the city down. Blair goes stir crazy on day one without being able to work and then proceeds to jump from task to task and project to project to keep herself busy while Dan just watches from his chair like it’s a tennis match. 

They keep up a Scrabble marathon for two days, just keeping game after game going while they do other things. They even play an Italian round and a French round (guess who wins which)

When they finally venture out there’s an absolutely brutal snowball fight because they’re both competitive to a fault. Dan claims injury again but Blair says he had it coming. 

Blair always has an office or a thing to go to, but Dan works from home, which means if the weather is gross he doesn’t really need to leave the house, which is all just to say Dan is very susceptible to seasonal depression. So Blair pays especial attention like in February when it’s gray and the sun hasn’t been out for weeks and Dan starts to get more and more lethargic she’ll put on her queen B game face and insist that she needs him to go run this errand, or there’s something she needs him to bring up to her office in the middle of the work day, or that they need to go see this exhibit, or to that party, pleading and pestering and poking until he goes “ugh FINE” and gets out of the house. She’s diabolical [affectionate]

Somebody kinda already wrote this fic, but once every five years Dan gets smacked with seasonal laryngitis. It makes both of them a teensy bit crazy. 

Blair likes the beach better in the off season so they always take a wintertime trip to the Hamptons. Dan calls it weird but he does think it’s kind of nice. No crowds, no hordes of day drunk, guiltless rich to interrupt their walks on the shoreline—Blair love bundling up and going to the beach, Dan calls it her BBC miniseries impulse (bc those guys are always staring at the waves in the wintertime in their lil parkas tryin to solve a murder). Blair also opens Dan to the magical experience of Sex By The Fireplace in their Hamptons lodgings. 

[apaise]

ever since she was sixteen, managing the red orchid had been dani’s dream. she couldn’t imagine anything more fulfilling than being a part of this legendary hotel, this little sliver of rome that so perfectly encapsulates the italian dream for so many tourists. watching mothers and grandfathers and children alike light up as they step into the opulent lobby is her favorite part of the day, and she wouldn’t trade her job for the world.

. . . this is what dani repeats to herself over and over as she leaves emily’s office, now balking in the face of her worst assignment so far. with the red orchid welcoming many wealthy guests with exceedingly high expectations each week, dani’s experienced her fair share of grief in her time as assistant manager. but running around town to locate hypoallergenic pillows for mrs. van den berg’s prize poodle is hardly as harrowing as this new errand, which has dani doing anything she can to stall the first step.

( how does one even go about banishing someone from the property? )

while emily’s unfortunate accident has given dani the opportunity to take on some new and admittedly exciting responsibilities in her place . . . she had forgotten the uglier side of running the red orchid. emily’s always run a tight ship after all -- a striking contrast to their actual captain, pippa. dani wishes she could reach out to their director for advice on how to tackle the whole luisa situation, but . . . pippa already seems pretty busy taking care of emily ( no easy task, either ). 

with any other assignment, dani would pass with flying colors. but she’s never had to deal with people in this kind of situation. she could mollify any angry hotel guest with a gift basket or set of theater tickets, but a traveler simply enjoying her time in the city . . . dani can’t help but feel heartless to evict her. she tries to soften the blow by making a detour to the hotel café first, ordering two of their most popular cappuccinos. and purposely avoiding the front desk. although dani’s certain lily would have some kind and comforting words for her . . .  she would prefer if her crush wouldn’t see her as some cold-hearted monster.

the homey scent of coffee wafting from the cups is little comfort as she continues what feels like an executioner’s walk out to the pool. luisa comfortably resides on one of the lounge chairs out by the water ( unfortunately, six floors right beneath the office, where emily had first angrily spotted the busker ), and dani feels awful to disturb her. it goes against every hospitality bone in her body to impede, but emily’s voice repeatedly rings in her head, reminding dani that luisa isn’t a real guest.

❝ hello, ❞ she starts with a polite smile, hoping the dread in her eyes isn’t glaringly obvious. dani takes a careful seat at the chair beside luisa, balancing the coffee cups all the while. ❝ -- lovely day out, isn’t it? ❞ she continues, glancing aside to the skies for a moment. it really is a sunny, beautiful day -- all the more criminal for her current job. 

clearing her throat, dani offers one of the cups as a pitiful olive branch, envious of the kids splashing around in the deep end having no such responsibility.  ❝ coffee? ❞ ( @feveredblurs​ )

[pers-books]

ur called pers-books so can u recommend a good book?

Oh now you've done it, Anon!

I can ALWAYS recommend a good book!

You haven't specified which genre interests you, so here, have a handful of books which I've really, thoroughly enjoyed in the last year or so. Blurbs from and links to GoodReads.

Sistersong by Lucy Holland:

My sister’s heart broke on the river—and the river took it and bore it away.

In the ancient kingdom of Dumnonia, there is old magic to be found in the whisper of the wind, the roots of the trees, and the curl of the grass. King Cador knew this once, but now the land has turned from him, calling instead to his three children. Riva can cure others, but can’t seem to heal her own deep scars. Keyne battles to be accepted for who he truly is—the king’s son. And Sinne dreams of seeing the world, of finding adventure.

All three fear a life of confinement within the walls of the hold, their people’s last bastion of strength against the invading Saxons. However, change comes on the day ash falls from the sky. It brings with it Myrdhin, meddler and magician. And Tristan, a warrior whose secrets will tear them apart.

Riva, Keyne and Sinne—three siblings entangled in a web of treachery and heartbreak, who must fight to forge their own paths.

Their story will shape the destiny of Britain.

Finding Jessica Lambert by Clare Ashton

Jessica Lambert, movie star and ingénue, is in danger of burning out. Returning to London for the premiere of her latest film, she’s recognised everywhere she goes. When she runs away through the streets of London, she’s taken in by the beautiful and more mature Anna. The two hide in the sanctuary of Anna’s roof-top flat, a haven away from the crowds, but why has Anna removed herself from the world?

As the two women get to know each other, stripping away the layers, both appreciate what each does for the other. This could be the start of something wonderful, more than either of them know.

Wishyouwas by Alexandra Page

It's 1952 in smog-shrouded London. Christmas might be fast approaching, but with her mum away and Uncle Frank busy running the post office, Penny Black is lonelier than ever.

All that changes when Penny discovers a small, fluffy, funny, springy and – most importantly – talking creature in the post office one night, trying to make off with a letter.

But Wishyouwas is no thief. He's a Sorter, and he soon introduces Penny to a fascinating secret world hidden in the tunnels underneath the city's streets. Self-appointed guardians of lost mail, the Sorters have dedicated their lives to rescuing letters that have gone astray and making sure they get delivered to their rightful owners.

Penny is determined to protect the Sorters, but how long will she be able to keep them safe with Stanley Scrawl, the sinister Royal Mail Rat Catcher, on the prowl? Can Penny save the Sorters and deliver a joyful Christmas?

Stay by Catherine Ryan Hyde 

In the summer of 1969, fourteen-year-old Lucas Painter carries a huge weight on his shoulders. His brother is fighting in Vietnam. His embattled parents are locked in a never-ending war. And his best friend, Connor, is struggling with his own family issues. To find relief from the chaos, Lucas takes long, meandering walks, and one day he veers into the woods.

There he discovers an isolated cabin and two huge dogs. Frightened, he runs. And the dogs run with him. Lucas finds unusual peace in running with the dogs, and eventually he meets their owner, Zoe Dinsmore. Closed off and haunted by a tragic past, Zoe has given up. She doesn’t want to be saved. She wants out. But Lucas doesn’t want her to go, and he sees an opportunity to bring more than one friend back into the light. It’s either the best or worst idea he’s ever had, but Lucas isn’t giving up on Zoe or Connor.

Their unexpected connection might be the saving grace that Zoe thought she’d lost, that Connor needs, and that Lucas has been running toward.

One Man and His Bike by Mike Carter

What would happen if you were cycling to the office and just kept on pedalling?

Needing a change, Mike Carter did just that. Following the Thames to the sea he embarked on an epic 5,000 mile ride around the entire British coastline - the equivalent of London to Calcutta.

He encountered drunken priests, drag queens and gnome sanctuaries. He met fellow travellers and people building for a different type of future. He also found a spirit of unbelievable kindness and generosity that convinced him that Britain is anything but broken. This is the inspiring and very funny tale of the five months Mike spent cycling the byways of the nation.

(This is non-fiction in case it’s not obvious!)

The Last Act of Love: The Story of My Brother and His Sister by Cathy Rentzenbrink

In the summer of 1990, Cathy's brother Matty was knocked down by a car on the way home from a night out. It was two weeks before his GCSE results, which turned out to be the best in his school. Sitting by his unconscious body in hospital, holding his hand and watching his heartbeat on the monitors, Cathy and her parents willed him to survive. They did not know then that there are many and various fates worse than death.

This is the story of what happened to Cathy and her brother, and the unimaginable decision that she and her parents had to make eight years after the night that changed everything. It's a story for anyone who has ever watched someone suffer or lost someone they loved or lived through a painful time that left them forever changed. Told with boundless warmth and affection, The Last Act of Love by Cathy Rentzenbrink is a heart-breaking yet uplifting testament to a family's survival and the price we pay for love.

(Another non-fiction book.)

Nala's World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride around the Globe by Dean Nicholson

Instagram phenomenon @1bike1world Dean Nicholson reveals the full story of his life-changing friendship with rescue cat Nala and their inspiring adventures together on a bike journey around the world. When 30-year-old Dean Nicholson set off from Scotland to cycle around the world, his aim was to learn as much as he could about our troubled planet. But he hadn't bargained on the lessons he'd learn from his unlikely companion. Three months after leaving home, on a remote road in the mountains between Montenegro and Bosnia, he came across an abandoned kitten. Something about the piercing eyes and plaintive meowing of the bedraggled little cat proved irresistible. He couldn't leave her to her fate, so he put her on his bike and then, with the help of local vets, nursed her back to health. Soon on his travels with the cat he named Nala, they forged an unbreakable bond - both curious, independent, resilient and adventurous. The video of how they met has had 20 million views and their Instagram has grown to almost 750k followers - and still counting! Experiencing the kindness of strangers, visiting refugee camps, rescuing animals through Europe and Asia, Dean and Nala have already learned that the unexpected can be pretty amazing. Together with Garry Jenkins, writer with James Bowen of the bestselling A Street Cat Named Bob, Dean shares the extraordinary tale of his and Nala's inspiring and heart-warming adventure together.

(More non-fiction!)

Murder on the Menu (The Nosey Parker Mysteries #1) by Fiona Leitch

Still spinning from the hustle and bustle of city life, Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is glad to be back in the Cornish village she calls home. Having quit the Met Police in search of something less dangerous, the change of pace means she can finally start her dream catering company and raise her daughter, Daisy, somewhere safer. But there’s nothing like having your first job back at home to be catering an ex-boyfriend’s wedding to remind you of just how small your village is. And when the bride, Cheryl, vanishes Jodie is drawn into the investigation, realising that life in the countryside might not be as quaint as she remembers… With a missing bride on their hands, there is murder and mayhem around every corner but surely saving the day will be a piece of cake for this not-so-amateur sleuth?

No Rings Attached (Ms. Right #2) by Rachel Lacey

Lia Harris is tired of being the odd one out. She’s never quite fit in with her uptight family, and now that her roommates have all found love, she’s starting to feel like a third wheel in her own apartment. Fed up with her mother’s constant meddling in her love life, Lia drops hints about a girlfriend she doesn’t have. But with her brother’s London nuptials approaching, she needs to find a date to save face. Lia turns to her best friend, Rosie, for help, and Rosie delivers—with the fun, gorgeous Grace Poston. Grace loves to have a good time, hiding her insecurities behind a sunny smile. Her recent move to London has provided her with a much-needed fresh start. Grace isn’t looking for love, and she hates weddings, having weathered more than her fair share of heartache. Friendships are different, though, so for Rosie’s sake, she reluctantly agrees to pose as Lia’s adoring girlfriend for the wedding festivities. Both Grace and Lia are prepared for an awkward weekend, complete with prying family members and a guest room with only one bed. As it turns out, they get along well—spectacularly, in fact. Before they know it, the chemistry they’re faking feels all too real. But is their wedding weekend a fleeting performance or the rehearsal for a love that’s meant to last?

We Are Satellites by Sarah Pinsker

Everybody's getting one. Val and Julie just want what's best for their kids, David and Sophie. So when teenage son David comes home one day asking for a Pilot, a new brain implant to help with school, they reluctantly agree. This is the future, after all. Soon, Julie feels mounting pressure at work to get a Pilot to keep pace with her colleagues, leaving Val and Sophie part of the shrinking minority of people without the device. Before long, the implications are clear, for the family and society: get a Pilot or get left behind. With government subsidies and no downside, why would anyone refuse? And how do you stop a technology once it's everywhere? Those are the questions Sophie and her anti-Pilot movement rise up to answer, even if it puts them up against the Pilot's powerful manufacturer and pits Sophie against the people she loves most.

To Boldly Go by Em Stevens

When life gives you lemons, drink limoncello. 

Taryn's trip of a lifetime is finally happening. She's saved money, researched, planned, and created an itinerary that will allow her to travel Italy...and finally tell her best friend that she's in love with her. But those plans are ruined when she wakes up alone, her crush gone. Her plans did not include being alone and stranded in Milan. Now Taryn's dream vacation is a nightmare.

Enter Holly, a fellow traveller: young, full of life, and comfortable traipsing off the beaten path. Holly feels a connection with Taryn and wants to salvage her trip. After all, they're in freaking Italy! But their radically different travel styles and age differences make for rough terrain. Together, they boldly go into unexplored territories of the heart, and may just discover love.

The Full Scoop by Kitty Jones

Leanne didn’t expect to be spending the rest of her life alone, but when her wife passes away unexpectedly, she’s thrust right back into the world of dating – but it’s one she no longer recognizes. With apps and websites and a million different things to learn, she wonders whether she’s ever going to find someone to fill the hole in her heart from Sherry’s death. When a hundred-year-old bookstore goes on the market, Leanne takes a spontaneous leap and buys the place. She’s got nothing but time on her hands, after all? What harm could come from buying an old building, anyway? Unfortunately for her, the building has secrets. 29-year-old Billie Wise is the epitome of clumsy, which is one of the reasons she’s basically the world’s worst reporter. When her boss gives her a bogus assignment – to get the inside scoop on a new bookstore that’s opening in town – she knows it’s simply something to do to shove her out of the way so she isn’t eligible for a promotion. Irritated and tired, Billie walks into the bookstore expecting to be greeted by someone who is as angry as she is, but she’s not. The owner is gorgeous, caring, and compassionate. She’s everything that Billie could never be. When Billie finds herself falling for the bookstore owner, she wonders if their worlds could really ever collide. Will Billie be able to get the full scoop on what it takes to make Leanne fall in love with her?

Vile Stars by Sera Milano

(TRUE) LOVE (TOXIC) LOVE (LOST) LOVE This is a different kind of love story. 17-year-old Luka isn't looking for love. She's trying to piece her life back together after a heart-breaking loss. But when she meets the gorgeous and charismatic Cosmo under a meteor shower at the Greenwich Observatory, it feels like destiny has played a hand. Surely theirs is a love written in the stars. But Cosmo isn't what he seems, using Luka's love for him to slowly take control of her life. As the pandemic starts to make headlines and lockdown sets in, she is trapped emotionally and physically in a coercive relationship. Luka's friends and brother can see what's happening, but struggle to reach her. Something will have to be sacrificed so Luka can set herself free - but what will be left of her when she does? Luka's story is told from many points of view: through her letters, and through the voices of her brother, Alec, his boyfriend Theo and Luka's best friend, Roisin. Each of them holds a fragment of the story - it's time to put it all together.

(Be warned, this is a difficult read as it features Covid-19, gaslighting and manipulation, and homophobia. But it is a bloody brilliant book!)

This Can Never Not Be Real by Sera Milano

FIVE TEENAGERS WITH NOTHING IN COMMON, THROWN TOGETHER BY AN ACT OF TERRORISM, CAN'T SURVIVE THE NIGHT WITHOUT EACH OTHER. In the unremarkable town of Amberside, the unthinkable has happened: Terrorists have attacked a local festival. No one knows why, and no one knows who the attackers are, but that doesn’t matter. What matters first is survival. And what matters after that is survival, too. In this brilliantly written account of hope, humour and humanity, five ordinary teenagers are caught up in a truly extraordinary situation. It’s a heart-pounding and gripping account of the fight for survival, told from multiple perspectives, as the attackers prowl the festival grounds. A book for anyone who needs to see that behind the hate that makes the headlines, there is always love.

(This is also a difficult book, but again, bloody brilliant and compelling. Sera Milano is an outstanding writer.)

Hope you find something to enjoy in there, Anon.

[its-nwarden]

What does a typical day look like for the cast? Thanks!!

Sorry this one took so long! I was replaying the exile update an unhealthy amount of times 😅

I’ll leave out Yara, Vin, Iris, and Zeke cuz spoilers 🤐

Dax: Wakes up at a decent time, then goes for a run with Noah if Noah is up to it. After that, he gets ready for the day and heads out to meet up with his squad. If there’s no mission to complete then it’s training all day. Rip mc’s squad. At the end of the day, he might go for a walk or check in with his family before actually falling asleep.

Gem: Wakes up early so he has time to do some yoga. After getting ready for the day, he heads over to the squad meet-up. Once that’s done, he’ll go see his mom at the med bay before going to his room to get ready for bed. But before actually going to sleep he may draw or play his piano for a while. 

Noah: Also wakes up early. May go jogging with Dax or he might just go to his balcony to chill and drink coffee. When it’s time, he gets himself together and goes to his squad. If there’s no mission, he’ll go over stuff that each member needs the most work on then set them free 😅. After that, he cleans himself up and goes partying with his friends. Though he doesn’t stay out too long if he has work the next day.

Noel: They’re a night owl, so they are always oversleeping. Gets up panicking most days. They throw themselves together to go meet up with the team. If they’re not too tired after they’ll go to the compound's archive and look over some paperwork their father sent them before going home to sleep.

Naomi: Sometimes she’s up early, sometimes she sleeps the whole day. Once she’s up and prepared for the day, she checks if the team has a mission to do. If it’s just training most of the time she’s playing hooky ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Spends the day either shopping, sewing, or hanging out with her friends or siblings before heading home to bed.

Cameron: Sleeps in, but not too late. Goes to the compound’s onsite orphanage to teach the kids then goes to the med bay for work and stays there late into the night. Most nights he just sleeps on one of the patient beds there.

Fay: She gets up bright and early and goes straight to work! Spends her day making and repairing weapons/armor. If her parents are in town, she takes a break to go get lunch with them. Other than that, she’s a busy bee working on new tech until it’s time to call it a day.

Audrey: Wakes up early and goes to the gym. After freshening up she’ll make a cup of tea and head to her office to take care of some paperwork. She’ll go to various meetings throughout the day before finally being able to head out into the city to check out a local restaurant. When it gets dark, she goes home to chat with her brother and mom before heading to bed.

Thank you for the ask!

[karlyhiggins]

Racial Stereotypes in "All American"

In October of 2018, the media industry was blasted by a show, All American. It had millions of watchers within its first couple of weeks being released on Netflix. The show was predominately based around the game of football, however many gentrifications were brought to life in the show. The one I would like to focus on is racism. The show takes place in California, resulting in a wide variety of races being displayed in the show. The main character, Spencer James grew up in the tough city of Crenshaw, California. He was an absolute star on the football field, however Crenshaw was not the best place for a high school kid to be academically and athletically. The city of Crenshaw was dominated by African Americans, some pf which were involved in gang activity.

Fortunately enough, Spencer James was recruited by Billy Baker, the head coach at Beverly Hills, to play football and attend Beverly Hills high school. Not only would he be attending the school and playing football, he also would be moving into Billy's home.

Billy Baker, an African American football coach living in Beverly Hills, hadn't always had it easy for himself either. He is married to a white woman and they have to kids, Jordan and Olivia.

Spencer James going this very wealthy and comfortable family as a black kid coming from a lower income household was extremely hard for him. This may be the opposite stereotype in which we usually see in the media, a black man being wealthy, however it plays a huge roll in the racism aspect within the show.

As the show goes on, Spencer James find himself adjusting his new way of life with the Baker's. However, not everything is as great as it seems in terms of the racial aspect. An example of racial profiling in the show is when Asher (white male), Jordan Baker, Olivia Baker, Spencer James and Spencer's little brother go to get frozen yogurt in Beverly Hills. Spencer makes his way up tp the cashier to play for his brothers frozen yogurt when the white female at the cash register tells him she does not want his business, his money and to make a scene. She therefore asks him to leave. To make matters worse, Spencer doesn't follow her "instructions" and insists on asking her what the issue is. This resulted in the police being called to the same and being asked to leave the premise.

Obviously there is absolutely nothing wrong with an African American male trying to purchase frozen yogurt, but this is where racism plays a role in the show.

Another example where racism is seen in this show is when Jordan Baker and Spencer James are driving home in Jordan's convertible mustang in Beverly Hills. While Jordan is driving, he notices he is getting pulled over. The police officers informs Jordan that he ran a red light on a turn a couple miles back, however Jordan didn't make a turn. He was proposed with the question of "License and registration" and followed with the question "what are you boys doing in this neighborhood" implying blacks don' belong here. Spencer is forcefully pulled out of the passenger seat being asked if he is armed.. he is not. They both are taken out of the vehicle and handcuffed while they were face down on the ground. This is absolutely not acceptable since it is considered racial profiling. Again, just like the frozen yogurt incident there shouldn't be any speculation as to way and African American male is driving an upscale car.

The show also used this platform to promote the Black Lives Matter movement that took place in 2020. In the Season 3 premiere it had a scene where there was a mural that read Black Lives Matter. It was painted on the High School's floor and brought light to the situation.

The way this racial profiling can stop in real life and in movies or television shows is to stop entertaining it. Even though it is a fiction show, there are ways to eliminate this kind of attention in shows.

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