Mother of Rare Pairings

Lissy. She/Her. 40-something. Sagittarius. Ace Demiromantic. Romance writer and former fanvidder. Golden Queen 👑🗡️ Calibessa ⚡️🌹 Nikari 🐦‍🔥💎. Tom Hiddleston 💚 Alan Rickman 🖤 Peter Outerbridge 🩵. Avatar and header are mine. Sidebar gif not mine; credit to maker.

[mrsreginagold]

~ A Creator Bio ~

Name: Lissy (sometimes I go by Lis); also known as mrsreginagold and wolfenqueenyuri

How long I've been at this: many, many MANY years.

Types of content I create: fanfiction (main), graphics (occasional), fanvids (former, no longer have access to footage or know a current program; this may change one day), fanmixes

What I will write: romance, fluff, banter, tasteful intimacy, AUs and canon divergence.

What I won't write: explicit or graphic content (sex and violence), most kinks, slash and femmeslash (not anything wrong with it, but not my cup of tea writing wise and there are much better suited creators for it).

Writing strengths: dialogue, character dynamics, romantic chemistry and scenarios.

Writing weaknesses: repetitiveness, particularly when it comes to love scenes (I have a formula and comfort zone)

Requests: won't take anything specific, but the inbox and ask are always open.

My fanfiction.net account, AO3, and fic dreamwidth

If you're at all interested in what ships I work with or intend to, I can direct you to my ship page (currently being reworked).

[deepdwellingsteamboat]

Sam Riley as Greider DAS FINSTERE TAL 2014・dir. Andreas Prochaska

[ctae]

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL (2011) dir. Nick Morris, Laurence Connor

[eternal-learner]

From his earliest to his latest credit:

21 Jump Street (1990) | Kissed (1996) | ReGenesis (2004 - 2008) | Saw VI (2009) | Nikita (2010 - 2013) | Pure (2017) | The Oak Room (2020) | I Will Find You (2026)

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY PETER OUTERBRIDGE! June 30 1966

[mrsreginagold]

Fic: I Will Always Cherish You

Fandom: Nikita

Pairing: Ari Tasarov x Nikita Mears (Nikari)

Rating: R

Spoilers: Set during a canon-divergent season two. 

Summary: Ari has never been one for celebrations no matter what the circumstance, but when Nikita shows up and offers a quiet one as an apology for being away for too long : he takes her up on it. 

Author’s Note: Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Ari Tasarov and the actor who portrays him so beautifully, Peter Outerbridge 🎂💖

On AO3

I Will Always Cherish You

                  A litany of disgruntled curses fell from Ari Tasarov’s lips as he made his way back to his private office in Gogol’s headquarters. 

                  It had been one of those days where every single possible thing that could go wrong did, and to add insult to injury, he’d been forced to stay later than he preferred to ensure that all the correct paperwork was filed. 

                  He was understandably exhausted by the time he finally reached the door and punched in the security code to let himself inside, so the sight of Nikita Mears clad in a slinky, onyx evening gown and perched on the edge of his desk made him blink incredulously. 

                  After a lengthy pause, he found his voice. “Am I dreaming?”

                  The beautiful assassin’s dark brows furrowed in confusion. “Why would you think that?”

                  He moved completely into the room and let the door swing shut behind him. “Because you’re here willingly.”

                  “Admittedly, your office wouldn’t be my first choice for a meetup,” she stated with a low chuckle before standing gracefully. “You look like the entire world decided to land on your shoulders, Tasarov. Come and have a drink with me.”

                  He watched as she poured two glasses of his favorite bourbon and held one out in offering. After hesitating for another few seconds, he finally closed the space between them and accepted the beverage. “What’s the occasion?”

                  “I’ve come to apologize,” she clinked her tumbler against his, and then took a dainty sip. “I know it’s been hectic these past few months, and I’m sorry I couldn’t risk seeing you in person till now.”

                  “Nikita,” he sighed wearily and went around the length of the desk so he could sit in the chair directly behind it. “Hectic doesn’t even cover it. Semak’s become so consumed with his own self-interests that I barely have time to breathe, let alone operate as your eyes and ears.”          

                  “Which is why it matters so much when you feed intel my way,” she set the cup down, genuine appreciation visible on her lovely face. “You’re making a huge gamble by helping me, and I wanted to express my gratitude.”

                  “Well, the dress certainly is a nice touch,” he roamed his eyes gradually over her slender, athletic frame encased in fine material. “You look stunning.”

                  “I had a feeling you would appreciate the effort I made,” She smirked and leaned across the wood so that they were mere inches apart, her tone dropping to a whisper. “And just wait till you see what I have on beneath.”

                  He raised a brow, his lips curving into an amused smile. “Is that an invitation?”

                  “What do you think?” she dipped her head towards his, bumping their noses together affectionately and grazing her lips ever-so-lightly across his mouth. 

                  He reached out with one hand, snaking his fingers around her wrist before unceremoniously pulling her onto his lap and claiming a feverish kiss to fully express his delight at the idea. 

                  He grinned when she let out a startled, muffled shriek at the abrupt change in his behavior, but then she curled her arms around his neck and deepened the embrace significantly. 

                  It was during their few cherished moments together that Ari truly felt a sense of contentment, his touch weaving through the loose waves of Nikita’s hair while he playfully nipped at her lips, his tongue eventually darting out to trace at the shape so he could seek entry. 

                  She sighed softly and willingly granted it, and then all that mattered was the familiar, warm press of her body against his while they indulged in their feelings. 

                  He pulled back first and rested his temple against hers. “I’ve missed you.”

                  “I can tell,” she ran her thumb along the angle of his cheekbone in a soothing caress. “I’ve missed you too; let me make up for it tonight. After all: we have something special to celebrate.”

                  “And what would that be?”

                  “The day when the man I love was born, of course.”

                  His pulse leapt at her declaration. “Really?”

                  She settled back to look at him, clearly astounded. “Ari, please don’t tell me you forgot your own birthday!”

                  He realized how his reply had sounded and cleared his throat self-consciously. “I meant the part where you referred to me as someone you love.”

                  “Oh,” he was treated to the sight of her blushing. “Is it too soon?”

                  “We haven’t really discussed it before,” he shrugged and slowly trailed his fingers over the curve of her spine through the soft fabric of her dress. “But the truth is: I’ve loved you since the moment we met, so you essentially beat me to the punch.”

                  “The first time we met, I was tied to a chair in front of you.”

                  “Well aware. You painted quite the enticing picture,” he teased.

                  She rolled her eyes briefly. “You also threatened me with a toxin, remember?”

                  “What? I had to make an impression.”

                  Nikita stared at him blankly before throwing her head back and laughing heartily, her shoulders shaking with mirth. “Was that what you were doing?”

                  “Laugh all you want; it got your attention,” he aimed another grin her way, enjoying their back-and-forth. 

                  “It was a pretty unorthodox method of flirting,” she reminded, threading her fingers through his hair in order to tousle it out of the slicked-back style he kept it in. “That being said: yes, you did.”

                  He surged up the tiny distance required to capture her mouth in another kiss, effectively drawing their conversation to a halt. 

                  It was worth it to feel her melt against him again, the complicated world they occupied fading away with each tender ministration. 

                  When he parted for air this time, he noticed how luminous her chestnut brown eyes appeared, her features flushed from the impromptu affection. 

“You’re going to have to take me home soon, or I might end up having my way with you here on this desk instead.” Her tone had just enough of a rasp laced into it that a ripple of want eased its way up his spine.

                  “Tempting as the idea is,” he murmured, tucking an errant strand of hair back over her ear. “I think we’d both prefer being somewhere more comfortable.”

                  “Then, let’s get out of here,” she stood and extended out her hand to him.

                  He was only too happy to take it. 

                  Of the many wise decisions that Ari had chosen to make upon building his fortune, the best was probably investing in multiple properties. While his family did come from money, he’d always been self-reliant, and rising through the ranks first as a KGB officer, then as a founding member of Gogol, had been quite the climb. 

                  He currently owned homes in several countries – notably England, France and Switzerland – so he’d chosen a rather humble, modern loft apartment that was fairly close to the company headquarters in Moscow for whenever he was in town. 

                  He noted Nikita’s surprise once they arrived at their destination. “I take it that it’s not what you expected?” 

                  “No. It reminds me a little of the loft I had last year, just without a leaking roof and actual furniture,” she confessed, allowing him to take her coat before she removed her heels and wandered into the living room to properly inspect their surroundings.

                  He smiled fondly and shrugged out of his suit jacket, which he hung up in the hall closet along with hers, and then took a few minutes to deal with his shoes as well. “I mainly stay here when I’m needed regularly at the office.” He sauntered over to where she stood by a set of floor length windows, which overlooked the city.

                  She leaned back into the circle of his arms when he wrapped them around her waist, tipping her head slightly as he ducked a sweet kiss to her shoulder. “I guess I always imagined you living in a gothic manor somewhere with lots of hidden, dark corridors.” 

                  He chuckled, low and rich, and drifted his lips up the slender column of her neck before biting purposely at the shell of her ear. “Tell me, do I have fangs in this fantasy of yours?”

                  “And a cape,” she hissed quietly, then twisted around just enough so they could nuzzle. “Perfectly tailored to match your favorite Armani suit.”

                  He grinned while he worked his way to her shoulder, his teeth scraping against tender flesh deliberately. “I would expect no less, even in your imagination.”

                  “You have very refined tastes, lover,” she laughed and then spun artfully into his embrace, bringing her hands up to toy with the hair that naturally curled at the base off his nape. “The kind that would easily fit someone like Dracula or Lestat.”

                  “A vampire does seem a bit cliché,” he couldn’t help teasing her. “Besides: I’ve always considered myself more of a werewolf thanks to growing up near the forests of Romania.”

                  “Weren’t you were born in Moscow though?” Nikita blinked, perplexed.

                  “My father’s Russian, my mother is Romanian,” Ari explained. “There was a lot of travel back and forth until I was ten, and then we settled at our estate in Busteni.”

                  “I’ve never been,” she stated, a far-off look surfacing in her eyes. “Honestly it’s been ages since I’ve traveled for the fun of it instead of having to keep on the move.”

                  “I think you’d love it there. When things calm down for us, I’ll take you.” He dropped a kiss to her temple, basking in the simple intimacy of holding her. 

                  “Promise?” her features lit up at the prospect.

                  He smiled again before nodding and then sealing it with another kiss. 

                  Like clockwork, she molded to him, her grip on his shoulders tightening a fraction when their embrace deepened significantly. 

                  He eventually pulled away to breathe and effortlessly scooped her up in order to carry her the short distance to his bedroom, where he deposited her gently on the edge of the mattress before kneeling to place a reverent kiss to her inner thigh. He had learned early on into their relationship that she preferred a certain level of dedication, yet it was evident that she had different plans when she curled one finger beneath his chin and angled his head back. 

                  He swallowed thickly when he saw the tell-tale signs of desire visible in her dark, keen gaze, a familiar jolt of heat coiling right below his abdomen while she grasped at his tie, then loosened it. 

                  The silky fabric slipped between her fingers and landed on the floor before she whispered for him to stand. 

                  He did; she followed. 

                  “Isn’t it about time you unwrapped your gift?” Nikita stepped close, her eyes glittering invitingly as she guided his hands to the straps of her gown. 

                  “You are my gift, Kita,” Ari whispered, though he didn’t hesitate to slide them off her shoulders. The dark fabric rustled quietly as it pooled at her feet, revealing what had previously been hidden. 

                  His heart began to race. He had seen the woman before him in various stages of undress at this point, not to mention completely nude, but the sight of her in a corset was certainly new. 

                  The garment was deep ruby in color, held together over her chest with delicate lace threading, and paired with a set of matching underwear. He was fairly sure that if she’d added stockings and garters it would have completed the look nicely, but she had wisely forgone them to spare him additional aggravation at their removal. 

                  His gaze intentionally journeyed across her entire body, first memorizing the striking vision she painted and the way the shade of the fabric complimented her naturally bronzed skin, then watching the ragged rise and fall of each breath of anticipation over his eventual response. 

                  “You’re mesmerizing,” he cupped the side of her face with one hand, his touch lingering at the curve of her jaw. 

                  “Does that mean you like it?”

                  He swallowed a laugh at the amusement detectable in her voice. “I do. Very much. However…” he reached for the tiny bow nestled in her cleavage and gave it a firm tug, so the ties opened for him. “I also prefer you being able to breathe properly.”

                  “Always such a gentleman,” in retaliation, she focused on freeing him from his dress shirt, releasing each button with practiced ease. 

                  They took their time with each layer, baring skin inch by inch until they were fully naked and colliding in a sound embrace as he once again lifted her up and carried her over to the bed. 

                  They sank onto the plush blankets, limbs entwining naturally while passion spiraled.

                  It was the easiest thing in the world to get lost in Nikita, where the only thing that mattered was how easily she fit, her body welcoming his as they linked together. 

                  Ari hovered for a moment to revel in the wanton image she presented –lightly bronzed skin glowing, lips parted slightly, the dark brown, tousled locks of her hair a stark contrast with the white of the pillow – and then lowered his head to dart a series of kisses to her throat, determined to worship the woman he considered a goddess properly. 

                  He rained attention over her clavicle and veered to her right shoulder while his hand traversed lightly along her side to trace at the tattooed Sanskrit just below her breast. 

                  He felt her shiver when his touch grew more insistent, her nails dragging tantalizingly through the dark hair clinging to his chest to remind him of their closeness. 

                  In response, he thumbed across her ribcage and then palmed her sensitized flesh, startling a whimper out of her in response. 

                  “Tonight’s supposed to be about you,” she clawed lightly at his arm to admonish him.

                  “Trust me: I’m happiest when I get to take care of you, lyubimaya,” he cut off any further argument by laying a single kiss to her sternum before dedicating equal time to each breast and then venturing lower. 

                  He was rapidly consumed with showering devotion, ensuring that not a patch of skin went without some form of adoration while he ducked one hand between her legs to pleasure her in earnest. 

                  Soon, she was a quivering mess, clutching tightly at his biceps when he coaxed her through the swell of her release, after which he had the honor of watching her crest on waves of completion. 

                  Ordinarily, he’d let her ride out the high and recuperate before going any further, but his name was suddenly growled, and she shifted her weight to send him toppling under her. 

                  Nikita straddled his hips, staring down at him imperiously as she planted her hands firmly against the center of his chest. “Now: it’s your turn.”

                  Ari inhaled shakily when she mapped out a path with her fingers along the sculpted tone of his torso. He had always been particularly receptive to touch, but she had a special gift, designing constellations across his skin that she discovered next with her mouth. 

                  He arced instinctively into the languid kisses she bestowed, his hands digging into her hair to keep her steady as she explored him thoroughly. 

                  It wasn’t long before he was the one trembling in the aftermath. 

                  “Is it selfish of me to want more of this on a regular basis?” Ari queried, carding his fingers lazily through Nikita’s hair while they lounged together, still entwined with each other and the sheets after multiple rounds of lovemaking. 

                  She lifted her head from where she’d pillowed it on his chest, her hand crossing over his heart to feel the strong, steady beat against her palm. “More of what, exactly? The amazing sex would be a guarantee, but I have a feeling you meant something else.”

                  He laughed and nodded, turning onto his side to speak to her candidly. “I meant this,” he gestured at the two of them. “Simply existing together and having you by my side for more than a few stolen hours.”

                  Her expression softened and she cuddled close. “I want that too; there’s just a lot to accomplish first.”

                  “I know,” he let his fingers dance over the slope of her shoulder and exhaled heavily. “It’s nice not to consider the weight of our world for a while, that’s all.”

                  She reached up to cradle his face and kissed him in an effort to chase away the melancholy and turn the mood back to where it belonged. “I promise, we will have plenty of nights like these, and days,” she pressed her lips to his forehead, then each cheek. “Weeks, months, years…someday we’ll have it all.” 

                  “You’re right, someday we will, but we don’t need to figure it all out right now. Besides, at this moment I have exactly what I need,” with a deft movement, he reclined her back under him and hiked her leg over his beneath the covers, aligning their bodies perfectly. 

                  The abrupt action resulted in her breath catching, and then her arms winding around his torso to draw him down to her level. “Is that so?”

                  He smiled, warm and open, “Yes, and I’m about to cherish every single one I can with her in the meantime.”

                  Her eyes glimmered happily. “That sounds like a perfect birthday gift.”

                  “It is, lyubimaya. It is.” 

                  As they fell into a romantic embrace, perfectly attuned to one another,  it was clear that they were entirely where they belonged. 

The End

[mrsreginagold]

Happy 60th Birthday Peter Outerbridge! 🎂 (June 30, 1966)

Featuring My Ten Current Favorite Performances:

Ari Tasarov - Nikita

David Sandstrom - ReGenesis

William Easton - Saw VI

Bob Corbett - Bomb Girls

Charlie Manning - My Name Is Sarah

William Murdoch - The Murdoch Mysteries

Walter Lancaster - Sullivan's Crossing

William Miro - Level 16

Al Gorski - Blood and Water

Phillip Mackenzie - I Will Find You

Words can't truly express my thanks to this man for so much creative inspiration these past few years. I hope he has a wonderful day and that there are plenty of projects to come in the future. 🩵 🩵🩵

[mrsreginagold]

Fic: Both Our Worlds Colliding

Fandom: Saw VI x Ready or Not

Pairing: William Easton x Grace Le Domas (Willace)

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Canon-divergent AU where William survives his test. This takes place after the events of Saw VI and Ready or Not: Here I Come. 

Summary: At the prodding of his sister, William agrees to meet a survivor of a different type of “game” one-on-one. Little does he realize that his entire life is about to change. 

Author's note: Dedicated, with love, to the Outerbridge Fanclub as thanks for being my little inner circle to share these pieces with. 🩵💙🩵 This is an early surprise for Peter's birthday this year (the requisite Nikari will be posted on the 30th as per usual). I hope you all enjoy.

Both Our Worlds Colliding

There were occasional days when William Easton wondered if his survival had really been a blessing. That wasn’t to say he felt he didn’t deserve his second chance at life. Truthfully, he was grateful to be breathing and healing from the experience, albeit slowly. It was just that, as a result: he had become rather isolated. 

Unfortunately, this was also something that his sister Pamela had noticed and become actively concerned with. She meant well, but she could pester.

                  One evening, Will returned home after a shift at the non-profit he currently helped run to find Pam at his kitchen counter. There was a pile of photographs covering the surface along with a handful of pamphlets that she was pretending to read. 

                  He could see right through her instantly. 

                  With a groan, he dropped his briefcase on the floor and loosened his tie. “Babe, you need to stop before I hit you over the head with my favorite skillet.”

“You do realize that people think it’s weird that you call your sister “babe”, right?” she peered over the rims of her glasses, her lips curving into a smirk and blue eyes a slightly lighter shade than his glinting with amusement. “Especially since I’m older.”

“You were the one who started it!” he objected, recalling a memory from their college years that nevertheless made the edges of his mouth twitch upwards.

“How the hell did I start that nickname?!”

 “If I recall, you wanted to fool every company you applied to into thinking you were five years younger. Hence: babe. It stuck. It’s not going anywhere,” he chuckled and retreated to the bedroom of his modest apartment in order to change out of his suit. While it wasn’t required in his current line of work, he still liked to maintain an air of professionalism. 

                  “Just get back out here and take a look at some of these brochures. I found more groups I want you to check out,” she raised her voice so he could hear her. 

                  He grimaced while he slipped out of his button-down shirt, then pulled on a tee quickly and traded his slacks for jeans. “Pam; please don’t start.”

                  “You need something in your life other than a job, Will! When was the last time you actually went out and met other people, besides mixers at the center?”

                  “Not long enough,” He grumbled under his breath before emerging from his room, glasses in place and ruffling his hair out of the neatly combed style that he kept it in. His dark brown waves had grown long enough now that loose tendrils could frame his angular face attractively. “Sis, do you not remember that it was a party that inadvertently brought about my misfortune in the first place?!”

“These aren’t parties. They’re meetings.” 

                  He sighed tiredly and busied himself with making a cup of tea. “I’d rather just find a therapist.”

                  “Talking to a shrink isn’t the same thing as being around actual people, especially those who’ve been through similar situations. I mean, I met Joyce at a survivor’s group.”

                  “And I’m happy that you did, because she adores you,” he reached out and gave her hand a brief, gentle squeeze. “It doesn’t mean, however, that I’m going to walk into one of these gatherings and meet the woman of my dreams by chance.”

                  “You never know until you give it a shot,” she insisted, pushing several glossy images at him. 

                  His shoulders dropped in defeat, and he took a soothing gulp of warm liquid before picking a pamphlet up. “Fine. I’ll look over a couple, if only to stop you from perpetually nagging.”

                  Her pretty features lit up instantly. She then went over to the cupboard so she could pour another cup of tea and assist him. “How was work?”

                  “Tedious, since we’re still building up a client base. There’s this one old man I met today though that kind of reminded me of John,”  he shook off a shiver of discomfort, cleared his throat, and continued. “Poor guy is stage four cancer, so I took his case on myself.”

                  “I get that you’re trying to redeem yourself, but you can’t dwell on the past forever.” Pam moved to stand beside him. 

                  “I’m not, I promise. I just feel like this is the right course to take…holy shit, could this writing be any tinier?” Will pushed the frames down his nose and squinted at the miniscule text. 

                  “You seriously need to update your prescription. Although: I heard from several of the girls you work with that they prefer when you wear them. Said that they make you look dashing.” She nudged at his shoulder. 

                  He paused, a flush creeping up his neck at the compliment. “Really?”

                  “Your ears are turning red. You are itching to meet someone, aren’t you?” 

                  “Pam…” he tipped back his head and let out a frustrated sound. “Drop it.”

                  “Nope. Look, how about I make it simpler? Instead of going to a group meeting, we try one-on-one. I’ve got like thirty different numbers I can call; we just need to find the right fit,” she pulled a tiny black book out of her handbag and began flipping through the pages. 

                  “Do I want to know how you ended up with so many phone numbers?” he was torn between being impressed and horrified.

                  His sister shrugged, nonchalant. “I struck up a few friendships after flirting went south.”

                  “I seriously don’t know why Joyce puts up with you,” he mumbled as he downed the rest of his tea. 

                  “I heard that,” this time, she jabbed him in the side with a sharp elbow. 

                  He winced and rubbed at the sore spot, privately grateful that she’d avoided the area where he happened to retain a nasty scar from his misadventure. “Who’re you trying to find anyway?”

                  “My friend, Grace. I think you’d really hit it off with her.” 

                  “You’re just going to call her out of the blue?” He could feel the trepidation set back in. Pamela had always been the bolder sibling, but her pushiness also could backfire. 

                  “Hmm…good point, that might be too blunt. I’ll call her sister.”   

                  “Right,” he exhaled and resigned himself to the plotting that was inevitable. “I take it you’re staying for dinner? I’ll get started on something.”

                  “Of course, your cooking surpasses most restaurants,” she aimed a beaming smile his way. 

                   He shook his head fondly and then headed around to the stove so he could begin preparing a meal. 

                  There was no particular reason to be nervous, but Will swore that hundreds of butterflies were swarming in his stomach regardless. It had been years since he’d gone on a proper date, and though he and Grace had already spoken on the phone a few times, it didn’t fully shake the jitters of anticipation. 

                  Seeing a person face-to-face was an entirely different experience than merely talking to them behind a mask of anonymity, after all.

                  When he was ready: the former insurance executive took a deep, calming breath and then stepped into the retro-style diner. 

                  Immediately, he spotted Grace Le Domas sitting in a corner booth, and when her aquamarine eyes caught his, the brilliant glitter of color made his pulse leap. 

                  She rose to wave him over, her lovely features lighting up in an equally stunning smile. 

                  He waved back, slightly awkwardly, and then made his way over to her location. 

                  “I’m glad you could make it, Will!” She bridged the gap between them to draw him into an enthusiastic hug. 

                  He leaned into the affection, shutting his eyes and breathing in the fresh scent of strawberry with a touch of vanilla. She exuded warmth in every possible manner, and it was easy to get lost within it. 

                  Gradually, he tugged back, his gaze roaming over the beautiful woman that was making no move to pull away. “I’m glad to be here.”

                  “Good,” she smoothed over the front of his shirt as her greeting had resulted in some wrinkles, before bringing her hands up to frame his face. “Wow. Pam could have warned me.”

                  “About what?”

                  “That your photos don’t do you justice. You’re so handsome,” she murmured.

                  He swallowed thickly, unused to such a blunt appraisal, yet appreciated it all the same and thanked her. After he cleared his throat self-consciously, he suggested that they sit down. 

                  “It’s been a while since I’ve gone out with anybody,” Grace admitted while she scoured over the menu. 

                  “I’m no expert, but you seem to be off to a better start than me,” Will chuckled and glanced out the window. “This is a nice spot, by the way. I had no idea it was so close to my workplace.”

                  “I thought it would be easier if we could meet somewhere nearby. The restaurant I work at is only a few blocks down.”

                  “Ah, that explains why we haven’t bumped into each other by accident. I prefer to cook, and I rarely eat out after…well, after.”

                  “I get it,” she peered over the edge of the laminated plastic at him. “It took me a while to go out of my apartment, but Faith recommended that doing something normal would be better for my sanity.”      

                  He chuckled wryly. “Your sister sounds a lot like mine. Barely shaken even after being thrown into the middle of a horrible situation.”

                  “Honestly – thank god for the age difference, I don’t know how I’d handle it if they dated.” A grimace stretched over her face at the mental image. “Let’s change the subject. How’re things at your job?”

                  He tilted his head back and exhaled slowly. “You know, I decided to join a non-profit in an effort to give myself less stress and somehow ended with more.”                 

                  “Would it make you feel better if I rant about the entitled jackass I had to deal with on my afternoon shift? We can trade war stories.”

                  Will smiled, relieved. “Sure.”

                  They spent a couple of hours chatting at the diner while sharing some pie a-la-mode, before deciding a change of scenery was needed. 

                  To their luck, there was a park not far away, so they headed over to take a walk to digest their food and spend more time in each other’s company. 

                  “I hope this weather holds up for the summer,” Grace linked her arm with William’s and looked up to take in the night sky. “It would be nice to actually see some stars though.”

                  “There’s a place further up-state that might be better suited for that,” he suggested. “It’s got a nice campground and a well-maintained lagoon.”

                  “Really?” She stared at him, dumbfounded. “I’m trying to picture you roughing it in the outdoors and failing.”

                  Rather than feeling offended, he laughed. “Believe it or not, Pamela and I used to spend a lot of vacations up in the area when we were young. I haven’t been back in a long time though.”

                  “Okay, you’re going to have to dig out some pictures because it’s even harder to imagine Pam being into camping.”

                  “I’ll do so if you agree to join me on a trip up there sometime.”

                  She paused to think it over and then replied. “Sounds perfect, actually. Especially if it means I’ll see you in something more casual.”

                  “Then it’s settled. When’s your next day off?”

                  “I’m not scheduled for this weekend, unless that’s too soon?”

                  “That’s perfect,” he broke into a fond smile. “We can relax at the family cabin; I just need to ask Pam where the keys are.”

                  “Then it’s a date,” she stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips to his cheek. 

                  He went still for a moment and then slowly twisted to take in the sight of her. 

                  She appeared almost angelic, bathed in an ethereal amber glow thanks to the lamps that illuminated the path, her azure gaze locking with his as they regarded one another. 

                  He moved of his own accord, bringing one hand up to the side of her face so he could cup her cheek gently, then dipping his head down to graze their lips together tentatively.

                  Her fingers curled around his and she pulled him closer, returning the chaste kiss with an enthusiasm that caused his pulse to race. 

                  For the first time in ages – William Easton allowed his feelings to overrun the sense of propriety that had governed him for so long. 

                  He surged forward and initiated a far more passionate embrace, his arms curling around Grace’s slender frame so he could deepen the angle. 

                  Her fingers slid into his hair, holding fast while their bodies pressed up against each other’s, a quiet moan escaping when he playfully nipped at her mouth before tracing at the shape with his tongue. 

                  He was rapidly lost to her taste and the feel of her within his arms, her hands eventually coming to rest right above his heart. 

                  She parted for air first; her pretty face flushed from the impromptu make-out session. 

                  He inhaled raggedly and rested his temple against hers. “Sorry if that was too forward, but I’ve been wanting to do that for most of the night.”

                  “Honestly, from the moment you walked in the diner I was tempted to just drag you back to my place.”

                  He grinned, dimples flashing. “You still could, but I would definitely like to take you on a few respectable dates in the future.”

                  “Promise?” she smirked, nuzzling his nose affectionately. 

                  He dove back in to steal a sweeter kiss, which served as both an answer and an indication that a very bright future lay ahead. 

The End

[kettterer]

Happy 60th, Peter Outerbridge (or shall I say "Froggerbridge"?)

Since I am not good at drawing humans, I did a simple, cute frog while still admiring Outerbridge as a person. I found his work recently thanks to my recent fixation on Saw, and his major role within Saw Vl. I even saw more of his projects thanks to the new interest.

I hope he has a special birthday, and later, a wonderful Canada Day.

[starwarsblr]

The Mandalorian and Grogu dir. Jon Favreau | 2026

[rylandsgrace]

#He's such a good baby now

[devilledminion]

Assad Zaman as Armand in INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE | 3.03

[reticent-vampire]

Assad Zaman as Armand

[reticent-vampire]

Assad Zaman as Armand The Vampire Lestat 3.03

[tarmairons]

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (2022-) | S03E03

[reticent-vampire]

Assad Zaman as Armand The Vampire Lestat 3.03

[lioncourtz]

SAM REID as Lestat de Lioncourt / Lelio

THE VAMPIRE LESTAT 03.03 | "Toronto"

[weardes]

Lestat + kimono