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vigilante-3073 · 3 months ago

Note

It’s my birthday is on Saturday! Could I have please a Gregory house x reader imagine?

Birthday Girl

Gregory House x Female Reader

Summary: It is Y/N's birthday and everyone seems to have forgotten but House.

TW: Established relationship, surprise party, House being sneaky.

A/N: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🥳🎂🎉 Hope you have the best day ever!

F/N: Father's name M/N: Mother's name

It was Y/N's birthday.

Y/N was a relatively simple person and didn't expect much fanfare on her birthday, but she at least wanted it to be acknowledged. It was almost lunchtime and not one person had wished her a happy birthday.

Y/N hadn't received a single call or text from friends or family either and it was starting to get to her. She sat alone at a table in the cafeteria, picking away at a dry muffin while trying not to cry.

Y/N looked up when House sat down across from her, her eyes quickly returned to the dissected baked good as she tried to keep herself together.

"You've been upset about something all day long. You've been virtually useless in differentials and I think I know why," House started.

"Why?" Y/N questioned softly.

He stuck a hand into his blazer, pulling out a pink envelope and setting it down on the table. Y/N glanced up at him before picking it up, she opened it and slid out a card.

It was blue with a cartoon goose in a party hat on the front, in swirly pink writing it read:

Happy Birthday, you silly goose!

Y/N felt tears gathering in her eyes, "Happy birthday, Y/N," House said.

"Thank you," She said softly.

"I made reservations for us at that fancy place you like, I'll pick you up at eight," House stated.

"Okay," Y/N smiled.

House stood up from the table, "Get some real food in the meantime, none of the stuff they bake here is edible," House said.

House and Y/N had been dating for almost three years. She was an important member of his team and feelings developed between them as they spent more time together. House always had a soft spot for Y/N and he tended to be more gentle with her than he was with other members of his team.

Cuddy and Wilson both talked to Y/N when their relationship was in the early stages. They wanted her to be careful and advised her that being with him was not a good decision.

Y/N and House worked together, he was her boss and he was House, which was reason enough for her to steer clear.

House was rude, manipulative, sarcastic and downright abrasive while Y/N was the complete opposite. She was kind, trusting, soft-spoken and generally sweet, everyone who met her absolutely loved her.

Wilson and Cuddy thought that House would ruin her.

House may not have always been the romantic type, but he definitely cared for Y/N. He looked out for her in ways that weren't obvious, discreetly checking in to make sure she was doing alright.

For the most part, House had done well with keeping his relationship out of the workplace. Other than a few nasty jokes here and there, he treated her the same as his other employees. Things got easier as time went on and Cuddy was actually surprised that he was able to compartmentalize.

The rest of the day was eventful, but it wasn't anything out of the ordinary when it came to being on a case with House. The patient was lied to and browbeaten into making the decision that eventually led to their diagnosis and subsequent cure.

House drove to her apartment after they had finished the case, he brought her a bouquet of flowers and a wrapped gift. He made his way up to the door and knocked, breath catching in his throat when he saw her.

Y/N had always dressed well, but seeing her fully made up always managed to take his breath away.

"You look hot," He said.

Y/N smiled, "Thank you," She replied.

"Got these for you," House said, holding out the bouquet to her.

"Aw, that's sweet. Just give me a minute to put them in some water and then we can go, okay?" Y/N asked, House nodded.

Y/N made her way into the kitchen, House stepped into her apartment and closed the door. He set the gift on the table next to the couch, moving over to the kitchen and watching Y/N as she trimmed the flowers.

Y/N placed the colorful flowers into the water before setting the vase in the center of her kitchen island.

"I know you like pink so I asked for whatever was the most pink," House stated.

"I love them. Thank you, Greg," Y/N smiled.

He nodded, "We should get going, got a reservation in twenty minutes," He said.

...

Dinner went off without a hitch, they had a few drinks and shared a dessert before House walked her back to his car. He opened the door for her, she thanked him as she slipped inside.

House nodded, closing the door behind her before moving around to the driver's side. He drove back to her apartment with the radio playing softly as they talked. House parked the car and walked her up to her apartment, standing behind her as she unlocked the door.

Y/N opened the door, the lights turned on suddenly before the large group of party guests yelled, "Surprise!"

Y/N turned to look at House, "Did you plan this?" She asked.

He nodded, "I know how crazy you are about birthdays so I told everyone to keep quiet about it until the party... Then you were moping around so much that I caved and got you the card," House said.

Y/N smiled, sliding her arms around him and giving him a hug, "Thank you," She mumbled.

He returned her embrace, "You're welcome... Now go enjoy your party," He said.

Y/N pulled away, stepping into her apartment with a happy smile. Everyone was there, including her parents that House flew to New Jersey for the occasion.

House settled himself on the couch with a drink as he watched his girlfriend interact with her friends and family. He knew that he was lucky to have her, but times like these just showed him exactly how lucky he was.

Y/N almost had too many friends to invite, everyone she had ever met fell in love with her and it baffled him.

How could a person be so magnetic to everyone around them without intending to be?

Y/N had no greater motivations, she was just genuinely happy and House wanted to be like that.

Y/N made her way over, sitting down on the couch beside House and crossing her legs, "You enjoying the party?" He asked.

"I am, but you're not," Y/N stated.

"I enjoy spending time with you, not a fan of the crowd," House said.

"Do you want to stay over tonight?" She questioned.

"You just want me to help you clean up this mess," House said, Y/N rolled her eyes with a smile.

"You're right, I only want you to stay over for your cleaning abilities. Not because I like you or anything," Y/N teased.

"I'll stay," House nodded.

"Good, I was hoping that you would," She replied.

"Since I managed to steal you away from your many adoring fans," He started, reaching over and grabbing the wrapped gift that he had left on the table.

House held it out to her, "Open it," He said.

Y/N took the gift from his hand, carefully tearing away the paper. She let out a soft gasp when she realized what it was, a pristine first edition copy of her favorite book.

"Where did you find this?" She asked softly.

"I've been looking around for a while," House said.

"House, this must've cost you a fortune," Y/N said, looking over the book and examining the details.

"You're worth every penny," He stated.

Y/N looked up at him, "You're a really sweet guy, House. Thank you," She said.

He nodded, "I should go introduce myself to your parents, learn what kind of craziness is in my future," House said.

"You go do that," Y/N said, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. House stood up from the couch, making his way over to Y/N's parents.

"Hi, I don't think we've met. I'm Gregory House," He said.

"I'm F/N and this is my wife, M/N. Thank you for inviting us," Y/N's father said.

"Yes, we really appreciate you flying us down to see her," M/N said.

"Of course, you're her parents and you should be here," House nodded.

"We've heard a lot about you, Doctor House," M/N said.

"Don't believe everything you hear... Unless they're good things, then they're completely true," House said.

M/N smiled, "Our daughter seems quite smitten with you and I can definitely see why," She said.

"I'm a lucky guy," House nodded, tapping his cane on the ground gently.

"I was actually hoping to get your blessing to ask her to marry me," House admitted.

Her mother smiled widely, looking over at her husband, "I just need to know one thing, Doctor House... Do you love her?" F/N asked.

"More than I've ever loved anything," House stated.

"Then of course, you have our blessing," F/N said, holding out his hand to House. He shook her father's hand with a small smile, knowing that he was about to make the best decision of his life.

...

Y/N woke up the next morning, eyes fluttering open to the bright sunlight filtering in through the window. Y/N turned onto her other side, realizing that the space beside her was unoccupied. House tended to have bouts of insomnia, but usually wound up in bed beside her before she woke up in the morning.

Y/N let out a soft sigh, eyes drifting over to the alarm clock on the nightstand.

"Oh, crap," She mumbled, climbing out of bed quickly and rushing into the bathroom when she realized that she was incredibly late for work.

Y/N brushed her teeth, combing her hair and pulling it up into a ponytail. Y/N made her way out of the bathroom, searching through her clothing quickly to find an outfit.

"Where's the fire?" House asked, making his way into the bedroom with a tray in his hands.

"I'm really late," Y/N mumbled shakily, trying to keep the panicked tears at bay.

"I called in for you and I already," House said.

"You did what?" Y/N asked, turning to face him.

"You and I are out sick for the day," He stated.

Y/N let out a huff, her shoulders sinking as she looked at him, "Why didn't you tell me?" She asked.

"You were asleep," He shrugged, "Get back in bed, I made breakfast," He said.

Y/N shuffled over to the bed, climbing under the blankets and settling on the mattress with her back against the headboard.

House placed the tray over her lap, "I thought I had a bit more time before you woke up in a panic," He said, moving around the bed and getting in beside her.

Y/N huffed, "You almost gave me a heart attack," She said.

"My bad... I hope that the chocolate chip pancakes and bacon I made will fix it," He said.

"It might," Y/N replied. She shared her meal with House, sipping on her coffee while he watched her.

"I have a question for you," He said, she looked over at him.

House slipped a hand into the pocket of his pyjama pants and pulled out the small velvet box. He flipped the lid open with his thumb before holding it out in front of her. Y/N's eyes widened, gaze flickering between the ring and House.

"Will you marry me?" He asked.

"I'm sorry, what?" Y/N mumbled quietly, House smiled.

House let out a soft laugh, hand dropping onto the bed, "Did you not understand the question?" He asked.

"No... I-I don't know," Y/N said softly.

"I'm gonna ask again, alright?" House questioned, she nodded.

"Will you marry me?" He asked.

"Did you ask my dad?" Y/N questioned.

"I don't want to marry your dad, I want to marry you," House stated, smile widening.

"No, did you ask him for his blessing?" Y/N asked.

"Of course I did and he said yes. Now, I'm gonna ask you for the third time and I need you to focus because asking four times would be humiliating, alright?" House said.

"I'm sorry, I just- I wasn't ready," Y/N said, her cheeks flushing.

"Will you marry me?" House asked.

"Yes," Y/N replied, a wide smile breaking out across her face.

"Finally! My god, I was starting to think that I'd never get an answer," House said.

Y/N cupped his cheeks, pressing her lips to his in a gentle kiss. She pulled away and House took her left hand into his, plucking the ring from the box and sliding it onto her finger.

Y/N smiled as she looked down at it, "It's beautiful, House," She said.

"Wilson helped me pick it out. He's got a lot of experience with ring shopping," House said.

"Well, I love it, it's perfect," Y/N assured.

"I'm glad you like it... Happy birthday, Y/N," He said.

#james wilson #james wilson x reader #gregory house #house imagine #house md imagine #house md #greg house x reader #gregory house imagine #greg house imagine #gregory house x reader #greg house #gregory house x female reader #gregory house x you #greg house x female reader #lisa cuddy #eric foreman #alison cameron #robert chase

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singmyaubade · 2 years ago

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Lovegame

Poly!Marauders x Female!Reader

A/N: Hello! I've wanted something like this for a while, but I didn't have the time, but now I do, LOL. I hope you enjoy this <333

Summary: What's wrong with having them all if you have the time?

Warning: Containing smut: blowjobs, giving head, p in v, etc... Cursing, and other things. Viewer discretion is advised.

You awoke to kisses along your jawline, down to your neck as a smile grew on your yawning mouth, "Jamesy, it's so early," You said, looking into his eyes as his eyes peered back at you, sinking down your body.

You groaned as he circled your clit before attacking with his mouth, sucking on your clit, causing you to almost scream.

Thank god he was a prefect.

Your finger entangled James's hair, pulling on the strands of his curly hair as he groaned, and you knew James liked you doing that.

You were still sore from last night, and you knew James liked eating your pussy, but in the morning? You knew he was undoubtedly eager this morning for some reason.

He was drinking you like his favorite drink, and it was getting harder not to come.

You rose, holding yourself using your elbows as you watched James devour you.

As he shoved two fingers inside you, you lost it, feeling yourself closer to your orgasm as you came, and you could feel James grinning from ear to ear.

You laid back onto the pillow, breathing harshly as James kissed up your body to your mouth. His tongue is inside of your mouth as he always loved for you to taste yourself.

You pulled back, "What was that for?" You asked him, raising an eyebrow.

"Can't I just be happy to wake up with you?" He asked, kissing your neck.

"Of course you can," You moaned, "But in the morning? Am I missing something?" You asked as he laughed.

"Trust me, I'm just happy to see you," He kissed you before getting up and going to the bathroom.

You watched his bare ass walk away as you were mentally in awe of how you could've ever got him in the first place when he used to fuck girls and never be exclusive.

You and James had met after one of his Quidditch games, where you congratulated him and asked if you could be his trophy.

Of course, but since James Potter is corny, it worked on him entirely.

So you gave him a blowjob in the locker room, and since then, you have enchanted him; it was like no other girl could ever level up to you.

He said you tasted of sweet nectarines in the summertime, and your mouth tasted like cherry, you always thought he was delusional, but since he ate you out so much, you didn't consider it a joke anymore.

You remembered the time, getting up and putting on your school uniform, "Jamesy, I have to go study with Remus! I'll see you during potions," You yelled as James yelled a quick 'okay' and that he loved you.

You yelled it back before rushing out with your book bag hanging off your shoulder. You run to the library to see Remus sitting at one of the tables.

You walked over to the table as Remus had his pointer finger and thumb over by his temple; he looked more stressed than usual.

He always worked too hard for his own good.

"Remmy?" You said as he smiled at you.

"Hey, I got you the books you needed for your essay on Thestrals," He said as you grinned.

"Thank you, I appreciate it," You replied, going over to him and kissing him thoroughly. He was a bit surprised as you held the back of your head.

You were glad it was too early for the library to be crowded.

"Are you making it up to me that you couldn't meet me last night?" He asked with a chuckle.

"Well, I was busy, but trust me, I did miss you in a way," You winked as he laughed.

"Can I really make it up to you though?" You asked, dropping your pencil under the table as you went under the table.

"Y/n." He said as you unbuckled his belt, pulling down his trousers a bit, "We should really study,"

You gripped him in your hand, "Don't worry, go ahead and study; I'll catch up," You said, sucking on the tip of him.

You could feel his leg tense as you rested your free palm on his thigh, swirling your tongue around his tip.

You heard him groan as you took him in entirely, and you could listen to his palms lay flat on the table as you heard, "Hey Moony, do you know where Peter and Sirius are?" You listened to the voice being James as Remus stuttered.

"Uh- they should be out on the field," He took a deep breath, "I think Sirius wanted to try a new move," He said in a small voice.

You cupped his balls in your hand, squeezing them while gagging down on his entire cock.

"Oh, okay," James answered, "Are you okay?" James asked, concerned, “Isn’t Y/N supposed to be studying with you?”

"Yeah, I just am r-really stressed out over this test," Remus answered, “She just went to the bathroom really fast,”

You smiled, doing small licks on his tip as the head of his cock was an angry red color, and you could tell he was close.

James still seemed suspicious, "Okay, I'll see you later, mate, good luck on the books," James laughed before heading out of the library.

You put his length down your throat, and you could feel him spurting into your throat as you swallowed every drop, sucking on the tip for any leftovers.

"Fuck Y/N," Remus sighed as you giggled, sitting back in your chair.

"I really thought you were going to break when James came in," You giggled.

"That was not very nice of you," He laughed back as you began the study with his hand caressing yours.

Two hours passed before you had to head to Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Remus was sad to see you go.

You gave him a light peck on his lips, "I'll see you at potions, yeah?" You said as Remus nodded, going in for a full kiss as you responded with a smile.

You met Remus when you truly needed help with Muggle studies; you were thankful that he was willing to help you and even offered to pull an all-nighter.

And during that all-nighter, he would squeeze on your thigh every time you got an answer right, and you would kiss him on the cheek for helping you.

Eventually, the squeezes on your thigh would turn to something more, and you started kissing somewhere else on him.

You started walking to DADA as you felt an arm grab you into the broom closet; your head hit the back of the closet wall lightly, "What have you been up to?" Sirius asked as you smiled.

"Nothing really; I've been looking for you," You said as he laughed.

"Bullshit," You said, putting his hand around your neck as he kissed your jawline, his other hand groping your boobs, "You wanna say what you've really been doing?" He asked.

"Fucking your two best mates," You responded as you felt him grin.

"Oh really?" He asked, still sucking on your neck.

"Mhm," You hummed, moaning.

"Think you need a punishment," He said, hand squeezing your neck.

You beamed, "You mad at me?" You teased.

"Furious," He said, squeezing your ass as your hands moved to his belt, but he swatted them away.

"Nuh-uh," He said, touching your clit, "No panties? Such a bad girl," He said, rubbing your clit in circles as you moaned loudly, covering your mouth as he moved your hand away, "Let them hear what a dirty slut you are,"

"W-We are going to be late to class," You squeaked as his fingers moved faster.

"You'll be fine," He responded as he unbuckled his belt, stroking himself, kissing your mouth as he lifted your legs around him.

He put his cock inside you as you were sore, and the stretch made your entire body tingle.

He began pumping inside you as your moans progressively got louder, to which he began kissing your mouth to suppress your sounds.

Your nails clawed into his shoulders as he went faster, his tongue inside your mouth.

"Harder," You breathlessly said as Sirius obeyed, going even faster.

"Fuck," You cried as Sirius began going longer with his pumps, signaling he was about to enter you.

You came on him simultaneously as you felt his cum and yours intertwined, dripping. He pulled out of you, tucking himself back in his trousers.

You put your legs back on the ground and felt both of your releases going down your thigh as he searched for a rag, bending down to clean your legs.

"You okay?" He asked, making sure he didn't misunderstand you at all.

"Yes," You grinned, "I'm okay,"

You ran your fingers through his hair as he made sure you were fully clean before he stood up to give you a kiss on your forehead, "I'm just gonna clean up, and then I'll meet you at Potions, okay?" You said as he nodded, kissing you before exiting.

You went to the broom closet, ensuring the hallways were clear before entering the bathroom and providing your makeup was intact.

You and Sirius met at a Gryffindor party where you started grinding on him during your favorite song, and then you guys went back to your dorm, and what was a one-night stand turned into something that was happening continuously.

You left the bathroom to go to Potions, and as you made it there, all of the boys looked at you coming in, smiling on each of their faces as you sent them a wink before you sat next to Mary.

"What have you been up to?" She snickered as you giggled.

"Just playing with the Marauders," You answered before writing in your notebook.

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darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 3 months ago

Text

Paradigm Shift 6

Warnings: this fic will include elements, some dark, such noncon/dubcon, and other untagged triggers. Please take this into account before proceeding. It is up to curate your online consumption safely.

Summary: you get transferred to a new position but it’s hardly a breath of fresh air. (plus!reader)

Characters: Loki, Bucky Barnes, this reader is known as Billie.

Author’s Note: Please feel free to leave some feedback, reblog, and jump into my asks. I’m always happy to discuss with you and riff on idea. As always, you are cherished and adored! Stay safe, be kind, and treat yourself💜

💼Part of the Bad Bosses AU💼

You sit against the wall as the important people line the edges of the desk. Swiveling, toying with ballpoint pens, tapping on flat tablet screens. You're the only assistant there and it's made more obvious as you're the only one not invited to sit with the VIPs.

The executives go down their agendas. Boasting mostly about their numbers, others using flowery language to hide their less than stellar results, and some posturing rather than sharing anything of value.

Odinson looks less than interested. His eyes stray now and again to the walls. The glass is covered by the drawn blinds which he seems to forget as his mind arounds. He must have found a new distraction. You got out just in time.

He cracks his neck, "very well. Submit your numbers as usual. I'll be in touch with those I need to be."

He stands and struts to the door as the rest of the table look at each other. They're put off by the suddenness of his dimissal. Ellie was still presenting her budget.

"Billie, a word."

It's your turn to be surprised. As the other suits pack up or lounge and swipe at their phone, only two gazes react to the command. Barnes and Laufeyson turn to watch you stand. This is treacherous.

Barnes tilts his head and Laufeyson squints. Like a wolf and a snake, measuring their prey. Well, you will not be devoured so easily.

You cross the office and follow Odinson out. He doesn't look ahead, rather cranes to focus on something, or someone you can't pick out. He stops short and you hit his back.

"Ah, uh, oh," he spins to face you and plants his hand on the wall, his other pushing back his stands of blond hair. "Am I in your way, darling?"

"Hm? No, you told me--"

"Ah, yes, yes," he chuckles raucously, "be assured, I had good reason," he leans in and looms over you, "my brother, tell me your thoughts."

"Erm, well, it's not been very long," you reply.

"You are a clever girl, Bill, tell me."

"He is good with numbers and I think he's well-placed. He and Barnes could be productive but I think Logistics needs--"

He raises his head and searches the bull pen. He huffs and stands straight, turning on his heel.

"You will keep notes for me on this matter," he demands. "Be off, before he is about one of his moods."

He strides away without your reply. You wouldn't have anything nice to say anyway. That was abrupt and odd. As for his last remark, you're not sure which of your bosses he refers too.

You march back toward the conference room with your laptop under your crossed arms. As you approach, Laufeyson steps into your path, no doubt having observed your conversation. Before you can tell him to move, he winces and steps away from the door as Barnes rescinds his thick finger from his jab in his cohort's ribs.

"For someone so skinny, you make a hell of a wall," Barnes snips.

"I am lean, not--" Laufeyson sighs and shakes his head, turning back to you. "What did my brother want?"

"Yes, what did the big bad want?" Barnes stands shoulder to shoulder with Laufeyson, well almost, he is a bit shorter.

"He asked if I needed anything. Like a desk mat or tranquilizer." You retort.

Barnes snickers and Laufeyson glowers deeper.

"Very witty indeed."

"I'd love to do my full set for you two but I believe you have other meetings in your calendar," you advise.

"You sound like my drill sergeant," Barnes scoffs.

You arch a brow and stare back. You wait. You will. You're not there to do their work for them.

"Have you a mind for coffee, James?" Laufeyson asks.

Barnes growls, "I'll drown you in it if you call me that again but yes, I could use a boost."

They keep their eyes on you. There power plays are boring. Do they really get off on grounding down an assistant sentenced to purgatory? Actually, that make you feel a bit better. That's how little they have going on.

"I'll go--"

"We'll come," Barnes insists. "Could stretch my legs? How about you, Loki? Built like a spider, sitting in those chairs--"

"You shouldn't be so concerned with my physique and perhaps start cutting those mid afternoon muffins, eh?" Laufeyson retorts.

Even when they get along, they dont.

"It would be quicker if I went myself," you say. "You have Rogers--"

"He's a friend. He'll understand," Barnes interjects. "Garcons?"

Laufeyson nods, "perfect."

You blink but don't let your agitation through. You simply nod.

"Alright, I'll need to put my computer away--"

"Eh, you," Laufeyson catches a passing intern by the back of his collar. "Take this to logistics."

He takes your laptop before you can react and hands it to the spindly yellow-haired undergrad. You give an apologetic look as he utters out a 'yes, sir' and hurries away.

"You didn't need to do that," you argue.

"I hope my brother didn't give you the impression that I take orders from you, darling. It is rather the other way around." Laufeyson sniffs.

"He only takes orders in the bedroom," Barnes chuckles.

"That's hardly appropriate," Laufeyson huffs.

"Loosen up. Skip the coffee and take a shot," Barnes raps his knuckles on Laufeyson's sleeve.

They turn and grumble at each other. You don't move until they reach the elevator. You're not stupid. They have to show their dominance. Too bad you don't care who's in charge, you just want to get the job done.

#bucky barnes #loki laufeyson #loki #dark bucky barnes #dark!bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #loki x reader #dark loki #dark!loki #series #au #marvel #mcu #drabble #avengers #captain america #winter soldier #thor #bad bosses

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forbebeandjam · 7 months ago

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THE DINER | Bada Lee x Fem Reader | angst

Summary: you’d do anything for the girl you met at THE DINER

Word count: 2.1k

TRIGGER WARNING: this story contains sensitive topic such as murder, blood, jail, and psychologically issues.

READERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED

A/N: hi!! This is a short story inspired by the song “THE DINER” in Billie Eilish’s album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. I was afraid that I might not be able to express the lyrics through this but I still hope you like it. I’m also not used to writing angst so… yeah. Have a good day or night!!🤍🙂‍↕️

You sat at a small diner in your hometown. All alone. It was almost two in the morning. You had a small cake with a candle in front of you. You, with psycho tendencies, celebrated your 25th birthday on your own. No kid ever wanted to befriend you and you ended up trying to make friends at some point.

So all you did was work from home. Your mother and father split up when you turned eighteen leaving you in that small home all by yourself. You learned that you could never lean on anyone for anything. All you could do was grow attached to fictional characters you watched after work.

You didn't go out much so no one really knew you. You didn't know anyone either. You never wanted to. What was the point either way?

They would end up walking away after a while, leaving you empty and lonely.

So you spent birthday after birthday in your bed, reading books and mangas that your online friend sent you. The only person you truly liked and trusted...

She forgot your birthday. How great! All alone again.

So maybe going out for your birthday wouldn't be such a bad idea.

You let out a deep sigh as you rested your chin on the palm of your hand. You twirled the lighter around your fingers, thinking that maybe setting the place on fire would bring some sort of warmth and comfort to your heart. Maybe even some satisfaction.

"Can I take your order?" You heard a sweet voice. As you looked up, your eyes met with her. The most beautiful girl you've ever met. You looked at the name tag and back at her eyes quickly.

"Um... no, I'm just here for a little bit. I'll blow the candles and vanish," you said and she gasped.

"It's your birthday? Oh my! Happy birthday!!" She said making your guts feel warm.

"Thank you, Miss Bada. But there is nothing happy about my birthday," you replied with a soft blush.

"Oh please. Call me Bada. Also, why not be happy? You're alive and healthy, right? Let's celebrate that!" She exclaimed. The diner was empty with only her and a cook in the kitchen.

"I am sitting here, alone, at two in the morning thinking about burning this place down. Don't you think that's kind of depressing? Crazy even?" You asked as you set the lighter in front of her.

She pulled out a cigarette out of her apron and placed it between her lips.

"You have me now, don't you? You're not alone," she picked up the lighter from the table and lit the cigarette. You started at her in awe. You couldn't believe how gorgeous she looked. How did someone so perfect live in this shitty town?

"Besides, let's be honest. If you burned this place down, you'd be doing me a huge favor," she said with a wink. That didn't. She had you. You were at your knees for her.

"Come on. Let's light your candles," she said as she lit the candles with your lighter. She sang you a soft birthday tune, and you blew the candles feeling the happiest you've been in twenty-five years.

That night, you ate food with her and chatted for hours. She told you she moved here to care for her parents and that she was pretty lonely herself, so you promised to come to the diner every night.

You did what you didn't want to. You let her into your life, hoping she didn't leave. It was just that, her perfect smile and the sweetness of her voice melted you. Her ey smile was now your weakness, and you couldn't think about anything else but Bada.

And so the days passed. You would be at the diner at midnight, and she would clock in to do her job. The place was often times empty so you two would have time to chat and laugh around.

However... you started to notice something odd about her. Her attitude was drastically changing. She looked tired and sad her clothes covered more of her body and she would sigh deeply when she was with you.

She wasn't laughing anymore, and you wanted to kill whatever was making her feel that way and make it suffer as well.

One night, she didn't sit with you at all. She kept walking past as she served two tables. You wanted to call her name but she was just ignoring you. You had enough and grabbed her arm making her flinch and spill some hot coffee on your leg.

You hissed and she apologized as she bent down to clean your leg with a rag. The hot liquid left a red mark on your skin but you could only pay attention to Bada.

"You shouldn't come here anymore. Please," she said and left without an explanation.

"Wait!" you said but she disappeared into the kitchen. You saw the cook look at you from his window. He gave you a nasty look and a smirk before disappearing as well. At that moment something took over you.

You stood up and fixed your skirt before walking to the kitchen where you found the cook holding Bada's arm tightly and he was about to hit her. You used your body to push him on the ground.

You took one of the knives on the counter and stabbed his stomach with it.

"No! OH MY GOSH!" Bada shouted. She pulled out her phone and called the cops. You looked at her in awe.

"But... but I thought you loved me," you said and she covered her mouth. She ran out of the kitchen and you shrugged. You knew you'd do anything to protect her and she would come to her senses.

You walked out of the kitchen where you saw people's horror faces when they saw you, covered in blood with bright smiles trying to look for Bada.

She was in the bathroom trying to calm herself down when you walked in.

"Y/N, you need to leave," she said as she grabbed paper towels and cleaned your hands and face with them.

"But you, love me right? You need to marry me and kiss me on the head after an argument that you will most likely win. Please..." you said.

You heard the sirens outside and Bada looked at you.

"Stay here. Don't go anywhere," she said and you complied with her orders. You patiently waited for her to come back to you and take you far away but...

The next thing you knew, you were being knocked to the ground and handcuffed. The people at the diner were cursing at you. Bada looked at you with apologetic eyes. She knew you were a lonely girl and you didn't mean any harm... at least not to her.

You smiled at her and gave her a reassuring nod.

As the days passed, you focused on seeing her again. You only got a restriction order after all since you did tell them it was self-defense and they believed you. Bada didn't speak or testify and what helped you was the lack of security cameras.

You had never been charged with anything before either so you pretty much had a believable case. Still, you kept your profile on low to prevent alerting anyone but you needed to see Bada.

The only thing that kept you alive was the memory of her beautiful eyes and smile while she talked to you.

So you decided to go see her. when you arrived, you noticed there were security cameras all around. You sighed and slipped your hood on getting ready but stopped as you spotted Bada in a car.

She was sitting next to someone. A man...

Your guts twisted as you saw her smiling and giggling away and then it broke you. They kissed on the lips. Your blood left your body and you felt a cool shiver down your spine.

"No... that can't be. She loves me. She can only love me," you bit the inside of your cheek letting the metal-tasting liquid fill your mouth. You didn't bother going to her.

You went back home and tried to brush it off. You tried to make up lame excuses for her but they all led to the same conclusion- Bada didn't love you anymore.

So you knew what you needed to do.

A normal person would simply cry and get over it but Bada was the love of your life. You had to protect her from anyone who tried to take her precious love away from you. You didn't sleep the entire night thinking about it...

The following night, you went to the diner again. You waited and saw the car pull up again. Bada was in there with the same man and you got angry.

You waited till Bada went inside to approach the car.

"Woah... who are you?" the man asked with a confused expression.

"Your worst nightmare," you replied before killing him. It was a quick death and you didn't care if anyone was watching. You took him to the woods behind the diner and dropped his body somewhere dark.

You cleaned your hands and went inside the diner to find Bada. She looked at you with concern and dragged you to the kitchen where there was no one.

"What are you doing here? You're going to get caught," she said.

"Do you love him?" you asked. She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.

"Y/N, you shouldn't be here. Please go home," she said.

"Bada... Do you love him?" you asked again firmly. She passed around the room.

"No. I don't but he is my fiance and there is nothing I can do about it," she replied.

"Do you love me?" you asked. Tears filled her eyes.

"I can't be in love with a girl. It's not right. You should leave before he comes back,"

"Kiss me. If you love me kiss me and I promise I will make everything right," you stepped closer to her and could see her Adam's apple move up and down.

And she did. She kissed you like there was no tomorrow and it was all well again. Every single one of your worries died down and you knew at that moment that Bada loved you.

You could feel a tear roll down your cheek and when you opened your eyes she was crying as well. You wiped her tears and smiled.

"I love you so much, Bada. You have no idea how much I love you," you said.

"Let's run away, hm? Let's go far away where we can live together and no one will come between us," you said she nodded.

She told you to go home and get ready. She would pick you up and you would go somewhere else and you agreed. You would agree to anything she told you to do and you went straight home to get your things ready.

But Bada knew. She knew when you walked in by that small stain of blood on your cardigan that you had done something to her fiance.

She knew by the way your eyes looked at her that you had committed a crime because of her and it broke her heart. She did love you. She loved you more than anything but she knew you were a dangerous person. She knew that all of your thoughts would soon turn against her and you would end up more hurt than you already were.

So she picked up the phone and called the police. She gave them your location in detail and when she hung up the phone, she slid down the wall crying loudly. The pain consumed every bit of happiness left in her body and only the memories of you replayed in her mind.

She felt the air leave her lungs and the tears wouldn't stop flowing.

You on the other hand were sitting at the edge of the bed waiting for Bada when you saw flashing blue and red lights.

You knew what was going on and you didn't care. Bada loved you and you knew that. You saved her from her fiance and that's all that matters.

So you lived your days in solitary confinement. You called her number every day and sometimes she would pick up but never speak. She would never speak and would just let you talk, listening to your voice. You wrote letters to Bada and sent them to the diner.

The diner...where your twisted love story began...

Thank you for reading 🩵

#forbebeandjam #honeybee156 #street woman fighter 2 #swf2 #bebe #bada lee #lgbt #jam republic #street woman fighter x reader #bada lee x reader #bada lee bebe #bada lee imagine #bada lee angst #Spotify

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pyrodolls · 1 year ago

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i loved you from the start (raiden x gn! reader)

warnings: none!

summary: just a pure sfw story of raiden having a crush on the reader. (gender neutral, only pronouns used are “you”)

a/n: yeah so. remember when i used to be a havik account? LMAOO sorry i think raiden is very laufey coded and he’s so wholesome in mk1 :> anyways this has been sitting in my drafts for 3 days i'm so glad i finally let it out of the basement

“hi y/n! it’s great to see you. lovely weather we have today, right?” raiden greeted, with his signature bright smile.

raiden was well beloved in your village, and everyone always appreciated his and kung lao’s efforts as farmers to help the village thrive. you were never very close to him, but you still respected him.

"thanks, raiden. yeah, the weather's been real nice lately. i'm glad i can finally walk outside without my skin boiling." you sighed.

raiden laughed. "indeed. i'm glad the weather's been going easy on you."

"i suppose so. what about you? i can imagine you aren't very comfortable working under the burning sun. has it been better for you these past few days?" you asked.

you both continued your little banter for a couple hours, just walking around the village with no particular destination. but little did you know, he had the biggest crush on you, and he was ecstatic that he could finally talk to you.

it was because he was usually very shy around you. he gets quiet when there's nobody else around, it was usually you two being together in awkward silence. but today was different. he woke up that morning wanting to talk to you. he immediately got himself freshened up and went around the village to find you with his newfound courage. he was glad his day with you went well and he didn't mess up or say anything weird.

"it's getting dark. the time went by so fast, but i didn't even notice because i was having such a fun time talking to you." you admitted.

"well, i suppose time goes by when you're having fun." raiden smiled.

you chuckled. "yeah.. i guess so."

you both stood in silence for a bit, neither of you wanting to go home.

"you should get home now. it's getting late." raiden advised. he didn't really want to see you go, but he also wanted you to stay safe.

"okay.. goodnight raiden. i'll see you tomorrow." you said, before placing a kiss on his cheek and walking away.

raiden stood there for a solid minute, frozen where he stood. did that really just happen? is he dreaming? he hoped he wasn't.

he walked home with a cheeky grin on his face, and even went to sleep with that same grin. that moment where you kissed him replayed in his head over and over until he finally fell asleep.

that next morning, unfortunately he couldn't immediately talk to you. he had to go back to work. but he was okay with that. he knew once he was done, he can go talk to you again and maybe even offer to take you out for a nice dinner. he was tired of just looking at you from afar, yearning for more than friendship. he was tired of not having the courage to make a move, fearing rejection. he was tired of being completely head over heels for you, and never doing anything about it. he was always feeling as if cupid himself shoots an arrow through his heart every time he speaks to you. he had to do something now.

"you seem happy today. is there something exciting about our harvest?" kung lao scoffed, noticing his best friend's excitement as they worked.

"the harvest? no, not really." raiden replied.

"oh? so if it's not the harvest... is it a special someone? ooh, does someone have a crush?" kung lao teased, playfully elbowing raiden.

"w-what? no.. i mean.. maybe.. how did you know?" raiden stammered.

"i saw you walking around the village with someone yesterday. is that who it is?" kung lao asked.

raiden blushed, hiding his face with his hat.

kung lao laughed. "oooh, i wanna meet this person! let me see if you two are a match made in heaven."

when they got done with their work, they both immediately went to find you. when they found you at madam bo's, kung lao was ecstatic.

"hello there! y/n, is it? raiden talks about you all the time." kung lao greeted. raiden elbowed him.

"oh really," you laughed. "i'm flattered, raiden."

raiden loved hearing you laugh. it was like a sign that you were pleased by something he said or did. there are many things he would do for your approval or just to make you laugh. even if it slightly makes him look like a fool.

"it's such a coincidence you both found me here. you know, raiden and i talked almost all day yesterday. it was very fun." you shared. after hearing what you said, kung lao had a mischevious grin on his face and raiden blushed.

"oh really? that sounds like lots of fun. wanna tell me more, raiden?" kung lao teased.

"i- uh... um.. i have to excuse myself to the restroom." raiden stammered, running off.

you looked over to kung lao, in confusion. "what was that all about?"

kung lao laughed. "i think raiden has a crush on you!"

"me? really?" you asked.

kung lao shrugged. "but you didn't hear it from me. i'll leave you two alone to figure it out."

you sat there, confused, as kung lao left.

"hey, y/n, sorry about that. i guess i ate something weird." raiden laughed. he was lying. he didn't even touch the toilet. he had paced around the restroom nervously until he gained the courage to come back. he sat down across from you, hoping you wouldn't question it.

you laughed. "your friend says you're interested in me."

raiden blushed. "me? uh.. i.. don't know what he is talking about."

you smiled at how flustered he became all the sudden. "no worries, raiden. i am interested in you too."

his eyes widened in surprise. "you are?"

you nodded. he let out a sigh of relief.

"in that case.. how about i buy you some food? we're already in madam bo's. might as well enjoy a nice dinner." raiden offered.

"i would love to." you replied. you both ended up enjoying the food, and became closer that night. surprisingly, raiden was thankful that his friend exposed him. if kung lao never revealed raiden's feelings to you, he wouldn't have such a wonderful significant other now. (kung lao is forcing you two to offer him free food at your future wedding just because he's the reason you two are together.)

#raiden x reader #raiden mk1 #raiden x you #mortal kombat x reader #mortal kombat 1 x reader #raiden mortal kombat #i love flustered raiden #anyways thanks for all the support guys #i cry when someone compliments my stuff #in a good way

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thesleepyfable · 2 months ago

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~ SWTD: Still Here AU Season 2 Part 12: ~

Do You Hate Me?:

So, this one is somewhat personal to me. Not in terms of what's being said, but the subject of having a parent working away from home for most of my childhood.

TW: Mentions of parental death. Anxiety.

Part 13:

July 6th 1975.

Jack gazed at his father's luggage that sat on his bed. The same grey backpack that would fit a man going on a daily hike, with worn straps and a broken zipper, was a curse to the teenager. His face fell, and a sense of dread came over him. He was leaving again.

The boy turned and stared at his parent's wedding photo that hung in the hallway. They looked so happy. Did his dad still feel that?

A knock on the front door and Gibbo answered. Irene let herself in with her suitcase and signature straw sunhat with an emerald green dragonfly broach. Jack wandered to his room and saw the cricket set he got last year. He was hoping he and his dad could play with it this summer. Now, it was going to gather dust until January. Jack felt a knot form in his throat, and lingering thoughts began to return. They made him feel sick and lose track of time. Fake scenarios ran through his mind. Soon, the boy found himself standing in the doorway of his room for a good thirty seconds, fighting a battle to put those thoughts to rest and force a smile.

'Jack, come and say hi to your nan!' Gibbo called.

'Okay!'

Smile for your dad, Jack.

It was quiet, which shouldn't be surprising, given the time of year. The A9 only had the occasional passing car or truck, and with the service station being on a slight hill, they didn't notice the obvious. For the adults, it was calm. For the children, it was boring.

The drivers were taking a small nap in their trucks after stretching their legs. Innes had used his bottle of water to wash and clean Muir's head and face, which was instantly followed by Cait asking to play before Simon pulled her away, claiming a monster was after them. That being Rennick, who was clearly enjoying being the 'fun one,' as he held up Maidie, who scream-laughed. Caz and Suze watched, holding their hands and sharing a BLT sandwich.

'Will you be alright?' Suze asked. 'Going to London.'

'I'm not going,' Caz quickly replied, not giving it a moments thought.

'What?'

'I'm done running, Suze.' There was a distant look in his eyes. His smile faded, and his eyes lingered to the ground. Caz aimlessly kicked one leg, gave a quiet sigh, and put his half-eaten sandwich back in the box. His appetite was gone. He turned to Suze, who looked upset, because deep down, she knew this was the only outcome. And, whilst she knew they could brave these waters, she didn't want it to happen. Of course, a part of her just wanted the family to run away. Vanish into the horizon and never be seen again. If only it was that simple. 'I'll drop you and the weans off at the flat, and then I'll drop myself off.' A pause. This really was it, and Caz was preparing himself. 'How long do you think I'm gonna get?'

'Don't make me answer that, Caz.' But if Suze had to guess, with the running away and lying low for months, at least five years, meaning he'll never see his girls grow up. Cait would have taken her GCSEs and hopefully gotten her first job, while Maidie would have only begun Year 7. All those Christmases and birthdays with one missing parent who would spend those days in a cold box. It was heartbreaking to think about. Suze squeezed his hand and rested her head on his shoulder. 'No luck with Kieran?'

'Not that I know of.' Maidie and Cait's distant laughs caught his attention. He felt a weight in his chest that he could only scoff at. 'Roy will look after you.'

'I don't want him looking after us.'

'He'll keep you safe. A lot better than I could.'

'Oh, Caz...'

Little did they know, Roy stood out of sight in the station building, listening to the pair from the partially open door. A wave of guilt washed over him, feeling as though he didn't do enough. True, he advised Caz that it might be best if he faced this situation, but of course, he didn't want him to go. Seeing his best mate in a place like Barlinnie? It was a good thing he didn't have a heart condition.

'Okay, let's go!' Trots called from afar. Roy waited until Caz and Suze moved away before he left, acting as if everything was fine. Rennick walked past him, and Roy quickly grabbed his arm.

'We need to talk.'

And they weren't the only ones. Jack looked up to his dad as they slowly began to regroup. They waited for everyone else to load up, lingering in the back towards the outdoor seating area. 'Can we get fish and chips when we get back, dad?'

'Sure, when I get back from London, we can.' Wrong answer. Jack's face slowly dropped, and he stood frozen in the snow. Gibbo stepped forward to climb inside, only to notice his son wasn't following. 'Jack?' He turned back with an unnerved feeling in his stomach.

'You're not coming home?'Jack had his hands in his pockets, trying to be stoic, but his shoulders were tense, and he played with some loose marbles in his coat, juggling them between his fingers. Gibbo placed a tendril on his shoulder with a sorrowful look on his face.

'I'm sorry, Jack,' he spoke softly. 'I need to see this through for Addair.'

'But you don't like Addair.'

'He needs support, but I'll come home as soon as I can. I promise.'

'Will you?' Anger slipped into Jack's tone of voice. He looked away from his dad, eyes sharpened, and his hands became fists. He sniffled from the cold. 'Are you going to disappear again for another six months?'

'No, of course not.'

'Leave me with Nan again?'

'Jack-' Jack slapped the tendril and walked away. The familiar knot formed in his throat, and the thoughts crept back into his mind. This time, however, Jack let them win and didn't even bother to form a smile. Gibbo followed, circling him to block his path. They ignored the possibility of everyone watching, who respectfully shut the doors. Roy and Rennick moved around to the side of the building. 'Jack, where's this coming from?'

'You missed Christmas again. You missed my football match again. I passed my tests and you weren't there. Did you know I got my first detention? No, you didn't. But fine, go away and continue to leave me for someone you don't even like.' Jack crossed his arms and slightly hunched over. 'Do you hate me?'

That was a punch in the face for Gibbo. His face fell, and he tried to grab his son again, who just shrugged him off. Another punch to the face.

'How could I ever hate you?'

'Because I'm the reason mum's dead.' Silence. Gibbo's eyes widened in shock, and his entire body went cold. Jack felt an instant regret in his stomach, but either out of pride or not wanting to look weak, he held his head high and didn't apologise. But, he still crossed his arms for self-comfort. 'Just admit it, dad. If it wasn't for me, she'd still be here. That's why you work away all the time, because you can't stand the sight of me. If you could trade me for mum, I know you wou-' Gibbo wrapped Jack into a tight embrace. The boy froze, but only for a moment, before he tried to break free. A losing battle, even if Gibbo wasn't infected.

'I miss her everyday,' Gibbo whispered. 'But, I'd never give you up. You were the greatest gift to me, Jack, and I know she'd be proud of you, just like I am. I'm sorry, I've not been a good dad, and I'm sorry you have to see me like this, but that's not going to stop me from seeing you grow up.'

Jack's weak attempt to escape stopped and merged into a hug. All the pentup anger was gone, replaced with tiredness and longing for his dad's comfort. He wrapped what his small frame could around his Gibbo and nestled his head into what he assumed to be his stomach. The thoughts vanished, but the knot remained. Gibbo stroked his hair and squeezed him tightly to tell him he was safe and everything was going to be okay. 'Sorry dad.'

'Don't be, but...' Gibbo pulled away and lowered his head to Jack's level. 'How did you get detention?'

'I punched Harry Martin.'

'Oh that little shit.'

'He said you hated me.'

'And you believed him?'

'No.'

'Jack.'

'Maybe a little.'

'Well, lesson learned, okay?'

'Okay.'

'But did you win?'

'I think so.'

'Think so?'

'Well, he slammed me into the coat hanger, then the teacher broke us up. But he lost his front tooth.'

'Well hopefully the tooth fairy ignored him.'

The pair laughed, before making their way back to the group. On cue, Roy and Rennick emerged from the side of the building, just as a worker was coming out for their smoke break. The young woman froze and watched Gibbo and Rennick climb into the truck, her cigarette dangling between her lips. No one bothered to explain what she was looking at. Roy just gave her a quick 'morning,' as the engines roared to life and peeled out onto the road again.

#My Writing #Still Wakes the Deep #Still Wakes the Deep: Still Here AU

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lottiesnotebook · 3 months ago

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Happy DADWC day!

Ok so this is weirdly specific, but feel free to be open in the interpretation. So I want more Cara, because of course I do 😅 and I saw this prompt in one of your lists : your OC’s description of their game’s events.

But I'd like to alter that slightly... So you said she was born after an ill-advised post deep roads encounter (I forget your exact words) so... Therefore she saw a lot of the DA2 narrative... As a kid... So I would like to see her interpretation of any of the DA2 events 😝

Ask for more Cara Hawke-Laidir and you shall receive! I don't know if this counts as exactly what you asked for, but the end of Dragon Age 2 is possibly the most formative moment in her whole life (pre-Veilguard, at least) so this is what you get! Apologies in advance, this turned out WAY longer than I expected...

Cara 'Rook' Hawke-Laidir & Orana, Cara 'Rook' Hawke-Laidir & Anders, Cara 'Rook' Hawke-Laidir & Rhiannon Hawke, Justice/Rhiannon Hawke/Anders (mentioned), angst, tragedy, canonical terrorism

@teine-mallaichte | @dadrunkwriting

when hell bares its teeth

Cara was curled up in her favourite window-seat when the world ended. She felt the explosion rather than heard it - a low reverberation that shook the house to its foundations and cracked the panes of the window she was snuggled against. She flinched away from it in shock and rolled onto her knees, peering out through the broken panes, her book cradled against her chest. The street outside was empty, peaceful, even - but as she glanced up, she could see the climbing column of smoke cutting the bright blue sky in two.

"Orana?" she called out, her voice trembling. There was no immediate reply. She forced herself to her feet. Orana was the grown-up, and on days when her parents were busy, she was in charge, but Orana got scared, sometimes, when people shouted or magic flared, and then Cara was meant to leave her alone or make sure she was safe and comfortable.

She took the stairs down to the kitchen two at a time, where she found more broken glass and embers knocked from the fireplace scattering the stone floor.

"Orana!" she tried again, fingers beginning to flicker in the familiar pattern of a seeking spell. A soft, sobbing sound crept from under the table. Orana was down there, curled into a ball and shaking, shaking, shaking, like her father after a bad dream.

Cara tried to make her voice low and calm and commanding, like Mama's: "Orana, don't be scared. Are you hurt?"

She didn't know what to do if a grown-up was hurt, though she knew where the elfroot potions and the bandages were stored in case of emergencies. She'd figure it out. Daddy always explained what he was doing when he patched up her cuts and bruises, and she wasn't a baby to burst into tears at the sight of blood.

She felt a little like crying when Orana looked up at her, pale and glassy-eyed, but they couldn't both sit here and cry. Well, they could - they had three years ago, when the Qunari revolted, but they had kind Master Bodahn then to take care of them: he'd hurried them into the cellar and told them all stories to keep them quiet, and Cara had tried to make rabbits out of light for Sandal until Orana flinched away from them. She'd only been six, then, though. She was nine now, and practically a grownup.

"Miss- Mistress Cara!" she said, which wasn't right - Orana wasn't supposed to call anyone Master or Mistress any more, but sometimes she got scared and forgot. "I'm sorry, I'll clean up the mess-"

"We can clean it up later," she managed to say, though there was a wobble in her voice she didn't like. "Something is wrong. We should go somewhere safe."

That was the first rule when things got scary, Master Bodahn had told her - find a safe place, or safe people, and stay with them as long as you can. Safe people would be Mama and Daddy and Justice, or maybe her uncles and aunts, but none of them were here, so she and Orana would have to find a safe place, and be safe people for each other.

She took Orana's hand and slowly pulled her out from under the table. They were almost the same height now, but when she was stood up, Orana blinked and came back to herself, and squeezed Cara's hands.

"Very sensible, Carissima," she said, smiling, and Cara relaxed a little, just for a second. Then there was an urgent banging on the front door, and they both flinched.

"Cellar?" Cara suggested, and Orana nodded.

"Cellar indeed."

She leaned into the fireplace and grabbed something from the far side of the hearth, and chivvied Cara down the stairs as the sound of splintering wood shattered the air behind them.

Cara felt a chill go through her as she remembered her father's warnings: If you hear the Templars coming, you run, Cara-hase. You don't look back, and you don't stop. Who else would dare to knock down her mother's door, but the monsters that still haunted her father's dreams?

"Orana," she whispered, into the dark. "Did I ever teach you the Rabbit Game?"

The Rabbit Game was one of Daddy's inventions. They'd played it ever since she could remember, ever since she was small enough to toddle after him, clutching the hem of his robes. The rules were simple - you had to make it through the passage from the cellar to the clinic, as quick as you could, making no noise, leaving no footprints. When she'd been very small, he'd given her a handful of veilfire to light the way, but grownup girls and clever little rabbits had to play the game in the dark. Foxes and wolves could smell smoke or magic on the wind, and if they caught you, they would eat you all up.

When she was a baby, being eaten all up wasn't scary. It was being scooped up in her father's arms and tickled and kissed and fussed over until she squealed. But then she got older, and realised he wasn't trying to teach her to hide from foxes and wolves, and that there were worse things that could happen to a girl than to be eaten.

Still, as she crept along the narrow passage between cellars, Orana's hand gripped tight in hers, she pretended she was playing the Rabbit Game again, that the footsteps she could hear distantly were her father's, that the worst that would happen if they were caught was that she wouldn't be taken out to the market for sweets. Panicking wasn't how you won the Rabbit Game. If you froze, or you made too much noise, they'd catch you easy as anything.

Run, Cara-hase. She ran, as light on her feet as they'd practiced, making cushions of air beneath the soles of their shoes to catch them before they could clatter. She heard, distantly, a shout that sounded a little less muffled, and felt Orana squeeze her hand and try to muffle a sob. She tightened her grip, and kept running until she felt her outstretched hands catch on the false panel that led to the clinic. She closed her eyes, remembered her father's voice in her ear: Just above your head, there are three nails to press on. The second, then the third, then the first, got that, little rabbit?

She was taller now - they were on a level with her breastbone - and she pressed down on them until she heard the reassuring click of the door opening. She pulled Orana through and closed it softly, collapsing against it. The passage continued round a corner, and hopefully the- whoever was chasing them would follow it rather than them. She'd done it. She'd won the Rabbit Game, and they were in the clinic, and Daddy would be here and tell her everything was alright-

Orana was staring at her, and she realised she'd said her names three times, and she hadn't heard. Why hadn't she heard? She was meant to be listening, meant to be calm and grown up, but she felt suddenly small and shivery and scared.

"Cara," Orana said, crouching to take hold of her shoulders, as if she was a very little girl. "Do you know where your father is? He seems to have- stepped out, for a moment."

That didn't make sense. Mama had gone to the Gallows, she said, to make sure the mages were safe, but Daddy had said he'd be at the clinic. He was supposed to be at the clinic-

Cara's breath was quickening in her throat, and now she really wanted to cry, which was stupid, because nothing bad had actually happened, and at any minute her father would be back and would explain everything. Nothing was actually wrong. Nothing was actually wrong, because if something was actually wrong-

She could hear the sound of people rushing around outside, of crying and screams, of wood cracking, and she knew in her bones that something was Actually Wrong, which made no sense. If something were that badly wrong, Daddy would be at the clinic, making sure people had a safe place to go, that anyone who was hurt was taken care of. And yet, the clinic was empty, holding nothing but a silence more horrible than the noise outside when it should have held warmth, comfort, safety.

"I don't-" She swallowed, tried to make her voice less shaky, because she had to be brave, because Orana was probably more frightened, "I don't know where he is. I- he'll be back soon."

It didn't feel like he'd be back soon. The surgery was too tidy. Daddy's desk was usually piled high with papers she wasn't supposed to look at or (when she was too little to understand) draw on. Now it was swept clean, his healer's kit sat neatly on the chair, as if waiting for him to return with far more patience than Cara. It felt wrong in a way she would not have the words for for years. It felt like he was already gone, and fear sank into the hollow between her ribs and made her heart flutter like a caged bird.

"I- I'm sure he will," Orana echoed her, and squeezed her shoulder. Cara wished she hadn't. Orana was not a very good liar.

A fist slammed into the door to Darktown, and they both flinched at the sound. Orana shoved her down under the desk, so hard and so sudden she slammed her head against it and cried out.

"Ow, Orana-!"

The rapping came again, more urgent this time. Orana's hand clapped down over her mouth, her grip on her shoulder painfully tight.

"Please!" A rough voice called from outside, "For pity's sake, if we ever needed a healer, it's now!"

Cara was not a healer, was barely even a mage, but when the banging came again, she knew what her parents would have done. She wrenched herself from Orana's grip and ran to the door, yanking it open. Outside there was a small crowd of people, pressed tight against the clinic's wall to hide from the chaos outside.

She looked up at them, feeling suddenly very young and very out of place in her pretty embroidered dress with its fine ruffled petticoats. Even of the smallest of the children looked older and more tired than she'd ever felt. She swallowed, looked up at the nearest grown-up (a man, heavily scarred, bleeding from a deep cut on his scalp, and said: "He isn't here, but- I can help you, or try."

He stared down at her through his one remaining eye, and she felt a little sick. "You're just a kid," he said, with something like disgust, and she almost wanted to cry. Then she felt Orana's hand on her shoulder again, and realised that if she could be brave for Cara, when she was so much more scared of so many things, Cara would have to keep being brave for everyone else. She wondered if her mother had ever felt like this - too small and too frightened and having to do the brave thing anyway, because there was nobody else to do it. She hoped not. Being a hero shouldn't feel like this.

She swallowed down the sick she could taste at the back of her throat. "Maybe, but- I'm all there is right now."

He made a scoffing noise, moved to wheel away, but another man, shorter, face badly bruised, caught his shoulder and gave him a glare. "D'you know anything about healing?" he demanded, and she wanted to say No, she wanted to say Go away, she wanted to say I tried to be nice and you're being rude, because nobody had ever spoken harshly to her before, but that isn't what a hero would do. That isn't what her parents would do.

So she put her hands on her hips and said, in her mother's voice: "I know everything my father taught me, and Orana knows some too. And- and if I can't help you, you can wait here until he comes back."

He would come back. He always came back. It was the promise he made every time he had to leave unexpectedly, and couldn't tell her when he'd be home. He'd kiss her forehead and say: I'll be back soon, Cara-hase, and I'll bring your mama with me. He hadn't said it this morning, but then, they'd argued this morning. He'd been in one of his black moods where only Mama could reach him, and she'd pestered him for attention rather than leaving well alone. Maybe that was why she couldn't find him now.

She shook that thought off and stood aside, letting the people flood in. Some of them were limping, supported by friends or family, or favouring arms that were clearly broken. Cuts and scrapes she'd seen plenty of - she knew from memory how to clean a wound out with elfroot, and Orana, steeling herself, could close up the longer or deeper ones with neat, careful stitches. She'd never seen bruises so dark or so big, but she spread spindleweed balm across them nonetheless and said calming things like There, all better, and It'll be fine if you're careful, even if she wasn't sure it was true.

"The tunnels keep collapsing," the man with the bruised face told her while she smeared gooey spindleweed across it, as his husband swore loudly through Orana's stitching. "Whatever happened up in Hightown, it's shaken the foundations, and the Templars… they're looking for- someone."

He cut himself off as he seemed to focus on her face for the first time. "You said your daddy would be back soon?"

She nodded. "He always comes back."

He sighed, looked past and through her. "They always do, kid. Until they don't."

She shook her head, tried to remind herself that he didn't know her parents, that they always came back to her. That they were heroes, and that meant they always came home. She told herself that over and over again as the hours passed, as more people flooded through the door - some she could help, most she couldn't, even as she rationed and diluted the few elfroot potions kept aside for emergencies, and she didn't feel like a hero at all. She felt like she was a little girl again, and school had finished, and nobody had come to collect her - the cold, uncomfortable feeling of being forgotten, mingled with the fear of something Very Wrong having kept her parents away. At least now she was busy - now she was helping people, if only a little. Then she'd had to sit in the Chantry while the sisters did evening prayers, the stench of incense making her feel sick and sleepy and even more forgotten than she felt now.

Like the last time, when her mother finally came, she burst into angry, relieved tears like a baby, and flung herself into her arms. She'd been trying to be a hero, or at least a grown-up, for far too long, and suddenly she was hot and tired and hungry and scared but her mother was here and those were no longer her problem to fix.

"Where's the healer?" someone demanded over her head, and she relaxed, waiting for the reassuring answer.

Instead, her mother said: "Gone," and that was when she realised that this was nothing like the Qunari attack, that her life would never be the same again. That the world could be cut into two neat halves by a single syllable.

#fic #dragon age #dragon age 2 #asks #da2 #orana da2 #cara hawke laidir #rhiannon hawke #nepo baby rook #the caraverse

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mimiezuo · 2 years ago

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BIRTHDAY SURPRISE.

Dazai x GENDER NEUTRAL Reader.

TW/CW: Dazai (typical suicide mentions), bottom Dazai, dom!reader, gender neutral reader, oral, strap usage (if you're AFAB), hardcore top reader, little to no plot, profanity, mature themes, (Y/N) usage, mentions of alcohol, he calls you master here.

Note: I do not own any characters in this fictional work. Everything is fake and all by imagination. Thank you. Viewer discretion is advised.

DAZAI IS A man full of mysteries. The only way to figure him out is by reaching his vulnerable points. Though, even it'd be that level of trust, he'd still be hard to figure out. Through his years of living, it was never really easy to get along with him without feeling uneasy, to you, at least.

In despite of his unsettling demeanor, it was still obvious that this man was easy to control in more... intimate, ways.

"Happy Birthday, Osamu!" You greeted with a warm grin as he arrived at your shared apartment, holding up a tray of his favorite dish; crab. He looked worn out, but at your appearance, he smiled. A warm, genuine smile that made the past falter.

"Thank you, belladonna.." The man in question cooed in response, eliciting a soft chuckle from you. You wanted to ask how was work, but you were too far gone to even remember that. He looked very pleased to see you, and maybe eventually, he'd tell you how things had gone in the agency.

Since it was his birthday, you've obviously prepared the apartment clean, and had cooked food for him; which he was very grateful for. The lousy set of alcohol was put aside as to keep him sober, and the it looked rather warm than cold and depressive when it always used to be.

"You did this all for me? That's adorable, my (Y/N)..." Dazai lightly teased as he looked around, munching on the crab with eyes that shine in awe. He looked handsome; you couldn't believe you were just realizing. "Of course, Osamu." You replied with a sweet, yet cunning smile. Though it wasn't obvious, he felt cautious, and a bit challenged, by your look.

"I sense that you're planning something, hm?"

And oh, his senses were so right. You sometimes forget that this man may seem so easy-going, and yet he can read through pages so easily.

"Oh well, that's true..." You teasingly voiced out in a whisper just by his ear, and he seemed to tense up at this. It's not so often he's reactive to these types of stuff, and you were loving it. "Tell me," Dazai started, "tell me what's on your mind, belladonna..."

His voice is hypnotizing, almost bribing your throat to spill your vicious plan; but of course, you stayed tough.

"C'mon now, I want it to be a surprise." You cooed, your fingertips touching the tip of his bandages that were plastered around his wrists. His eyes slightly widened at the action, and he smirked with anticipation of what comes next. "Then, I'm required to eat so I'd not starve, hm?" He hummed in delight, his tiresome demeanor slowly faded away; good. You thought; he ought to remain in the mood in order for him to receive his birthday gift.

Minutes, an hour, a few seconds... The time passed as the two of you were last in a nicely shared dinner before alcohol even came place. You'd best say it's junk, but it's his birthday after all.

"You aren't drunk, still?" You inquired in disbelief that his alcohol tolerance was that high, well, considering it was five glasses, and you rarely drink, it's a bit surprising to you. "Oh, no I'm not. I won't be anytime sooner, trust me."

"Oh, right... you reek of alcohol every night you come home, so I'll not question any longer." You smiled at Dazai, making him finish another shot. This time, he seemed to stop pouring himself a glass. You've only took two shots due to wanting to be sober.

He knew.

"Actually, I'd rather drink something else..." Dazai teasingly cooed, leaning closer, and playing with the cloth of your top's collar. "Oh? What is it? Pray tell me.." You teased back, a light smirk showed your confidence in the given moment. It was obvious he was flushed at this, and he stood up, knowingly, even.

Heading to the room, you toyed with his coat, taking it off and hanging it on the closet handle, while he on the other hand, started to unbutton his vest.

"You're eager," You started, "are you that excited, hm?"

"Just give me my gift.." He replied with a cunning smile. As that came to event, you slowly leaned in to kiss him, and he returned the kiss with neediness full of passion, that of which you originally didn't expect from him.

Making out eventually led to sensual touches, but the man was impatient. He unbuttoned your shirt, trying to touch you all over, but unfortunately for him... you wouldn't allow him without a little begging.

"Nuh uh. No touching." You whispered into his ear, receiving a light whimper of dissatisfaction from Dazai. "But-" You cut him off, "No, you stay put. Or do you want me to punish you, hm?" Cunningly, you smirked and leaned back, fully removing your shirt and your first layers off. His eyes wandered all over your figure, and the desire was vivid.

"Does my boy like what he sees?" You teased and straddled him, making him lie down on his back. Helplessly, he gave in and gave you a needy little expression. How pathetic, you thought. He's such a needy bastard, though he'd never admit that out loud. Maybe he would...

"Please, just give me my gift," He whimpered, "Please... please master?" Dazai bucked his hips upward, allowing you to feel the bulge underneath his clothing. He was getting desperate, and really aroused. "I wanna hear more, now." You teased.

"Fuck me, please, fuck me." He sternly begged, his breath was airy and squeaky, enough to indicate his desperation and submission towards you.

"Hmm.." You pretended to hum in thought, "But you've been really naughty.."

"I promise, I'll be good now! I-I'm.. I'm a good boy, master.." His voice slowly quieted down, as if he's embarrassed to admit this. He was that vulnerable in this matter. "Fine, but I do things my way here. Got it?" You asserted yourself, though giving in.

As he nodded in approval, your hand traveled to his waist, while the other rubbed on his crotch, supposedly feeling down on his hard, clothed dick.

He let out a desperate gasp, his voice hitched and he threw his head back. "I want to hear more. Tell me more, tell me what you need." You teased, enunciating your words as you whispered right into his ear, your breath hitting his plush skin.

He was so obsequious.

"Please, please, please... Please, master (Y/N)," His pleads were rolled out of his tongue, so clearly and so dirty. Hearing him beg was like listening to a classic, it stroke right through your head, your heart. "Fuck me." He finished.

"You're so needy." You commented, though you weren't completely unfazed by his present needy demeanor. His words got to you, the tone of his voice pierced right through your essence. You had to remind yourself that this man was manipulative, and he was in this to get what he wants— what he needs.

It was almost as if his manipulation was getting to you, but... you wouldn't let that happen now, no you won't.

"Alright, but you take what I give you, and what I give you only." You whispered with boldness painting your voice. Dazai nodded in agreement and desperation, permitting you to do as you please to him. He was a mess under you, he always is.

His messy brown hair seemed messier as he's lied down on the soft cushions of your bed, strands almost covering his beautiful hazel eyes. His fingers wrapped around the blanket, looking for some comfort for himself under you.

Seeing this, your hand slipped down to his waist, reaching the bands of his underwear. As you unbuckled his belt, your wrist pressed down his crotch, and though you've felt it just minutes ago, it seems like he's harder than that moment you were toying on his clothed dick.

This provoked you to slide his pants down, making his dick spring up to his stomach lightly, greeting you with a subtle twitch. You've seen it before, but this moment, you can't help but admire its details.

All in a darker shade of beige from his pale skin, the way one vine from another has its own specific size, the length, and how it isn't too girthy... enticing, you told yourself.

Your hand wrapped around his dick, making the precum drip down your hand and around the area it slid through.

"H-hnng-.." Dazai whimpered, closing his mouth and biting his inner lips to conceal his little noises, and tightened his grip on the sheets like he was trying to keep himself calm.

The man was a bit too out of it, his eyes closed tightly— and probably even nibbling on the insides of his lips. So, you gave his dick a sudden rough stroke down. You were eyeing his every reaction, and listening carefully to whatever noise he'll release.

"A-aah-aah..!" He moaned in complete bliss, his naturally noisy and talkative behavior dimmed down by his present obsequiousness. It was just another time he's submitting to you. "Oh, that was barely something.. you're quite sensitive now, hm?"

"S-sh- shut up..! Ah-!" He gasped, before he completed his complaint about your teasing, his dick is damped by your warm and plump lips. Your hand was wrapped around his base, and slowly but surely, you take in his length and girth inside your mouth with pleasure.

"A-ah- ah more, please, more.." Uncharacteristically, the man continued to writhe and beg for more. The mood he lets out was different from his usual outer facade. "P-please- aah!"

He gasped as your tongue reached his base, taking him fully in your mouth. He let out a shaky whine, almost convincing you to do more for him. Your fingers were toying on his skin, right on his stomach; caressing and tracing on his slightly toned body, scarry and textured.

Your eyes met his as you sucked, hard, on his long dick. He seemed close to tearing up, his pupils dilated right in the middle of his hazelnut irises. "More, more please!" He begged and pleaded, while his slender fingers gripped tightly into the soft sheets.

"Mm.. mmnnh..." You hummed softy as you continued to please him, your head ployed up and down his dick, your lips hugged tightly onto his skin. Your hum sent vibrations from his dick to his very soles, his fingertips tingled and weakened from your motions.

His leg twitched slightly, one of his feet slightly moved upward in pure ecstasy. He couldn't control the noises coming out of his mouth any longer, and his face contorted in pleasure. You knew he was about to finish.

"D-don't stop, don't stop, don't sto- aah!" You cut him off by going a slight bit harder tham you already were.

He threw back his head once more, his eyes rolled to the back of his skull uncontrollably. This provoked you to give him a little more than he wants. You went a little faster, your tongue swirling around his veiny shaft as your hands now gripped tightly onto his curved waist.

"H-haah! G-ghh-!" The man's needy whimpers slowly turned high-pitched minute by minute, indicating that he's getting just where you want him to be. So suddenly, his hand's near your scalp, gripping onto your hair softly and pushing you down on his dick.

You eyed him from below; if you weren't right there, you would've been smirking slyly at his desperate reactions to climax.

After a few more movements, he moaned with a light growl, releasing his seed right into your throat. "Mmppf-" You slightly struggled, though consuming all of the fluid he shooted through your throat.

You pulled back to watch him breathe heavily, his chest rising up and falling back down briskly, his voice shaky, to the point he sounded like he was whimpering.

"You're spent, and just because of a blowjob?" You chuckled softly and teasingly, the man who was laid down on the bed immensely embarrassed. "No, I'm not.." He spoke in a breathless whisper, gasping as his chest heaves.

"Alright, keep up your act." You smirked, and made your way to the closets. You fully removed your bottoms, your member springing up to your stomach softly with a light tap noise. "On your hands and knees now, pretty. I'll give you what you want,"

"It's your birthday after all..."

Dazai immediately obeyed, on all fours like a good boy. You decided that you'd give him what he deserves, after a long week of work without much rest to both of you. He was exhausted, and surely needed something to get him off on his free days.

"Good boy, now tell me what you want."

He replied with a whimper and lightly squirmed on the plush sheets. He whispered something you couldn't make out at first, and so, it provoked you to give him a light smack on his rear, now sensitive, rear. "Louder." You commanded with a dominating tone.

"Ah! Please fuck me!" He begged— more so, yelled. He was getting desperate, and it was so easy for you to control him. "Good boy," you cooed into the man's ear and entered him, the tip of your shaft embraced by his needy little hole.

Dazai gasped as he gripped the sheets, his slender fingers making their way to the pillows, just to grip on them for extra friction, or to console himself from losing his mind.

You moved slowly, halfway into his asshole.

"H-hnngh- a-aah!" The man softly whimpered below you, his thighs were mildly shaking from the friction left from his previous ejaculation, and the current stimulation from your thick member stretching his asshole out once more.

"Take it, take it baby..." You— almost comfortingly— whispered into his ear, nibbling on it softly as you held his shoulders for a better grip, to push him further down on your shaft.

"H-h-haah!" His breath hitches as you did this, making you let out a satisfied smile towards him. He didn't dare look at you— he didn't want to. He was too embarrassed to admit he loved it.

With your dick fully sheathed into his warm, tight hole, you let out a soft hum in contentment. A few seconds after, you almost completely pulled out, his little hole pulsed around nothing, waiting to have something to grip onto, to squeeze.

"Good boy, take it for me. Enjoy your birthday gift."

And with that, you gave a harsh thrust into him, leaving him almost jolting up the bed, gripping onto the pillow sheets, and slightly arching his back in pleasure. Your tip kissed his very deepest, which elicited a beautiful whimper from Dazai.

You took your time; slowly and gently pulling out, then suddenly thrusting up against him.

He loved it, every second of it. He couldn't help but whine and writhe under you, resting his face onto the pillow, almost shoving himself down to arch his back and let you do your thing.

"H-hnng-! M-mmnnh..!" Little by little, he whimpered. How adorable, you thought as your thrusts eventually roughen and quicken. He seemed to have shut up from the friction your two bodies made. If this was all it took to shut him up, you'd do this everytime if he was by you, you thought to yourself. A part of you wants to absolutely claim him, and make him cry.

But you're too nice, you even rewarded him for sitting pretty and doing nothing to help you.

You were lost in your thoughts, partly, in the pleasure. All of these thoughts were cut off by the man underneath your skin, by a loud and high-pitched moan that seemed to beg, "more!" You groaned yourself, immensely pleased by the sight unfolding in front of you.

"My good boy wants more, hm?" You cooed into his ear as your hands travelled down to his waist to get yourself deeper and deeper into him. In response, he whined, loudly even. You observed as his hands gripped the pillow tighter while his legs shook in pleasure.

"P-please, please..." He breathlessly begged and ground himself backwards against your shaft. His tip dripped with pre-cum, though it looked a bit intense on the sheets below you both.

You gave in to his desires, going faster, harder. In went on and on again, his response always being a series of whines, whimpers, and moans. Some breathy pleads here and there.

His reactions were amazing, and you took note of every single jolt, and even noise. You'd maybe use your techniques another time.

"Cu-cumming- cumming, please, please let me-"

"Do it. Cum for me, Osamu." You cut him off, fingers laced around a part of his neck, making him face up the wall to the ceiling to get a better quality of sounds from him. You loved it, surely, he did too.

As if hypnotized by your words, the man tightened all around your member, his cum dripping uncontrollably onto the sheets. They'd stain for sure, but you didn't care, and neither did he.

"Ghh- a-ahaaah..!" Dazai moaned as he lied down properly, chest flat against a pillow underneath him, hugging it closely to calm down from the remnants of his ejaculation. You came after pulling out, "ngh.." You groaned, messing on his back and his ass. He didn't quite mind, or he was out of his head to even complain yet.

"Feel good?" You quietly queried as you lied beside him, pulling him into a hug and brushing your fingers onto his brown locks to get a better view of his fucked out face. "...That was amazing," he chuckled, cuddling up to you better, now that he's out of the daze you out him into.

"I love you, baby. Happy Birthday..." You kissed his cheek softly, earning a lovingly teasing kiss on the lips from him.

The two of you then slept well, cuddled up together with the sheets over your bodies, not bothered to clean up the mess, since the two of you were miserably exhausted. Anyhow, the night was warm, and so were your hearts.

#bungou stray dogs dazai #bungou stray dogs #dazai osamu #dazai x reader #dazai smut #bottom dazai #bottomzai

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sjsmith56 · 12 days ago

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The Duality of Nature, Chapter 3 - Return

Summary: The Avengers go to Norway to destroy the Cerberus site but a strange beam incapacitates everyone except Bucky. When the facility explodes he is injured but manages to evacuate the team. After surgery back at the compound it becomes obvious that something is seriously wrong.

Length: 5.2K

Characters: Bucky, Carol, the Avengers, Fury, Noelle, Winter.

Warnings: Mission goes wrong.

Author notes: The description of medical treatment is movie medicine, folks. I did my best but if there are errors or omissions, I’m sorry. Cliffhanger.

<<Chapter 2

Bucky set the course while everyone else busied themselves doing more preparatory work; Sam and Shaun monitored the onboard computers for any updates, while Peter, Kate and Yelena checked the comms pieces and timers for the explosives which would be transferred by portal shortly after their arrival. Dr. Strange and Tony's remote-controlled suit would arrive with the explosives. The decision had been made to use a portal sparingly, not wanting to introduce any excessive energy ripples into the environment of the lab that could interfere with their operations. Scott and Hope were going over some intelligence on their iPad. Thor slept. Carol Danvers acted as co-pilot for this trip, looking over at Bucky.

"Your daughter has sure grown," she said. "Looks just like her mom."

He smiled. "She does take after Noelle," he agreed. "Has my eyes, though. She's quite the kid. Thor wants her to begin training but we want her to be a kid for as long as possible."

"You like being a family man?"

"Love it," he answered. "Avoided even thinking of it before the war, decided during the war that it might not be so bad, then never got the chance until I met Noelle out of the blue."

"I'm happy for you," said Carol. "Does Winnie have abilities?"

"Yeah, she does." He shrugged. "We encourage her to be active like any other kid, but she's already given us a few scares, like jumping from the top of the playground equipment when she was two. She took to swimming like a fish. Already wants to be an Avenger." He looked over at Carol. "I'm good with that. What kept you away so long this time?"

"Hunting renegade Skrull terrorists," she replied. "After what happened here Fury asked me to keep looking for others. Found a few but it wasn't easy. For so long the Kree made it seem like they were all like that but most just want a quiet place to live in peace."

"Don't we all," he replied, then he got a message from Air Traffic Control and activated the mike on his headset. "Roger New York. Avengers aircraft Quebec Mike zero one, acknowledging transfer to Gander Domestic ACC." He switched frequencies and listened for the controller to confirm his position. When it came, he acknowledged them. "Roger Gander. Avengers aircraft Quebec Mike zero one, maintaining assigned course and frequency."

"You want to take a break until we transfer to Shanwick Oceanic?" she asked.

"Sure," he replied. "Didn't get a lot of sleep last night." He noticed her grinning. "It wasn't all that. Too many variables on this mission kept me awake. Had to leave for the couch because I was so restless. I could use some shuteye."

"Go ahead," she said. "If anything comes up, I'll wake you."

With a nod he went over to Sam, advising him that he was going to sleep for a bit. Heading to the back of the quinjet, he pressed a button that popped out a handle and pulled out a bunk. Slipping his jacket and boots off, he laid on the bunk, turned off the overhead light and began some deep breathing, listening to the hum of the aircraft, reading somewhere that it was the equivalent of pink noise, a frequency that should have a calming effect on listeners. It must have worked because when he was awakened, they were under the control of Bodø Oceanic OCA out of northern Norway, less than an hour from their target. He quickly put his boots and jacket on then headed to the pilot's seat, grimacing a little at Carol.

"You should have woken me sooner," he said.

"You needed the sleep," she replied. "The flight was all by the book. I didn't mind."

She updated him on their position then turned control of the quinjet back to him. Sam had already advised HQ of their position and the final preparations of the explosives were being made, prior to sending them through the portal. Just before they landed Sam took another look at the latest satellite readings for any sign of the portal, but nothing was showing up. They landed some distance away from the entrance into the site then everyone assembled their weapons, and each took a number of timers, while Bucky and Carol completed the landing checklist. Bucky then fastened his holsters and inserted his weapons as Carol went out to do a quick recon before they all left the quinjet.

"Everyone miked up?" he asked, receiving their responses in his earpiece. "Carol? What's it like out there?"

"Quiet," she replied. "I don't like this, but we don't have much choice, do we?"

"Nope," answered Sam. He contacted HQ. "Ready for portal insertion. Locate those explosives far away from the quinjet. Don't want them going up and taking out our transport." Acknowledgement came and they watched as a portal formed outside, closer to the entrance of the facility. "Okay, you all know your duties. Carol, Tony, and Strange will monitor the airspace, with Thor at the entrance. The rest of us will take an assortment of charges and place them, then set the timers. Mapping of your assigned section is on your wrist piece. As soon as you're done, come out. Let's go."

The explosives came through the portal by magic, accompanied by Dr. Strange and the Ironman suit, under Tony's remote control. They joined Carol in the sky while the others went to the pallet, noting that their names were on the assorted cases that contained the devices. With Bucky on point and Thor guarding the entrance they entered the facility and raced to their assigned coordinates, setting the charges, then the timers, all of them rigged to go on a signal when the final charge was set by Captain Marvel in the portal. By then they were all to be inside the quinjet, ready for a quick take off. Strange and the Ironman suit were to be back at HQ through another magic portal.

Everything seemed to be going well, as one by one the team members laid the charges and returned to the outside, gathering at the quinjet. Just before Bucky, as the first one in and the last one out, signalled that he was approaching the exit, it all changed. The portal opened above them, visible to Tony first as he was monitoring in the long-range infrared frequency they had discovered. Then the cold started bleeding through, causing the Ironman suit to start malfunctioning. Dr. Strange found out he couldn't handle the temperatures, lowering himself and Tony's suit to the ground where it was warmer, while Carol ventured into the portal to send the explosives, setting the timer and advising everyone to leave. Just as she did that a multi-beam of energy came through as if targeting every individual out there, doing exactly what Joaquin had described; batting them away as if they were flies. Bucky came out of the facility to the scene of everyone on the ground, including Carol, which surprised him as she was virtually invulnerable. Not having been hit by the beam he picked Thor up first, as he was closest, carrying him to the quinjet, somehow avoiding notice of whoever was controlling the beam. Carol was next then he dragged everyone else onboard. Returning for Tony's suit, he had carried it to the ramp, where his luck ran out as he was hit by a glancing blow of the beam, unable to avoid it completely. At that moment, the explosives in the portal went off, followed by those in the facility, and he was caught in the blast wave which lifted him up, then throwing him hard against the side of the ramp. Dazed, he didn't move for a moment before he came around, finished dragging the suit up the ramp, raised it and stumbled to the pilot's seat.

"Emergency takeoff," he mumbled, placing his right hand on the security readout. "Authorization, Barnes, Sergeant James Buchanan ...."

Friday requested the rest of the authorization code but didn't get it as Bucky had passed out and no one else had responded as they were all out as well. Taking a scan to confirm that and noting the addition of Ironman's suit and the presence of Dr. Strange, the AI instituted its own emergency evacuation procedure and took off. The AI made several attempts to initiate communications with HQ, but it wasn't until the aircraft was almost out of Norwegian airspace before it was able to relay the emergency to air traffic control, receiving priority to return to base. It had been 23 hours hours since they left the Avengers base on the mission.

Avengers compound

"What do you mean you've lost contact?" asked Joaquin, who was in the control room with the support staff, monitoring communications. "Bring up the satellites, include the long-range infrared images." As he saw the evidence of the portal opening, then the signs of the explosive charges going off as planned he watched the replay, before noticing the quinjet transponder had moved away from the site. "Contact all the Air Traffic Control agencies for their return flight path. Notify them of the possibility of an emergency evacuation. You better contact Fury as well. This is above my pay grade."

Fury arrived by portal within minutes and watched the displays closely as Joaquin and Tony filled him in on what they had seen. By all indicators the explosives had done their job, destroying the facility and at least had closed the portal, hopefully destroying it. Joaquin also briefed the director on what happened to him previously at the site.

"Let's get all available satellites monitoring that infrared frequency for the reemergence of that portal at any other location," said Fury to the technician on duty. Then he watched the quinjet transponder move from Norwegian airspace into the Scottish ACC airspace. A Scottish accented voice came on. "Avengers HQ, Scottish ACC has received an emergency evacuation request from the aircraft Quebec Mike zero one's AI. How do you want to proceed?"

"Roger, Scotland. Can you give them priority to cross the Atlantic?" asked Fury. "The AI only takes control if there is no one physically able to fly the aircraft."

"Roger, we can do that," said the man's voice. There was a pause. "Confirmed with the AI that all passengers are unconscious and will require medical attention, but all are alive. It updated the passenger list which has been emailed to your contact. The AI also indicated that its multiple attempts to contact you directly have been unsuccessful. Will be flying top speed, with ETA of 2.5 hours. We have advised Shanwick Oceanic, Gander Domestic and New York ATC to continue priority emergency evacuation status of aircraft Quebec Mike zero one. Good luck, Avengers."

"Roger that, Scotland. Thank you for your assistance."

Fury turned to the other two. "We better notify medical, all staff on alert. Just medical, no one else yet."

"Even Noelle and Dawn?" asked Joaquin, referencing Bucky and Sam's wives who were both nurses.

The man in black would have normally glared at anyone who questioned an order, but he also knew he better talk to the two women first. He grimaced slightly at the flyer.

"I'll alert them personally," he said, turning around and leaving the control room. "Friday, locate Noelle Barnes and Dawn Wilson."

"Both women are in their quarters," replied the female voice. "They should be walking their children to play school within moments then reporting for duty in the medical centre."

"Advise Dr. Banner that both women will be delayed and possibly not reporting for duty," he said. "Do not let them leave the play school hallway until I get there. Friday, keep me updated on the quinjet flight."

There was no acknowledgement of any of his requests, but he knew they would be done. As he strode towards the family services wing of the compound, he could see several people hugging their children. Standing back, he watched as Noelle and Dawn arrived, both of them affectionately hugging their children then waving goodbye at them. He stepped forward blocking their path.

"Director Fury," stated Dawn Wilson, smiling. "We don't see you here often."

Noelle read the look on his face instantly. "What's happened?"

"Come with me," he said. "I'd rather do this in private, but they're both alive according to the AI."

Slipping into a nearby office he pressed the control to close and lock the door, then faced the two women who stood in front of him.

"At this point I'm not sure exactly what has happened," he said. "By all the satellite images we have studied so far, the mission went off the way it should, but Scottish air traffic control received communication from the quinjet's AI that it was requesting emergency evacuation priority as all passengers were unconscious. The passenger list included Dr. Strange and the Iron Man suit. They were to have returned by portal, so something went wrong, and they ended up on the quinjet. We were advised to have medical on alert. ETA is 2.5 hours. Since both of your husbands are on that flight, I'm leaving it to you whether you want to be there in your capacity as experienced medical professionals or if you would rather wait as a spouse and let the assigned medical staff deal with whatever is coming."

The two women looked at each other then fixed him with a firm gaze. "We're reporting for duty," said Noelle. "We'll make sure we're assigned to other crew. We've both been there before with family members."

"Very well," he replied, with a stern nod. "I'll let you go. If it gets too hard, you'll be relieved of duty."

They both acknowledged him, and he unlocked the door, watching them leave. All they could do was wait. Neither woman said anything as they quickly strode to the medical centre. Bruce nodded to them as they entered, then drew everyone together.

"All I know so far is that everyone is unconscious, and Friday is flying the quinjet home at top speed," he said. "Considering that Falcon sustained an injury at the same site from an energy beam I am assuming that a similar incident happened. We're looking at broken limbs, possible internal injuries, head injuries, and because of exposure to a cold source with a temperature of absolute zero, possible hypothermia. Let's prep for all contingencies. I'll coordinate triage at the landing site while Helen is in charge up here."

Both women dove into their duties, assembling a cart of supplies to cover the injuries specified by Bruce. Neither said anything to anyone but they could feel the eyes of their co-workers on them, as it was known they were married to Barnes and Wilson. When they had a moment, they called the daycare, advising them they may be delayed picking up their children at the end of the day. Then they waited for anything to come down the line, both of them doing their best to tamp down their worries over their husbands.

Inside the quinjet, 1 hour later

Carol groaned, slowly opening her eyes, then realized she was in the quinjet, and they were in flight. Looking around at the others she realized that she was the only one awake. Tentatively moving her arms and legs she confirmed she had no injuries then stood up, feeling dizzy at first. As she breathed deeply to get her bearings back, she spoke to the AI.

"Friday, what happened?"

"An energy beam from the dimensional portal incapacitated all crew members except one," said the AI. "Sergeant Barnes was still inside the facility when the beam erupted. He carried everyone inside the quinjet and was in the process of bringing in the Ironman suit when he received a glancing blow by the beam, then again from the blast of the explosion at the target site. Although it dazed him, he completed his task and was able to request emergency evacuation before passing out."

"Are we in contact with HQ?" asked Carol.

"Negative, although I have acquired contact with all Air Traffic Control agencies on our flight path. We have received emergency clearance for the entire flight back to the compound." The AI paused for a moment. "If you wish to administer first aid, I am fully capable of continuing to operate the aircraft."

"Do that," said Carol, getting businesslike.

She went to where the first aid kit was, satisfied when she saw there was a portable diagnostic unit, as well as an assortment of sedatives and stimulants, splints, bandages, and neck braces. Starting with Thor she set the unit to the normal settings for an Asgardian, confirming he had no physical injuries other than being unconscious. Peter was next to him, and she reset the unit for enhanced human, found some internal injuries, a bruised lung and kidney, as well as a hairline fracture of his jaw. Quickly she printed a slip with the details of his condition off the unit and attached it to his suit, assuming a triage team would be in place when they landed. There was a broken arm, suffered by Kate, but surprisingly the majority of the others so far had only bruising, superficial cuts, and sprains. Other than the fact everyone else was still out, they had come through it pretty unscathed. She was surprised to see Dr. Strange, but it appeared his cloak had protected him as he had no injuries other than being unconscious. Then she reached Bucky.

"Shit," she said, when she saw the readings indicating a brain bleed, as well as a broken right shoulder, several broken ribs, and a punctured lung. "Bucky? Can you hear me?"

She tapped his cheek, then pinched the back of his right hand to check his pain stimulus response but there was nothing and she printed out the slip that identified him as priority. Being hesitant to even try treating his injuries she instead went for the backboard and used her abilities, which thankfully still worked, to levitate him while she slid the board under his body. Gingerly, she attached a collar to keep his head steady then strapped him on the board. When she finished, she glanced over at Thor, who had started moving.

"Thor," she said, moving closer and tapping his cheek. "Wake up, big guy. I need you."

"Father, were we the victors?" He mumbled some more then opened his eyes and slowly focused on Carol. "Danvers, what happened?"

"Same thing that happened to Joaquin by what Friday tells me," she said. "You have no injuries, but I need you to monitor Peter. He has a bruised lung and kidney. Keep him from moving around. There should be another backboard you can load him on. Just be careful you don't do more damage." She looked over at Bucky. "Apparently, he carried us all in then was hurt himself. He's in rough shape."

Thor smiled slightly and nodded. "He has always been worthy of our trust," he said, with admiration. "I will take care of young Peter."

"Captain Marvel, I have reestablished communications with Avengers HQ," said Friday. "Do you wish to respond?"

"Yes, put me through," said Carol. "Avengers HQ, do you hear me? It's Carol."

"Roger, Carol," said Joaquin, sounding relieved. "We've been trying ever since we lost contact. What's your status?"

"So far, only myself and Thor are conscious, neither of us have other injuries," she said. "I've already done preliminary triage, identifying Bucky, and Peter as priorities, followed by Kate with a broken arm. Everyone else is just banged up, with cuts and bruises. Was our objective achieved?"

"So far, it appears the link has been destroyed but we are monitoring all available satellites for other incursions," said Joaquin.

"Fury here," said another voice, and Carol smirked, not surprised he was there. "How bad are the injuries?"

"Bucky has a brain bleed, broken right shoulder, several broken ribs and a punctured lung. Friday said he was thrown by the blast wave, but he still managed to get us all onboard and start the emergency evacuation then the AI took over when he passed out. Peter has a hairline fracture of the jaw, bruised lung and kidney. Kate has the broken arm. Everyone else is just banged up but they're all still unconscious."

"Okay, your ETA at this point is 10 minutes," said Fury. "We'll let medical evacuate everyone. I still want you and Thor to get checked out then we'll talk. Fury out."

She sat back, satisfied that she had done all that she could but until Dr. Strange looked into the past and saw exactly what happened they were still as clueless about that portal as they had been. Returning to Bucky's side she monitored his vital signs, letting Friday land the quinjet. When the ramp came down the triage team came up, picking Bucky up first and carrying the backboard down to the waiting gurney where Bruce read the triage note. He looked back at Carol, smiled and gave her a thumbs up for thinking of doing this part of his job first. Then Bucky was wheeled away, and they came for Peter next. He was also wheeled away. Carol and Thor moved down the ramp, leaving more room for the others to be lifted onto gurneys and wheeled in after Bruce gave them the once over. Finally, it was just him and those two.

"Fury wants you two to be checked out quickly," he said. "I can do it in the elevator on the way up. Since you're both enhanced, I'm guessing you're okay. Let's start with you Carol, tell me everything. You shouldn't have been affected by anything."

She recounted her last memory before waking up on the floor of the quinjet, of being lightheaded when she woke up then recounting what Friday told her, before she began treating the injured. Then he turned to Thor who told him what he remembered, except Carol mentioned what he said when he first started stirring.

"I must have been dreaming of a battle fighting at my father's side," he said. "I don't remember thinking of any of it or of saying it. Very strange."

"Okay, I'm good with declaring you both released from medical," said Bruce. "But let me know immediately if you experience anything out of the ordinary and I mean anything."

The elevator to the medical floor opened to a scene of organized chaos where everyone was intent on treating the patient in their care. Carol and Thor stayed at the entrance to the medical centre, not wanting to add to the scene then she nudged Thor, gesturing to where Noelle and Dawn were treating their patients, while trying not to look over at their husbands. He gave her a grim smile.

"They are good wives," he said. "Both men chose well."

Bruce joined Helen who was bent over Bucky, checking all of his vitals before sending him for an MRI to determine the extent of the brain bleed. She had already inserted a tube into his chest to treat the punctured lung.

"I have a neurosurgeon on notice for immediate surgery," she said, in a low voice, trying not to alarm Noelle. "But we'll need to use a portal to get him there. If Bucky's already sustained significant brain damage, there might not be much he can do."

"That's why you need me," said a voice nearby and Dr. Strange joined the pair, still looking a little pale but alright otherwise. "I can do the surgery. I'm still certified. They'll treat him as a normal human, but we know his enhanced abilities gives him a better chance than most people." He looked over at Noelle briefly. "He's already been unconscious for several hours. I can stop time in the operating room, time I can use to treat him and fix the damage. Get him to the MRI then straight to the surgical suite. You still have a neurosurgical package in storage?"

Bruce nodded. "Alright, I'll get the OR ready," he said. "Know any residents or OR nurses that you can work with?"

Strange smiled his enigmatic smile. "Leave that to me. Just get the imaging done."

Twenty minutes later Strange and Dr. Nicodemus West were scrubbing up to perform surgery on Bucky. Two neurosurgical nurses had already scrubbed and were preparing the super soldier for the procedure while an anesthesiologist who had monitored Bucky before agreed to do it again, although this was going to be a slightly different situation. Strange explained to West how he had already stopped time on the brain bleed and that Barnes, as an enhanced human had great regenerative abilities. The MRI imaging was being displayed as they scrubbed.

"Why me, Stephen?" asked West. "I know you've never thought of me as a capable surgeon."

"On the contrary," replied Strange. "Your shortcomings were because you were trying to compete with me. Since I no longer need the thrill of performing exemplary work to prove my superiority you have allowed your own abilities to excel." He stopped and looked at West in a conciliatory fashion. "I have faith in our combined skills to save Barnes' life."

West sniffed, understanding that was the closest to an admission of confidence he was ever going to get from Dr. Stephen Strange. One of the medical centre nurses met them with sanitized towels to dry their hands while another helped them gown up. As they entered the OR both surgeons acknowledged the others as they approached the operating table where Bucky's head was elevated and a spot on his skull already shaved.

"Begin the music," said Strange.

Outside the operating room, the sounds of jazz reached where Nick Fury, Bruce Banner and Helen Cho were observing the craniotomy surgery. When the piece of Bucky's skull was removed and placed in a tray Fury left and headed towards a waiting area where several of the Avengers who had been released were waiting. They were all sitting with Noelle who had been relieved of duty after she finished treating Scott Lang.

"It's started," he said. "It's going to be a while. What about your daughter?"

"Dawn Wilson has picked her up and will look after her until I have something to tell her," stated Noelle. "Are you staying?"

"Yes," he replied. "I'll stay if you wish me to stay."

She nodded and Fury took a seat. He did take his cell phone out to monitor other situations, occasionally texting something. More of the Avengers came to wait but no one talked. Instead, they all sat silently although Thor started to fidget. After some time of becoming more agitated he finally stood up and kneeled on one knee before Noelle, taking one of her hands in his.

"I'm sorry, I must do something," he said. "It is difficult for me to wait in silence. Buck is a strong man and a worthy one. He will come through this. I am sure of it."

"Thank you for waiting," she smiled. "Go do whatever you must." She looked at the others. "Please, don't feel you have to stay with me. As soon as I hear anything I will pass it on."

Several of the others stood up then came over to hug Noelle, leaving reluctantly. She truly didn't mind as most of them hadn't even changed out of their tactical gear and likely needed a shower and some food. Fury, Sam, and Joaquin stayed, along with Yelena, who held hands with Joaquin. Carol returned a short time later with donuts and coffee, then sat down with the others. As the surgery neared the 5-hour mark Bruce and Helen appeared in the waiting area.

"It's done," said Bruce. "Dr. Strange is just removing the time spell and checking to make sure the sutures hold."

A few moments later there was yelling and Dr. West, the anesthesiologist and the nurses came running out. The others stood up, with Noelle wanting to go in immediately, but Fury looked to Sam, who held her in place. Fury then gestured to Carol to go with him, finding Strange on the floor, wrapped securely in his cloak except for his one hand which was keeping Bucky floating in the air. He was immobilized but his face was full of anger as he struggled to free himself from the spell.

"What the hell?" said Fury, looking from Bucky to Strange.

"As soon as I removed the time spell, he awakened but he wasn't Bucky," said the doctor. "He ripped his IV out and was trying to get away. He was speaking in Russian."

Fury looked closely at Bucky who stopped struggling when he noticed the director. It was an eerie sensation for the director to look into the dark eyes of Bucky Barnes but instead of seeing the usual recognition from the man, saw something he hadn't seen since 2014.

"Soldat, speak English," said Fury, in Russian, already dreading what may have happened.

"Fury, Nicholas J., targeted for elimination on March 14, 2014," said the Soldier, in a deep, almost monotone voice. "Target eluded first attempt. Second attempt was thought to be successful, but it was revealed that the target survived." He noticed Carol. "Danvers, Carol Susan Jane, code name Captain Marvel, human-Kree hybrid." The others came in and he identified Joaquin and Yelena in a similar manner, then Noelle pushed her way in, and he stopped speaking for a moment when he saw her, staring at her intensely instead. When he resumed speaking, his manner was more like Bucky's. "Noelle Belanger Barnes, married to James Buchanan Barnes, June 1, 2024. Mother of his daughter, Winnie Sarah Barnes, born March 17, 2025."

"What's happened to him?" asked Noelle, her face clouded by fear. "Why is he talking like that?"

Sam was behind her, drawing the Soldier's notice. "Wilson, Samuel Thomas, code name Captain America, present during elimination attempt on Rogers, Steven and Romanoff, Natasha, targeted under previous code name Falcon during launch of Project Insight ...." His voice trailed off as he looked at Noelle again. This time his voice was anxious. "Where's Winnie?"

"Soldier, what was your mission?" asked Fury. The Soldier still stared at Noelle, so he repeated it in Russian. "Soldat, what was your mission?"

He slowly turned his gaze towards Fury. "Set and detonate charges at site of suspected Cerberus lab, protect Avengers team, return team safely to headquarters," he said, as if he was repeating it by memory.

"Mission report," ordered the director.

"Site destroyed; beam of unknown origin was directed at team members, incapacitating them, requiring immediate evacuation. The Asset lost consciousness until awakening in medical lab. The Asset panicked, assuming recapture by HYDRA. The team, are they safe?"

"Everyone came back in the quinjet," said Sam. "You saved everyone."

"No, there is one casualty," said the Soldier. "He isn't there anymore. The Asset failed the last requirement of the mission."

Noelle came closer to him. "Who is the casualty?" she pleaded. "Please tell me."

He blinked his eyes several times, then licked his lips, displaying anxiety. "Barnes, James Buchanan, Sergeant. Birthdate, March 10, 1917. Previous code name, Winter Soldier. Current code name, White Wolf."

Chapter 4>>

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#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfiction #buckybarnes original female character #james buchanan barnes fanfiction #winter soldier fanfiction #soft winter soldier #vibranium universe

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ggomos-maribat · 2 years ago

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3 | in which Jason Todd is saved from a catfish

Part 3 of No Mr. Wayne You Can't Adopt Me! | Masterlist

Jason didn't visit the WE building often and he preferred not to anyway. But he had to drop off case files in Bruce's office and receive a lead from the Replacement. He had his phone on one hand, and envelopes in another as he entered the lavish room. Upon finding the space empty, he dropped the files on the desk and ventured outside to ask the assistant.

"Where's Bruce?" His eyes landed on the petite girl, hair neatly tucked in a ponytail and face curled up in concentration.

"Bathroom." Not once did she unglue her gaze from the monitor. "You're chatting with a catfish by the way."

"What?"

"Your phone. Tinder? That match of yours is a catfish."

Jason looked at his phone and then back at her. When did she even see? He'd heard about the girl, Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Personal assistant to Bruce for nearly five months already. The Replacement described her as a miracle worker. Dick liked her because she was good with kids. The demon child said she was eccentric. And Bruce? Every time he talked about her, Jason sensed that he had a new potential adoptive sister.

Though witnessing her behavior firsthand . . . Jason wasn't sure what to think.

"How'd you know?" Jason checked his screen—Gail, a stranger he managed to chat up so he could go undercover during their scheduled dinner date. Partly a cover, but partly just to meet someone new.

"It's obvious by how she replies and that profile photo is clearly fake." She shrugged.

"It's not." Jason was starting to have doubts. Was he a 'boomer' with technology after all, because of his death and revival?

She finally looked at him properly, though bearing a very very judgmental gaze that almost made him squirm. "A catfish is—"

"I know what a catfish is," Jason grumbled a bit too hastily.

"I really advise you to reconsider, Mr. Todd. Sooner or later, this possible middle-aged scammer will try to rob you of your money." Marinette lent her attention back to the computer. "Then ghost you."

"What, like you can find me a better partner?"

"For fun or for long-term commitment?"

Jason opened his mouth yet no sound came out. I don't know if she's joking or not.

Marinette spoke again after his lack of reply. "If you're looking to pursue a real relationship, I suggest considering those who are already close to you. But if it's just a fling, I'll be happy to find potential dates according to your preferences."

He frowned. He already invested too much effort and time befriending his match. But his subconscious betrayed him by letting him think of someone when she uttered her first statement. A red-haired someone. Damn it.

He snorted and started to walk away. "Whatever. I can get my own dates, thank you."

Unlocking his phone once again, he started to make a background check on 'Gail' while looking up what 'ghost' meant.

***

Bruce walked up to his assistant's desk. "I just passed Jason and he seemed out of it. Do you know what happened?"

Marinette only glanced at him for a second. "You don't need to know the specifics of it, sir. Let's just say your second son might not be a bachelor for life after all."

"What?"

"Nevermind."

***

The night was chilly and serene for some odd reason. The dry cloudless sky was a blessing for the city, granting it a peaceful ambience despite, still, the crimes occurring into the late hours. A few vehicles hummed on the road, streetlights buzzed while flickering on and off, and shadows of stray animals crept up window ledges.

Although Gotham was quiet, Bruce's heart wasn't. He fucked up. His grappling gun was cracked from a scuffle earlier that night, and the nearest most convenient place to get a spare was his office in WE. He managed to grapple through the window before the tool finally fell apart.

Now, I just need to find it . . . Batman started rummaging through the drawers, opening all the secret compartments he knew. He was certain he'd left it in some hidden nook, separate from where he kept his backup suit and tools.

He found the grappling gun at last, nestled amongst dusty office supplies inside a box. But the second he lifted it, the door creaked open.

"Who's there?!"

He felt the coldest shiver right under his skin.

He completely forgot Marinette was staying in the building for overtime. There she was, brandishing a kitchen knife at him (where did she even get it? The break room?) and if she wasn't menacing before, she certainly looked menacing at that moment.

"Batman?" She narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing here? Are you stealing from this office?"

Bruce's eyes slightly widened beneath his cowl. Fuck secret identities. Situations like these were always frustrating. He quickly hid the grappling gun away from her view before saying, "I had something to retrieve from here."

He needed to chant to himself: don't you dare use your soft voice. She doesn't know who you are.

Marinette scoffed. "With Mr. Wayne's agreement?"

"Yes. We had a previous deal. He knows I'm here."

"Oh really?" She reached into her pocket and brought out her phone. "So if I call Mr. Wayne right now to confirm, he's going to agree with you, yes?"

His grip tightened on his only escape plan. If I can just get to the window . . .

"Don't move!" Marinette held the knife out as she called his number. "Or else I'm throwing this knife at you."

Bruce wanted to believe that she wouldn't have the skills to actually hit him with that knife, but a part of him wouldn't take the risk. His assistant's steely eyes were piercing him through the dark, almost reminding him of the times when he missed important appointments she consistently reminded him of.

And of course, the phone continued ringing because his business phone was all the way back in the Manor. After no response, she stepped forward with the weapon still out.

"Since he can't confirm at the moment, I'm keeping you here until the police arrive," she told him.

"You can let me go," he replied. "Bruce Wayne is an associate of mine, I've no other reason for being here."

"You're investigating him, aren't you? You have no right to break into his office!" She scowled. "You're so nosy because of your damned paranoia."

"He helps fund the Justice League. There's no reason for me to investigate him."

"He has no interest in things like that; he already funds most of Gotham."

"Hn. What if I told you this was actually my office?"

Marinette scoffed. "I believe Mr. Wayne has more dignity than dressing up as a bat furry every night to beat people up."

That did it for Bruce. Firstly, his mind went blank at that comment as he wondered how he got an assistant so competent that it was backfiring on his alter ego.

Secondly, he was hearing laughter.

He forgot to turn off his comms.

His hand flew up to his earpiece at lightning speed to turn it off. As a split-second decision, he flicked a Batarang to pin her sleeve to the wall and make her drop the knife, before he shot the grapple and swung out. He was afraid that the longer he stayed there, the higher the chance he'd actually reveal his identity to her.

But when he landed on another building, guilt immediately took over. He turned on his comms again. "Oracle, do you have eyes inside the office?"

A long sigh sounded out from Barbara. "Yes, B, she's a big girl—she freed herself from the Batarang."

He let out an inaudible sigh of relief.

". . . And I saved the video recording of the whole thing." To this, laughter echoed into his ear again.

"Tt. You shouldn't have thrown the Batarang, Father, she wasn't at fault." Damian's voice cracked through. "She heard and intercepted an intruder, albeit in a dangerous manner, and she called to check if what you were saying was true."

"I'm sorry, I panicked," Bruce grumbled. He had to make sure to give her a bonus that month.

#maribat fanfic #dc x mlb #mlb x dc #maribat #maribat fic #maribat marinette dupain cheng #NMWYCAM #PA!Marinette

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my-castles-crumbling · 2 months ago

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Anonymous Advise Asks - February 10

6 anon, three hearts anon, angry anon, unnamed anon (new), confused 2 anon (new)

6 anon

We made it to states on a wild card placement, and the chances of that were like 2 percent! TWO, and we got it!!! I am very happy. I got 2 superior awards and 1 excellence award. However the downside is that it's in Detroit, but it's ok because my best friends are going to watch so yippeeee

OMG that's amazing, I'm so excited for you!!! Please keep me updated and tell me how it goes!

_____________________

Three Hearts Anon

So if I'm understanding correctly, you can't go to therapy because of something your aunt did? I mean I don't know the whole situation but...I don't think you should sacrifice your mental health to protect her. Like...you're the kid in this situation, you know? You deserve to get help.

Also I promise you that everyone you love does not hate you. I have definitely felt like that before and I get how it feels all-consuming, but there are people who care aboutyou, I swear <3

________________

Angry Anon

Hello, Cas! Angry anon here lol

I want to say THANK YOU for taking the time to reply!! It helped me quite a bit to calm down.

I started writing fanfics for the first time and also made some art that people liked even tho they were pretty messy :D It helped me vent A LOT. I could even talk about stuff that could potentially trigger other people but in fanfics they're just there (like eating habits).

I feel guilty talking about stuff with friends. I think I weight them down and they already have their own problems to deal with, I hate being another one of those.

My situation still kinda sucks but for the first time in like two weeks they actually let me sleep for six hours three days in a row ayy, I think that's improvement (?)! I think one of the reasons I was so upset was them not letting me rest at all, it's different if someone stays up so late and wake up in the middle of the night and has to go places early morning because they just do but was kinda frustrating that I needed to do that because they didn't give me any other choice.

Anyway, I also tried the paper crumpling, didn't really work for me and there's no rage rooms nearby but I put googly eyes on my phone and that somehow worked?? Idk

I might vent here occasionally (you're free to ignore it if you feel like it) but yeah, thanks

Hi! I'm so proud of you for finding ways to cope! Writing and drawing are amazing ways, and though I've never tried putting googly eyes on my phone- if it works and it doesn;t hurt anyone I'm all for it! I'm also really glad you've gotten some sleep <3 Keep it up with the healthy coping!

Also yes, you are always allowed to vent here <3

_________________

Unnamed Anon

Hey cas

I'm not gonna use my anon name cause I feel kinda bad about this but.

Backstory- I think I might be bi? But I live in a very religious very homophobic community and I'm not interested in dating yet ( Honestly im super confused) so I'm not out. And I probably won't be. Which is. A whole other thing.

But. This girl (I'm a girl) I've had a crush on for the longest time. I think she's straight. Anyway I really like her. And like... romantically, platonically, however she'll have me, pathetic I know but she's amazing. I applied to the college she's going to just... because of her. Which no one knows. But anyway.

She was dating this guy. I never met him. I only knew in passing. And she apparently just broke up with him. And like, secretly I'm a little happy. Which I feel terrible about! But she's handling it okay, not heartbroken, and it means she has more time for me (it's not like she'd date me now, she's just not doing boyfriend stuff) So idk. I just feel confused and yucky.

Side note, it means she probably doesn't have a prom date? She'll probably get one cause she's super pretty and amazing and everything but like... idk. The delusion lives on.

Even if she wasn't straight and I was out, she's kinda out of my league. I think I'll never forget her tho.

Thanks for being you

Hi <3 I think it's absolutely okay and natural to feel confused about all this, especially with your upbringing. But please know that none of what you're feeling is wrong or bad- even the mixed feelings about your crush's breakup!

Honestly, I think we've all felt like that before- a bit happy (and a bit guilty for feeling happy) when something like this happens. It's not like you're celebrating over a tragedy like a death or a fire or anything like that. You're not even outwardly celebrating! If it was one of those things, then I might say you should feel guilty. But you're not, so please don't beat yourself up. If it makes you feel any better, once I asked a guy out like four hours after he broke up with his girlfriend bc I was so excited he was single...it happens.

_________________

#6 anon #angry anon #three hearts anon #unnamed anon #confused 2 anon #asks #ask #ask cas

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fluffsnake · 2 months ago

Note

Hey! I am in love with your art style!

Your art is so expressive, you manage to keep the character spirit even when you "deform" them while you put them in different situations (with deform I mean giving them exaggerated expressions)

I don't know if anyone already asked you this but: what do you think were big influences in your art? Like an animated series/movie, comic book series or artist, that you recognise traces of in your own style and creative process.

As I said I love your art and I am saving some of your works to study in the future to grow as an artist (don't worry in my own personal time, not gonna publish any of those studies here, I feel like I need to say this for how the art community online get sometimes)

Anyway: hope you have a great day!✨

omg I'm sorry it took me so long to answer, I couldn't reply on my phone and I thought I would have to write a separate message and tag you in it but yay, it works from desktop!!

firstly, thank you so much, I am super happy you think so because one of my favorite things to draw and capture is faces/feelings/expressions, so I must be doing alright ;w;

as for influences,,, ooh somewhat tough question! my art style definitely changed a bit over time, but some of my biggest influences and artists I looked up to a lot were/are Masashi Kishimoto for how clean and correct his art looks and niimdam on twitter/bluesky for the way they simplify shapes and the human body! I also look up to Nina Vakueva a lot, man I love her linework to bits! Jojo's Bizzare Adventure has been a big infleunce on how I drew eyes/lips for the longest time, and now my style is just a mix of these things I guess! When it comes to drawing bodies especially but also as a stylistic influence I also look to KaySD

But, if I had to pick I would still go with niimdam as a main influence bc studying their art has been eye opening, and otherwise I just stare at art a lot on the internet haha I see things I like in other people's styles, meaning mostly shorthand methods for drawing certain stuff, and I absorb it like a sponge where I can xD

and secondly, it's super flattering that you would like to study my art - like, wow! I mean, I would kinda advise against it because my grasp on fundamentals and such is extremely questionable, but well~ if it helps a little, I'll be glad for it!

#ask

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khoicesbyk · 5 months ago

Text

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 9,875 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or DM me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @kingliamappreciationweek

Chapter 10.) Dèja Vu.

Shanelle couldn't believe what she had just heard. Again.

"I'm sorry but what did you just say?" Shanelle asked her doctor.

"The urine test you requested came back. You're pregnant ma'am." Dr Andersen replied.

She stared at him.

"Again?!"

"Yes, my Queen. You're pregnant again."

"But! But! I just gave birth! To twins!"

"Yes, you did. Over a year ago. And now you're pregnant again."

Shanelle felt like she couldn't breathe.

"Your Majesty?" he asked.

"And you're 100% sure doctor?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am. Your test was positive," he replied.

"Should I take another test?" she asked, "Maybe this one was a false positive."

"We can take another one ma'am but it more than likely won't change the result."

Shanelle let out a defeated sigh.

"I can not believe this is happening again."

Dr. Andersen looked at her sympathetically.

"I know that you might not want to hear this but this is a happy time. For you and The Royal Family. You and His Majesty are great parents. I've seen it with my own eyes. And I am happy for you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him.

"Thank you, Dr. Andersen. I appreciate it."

"Of course My Queen. I will contact your Obstetrician."

"Thank you again."

Dr. Andersen nodded before taking his leave. The reality was finally hitting her.

"Oh my God! I can't do this again! I can't be pregnant! Not now! I have way too damn much going on to be pregnant!" she thought to herself.

To make matters worse, she found out she was pregnant two days before her father's birthday. She was so in denial, that she snuck out of the palace and headed to a local pharmacy and bought as many drugstore pregnancy tests as her arms could carry. When she got back to her office she took every last one. And they were all positive. She is indeed pregnant.

"Damn it all to hell! Of all the times to be pregnant, Mother Nature chooses to do this to me now?!"

Shanelle let out a frustrated sigh.

"I can't believe we're doing this again," she said out loud but not alone, "doing what again?"

She was startled by her husband's voice.

"Don't do that!" she said as she caught her breath, "You scared me half to death."

"I'm sorry."

He took in the look on her face.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"No. Yes? Maybe? I don't know?" she replied.

"What's wrong?"

"Umm..." She struggled to come up with words.

"Okay, now you're starting to scare me. What's wrong? Why do you look like that?"

Shanelle took a shaky breath as she sat down at her desk.

"Close the door and have a seat."

He closed the door and then took a seat across from her.

"Okay, I'm sitting down. What is going on? What's wrong?"

Shanelle sighed.

"You're about to be a father again," she said quietly.

"What?"

"You're about to be a father again," she spoke up.

"What?!"

"Do NOT make me say it to you a third time!" she snapped at him.

Marquise blinked in realization.

"Wait! You're pregnant?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm pregnant. Ya, happy now?" she asked in a frustrated tone.

Shanelle closed her eyes to keep tears of frustration from falling.

"Shanelle, look at me," he said to her.

Shanelle exhaled and then looked at him.

"You're absolutely sure you're pregnant?" he asked.

"Yes. I had Dr. Andersen do a pregnancy test and it came back positive. Then I went out and bought my own. They're all positive." she replied as her voice hitched.

Marquise reached across her desk and gently took her shaking hands in his.

"If this is true, why do you look so upset?"

"Because I don't have time to be pregnant! We have two one-year-olds and a six-year-old to raise already. On top of the fact that two cocky idiots are gunning for our thrones. I can't be pregnant now. It will derail my entire year not to mention that it would derail my life! I can't afford that!" she replied as tears started rolling down her face.

Marquise stood up and brought her to her feet.

"First of all, I need you to breathe."

"I am breathing."

"No, you're stressed out and upset. I need you to breathe!"

"Is that an order?"

"Yes. Now breathe."

Shanelle closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.

"Good. Now I want you to hear me. I know you're upset because of the timing of this but my love this is not something to be upset about."

"You don't understand Marquise!"

"I do understand. I understand that you don't want to be inconvenienced. I understand that you don't want to stop. I understand that you'd rather not have to think about being pregnant. I understand that you feel we have enough to deal with. Between raising our children, running and governing our kingdom, and especially having to deal with this god-forsaken challenge. I know what you're feeling. I know you feel like being pregnant will get in the way of all we're doing. But this is not a bad thing. We will do what we always do, we will breathe, straighten our shoulders, hold our heads high, and rule together."

Shanelle felt him rub his thumbs in circles on her knuckles.

"This is great news, my love. Our family is growing again. Our parents will be thrilled. Our nieces and nephews will be over the moon. And God knows Khari will be insufferable."

Shanelle chuckled.

"And our boys, they will be big brothers. Can you imagine how adorably hilarious they will be?"

Shanelle nodded.

"Yeah, I can."

He tilted her chin up so she was looking at him.

"I know this isn't what we expected. Especially you. But this is the hand we've been dealt. And like all things we do in love and life, we will handle this head-on. Because you know I would never allow you to walk this journey alone."

"But I don't know that I'm ready. I don't know if I can devote time to this."

"The woman I married. The woman I share a life with. The woman who gave me my three beautiful children. The woman who has had my heart since the first time I laid eyes on her. The woman I will always say I love you to. The woman who leads one of the greatest nations in the world. The woman I will lay my life down for. The Queen of Cordonia...is always ready."

Shanelle exhaled slowly.

"Okay okay. You win." Shanelle said before taking a shaky breath, "While I wish the timing of this was much better, you're right. I can do this. We will do this."

Marquise nodded.

"Never forget. You are a fantastic mother. The way you love, nurture, protect, teach, and defend our children always leaves me in awe. You are gentle, silly, firm, and caring. Our children are blessed not because of me but because of you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him.

"I wanna wait to tell people though. I want to take one last test. Just to be extra sure before we start telling everyone."

Marquise nodded.

"When do you want to tell everyone?"

"Next week. Since my parents will be here to celebrate their birthdays."

"Alright. For now, only we will know. So go ahead and order one more test."

"Okay."

"And don't worry, my love. You'll see that this is a good thing. Even if it doesn't feel like it right now. You'll see, it will be alright."

"I know it will be. I'm just..."

"Still in shock and disbelief?"

"Yeah."

He pulled her into a loving embrace.

"Listen to me, I know it's a shock. But once it settles, you'll see the joy in all of this."

"I know I will."

"So let's breathe then get ready for the madness this is about to cause."

Shanelle exhaled slowly.

"Thank you for talking me off a ledge."

He chuckled softly.

"It's what you married me for."

Shanelle smiled at him.

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

She kissed him.

"Thank you."

"Keep that up and you'll be pregnant twice."

"And...he ruins the moment."

"You love meeee."

Shanelle shook her head with a small smile before she took one last look at the pregnancy test on her desk before putting it away In a drawer and then leaving her office with him.

The couple was able to keep Shanelle's pregnancy to themselves until her parents arrived that weekend. And that Sunday was the big reveal. After Khari and her brothers sang Happy Birthday the best they could to their Grammy it was time for cake and presents. While Marquise got the cake with the children, Shanelle gave her parents the news. In the cutest way possible.

"Got an early present for you and Daddy before the kids get cake everywhere," Shanelle said as she handed her mother a small gift bag.

"What's this butterfly?" her mother asked.

"Open it and find out."

Shantel gave her daughter a look.

"It's not bad. I promise."

"I don't know, this may be revenge for that gag gift we gave when you were 9." her father piped up.

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

"Your father has a point."

"Oh my goodness! Just open it!"

Shantel set the gift bag down and began taking the tissue paper out of it.

"Is there a present in here or is this just a bag of paper?" her father asks.

Shanelle merely shrugged.

"Honey, you may be right. Your daughter may have finally got her revenge." Shantel said to her husband.

"Good Lord! You two are impossible."

Her parents laughed as Shantel continued taking out more and more tissue paper. When she finally got to the bottom of the bag, she pulled out a small box.

"What's this?" Shantel asks.

"You have to open it to find out," Shanelle replied.

Shantel looked at her and then at her husband before opening the box. She nearly dropped the box after opening it.

"Oh my God!" she gasped out loud.

"What? What is it?" Damien asked.

Shantel held up a positive pregnancy test for her husband to see.

"What?!" Damien asks.

They both looked at her stunned.

"Happy Birthday?" Shanelle said to her parents.

"Are you serious?" her mother asked.

"Yeah. It's real." Shanelle replied.

"You're really pregnant?" Damien asked Shanelle.

"Yes, Daddy. You and momma get to be Grammy and Pop Pop all over again," she replied.

Their shock slowly turned to joy.

"Oh my God! Congratulations baby!" her mother said to her as she hugged her.

"Thank you, momma."

"Another one? When did you find out?" Damien asks.

"Yes, Daddy, another one. I found out I was pregnant two days before your birthday." she replied, "I hope you and Momma aren't mad that I didn't tell you right away."

"Of course not my darling," he said as he hugged her. "We couldn't be happier for you."

Shantel dried her eyes.

"Does Margo know you're pregnant?" Shantel asks.

"No, I don't think Marquise has told her yet," Shanelle replied.

"Hasn't told me what?" Margo asked as she walked up grabbing everyone's attention, "I apologize to everyone. I didn't mean to startle you all."

"It's quite alright Margo." Shantel said to her, "This is what your son hasn't told you yet."

Shantel handed her the small gift box. When Margo looked into the box her eyebrows shot up.

"Oh my goodness!"

"Oh God no!" Shantel said with a laugh, "Not me Margo."

"Then who?" Margo asks. That's when Shantel nodded to Shanelle and it dawned on her.

"Wait! You mean?" she asks before looking at Shanelle.

"Surprise?" Shanelle replied sheepishly.

Margo's jaw dropped.

"Welcome to the Grammy for a third-time club sweetie," Shantel said to her.

"My goodness! Congratulations my dear!" Margo said as she hugged Shanelle. "I am so happy for you and my son!"

"Thank you, Margo. I just hope I didn't steal His Majesty's thunder. He wanted to tell you himself."

Margo shook her head with a tearful smile.

"My heart is so full. I am thrilled for you and him. And especially my grandbabies. They'll be thrilled."

"I'm not too sure the boys will understand."

"This is true. But they can learn." Margo said with a happy sigh, "I wish George was here. He would be over the moon with happiness."

Shanelle smiled at Margo.

"I miss him. I remember how happy he was when we found out I was pregnant with Khari."

Shantel hugged Margo.

"Oh, sweetie. He's here. I can hear his laugh now."

Margo smiled.

"I can too."

That's when Marquise popped his head in.

"I was sent here to ask if we are ready for cupcakes."

Margo gave him a look.

"What? What's that look for?" he asked Margo.

"When were you going to tell me?!" she replied.

"Tell you wha—" he asked before seeing his wife mouth the words "She knows", "Ohhhhh! That."

"Yes. That," she said with her hands on her hips.

"I promise I had every intention of telling you."

Margo shook her head with a smile.

"If only it wasn't considered treason to pop you." she playfully warned before hugging him, "Congratulations my love. I am so happy for you."

"Thank you, mama."

"Daddy! Are they ready yet?!" Khari asked from the other room.

"Yes, my love! They're ready. Bring the cupcakes in." he replied.

"Otay (okay)! We toming (coming)!" Kylo replied.

The kids brought in a cart full of cupcakes with lit candles in them.

"Alright boys! You ready?"

"Ready!" they replied.

"Okay. One...two...three!"

"Happy!" Zyon said.

"Birthday!" Kylo followed.

"To Pop Pop and Grammy!" Khari cheered.

Everyone clapped.

"Okay, now Grammy. You and Pop Pop gotta make a wish and then blow out the candles."

Everyone watched as they blew out the candles.

"And now the best part!" Khari said.

"Cupcakes!" the twins said together.

As everyone was enjoying a cupcake, Khari noticed the small gift box.

"What's that Grammy?" Khari asked.

Shantel chuckled softly.

"That is a very special gift from your mother and father to me and Pop Pop," Shantel replied.

"What kind of gift?" Khari asked.

Shantel looked at Khari's parents.

"I'll let them tell you."

Khari looked at her parents.

"Looks like the jig's up," Shanelle whispered to her husband.

"Yup," Marquise replied before clearing his throat, "Come here, my love. There's something your mother and I have to tell you and your brothers."

Khari brought her brothers with her.

"What is it, Daddy?" Khari asked.

"Yeah? What?" Zyon asked.

"Well, it's about our family," he replied.

"Huh?" Kylo asked.

"I don't understand Daddy," Khari said to him, "what's wrong with our family."

"Nothing's wrong baby. This is a good thing." Shanelle replied.

"Oh okay. So what is it?" Khari asked.

"Our family is going to be getting bigger," Shanelle replied.

"Huh?" Zyon asked.

"What dat (that) mean Mommy?" Kylo asks.

"Hmmm..."

Khari thought for a minute then gasped.

"Wait! Is mommy pregnant again?!" she asked.

"Yes, my love. Your mother is pregnant." Marquise replied.

"Oh my goodness! I'm gonna be a big sister!" Khari said.

"You already are a big sister sweetie. But your brothers will be big brothers now." Shanelle said to her daughter.

"Big brudder (brother)?" Kylo asks.

"Me and Kyyo (Kylo)?" Zyon asked.

"Yes, my boy. You and Kylo will be big brothers." Marquise replied.

"What's that?" Kylo asks.

Shanelle shook her head with a smile.

"I don't think they understand."

"That's okay mommy. I'll teach them everything I know!"

Later that evening after telling the rest of Marquise's family, Shanelle was out on her balcony before she was joined by her husband.

"How are you feeling my love?" he asked her.

"I'm relieved. Part of our family knows. I still have to break the news to a certain group of women."

Marquise snorted.

"They will eat you alive."

"I don't mind them. It's the rest of the world that I'm worried about."

He kissed her forehead softly.

"We will reveal to the world when you're ready and not a moment before."

"Are you sure that we can?"

"Of course. This isn't the first time we've hidden a pregnancy."

"But what about my appointments?"

"You and I both know that there are a million and one ways in and out of this palace. And in terms of your Obstetrician's office, there's a service elevator that we can take to avoid detection."

Shanelle shook her head impressed.

"You really do think of everything."

"Any way that I can alleviate any of your stress and keep you at ease, I will employ."

"I don't know what I'd do without you but I'm not willing to find out."

Marquise chuckled.

"I do it because I adore you. That's why."

"Well, you've certainly set the bar high for your daughters' future suitors."

Marquise scoffed.

"It's cute you assume she'll have any."

Just then, there was a knock at their bedroom door.

"Now who could that be at this hour?" she asks.

"I'll go find out," he replied.

He walked to the door and when he opened it there was an attendant on the other side.

"Apologies for the late intrusion sire but this just came for you and Her Majesty." the attendant said as she handed him an envelope.

"Thank you. That will be all."

"Of course, my King." the attendant replied with a curtsey before leaving.

Marquise curiously turned the envelope over in his hand.

"What is it?" Shanelle asks.

"Let's find out, shall we?" he replied.

Marquise broke the seal on the envelope and then pulled an invitation out. He read the invitation with an eyebrow raised and finished with a scoff.

"What does it say?" she asked.

"Your presence is hereby formally requested to be in attendance at the official Welcome Ball of Lord and Lady Aldon Douglas Joseph of House Gallagher. Saturday, May 19th at 5:00 PM at the Palace of Dalevandon." He read aloud.

"No, they didn't." Shanelle hissed.

"They did. And they're having this ball at King Elgin's old palace."

Shanelle scoffed.

"So this is bait?"

"Mmmhmm. They want a public spectacle and have sent us this in hopes that we'll reject their invitation."

"Well, they're right. We are not going."

"Oh yes, we are."

"What? Have you lost your mind?"

"You have to remember, this is about optics. If we don't go, the people will wonder why we're letting them intimidate us. Also, I am not about to be intimidated by a couple of amateurs."

"Ugh, I don't want to go."

"We don't really have a choice, my love. By sending us this they're forcing our hands. And if we don't go, they can say that they tried to extend an olive branch and we refused it."

Shanelle groaned.

"I hate courtly politics", Shanelle muttered with a frustrated sigh, "Fine. We'll go but we're not staying all night. I want to tuck our kids into bed at night."

"Deal. I'll have word sent that we'll be in attendance."

"In the meantime, I'm getting in the shower."

"Hey! Wait for me!"

Shanelle rolled her eyes playfully.

The couple spent the next week flying under the radar until her first appointment with Dr. Ramirez that following Wednesday morning. After coming through the service entrance, they were taken to a private room where they waited for her doctor.

"How are you feeling my love?" Marquise asked her.

"Everything all at once. I still can't believe I'm pregnant. But here we are about to have another baby." Shanelle replied.

"I'm sure. But this is an exciting time for us and our family. I know you're nervous but I am always with you."

"I know. It's just all the changes that are gonna happen. With us. With the kids. With the kingdom. I don't want to not be present and available for them."

"You have my word, my love. I will make sure that no matter what happens, you will always be seen, heard, and felt. Understood?"

Shanelle nodded just as there was a small knock at the door.

"Well, this is it," he said to her.

"Time to get this show on the road."

Dr. Ramirez and her nurse entered the room.

"Hello, and good morning Your Majesties. It's good to see you both again."

"You as well Dr. Ramirez," Marquise replied.

The doctor smiled at Shanelle.

"And a very good morning to you my Queen. Let me say congratulations to you and His Majesty on your soon-to-be newest bundle of joy."

Shanelle smiled softly at Dr. Ramirez.

"Thank you, doctor."

"So how are you doing? How are you feeling?" Dr. Ramirez asked.

"So far I'm okay. No early signs of pregnancy or morning sickness yet."

"That's good to hear. As always we'll check in periodically to be sure."

Shanelle nodded.

"Okay."

"In the meantime, we have an ultrasound to get started. Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I think so. Even though I hate this part."

Dr. Ramirez chuckled.

"I understand why my Queen. But I assure you that this won't take too long."

"Alright."

"Now I need you to lie back so my assistant Mara can apply the gel."

Shanelle laid back while holding her husband's hand while Dr. Ramirez turned on the ultrasound machine and her assistant applied the gel.

"Eek! Cold! Still cold!" Shanelle squirmed while Marquise stifled his laugh.

"I'm sure it is but the chill will dissipate soon." Dr. Ramirez replied as the screen came to life.

"Now, let's find that heartbeat."

Dr. Ramirez gently pressed the wand to Shanelle's stomach, moved it around, and then stopped when the heartbeat was heard.

"Say hello to your little one Your Majesties," she said gently to the couple.

The couple was in awe.

"Oh my God. They're real. Our baby is real." Shanelle with tears in her eyes.

"They're real. This is real. This is actually happening." Marquise spoke up.

They watched as Dr. Ramirez moved the wand around a little more.

"And this time, it's only one baby."

Shanelle let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank God! I would've died if you said it was twins again."

Dr. Ramirez chuckled.

"No no. Just one."

Marquise nodded slowly.

"At least now we know. Thank you, Doctor."

Dr. Ramirez smiled at Marquise.

"Of course Your Majesty. Again I am happy for you both."

"We appreciate that," Shanelle said to her.

"We'll get you cleaned up then we'll give you two a moment alone. But so far we're off to a great start."

After cleaning the gel off Shanelle's stomach, the couple sat together in shock and love.

"Life loves playing jokes on us, doesn't it?" Shanelle asked her husband.

"Indeed. How are you feeling?" he replied.

"I think reality is finally setting in. I think I'm slowly coming to terms with all of this," she replied.

Marquise nodded.

"It's a lot. Like a whole lot. But I know you. I know your strength. I know your perseverance. I know your tenacity. And God knows I know your love. I promise this will go smoothly. Unlike everything else in our lives."

Shanelle snorted.

"Well, when you put it that way, bring it on."

"There ya go! That's the spirit."

He rubbed circles on the knuckles of her right hand.

"You never cease to amaze me."

"You always say that."

"Because it's true. Every single day that I get to spend in your light is a blessing I will never take for granted. That's how much you mean to me. That's how much I adore you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him.

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

She leaned over and kissed him sweetly.

"I love you."

"I love you too, my love."

He smiled against her lips.

"I'll call the car."

Shanelle nodded before he stepped outside. When he did he was greeted by Dr. Ramirez.

"Your Majesty. I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to know if we should do the monthly check-ins that we did the last time Her Majesty was pregnant."

"Yes ma'am. I would. Again it's not that I want to hide anything from her but if something should arise."

Dr. Ramirez nodded.

"You will always be my first call."

"Thank you, Doctor."

Marquise stepped away from her to call their car. Later that day, it was time for Shanelle to tell the girls.

"Now that I have you all gathered here today I have something to tell you lot."

"What is it, Princess?" Nina asked.

"Now before I tell you girls what I have to say I just wanna preface what I'm gonna say with this, it's all Nina's fault! Y'all can blame her for what I'm about to say." Shanelle replied

"Me?! What did I do?" Nina asked.

"You were breathing on me! This is all your fault!" Shanelle replies, "You infected me with your cooties! I blame you!"

"Oh my God! I haven't seen you since January!"

"That's how long your cooties have been on me. And now..."

The girls were stuck. They didn't know what Shanelle was talking about.

"What are you rambling about Nelle?" Nina asked.

Shanelle shook her head with a hand covering her smile that's when it dawned on Nina.

"OH MY GOD! YOU'RE PREGNANT!" Nina guessed.

"What?!" the rest of the girls asked.

"Told y'all it was Nina's fault. She was spreading her pregnancy germs around and I caught them."

The girls cheered.

"Congratulations baby!" Robin said to her.

"Thank you, babe."

"I can't believe you're pregnant again!" Bron quipped.

"I know right?" Shanelle said to her.

"How are the kids?" Dee asked.

"Well, the boys don't quite understand what's going on just yet. But Khari? She is...excitedly insufferable." Shanelle replied.

The girls laughed.

"Stop that! My Princess is allowed to be happy." Nina said to her.

"We're so happy for you," Chutney said to her.

"Thank you, my love," Shanelle replied.

"How are you feeling?" Aly asks.

"I am...everything, everywhere, all at once. Honestly when I found out I didn't believe it at first. Hell, I didn't want to believe it. But when it was confirmed that I am indeed with child...I couldn't deny it anymore." Shanelle replied.

"When did you find out?" Nina asks.

"Two days before my dad's birthday," Shanelle replied.

"And you're just now telling us?" Robin asked.

"Again I was deep in denial. At first, I thought the first test I took might've been a false positive. But when I took at least 8 more tests, they all said the same thing. And well here we are." Shanelle replied.

"So are you having twins again?" Bron asked.

Nina cackled.

"No! Thank God! Besides, my uterus would've staged a mutiny if it was revealed I was having twins again. Thankfully for me, there is only one bun in this oven." Shanelle replied, "this time around the only one having twins is your sister-in-law."

Bronwyn laughed.

"Well, congratulations anyway. You're a great mom."

"Thank you, baby. Thank you all really. It means a lot to me that you all are happy for me."

"Of course we're happy. Our family is getting bigger." Robin said to her.

"Some might say that we're the mob." Aly quipped.

The girls all laughed.

"Nah. The mob is way too disorganized. Besides, they never get away with it. Unlike us." Shanelle said.

"True!" the girls agreed.

After speaking with the girls Shanelle found herself out on her bedroom balcony and was joined by her husband who was just ending a phone call.

"Yeah yeah. Asshole. Thanks again. I'll talk to you soon. Love you too." he said as he hung up the phone.

"Who was that?" she asked him.

"Leo. I told him you're pregnant," he replied.

"Oh good. How is he?" she asks.

"He's good. He's excited for us. How are the girls doing? How'd they take the news?"

"They're good. They're excited."

"You didn't blame Nina for you being pregnant did you?"

"It's her fault. And you know it."

Marquise shook his head with a smile before wrapping his arms around her waist.

"And now it'll soon be time to tell the world."

"We will tell the world when you're ready. Not a moment before."

Shanelle sighed contently.

"So we're really doing this again?" she asked.

"Mmmhmm. We are doing this again. We will be welcoming a new little one into our family." he replied.

Shanelle smiled softly.

"I swear I'm not in denial. It's just..."

"You're still in shock?" he asks.

"Yeah. I keep thinking I'm dreaming. But nope! I'm wide awake."

He kissed the back of her left shoulder.

"I'm excited for us. I know I could never go through the changes that you'll go through but I will always be with you and at your side."

"You'd be sickening if I didn't have such a giant praise kink."

"That's why I do it," he said before kissing the back of her left ear.

"I guess I'm still struggling with the timing of this pregnancy. Well, that and the fact that we're being forced to attend this Welcoming Ball in a few weeks."

That gave Marquise an idea.

"That gives me an idea."

"What?" she asked.

"Since we are discussing timing, why don't we announce your pregnancy on Mother's Day? Which is also a week before their so-called ball," he replied.

"That would certainly steal their thunder. And would force them to share their spotlight that night with us."

"Precisely."

Shanelle nodded.

"Okay. We'll announce it then."

"I love it when a plan comes together."

Over the next few weeks, The Royal Couple was able to keep Her Majesty's pregnancy quiet until their announcement on Mother's Day. It took the kingdom by storm and as Marquise predicted, stole the momentum from Lord and Lady Gallagher. Many were happy and excited about the soon-to-be newest royal baby.

On the day of the Welcome Ball, the couple got ready. Choosing to go with a 20s glam. Shanelle picked a strapless navy blue crushed velour dress that fit and flattered her beginning baby bump with long white gloves. Marquise whistled low when he saw her.

"Now what is a fine-looking filly such as yourself doing in a place like this?" he asked, showing off his Boston accent.

Shanelle snickered.

"You've been working on your Boston accent again."

"You like it?"

"I certainly do," she replied in a southern belle voice, "well sir, if you must know I happen to enjoy the very finest things in life."

The couple laughed before saying goodbye to their children and making the journey to Dalevandon in what was once West Cordonia. The ride was quiet and pleasant, taking them through the Gianko Valley. As they arrived in the former capital of West Cordonia, Marquise took a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" Shanelle whispered to her husband.

"Yes, I'm fine. It's just been a while since I've been here. I have...mixed feelings about this palace."

"I'm sure. You spent a lot of time here. After all, your ex grew up here. It's perfectly okay to feel conflicted about being here."

Marquise nodded as they pulled into the motor court.

"Well, we're here," she said to him.

Marquise peered out of their limo window.

"Indeed. And so is the press."

"Hmmm...with us announcing my pregnancy last Sunday, how do you think Lord and Lady Gallagher will react?" she asked.

"Forcibly polite," he replied as he fixed his watch, "now shall we go dazzle the masses?"

"Lead the way, Your Majesty."

Marquise was the first to step out of the limo, shielding his wife from the various camera flashes. Once she exited, he took her hand in his and smiled at the cameras.

"Good evening everyone!" Marquise said to the members of the press. Many clamored to the King.

"Your Majesties! Your Majesties! Over here!" many were heard shouting at the couple for their attention.

"Your Majesties! Giacomo Torres here! First off let me say congratulations to you and Her Majesty on your new bundle of joy." He said to Marquise.

"Thank you kindly," Marquise replied.

"With Lord and Lady Gallagher challenging for the throne, many want to know why you're here tonight?" he asked the couple.

"We were invited by Lord and Lady Gallagher and it would be incredibly rude to refuse such an invite," Shanelle replied.

"Agreed. Speaking of you Your Majesty, how are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm doing good, thank you for asking. No early signs of morning sickness so far."

"And how are the heirs? Are they excited?"

"Our boys are still very young so they don't really understand what is going on. But their sister is ecstatic at having another sibling." Marquise replied.

"Thank you both for your time. Do enjoy the ball." Giacomo said to them.

Both smiled and waved at the members of the press before making their way into the palace.

"Well that was fun," Shanelle said to her husband.

"It always is a fun time to show you off, my love. Now let's go steal the show from the idiots."

The couple was led to the doors of the grand ballroom for their entrance.

"Introducing His Majesty King Marquise Rys and Her Majesty Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys!" the herald announced as the doors opened. Their entrance grabbed everyone's attention.

When they got to the center of the grand ballroom, they were greeted in the receiving line by Lord and Lady Gallagher as well as their parents. Prince Dante Laurent and Duchess Josephine Grimes-Laurent and Duke Allastair Joseph and Duchess Daphne Ballenger-Joseph.

"Your Majesties. It is good to see you both. Our son wasn't sure you'd be joining us this evening." Duke Joseph said in greeting to them both.

"Thank you, Your Grace. Your son's challenge aside, I would never miss a good party." Marquise replied.

"Thank you for joining us, Your Majesties." Lord Gallagher said stiffly.

His mother cleared her throat.

"Yes, it is good that you're both here," she said to Marquise.

Marquise nodded politely then looked over to Lady Makenna's parents. Who bowed and curtsied in his direction.

"Your Highness. It's good to see you and the former Headmaster again. It's been quite some time since we've seen each other," he said to them.

Prince Dante nodded politely.

"Indeed it has. You were His Highness the last time my wife and I saw you." he said to Marquise before turning his attention to Shanelle, "Hello Your Majesty. It is good to meet you. And let me congratulate you and His Majesty on your pregnancy."

Shanelle smiled politely.

"Hello, Your Highness. It's lovely to meet you and Her Grace. Thank you very much for your kind words," she replied.

Lady Makenna rolled her eyes.

"You and Mama don't have to be so formal Papa. They won't be royals for very much longer."

Prince Dante gave his daughter a withering look.

"Makenna! You will show respect! You are not Queen yet! So until you are, you will represent our family with dignity! Now fix your face!" Prince Dante snapped at his daughter. This caused Shanelle to laugh quietly.

"Do excuse our daughter's lack of manners Your Majesties. She forgets herself sometimes." Duchess Josephine said to them.

"It's quite alright. Tell me, Your Grace, how is Elgin?" Marquise asked.

"He is well. Well as well as he can be." Prince Dante replies.

"His dialysis treatments are going well, yes?" Marquise asked.

"Yes, Sire. They are going well. My brother is still stubborn but he's still alive." Prince Dante replies.

"Papa! That is none of his business!" Makenna fussed.

Prince Dante gave her daughter another withering look.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm glad His Majesty is doing well. I think it's time that Her Majesty and I should take our seats. Be well, everyone." Marquise announced before walking Shanelle to their seats.

As they walked away, light bickering could be heard from Lord and Lady Gallagher to their parents.

"Well, that was awkward," Shanelle said to Marquise.

"Indeed but it was also informative," he replies.

"What do you mean?" Shanelle asked as they took their seats.

"Because Prince Dante lied to me. That's what I mean. He's not supposed to be within miles of the old palace," he replies.

"Why not?" Shanelle asked.

"Because Prince Dante is the reason why King Elgin owed a debt to my father in the first place. He had a gambling addiction when he was much younger and stupidly he risked his entire family's fortune on a race during the Royal Regatta one year and suffered a devastating loss to my father. And he seized on the opportunity." Marquise replied.

"Yikes!"

"And when King Elgin found out about his younger brother's blunder, he had no choice but to pay my father. Because of this Elgin banned his brother from ever stepping foot back in this palace. That's why Makenna was mad at him. Because she knew he would be lying to me. Truth is I doubt he's seen his brother in years. The last time he was here I was maybe 12 at the time. He hasn't been back since to my knowledge."

"So do you think King Elgin knows his brother is here?"

"Hard to say but with the state he's in, I don't think there's much he can do about it."

"Curiouser and curiouser. Do you think she's playing on her uncle's sympathies?"

Marquise shrugged.

"She wouldn't be the first noble to do so. And I doubt she'll be the last. That's probably why Dante sent Makenna to court. She was meant to be a peace offering. But I don't know if it worked."

The room quieted down as Lord Gallagher gave his opening remarks.

"Good Evening everyone! On behalf of my wife Lady Makenna Laurent, I want to welcome you all to our first of many balls here at my wife's family palace. I know some of you are loyal to Their Majesties. And I understand why. I don't blame you for your loyalty to them. I will be honest I didn't think Their Majesties would have had the decency to join us this evening. I am glad to see I was wrong. It is good to have you both here with us tonight. And my wife and I do wish you a warm and sincere congratulations on your new baby-to-be."

Marquise raised an eyebrow and then nodded at him.

"Now I understand that many of you don't know us. Therefore you're not sure you can trust us. My wife and I understand that. We also understand that we must earn the trust of the noble houses and the people. That is our goal for tonight. And let me just say, we are not challenging for the throne because we want to overthrow the monarchy. While it is hard for me to admit, I will give the current monarchs their credit. They have indeed done things for Cordonia. Many nobles and commoners alike have prospered under their leadership. Her Majesty's overhaul of the healthcare system of our kingdom alone is a feat that should be marveled at and celebrated. Because of that overhaul, many of our people were able to afford the life-saving healthcare they needed. My wife's uncle included. I thank them for that. But I am not blind to their misfortunes either. It was because of them we all were threatened by the Via Imperii."

Shanelle rolled her eyes quietly.

"And the unfair taxes many of us have had to pay. While yes, I can admit that money goes toward the healthcare system, education system, and emergency services and yes, none of it goes directly to either of them, we are well off now. We don't need to keep paying higher taxes. We don't need to keep doing trade, especially risky trades with hostile nations. And we certainly don't need to involve ourselves in petty squabbles between other nations. As many of you know, Kasnia is at war with Sulovaria and your King wants to involve us in that. That is military resources we don't need to expend. Not to mention he and the Queen spend more time gallivanting across the globe than they do at home."

His Majesty set his jaw.

"That is the irresponsibility my wife and I are trying to avoid. Unnecessary and costly wars and useless vanity points. We need leaders who have common sense solutions for everyday problems. They don't have common sense solutions. They don't have Cordonia's best interest at heart. But my wife and I do. That is why we are throwing this ball. It is our hope that tonight we will be able to change your minds about us and them. With that, let dinner be served!"

Servants busied themselves serving the first course of dinner. While they ate, Their Majesties discussed Lord Gallagher's opening statement.

"Well, what did you think?" Shanelle asked her husband.

"Not as bad as I expected. I knew they would take shots at us, but they played well to the crowd by keeping them at a minimum." Marquise replied.

"This is gonna be a long night isn't it?"

"Unfortunately but we're here and you are still pregnant. Which is something they didn't account for. We can still use that to our advantage."

"I love it when you get all political strategist."

"It's literally my job."

The main course, which was venison medallions in a wild boar ragu with chanterelle mushrooms and roasted Brussels sprouts, turned Shanelle's stomach.

"Are you alright?" Marquise asked.

"I don't think I can eat any of this. The smell of the mushrooms is making me queasy." Shanelle replied.

"Hmmm...let's see if one of my favorite of King Elgin's staff is working tonight."

Marquise was able to flag down one of the staff.

"Your Majesty! It is so good to see you again! I haven't seen you in ages!" the staff member said to him.

"Thank you, Tarlov. It's good to see you as well. Listen I don't mean to be a bother, but could I get something else for Her Majesty to eat? With her being pregnant, her senses are sensitive, and the mushrooms of the entree are making her feel sick. Perhaps you could indulge me just this once and have something lighter prepared for her."

"Oh dear! Of course sire. Right away!"

"Thank you again, Tarlov. Give Winnie my regards."

Tarlov nodded before taking Shanelle's plate away to the kitchen.

"Ugh! Thank you. Another second and I would've ruined the china." Shanelle said with a groan.

He rubbed the knuckles of her right hand.

"You're welcome. I'm surprised Tarlov is still here after all these years."

"You two greeted each other like you knew each other."

"Tarlov has worked in the palace for years. He's one of the last bit of loyal staff that Elgin has left."

With a new entree delivered Shanelle was able to eat. After dessert was served it was time for dancing. Lord Gallagher took to the middle of the dance floor.

"After what I said earlier this evening, this may seem surprising but if Her Majesty would be so kind as to join me for the first dance?" he asked the gathered crowd, "I promise you, Your Majesty, I mean no harm."

With all eyes on her, Shanelle took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked onto the dance floor.

"Thank you. And I mean what I said, no tricks. Just a dance." Lord Gallagher said to Shanelle as he offered his hand.

"One dance. That's all you get," she said to him as the music started to play. As they began to dance Lord Gallagher regarded Shanelle with an appraising eye.

"I saw you had your entree switched. Was the food not to your liking?" he asked.

"No. The mushrooms made me queasy and rather than have me ruin King Elgin's fine china, His Majesty asked if a different entree could be prepared." Shanelle replies.

"Well you'll have to forgive me. When we planned this menu we had no idea you'd be pregnant by the time we threw our ball. Also, you could've asked me. I would've happily had another dish prepared for you."

"No thank you. I'd rather not eat rat poisoning."

Lord Gallagher rolled his eyes.

"Despite what you may think—", he began to say before she cut him off, "save it. I'm just here to dance. Not have a conversation."

"I am trying to be polite," he said through clenched teeth.

That's when Shanelle accidentally stepped on his right foot on purpose.

"Why you!" he hissed.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, my Lord. How very clumsy of me!"

As they danced, Lady Makenna took the time to sidle up to Marquise.

"That was quite a speech your husband gave Kenna. It was almost convincing albeit a tad bit boring."

Lady Makenna let out an exasperated sigh and then cleared her throat.

"As much as I don't want to do this, Your Majesty would do me the honor of dancing with me?" she asked.

"No," he replied.

"No?" she asked.

"You heard me the first time. But for the sake of appearances and because I want to get my wife as far away from your husband as possible," Marquise said as he adjusted his cuff before offering his hand, "shall we?"

Lady Makenna huffed before taking his hand and going out on the dance floor. They danced until it was time to switch partners. Shanelle couldn't get away from Lord Gallagher fast enough

"My knight in shining armor!" Shanelle said to her husband.

"That bad?" he asked.

"Let's just say there are only so many times I can accidentally step on his toes on purpose."

Marquise chuckled.

After an hour of dancing and mingling with others, it was time for Lord and Lady Gallagher's closing remarks.

"Here we go," Marquise said to Shanelle.

"Can we just get this over with?" Shanelle replied.

"Once again, my wife and I would like to thank all of you for joining us tonight. It is our sincerest hope that we were at least able to change some of your minds. Now—" Just as Lord Gallagher was giving his speech there was a loud pop.

"What was that?" Shanelle to Marquise.

Her question was followed by another larger explosion that rocked the room and knocked the giant chandelier off its chain sending it crashing to the ground. Marquise pulled Shanelle out of the way of the falling chandelier just in time.

"Guards! Guards!" Marquise called out to his guards.

"Fire! Fire! Everyone out!" a staff member ran in yelling.

"Your Majesties! This way!" one of his guards called out.

"Guards! Get everyone out of here now!" Marquise ordered as he and Shanelle ran out of the ballroom. Without looking back the royals ran outside. When they got outside they watched as smoke billowed out followed by shooting flames.

"Oh my God!" Shanelle gasped.

A guard came running up.

"Your Majesties! Are you alright?" the guard asked.

"Yes. Her Majesty and I are fine. Gather as many guards as you can and get as many people out as fast as you can. And get emergency services out here to get those flames back!" Marquise ordered.

"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Shanelle whispered in shock.

Marquise took his jacket off and wrapped it around his wife.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine. I just..." she replied clearly shaken up.

"I know. But you're okay. We're okay." he said as he held her close to keep her calm, "we're safe. I promise we're safe."

"Back! Back! Everyone back!" a guard instructed the gathered crowd.

Everyone got as far back as possible. Many watched in horror as the old palace burned. Once emergency services arrived Marquise decided it was time to leave.

"Come on. Let's get you home," he said to Shanelle.

He led her to a waiting car. As he got in, a dark figure watched from the trees. As they drove away, the flames from the burning palace lit up the sky. When they returned to the palace, they were greeted by Margo and her parents.

"Oh my God! Are you two okay?" Shantel asked, "We saw the news."

They both nodded.

"What happened?" Damien asked.

Shanelle nodded numbly as Marquise spoke.

"There was an explosion while we were inside. And when we got outside there was heavy smoke and flames."

"Oh my goodness! The staff!" Margo said.

"Do you think there will be any casualties?" Damien asked Marquise.

"It's too early to tell. But when I hear something I'll be sure to let you know."

Damien nodded before turning to Shanelle who was shaking.

"You're shaking my darling. Maybe you should get to bed."

Shanelle nodded.

"We'll take her." Shantel said to her husband, "Come on sweetie. Let's get you down the hall."

Margo helped Shanelle up.

"Come, Your Majesty, gently now. That's it. Nice and slow."

Marquise and Damien watched as they walked down the hall. When they were out of earshot Damien spoke.

"Are you alright son?" Damien asked.

"I'm alright. It's just been quite the night." Marquise replied.

"I'm sure. I won't keep you long, go check on her and have a restful night."

"Goodnight Damien. You do the same." Marquise said to him before turning to walk down the hall to his bedroom. When he got inside Shanelle was sitting on their bed with her mother and Margo.

"Thank you ladies. I'll take it from here."

Both mothers nodded before leaving. Marquise sat down next to his wife and wrapped his arms around her.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Shanelle took a deep breath.

"I'll be alright. I'm just in shock. That's all."

"I'm sure. Thankfully we got out of there safely. And hopefully, I'll know more in the morning."

Shanelle nodded.

"In the meantime, I've had enough excitement for one day. I'm going to bed."

"Good. Let's get some rest."

The next day, Shanelle stayed with their children, while Marquise was in his office on the phone with the authorities. He had just got off a call when Shanelle came to check on him with food.

"Hey, you," she said to him.

"Hey, beautiful," he replied.

"You look like you haven't eaten yet." she said to him, "So what have you heard so far?"

Marquise sighed deeply.

"Unfortunately the old palace has burned down," he replied.

"What?!"

"It's a total loss. Nothing could be saved."

"Oh my God."

Marquise shook his head before taking a bite of his food.

"It's such a shame. I really did enjoy that old palace."

Shanelle raised a questioning eyebrow at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked.

"Whatever you decide it to mean," he replied.

Shanelle crossed her arms and gave her husband a challenging look.

"Marquise."

"Hmm?"

"Did you order that explosion?"

Marquise shrugged.

"Are you insane?! You could've killed someone! And what about King Elgin?"

"King Elgin wasn't even there last night."

"What do you mean?" Shanelle asked.

"While we were all in the ballroom, he was being safely evacuated. By the time the blast happened, he was on his way to his summer home on Lake Gianko," Marquise replies.

Shanelle shook her head.

"And what about Naya and her daughter Bernadette?"

"They are already at her father's summer house. I had them moved last week then I had His former Majesty moved. So it wouldn't look too suspicious."

"Well, that explains why he wasn't at the Welcome Ball."

Shanelle sighed.

"This is about to be a PR nightmare," she said with a groan.

"Agreed. But it's a PR nightmare we don't have to deal with."

"Tell me something."

"Anything."

"How did you do it?" she asked him, "And don't you dare lie to me."

Marquise looked at her coolly before snapping his fingers. Soon an opening in his bookcase opened and one of his guards stepped in. He was dressed in black and silver. He was one of Marquise's Crown Shields. The guard knelt down on one knee with a fist over his heart.

"My Queen." the guard said to her with his head still bowed, "My Liege."

"My love. You remember the Crowd Shields don't you?" Marquise asked.

"Mmmhmm. You only employ them in emergency situations or at least that's what you're supposed to do." Shanelle replied.

"True indeed. But since you wanted to know, now you know. This is Captain Desmond Emilo Felix. He's the current Head of the Crown Shield." Marquise explained.

Shanelle nodded then looked at Captain Felix.

"It's good to finally meet you, Captain," Shanelle said to the Captain.

Captain Felix rose to his feet and executed a perfect bow.

"You as well, my Queen. I'm glad we could finally meet."

"Captain Felix is how I was able to pull off the explosion. You see, Captain Felix is a former member of the US Military."

Shanelle nodded before looking at Captain Felix.

"You're American?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am. I'm as red-blooded as you are. I'm originally from Kansas City. My parents still live there. I served for 6 years in the US Navy as a SEAL before transferring to the Cordonian Army where I rose through the ranks. And was selected by Captain Nevrakis to lead in her stead when she retired." Captain Felix replied.

"And now you're my husband's official unofficial right hand?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am. I am at his beck and call and yours if and when need be," he replied.

"He is the one who started the blast while we were in the grand ballroom," Marquise explained.

"How?" Shanelle asked.

Captain Felix cleared his throat.

"It's quite simple. The Crown Shield has schematics of every noble house and palace. Including this one and the former palace of South Cordonia. It was just a matter of overloading the circuitry and turning on the gas. And making it look like a mere accidental gas leak." Captain Felix replies.

"The goal was to scare and distract people. And I'd say we succeeded."

Shanelle sighed deeply then nodded.

"Well, I guess I'll take your word for it." she said before turning to walk out of Marquise's office, "oh! And one more thing, touch my palace and I'll kill you both."

"Understood," Marquise said to her.

The next day, after getting their daughter off to school and leaving their sons with her mother, Their Majesties returned to the old palace in Dalevandon to inspect the damage. When they arrived at the old palace, the devastation was clear. Where the former palace of West Cordonia once stood, there was now nothing but ashes.

"I know your plan was to scare and distract people. But I think your plan worked a little too well." Shanelle whispered to her husband as they took in the damage.

"Perhaps. But as long as the goal was attained, I'm satisfied," he replied.

They were led to a podium where members of the press were waiting. Marquise held up a hand to quiet the murmuring crowd.

"Good morning everyone. Today is a sad day for us all. The Great Palace Of West Cordonia has been lost to a terrible accident. This is a heavy and personal loss for many. Myself included. But I want the people to rest assured that no one else will suffer. Thankfully there were no human causalities. Everyone from the guests to the staff to His former Majesty were all safely evacuated. The damage is being assessed and for those on staff who are now out of work, you will be compensated for your loss of work, your health insurance will continue, and resources to find other work via the Monarchy will be provided to you at no cost."

The reporters all clamored at once.

"Your Majesty! Donnie Brine of the CBC here. It has been reported that the explosion was due to a gas leak. Can you confirm that?" Donnie asked Marquise.

"Yes, I can. Preliminary reports suggest that the blast was due to a gas leak. While the investigation into the blast is still ongoing, the early reports confirm that a gas leak is the cause of the blast." Marquise replied.

"Or maybe it wasn't an accident at all!"

The crowd turned to see Lady Makenna marching up to the podium with her parents. When she got to the podium she got in His Majesty's face.

"You did this! You set the fire that burned down my family's home!" she accused.

"Be careful with how you speak to me, my lady," he warned her.

"I am not afraid of either of you! This is what my husband and I are talking about! You're so afraid of losing your throne, that you will destroy any and everything to keep it!" she yelled at him.

Shanelle looked at her.

"And just what are you and your husband doing to assist in this tragedy?" Shanelle asked Lady Makenna, "Other than accusing His Majesty of causing the fire that is."

Lady Makenna glared at Shanelle.

"Because for the last 48 hours, the only people who have remotely done anything to assist in any way outside of the locals, are His Majesty and myself. What have you contributed hmm? While assisting those in need should never be a competition, I will not stand here and listen to you accuse your King of any wrongdoing."

As the press whispered fiercely, Marquise held up a hand to silence them.

"She's right, my lady. Because challenge or not I am STILL your King! And you both are still subject to my rule! But since you're here now, why don't you tell us all what plans you and Lord Gallagher have for the people in the wake of this tragedy hmm." Marquise said to her as he gestured to the podium, "Go ahead, my lady. This is your chance to one-up us."

Lady Makenna backed down.

"Oh, so you don't have a plan? That's not surprising. Perhaps your father can come up with one. Oh! Wait! That's right I forgot. He isn't supposed to be anywhere near the palace. After all, the reason why your uncle owed a debt to my father was because of him and his gambling and that foolhardy bet where he risked your entire family's fortune." Marquise said to her, "See, I knew he was lying to me this past Saturday night when he told me King Elgin was doing well. When the truth is, he nor your mother or your siblings have seen King Elgin in years. So why would you host a ball in a palace your father was banished from? It is quite a curious thing."

That sent the press into a frenzy. With many trying to get Lady Makenna's attention. With the media distracted, Their Majesties stepped off the podium. They finished their tour of the remains before departing for home. When they got to the palace, they headed to the throne room where they were greeted by Captain Felix and a few members of the Crown Shield.

"Your Majesties. There's something you need to see."

The couple looked at each other.

"What do you mean Captain?" Marquise asked as a side door opened.

"He means me..." a voice spoke up.

The couple froze and when they turned around. Shanelle gasped and Marquise was beside himself.

"Hello, Your Majesties. It is good to see you both again."

It was Lord Tariq Sauvageon. Alive and well.

But how when he's been dead for years?

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