#ENGLISH IS MY SECOND LANGUAGE

[munsooooon]

Steve took care of Eddie's hair from the first moment he was in a hospital bed, Eddie was in a coma with deep wounds that were struggling to close. He removed all the dried blood from Eddie's hair as soon as the doctors gave him permission. He had no urgency to go home, so he stayed that night to comb Eddie's hair as much as the pillow would allow.

Steve didn't know how to touch Eddie. He didn't want to hurt him, Steve didn't know how to touch people, much less another boy his age.

When Eddie woke up, he didn't hug him like the others did. He just waited patiently in a corner for the moment when Eddie could get out of bed and offered to wash his hair. Eddie agreed.

He teased Steve about all the stuff he wears in his hair, but Steve could see in his big brown eyes that he was grateful.

Steve bought a lot of special products for Eddie's hair, Eddie didn't want to accept them at first, but eventually, he did. Soon, that hair routine kept them together.

Steve kept touching Eddie's hair to remind him that he was alive. Eddie let him, let Steve brush and wash his hair, but also let him just play with his curls. Steve felt less anxious as his hands disappeared into Eddie's hair.

When they were hanging out with the others, Steve was likely to be combing Eddie's hair. Eventually Eddie would be the one seeking that contact, he would lay his head on Steve's lap and he would give long caresses to Eddie's scalp, fit his fingernails in gently and drag them to the end of a lock of hair.

When they kissed for the first time, Eddie held the back of Steve's neck firmly and could feel his hair for the first time, Eddie felt like he could die there. He spent hours sitting on Steve's lap stroking his hair as they kissed and whispered to each other's lips.

"I love you," Eddie whispered,

"I love you more," Steve replied with a smile before stealing another kiss from Eddie.

Outside, they discreetly ruffled each other's hair to show their love in public without being punished. At first glance, it looked like a friendly gesture, but if you looked closely, you could see two boys very, very much in love.

Steve soon discovered that he loved to pull Eddie's hair when Eddie made love to him. He would ride him and would look for balance in Eddie's beautiful, messy curls. He would pull his hair to demand a kiss, to see his face, to see Eddie's beautiful eyes lost in pleasure, to watch him lick his lips, savouring Steve's every move.

"Look at me, Eddie," says Steve "keep your eyes open, look how good you're fucking me"

Steve will hold Eddie's hair between his fingers and run kisses down his neck. Eddie would always lose control with that, would fuck him harder.

At the end of it all, Eddie would rest on Steve's chest as he stroked his hair while whispering how good he was and how much he loved him until they fell asleep.

[farfaras]

Part 2.

What if Eddie moved on from thinking Steve and Nancy should get back together when Jonathan came back and saw how they’re actually destined to be together even tho they still have shit to figure out.

I know it’s a popular hc that Eddie and Robin clock each other immediately BUT I still think that as two queer kids in a small backwards town they’re more worried about no one finding out about them so they wouldn’t notice someone else. So worried about themselves that they (like straight people) also fall into the mindset of ‘everyone is straight until proven otherwise’.

What’s the result of this? Eddie seeing how close Robin and Steve are and thinking there must be something there. And because Steve is a little more affectionate than Robin, now Eddie thinks he’s pining after her.

“Why aren’t you and Robin together?”

“It’s not like that. She’s my best friend.”

“I don’t buy it.”

So now Steve has to put up with Eddie constantly going on about how Steve should just ask her out already, what’s he waiting for, she probably likes him back.

It bothers Steve to no end. He wished society had advanced enough to realize that men and women can be platonic friends without having to explain themselves.

A nightmare.

And Steve would never out Robin, so telling him the truth wasn’t an option. And he really wasn’t interested in dating anyone right now, so that was out of the question. What could he do to get Eddie to understand that him and Robin would never happen?

Then he remembered. It seemed so distant but Steve actually tried to tell Robin he liked her once. It was kinda embarrassing to think about now, specially because he saw Robin as nothing more than a friend now. He couldn’t even remember what having a crush on her ever felt like. And maybe he never even had one, shitty friends and shitty parents maybe warped his perception and then he couldn’t see the difference between platonic and romantic feelings. Well, that was for another day. He could tell the difference now. He thinks.

He could just tell Eddie about that moment in starcourt. He would just leave out the part about Robin having absolutely bad taste in girls. Foolproof. Eddie would leave it alone now.

“What? She just rejected you and then you decided to become her best friend?” He looked surprised, like the idea was impossible to understand.

“And I don’t regret it. She’s the best friend I’ve ever had.”

“You’re crazy.” Steve didn’t expect that.

“What do you mean?”

Eddie looked at him and his expression was hard to read. “You’re telling me that after being rejected you didn’t need time away? Just jumped to being a platonic friend? Despite your feelings?” He scoffed. “I could never do that.”

“It wasn’t that hard.”

“Now I know you’re lying. You still like her?”

Steve really tried to convince Eddie that he didn’t like Robin anymore. But no matter what he would say he didn’t believe him.

So Steve gave up.

Now he goes along with it. It’s easier. It stopped Eddie from trying to set them up or whatever.

Except it didn’t.

Now Eddie came up with the absolute great idea of making her jealous. Which was so so ridiculous Steve had to hold back laughter. He didn’t mention how much Robin had heard about past dates. This was beginning to amuse him just a little bit.

“How would I even do that?” Steve asked, curious as to what Eddie would come up with.

“You know? Let me think about this.” He made a show of putting his hand on his chin, contemplating. “Show up at work with some marks on you neck. You know, see how she reacts to that knowledge.” Steve knows how Robin reacts to that. Before Vecna, on his endless quest to find ‘the one’ (what a waste) he had some hookups. One time he went into work with one or two hickeys on his neck. Robin wouldn’t even bat her eyes, just would ask ‘who was it now?’ and then ask if he would see her again. The answer was no. Eddie didn’t know this.

“Yeah well, I really don’t feel like going on a date and hooking up with someone just to use it to bait a reaction. Seems kinda cruel to the other person.” Steve thinks that should be enough to shut this idea down.

“Huh. Maybe you’re better than me because I didn’t even think about that.”

Steve doesn’t reply, just snorts. And he thinks that’s gonna be the end of it. There’s nothing else Eddie can really do or come up with. Right?

Wrong.

“I could do it.” Did Steve hear that right? Huh?

“What?” Steve asked.

“Give you a hickey. It’s no big deal, really.”

If you asked Steve why he said yes. Man, he wouldn’t be able to tell you. He really doesn’t know! It’s like someone possessed him and he was moving his mouth, but it wasn’t him. Maybe it was because he couldn’t come up with a reason not to do it fast enough that would convince Eddie.

They were both sitting on the couch so Eddie just leaned in and started on a spot on the left side of his neck. Steve’s hand instinctively moved to the back of Eddie’s head. One wouldn’t think so based on its appearance but Eddie’s hair was surprisingly soft.

Suddenly there were teeth scraping his neck. Steve let out a noise that he hadn’t heard before. He accidentally pulled a little on Eddie’s hair, he was gonna apologize but Eddie didn’t seem to mind, he just hummed.

“Did you just bite me?”

Eddie pulled back and sneered. “Sorry. I let my impulsive thoughts win.” What does that even mean?

Steve was gonna ask if that did it but then Eddie moved to his lap, straddling him. “What are you doing?”

“Getting the other side?” Makes sense? Honestly his mind was getting a little mushy and was only focusing on Eddie’s weight on him. When Eddie leaned in again, Steve’s hands traveled to rest on his hips. Eddie’s on his shoulders to have leverage, his hips hovering now.

Steve tipped his head back to give him a little more space. With more space Eddie seemed to be satisfied with that spot and moved lower, however this next one was sensitive to Steve, he’s always known that. He was gonna say so but he couldn’t, Eddie was already on it. He let out a breathy sound and gripped Eddie’s hips tighter making him slam back on his lap. He thinks Eddie moaned, he’s not sure tho. “Sorry.” He muttered.

He didn’t think he’d enjoy this.

He did.

Maybe he should put a stop to it.

He hasn’t so far.

It went on a little longer. Some hands wandering. Some sounds uttered. Minds getting floaty.

He knew it was coming to an end when Eddie started leaving kisses to soothe the spots, he trailed until he got to his ear. Which he actually licked. It was probably to make a joke but it only made Steve shiver.

“I think you’re done.” Eddie said. He hesitated a second before climbing off his lap.

Steve knew he looked winded. Eddie tried to look casual but he’s known him for a while and could see that it was feigned casualness.

“Uh. Good.” Lame. Steve is lame.

Mike Wheeler was right because Steve Harrington is lame.

How is he gonna explain this to Robin?

[saharasuriii]

this fanart could have 2 meanings, you decide 😎

Well

I didn't intentionally made them looked like they bang, this is supposed to be an angsty confession scene from my fics tho😭😭

"I love you." Sakura stared at his mismatched gaze, fingers intertwined behind the crook of his neck. She whispered, again and again, as if Sasuke couldn't catch her intentions clearly. "I love you."

Sakura closed her eyes.

Sasuke wasn't ready for this, he barely even had love within himself, so what was he supposed to gave her?

"I'm sorry." he said, hearts sank fully to the bottom, his forehead thuds softly to hers.

This is not the right time nor place. Not now.

[pvxxie]

in his hand, a knife that looks strikingly similar to the others. mimicking a weeping face, he rubs at his eyes mockingly. he wishes to enrage the other, wanting to see him get worked up over the fact that he has stolen his kill. does he feel guilty for it? not at all, in fact he is quite prideful. while he knows that the other had been chasing after this one for some time, he'd beaten him to the punch. not - so hard when he was eager as ever.

  ﹙    𝕸.  ﹚

❝   OH.   ❞ a nonchalant yet MELODIOUS voice came out of the mask . the tone inside sounded POETIC , but flowing through the material , it verged on harshness . he was not a typical murderer . he wanted to kill , but fun was the pedestal of the whole process of sowing DESTRUCTION . the clown ? he had met many of them , but none that EXCITED him so much . his whole body trembled with emotion , and his fingers tightened on the knife . ❝ what will you do, snowflake ? ❞ he was losing control of his nerves , inconsolable that he had failed to kill another person . the momentary elation of cutting through the old woman's body was not ENOUGH . what would it taste like to kill a clown ? what would he look like during evisceration ? ❝ when i widen your smile with a knife stained with the dried blood of a previous victim ? ❞ he giggled madly , straightening his body .

[im-getting-help]

Farleigh is resting his head on Oliver's lap, cause he stayed up all night partying and now he's tired and his head hurts. His body barely fits inside the tiny armchair, long legs falling of the armrest.

They're in Ware's office, the professor is late. Oliver is reading, holding the very heavy looking book on top of Farleigh's head.

Farleigh moves, he turns and shifts, restlessly, he massages his forehead and whines. Oliver sighs.

Oliver doesn't really mind Fairleigh's whines, but the book isn't particularly interesting, so he leves the book beside him and observes. Farleigh's eyes are closed, he massages his temples slowly, brows knitted and lips parted, he groans quietly.

Oliver cups Farleigh's cheek with his right hand and softly rubs his thumb on his cheekbone. He feels Farleigh relax, his shoulders loosen up and his hands slowly fall from his temples to his chest.

Oliver caresses Farleigh's face, he lets his fingers travel, slow and delicate. Farleigh skin is soft, velvety. His thumb brushes over Farleigh's lower lip, the index follows the length of his nose, and then again cupping his cheek.

Farleigh falls asleep.

'Oliver, I'll be off campus tomorrow. My office is always available if you guys want to get together and discuss work. Please tell Farleigh for me. I'll see you both next class.'

[larphis]

My overtly dramatic but realistic prediction for the OFMD S2 pearl necklace:

After Stede and Ed make up, their freshly reestablished bond is (understandbly so) very fragile because Ed still carries a lot of the hurt from that night on the beach with him.

Stede, seeing how horribly he hurt the man that he loves, decides to come up with a plan and tells Ed that the crew and him will do some “lame robbery” to earn some money back and that Ed should just stay in the cabin because it wouldn’t excite him anyways and he should better use that time to rest and to get some energy back.

In reality Stede drags the crew into a fancy jewlery store and asks them for help to pick out something fancy because of Ed’s love for fine things.

The crew being absolutely done (because let’s be real “picking out apology jewlery for your captain’s boyfriend who left you out to die” really wasn’t part of the job description) just points at all kinds of stuff in hopes of going back to the ship as soon as possible.

However, Stede - being the extra person he is - feels like nothing is good enough for his beloved until he sees the pearl necklace and his eyes light up.

The crew looks very sceptical and asks their captain if he is sure that that is really something that Edward, Blackbeard, would like; but Stede is 100% convinced (“It’s perfect”).

So they steal the necklace (“I am sorry gentlemen, I wish I could pay you for your services but I’m doing this in the name of love!”) and head back to the ship.

When Stede arrives, Edward is already standing on deck and skeptically but curiously comes up to see what they gathered from the “lame robbery” - Izzy is right by his side and looks as pissed as ever.

While the crew already prepares to be thrown of the ship a second time, Stede hides the necklace behind his back and starts with a speech that probably goes something like:

“Ed, I know how much I’ve hurt you but I wanted you to know that I am so thankful to have been given a second chance by you and that I really don’t take any of this for granted.

And to honor that, I, with the help of the crew, picked out this fine piece of jewlery to remind you of the fact that you are worthy of beautiful things and how much I really meant it when I told you that I loved you”

Edward very slowly takes the pearl necklace out of Stede’s hands and looks at it with an unreadable expression - which in turn makes Izzy grin with pride:

“You are such a miserable creature, Bonnet. Did you really think that you could make someone like Blackbeard, the most cruel pirate to have ever lived, forgive you by gifting him a woman’s necklace?!”

“I love it”

“Exactly! He- WHAT?!”

Ed’s eyes are watery and still focused on the necklace as he quietly repeats himself:

“I love it”, he says, hesitates, but then walks up to Stede and kisses him on the cheek, “thank you” he adds and starts blushing.

(“Most cruel pirate to have ever lived” repeats Black Pete meanwhile under his breath with an obvious eyeroll, which earns him an elbow from Lucius)

Stede finally feels the tension leave his body and manages to shyly reply “no, thank you” with a smile that mirrors Ed’s.

Izzy only manages to hiss “I’m too old for this shit” as he turns on his heel and walks off.

But Ed honored the symbol of their renewed love and never went anywhere without the necklace again.

[stelar-time]

He’s a fucking dumbass

[llanta-flema]

i just started watching the rookie and I NEED a The Rookie AU but make it ANDREIL, it could be like Andrew, a rookie, being injured while fighting with a criminal and he goes into the hospital and then he meets a nurse which happens to be NEIL JOSTEN, and then andrew gets like obsessed with him and he starts going to the hospital almost every single week with cheap excuses like he needs to guard over a patient, or that he just wanted food and the food from the hospital is good (even tho they both know its horrendous). he has done this for almost 2 months and every single time hes there he wants to ask Neil for his number or something but he never does, but one day, andrew gets into a HUGE fight with a criminal (bonus points if its R*ko), and then he gets injured so badly he ends up in the ER and Neil is just so worried and he tries to do everything he can do to help, and at the end everything goes well but andrew decides its enough and FINALLY asks Neil on a date, and Neil just laughs and asks him why did he took so long, bc cmon, the man has watched andrew go to the hospital every single week with lame excuses just to see Neil, but at the end Neil says yes and happy ending :))

bonus points if kevin is andrews TO (training officer), and hes a pain in the ass about rules and paperwork

[musicalislife]

His energy. The enthusiastic jumps. You can tell by his performances on stage, the way he interacts with fans that he truly means what he wrote. 💚

Video from his instagram story 2023.07.08.

[caballero-mermelada]

guys what does "bub" means??? because in the Spanish version every bub is translated as daddy so he just keeps calling Deadpool daddy and I just wasn't expecting that

[im-bored-so-i-draw]

more iterators as proud scug owners while im doing my english course

also my fan scug

babies <333

[sibdubd]

I’ve never felt so alone (felt so loved) by oopshiandetc

Ao3, 9k, Spider-Man!Louis, angst with a happy ending, hurt/comfort

After all the mess with disturbing multiverse, making everyone forget him seemed the best option to Louis. But now months into being completely alone and forgotten by everyone, he has never felt worse. However, like always he finds a safe place in Harry. Even thought he can’t remember him, or can he?

Or

In every universe Louis always finds his way to his Harry, even if it’s accidentally and unintentionally.

[aenemix]

｟Single Father!Nanami Kento x fem! Child ｠

Father Nanami gaze at his sweet daughter looking at him with her doe eyes, her adorable smile widen the moment her father locked eyes with hers.

"Papa!" She yelled with enthusiasm.

She run with her small legs, her tiny bunny backpack bouncing behind her back.

"Papa! Papa!"

"Little bean" he reached for her arms and the girl smiled joyfully.

Father Nanami Kento couldn't helped but pinch the soft plump cheeks of her cute daughter with amusement.

"How was school??" He asked, carrying her in his arms gently.

"I have friends now! Look! They even gave me a heart stamp! " she told happily showing him her arms filled with heart shape stamps.

"Everyone was so friendly papa! The teacher made us sing the lullaby song!!"

The girl with her sparkling eyes gaze at her father with anticipation, Father Nanami Kento knew what that cute look meant for.

"Mind telling papa what's the lullaby song? " he said while going towards the car.

"Mmh! Its Twinkle Twinkle little star! " she nodded cheerfully.

"I can sing it for you too papa! Teacher said if we sing to our papa's and mama's it shows we love them! " the young girl merrily told while placing both of her hands to his face "And Papa is my whole world! So little bean will sing for papa! "

Father Nanami Kento swore his heart melted the moment she said that.

His steps halted and he looked at the young innocent girl in his arms. How can there be such a pure angel in this world??

His lips pursed into thin line.

'𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑛, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒'

His arms tightened its hold but the young little girl did not noticed but instead prepared herself for the lullaby she was about to sing.

He was reminded of how life can be cruel yet somehow he was gifted a beautiful soul, a pure angel, and saved his life from ever going desolate and grim.

"Twinkle~ twinkle~ little star~ how I wonder what you are~ up above the world so high~ like a diamond in the sky~ twinkle~ twinkle~ little star~ how I wonder what you are~"

He let her sing the whole lullaby song with her sincere heart as she made gestures of hearts with her hands and opening them wide to give him a huge embrace.

"Papa, thank you for taking in little bean! Little bean always love papa! Papa is little bean's world! " she conveyed while patting his head, messing up his hair.

But that didn't matter to him, for her, he would do anything to keep her safe away from the cruelties of the world.

Father Nanami Kento returned her embrace while tears escape from his eyes, he treasured this moment thoroughly to his heart and promised to himself he will always remember this precious times with his little bean.

"Papa are you crying?? " the young girl noticed and was about to look at her father's face but Father Nanami Kento stopped her with a tickle.

"This father of yours doesn't cry" he continues his steps towards the car.

"But I hear papa sniffling!"

"Maybe because there was something smelly in there" he jokes.

"Hmmp! Little bean is not smelly! " she pouts.

Father Nanami Kento could only shake his head in amusement.

"Okay, Okay, little bean is not smelly, father's only joking" he grinned.

"Okay! I believe papa! "

"On the way here, I saw an ice cream shop, does little bean want some??"

"Yes! Yes please! "

[its-not-she-its-he]

All throughout of my childhood I thought Christopher Robin was a girl (or in my languages Róbert Gida). English is not my first language and I watched the stories dubbed. My first language doesn’t have personal pronouns like he/she. His voice was soft and because no one told me that in other countries they put the given name first and than the family name I thought Róbert was his family name and Gida was his given name. Gida sounded feminine to me and I didn’t question anything. I just thought that the character was a tomboy. I was a tomboy and dressed similar to him so it was logical to me.

[letmehearyousayglorious]

I have been seeing how the SuperWhoLock era on tumblr back in 2010s replaced with another holy trinity today, which are Good Omens, Our Flag Means Death and What We Do In The Shadows.

I must say one thing; GAYS, WE DID IT!

I want need to share some of my feelings and it will be a little too long to read.

I was in high school in superwholock era and I have been in tumblr all the time and witnessed all the superwholock era, the marauders fancast era, the glee era.

I remember the Wolfstar, I remember us trying to get hints about Destiel for 15 f*cking seasons and I remember trying to prove people how Sherlock was autistic and in love with John and probably ace. Even Benedict said he didn’t think Sherlock was autistic at some point. We tried to make sense how the doctor ends up being a cis hetero white man every time even though they are AN ALIEN.

We were trying to find people like us in things we love, we were trying to feel represented by the stories we created and added to the things we loved.

I am not trying to be a hater, I loved superwholock with all my heart and i still do. I still even love harry potter and glee with all the problematic things in them because of how they made me feel back then. I know it wasn’t always producer’s or writer’s fault. I know Hannibal was made subtle because of the network. I know first thing RTD did when he came back was casting a black queer man.

But still I cannot tell you the relief of not hunting for clues anymore. I cannot tell you the relief how my representation is not a headcanon anymore. I am a autistic queer woman and I am happy with my life now, I know who I am, I love who I am. But the relief of knowing that little girl from 10-15 years ago would have such an easier life today. I am ineffably happy to see how clear our representation is today. I just hope it will get better and better everyday.

Thank you Good Omens,

Thank you Our Flag Means Death,

Thank you What We Do In The Shadows,

Thank you every other story that has diversity, not a forced kind of diversity which is only for PR but kind of diversity makes us feel seen, feels organic,

Thank you Gen Z for being louder than us, for calling out the bullshit, for not praising the bare minimum,

And most importantly;

Thank you all the millenials who were so talented and made the additional stories which finally included me, who were trying to find a world they fitted in back then and who are still here making sure it is easiar for the little ones.

I love you all ♥️

[prettyboisteveharrington]

Return To Sender

Next Chapter

Chapter one - With a little help

Drake Walker x Rose Thorne ( MC)

WC: 4,1K

Summery: When Rose Thorne gets a second chance to be back in Cordonia and be back with Drake- Will he be able to be with her or will the risk of hurting his best friend be too much for him to bare?

(Rewrite of the royal romance book two with a focus on the romance between Drake and Mc plus friendships)

While sitting at the Cordonian airport you looked out through the windows with your head in your hands and tears streaming down on your face. In the last eight months you had come to fall in love with Cordonia both it's people and the people you had met through your journey.

You were going to miss Hana – the beautiful and talented Hana who had truly become your bestest friend. You were going to miss sneaking down in the kitchen at 3 am with her to make hot chocolate filled with whipped cream and soo many delicious marshmallows.

You were going to miss Maxwell's high energy and jumping on the massive beds with him and Bertrand scolding you both. You were going to miss how gentle of a person Liam was, he was always good company and he had a lot of trust in him which was something you admired.

You remembered your mother's final words before she and you left your family home after her and your father had gone through a messy divorce.

Trust is not something you can ever give away freely Rosaline, It must be earned

But the person you were going to miss the very most out of everyone was Drake. Funny, sarcastic but underneath that harsh layer was a much softer side of Drake that he only showed to the people who really mattered. In the very beginning he had fascinated you and drew you in but you had really started to fall for him after he had let down his guard around you and you had spend more time together just the two of you.

You wish you had gotten a chance to explore the magnetism you both obviously felt for each other however you knew he was hesitant to fully be with you because of Liam.

Now boarding economy class for passengers of flight PB205 to New York City...

'Well I guess that's me... Goodbye Cordonia' you said and wishfully looked out the window one last time to say goodbye.

The palace guards who had escorted you to the airport were watching closely.

You look through your bag for your boarding pass when you hear a familiar voice

'Rose! Wait!'

you turn around to see Maxwell and Bertrand running towards you before they are stopped by the palace guards

'you will keep your hands to yourselves. I am the Duke of Ramsford!' Bertrand says clearly agitated

After hearing that Bertrand and Maxwell are noble the guards back off and they both rush over to you

'Rose!' Maxwell exclaims before pulling you into a strong embrace, you hug him back tenderly

'I hope you came here to help me?' you asks anxiously, but you are hopeful that there's still hope for you to go back to Cordonia, to your friends.

' Kind off? We don't have any concreate answers for you but we are both here for you and of course we both believe that you had nothing to do with the scandal' Maxwell says trying to reassure you.

'Really? Both of you believe me? Even Bertrand' you ask sceptically as you look over at Bertrand who doesn't look fully convinced of your innocence.

' Lady Rose ... Did you have a romantic relationship with Tariq behind close doors?'

'Bertrand of course she didn't! It was a set up' Maxwell says shocked at how his brother is behaving

Bertrand looks over at Maxwell then back at you

'Maxwell let her answer for herself. I need to hear the truth from her'

' Bertrand... I never had a romantic relationship with Tariq. But I think I'm falling in love with someone else..' You say and look down at the ground, you take a deep breath before you look back up and Maxwell mouths 'Drake?' you look at him with a different ray of emotions shock, fear then disbelief before you mouth back ' how did you know?' and Maxwell shrugs smugly.

'Now now children we have important things we must discuss' Bertrand scolds both of you.

' What do you suggest we do' you ask in a serious tone of voice

'We want to take you back to Cordonia'

' Well you were clearly set up. We will not take this laying down. No one smears the name of House Beaumont' Bertrand says with determination

'But Liam chose someone else'

'There's a constitutional provision that states the king can change his mind under certain circumstances. It it hard to change but it isn't impossible. Whoever is plotting against you wish you unwell and we must stop them immediately' .

'Really? You would do all of this for me?' you ask feeling both gratitude and a bit overwhelmed

' You aren't to blame Lady Rose. The Court shouldn't have reacted so harshly and those culprits who set you up need to pay for this. House Beaumont supports you unequivocally and we are on your side until the bitter end'

You pull Bertrand into a hug and Maxwell joins you before yelling 'GROUP HUG'

Maxwell and Bertrand inform you that clearing your name isn't going to be a piece of cake but that they will do anything they can to help you prove your innocence. They fill you in on the fact that for you to have the best chances to clear your name you must join Madeleine's engagement tour.

'What do you say Rose? You want to go back and clear your name and find the love of your life

that would otherwise be lost forever' Maxwell says overly dramatic for show and normally you would giggle but you need to think about this

You want to go back to court and clear your name more than anything, to see your friends again and see Drake more than anything, but you are scared.

What if it doesn't work? What if they are better off without you? Your fingers tremble as you put a bit of your hair behind your ear and you take a deep breath.

You got this. You can do it.

Final call for economy class passengers of flight PB205 to New York City... final call...

'Bertrand, take my bag!! let's get this show on the road'

Bertrand looks at you clearly flabbergasted.

'your b- your bag!!'

you give him your best puppy dog eyes.

'just this once? Pretty please? It is a very important occasion'

Bertrand rolls his eyes and reluctantly agrees before reminding you that it won't be a reoccurring thing.

'After what happened earlier I didn't think I would see any of you again let alone hear from you. I thought you had given up on me' you express sadly as you, Maxwell and Bertrand make your way towards the limo.

'We would never leave you behind!We came as soon as we could but security had split us up into separate holding rooms until Bertrand gave them a mouthful and demanded we were let go' Maxwell says and you crack a smile for the first time all night since arriving at the airport.

'No one treats the Duke of Ramsford or house Beaumont with anything less than respect.. Get in the limo. We have a lot of work to do before the welcome party at Madeleine's estate.

' Sr yes sir' you say playfully before you get into the limo.

The next six weeks is spent rebuilding your image and going over etiquette so you know how to describe food, learning to perfect your quickstep and what forks to use for which meals, you're missing everyone dearly but you have been told minimal contact with your friends is for the best at

the moment and no one has reached out to you and it hurts.

You miss Hana dearly but she must be home with her parents now and that must have taken a toll on her. Liam must be busy with his engagement and his princely duties. Drakes withdrawal hurts the most, there was something real between you and you cannot believe he hasn't sent as much as a text message. Do you not matter to him as much as he matters to you?

You also spend the next six weeks physically changing your image, new gowns are bought for the upcoming tour, Maxwell and Bertrand got a family friend who happened to be a stylist into the Beaumont estate and she gives your hair a transformation from red hair to black hair with blue ombre tips, you absolutely adore your new look, it feels like such a needed change, like a rebirth. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

The day of Madeleine's welcome party arrives and you are beyond nervous, why do you care so much what the people at court will think of you re-entering society?

You suppose the only opinions you actually care about is your friends, you didn't have the best up brining with a lot of friends and you absolute hated being in big crowds as it always triggered your social anxiety.

You look outside at Madeleine's estate from the windows you take in the beautiful fountain, the rose bushes and the lush green grass and sigh.

Maxwell knocks on your door later in the afternoon.

'Rose?' He asks gently when you look towards the door.

'come in' you say silently and look back out the window.

Maxwell senses your distress and goes over and sits down next to you.

'what's on your mind?' Maxwell asks you softly as he puts his hand lightly on top of yours.

'I really am that transparent aren't I?' you asks and sigh

' Only because I know my bestest friend'

' It's been almost two months since I've heard from anyone besides you and Bertrand.. I thought at least.. '

'Drake would have reached out?' Maxwell finishes the sentence for you and gives you a knowing look.

you nod and lean your head on his shoulder and avoid his gaze that you can feel lingering on you.

' To be fair, Drake usually keeps to himself.. sometimes months go by before we talk. You know how much nobles drain him'

' oh' is the best response you can muster at the moment as it feels like a knife has been twisted into your stomach.

What if you won't hear from Drake for months or ever again? Just thinking about it hurts so much. Before Maxwell has any time to reassure you Bertrand enters your room

' Lady Rose, you need to get ready for the welcome party. Remember this is your grand re-entrance to courtly society. You must look impeccable'

Bertrand hands you an elegant blue dress and you go to the bathroom and change into it. You take in yourself in the dress in the mirror, the dress accentuates your chest without being too lowcut and it hugs your curves in all the right places. The dress isn't something you would have ever chosen for yourself but it's very pretty, it's knee length, silk and it has beautiful sequins on the bottom of the dress.

As you walk out both Bertrand and Maxwell reassure you that you look absolutely gorgeous and you smile at them before thanking them for them dress before walking out of your room and towards the party.

Once the doors open to the grand hall of Madeleine's manor you can hear people gasping and whispering and they are staring at you. You notice the press looking at you as well. It's showtime.

You plaster a fake smile on your face as you enter the grand hall and you squeeze Maxwell's arm for support and he grins at you.

'You're doing well Rose'

'Thank you Max' you say thankfully and try to relax at least a little

you manage to curtsy and introduce yourself to Madeleine's mother, catch up with Penelope and Kiara and you find out they are part of Madeleine's bachelorette party. You congratulate Madeleine on her engagement with Liam and somehow you manage not to get frustrated too much by Madeleine's rude behaviour. You definitely don't care enough about her to care what she thinks of you.

As you turn around you see Liam for the first time in two months and while you don't harbour any romantic feelings for him, you still care about him and want to free him from Madeleine.

'Lady Rose I was not expecting to see you...' Liam says shocked

'Liam! I missed you'

'I've.. I've missed you too' he says and looks at you with a sad expression on his face.

'we need to --'

Liam is interrupted by Madeleine as she puts her hand on his arm and leans in to kiss his cheek before she guides him away.

You and Maxwell walk around the room and you lean in and say ' if Drake comes back at court then

I need to tell Liam the truth. He deserves to know that while I do care for him that I do not love him. He deserves that much. He doesn't deserve to be lead on'.

'I know you want to let him know and you should Rose but I think you should wait until you have spoken with Drake until you make up your mind'

'I don't want to hurt Liam or get his hopes up, but I do need to talk to Drake first'

Maxwell guides you over to the table Bertrand is sitting at and you all share your information that you have learned tonight, you learn that Tariq has left court and the best way to clear your name is to make him make a statement of what really happened the night he was tricked into your room under false pretences. Both of you were played and clearly whoever is behind this wanted him out of court so he couldn't tell everyone the truth.

As you lie in bed at night and stare at the ceiling you sigh, you just want this whole scandal thing to be over, you want to start over in Cordonia not as a queen but as one of the people. You wish Hana and Drake were here right now as you miss them dearly.

If things are real between you and Drake you want to find out in whatever shape it can take, all you know right now is that you long for more time with him.

You wonder when he will return to court and if at he will be back soon at all. As much as your heart yearns for him most of all you miss the group hangouts with him and his friendship.

You wake up the next morning to a soft knock on the door, you yawn and stretch before you go over to the door to open it

'Max.. isn't this kind of ear-'

'Rose!!'

You gawk at the person standing in the doorway, it isn't Maxwell it's Hana. You didn't think you would see her again. You thought she would be back home with her dreadful and controlling parents.

You have spent many nights worried for your best friend and her well being, now that she's standing in front of you it feels like an illusion or a dream.

You grab her waist gently and pull her into a bone crushing hug and she hugs you back just as fiercely.

'oh Hana! I missed you so much' you exclaim happily as you still hang onto her for dear life.

' I missed you too'

as you slowly let go of her you go to sit down on your bed and she follows you and sit down across from you.

' I was so worried that you weren't coming back'

' To be honest I didn't think I was either. '

'Does your parents know you're here?

'I'm here with their blessing actually. Countess Madeleine called my father and invited me to stay in Cordonia as part of the wedding party and she promised my parents she would help me find a match worthy of the family name'

'Oh Hana that's great! It is great right??...Wait.. Is this what you really want?'

You were so happy she was back but the pressure of her finding someone and her parents expectations for her were too much pressure. Plus it was highly unlikely they approved of the two of you being friends after the scandal and because you encouraged her to be free instead of caged in like some sort of bird.

Hana seems to think about her response for a minute.

' When I heard you were coming back I couldn't get back to Cordonia fast enough. You are the real reason I want to be here'

You put your hand on top of hers and smiled. It truly was good to see her.

'What made you decide to come back?'

' Well my decision to come back was threefold really, I want to clear my name and save Liam from Madeleine because he deserves better and I really want to spend more time with -'

'Drake?' Hana adds and nudges her shoulder into yours

' That obvious huh?'

' I mean it's the way you look at each other when you think no one is looking'

'Oh' you feel your cheeks get warm and you smile widely

'I want to help you clear your name Rose, I hate the idea of anyone scheming against you... anyway.. Have you seen Drake yet? He wouldn't stop talking about how we need to stop the people who are scheming against you'

Ohhh. So he did want to talk to you? You wondered why he hadn't reached out yet. Wondered if he was okay. You missed his grumpy face.

Before you can answer Hana there's a knock on the door and you open it to reveal Maxwell and he lights up when he sees Hana, he rushes over to her and pull her into a hug, you join them.

' I feared we wouldn't see you ever again! Bertrand was convinced you were gone for good'

' It's really good to see you as well Max' Hana says earnestly

Hana, you and Maxwell head to the estate's boutique together so both you and Hana can get ready for Madeleine's engagement party. Changing is for sure more fun when you are around your bestest friend. Maxwell leaves to prep things for later with Bertrand.

You look through the different dresses for something nice to wear.

' So... you've been here for the last day.. how has everything been?'

' Oh so much better now that you are here' you admit you have missed her so so very much

'I came just in time then' Hana smiles at you before squeezing your shoulder softly

' Promise me we will always keep in touch.. Hana, I can't do any of this without you near me' you admit shyly as Hana finds you a gorgeous pink dress for you to try on.

' I will do my very best to make sure that won't happen' she reassures you as you turn around and go into the changing room.

Once you have tried the dress on you show it to Hana, it's a white silk dress with pastel pink lace over it, it's knee length with short sleeves. Hana helps you sip up the dress

' Soo.. what do we think of the dress?' you say and twirl

' You look like you're ready to knock them all out with your beauty'

' Thank you Hana, you are far too kind.. I never got the chance to ask you but.. how does your parents feel about us being friends after everything that has happened recently?' you ask nervously, you hope Hana hasn't been upset because your friendship.

' they haven't been too happy I'm afraid'

' Should I keep my distance until the scandal dies down?' you ask in a wounded tone of voice

You don't want to stay away from your best friend but you also don't want to to cause her any more harm than your kindship has probably already caused her. You will stay away from her if you must but the thought saddens you deeply.

' my parents are dear to me.. But they cannot stop us from being close'

'I'm proud of you for standing your ground. I know how hard that can be'

Hana goes into the dressing room and comes out in a beautiful pink dress that's made out of silk, you lock elbows with each other and head out of the boutique.

Once you and Hana reach the lawn outside Madeleine's grounds Madeleine spots the two of you and she looks furious for a minute before her expression becomes stoic. Madeleine makes a toast thanking her mother, the king and queen and Liam. Madeleine is obviously trying to make you jealous as she kisses Liam's cheek but you just resist the urge to roll your eyes, if she only knew where your heart belonged...

Madeleine approaches you to remind you that because of her Hana is back and that you should both be grateful to her, you thank her in a sarcastic voice, if she ever hurts Hana you will pounce. No one gets to hurt her and you do not trust Madeleine, not around Liam and certainly not around Hana.

Liam comes over and join your conversation, he's happy to see Hana again, he mentions that it's good to see you as well and says that you're beautiful and you smile at him. Once he leaves Madeleine reminds you that he belongs to her especially when they are out in public.

You resist to roll your eyes at her and once she leaves you and Hana burst out laughing.

' If she only knew the truth' Hana comments and you giggle again.

Bertrand and Maxwell comes to escort you and Hana away from the crowd and into the ball room to talk to you. It seems very urgent so you agree and follow them, once you reach the ballroom you give them a serious look.

'what's the matter? You ask cautiously

' Tariq's not just out of court, it appears that he is out of the country so finding him will not be easy' Bertrand confirms what you had already feared. Clearing your name will be so much harder now.

'Madeleine doesn't seem to know were he is either.. If what she says is the truth.. what do we do now?'

' At the moment there isn't much for us to investigate... however our next stop is Applewood Manor where the photos were taken.. I believe there must be clues there. In fact we are going to head up there before the tour does. Once the festivities end we will go there'.

You and Hana head up to your bedroom with cinnamon, cups, chocolate powder, marshmallows, whipped cream and milk to make hot chocolate. While Hana makes you both a cup of hot chocolate you two catch up on lost time. It's good to be in her presence again.

Hana lets you know that her parents where disappointed with her performance during the courting season and that they limited her access to the outside world after, you feel angry on her behalf and upset that it might have been because of your influence. You let Hana know that if she ever needs anything that you have her back and you apologize if your actions hurt her but she reassures you that it was not your fault. The two of you decide to talk about happier things but the guilt you feel for how she was treated hurts your heart deeply.

'What qualities do you look for in a future partner.. And what drew you in particular to Drake?' Hana asks you shyly

you look at her for a moment taking in her expression. You wonder if she has ever had many boyfriends or even girlfriends before her previous engagement.

You have dated a few men and women and you have been attacked to different looks and different personalities. But there has always been one common personality trait that's drawn you in the most.

' I take it you haven't dated much?' you ask softly

'Only my ex finance really and that didn't end very successfully' Hana says earnestly.

' I've been attracted to different things in the past but the one common trait they all had was that they were kind. Drake is -despite being very grumpy at times – very kind, he's funny, fiercely loyal and overall he's just a total softy' you say and look at her warmly

' When it comes to dating Hana go for the person who makes you happy, who values you and treasures your connection'

' I shall think of that next time someone catches my eye'

'And Hana?' you ask as you put your hand on hers and squeezes it gently

'Yes Rose?'

'Don't settle for less than you deserve, you are funny, sweet, extremely talented and you deserve the world... Don't ever forget that'

Hana seems speechless so she nods and puts her head on your shoulder.

In the evening you decide to go for an evening walk around the grounds, you spot someone in the darkness, he's dark haired, tall and in a jean jacket -

'Dr- Drake!' you exclaim and as the person turns around you see that is Drake.