#Engagement rings in White Lake

[waterfalljewelers]

How to Clean Gold Jewelry, according to a Professional

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean between the gemstone and the setting to loosen any stubborn dirt, dust, or product buildup. Once this is done, you can simply rinse your piece under the tap. After that, you can gently pat it dry with a clean microfiber cloth.Avoid using any other cloth or paper towels as they can scratch the metal. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, simply allow your piece to air dry. When it comes to gemstone engagement rings in White Lake, MI, you need to understand the type of stone before you clean it.

[smoooothoperator]

What Was I Made For?

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a/n: if you want to request more things about Dafne and Charles don't get shy and sent me a request!!!

Welcome back! You've been invited to Dafne Morelli and Charles Leclerc wedding.

Save the date!

14 of August of 2028

There's a reason why they waited for so long to get marriend after getting engaged in 2025

They wanted to make sure that Dorian was part of the ceremony

And even after getting engaged, they didn't think immediately about planning because well, let's me honest... Life with a newborn is not easy

So they waited until they were sure eveything was settled.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Before they announced their engagement in their social media, they made a FaceTime call with all their friends and family.

They made sure that the first thing people saw once they accepted the call was the ring

And of course everyone went crazy

Dafne’s sisters were both working, and the call caught them in the middle of the paddock

Just like the rest of their friends.

Pierre and Kika were together in the Alpine hospitality

Lando and Violet and Oscar and Lily were in the McLaren hospitality

Carlos was in the Williams garage

Everyone was in the paddock, and once they ended the calls, they ran to the other to talk about their engagement.

After calling their friends they called their families, and of course everyone was so happy and proud of them.

PLANNING

They did it slowly

Like I said, they gave more priority raising their son before making official something else

Sometimes, during the times they had alone while Dorian was asleep, they did plan things

They looked for places where they could get married, and even inspo for the whole ceremony

And even if they years passed, they didn’t rush anything

Dafne even called Charles her husband, just like Charles called Dafne his wife

It was the day Dorian started to talk when they knew it was time to start planning things.

First. They made sure to have a place where they will get married, and after that, they reserved it for them.

Once they knew where and when, they started making the invitations

Of course they were red. Red is their color

And once the invitations were sent to them from the wedding planner company, they made sure to give the invitations to everyone, hand in hand.

Second. They started to search for the suit and the dress, as well as a little suit for Dorian

Dafne went with her mother, her sisters and friends Violet, Kika and Lily

Once she found the dress, she didn’t doubt it and called the brand that sponsors F1 Academy: Anastasia Beverly Hills 

Third. Charles, Dafne and of course Dorian when to try the food, choosing what to put in the menu and what flavor the cake will be.

Fourth. Everything is ready, except…

They have to get their bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Dafne knew who they would be, but she wanted to ask them at the friends party.

She knows Lando and Oscar wanted to be part of the brides…men (?)

So she made sure to invite them too, making dinner for all her friends.

And of course all of them would accept it.

Kika, Lily, Violet, Lando and Oscar would be by her side

Meanwhile, Charles will have as groomsmen Pierre, Carlos, Alex, Joris and Andrea.

The ring bearer and the flower boy will be, of course, Dorian

And since none of them wanted to keep their siblings out of the group, they asked both of their siblings to be the maids of honor and the best men

THE WEDDING  REHEARSAL

The day is finally close!

The place they chose to get married is in Lake Como. It’s close to where they live.

The wedding will take place in the Villa Balbiano, somewhere big enough to have the ceremony and to make sure everyone who attends the wedding and doesn't live near, can have somewhere to stay during the weekend.

The previous day of the wedding they had a rehearsal, where their families and their friends will have to practice what they will do. 

Dafne chose to wear a white dress, just to make her feel the vibes of what will happen the next day

Charles was nervous as hell, he couldn’t stop looking at her, imagining how she would look the next day if she was already looking beautiful in the rehearsal dress.

They had a small dinner, an intimate one with the family and friends

And after that, Charles and Dafne separated their ways, going to sleep in different rooms.

THE WEDDING DAY

They started to get ready surrounded by their friends

Dorian stayed with his grandparents and uncles and aunts, so when the time to see his parents was with his family.

Dafne was in her room, drinking champagne while the photographer took pictures of everyone getting ready

Charles was with his friends, getting ready and drinking a little as well

foto de groomsmen y charles

When the time of getting dressed came, Soleil and Erica were with Dafne, helping each other while the bridesmaid/men were outside waiting to see her.

Soleil and Erica walked out of the room first, smiling at Danfe’s friends while they opened the door to let them see her

Lando and Oscar were the first ones to hug her, both of them holding her between them

Then the girls went to her, squeezing her between the three of them

When she was more calm, because of course some tears came into scene, it was the time her father and Dorian went to see her

Dafne was nervous, taking deep breaths while standing in front of the door, smiling when she recognized Dorian’s voice and rushed steps

And when the door opened, she laugh softly, watching her son and her dad standing there, shocked

“Wow! Mama!” Dorian exclaimed, walking closer to Dafne and touching the material of her dress

“Do you like it, baby?” she smiled, kneeling in front of his and kissing his forehead

“You look like a princess, mom” he smiled, hugging her

Dafne giggled, wiping away the little tears

Time went by and the ceremony was going to get started

Everyone was sitting on their chairs, talking happily

Charles walked in and then he stood in the aisle, waiting to see his soon to be wife

After Charles, the bridesmaid/men and the groomsmen walked in

And after them, the maids of honor and the best men

Everyone was forming a line in the aisle, waiting for Dafne

Dorian walked in first, holding a basket with petals and throwing them to the air, giggling and having fun, waving to everyone he recognized and even stopping to offer petals to some people. When he arrived at the aisle, he hugged Charles before going with his grandparents.

And the moment finally came.

The music started to play, a piece Charles compose for Dafne

The doors opened and Dafne stood there, holding the flower bouquet with a hand while the other held her dad’s arm

She walked at the rhythm of the music, smiling widely at Charles

When she was finally in front of hi,, she kissed her dad’s cheek and then gave the flowers to Erica

Charles held her hand, squeezing it softly and caressing her knuckles with his thumb

When the time to exchange the rings came, Dorian walked towards his parents, giving each other the rings and staying with them for the rest of the ceremony

The kiss Charles and Dafne charred was magical, holding each other close and then he picked up Dorian, holding him between them both of them kissing his cheeks.

And the three of them walked through the corridor, holding Dorian’s hands while everyone clapped their hands

THE RECEPTION

The reception took place near the ceremony, inside the property

There was a zone to stay and talk with friends before going to the tables, so they decided to add some food like cheese and charcuterie and even a bar for drinks

For the tables, they decided to make a single table for them, while their parents and siblings sat in another one. Dafne's cousins were at one table and Charles' cousins at another table. They divided their friends in three tables, including their drivers friends and even some of the parents they befriended from the kindergarten where Dorian is

For food, they decided to add a pasta dish, because they were of course in Italy and they loved that dish

The cake was a chocolate one with a filling of hazelnut cream (Dorian's choice)

After lunch, they did their first dance.

They chose a slow sound, something they always listened to while they danced in the living room of their house in the evening when Dorian was asleep.

But they decided to make a little surprise for their guests

Recently, they discovered that Dorian started to love dragons, more specifically the movies “How To Train Your Dragon”

So they decided to sing one of the songs of the movie

"For The Dancing And The Dreaming"

It took them some days of rehearsal, but they finally performed it in their wedding.

And after that, the party started.

DETAILS

In the ceremony, they reserved an empty seat for those who weren't there and both wished they were: Jules, Charles' father and Dafne's grandmother.

In the kids table, they put some materials for have them entertained, like clipboards for them to paint, a table with sweets and the gift they would take from the wedding was a plushie Dorian chose knowing the favorite animal of his friends

For the adults, they put disposable cameras so they could have pictures taken from everyone

And for the party moment they placed flip flops so their guests didn't have sore feet from dancing

And for those who drank, they made a mini pack with water and some meds for the hangover

Oh, and of course, Lando was the DJ (not all the time) during the party

taglist

@elisysd @alltoomaples @ssprayberrythings @rach3164 @yvonne-dump @deliciousfestsalad @janeh22 @hc-dutch @ninifee1802 @kakorrhaphiphobia @ssararuffoni @itsjustkhaos @scaramou @tapedeck-hearts @sltwins @glitterquadricorn @ladystardust05 @theseerbetweenus @vizzzashley @auawdo @leah-also-known-as-creatoronwp @leptitlu @green-thots @caterinemirandax_ @mid5nights @harrysdimple05 @nofingjustaninchident @mendes-bae

[lovebugism]

the proposal au with stevie 🥰 during the holidays with friends and family

ok so there were two different proposal aus in the prompt list and i'm realizing now you probably meant the fluffier one but the angsty prompt really sparked something in me. feel free to send in another request if this isn't exactly what you wanted!

summary: despite a called-off engagement, you and steve pretend to be together for a new years party (fake relationship-ish, angst, but also fluff, 2.4k)

blurbcember ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚

Steve watches you duck into the passenger seat of his car and feels like a teenager again. 

Suddenly it’s 1983, and you just snuck out through your bedroom window ‘cause your parents don’t want you seeing him. He’s parked a few houses down, too, so the headlights don’t give either of you away. He’d take you to Lover’s Lake then, or maybe Skull Rock — wherever you wanted to go, really. All he wanted to do was spend the night beside you because sleeping meant missing you too long.

It’s been five years since then. He loves you just the same, but he’s not entirely sure you do. It’s complicated now. Everything’s complicated now. 

Because you’re not sneaking out to meet him anymore, he’s picking you up from a hotel because you couldn’t stand to be in the same house as him. And he’s not taking you to Lover’s Lake like he used to, either. Robin’s throwing a New Year’s party at her place instead — ‘cause you’re all adults like that now. 

Things change, but not the way Steve feels about you. He still looks at you the same way he did when he was sixteen, like he loves you so much he can’t help but wear it in his eyes.

“Are you ready?” he asks after he’s shoved thoughts of how pretty you are to the back of his mind. 

You’re wearing the same silk dress you wore for your third anniversary — or was it fourth? It hugs you perfectly just the same anyway, falling over you like drops of summer rain. You’re in the white tweed coat he got you for your birthday, too. He spent a chunk of his salary on the thing after seeing you ogling it from a too-expensive shop window. He doesn’t know how you could possibly think he doesn’t care about you like he used to. 

“Yep,” you answer in a distant monotone that makes his chest ache. 

You don’t even look his way as you flip down the sun visor to glance at yourself in the mirror. You swipe your ring finger over your bottom lip, trying to clear where your lipstick had smudged.

You used to do that a lot, too, ‘cause Steve would always kiss you stupid before you left the house. His mouth aches with the longing to do that even now, with his chest stinging at the sight of your bare finger.

“Where’s your ring?” he wonders with pinched-together brows. 

The words spill from his mouth like venom. He’d sooner blame his anger on you abandoning the thing he spent his savings on rather than how upset he is to see you without it.

Your pretty, made-up eyes go wide. You press your palm against the air and gape at your naked fourth digit. It takes you a moment to remember even taking it off — the night before, in a wine-drunk rage, on the phone with an equally unsober Nancy, ranting about your floundering love life.

“Fuck…” you huff.

Steve doesn’t understand why you’re so shocked. There are only so many things you could’ve done with it — only so many reasons you could’ve taken it off. “You were always the organized one,” he scoffs to hide his distant seething. “What happened to that?”

“It’s probably in my purse. It’s fine.”

His scruffy face swirls with jealousy because — “Why is your engagement ring in your purse?” 

He didn’t mean to say that out loud. The simmering jealousy popped into a full boil before he could blink, and the words fell out accordingly.

He figures you must’ve gone on a date the night before. Maybe with Sebastian from accounting — the obscenely handsome asshole that works in your building, who you repeatedly told him not to worry about. Or maybe it was Diego, the barista from your favorite coffee shop who knows your regular order and always flirts with you like Steve isn’t standing there. 

You probably put the ring in your purse before you asked them out. And they probably said yes because they’d be idiots not to. You probably took them back to your hotel after, too. 

Maybe they’re still there. Maybe that’s why your lipstick is smudged — not from Steve’s mouth, but from the mouth of some other undeserving schmuck.

He paints a story in his head and sparks wildfires in his chest accordingly.

“Why is yours still on your finger?” you sass absentmindedly as you rifle through the bag between your feet. “I think that’s the better question.”

Steve falters for an answer. 

He doesn’t know why. Only that he tried to take it off a couple days after you called off the engagement and that it felt too wrong — like a really, really bad gut feeling that made him sick to his stomach. 

He was going to go without it when you met with him for coffee, since you were the one who wanted double engagement rings, anyway. He felt like he needed to show you that he didn’t need it — that he was doing just fine without you.

He did need it, though. 

‘Cause he wasn’t doing just fine without you.

He slid the golden thing back on his finger and cursed himself for the tears stinging his eyes. This was right before he drove to the café to meet you, of course — only to find Diego taking your order and smiling at you with all his perfectly straight teeth.

“Because— I’ve been wearing it for almost a year— and now I have a really weird tan line,” Steve replies, stammering because he’s still trying to be cool about the whole thing. He shrugs and fidgets with his grip on the steering wheel. “I’ll take it off in the summer. It’s whatever.”

“That’s six months away,” you retort, flashing him a half-hearted glare.

It’s the first time you’ve looked at him since you sat down. Actually looked at him. Not some measly glance from the corner of your eye. And even though you’re glowering at him, it still takes his breath away. The same way it did when you were a couple of kids, when you smiled at him with heavy eyes and kissed lips.

“I know,” Steve nods with a rosy smile hinting at his lips. His deep honey eyes melt when he looks at you, full of mischief and adoration he can’t hide. “Maybe you’ll change your mind before then.”

You meet his quiet grin with squinted eyes. “Shut up,” you mutter under your breath as you turn back to your purse. 

Steve did that a lot — refused to take anything you said seriously. It’s one of the many reasons you broke off the engagement, actually, which he still seems utterly aloof to. What kind of asshole brings you three lemons when you specifically asked for ten for a lemon cake he wanted, anyway?

You find the ring at the very bottom of your purse, sandwiched between a compact mirror and a new book. You slide the diamond-encased sapphire back on your finger and try to ignore how familiar it feels.

“Better?” you wonder, sarcasm dripping from your smiling lips as you flash him your less-naked hand.

Steve scoffs and puts the car in reverse. He pulls out of the parking spot with a hand on the back of your seat. The expensive cologne he wears drapes over you like a blanket, the sudden closeness of him swaddling you instantly. Something warm stirs in the pit of your stomach, and you figure it has to be annoyance because it’s definitely not affection.

The car jolts when he puts it back in drive. It knocks you from your stupor.

“You’re the one who wants to lie to all of our friends,” Steve says. “Not me.”

You huff and tilt your head until the crown of it meets the headrest. You’ve explained it to him a thousand times since Robin invited you to the damn party. It’s like he refuses to hear you sometimes.

“I already told you that I don’t want anyone asking questions. They’ll see us without our rings, and then they’ll find out we’re not engaged anymore, and then the entire night becomes about us, and I’m…” You trail off with a heavy sigh that deflates your chest. You turn your stinging gaze to the window and focus on the dying trees passing by. “I wanna have one night where I’m not worried about us.”

Silence engulfs the car in an empty embrace. The radio, playing halfway on mute, becomes suddenly louder in the quiet. It’s the sultry beat of Surrender by Suicide, the song Steve was adamant about dancing to on your wedding night. I’m trying hard, baby— the deep voice croons— Too tired to fight for you…

The thought makes your chest sparkle. You have to remind yourself that he hardly helped with the planning of said wedding. All he cared about was a single song, an open bar, and absolutely no garden venues.

After a moment or more has passed, Steve finally gains the courage to ask, “So you’re saying you’re not sure?”

Your brows furrow when you turn to him. You find the boy smiling softly, pink and quiet and warm. His twinkling gaze flits between you and the road ahead of him. 

“What are you talking about?”

He shrugs and adjusts his clammy grip on the steering wheel. 

“It’s just… if you were sure about all this — you know, not wanting to marry me — you wouldn’t care about telling anybody, right?” 

You can’t tell if the question is rhetorical, but you decide to stay quiet anyway. 

He continues. “Like, then it would make sense not to care about all the fuss. But you do care… So you’re saying there’s a chance?”

You blink at him for a second, trying to formulate an answer inside your racing mind.

He’s sort of right. In a strange, roundabout way that makes you irrationally angry. It’d be too easy to let people ask their questions and then get obscenely drunk bringing in the new year. No one would care, too obsessed about their own resolutions to worry about your failed one.

It’s less easy to stir up a whole fuss about a breakup you’re not totally sure about. Like “hey guys, remember when I said I was fine on my own? Well, turns out I have a bleeding heart and no backbone.”

You won’t give him the satisfaction of admitting any of this out loud, so when he smiles at you, you scowl.  “Don’t push it, Harrington.”

His rosy grin widens. “Yes, ma’am.”

—————

Robin and Vickie’s quaint two-story house is squarely in the suburbs, painted canary yellow with a deep blue door. There’s a picket fence lined with flower beds in the front, a bright green garden in the back, and a wooden swing on the porch. It’s all so perfectly domestic. 

You try to ignore the distant feelings of envy swirling around in your stomach ‘cause this is exactly what you were supposed to have with Steve.

Eddie’s a pretty good distraction, though. 

He manages to talk you into shots twice before the clock hits nine. He keeps you company when your skin starts to sparkle from the alcohol by ten. The two of you sit together on the couch, glittering beneath the Christmas lights still hanging, and talk about nothing until hours start to pass by like minutes.

You figure Steve must be doing the same. You hadn’t seen much of him since you got here. Robin pulled him away before you had to tell him to give you space, and the two of them spent ample time catching up since they don’t get to carpool to work anymore.

He comes out of the dining room a while later, sees your empty glass, and makes a B-line for the kitchen. You don’t expect him to bring you another until he’s putting one in your hands.

“For the lady,” he croons and descends on the couch beside you, uninvited and utterly uncaring. He leans in to kiss you on the cheek and doesn’t realize he’s not supposed to do that until after his plush lips brush your warm jaw.

You don’t mean to grimace, but it happens so suddenly that you can’t help it. You flinch softly away from him before you can stop yourself, burning red hot and hoping Eddie hadn’t noticed. 

He hadn’t, too unaware and faraway from the alcohol. “Where’s my refill, Stevie?” he pouts playfully and with his wild head tilted to his shoulder. Steve shoots him a glare that makes the other boy beam.

“Go get your own, Munson. I’m not your maid.”

Eddie rises, still sulking. “Rude,” he huffs and rounds the back of the couch to muss with Steve’s messily styled hair. The brunette dodges it a second too late. The older boy narrowly misses the arm swung his way.

Steve sighs, readjusts the thighs of his slacks, and settles more intently next to you. With the sleeves of his button-up pushed to his elbows, he throws an arm around your shoulder — trying to play the part you wanted him to play.

He leans in close to you, smelling like whiskey and Robin’s homemade veggie dip. His breath fans warm and familiar against your cheek. “You know, if you wanna pretend we’re still together, try not to act totally disgusted when I kiss you,” he teases.

You roll your eyes and turn to face him. “I wasn’t disgusted. I just wasn’t expecting it.”

“I kiss you on the cheek all the time!”

“You haven’t done that in months.”

Steve tilts his scruffy cheek to his shoulder and shoots you a lopsided grin, weighed down by the alcohol and the love he tries to hide. “And who’s fault is that, honey?”

Your eyes narrow in a challenging squint. “You’re making the decision not to take you back really easy right now,” you joke, only partly serious.

Steve nods with a wider smile. “Okay. Wanna go makeout?”

“Where?” you scoff, lips quirking before you realize. “In Robin’s bathroom?”

“We’ve done a lot worse in her bathroom— remember her old apartment? And the really spacious counter?” His eyes sparkle at the memory and his rosy lips curl into a petal-soft smirk.

“Steve,” you groan, face screwed in disgust even though your crossed legs squeeze a little tighter. 

You could lie and say you don’t miss him — in the utterly human sense and the properly physical one — but your body will give you away every time. 

“Just keep your arm around me and keep your dick in your pants, alright?”

Steve listens to you like he always does, because he’d follow you forever if you asked him to.

“I wish I could be as mad as you…” he confesses, trailing off with a deep sigh as he turns to nose at your hair. You still smell like home, even though you haven’t slept there in days. “…But it still really turns me on when you’re mean.”

[tiedyeflannels]

Adventure of a Lifetime

Kim Taehyung x reader

Epilogue | Masterlist

I sighed as I poked my key into the doorknob and unlocked the door to my apartment before stepping inside and turning on the light.

“Congratulations!”

I jumped at the loud pops of the confetti canons before my eyes fully adjusted and finally realized who was standing in the living room.

Taehyung and the other members were standing around the living room with small gift bags and a banner that read ‘Congrats’ on it. Tae placed the cake he was holding on the coffee table. I looked around, confused.

“What are you guys doing here and how did you get inside my apartment?” 

Tae smiled brightly and flashed the spare key I had given him the first day I moved to Korea.

“We’re here to congratulate you on the getting the job,” Jimin said happily. I placed my stuff down on the kitchen island and chuckled.

“How do you know I got the job? I just did an interview earlier today,” I said as they gathered around, setting the cake in front of me. 

“Well… when you work in the building someone’s applying to, word gets around quickly,” Namjoon said.

“Plus, Taehyung asked the department manager that you had the interview with, if you got the job,” Yoongi shrugged, making me look at Tae with a deadpan expression.

“You’re kidding, right,” I asked.

He just chuckled and put his arms around me from behind, leaning on me, “Well, I wanted to know if I should throw you a party.”

I sarcastically smiled, “Thanks… but next time, let’s wait on the party until after I know.” The guys chuckled as I remembered the cake on the table.

“Oh! We can have cake if you want. You’ll just need to grab the stuff,” I said, directing them to where the knives, plates, and silverware were so we could eat the cake.

After serving ourselves, we sat around the living room talking about what new things they were working on and fun stories that had happened throughout the week. As the night went on, the members started to slowly leave because of the things they had to do the next day until it was just me, Tae and Jimin. 

“I should probably get going,” Jimin said while standing up and stretching.

I got up and walked over to him, giving him a hug. “Thank you for coming!”

He happily gave one back. “Of course! Oh, and that one’s from me,” he said, pointing to a little yellow gift bag with white tissue paper, sitting on the coffee table.

I nodded and turned back to him just in time to catch the small wink he sent to Tae.

“Thank you,” I said as he opened the door and walked out.

I closed the door behind him before turning to Tae while crossing my arms.

“What was that about,” I asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.

He responded with a slightly nervous chuckle then lightly clearing his throat.

“Let’s go for a walk.”

~

We walked over to a nearby lake that was lined with cherry blossom trees and street lamps casting them in a calming glow. I pulled my jacket a little closer when the cold breeze swept in.

“It’s cold! Why did you want to go on a walk anyway?” 

He stopped walking which made me stop and turn to him as he brought out a small box from his pocket.

My eyes widened, “Please tell me you’re not proposing. We haven’t even discussed marriage yet and I don’t think I’m ready-” His chuckle made me stop rambling enough so that he could talk. 

“Calm down, Y/n/n. I’m not proposing yet,” he said, opening the small box to reveal a beautiful rose gold ring with three small pink flowers on the band.

Definitely, the furthest thing from an engagement ring, but still special nonetheless.

“I know you’ve been eyeing this for a while, so I’ve been saving this for the right occasion. This is my gift to you for getting the job and…”

He drawed out as he carefully took the ring out of the box before putting it back in his pocket and gently taking hold of my right hand.

“Kind of like… a promise ring. From me to you,” he said as he slipped it onto my ring finger. 

“We don’t have to get married in the near future or in ten years, but the time we’ve spent together has been the happiest of my life and I just know that I want to be with you for as long as you’ll let me.”

A smile graced my lips as I just stared at him in adoration before I nodded, “I would love that.” 

He smiled before leaning in and placing a chaste kiss on my lips. He took my hand in his as we started to walk back to the apartment.

“You know… now that we’re basically stuck together, we should talk about getting married,” Tae said, happily swinging our joined hands.

I snorted out a laugh, “Slow down, let’s get some sleep first. We can talk about this another time, hmm?”

“I can’t wait,” he said with a loving smile.

Taglist:

@maple-leaves-in-the-wind | @eli-xar | @amaroho | @oliwiasworlds

[clockwork-ashes]

Something Lonesome - Part I (as we know it)

Read also on Ao3 :)

Summary: Elain dies when she’s thrown into the cauldron, but she doesn’t stay dead for long. Over and over, again and again, something brings her back, and every time she finds her way to Lucien.

Note: This is a romance, but it’s also just a story about Elain. There will be a happy ending <3 Also, completely dedicated to the lovely @nocasdatsgay because I have so many ideas and every time I yell them into the tumblr void (the tags) she has something nice to say <3

Elain screamed as her foot hit the water. 

No words fell from her lips, not as terror gripped her like a vice. It felt as though she had stepped onto a frozen lake, the surface so cold that it burned her bare skin.

Elain kicked at the guards as they hauled her forward, her neck twisting painfully as she tried to capture the king’s attention. 

Pretty, he’d called her. Perhaps it would be enough to spare her life, Elain thought. Beauty had always been the best of her qualities, a weapon she’d been taught to wield even before she’d been old enough to understand it fully. 

Smile, sweetheart. 

Her mother would say. 

Women are always lovelier when they’re happy. 

Elain wanted to rip out the king’s throat with her teeth. He kept his dark gaze on Feyre, taking her sister in with an ancient amusement. She remained unseen, desperation clawing at her throat as a sense of familiarity washed over her. 

Something tugged gently onto her rib, a thread being pulled. Elain’s eyes were drawn to the handsome lord who had ultimately betrayed them. His voice had been rich as gold and sweet as hone  when he’d demanded the guards stop. 

He’d surged towards her, staggered as he’d attempted to reach out. Magic had leashed him next to the High Lord of Spring, pinning him in place, useless. Elain tracked the vicious scar that cut across his features, a cracked piece of glass that had not broken completely.   

He looked horrified, expression pained as he refused to turn away from the sight before him. 

Lucien. 

Elain couldn’t remember when she’d learned his name, but she was certain that if she called out to him, he would respond. She knew it just as surely as she knew herself. 

Stay.   

The word was written all over his face, an echo in her mind just as she felt her heart shatter. She couldn’t breathe, her body unable to comprehend what had occurred. She felt the same, and yet entirely different. She was not given the time to examine the sudden shift, no chance to analyse what it might mean. 

In a single movement, Elain was shoved carelessly into the Cauldron’s whirling waters. She gasped, tasting blood on her tongue. Her limbs were pulled in opposite directions by phantom hands, joints groaning at the pressure. Skin peeled back like tree bark, revealing the white bone beneath. 

Elain witnessed none of it. There was a golden thread keeping her from sinking, looped around her ring finger, bright as the sun. The darkness danced along the edges of her vision, her curls floating in a blurred mess around her. 

Old friend.

Recognition flashed in Elain’s mind, and she reached for it. As if she were threading her hands through a field of grass, the gesture was enough to ease her nerves, rhythmic. 

Wait a moment longer.

Everything seemed to pause, the world no longer spinning. A sense of calm lingered, the silence lovely. 

Please. 

Elain felt light. Ripped apart, but she was tenderly being put back together. Apology and understanding was a soft caress as the water rippled. It felt like an eternity, time endless like the Cauldron she had been forced into. 

She shut her eyes, but the darkness had already begun to ease back. It trickled like a stream until everything was crystal clear. Elain could see the elegant pearl of her engagement ring, the gemstone dull in comparison to the golden thread coiled around her finger. 

The universe tilted, and Elain allowed the waters to carry her back. She’d nearly forgotten about the throne room, had hoped for a moment she would have returned to the false safety of her home. 

The tiles were warm in comparison to the Cauldron, Elain thought, her cheek pressing uncomfortably against the smooth surface as she regained feeling in her arms and legs. She pushed herself onto her elbows, tremors making her unsteady. 

Elain breathed in sharply. 

Nesta was next, she knew. She could hear the howl of anger her sister roared in response, the king speaking as well but her ears couldn’t make out the words.

“Don’t just leave her on the damned floor—”

She caught only Lucien’s sentence, anger in his tone as a flash of sunlight flared in the large space. It reflected prettily against the black water on the tile, golden like the strange thread that had slowly begun to fade. It swirled like a winding river on a hand drawn map, one end leading to Lucien as he knelt like a knight in front of her. 

Elain winced, shoulders curling inwards just as he draped his jacket onto her trembling form. She pulled back, staring at the brown skin of his throat. She couldn’t bring herself to look away, not even as she heard the guards throw a still thrashing Nesta into the Cauldron. 

Lucien pulled Elain into his arms and she fell onto his chest clumsily. Ice water poured around her feet, but the coat kept her warm. The thick fabric smelled like fresh apples and early mornings, throwing her into memories of summer days spent gardening beneath a cloudless sky. 

Elain breathed in, comforted instantly despite what had been done to her. She tucked her chin beneath the collar, using it as a makeshift shield in order to hide from her surroundings. 

Lucien kept a respectful hand between her shoulder blades, and Elain was aware of the heat of his palm leaking through the material.

Nesta slammed into them roughly, undeterred by those watching, unbelievably brave in the face of what they’d just suffered. Elain felt slender fingers grab onto her waist, pulling as she snarled at Lucien. “Get off her!”

Elain slipped when he moved back, but Nesta’s grip was unforgiving. Her sister sobbed, the sound heart wrenching but not capturing her attention as it normally would have. 

If Nesta or Feyre had cried as children, Elain could never stop herself from doing the same. She’d always felt their pain, caring to the point where it became embarrassing. A desperate hand ran over her still wet hair, almost as though Nesta was checking to make sure they were both still alive, the touch grounding. 

Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder, though, eyes locked onto a mismatched pair. She gazed up at him, close enough for her to hold onto if she wished. She heard the rapidly beating rhythm of his heart, thunderous in her ears. 

Lucien’s voice broke like waves against the shore as he whispered. “You’re my mate.”

[foxes-that-run]

A TTPD theory

Take this as fiction, or view it as a thought experiment in how what we see can be taken in a number of ways. We are not privy to anything in Taylors life but her lyrics, social media posts and paparazzi photos, and for many years Taylor has been a continuous participant in pap photos as promotion, and keenly engaged and aware of how her fanbase reads things. I think most fans think what she wants them too, which isn't always her actual experience. She has told us this in songs like Dear Reader, Mirrorball and a lot of TTPD. Taylor has also acted out or given quotes to seed songs, in the lead up to or after their release before too.

In this post I talked about how the TTPD prologue has three muses and I'll highlight this line after the 'cosmic' muse I think is Harry:

So, here's my fan fiction/thought experiment. To me I think what started as wishing to be in a different relationship, became friendly flirting. Where I think it went wrong was in wanting different things at the time, as Taylor said in the prologue, 'some stars ever align', I still hope they do one day.

We start our story at the 2021 Grammy's (March 2021)

2021 timeline

Harry and Taylor were seen together for the first time in 6 years at the 2021 Grammy's, where both were seen looking at the other and they spoke. Their body language in the video of them talking is interesting. Taylor is leaning forward, gesturing a lot, she looks confident but also tense. Harry is the one to start it, but he looks away when she says something and it looks like he ends the conversation with pleasantries. She goes home and writes High Infidelity about resenting a partner and having an affair, outing April 29 in the process. He writes As it Was and Love of My Life about accepting something special is gone forever.

TTPD guesses for this time:

I look through people's windows - I think this song refers to the 2021 Grammy's, it refers to the muse catching their breath, tilting their head. They are someone close now distant. Sliding doors and what if's. It sounds like that conversation.

Guilty as Sin? - This song is seems early in Taylors thinking about leaving Joe, she is feeling guilty about wishing she was with someone else. High Infidelity we know was written then is oddly similar, but GAS is a current thought process with Haylor links.

Peter - I think it fits for vibes of 'life was easier on you'

May - August - Brit Awards (May 2021)

They saw each other again at the Brits in May when I think Glitch was written, Joe was in Belfast filming then.

On July 24 2021, for the anniversary of Folklore Taylor posted a photo of herself with two (double album) coffee cups (Karma MV) and text which could fit into an Eras tour Betty Speech, highlighting 'victorian ghost' and The Lakes (poets)

On 18 June 2021 Taylor announces Red TV and says “tortured by memories past”

TTPD guesses for this time:

Tortured Poets Department (because she refers to it in September and in the Red TV Announcement.

My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys - the Red TV announcement refers to Wild that is on TTPD 11 times and Red 4 times, most in that song. Taylor also used the sandcastles in 1989 Spotify Visuals

August - October 2021

This is where I wonder if a friendship was becoming flirtatious. Or with the rerecording of Red and being unhappy with Joe if perhaps Taylor was thinking more about a road not taken. Taylor had a version of the title track written and decided it was a title track and an emerging aesthetic to easter egg by September 2021. Harry was very overt too, on their anniversary he performed in white satin in Nashville wearing the Peace Ring. I think it was a flirtation then.

recorded Red (Taylors Version) in Belfast visiting Joe so was in the Haylor feels

posted this TikTok of a Glitch while recording Red TV and a request for Wildest Dreams TV

went on Fallon to promote ATW where she easter egged Typewriters, and said would try to drop easter eggs 3 years advance.

At the Tribeca Film Festival she again mentioned Typewriters, an album with an acronym, tortured poets and manuscript. She would try to drop easter eggs 3 years in advance.

Released the ATW short film with typewriters super clear and and included them in the merch too.

Harry has the first heart kiss since 2018 in St Paul! Then wears all white satin and wears and plays with his Peace Ring (for the first time in years) to perform in Nashville while Taylor in town, a few days after their anniversary, and adds To Be So Lonely to the setlist. Then he records Satellite.

TTPD guesses for this time:

Manuscript because of Red TV records (and referred to at Tribeca)

November and December 2021

This is when the majority of Midnights was written. Taylor was also not seen much after the ATW release, Joe was in Panama. You're Losing Me was recorded, if TTPD songs are from here that's hard to tell. Harry was MIA for 2 weeks before Taylors birthday and in this period Taylor wore a Gucci Lion Ring to Zoe's birthday, interesting with the amount of ring talk on TTPD. Question…? Written.

2022

2022 timeline

Matty Healy first worked with Jack sometime after 5 January.

21 January - Charlie Puth includes painting a red fence in his MV he later refers to when promoting TTPD. - So the left typewriter/Charlie Puth of it all is way too early for MH.

April 2022, Harry said “to BFs everywhere F U” which I think was directed at Joe. So he knew whatever Joe did. Drake also shouted out supportively Taylor on 19 April. Joe's costar's name in the final cut of CWF (Ep 3, 11:55).

Harry's House released on Harry and Taylors 20 May anniversary. As it was MV beforehand.

I still think it was Joever (or they were on a break) May 2022

In November I posted that I thought Midnight was the break up album. Suggesting that I think Joe and Taylor broke up by May 2022. I had thought that Joe may have agreed to a number of appearances to provide them both time to process and ready themselves for Taylors fans finding out.

I still think this, though perhaps it also could have been a break. The speed with which Taylor moved on could have that the break up was raw for us, not her.

I primarily thought this because Joe was at a random Hollywood party rather than her NYU Graduation, and she stopped liking his IG posts then, which she had done reliably.

This is to say, I think Taylor held back in Midnights and at least some of it was written before the 2 years she said at the Grammy's.

August - October 2022

By August friendly flirtation had been going on for a year, Harry dressed for eras as the rerecords were announced. They were in communication so much he knew when she was announcing things before she did. On the night of the VMAs he was dressed in blue stars to match her Midnights after party dress while Joe dragged her out to a car. I wonder if Fortnight was set after they were both at TIFF then New York for 2 weeks during Harry's residency, Harry seemed to be really struggling after that. My guess is that with the impending bad press of the Nanny/OWs relationship - any part in it being Joever would have been out of the question.

August 2022 - Harry and OW are in a Rolling Stone interview, they interviewed them in April and it came much later, but I think this is referred to in loml and something Taylor would have especially not liked given her desire for a power couple

The OW/Shia drama came to light and that relationship looked done by 5 September at the DWD premiere.

7 September - 30 October Harry wore the Peace Ring again at HSLOT shows. They were both at the Tiff Film Festival, (where Taylor mentioned typewriters again).

They were then both in New York during his residency ending 21 September, where he also played Ever Since New York for the first time in 4 years. This is my guess for when Fortnight is set.

There were blinds Joe was texting other people.

The TTPD Spotify room included a safe (vault) from Toronto 👀

In October 6 - 10 Harry postponed 2 shows due to Illness, with Sony saying Harry was not unwell. Now, other Sony artists postponed shows and this Reddit thread suggests it is over the Nanny scandal (but I don't think Harry would be so cut up about that story to cancel shows and call his mum) so there could be lots of reasons for this. But it is a real anomaly.... and Anne and Gemma flew from England to support him when he performed again.

12 October - Charlie Puth easter eggs TTPD on Fallon.

Midnights was released and Joe carried a coffee table book to avoid touching Taylor in the pap walk

Eras Tour training started September 2022 - in the Time interview Taylor said she stopped drinking and ran on the treadmill for 6 months before tour began. The Typewriters were also in the Eras set for The Man.

"This time, she began training six months ahead of the first show. “Every day I would run on the treadmill, singing the entire set list out loud,”" and "“Learning choreography is not my strong suit.” With the exception of Grammy night—which was “hilarious,” she says—she also stopped drinking. “Doing that show with a hangover,” she says ominously. “I don’t want to know that world.”

TTPD guesses for this time:

Fortnight - I think the references to a cheating husband (current tense) and wife, (the Clean lyric similarity of watering flowers) places this here. I think the August 2022 Rolling Stone with OW is part inspiration for that line. Also functioning alcoholic/time magazine quote, here or soon after.

loml - this song would have come after Harry's House. I think the Valiant Roar is a reference to the August 2022 Rolling Stone Interview with OW and Harry, I also wonder about June 2022.

Down Bad - This fits narratively if the Fortnight was September and it ended in October that puts Taylor 'down bad crying at the gym' while preparing for the Eras tour. The staring at the sky / CBBH reference also make sense to be after Taylor heard Satellite and re-recorded Red TV.

BDILH - Based on my theory on it ending due to scandals I think this fits here, at least in a starting form.

November - December 2022

This period is unknown to me, OW and Harry BUA, Harry bought a Ferrari he never drove. He was last seen driving in December 2022. Joe said Tortured Man's Club in an interview. Taylor and Joe go to New Orleans, seemingly argue and she visits a recording studio. So if not completely over this looks like a final blow.

TTPD guesses for this time:

Fresh Out of the Slammer, Florida!!!, Who's Afraid of Little Old Me, were recorded at the Esplanade Studios in NOLA

January - March 2023

Taylor performed at The 1975 concert, Harry rumoured there. Matty Healy accused Harry of Queer Baiting and Blinds that he hated Harry. Harry started being driven places.

Taylor went over to Harry at the Grammy's and was enthusiastic supporting him. I feel like things between Harry and Taylor were friendly, but I think that was it, she was initiating. He recorded the Satellite music video but then kept it in his pocket until May, maybe something started earlier, when things were different and finished then later. Joe was seen at the Grammy's with Jack and posted a photo of meredith. Harry tours Australia, slides into Influencer Yan Yan's DM's. He adds Woman to the setlist and kisses his heart. ER kiss. At the end of the month MHs ex says they were going fine.

TTPD guesses for this time:

imgonnagetyouback - because of him fixing his hair at the Grammy's

April & May 2023

Joever announced. I have a long post on the Maylor thing. My perspective is that Harry wasn't up for more than friends at that time, Matty is known for deep resentment of Harry. Matty & Taylor were both on tour, they weren't in the same city apart from the handful of times they were seen, and they were overseas from each other when it started and ended... and Matty implied it was not sincere. Taylors team also said it was not serious. Fans see it differently and that's OK. But to me it was trolling of the highest order from them both.

On 9 April Harry played golf at Augusta Georgia and disappeared for 2 weeks. In April 12 Taylor wore the Gucci Lion ring, she went to Florida, MH in Australia, HS MIA last seen in Georgia. Most of the MH public stuff was after that. Harry also added Stockholm Syndrome and Grapejuice to his setlist and seen outside Cartier before Taylor starts wearing the Necklace after their old anniversary. It's a mess. The MH thing ended.

TTPD guesses for this time:

Songs recorded, but like Fresh out the slammer they are likely started earlier. I think the daily pap works with nicely matching photos is to have everything happen in this 'neater' timeline.

Alchemy - Taylor said this title in the Cruel Summer speech in March, Taylor may have added to it later.

June

June is when I think things went really bad. I think this is where Taylor 'tore it all down with one conversation', which based on the Time magazine may have been wanting something public. Angry I don't wanna live forever Surprise Song and wild Betty Speeches:

"James, and he really, really, really messes things up bad with the love of his life, and he has to try to get her back, and apologize very sincerely, and profusely, and say he’s going to change and be better, and that’s all he has to do."

Taylor crying in a car in pap photos. Deux Moi reports Taylor attended HSLOT at Wembley. TR attends one Wembley show, we don't know which. Harry played Sweet Creature, maybe for Gemma's baby. The same night Taylor played Seven and said:

"I’ve always just had something happen to me, or feel a feeling, for even like seven seconds, if I feel a feeling, it’ll be like, ‘Oh! I have to write a song about this seven seconds of me feeling this way.’ It’s like, it’s genuinely been like, it’s not really a job, it’s like a full coping mechanism" ... (TTPD hint) ... "radical, the idea of a man apologizing in a beautiful, heartfelt, sincere way.’ I’m not talking about any of you. If you’re here, you’re exempt. You’re a really emotionally intelligent group. I’m sort of talking about other people right now.

TTPD guesses for this time:

Black dog, down bad, FOTS recorded, but not necessarily written.

loml - I think it fits here because Harry put Stockholm Syndrome with "I'll never leave" on the setlist in the place of Love of My Life.

Prophecy

BDILH

The rest is in the 2023 timeline

[accio-sriracha]

James finds out about Wolfstar.

~~~♤~~~

James woke up and dragged himself out of bed. He didn't bother with his glasses, it was too early to see anyways.

He walked to the bathroom and brushed his teeth, taking longer than usual to try to comb out his hair a little nicer today. (It didn't work)

When he got back out he headed straight for his trunk, pulling out his clothes for the day, he wondered if Lily would want to go for a stroll by the lake after-

"Shit-" A hissed whisper cut off his train of thought. He turned to see Remus standing on the other side of the room, a blanket wrapped around him.

He looked like a deer caught in headlights, not a usual expression for him.

"Moony?" James muttered, squinting, "What's wrong?"

Remus only threw a glance at Sirius' bed, his eyes wide.

James sighed and walked to his end table, slipping on his glasses.

"Holy-" His jaw dropped when he looked back at Remus.

Hickeys and bite marks covered his skin. His chest and neck were so full of dark splotches you couldn't quite tell what his usual color was supposed to be.

"Remus. What-" James gave a short, surprised laugh. Remus gave a terrified squeak and tumbled onto his bed, yanking the curtains closed around him.

James turned as Sirius stepped out of his own four poster, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

"Moons?" He mumbled, still half-asleep, "Love, you okay?"

"Oh fuck!" James laughed loudly, clamping a hand over his mouth.

Sirius, also with a neck full of hickeys, was wearing shorts that hung low on his waist. James could see the finger-shaped bruises on his hips peeking over the waistband. His thighs were covered in hickeys and bites like Remus' chest had been.

His hair was messy, adding to the Freshly Shagged look. His eyes finally found James and he jumped,

"Oh! Hey Prongs!" He laughed, scratching the back of his neck, "Goodmorning."

"Don't goodmorning me!" James called, pointing at Remus' bed, "Dude, what the fuck?"

"Oh." He looked at Remus' bed, then back at James, "Okay, yeah, I'm not awake enough for this conversation." He laughed.

James sputtered, watching as Remus slowly made his way back out of his bed, his eyes fixed on the floor.

"You two-" He gestured between them wildly, "You two are-"

"We're fucking." Sirius said bluntly, yawning, "And I'd really like to get back to it, we can talk about the engaged part at breakfast, yeah?"

James' eyes widened, "Engaged?" He shouted.

Remus looked about ready to throw up.

Sirius nodded slowly, as though he was speaking to a child, "Yes, y'know, 'Remus, will you marry me?' Engaged."

James turned to Remus, "You're engaged?" He asked again.

Remus closed his eyes and pulled a necklace out of the drawer of his end table. James noticed scratches covering his back that looked deeper than they probably should have been and threw a glare at Sirius who only smirked proudly.

The necklace held a white-gold band on the end of the chain,

"We've been wearing them under our shirts. We were planning to tell you but it just got... complicated."

"Wh-" James threw his hands up, "Y'know what? I'm going back to bed, I don't know how to deal with this."

Sirius smiled, "Great, c'mon Moons." He tugged Remus' hand eagerly back towards his bed. Remus threw an apologetic look at James on their way.

They came to breakfast the next morning with the rings on their fingers, showing them to all of their friends. James noticed they charmed their hickeys away too.

Peter took the news a lot better than he had, tearing up and hugging them. He congratulated them and told them how happy he was.

Lily, Marlene, Dorcas, Alice, and Frank all acted similar, happiness and tearful hugs. But no amount of outraged surprise.

"So nobody's going to ask how long they've been together?" James asked, his eyebrows furrowed. Peter paused,

"You didn't know? They've been together for ages."

Remus looked to him now too, frowning, "Wait, Prongs, I thought you were just upset at seeing us sleeping together."

James pinched the bridge of his nose, "You two have been dating, and I didn't even know?"

Sirius snorted, "Guess so, mate. I thought it was obvious."

"Yeah, James, they kiss like all the time." Marlene nodded.

"And the handholding?" Alice added, "I don't think they've stopped holding hands since third year."

"Didn't Pads literally sit in Moony's lap at breakfast yesterday?" Peter asked. Sirius nodded,

"Yeah." He smiled, unashamed.

James stared at them, shocked, "Well how come you never told me?"

Sirius sighed, "Fine, you know what, James. Next time I'll sit you down and have a talk with you, okay?" He offered.

James nodded, "Okay. Thank you." He picked up his toast as Sirius suddenly pointed at it,

"There's butter on that by the way." He said, smirking, "Just gonna start stating the obvious right away to get in the habit."

James rolled his eyes as the group broke out into laughter.

Needless to say, Remus and Sirius had been dating for years, and sleeping in the same bed for at least one of them.

James was... well, he was a little oblivious sometimes.

~~~♤~~~

[jmagnabo92]

Princess Alex

Just a little fluff fic for the boys :)

AO3

After the boys celebrate their engagement, Alex teases about if he's going to get the chance to be Princess Alex.

***

Three plus years after the leak, and four years after their first visit to Paris together, Alex finds himself curled up in Henry’s arms.  Henry had arranged for them to spend spring break in Paris.  Visiting the city, enjoying being happy and in love, and as of dinner tonight… engaged. 

Naturally they had celebrated and now were cuddling together. 

Alex is laying on his right side, curled into Henry, and smiling at his ring.  He’d gotten a similar band for Henry – although more catered to Henry’s taste just as Alex’s ring is catered to his own, he’d been planning to propose to Henry at the lake house that summer, but Henry beat him to the punch, and he wasn’t going to wait months to see his ring on Henry’s finger. 

“You like it, love?”

Alex hums.  “Love it.  Really making history here, huh, baby?”

“Absolutely.  I’m just imaging the chaos of a Royal Wedding with two men – one of which is from the country that succeeded from us 250 years ago, it’s definitely going to make history.”

Henry kisses his curls, and adds, “Plus, it’s going to make my ancestors roll in their graves and I’m going to love that.”

Alex laughs.  “Can you imagine your gran’s reaction if she were still around?”

“The only reason I was able to get permission to marry you is because my mother is Queen now.”

Of course, Alex knows this.  Catherine has been Queen for more than a year and that’s made everything far easier on them.  Even if the long-drawn-out funeral situation had affected their relationship with Henry being required to do certain things in London for so long while Alex was stuck doing his second year of law school.  He wanted to be there for Henry, but ‘official royal suitor’ is not enough to get much leeway for his schooling. 

He was just glad that it fell in a way that he could join Henry for the summer in London as he took up some of his royal duties after the coronation of their new queen.  Unlike with the former Queen, Catherine encouraged Henry to have Alex supporting him throughout those duties, which made both of them a lot happier and the press had started teasing about wondering when Alex would become Princess Alex, which Alex actually loved.

“Speaking of my new queen, do you think she’ll officially make me a Princess?” Alex teases. 

Henry bursts out laughing.  “Typically speaking getting married warrants you the title of Duke or Duchess, not Prince or Princess, but I do think you could convince the public to call you Princess Alex, they already do anyway.”

“I suppose that I could settle for Duchess,” Alex grins.  “But why deny the public what they really want?”

“You’re such a menace to society.  It’s not the public that started this whole Princess Alex thing and you know it,” Henry says, with a chuckle. 

He’s right, of course he is.  Shortly after their forced outing and his mother winning the election, the crown and the white house wanted them to do an interview discussing things and answering a few questions. 

“So, Alex, now that we know a little about what Prince Henry’s plans are, why don’t you tell us a little bit about your own?” the host of the interview asks.

“Well, given everything that’s happened with the campaign and the election, I have to say my political aspirations have definitely changed, I definitely don’t want to be a senator by the time I’m thirty anymore, but that left me a little… floundering.  I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.”

Here he decides to make a joke because he really doesn’t want to talk about why he’s changing away from politics. 

“So, I considered my options.  I briefly considered just being a princess now that I got Henry –”

“You would be a pretty princess, Alex,” Henry teases.

“And it even rolls off the tongue well, Princess Alex,” he teases.

“I do like the sound of it.”

There are cheers from the crowd that agree.

“But,” Alex states, despite the grinning.  “But part of the reason Henry and I fell in love is because we both want to do good in the world.  So, rather just be a princess, although it would be delightful, I’ve decided to go to law school.  I want to help minorities and underprivileged people and make a difference.”

“That’s great.”

There’s a bit of a lull and Alex knows the show’s about to end, so he says, “Besides, Henry’s mom got to be the first princess with a doctorate, so I could totally be the first princess with a law degree someday.”

He and Henry had burst out laughing, as had the crowd.

After that, the hashtag Princess Alex had gone wild on twitter and Instagram with everyone arguing that Alex would be an awesome Princess (helped by June and Bea’s comments that he would look oh so pretty in a dress and tiara – Pez and Nora had even done mockups of him in dresses and tiaras next to a mockup of Henry as Prince Charming –, and it was not at all hindered by Zahra or Philip’s annoyance by the tag).  Ever since, the press had referred to Alex as “the First Son (Princess Alex)” in the papers.  Particularly when he was in an article with Henry.

It helped that any time Alex tweeted about him and Henry, he used the hashtag as well, and so had the others, who thought the idea was hilarious.

“It doesn’t matter who started what – it doesn’t even matter that I was joking, what does matter is that the people have taken to it and me like I knew that they would, and they would thrilled to make me an official princess.”

Henry laughs.  “Half of me thinks you only said yes so that you could officially be a princess.”

“You’re so right – I befriended you, let you kiss me and turn my world on its axis by making me realize I’m bi, go through this whole thing where I was madly in love – couldn’t get enough of that mouth and your dick – but really all along… it was ploy.  I wanted to be ‘Princess Alex’ and it was worth sucking your dick just to get that.”

Henry reaches behind him and grabs a pillow before hitting him with it.  “You’re such a demon.”

“Yes, but I’m your demon now,” Alex says, returning fire with the pillow.  “Now and forever,” he says as he laces his left hand with Henry’s left hand, smiling at the way their bands shine together. 

Henry grins.  “Even if it was some ploy to become a Princess – I’m okay with that, as long as you’re my princess.”

“You’re such a sap,” Alex teases.  Then he goes and kisses him anyway.  “Can we make a post celebrating or do we have to wait for the press teams involved?”

“Technically we’re supposed to let them announce it, but since when do we ever listen to them?”

Alex grins as he holds up their hands laced together and snaps of them with their rings – he’d do a picture of him and Henry kissing, but it’d be far too obvious what they’ve been up to tonight, so hands it is. 

He adds the caption:

We said yes, here’s to making history again.  #theprinceandtheprincess #princessalex #princehenry #engaged #firstprince #history, huh?

He shows it to Henry, who smiles and nods, “Post it.”

The second he does, it breaks his records on his posts in minutes and knowing that they would rather celebrate than deal with wedding details already, he turns the phone off and says, “Well, baby, I think we can let the world marinate on us making history again, while I make use of the wonderful mouth of yours.”

Henry grins, “Sounds like a plan, love.”

“Good.”

***

Tagging those that seemed interested in the snippet:

@onthewaytosomewhere @iboatedhere @thesleepyskipper @theprinceandagcd @fullsunsets

[flowerandblood]

My Beloved Nymph (9) (End)

[modern! club owner • Aemond x fem!reader]  

[warnings: kissing, sex content, giving birth, so much fluff]

[description: Aemond is the owner of the club, his girlfriend is the younger sister of his business partner. This story is a continuation of the series "My Best Friend", which you can read here: Part 1. This story can be read on its own. Aemond has serious intentions for his girlfriend and is slowly putting them into practice.]

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Previous and next chapters: Masterlist

_____

Aemond and Y/N decided they wanted to get married in secret. They wanted it to be just their moment, in a small wooden church outside the city. The only people who knew about it were Klaus and Helaena, whom they had chosen as witnesses. They stood before the priest who read their oaths, holding hands covered by a piece of his robe.

Y/N was dressed in a beautiful white dress with embroidered white folk motifs and a deep, cut-out neckline. The dress had long, sheer sleeves, and her long hair was partly pulled back into a bun with daisies flowers pinned to it. The engagement ring, the second one she had received, gleamed on her finger. The gemstone, framed in gold, was a sapphire that gleamed wonderfully in the light of the stained-glass windows.

Aemond stared at her, thinking she was indeed a nymph, the personification of the spring goddess, who had stood before him, who had come into his life that seemed like eternal winter and made everything bloom anew with him. Looking at her, he felt calm and warm. She was like the sun on a summer morning when the cool breeze of the night still surrounds you. Her presence brought him constant relief.

They swore before God all that they had repeated to each other many times behind closed doors. Now they felt that they were participating in a sacred rite, that their lost souls would find each other after death and be reunited with each other forever. When it was over, Aemond kissed her deeply and lingeringly, feeling he was the happiest man on earth.

Aemond rented an apartment for both of them in a noble manor near their town. Every time they drove past, Y/N would say how much she wanted to see what was inside. They had a nice dinner on the terrace, overlooking the lake, talking nonsense, looking at each other with eyes that said it all. Aemond thought then that part of him was grateful to Albert for what he had done. That if it wasn't for him, Y/N would never have spoken to him that morning, never opened up to him.

Afterwards, they returned tired to their apartment, which was spacious, its windows overlooking the beautiful forest opposite. Aemond looked at his wife and saw that she blushed as she looked down. She knew what he was thinking.

He approached her slowly. He thought he wanted to take her like this, in that gown. Like in the story he wrote for her. That's how he'd always seen her, that's what she was to him. The personification of beauty. He kissed her passionately, and she moaned loudly. She wanted him to undo the buttons on her dress, but he stopped her.

"No. I want to take you in this dress." He said, taking her hand and leading her towards the door. She stared at him in surprise as they made their way down the back stairs and to the door. It was late at night and it was dark all around. They went outside, Y/N walked barefoot on the wet grass, there was no living soul around them. She saw her husband leading her towards the lake and gasped.

They settled near the shore, on the grass, the water pleasantly splashing, the sounds of reeds and grasshoppers all around them. Stars and the moon peeked through the small clouds, partially illuminating them. Aemond looked at her and cupped her cheek. Her lips quivered, she already knew what he wanted to do. He pressed his nose to her cheek, tracing it over her skin, Y/N exhaled softly, feeling her wetness trickle down between her thighs in anticipation.

"Lie down on the grass." He spoke calmly and matter-of-factly, but she could hear his breathing quicken, his eye unable to hide his excitement, his cock throbbing painfully in his pants. Y/N obediently did as he was told, not even thinking about the fact that she would probably get all dirty or someone might see them. Her lips were parted in desire.

Aemond took off his jacket, leaving him in only shirt and trousers, knelt in front of her and grabbed her legs. He spread her thighs, pulling her dress up. With a light movement, he took off her underwear and laid it next to him, undoing the belt of his pants himself. He stared at her darkly, his chest heaving in an uneven rhythm, his mouth parted.

"My Leana. God, I want you so much." He sputtered helplessly, and she felt something tighten in her throat, she felt like she was about to cry. What he did for her was so beautiful, that she felt that her heart would burst from the excess of feelings.

"My Emanor." She whispered and a single tear rolled down the side of her face. She drew in a ragged breath, her hands placed on either side of her head. Aemond leaned over her, looking at her anxiously.

"What happened, my love? Do you want me to stop?" He asked quietly, and she shook her head quickly, unable to utter a word. Her lips brushed his lips lightly, barely touching them. They caressed each other for a while, moaning softly, stroking their cheeks with their hands, enjoying each other's scent and the moment that seemed like a fairy tale.

"Spread your thighs wide." He whispered in her ear. "Let me possess all of you."

Y/N obediently did as he said, everything inside her clenched with excitement, she was all wet. Aemond ran his cock against her entrance and moaned low, as he felt how much moisture drained from her insides. He was throbbing all over, feeling that he wouldn't last long. Y/N threw her head back as she felt his tip slid into her a little, caressing her, pushing deeper with each thrust.

"I beg you, do it, take me for yourself" She whispered. He groaned at her words and entered her deeply, all the way, starting to move inside her involuntarily, he was no longer able to control his movements. Her cunt tightened on him mercilessly, intensifying his sensation. Aemond sped up and they both gasped loudly, seeking their own fulfillment.

He took her as if it was their first time, as if he had never touched her before, as if he had dreamed of her for many years. He watched her squirm beneath him, and he wanted to cry himself with lust, passion, and love. There was just her, her wedding ring glowing in the moonlight, her moans and misty eyes driving him insane.

"You're mine. Before the God, before the stars, before the world. Do you understand?" He hissed dangerously and she moaned loudly in response, the way he said it sent shivers down her spine. She felt her orgasm close, her insides tightening on his cock. Her hands tightened on his buttocks, impaling on him, both of them gasping as they stared into each other's eyes.

"Yes, Emanor, my beloved husband, take what is yours, take me and leave me nothing" She sputtered pleadingly, her words causing him to thrust her brutally several more times on the spot that gave her so much pleasure and she came hard, throwing her head back backwards, literally squeezing his semen into her. Aemond moved inside her for a moment longer, unable to stop, gasping her name, and she moaned softly beneath him. He finally collapsed on top of her, pressing his nose against her cheek.

Y/N began to sing softly, stroking his hair. She sang a childhood lullaby that her mother used to sing to her when she couldn't sleep. As he wished, Aemond fell into a blissful, peaceful sleep beside her. Even though they woke up soon after and went back to their room, not wanting to catch a cold, it was the most beautiful night of their lives.

***

Aemond lay beside his wife, his face pressed against her huge belly where his baby was writhing. A year after the wedding, they decided that Y/N would stop taking the pills. Eight months later, she found out she was pregnant.

Aemond decided it was time to relocate as their family was about to get bigger. As promised, he was looking for a home for them outside the city, somewhere they could retreat away from prying eyes. He took her on a few visits to different places, but nothing really convinced her. It wasn't until they reached the ivy-covered stone cottage with its beautiful old shutters, that he saw the twinkle in her eyes.

An old wooden kitchen with a tiled stove, a bookcase and beautiful old wallpapers made her fall in love with the place right away. Aemond found that this house was also his favorite of all. After negotiating with the seller, he bought the house and they could slowly move in.

Aemond ordered a large kennel for Vhagar so she could run around the garden and feel free at last. Aemond suspected she had a year or more to live, and he wanted to give her the best. One of the rooms has been prepared for a child. They knew it would be a son. Aemond was thrilled at the thought of holding his own child. He vowed to be a better father than Viserys. That he would believe his son, support him and be there when he needed him.

Y/N went into labor suddenly, standing in the kitchen, her cup of tea dropped from her hands as she felt a contraction and her waters drained. She clutched her stomach and screamed loudly in pain, and Aemond, terrified, rushed her straight to the hospital. It was still a few weeks too early.

It broke his heart to see how much she cried, afraid that the baby would die before they got there. He was just as scared as she was, and he wanted to cry just as much.

When they arrived, she was immediately taken to the labour ward. Aemond called Klaus and his mother to let them know what was going on. Klaus arrived ten minutes later, Alicent along with his sister and brother shortly after. Viserys was already having trouble walking and stayed home, not wanting to slow them down.

"How is she? What happened?" Klaus asked, horrified. Aemond shook his head.

"I don't know. She just suddenly collapsed and went into labor." He said, his mouth twitched, his eye red. His mother came over and hugged him tight, and he hugged her back, needing any comfort. Klaus ran a hand over his face, broken and pale, as if he was about to cry himself.

Aegon brought them coffee from the machine. He gave up therapy halfway through, still drinking, but at least he stopped going to brothels. He still slept with random girls he met, but at least he got himself together enough to work normally for their father and fulfill his company duties. He walked over to his younger brother and handed him a cup.

"She's a strong girl. Now in incubators they are able to support much younger children. Everything will be fine." He said, trying to sound neutral, but Aemond was surprised by his words. They looked at each other and nodded.

Helaena stroked his back as they sat tense in the waiting room. Even though he wanted to, the doctors wouldn't let him go inside. They decided to have a caesarean section, fearing for the baby's life.

After an hour, the doctor left the operating room, taking off his mask and gloves. Aemond stood up at once, terrified.

“The mother and child are alive, but your wife is very weak. Her body didn't take the surgery well." He said, and Aemond walked past him, going straight to the room where she lay. Despite the woman holding his baby beside him, Aemond walked over to the bed and grabbed his wife's hand. Y/N was all pale, her eyes barely open. Aemond touched her cheek, turning her face toward him.

"I am with you. Be brave for me." He said in a shaky voice, a helpless tear rolling down his cheek as he kissed her hand. Y/N pressed her forehead against his and closed her eyes.

Fortunately, after a few days of medication and careful observation, she began to recover. Aemond had been with her in the hospital all these days, sleeping on the couch next to her, never leaving her side. Sometimes when he needed a bath or something to eat, Klaus took his place, watching over his sister like a watchman.

Their son was in an incubator. When Y/N had enough strength to get up, they went there together. She burst into tears seeing how tiny their son was. Aemond pulled her close to him and they stood there, embracing tightly, his lips kissing her hair once in a while.

"He's so tiny." She said softly and sobbed. Aemond held her tight against him.

"He will survive. You'll see."

***

Aemond was so stressed out by all these events that he remembered that their baby didn't have a name yet. They agreed at first that depending on whether it was a boy or a girl, either she or he would choose a name. It was a boy, so Aemond was to choose the name - of course, his wife had to approved his choice.

"Luke." He finally said and Y/N looked at him surprised.

"What?"

"Luke. Lucerys. That will be my son's name." He said calmly and looked at her confidently. His wife swallowed softly. A lot has changed in him since he went to therapy.

During one of the family events he took Luke aside and they talked alone in his room for several hours. Everyone was afraid of what was going on there, but no one wanted to interrupt them.

When they both came out, they looked like they had been through a marathon, all pale, their eyes were red, as if they were both crying. Their relationship has been good ever since. They didn't talk to each other much, but at least they didn't interact with each other like before.

“I want to come to terms with my past and move forward. Make that name go from being hated to one of my beloveds, after my wife's name." He said kissing her hand. Y/N smiled widely and accepted his choice.

Aemond was an exceptionally tender and caring father. He assisted her in all activities, taking the strain off her while she was still recovering from the surgery. She was on maternity leave because she had finished her studies and took a full-time job in the library.

The boy who had tried to date her gave up when Aemond once caught him in a university hallway and threatened to kill him with his own hands if he approached his wife again.

The baptism date they had set for themselves was slowly approaching and godparents had to be chosen. Her choice surprised him.

"I want Helaena to be our son's godmother and Marcus to be our son's godfather." She said calmly, her husband looked at her surprised from above the book. He just nodded, not questioning her decision in any way.

Both their families and friends had gathered at the church for a christening. Little Luke squirmed in his mother's arms, unable to sit still, everything aroused his interest. He had his father's blond hair, but his mother's sea-colored eyes. Aemond took him from her, seeing that it was getting harder for her to hold him.

"Give him to me, because I can see that he's getting emotional." He grunted, taking his son from his wife and looking at him. Luke immediately grabbed his eyepatch, as always, and he had to hold his hand to stop him. Luke squeaked loudly, dissatisfied.

Marcus walked over to Y/N, smiling warmly at them, looking at their son with joy in his eyes. He tickled his cheek with his finger, and Luke squealed again, this time with pleasure.

"Thank you for this honor." He said, turning his gaze back to Y/N. "You have added another person to my life that I want to live for." He said with a slight smile.

Marcus was still in therapy and looking much better. He had a drug addiction problem. To her surprise, he and Aemond called each other often, not just for business matters. They established some strange, masculine, friendly and cooperative relationship that she did not fully understand.

Marcus sometimes came to their house to visit his godson. Luke sat calmly on his lap, biting fiercely at the toy he had just given him. Marcus has become involved in helping rape victims in the courts, giving them free legal advice on certain days of the month.

The four of them were sitting in the garden, birds were singing around them, Vhagar was spread out under the table. Since Luke birth, she has been close to him and always slept by his cradle.

"Who would have thought you'd be so settled down with a baby and a home." Marcus laughed, looking at Luke, who had just started babbling something to him in his unintelligible language. He glanced at them, smiling calmly at them. "It's good to have friends like that."

Y/N smiled widely at him and looked at her husband. His hand gently stroked her thigh under the table. She placed her hand on his. He glanced at her and hummed softly in contentment. None of them had ever been so fulfilled in their lives before.

_____

Guys, thank you so much for all your words of support and this whole journey. This is the first story I've ever published! I did not expect such a response and your involvement in history. I am very happy with this chapter, I put everything I wanted in it. Now we're on the road with our demons from A Winter Beauty, and I'm already working on another story with Aemond. If you want to keep up to date, here's my Masterlist. 🥵🔥💖😵

If you want to be tagged, leave a comment below. ~

@chainsawsangel @yentroucnagol @cardi-bre91 @melsunshine @bellaisasleep @candypurplebutterfly @malfoytargaryen @serrhaewin @svtansdaddyx @iiamthehybrid @beiigegalx @sarahkimtae @fangirlninja67 @namoreno @thetrueblackheart @opheliaas-stuff @zenka69 @namelesslosers

[rom-e-o]

A Measure of Security 🌟💫✨ (Isabel/Ebenezer)(Constance/Ebenezer)

As we grow and change, security looks different.

Rated PG-13 for suggestive themes. Enjoy!

It was like being in heaven.

Amazing dreams of their night before drifted through her brain like smoke streams, bathing her in a dreamy haze that Isabel Fezziwig would have been more than content to never wake up from. All the lingering kisses, soft touches, and warm embraces from the night before provided quite the convincing argument for her to stay cuddled up in her duvet for the rest of the day, basking in the afterglow of those moments.

Yet, the world had other plans, for she couldn’t help but notice the warm body that had occupied the space beside her the night prior had disappeared.

It was at the sound of the dresser drawer clunking around in its shell, followed by a whispered curse, that made her realize she could evade reality no longer.

Keeping the frilled duvet close to her bare chest, the blonde woman slowly sat up in her bed and pulled aside the gauzy canopy to glimpse the source of the sound that had awoken her.

At the sight of her fiancé fumbling around her bedroom and searching for his clothes, she let out a loud sigh. The woman made no effort to hide her disappointment. Why should she? It was a holiday, she was naked in bed, and he was rushing away to work as if his life depended on it.

“Ebenezer,” she began, trying to keep her voice measured despite her stress, “You’re not going into work today.”

Ebenezer Scrooge, age 25, shot his fiancée a guilty look over his shoulder.

“I’m afraid so,” he replied, pushing his arms frantically through his white undershirt before buttoning it in a frenzy. He had already pulled on his breeches, though his suspenders still hung loosely about his waist.

“You said last night that you were taking today off,” Isabel reminded him, “That’s why you stayed over.”

“I know, I know,” he said, not so much as glancing at her as he continued to hunt around the room for his shoes. “I’m sorry, darling, but I forgot that I promised Marley I’d meet him today for breakfast with a client."

"On a holiday?"

"I can’t miss it – it could mean losing his business!”

At her silence, the young man turned to her. He looked so wide-eyed and desperate. “You understand, don’t you?”

She didn’t, but what good would telling him that do? Clearly, he’d already made up his mind.

“Fine.”

Sensing and seeing that she wasn’t pleased, Ebenezer ceased his search and walked to the bed. He sat beside her and, with a tender hand, reached up to her chin. He tilted it upward and tried to charm a smile onto her face.

“Can I make it up to you?”

She was silent, her red-stained lips still forming a crescent frown.

“Here, as soon as I’m done, how about we share lunch?” he offered. “I’ll meet you at the counting house, and we can spend the entire rest of the day together. We’ll go for a long walk in the park and look at the swans together.”

The proposition was intriguing, to say the least. Her lake-blue eyes sought his, hoping to see further evidence of his promise.

“You mean it?” she asked, her voice smaller than she would have liked.

He nodded, the plume of dark hair bobbing in sync with the enthusiastic gesture. “I promise. “

She felt his other hand reach down to clutch her, his fingers pausing to worry the diamond engagement ring she wore on her finger.

“Later, Isabel. You have my word.”

He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, fingers threading through her blonde curls one last time before he stood up and left her.

The kiss had elated her to soaring heights, but upon hearing the bedroom door close and seeing all his belonging collected, she crashed back into reality of being left alone in her dark bedroom.

As she slowly lowered herself back into bed and glanced outside, she noticed that dawn had barely broken.

The sun hadn’t even risen, and he was gone before the first rays of daylight had reached her window.

She had Ebenezer’s word, but she realized with a heavy heart that was all she had.

It was getting colder out, much to Constance DoGoode's chagrin. She disliked the cold, and it was on days when she woke up to frosty windows and a chilly draft creeping through the curtains that she would have been more than content to sleep in the entire day.

Alas, she’d likely need to rise shortly to start the day. Thankfully, her schedule would include spending the day with her fiancé thanks to the fact that the two shared a workplace, and got to walk arm-in-arm each day on their commute as a result.

Yet, when the redheaded American rolled over to press her body against her betrothed and seek to steal his warmth, she found nothing by a vacant pocket waiting for her.

Just as she registered the absence of his presence, she heard the sound of someone at the bedroom’s fireplace. It sounded like someone was throwing more kindling on the bedroom fire. Sure enough, from beyond the thin fabric of the canopy, the telltale glow of a smoldering blaze brightened, it’s orangey halo shimmering through the thin fabric.

Was Magda here early to tend to the fire? No, she would have awoken Constance first. That meant …

“Ebenezer?” she asked, sitting up slowly. She kept the duvet close to her body to fend off the morning chill. Also, if it happened to not be her fiancé on the other side of the bedroom curtain, it would help preserve her modesty. Their activities from the night prior had resulted in her sleep dress and robe to be discarded beyond the foot of the bed.

The sound of an iron poker nudging firewood ceased, and she saw a distinct shadow approach the bed. A tall, broad-shouldered shadow.

Ebenezer’s broad hand slipped through the partition of fabric and lifted it up and out of the way with ease. There, he stood before her, practically bare-chested in only his dressing gown (which he’d donned for the short trip to the room’s fireplace).

“Apologies, Sunshine,” he said, his voice practically buttery with a morning rasp. “I didn’t mean to wake you. I know you hate the cold, so…”

Constance’s heart melted at the sweet gesture. “Aw, Ebenezer…you didn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I wanted to. It’s only fair, after all.”

As Constance stared at him inquisitively, she followed his gaze to see that he was eyeing the red lace dressing gown that she had been wearing the night before.

Constance gave him a cheeky smile over the top of the blanket. “Well, you did a very good job at keeping me toasty the rest of the night to make up for it."

"Is that right?" he teased, tilting his head with an amused smirk. He puffed his chest a bit, feeling pleased as punch to hear that.

"Besides, I doubt a lace dressing gown would be enough to completely protect me from this cold," she continued. On cue, she shivered as a breeze caressed her bare back and neck. "Heavens! London is icy!"

“Hence the added firewood,” he added with a grin. “Which, with that little task done…”

A thrill shot through her as she saw him kneel onto the bed and crawl over her. It took him little time to reach her, and as she slipped down the silk bed sheets with a joyful giggle, he was quick to align their lips and kiss her fully. With a moan, she parted her lips and allowed Ebenezer to deepen their kiss. She adored giving him initiative as much as he enjoyed taking it, as evident by the way his hands were quick to move to her waist and back, fingertips pressing into her warm body. He held her as if they’d been parted five years instead of five minutes.

When the kiss broke, Constance tipped her forehead forward to bump his.

“I’m dreading leaving this bed even more than I was before,” Constance confided, biting her lip coyly.

With a deep chuckle, Ebenezer pivoted his body so he could slot onto the open space beside her. “I’ll confess, I feel the same. It would be quite wonderful to just spend the day like this…”

He paused suddenly, his voice drifting off as his gaze focused on something faraway. Constance blinked and watched him keenly until he blinked with realization. “Ah! Why don’t we? I’ll close the counting house today. It's far too cold to focus on work, anyway.”

“What?” Constance asked, sitting up, duvet be damned. “W-What about the appointments?”

“There are none today.”

“What about Bob?”

“I’ll send a telegraph to the local office to wire him,” he said. Then, another idea struck him. “Wait, that’s ridiculous! I’ll go to his house and tell him now. It’s only a short walk. On my way back, I’ll stop by the bakery and pick up some breakfast.”

“W-What? Are you sure?”

Despite the question, he was already pulling aside the curtain to head over to his armoire. From there, he proceeded to change into a fresh but warm three-piece suit and long coat. He dressed so efficiently that she barely had time to enjoy the sight of his impressive back and leg muscles (not to mention his adorable bum) moving as he slipped into his clothes.

“Do you want company?” Constance asked, ready to leave the comfort of the bed for him.

Of course, he turned with a smile and motioned for her to lay back down.

“I always love your company, but on this occasion, I’ll take care of it,” he promised. He then leaned in for another kiss, which she was more than happy to oblige.

“I’ll be back”, he muttered softly against her lips. “Then we’ll spend the day together.”

“Really?”

She felt his hand cover hers, his fingers caressing the solitaire diamond band upon her finger. He paused briefly, his fingers uncharacteristically still. When she glimpsed his expression, she saw what appeared to be a touch of faraway sadness in his eyes.

Then, just as quickly at it appeared, it seemed to flicker away, and she saw nothing but her own redhaired reflection in his steel-colored gaze.

“I promise.”

I want you all to know that I wrote this fic while watching the film, and my roommate JUMPSCARED ME by appearing in the doorway the second the intro came on.

"AGAIN? IT'S BEEN 12 MONTHS."

By the way, she knows all the songs in the film and will always sit and watch it. Funny how that works, haha.

Tag list: @quill-pen @crimson-phantom-designs @themostanonymousscribbler @st0r-fruit @ray-painter

[waterfalljewelers]

How to Clean Gold Jewelry, according to a Professional

You love your gold jewelry in Waterford Twp, MI , and the way it shines when being freshly polished. However, over time your pieces can appear dull and lackluster as they gather a lot of dirt, dust, and body oils. Cleaning your pieces regularly is a must to keep them looking sparkly.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you keep your gold jewelry looking clean and shiny.

Tips to clean your gold jewelry at home

Cleaning your diamond bracelets in Waterford Twp, MI is quite an easy process. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a couple of drops of gentle detergent to it. You can then keep your pieces to soak for around 10 to 15 minutes depending on how dirty they are.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean between the gemstone and the setting to loosen any stubborn dirt, dust, or product buildup. Once this is done, you can simply rinse your piece under the tap. After that, you can gently pat it dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Avoid using any other cloth or paper towels as they can scratch the metal. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, simply allow your piece to air dry. When it comes to gemstone engagement rings in White Lake, MI, you need to understand the type of stone before you clean it.

Tougher stones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires can be cleaned with most solutions as it won’t affect them. However, softer stones like emeralds, opals, moonstones, and turquoise are too porous and delicate and can be negatively affected by these solutions.

When it comes to softer stones, always ask your local professional what products you can use on your stone. Avoid using any cleaning products that are too strong like bleach, abrasives, or chemicals as they can corrode your metal band and ruin your stone.

If in doubt, always take your ring to a professional every couple of months to clean, repair, and maintain it so that it looks new and shiny for years to come.

End Note

Caring for your pieces is very important. Make sure to always store your pieces in a velvet-lined pouch or box away from other jewelry so that it doesn’t get scratched. You should also clean your pieces twice a week depending on how often you wear them, to keep them clean.

[webtoonrealness]

reread all of the free to read neverafter yesterday and i'm sooo intrigued by annabel's death. leo has been set up to be a very eligible bachelor, and annabel is wearing the ring that lenore was seen holding in the memory of her burning the finger lakes manor down. but annabel's a lady in white! she was killed right before she was to be married! was she engaged to leo? was it somebody else? and who died first? annabel or lenore? bitchhhhhhh

[kimium]

Tell me, for Rook/Vil, who proposes and how?👀💜

Hello friend!! Thanks for the ask. I sort of answered this in this ask (where you asked me my top five Rook/Vil head canons), but I shall add onto it!

First, I think both Rook and Vil have equal chances of proposing to one another. However, I think Rook has the highest chance of proposing to Vil, so I'm going to focus on that. Not saying I don't think Vil couldn't but I can talk about that later.

How Rook proposes...

To me, Rook is a very self-sufficient person. He loves doing things on his own. With Rook's keen observation skills that borderline stalker (sometimes) it's clear to me that he already knows what's Vil's ring size. Now, I want to make it clear that while instinctively knowing your partner's ring size is a very impressive feat, this is probably one of the least alarming facts about Vil that Rook just "happens to know". This means Rook can discreetly commission and pick up a ring without bringing Vil along. A major bonus because this keeps the paparazzi/tabloids/journalists in the dark about Vil's impending engagement.

Now, I want to pause and remind everyone that proposing to your partner is not the surprise. No one should be caught off guard by the knowledge that their partner wants to marry them. The real surprise is when the proposal will happen. The moment should be memorable to the people involved and memorable Rook is going to make it.

The proposal is a private affair because there are so few things in Vil's life that are private. This proposal is also super romantic. Rook wakes Vil up and after making him a healthy, delicious breakfast, whisks Vil away. They go to quiet spots like parks or a secluded beach Rook found while out on a hunting trip. Rook packs a picnic and they sit on a thick picnic blanket, under an umbrella, and enjoy each other's company. They go on an easy hike, one that's not challenging and offers a beautiful view of a lake or the forest, or whatever you wish.

In this quiet, secluded part of the world where it feels like they're the only two people alive, Rook speaks. His words are poetic, as they usually are, but there is a slight lack of flamboyancy in his tone. It's still vibrant and passionate; no one can take that from Rook. Just it's calmer, slower, as if Rook is drawing the words out from a precious memento box stored in his heart.

He speaks of their first meeting, how his breath was taken away. He speaks of their sequential meetings that follow. He talks about how his heart fluttered when Vil responded. He talks about how Vil's smile is etched into his heart. He talks about Vil's beauty, both external and internal.

He talks about walking into love with Vil. It was as easy as breathing, as simply existing on this beautiful planet. There was no falling, no sudden gravitational pull. His love didn't bloom into existence; it just materialized.

Rook gets on one knee as he's traditional and wants to do this properly. He holds Vil's hand. Vil's crying in a way no one else has ever seen him cry before. No one else will ever see this. Only Rook.

The "I do" is so soft that it dances into the wind like a smattering of dandelion seeds after a child blows on it, a wish laced in their breath.

The ring slips onto Vil's hand. It sits perfectly and has fit Vil better than any designer clothing or shoe he's ever tried on. Their rings are simple and elegant the same way a black evening dress is. Inside a phrase is engraved. No one else sees it except them.

Rook kisses Vil's hand and stands, ready to put his own ring on. Vil gently takes the box and tugs Rook's gloves off. In contrast to Vil's smooth hands, Rooks are rugged and scared. There is a story behind each nick and each raised white line. Rook knows Vil has examined them all. He's mapped them in the same way people for thousands of centuries have gazed up into the night sky and the thousands of glittering constellations.

The ring slips onto Rook's finger and before Rook can breathe Vil is kissing Rook. Once, twice, three times... they don't stop. With each stolen breath between them their kisses become more passionate until all Vil wants is for Rook to take him then and there.

Maybe Rook does. Maybe he doesn't and they manage to whisk themselves away to a private location. That's up to you. All I can tell you is the aftermath: Vil who huffs in the mirror as sunlight trickles into their shared bedroom behind him. He has to reach for his concealer. The ring, however, has remained on his finger, a beautiful, glittering weight.

And there you have it! I hope you like my response, friend! This turned out a little more narrative driven than I'd anticipated, but I had fun with it!

[eva-knits12]

Steve and the Puppy

Trigger warning: Steve Rogers, mention of animal abuse, rescue dogs, puking, pregnancy reveal, fluff

Summary: Steve and you move into your lake house and adopt a puppy.

Steve is carrying the last few boxes from the moving van into the house. We spent the night at a motel, and left promptly before sunrise. I'm busy making sure that each box is in each room. I'm busy unpacking the kitchen boxes, and putting the plates in the dishwasher. Then, I unpack the silverware and load that in the dishwasher.

Steve contacted the water company and the electric company to turn on the water, the heat and the air conditioning, and the electricity.

The lake house Steve and I purchased is in a nice, little area that's close to the newer compound upstate. The house across the lake has just been sold to Tony. Tony and Pepper recently got married, and we were in the wedding. Steve and I have been together for four years, and Steve is home more often now. I'm home more often these days, too. I took a back seat from missions, and it feels nice. Steve and I just want to enjoy this time right now.

"That should be the last of it," says Steve, who is carrying the last box.

I look at the engagement ring on my finger. I look at the matching wedding band on Steve proposed last fall on my birthday, and he proposed with his mother's ring.

Steve's wedding band briefly catches the sunlight, and we're standing in our kitchen. We just returned from our honey moon in Rome, and we're moving from the city into a lake house. I slept on the ride up here, and I had to tell Steve to stop a few times so that I could throw up. I've been feeling very queasy and nauseous.

"Doll, are you okay?" asks Steve, as he's rubbing soothing circles on my back.

"I think it's something I ate. But I should have kicked this ages ago. Don't these things last 24 hours, and your better?" I ask.

Steve picks me up, and carries me bridal style to the bedroom. He puts a trash can next to me, and I sleep for a bit. I wake up, feeling even more queasier and nauseated than I already have. I throw up in the trash can.

Steve comes back from his morning jog, carrying a dog in his arms.

"Steve, is that what I think it is?" I ask

"Yes. I think he's hurt", says Steve.

I immediately tell Steve to get in the car, and we're taking the dog to the vet. The dog is shaking, and moaning. It's too thin, and it's fur is all mattified. It looks pretty knocked around. If I could find his owners, I have no idea what I'd do, but to abuse an animal in this way is unforgivable. There's a special place in hell for animal abusers.

Steve and I take the dog to the local ASPCA. They thank us, and we just wait. I just start crying, and I have no idea why.

"Shh. It's okay, doll. They'll report this to the police," says Steve.

"But, I just want him to be okay," I say.

"He will be. The volunteer said that we found him in time. He looked pretty knocked around," says Steve.

"How can people be this cruel?" I say.

Steve puts his arms around me and holds me close. I sob for a little while longer, and then ask where the bathroom is. The kind volunteer points me to the bathroom. I throw up, and I'm sobbing on top of this.

We just wait. The vets that volunteer there do the exam, and they have various other tests that they have to put the dog through.

I throw up again. The next day at work, Tony finds me passed out, and immediately runs me to the medical bay, with me unconscious in his arms. He immediately gets Steve.

Steve is busy training new recruits when Tony calls him to the medical bay.

Tony made sure that Dr. Cho kept him updated at all times. Steve refused to leave my side.

"Oh, doll. I didn't know it was this bad," says Steve.

"I'll be-BLARGH!" I throw up in the barf bin.

"Well, (y/n), we found out why you've been so sick lately. You just returned from your honeymoon in Rome, correct?" asks Dr. Cho.

"Yes, but that was weeks ago," I say.

"When was your last period?" asks Dr. Cho.

"Two weeks before the wedding," I answer.

"According to your chart, that's correct," says Dr. Cho.

"Wait, Tony has JARVIS keep track of everyone's vitals?" says Steve.

"Yes, Mr. Rogers, including yours. For female employees, he even makes sure that JARVIS tracks their menstrual cycles," says Dr. Cho.

"We actually discovered a heart beat," says Dr. Cho.

Steve and I look at each other in confusion.

Dr. Cho shows me the ultrasound. I look at it still doesn't seem real.

"But, that can't be. Steve and I were careful," I say.

"Wait, she's pregnant? That can't be. We were being very careful," says Steve.

Steve leaves the room to collect himself. Tony stays, while Bruce makes sure that Steve is okay.

"Wait, so Capsicle's swimmers are still working?" says Tony.

"TONY!" everyone says

"Yes. Steve's altered DNA combined with (y/n) unaltered DNA made (y/n)'s symptoms intensify. Hyperemesis gravidarum is why (y/n) has been so sick lately," says Dr. Cho.

"Wait, I'm gonna be a mom? It still doesn't seem real," I say.

"How's Steve doing?" I ask.

"Steve is still trying to process all of this," says Dr. Banner.

"Okay. Can I have a photo of the ultrasound? Steve's birthday is in a few days, and I want to surprise him," I say.

"Sure," says Dr. Cho.

Dr. Cho gives me an envelope with the ultrasound inside it.

Bruce explains that my symptoms will be intensified, but that shouldn't stop me from carrying to term.

"As long as you keep your stress low, get plenty of rest, and eat plenty of food, and get plenty of exercise, you should be okay," says Bruce.

Steve kisses your hand, and you know that you'll be okay. It's such a small, but romantic gesture.

"I want to keep her overnight, just to be on the safe side. I gave her some doxylamine, and pyridoxine. That will help reduce the symptoms. I'm giving her a prescription for that," says Dr. Cho.

I'm released the next morning, with my new prescription in hand. Steve and I spend the night in the tower, so if I need to go to the hospital, me and Steve are right there.

Luckily, we don't have to make another hospital trip, yet. So, that afternoon, we head back to the lake house. When we get back, and get settled in, Steve and I nap. My phone rings, waking both of us up.

"Hello," I say.

"Is this (y/n) Rogers?" asks the volunteer.

"Yes, this is she," I say.

"The dog you and Steve Rogers found is fine. He's ready to be adopted by you guys. We tried to contact the owners, but they don't want him. We were wondering if you and Mr. Rogers would like him," says the volunteer.

Steve takes the phone from my hand, and speaks.

"Sure. I'll pick him up in an hour," says Steve.

"Great. See you then, Mr. Rogers," says the volunteer.

"Did you hear that, doll? We'll have a dog," says Steve.

"Steve, that's wonderful!" I say.

"I'll go pick him up, just go to the pharmacy and get that prescription filled," says Steve.

"Okay, but bring him home safe. Remember, you're carrying precious cargo," I say.

"Doll, you're carrying precious cargo inside you. Our baby is going to be the first baby of the Avengers," says Steve.

"Okay, I'll have Natasha take me to the pharmacy," I say.

"Nope, I'm taking you to the pharmacy," says Agent Coulson, who I didn't realize had been in the house.

"Steve let me in," says Coulson.

"Oh, Agent Coulson, I didn't realize you were here," I say.

"Yes, when you passed out suddenly, we were concerned. When it's was announced that you're carrying Steve's baby, I immediately insisted that I be informed immediately of anything you needed. Since you need to go the pharmacy, that's where I'm taking you. Steve and Tony insisted that I be informed of everything, including daily updates of your precious cargo," says Coulson.

"Okay, let me get my purse and the prescription slip," I say.

"Steve, I'll see you when I get home," I say.

"See you then, doll," says Steve, giving me a quick kiss.

I get in Phil's car, and Steve get's in our SUV. Agent Coulson takes me to Target, and I give them my prescription. I go to the pet department, and get a leash, a collar, a water bowl, a food bowl, a mat, and some potty pads. I even get some Blue Buffalo kibble, and some wet dog food. Phil helps me pick out some dog toys, and loads everything into the cart. My prescription is ready, and I pay for it.

"Phil, you didn't have to do this," i say.

"It's no problem. Anything for the mother of Steve's baby," says Phil.

"Can you help me pick out some onesies? Steve and I are going to Costco later, and I really want to break the news to him. I really want to do this my way," I say.

I already made some booties in pink, blue, and white that will go in the package.

I even get some pregnancy tests. I got some blank onesies, two white ones, a pink one, and a blue one. I got some acrylic pain in red, blue and white, and some brushes. Phil helps me paints them when we get home, and we put them out on the card table that had a large towel on it so that they can dry properly.

"Phil, I hope this goes over well. Steve's birthday is in a few days, and I'm super nervous about it," I say.

"Knowing Steve, he'll take the news well. You helped him adjust to the modern world, and you even helped him use the computer and a smart phone," says Phil.

"Thanks, Phil," I say, with a smile on my face.

I go to the bathroom to relieve myself, and I look a the tests. I'll take those in the morning when Steve goes out for his jog.

Meanwhile, Steve is busy picking up our new dog. He calls me to give me an update, they're just busy making sure that he's clean, and they're finishing up the vet check.

"It'll be a little while longer, they're just finishing up the vet check, to make sure that he doesn't have any diseases, or anything that would bring up immediate concern. The shelter kept him longer because he needed some calories, and they even bathed him. When the volunteers brought the dog out, the dog ran right up to Steve.

"Ready to go, pal?" asks Steve.

"Woof, woof," the dog barks.

Steve loads the dog in the SUV, and the dog is nervous. Eventually, he sees the his old house, and sinks down on the seat, a small growl escaping him.

"It's okay, pal," says Steve. The dog stops, and starts to look at Steve, with worry in his eyes.

"Nobody, and I mean nobody has the right to hurt you," says Steve.

'Shh, wait till you meet Mrs. Rogers," says Steve.

"In nine months, you'll meet our precious baby," says Steve.

The dog perks up when he hears the word baby, now he has all the more reason to protect someone smaller than he his.

Steve arrives home while Phil and I are prepping for dinner. Phil mentioned that Tony bought the house across the lake, and it's great that Tony cares. You knew that Tony cared, but never showed it. I thought he was the most arrogant, selfish jerk, but he was a softie deep down.

"Tony feels that since you're carrying Capsicle's baby, he feels the need to keep an eye on you. Capsicle's baby is precious cargo," says Phil.

"Knowing Tony, he probably called our baby Capsicle's spawn," I say.

"You can say that. He also wondered since given Caps age, it can't be easy having a baby with someone old enough to be a pensioner," says Phil.

Phil and I both laugh, because well, that's typical for Tony.

"Doll, I'm home," says Steve.

"Hi, Steve," says Phil.

"Agent Coulson, how are you?" says Steve.

"(y/n) and I are fine. I'm just helping her with some household chores," says Phil, who's helping me load the dishwasher.

"Who's this?" says Phil, kneeling down to pet our dog.

"This is the dog we rescued," says Steve.

"He needs a name," I say.

"How about Liberty?" says Phil.

"Okay, Liberty," says Steve.

"No, how about Freedom?" I say

"I like Liberty better?" says Steve.

"Wait, how about Phil?" I say.

"Phil does sound better," says Steve.

"Wait, no. Coulson!" I say.

Coulson barks, and he seems to love his name.

"I think Coulson loves his name," says Phil.

"Hi, Coulson," I say.

Coulson runs up to me, and plants himself on my feet. It's as if he knew immediately that I was carrying his new playmate.

"Someone likes you," says Steve.

"Bark," says Coulson.

"Steve, why don't we let Coulson get settled in here, and then we'll have dinner," I say.

"I better get going," says Phil.

"Please stay for dinner, Phil," I say.

"I don't want to impose," says Phil.

"Agent Coulson, you're not imposing, we'll have plenty," says Steve.

"No, I got to get back to the Tower, I have a meeting with Fury tomorrow," says Phil.

"I did get your invitation. I'll be here tomorrow for the Fourth," says Phil.

I'm feeling drowsy, so Steve picks me up, and carries me to the bedroom, and lays me in bed. Steve falls asleep next to me, holding me close to him. Coulson jumps up, and parks himself at my feet, and doesn't even leave my side.

After, Steve and I wake up. Steve fixes me some dry toast and some ginger ale to help me keep things down. Before bed, I'll take another pill.

Tomorrow, I'll finish wrapping Steve's present. Right now, Steve and I are going to make a Costco run, and I want him to have the pizza and a hot fudge sundae. We go, and get water, pop, seltzer water, toilet paper, some more dog kibble, some wet food, and tons of potty pads. We also get the burgers, hot dogs, and the chicken to grill. We get two huge bags of chips, some muffins, some potato salad, tons of ears of corn, and we then pay for the purchase. I get some pizza and hot fudge sundaes for both me and Steve. Steve loves the pizza, and I'm actually able to keep something down. It feels nice to eat without throwing up after twenty minutes. Steve is amazed with the size of the store.

Phil is watching Coulson, and when we come back home, Phil and Coulson are having a nice game of fetch, even though Coulson is more invested in it than Phil.

Steve and Phil tell me to go inside, and put my feet up, and eat. I put the pizzas in the house, and I put the sundaes in the freezer. I take one quick look at the onesies, and they're dry. I'll wrap them up in the morning.

Steve and I have our dinner and our dessert, and we start to discuss names. Steve and I agree on James Joseph if I'm having a boy, and we agree on Sarah Anne if I'm having a girl. Luckily, it's a boy. Steve is giving me a foot rub while I read my book. I fall asleep, and Steve carries me to the bedroom, and puts me in bed.

I wake up earlier than Steve. I have to pee, so I open the tests, and I take them. I cap them, and wait the three minutes to see the results. It's clearly positive, so I put the test back in the box, tape it back up, and I put it with Steve's present. I even wrap up the onesies, and put them in their properly colored packages. One package is blue, and the other package is pink. I place each bootie in the packages. One pair is pink and the other pair is white, and one pair is blue and the other pair is white. I put the onesies in the package, and I'll present them when we're ready to celebrate Steve's birthday after we have dinner.

Coulson follows me everywhere. He even follows me to the kitchen, where I make myself a piece of dry toast and some tea. Steve wakes up, and fixes himself some coffee.

"Good morning, doll," says Steve.

"Good morning Captain Handsome," I say.

"Still not feeling better?" says Steve.

"I will by September," I say.

"You mean, you have to wait this out," says Steve.

"For the most part, and I need to take my anti-nausea meds," I say.

Steve and I take Coulson for his morning walk. I make myself some peppermint tea. That helps my nausea, and Steve carries the poop bags. We come back, and I sleep for a bit. Later, Agent Coulson and Tony come over to help me set up. Pepper and I spend time together, but not without me throwing up at a few points. I take another anti-nausea pill.

The cookout goes well. Everyone is here

I present Steve with the packages, and he looks at me, in confusion, but gives me a knowing wink. He then opens the packages and removes the onesies. He then opens the envelope, and he sees the ultrasound. He puts his hand on my stomach, and gives me a loving kiss.

Everyone gathers around this small photo, and congratulates the both of you. Even Phil, who helped named Coulson.

Everyone leaves when all is said and done. Steve and I are so looking forward to this next chapter. Now with Coulson, our rescue dog, makes everything even better, and we have a lot more to look forward to. I think Coulson chose us, we didn't choose him. I chose Steve as my husband, and I chose Steve to be the father to our baby.

Steve and I fall in love even more.

[bropunzeling]

beach, mountains, or lake? what does it take for you to dnf a book? what’s your favorite kind of jewelry?

mountains mountains mountains mountains mountains!!!! closely followed by beach. if i don't have mountains on one side and water on the other i AM like oh we are NOT at home

if i am reading it as an obligation - almost nothing. if reading for myself - i very rarely quit things, but when i do, it is generally a confluence of these reasons and because i don't have someone to complain to if i finish. most often this is because i find the main characters or romance stupid, or because it pings some area of my expertise SO wrongly that i'm like, just shut the fuck up (i'm looking at you red white and royal blue)

fave kind of jewelry - im really not a jewelry person! i guess my big thing is i have a whole bunch of sterling silver earrings from a local-to-seattle brand where they're all animals, or quotation marks, or similarly fun things. stud earrings are great because it's fine if i just forget about them for weeks lmaooooo but i mean, my wedding and engagement rings look very nice! someday i'm sure i'll get used to them!

[tobiasdrake]

Well, that managed to be the worst night of my--

The eclipse.

Well, that managed to be the second worst night my life. Congratulations, Teaks; You had some steep competition.

Back on the road to find the Docarri.

Oh good, mirror puzzles. I love those.

I sound sarcastic but I'm not. I'm a sucker for slidey blocks and light reflecting and all that old-school adventurer stuff.

There is ALWAYS something behind waterfalls.

...something for Teaks, in this case.

Been back and forth trying to figure out where the light puzzle begins. The little white doodad over the face is clearly where it ends. But there's no sigil for this obvious Solstice Warrior timey-wimey crystal.

Maybe I'm missing something. I can probably come back to this on my way out.

OH GOOD IT'S THESE SHITWEASELS AGAIN

Hey Serai, I have a question. You use weird-ass portals and they use weird-ass portals. Any connection? And please take that in the least accusatory way possible because I have complete faith in you and am only seeking intel on them.

We know nothing about these guys other than that those masks look like they're really going to hurt when we shove them up their assholes.

You picked a bad day for this. My entire worldview cracked in half last night and I could really use some stress relief.

Oh no, we do. We do have to quarrel. On the grounds that I want to. I want to be very clear that what is about to happen will not be an act of self-defense.

You ruined my Fake Birthday.

Today, I choose violence.

You did not bring this on yourselves. I brought it. And I suddenly feel much better about my life choices right now.

Thanks, guys. I needed that.

I'm gonna hold you to that.

Well, that was weird. But it did help clear my head. And we're at the top of the waterfall, so from here it should be a nice and easy stro--

Rock climb. A nice. Easy. Rock climb.

I'm beginning to think the Docarri don't want visitors.

Moraine said to ring a bell. But we didn't pass a bell on our way up here.

Oh, there it is. Good eye, Garl. Sorry, Serai; Your dramatic reveal's going to have to wait.

Hey, can't you just portal over there and do it? It'd take you like five seconds, right? Do we all really need to go together? Or do you have, like, limited portal ammo or something?

Huh. I expected something a bit more exciting. Guess we did need to go together.

Hey, we're looking for the Oracle of Tides. Oracle, specifically. Not the Ruler of Tides. He doesn't like us very much.

Aww, that's nice! We would be honored to take advantage of your hospitality.

If everyone around here is this sweet, then this trip's going to be pleasant.

This trip is going to be unpleasant.

You said you foresaw us coming here! I have air lungs. How am I supposed to visit the lake floor!?

Is that a threat?

Because if it is, I should warn you that I just engaged in a rousing bit of violence and am now fairly tired, and not in the proper mood to defend myself. So. I would appreciate it. If you did not start shit for... one hour? Yeah. One hour, please.

Oh my god we get complimentary gifts

I want the pink one. Second from the right. Bottom row. It's so cute. I will... I'll... Uh....

I get hit with things a lot and seashells are breakable.

I will leave it on the ship in my private area but so help me I will be taking it out to play with every night we're at sea.

Oh, sure. Since it's you, Garl, I won't even be snippy. Go get us a seashell! I trust your judgment.

Choose wisely. And by wisely I mean the pink one. Second from the right, bottom row. You know it's the objectively correct choice.

You chose correctly. I don't know if that means we passed the ritual's test, but it does mean that you passed my test.

Failure would have resulted in no penalty of any kind, but success earns you my appreciation. Good job, Garl. T_T This is why you're my bestie. You know me so well. We are on a wavelength.

Does this have anything to do with me making paths over water? Or are we gonna sprout gills or something?

Oh, I am going straight for Torment Peak. You should not have said that. You gave me a pretty seashell for good luck and said "Don't go to the cool place". What possible reason could there be for me to not immediately beeline it to--