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hugmekenobi · 1 year ago

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S2: The Bad Batch (13)

Chapter Thirteen: Pabu

Gif by @im-no-jedi

Hunter x femaleJedi!reader

Series Summary: Some time has passed since everything that happened at Kamino and you and the Batch are trying to figure out your place in the rapidly changing Imperial galaxy. And you're having to do all this whilst figuring out where your relationship with Hunter fits into it.

Chapter Summary: The life on the run from Cid isn't working out and so Phee offers to bring you all to her home away from home.

Masterlist for S1

<Previous Chapter

Genre: Friends (idiots) to Lovers (we're in the lovers stage now)

Chapter Warnings: Canon-typical violence, swearing, very minor moments of unwanted advances, mild injury description, mentions of food and drinks, instances of innuendo, SMUT (non-explicit descriptions of kissing and making out, light biting/marking, light bondage, oral (m & f receiving), brief f. masturbation, fingering, unprotected P n V (be safe in reality please), grinding, multiple Os with hints at overstimulation, Hunter talks you through it, a flash of cum eating), mild angsty thoughts but lots of fluff and feelings too, reader do be scheming, and my usual points of going slightly off-plot and the Force doing what I need it to

Word Count: 8.8K

Author's notes: Two panic attacks and two academic essays later lol, I finally have this chapter! I am so sorry it has been such a long wait but I hope you all enjoy!

You were feeling more like yourself. You still didn’t know what had set you off, and it did remain a lingering thought in the back of your mind, but it wasn’t having a negative impact on you anymore. A fact you were grateful for because doing this mission with Phee required you all to be focused.

You had been briefed by her before heading into the bar, with Tech remaining as your getaway driver. Omega would make the deal alongside Phee whilst the rest of you split up and took inconspicuous spots around the space.

You drowned out the general chatter from the bar patrons and ignored the gentle thrum of the music as you stayed on guard whilst you went to your positions and waited. Hunter sat by one of the card tables, you had taken up home by the bar and Wrecker sat amongst another group at another table. Phee and Omega were at the top booth and sitting across from Phee’s contact- Crowder- who had two of his men on either of him as well as scattered throughout the bar.

You pretended to nurse a drink as you played your part. One downside of your spot however meant you were having to wave away those that believed they had a chance with you. One such person was now stood directly in front of you.

“Not interested.” You replied coolly before he had a chance to speak. Much to your surprise, he just shrugged and walked away. You doubted that would be a common theme, but you’d take it, nonetheless.

The meeting between Phee and Crowder seemed to be going okay but you knew nothing was certain in these situations. You were also having to balance keeping an eye on them and still seeing off those that still approached you and it was time to do that again as another man stood in front of you.

“Come here often?”

You just sighed and shook your head and looked past him.

“Hey, I’m talking to you.” He waved a hand in front of your face.

“Look, I’m really not-” You stopped abruptly as you saw Hunter stand and throw his blade in the direction of Phee- it looked like his target had been the Kouhun bug- and stand up tall. You were glad you were still sitting down because- had you been standing- you were sure that you would’ve just melted to the floor after seeing him do that and you had to fight to keep your jaw from dropping open. Gathering yourself, you got ready to act since it looked like your services were going to be required after all since Crowder’s men were on their feet with their guns drawn in the directions of Hunter and Phee.

“I’ll be taking the artifact now. You should’ve brought more muscle than that, Phee.” Crowder sneered.

A deep chuckle got his attention, and it was then he saw another man stand up tall from one of the tables. He towered over his men.

“She did.” Wrecker said as he cracked his neck.

You patted the newest arrival on the shoulder. “Yeah, this is the part where you might want to head on out.” You whispered to the now taken aback man beside you. You pulled out your blaster and stepped away from the bar and focused your stare on the enemy ahead of you.

“Now it’s getting interesting.” Phee said.

Wrecker made the first move and the club descended into chaos. Customers ran out screaming whilst the rest of you dealt with Crowder’s men and took cover from their blaster fire.

You flipped a table and crouched behind it and spoke urgently into your comm, “Tech, we need a pickup.”

“On my way.”

Crowder’s reinforcements had arrived and there wasn’t much more the rest of you could do. You had the credits and the artifact Phee wanted, there was no sense in staying.

“I think it’s time to go!�� Omega called from her position.

“Wrecker!” Hunter signalled to his brother as they both threw a smoke bomb to give you all adequate cover to leave.

Tech arrived with the Marauder just as you all exited the club and with a few defensive rounds of blaster fire, you were able to safely get on the ship and get outta there.

“You have to stop doing things like that in public.” You murmured as you walked beside him into the cockpit.

“Hmm?” He glanced at you.

“The thing with the knife. The thing were you just look so damn competent and capable.”

“You mean my job?” Hunter teased.

You shot him a look. “Well, you need to stop doing your job like that. Because every time you do, I get distracted by thoughts I should not be having on missions like that.” You sighed irritably leaned back against the wall and crossed your arms.

“Yeah?” Hunter tilted his head and smirked at you. He looked down the hallway to see Phee, Wrecker and Omega still talking and a look back at Tech told him his brother was not paying either of you any attention. He took a step closer to you and crowded you further into the wall. He brought his lips to your neck and gently traced your skin as he whispered, “It’s not just you, believe me…” He trailed off and planted a series of soft kisses against your neck and jaw.

You allowed yourself to enjoy it for a moment before you affectionately pushed him away from you. “That’s not helping.”

“Do I wanna know?” Phee asked. She had entered the cockpit just as you had created the distance between you and Hunter.

Hunter cleared his throat, and you just shook your head and you both focused on regaining your composure.

You stayed where you were as Phee took the seat next to you and Hunter situated himself on the one just behind Tech that faced one of the other control panels.

“Now that was a fun mission.” Omega said gleefully as she and Wrecker remained down in the main part of the ship.

“You got that right.” Wrecker said with a chuckle.

Phee peered back at the young girl before she addressed the rest of you. “You know, Omega was pretty impressive back there.”

“Her training’s paying off.” Hunter said as he turned his seat to answer.

“Oh, I know she’s got the whole soldier-thing down. But don’t you think she should learn some other skills?”

“What other skills?” Tech asked as he too now turned to face Phee.

“Omega spends all her time with you four. She needs friends. Ones her own age and who don’t share her genetic profile.”

“We never had such a thing. I do not see the issue.” Tech said dismissively.

“No kidding.” Phee said with a small, exasperated smile. She looked at you. “You get what I’m talking about, right? You had your own life before these guys.”

You didn’t really know how to answer that. Your upbringing hadn’t been that different from theirs but even you had to concede that she had a point on that one. It wasn’t exactly the most typical environment to grow up in so it probably wouldn’t hurt if Omega could experience a different side of life that wasn’t always about when the next dangerous mission was going to be. Before you could answer, Tech spoke again.

“We’re receiving a transmission. It is from Cid.”

You shared a mildly concerned look with Hunter. It had to happen sooner or later. She wouldn’t let you guys get off that easily.

Hunter stood up. “Let’s hear it.”

Wrecker and Omega joined the rest of you to hear the message.

Tech patched the message through, and Cid’s holographic image filled the cockpit.

“So, it’s been 20 rotations and no word. You better be dead because your absence has cost me a few scores. Remember our mutually beneficial arrangements, and how well we know one another; if you know what I mean. You’d do well not assume I am just threatening you boys.” The transmission ended.

A beat of silence past before Phee filled it. “You didn’t mention you cut ties with Cid.”

“Our mutually beneficial arrangement wasn’t so beneficial, mutually.” Hunter said sheepishly.

“Figured that out, did you?” Phee sprawled back in her chair. “I’ve known Cid a long time. She’s a useful ally, but not someone you want to cross. Do you have a plan?”

“You’re looking at it.” Hunter said.

You could tell he was mildly embarrassed at not being to offer anything more. You knew he didn’t like the aimless nature of what you all were doing right now. You squeezed his hand in reassurance.

“In that case, you all are coming with me.” Phee stated.

Hunter angled himself to face you as he sought your input.

You shrugged. We can’t keep doing what we’re doing, and you know that. If Phee is offering a place for us to go, there’s no harm in taking it. At least for a little while.

Phee watched you and Hunter do that thing again. She figured now was good a moment to put her plan into action whilst the two of you were focused on each other. “You guys ever get sick of their silent communication style?”

“Nah, she does it with all of us.” Wrecker said absent-mindedly, not realising his mistake until he’d finished speaking and saw all sets of eyes on him. “Um, I mean…”

“With all of you, huh?” Phee said curiously, angling her face to yours. You didn’t conceal your wince quick enough. That definitely confirmed that what she’d seen between you and Omega on Nal Hutta was the same thing that occurred between you and Hunter. “What does he mean by that?”

“Nothing.” You said defensively, crossing your arms as you stood on guard.

“Not an option for an answer. I’ve noticed this thing you got going on for a while. I won’t back down on this anymore.”

“Phee…” Hunter cautioned.

“Come on, Bandana. If I’m to take you to a place I keep close to my chest, I should be told about this. Haven’t we established some trust here? (Y/N), I promise I won’t tell, whatever it is?”

You glanced to Hunter who shrugged. “It’s not my secret to tell. If you want to, you can.”

Your eyes flickered over to the others who all- along with an apologetic smile from Wrecker- nodded in agreement with Hunter. You inhaled slowly. She had been helping you all out when she didn’t have to. You could do this for her. You focused on keeping the nerves out your voice as you spoke. “I’m a Jedi, Phee. What you’ve so keenly observed is me talking to the others without speaking out loud. They’re hearing my voice in their head.”

Phee’s jaw dropped. In all her travels, she’d only ever had the luxury of learning about your kind. She’d never been fortunate enough to meet one and she’d never have guessed you’d be the person to finally let her achieve that. “A Jedi?” She repeated in a hushed tone. “You mean you survived?”

You shifted on your feet awkwardly. “I mean sure, technically I did, but I left the Jedi Order long before the purge and this lot didn’t find out until after so my survival story is a bit different. Don’t really think it counts as one to be quite honest.” You added quietly, more to yourself than anyone else.

Hunter cleared his throat at you in gentle reprimand.

Phee nodded and didn’t want to press you for further information. She gathered your past would be a sensitive area, so she moved on. “So, what does one have to do to get in on that level of communication?” She asked eagerly.

You rolled your eyes. “Well, liking the person is a start.” You teased light-heartedly as you saw her frown. “That and time spent together helps strengthen the bond I need for it.”

“And where am I at in the process?”

“I’ll let you know.” You said nonchalantly.

Phee let out a grumbled sigh, but she accepted this. “I meant what I said, your secret is safe with me.”

You did find yourself believing her.

“Alright then, with that business taken care of, let’s get going!” Phee said cheerily as she walked over to Tech. She placed a hand on his shoulder. “Head to these coordinates, brown eyes.”

Tech, taken aback by the placement of her hand, did as she requested.

“Welcome to Pabu, my home away from home.” Phee said happily as she led the way off the ship. “It’s a hidden sanctuary of sorts.”

When Phee had offered to take you all with her, this was the last type of place you expected to end up at. The island was serene and beautiful. The sun was warm and shone brightly, highlighting the greens of the plants and the blues of the ocean. You were immediately filled with a sense of calm as you stepped down the stairs.

Phee gestured to the large building ahead. “That’s the Archium. It’s where the artifact will be stored. It holds treasures from all over the galaxy.”

“My analysis indicates that this so-called artifact you recovered is of very little to no monetary value.” Tech informed from his datapad.

“Treasure can mean many things.” Phee countered. “Most of the villagers on Pabu are refugees. Many of the items I recover are remnants of their cultures, and that’s worth preserving.”

You realised how poorly you’d judged Phee. There was far more to her than you’d realised. You opened your mouth. “Phee, I’m-”

Phee just shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. It’s like I told you in the beginning, I am a liberator-”

“Liberator of ancient wonders.”

You all turned in the direction of the new voice to see a cheery looking man walking over with a young girl you assumed to be his daughter. You watched as he walked over and embraced Phee.

“About time you showed your face around here.”

“Miss me, Shep?” Phee asked with a smile as she stepped back.

“You’ve got some competition.” Wrecker taunted Tech.

You bit back the laugh that threatened to leave you face at the bewildered expression on Tech’s face at Wrecker’s words.

“Auntie Phee!”

Phee knelt down and hugged the young girl.

“What’d you bring this time?” She asked eagerly.

Phee showed her the artifact.

“Looks like one of a kind.”

“Good eye.” Phee complimented.

“That’s not all you brought, I see.” Shep said as he examined the group behind her.

“This is Shep Hazard, Mayor of Pabu, and his daughter, Lyana.” Phee introduced them both as they walked over to you all. “Shep, Lyana, meet, Omega, Hunter, (Y/N), Wrecker and Tech.”

Shep went up to each of you one by one to welcome you.

Lyana walked up shyly to Omega. “Phee’s never brought any friends here before.”

“Never? Not even Cid?”

“Nope.” Phee answered.

“So why bring us?” You asked her.

“Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?”

“She must really like you.” Lyana muttered to Omega.

“Alright. That’s enough out of you.” Phee scolded affectionately.

“Then it’s settled. You’ll join us for dinner.” Shep declared.

“There’s no saying no to Shep’s famous feast. Lots of food, drink and general merrymaking. You two’ll probably hate it.” Phee kidded at you and Tech.

“You’re not helping your case.” You reminded her with a roll of your eyes, but a smile graced your lips.

Phee raised her hands before she half-turned to Shep. “Lead the way, Shep. I’ll catch up.”

You all made to follow Shep, but you couldn’t help but notice Tech linger to look back at Phee and it warmed your heart. You just wished he would clue into the part of his brilliant brain that would realise he and Phee had potential.

“Leave them alone.” Hunter whispered as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder to turn your gaze away and focus on walking behind Shep.

How are you not more invested in this?

“It’s not that I’m not invested but I know my brother, and this is something he needs to take at a very slow pace.”

You conceded the point with a nod. “You’re so good.” You knew he was right. You focused instead on taking in your new surroundings.

The more you got to see of Pabu as you walked, the more you loved it. Everything was so pretty and letting Omega run ahead with Lyana felt completely safe, there wasn’t a threat to be found. It felt natural to be here.

“Upper Pabu is the oldest part of the island.” Shep informed you all as you paused to take in the magnificent view of the island and its crystal-clear blue waters. “As we’ve grown over the years, we’ve expanded the wall into Lower Pabu.”

You leaned over the wall to take it all in.

“Hi, Shep!”

“Hi, Mr Eenta. How are Sari and Micha?” Shep replied warmly to the old man that had approached them.

Mr Eenta let out a cheery high-pitched laugh. “They’re doing good. Thanks for asking, Shep. I see we got some newcomers here too. Although we haven’t had some quite as lovely as you join our community in a long time.” He added with a kind smile in your direction.

You smiled in thanks at the man and elbowed Hunter playfully. “Gotta up your game, I might just run off with him.”

“Ha ha.” Hunter replied drily as he drew you into his side and pressed a soft kiss to your hairline.

Mr Eenta laughed at your words. “I best be off but welcome to the island! Feel free to stop by anytime!”

“Nice to see you!” Shep waved him goodbye.

“Uh, do you know everyone here?” Wrecker asked Shep.

“Of course. We’re all like family. Now, if you’ll continue to follow me, I can show you were you and (Y/N) will be staying.” Shep said to Hunter. “I have a place for the rest of you too and Omega can go to either house, but I gather it would be best to show that to you after dinner?”

“Staying?” Hunter repeated.

Shep paused for a moment. “Well, I imagine you two’ll want some privacy before dinner tonight. There’s plenty of time. Unless I’ve read things wrong, or you want to stay as a group-”

“You have read things correctly.” Tech said without looking up from his datapad.

“Tech-” Hunter started.

“Yes, please, take them somewhere far away from us.” Wrecker said in an exaggerated manner.

You punched his arm.

Shep paid little attention to the teasing insinuations. He remembered what it was like to be young and in love. “We’ll pass my home on the way anyway so you can see Omega get settled and join us in an hour or so?”

You and Hunter glanced at one another before Hunter nodded his agreement and you both walked beside Shep trying not to look too eager or walk too quickly.

You didn’t remember much about the place you were staying. All that really registered with you was the discarded pieces of armour and weapons by the door and the short route from the doorway to the bedroom. From what you did recall; it was very cosy and homey, but right now your focus was on the fact you were sat across Hunter’s lap at the edge of the bed. Your kisses were slow and deep, there was no residing worry of being interrupted or needing to be rushed and the two of you were perfectly content with not rushing things, both too intoxicated by the feeling of your lips on each other’s skin and the noises leaving your mouths.

“I want to call this in.” You panted against his lips as your fingers traced the red scarf.

Hunter groaned as he felt you grind against him. “But I-”

“I want to call this in.” You repeated seductively as you lifted it over his head and pulled back to look into his eyes. “Please.” You murmured as you pressed delicate kisses along his jaw.

“Let me see you come undone first.” He rasped as his fingers twisted in your clothing to keep him grounded.

You were confused for a moment.

“Just like this.” He emphasised as he took a hold of your hips and moved you against him once more, relishing the soft sigh that left your throat. “Do this for me and then you can have your way.” He negotiated with a kiss behind your ear.

You nodded before you placed the scarf on the bed and threaded your fingers in his hair. Your lips met his once more and as you moved your hips with more purpose, your kisses grew more desperate as each of you swallowed the moans that left your lips at the sensations happening right now. With his help, you were able to find the angle that had your breathing and heartbeat quickening and your grip on his shoulders tightened, your fingers coiled in his clothing.

“Hunter-” You said through a gasp as that familiar feeling started to rise in your body.

“Let it happen.” He encouraged as he kissed you again and gently bit down on your lip.

You finished with a groan and your head fell into the crook of his shoulder as you caught your breath.

“Did so well for me.” Hunter whispered as he stroked your back.

You sucked a small mark in his neck as you got your bearings back. You sat up properly and maintained eye contact with his as you let your hand trail down his chest. Your hand found the edges of his shirt.

Hunter lifted his arms up and let you pull the item of clothing over his head. He then reached for your top layer and delicately pulled it off you.

That process continued until you were both out of your clothes and lying on the double bed. It certainly made a change to the bunk on the Marauder, there was room to move without feeling constricted and it was far more comfortable too.

You stopped kissing him for a moment and instead focused your ministrations on the skin of neck, your teeth scraping slightly against his skin, whilst you reached beside you and brought the scarf into view. You looked down at Hunter who- amidst the rough breaths that left his throat- nodded his consent. You moved off his lap and sat back on your heels and motioned for him to sit up.

Hunter did as you requested, and he felt you bring his wrists behind his back, and he felt the soft fabric against his skin. He tested the knot and found it to be secure enough that he had no chance of getting out unaided, but it was not uncomfortable.

You pushed him back down and straddled his lap again. “Okay?” You asked as you stroked a finger down his tattooed cheek. “You just tell me when to stop.”

Hunter was enraptured by the sight of you above him and so could only manage to nod once more.

You smiled lovingly down at him before you kissed him once more, this time more teasing, leaving him chasing your lips as you parted from him too soon.

You kissed your way down his chest, paying attention to every nick and scar that was on his skin. You loved every part of him every time.

You delighted in every gruff and depraved moan that left his lips. How you loved it when he got the chance to switch off like this.

And you could take your time.

As your mouth wrapped around him, his fingers had a deathlike grip on the sheets since that was the only thing he could do with his hands behind his back like this.

Fuck, you were good. You knew just what to do to drive him crazy. You took him so well every time. The slight hum of pleasure told him he’d voiced that last thought outload. His head pressed even further into the pillows.

The sounds he was making were so divine, you just couldn’t help yourself.

Upon hearing the small moan from you, he risked glancing down and regretted it immediately. Your hand was between your legs and a noise that was scarcely recognisable- it sounded like a wrecked whimper- left his mouth.

You paused what you were doing upon hearing him. You bit your lip as you saw the ruined expression on his face. You removed your hand and held your fingers up to his mouth but when he lifted his head, you drew them away at the last second and put them in your mouth and groaned alluringly. You didn’t give him long to cope with that before you went back to him.

He released a pained breath at the sight. He needed to touch you. To taste you. To feel you. It had been too long, and he wasn’t about to let it be over like this. “St- stop.” He managed to get out.

You did as he requested and angled your eyes up to him.

Hunter very nearly lost it at the sight of you tidying up your mouth and the playful smirk that graced your face. “Untie me.” He said as his chest heaved.

You crawled your way back up and kept your eyes focused on him. You gave him enough room to get vertical enough for you to reach behind him and undo the knot.

He rolled so that you were beneath him now and he kissed you passionately whilst his hand slid down your body.

Your eyes fluttered closed and your hips bucked into his touch and a quiet groan fell from your lips as his fingers curled and pleasure shot through your core.

He noticed you were holding back. It was something you were both used to. Fear of being suddenly interrupted or accidentally overheard was a constant in moments like this but that wasn’t the case here. Here, you could let go. And fuck did he want you to let go. “I want to hear you.” He uttered against your lips as he started to move down your body, leaving bruises on your neck as he did so. “Let me hear you, sweetheart.” He all but begged as he sped his fingers up.

That was all the permission you needed. An unrestricted moan left your lips as your body tingled and you let the waves of pleasure wash through your body.

Hunter worked you through it and once you had come back down, he left a path of kisses down your body, biting and sucking as he went, to do what he’d been wanting to since the possibility of being alone had become an option. He kept a steady grip of your hips as they jolted under his touch.

He didn’t need to rush this. He would get to take you apart in the way he always dreamed of. He could take his time. Learn knew things about your body he hadn’t had the pleasure of discovering yet, life on the road with missions every other day made these occasions a far more hurried event than either of you would’ve like. But here, he didn’t have that worry and if he wasn’t addicted to you before, he most definitely was now. The noises you were making were beautiful and it had been too long since he’d had you like this, and he was reminded of how much he missed it. He moaned appreciatively at the feeling of your hands tangling in his hair as he took what he wanted from you.

Your limbs felt limp and heavy, and your breathing was laboured but you didn’t want to be done yet. “Hunter, I need you.”

“One more. Give me one more.” He breathed against you before he continued with what he’d previously been doing.

“I can’t. Just-”

“Yes, you can, sweetheart.” He urged as he focused on the spot that he knew would get you there again.

A hoarse cry left your throat as he sent you over the edge once more. You were pretty sure there were stars dancing across the ceiling right now.

Hunter let you catch your breath and just revelled in the sight of your dishevelled state. His lips traced your stomach as he worked his way back up to you.

You clawed at his back to bring him down closer to you. Fuck, he was gorgeous. His eyes were dark, and his bandana was slightly askew. “I need you.” You whispered again as you cradled the side of his jaw.

He was now all too happy to oblige.

Your hands tightly intertwined- with the backs of yours being pushed into the pillow by your head- as he moved into you, both of your breaths hitching at the sensation.

Every time you were reminded of how perfectly you fit together both here and out there. Everything just felt so right.

Hunter paused for a moment, and he lifted a hand to brush a small strand also to give himself a chance to breath.

You knew he’d held back long enough. You pressed your lips into his palm before you placed a featherlight kiss to his lips. “Come with me.” You murmured against his mouth.

Hunter nodded and started to move again, and he knew he wasn’t going to last much longer and judging by the way he could feel you tightening around him, you weren’t either.

It wasn’t long before a broken cry left your mouth, and it was the sight of you catching the necklace you’d gifted him in his teeth that finished him. He released a gutteral groan as he collapsed on top of you and breathed a relaxed sigh as you weaved your fingers through his hair. “I love you.” He uttered quietly into your neck. “Always.”

“I love you too.” You replied tenderly. “Always.”

He reluctantly pulled out and laid down next to you and wrapped his arm around you and pulled you close. There was still time before you needed to go to Shep’s so the peace and quiet could be enjoyed a little while longer.

After a few minutes of you both just taking the time to stay close to each other and regroup, you huffed out a short breath at the realisation there was still the dinner to attend to.

“What’s wrong?”

“I can barely feel my legs lying here. How am I supposed to get up and shower and then walk back up some of that hill?”

Hunter let out a low chuckle. “Whilst I take that as a compliment, I’m sure your Jedi training had you overcoming worst challenges that this.”

You heaved a sigh and turned on your back and sent an affectionate glare in his direction. “Yes, but that doesn’t stop things from feeling so far away right now.”

Hunter merely hummed and pressed a quick kiss to your lips before moving down your body.

You propped yourself up on your elbows. “What are you doing?”

“Cleaning up.” He crooned as he settled between your thighs once more.

Your head fell back against the pillows. “You heard me- heard me say shower, right?” You protested as he left tender nips to the inside of your thighs.

“You said that you can’t move to go shower.” He countered as he slowly moved his lips towards the apex of your thighs. “I’m solving half the problem.”

“This- this won’t help me stand up.” You attempted to sound strong, but you were not about to stop him.

“I know. I’m solving the other half of the problem first.”

Now properly freshened up and decent once again, you and Hunter arrived at Shep’s home to see the others happily socialising and enjoying their time.

“Hey, lovebirds!” Phee greeted with a knowing grin as you both walked in.

You simply smiled and turned your attention to Shep instead. “The place is great, Shep, thank you. Do you need any help?” You asked as he emerged from his house.

“No, we’re almost ready. Just make yourselves at home!”

You and Hunter joined the others in taking in the breath-taking view, but that sight was interrupted by the chittering of a monkey-like creature that had scaled down one of the poles.

One jumped on your shoulder before more joined and a small group of them gathered by the table.

Omega knelt down to get a closer look at them.

“They’re called moon-yos.” Lyana explained. “The elders say they’ve lived here since before Pabu was inhabited.” She welcomed one of them onto her back.

Omega chuckled happily as that same one moved from Lyana onto her shoulder.

You watched on fondly. Everything here was so carefree and easy. You couldn’t remember the last time she’d really been allowed to be a kid like this.

“I have not heard her laugh like that in some time.” Tech observed.

As soon as he’d said that you started to think about how long it had been and the very fact you couldn’t remember told it had been far too long. As Omega and Lyana followed the moon-yos over to the wall by the gate, you and Hunter approached Shep as he brought a dish out for the table.

“Phee said the villagers here are refugees.” Hunter said.

“Many, yes.” Shep replied. “Pabu has been a safe haven for those forced to flee their homes during the war and others after.”

“And you’re not worried the Empire will show up?” You asked.

“Why would they? We’re a remote island with limited resources. But if they do, we’ll manage.”

You and Hunter both glanced over to where Omega was playing with one of the moon-yos.

Shep noticed this and placed a hand on both of your shoulders. “Some come to Pabu looking for a clean slate. A chance to start over. As a parent, you couldn’t ask for a better place to raise a child.”

You were pretty sure you didn’t do a great job at concealing the taken aback expression on your face. You had clocked Hunter’s paternal instinct right from when he’d first met Omega, but hearing Shep put you in that same category with him was something that had never really occurred to you.

Shep gave you both a supportive smile before he made his way back inside.

Before either of you could speak, Omega came over.

“(Y/N)! Can you come do that thing you do with the moon-yos?” Omega grabbed your hand and started to drag you over to the troupe of creatures.

“If you can think of a believable reason why they’re suddenly even friendlier than usual.” You said with a raise of your eyebrows.

“You’re gifted at bonding with animals.” She replied simply. “Please?”

“Okay, okay.” You said with a laugh, and you let her pull you over. You took notice of the fact that you were not worried about pretences here, even a reason as broad as the one Omega was providing felt secure enough.

Hunter watched you go and felt Phee approach his side.

“Something to think about, isn’t it?”

“You’re suggesting we all stay on Pabu permanently?”

They both followed the sounds of laughter to see you now with two moon-yos on your shoulders and the others were crawling all over Lyana and Omega.

“Omega seems to like it here and this is the most relaxed I’ve seen your girl. A little stability might do you all some good.”

You half turned and caught Hunter’s gaze. You left the girls to it and walked over to him.

“You made some friends.” Phee said with a nod to the animals on your back.

“Wasn’t that hard.” You said with a grin as you internally told on of them to go onto Hunter’s shoulder. You chuckled at the sight.

Hunter let the creature crawl over him for a few seconds before he passed it back to you. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

You nodded before you scratched each on the side of their faces. Okay, go back to the kids. You let them jump down and they ran back over to Lyana and Omega.

The two of you went back over to the wall where you wouldn’t be overheard by the others.

You leaned your head against Hunter’s shoulder and breathed in the clean sea air and admired the stunning view over the wall. Pabu was growing on you rather rapidly.

“Can we have this?” Hunter said quietly to you. He wasn’t sure how he felt about being here. He wasn’t used to feeling so calm, so at peace. He kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. There were people out there who were continuing the fight like Echo and Rex. Was feeling this way allowed? Was having a place to leave the chaos of the galaxy behind on the cards for him? For all of you?

You lifted your head to face him. You understood what he meant. Feeling this content was a foreign concept but it didn’t need to be. “You have been looking after this family for a long time. You’ve done so much for the galaxy already and our circumstances have changed ever since Omega became a part of our lives. I think the chance to create something, to have a place to come back to that is safe and offers the chance to settle down is perfectly okay.”

Hunter got ready to reply but was interrupted by Shep’s voice.

“Food’s ready!” Shep announced as he brought the final dish out.

You and Hunter turned to see the others moving to the table and you bit back the laugh that threatened to appear at the fact that Wrecker seemed to be the most excited out of everyone. We can talk more about this later, for now, let’s just enjoy tonight. You took his hand and you both made your way to the table.

Phee had not been exaggerating about Shep’s dining experience. The drinks continued to flow, and you had eaten so much food you could barely sit up straight which is why you were grateful for the man next to you who let you slouch against him whilst he kept an innocent hand on your thigh.

“You have your own boat?” Omega asked excitedly.

“Uh-huh. You wanna take it out and watch the sunset?” Lyana offered.

“Really?” Omega gasped.

“That sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it?” Phee said with a look at you and Hunter.

“Can I go?” Omega asked Hunter eagerly.

Hunter glanced down at you to see you nod before he looked back to Omega. “Have fun.” He granted his permission sincerely and was happy to see her go somewhere looking so thrilled.

Oh, my goodness, you smiled.

“I smile all the time.” He protested down at you.

“No, you smile with your mouth. It rarely reaches your eyes because there’s too much worry behind them. That, was a proper smile.” You said with a small kiss to the corner of his mouth. A groan from beside you got your attention and you saw Wrecker rubbing his stomach. “What’s with you?”

“I’m full. I am never full.”

“Feels good right.” You said with an understanding nod as you were now able to sit back up.

“I will note the date and time to commemorate such a momentous occasion.” Tech added as he brought out his datapad.

You huffed out a laugh at Tech’s antics and at the look on Wrecker’s face as he got distracted by a platter that Shep had just brought out.

“Hope you saved room for dessert.” Shep said as he lifted the lid to unveil a platter of delicious looking fruit.

“I love this place!” Wrecker yelled happily.

“It’s almost time.” Phee said.

“For what?” Tech asked without turning his sight away from the screen in front of him.

“See for yourself.” Phee stood and beckoned for him to follow her over to the wall.

Tech looked over the wall but saw nothing different. “I am not seeing anything.”

Phee rested a hand on his arm. “Just wait. It’ll be worth it.”

Tech did as she said and watched as the sun went down and all the lights surrounding the island lit up the homes all at once.

“Pretty spectacular, right?” Phee said.

Tech found himself not wholly understanding the significance, but he also didn’t want to anger or disappoint her in his reaction either. “I suppose that is one way to quantify it.”

“You’re scheming.” Hunter whispered into your temple as he saw the way you were studying the pair.

You made no move to deny it. “What if I just…” You trailed off and mimed using the Force to make Phee fall into him.

“No.”

“But-”

“No.” Hunter repeated again with a loving kiss to the crown of your head.

“Do you remember what they did to us? We were locked in a storage closest for 3 hours one time!”

“Yes, but Tech is Tech. He’ll get there on his own… eventually.”

“What are you two talking about?” Wrecker asked as he finished the last piece of fruit.

You just pointed over to Tech and Phee.

“Ooohhh right. Yeah, we won’t be much help. He’s just gotta use that brain of his to figure it out.”

“Men are hopeless.” You muttered with a sigh before you stood up and wandered over to where you animal friends were.

You weren’t there for very long before you started to sense their unease but to your eyes nothing was wrong. You let them run off but before you could raise any sort of alarm, you noticed the look on Hunter’s face as he braced his hands against the wall. “What’s wrong?” You asked as you jogged over to where he, Phee and Tech were now standing.

“Something’s coming. We need to-” He didn’t get to finish his thought for an aggressive rumble ran underneath the island, leaving you all unsteady on your feet. Luckily, it didn’t last long but he was sure that wouldn’t be the last one. He reached for his comm. “Omega, come in. Are you two okay?”

“We’re fine. We’re headed back to shore now.” Came her reply.

“Everyone alright?” Shep shouted down to the rest of the island.

“Well, that was different.” Wrecker commented as he got to his feet.

“Uh, a small tremor. It’s nothing to worry about. Part of island life.” Shep explained.

“I don’t think it’s over yet.” Hunter warned and sure enough another, more violent tremor occurred, leaving cracks in some of the buildings. “That was not a small tremor.”

“No, it was not.” Shep said fretfully.

Tech analysed his datapad. “Hunter, I believe this island is at risk for a significant sea surge.”

“How much risk?” He asked.

“Highly probable to imminent.”

“We haven’t had a sea surge in more than three decades. If we were at risk, the early warning system would’ve activated. And-” Shep was cut off by the blaring of a siren.

“And I take it that’s the system?” You asked with a grimace.

Tech took the macrobinoculars that Shep passed him. “The water has already begun receding.” Tech stated as he stared through the lenses. “We must evacuate all of Lower Pabu.”

You caught Hunter’s arm in a panic. “Hunter, Lyana and Omega-”

“I know. I’ll grab our ship and get them. You five, move everyone in town to higher ground.” Hunter ordered.

You nodded before you all parted and got to work.

It was mayhem.

Everyone was screaming and stampeding to get to higher ground which meant they were paying little attention to the safety of those around them.

“Knock on every door. Check every home.” Shep told the four of you before you split up.

Tech and Phee had ensured their area was clear and they were now making for the higher ground, but the crowds were overwhelming, it wasn’t going to work this way.

“There are too many trying to get through at once. They will not make it before the surge hits. We must use additional means to get them over the wall.” Tech said hurriedly.

“We can deploy the rescue ladders.” Phee replied.

“Where?”

“They line the top of each wall.” She pointed up to where she was talking about, and they both ran to get closer to the side of the wall.

Tech aimed his grappling hook and once he felt it catch, he signalled to Phee to come closer to him. “Hang on!” He took a secure hold of her waist and scaled the wall.

“You take those ladders. I’ll handle these.” Phee directed.

Tech tried to release the ladders, but they wouldn’t budge. “The mechanisms are rusted through. We will need to manually unfurl them.”

Phee was able to use her blade to get her ladder free. “This way!” She called down to the people below.

Tech was also able to launch his and he and Phee kept an eye on them as they climbed to safety.

The siren continued to bellow around the island, a daunting reminder of how little time was left. You rounded the corner to see Mr. Eenta just sitting outside his house. “Wrecker, Shep! Over here!” You ran over to the old man. You kneeled next to his chair and spoke as calmly as you could manage. “Hey, Mr. Eenta, remember me?”

“Hmm? Oh yes, you’re the lovely lady who Shep brought over. Can I get you something?”

“Maybe later, but we gotta get out of here first.” You stepped aside to let Wrecker pick him up.

“Huh? Why? What’s going on?”

“Everything will be fine, Mr. Eenta.” Shep reassured him as the four of you set off for the high ground.

Your pace faltered behind Shep and Wrecker as you were sure the house you just passed had someone crying in it. You worked your way back and as you peered through the window; you caught side of a young Rodian child, she had to be not much older than six, frozen to the spot in the corner of the room and it looked like some kind of dresser or shelf had fallen in front of the door. You looked ahead to see that the other three were too far ahead to call back and they had Mr. Eenta so you needed them to be safe. The siren sounded again but you couldn’t move. You had time… you had to have time. “Hold on, I’m going to get you out of there.” You called through the window before you made your way to the door.

You tried kicking it down and barging into it, but it would not budge. Fuck it. You called on the Force and you were able to successfully push the door open.

You stepped over the shelf and other loose belongings and carefully made your way over to her. You took a knee in front of her. You knew if you appeared nervous or panicked then you weren’t going to get anywhere. “Hi there, little one. My name is (Y/N), do you have someone looking after you?”

She gave you nothing. She just stood there shaking as the siren continued to blare.

“Okay, it’s okay.” You cleared your throat and tried again. “Do you have a father? A mother?” You were sure you saw her head perk up slightly at that word.

“Mother?” You double checked and saw her nod again. “Okay, that’s good.” You reached your hand out to her. “How about we go find her? I can help you. Does that sound alright?”

You breathed deeply as she cautiously took your hand. “There we go. Let’s get outta here, alright?” You helped her over the debris and once you cleared the house, you picked her up and started running.

You could hear the wave now. You reached the bottom of the ladder and altered her position, so she was now on your back. “Hold on.” You scaled the ladder quickly and handed her over to someone waiting at the top, the sound of the wave getting closer by the second and you could feel the cold spray nipping at your heels. You were halfway over the wall when you felt part of the wave crash into your back, toppling you over the rest of the way.

You laid on the grounded, winded, before you felt a light tapping on your shoulder. You opened your eyes to see the kid staring worriedly at you.

“I’m good.” You panted as she peered at you. You straightened up and got some more air into your lungs and took her hand once more. “Let’s go fine your mother.”

You squeezed the young girl’s hand. “Hey kid, I think we’ve found her.” You jutted your head over in the direction of the distressed female Rodian anxiously scanning the crowds of people. Your suspicions were proved correct by the delighted squeal the child emitted at the sight. “On you go.” You nudged her gently in front of you and kept a careful eye on her as she ran up to her mother. When you saw her get picked up and held tightly, you knew your job here was done. As the young girl pointed at you, you waved goodbye, but you saw that her mother was walking over to you, so you stayed where you were.

“I went out for a few seconds but then the tremors happened, and I got caught up in the crowd- I tried to work my way back but- but there were too many people, and I couldn’t! I wasn’t sure- oh I thought I’d never see her again!” She cried tearfully as she buried her face into her daughter’s neck as she held her close.

You rested a hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay. You’re both safe now. That’s all that matters.”

“Thank you, thank you so much.”

You nodded your head in acknowledgement before you got to work on finding your own family.

“Wrecker, where’s (Y/N)?” Hunter asked urgently as he noticed everyone was there but you.

Wrecker looked around him. “She was right behind us when Shep and I knew everything was all clear.”

“She was with you as you got to safety?”

“Well- um- I can’t exactly remember.” Wrecker stammered.

“She probably just got caught up in the crowd.” Shep offered as he placed Lyana back down.

“Yeah, she’s going to be fine.” Phee added.

Their words didn’t mean much. He needed to know that you were fine. “We need to-”

“Turn around and breathe.”

A deep sigh of relief left his lungs as he heard your voice. “You’re okay?” Hunter asked as he turned to face you.

“Yeah, I’m okay. Are you all okay?” You addressed the wider group who all nodded and parted to give you some privacy.

“Where were you?” Hunter asked.

“You’re not the only one who can save a kid every now and then.” You said brightly as you hugged Omega before she went off to join the others.

“You’re wet.” Hunter noticed as he embraced you.

“Gee, save that for later, sir.” You kidded.

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

“The wave caught some of my back, but I’m fine.” You explained.

Hunter pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. “Exactly how close did you come to getting smashed off the walls of Pabu?”

“Best not think about it.” You said airily before you regrouped with the others.

The sunrise did little to lighten the spirits of Pabu’s civilians. They’d lost their homes, the best you could do was offer your sympathies and supplies to people.

“I’m sorry, Shep.” You said kindly as you came to stand next to him and Hunter as they both stared at the destruction below.

“We got everyone out in time. That’s what’s important.” Shep responded.

“Based on my estimations, it will take several rotations to rebuild the damage sustained in Lower Pabu.” Tech revealed as he and Phee joined the three of you.

“Yes.” Shep said with a dejected sigh. “Property was destroyed but my people are resilient. We’ll band together and rebuild.”

“I was thinking.” Hunter began hesitantly. “We could stay and help out with things.”

“I had the same idea.” Tech concurred.

“Did you now?” Phee teased.

You threaded an arm around Hunter’s waist and subtly nudged him as you saw the smile Tech offered Phee at her words. He merely squeezed your side in acknowledgement.

“That is, if you don’t mind us sticking around for a while.” You added as you looked to Shep.

Shep chuckled softly. “You would be most welcome.”

The group of you set back towards the crowds of people and, for once in your life, you had a good feeling about this.

Next Chapter>

Tagging: @noeasyisnoisy, @fuckoffthanos, @tpwkcalli, @graciexmarvel, @arctrooper69, @nightmonkeysstuff, @brujaporfavor, @flyingkangaroo, @sunkissedclones, @ladytano420, @keep-calm-and-drink-caf, @yyourmotherr, @xxeiraxx, @dragonrider9905, @starwarsnerd111, @skellymom

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xxstraykidsaikoxx · 11 months ago

Text

ᴋɪss ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀᴋᴇᴜᴘ || ʜʏᴜɴᴊɪɴ (sᴛʀᴀʏ ᴋɪᴅs) x ɴɪɴᴛʜ ғ!ᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ

We travel back in time! A time in where two secret lovers were forced to hide their love for one another, but what happens when they perform what is seen as a 'seductive' performance together? While also being in the midst of a disagreement?

ෆ contents - long fic, fluff, secret relationship, light argument, some cursing, happy ending, song fic? (if you squint)

ෆ word count - 1,354

ෆ note - i may have went a little overboard on this one due to hyun being my bias 😅 this one's a long one so i hope you enioy! ♡

"Maybe if you'd listen to me, this wouldn't have happened!" came the remark of a certain fiery maknae. The receiver just rolled his eyes, "If I listened to you I'd be in bigger shit than I am right now!" He fired right back at her. Despite the venom the pair spat at each other, Aiko and Hyunjin did truly love each other, they were just.. having a very loud discussion. So what got them into said discussion? A paint brush. Aiko had got live on YouTube for a bit, after making sure any and all hints of her budding relationship with the tall ferret was concealed to the world. She just forgot one thing, the very used and worn down paint brush that Hyun always uses for his paintings that could rival those of Picasso himself. Hawkeyed STAYs obviously noticed and even more rumours of the two being romantically involved with eachother resurfaced. These rumors were true, but the public couldn't know that, no one but the group could know.

"Whatever, I'm honestly glad they saw it! I'm tired of being so secretive, other idols have gone public about they're relationship! Why can't we?" Aiko challenged, "Because you're under enough hate as it is! Going public would just make things worse for both you and me, the group as well!" Hyunjin wasn't wrong, if they were to go public, Aiko's hate would increase, since even being rumored to be dating the heartthrob of the group made her the recipient of the most vile of comments. "I'm not scared of them! You don't need to worry so much, It's nothing I'm not used to any ways!" Aiko rolled her eyes, she was beginning to get sick of this conversation. "Why are you like this?! You never care about yourself and that hurts me! It's almost as if you do it on purpose! I care about you alot, Aiko, and it hurts to see you so- so comfortable with being hated and harassed so much!" Hyunjin finally snapped. He made way for the door, "Let me know when you finally pull your head out of your ass and think of how your actions have an effect on those who love you." He walked out, almost slamming the door due to how strong his feelings were. Aiko was left stunned in place, of course she'd seen Hyun get over emotional, but never that much. She was broken out of her thoughts by her phone vibrating on the table next to her. She picked it up and read the text from her manager, it was time to prepare for the next performance scheduled for Stray Kids.

Aiko wiped her face, she needed to get her mind straight. She walked out of the room and out of the building, passing a very pissed off Hyunjin on the way out. He wasn't actually mad at her, he loved her more than she knew, he was just mad that she held almost no regard for her own health and well-being, and how she didn't even consider how he'd feel if she someday fell apart and stopped fighting.

A few weeks had passed since they're argument. They decided to spend some time away from one another, to avoid further animosity between them. This cold war didn't go unnoticed, the other members had definitely noticed how the lovebirds hadn't exactly been love birding lately. Chan not liking his members to be this distant with each other sat them down and talked it out with them, which helped them at least forgive one another, but they still weren't 'back to normal'. The next stage for the MANIAC tour was approaching and Chan had had an idea, one Aiko and Hyunjin might both enjoy. "A dance cover?" Aiko asked, looking up from her phone, "Yeah! We think it'll be a neat idea! Plus STAYs will love it!" Chan knew Aiko would do anything if it meant that her beloved STAYs would be happy, "Fine, but in the middle of a tour is kinda weird, oppa.." Her tone was accusing but Chan had already walked out of hearing distance.

Aiko sat in the middle of the practice room scrolling aimlessly through her phone. Chan had apparently asked for the members to gather in the practice room for their apparent "dance cover" for a song she wasn't aware of yet. What was even more suspicious was that Chan asked to meet in the smaller practice room rather than their regular room for some reason. Ai trusted Chan but she was really starting to question his intentions- "Hyunjin?!-" Her thinking was interrupted by her tall petty ferret, who she still was being icy to, walked in. "I knew he sounded suspicious.." Groaned Hyunjin, Chan had told him the same things he told Aiko, except he had told him the song choice for this dance cover. Blackpink's collab with Dua Lipa titled 'Kiss and Makeup." That was when he started to raise suspensions. As the petty pair sat on opposite ends of the dande room waiting for the other members, it was becoming abundantly clear of what Chan's intentions were.. to try and reconcile the two through a dance cover. How creative. It was when Minho sent Aiko the specific choreography for the cover when the maknae had just about enough of this reconnection tactic. Towards the ending of the song, when the final chorus begins, Aiko and Hyunjin are supposed to do a body roll off eachother (like jenlisa at 2023 coachella).

The two dancers had done the rest of the choreo flawlessly, but when it came to that final piece of moves, it was a little hard to digest. For starters, neither of them were used to 'spicy' dances, and they weren't done being petty towards eachother.

"Touch me like you touch nobody, put your hands all up on me-" "Hyunjin come on! We've been stuck on this move for a week now!" "Well it's not all my fault you know! You haven't exactly been all that into either!" Aiko groaned and walked to turn off the music, they clearly needed a break. What she didn't see was the look of longing Hyunjin gave her. He hated their situation, and all he wanted to do was hug and say that he forgave her. "Aiko, we should talk." Ai was surprised, he hardly ever called her by her full name, so she could tell he was serious, "About what?" She questioned back, "About everything, about us, and about what we should do." Hyun sat down on the couches in the back of the room and silently requested Aiko to do the same.

As soon as Aiko sat down, Hyunjin placed his hands gently over hers and began speaking, "Jagi, what's going on between us? We never used to be like this..." "Petty?" Aiko finished for him. She sighed, "This all started with the whole keeping our relationship a secret.. I personally think we should come clean, but if you're not comfortable with that then I understand." Now it was Hyunjin's turn to be surprised, it was hard for Aiko to admit she was wrong. He scooted closer to her, now feeling the strong urge to just.. hold her, "I've been thinking about it and.." He trailed off, "And?" Aiko urged. Hyunjin gave a sigh of defeat, "It's getting difficult to hide the fact that I love you.."

Some time has passed since their talk. They forgave eachother and finally put their immature pettiness aside. They both decided to reveal their relationship to the public during the month before they're comback in June, so they would have enough time to mentally prepare. They killed the 'Kiss and Makeup' performance flawlessly, which again strengthened the dating rumors even further. Aiko couldn't wait to tell STAYs that those rumors were in fact a reality. A loving reality at that. This cold war proved to Aiko that Hyunjin did infact love her more than words can describe, and this further cemented Aiko's insane love she has for Hwang Hyunjin, and now nothing could stop her from what she's planning to do next.

©straykidsaiko

Always keep in mind that nothing in this series and in my posts are real! So anything that may seem 'out of character' should be considered as part of a fake universe! <3

ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀʟɪsᴛ

#fake kpop oc #female addition #kpop added member #skz addition #skz female addition #skz female member #stray kids 9th member #stray kids added member #stray kids scenarios #fake kpop idol #hyunjin x reader fluff #hyunjin fluff #hyunjin x reader #hyunjin imagines #hyunjin #hwang hyunjin x reader

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kismetconstellations · 4 months ago

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I loved your post on Shiro and there's so much I agree on with it. Now I'm interested in seeing your take on Keith for the character game plz!!! ❤❤❤

Aww, bless your heart. Thank you! I'm glad you found something to enjoy in all of my heavily biased, opinionated, and probably unhinged rambling. ^///^'

I'll give it a go, but, just a small warning/disclaimer in advance:

I have not watched Seasons Three through Six in their entirety. I am vaguely aware of certain developments from these seasons, thanks to my interaction with fanworks incorporating them, but I cannot offer any sort of detailed analyses based on events exclusive to them. For example, I can't comment on Keith's relationships with the Blades in any meaningful way, as I'm only familiar with his interactions with them in Seasons Two, Seven, and Eight.

My answers for Keith are not going to be anywhere near as in-depth as they were for Shiro, since I watched this show for Shiro. But, I will respond to every question to the best of my ability.

1. Why do you like or dislike this character?

I like Keith because of the hidden depths to his character. Superficially, he's the hot-headed loner stereotype. He's a "discipline case". He stole the car of a renowned ace pilot sent to recruit students for the local military academy. He spent a number of years in the foster care system after being orphaned at a relatively young age, carries a knife on his person at all times, and doesn't take well to being challenged or having his abilities called into question. He's prone to rash decision-making and acting on impulse, and will lash out and say callous, hurtful things that he doesn't truly mean in the heat of the moment. ("Are we even friends?")

But, he craves love and acceptance from the people around him, even when his instinct is to push them away for self-preservation's sake. He scarfs down his food like he's never going to get another chance to eat, again. He can be a bit slow to pick up on the meanings of certain concepts or ideas, and some aspects of socialization are completely lost on him (not comprehending Lance's "Voltron" cheer). He likes cute things in a reserved, understated sort of way. He likes hugs.

Though he'd never admit it.

He's rash and quick-tempered, but it comes from a place of passion; from a strong sense of justice, and desire to protect the ones he cares about at any cost.

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

That he's very much a semi-feral cat in human form. Shiro is his Person, the one who earned his trust and unwavering devotion, and he's slowly learned to open himself up to trusting others, but he'll still bite someone's finger off if they're not Shiro and have the misfortune of making him angry.

3. Least favorite canon thing about this character?

He seems to have lost some of his internal fire in an effort on the part of the writers to turn him into Discount Shiro.

Shiro is "retired" from his position as Black Paladin and head of Voltron, and sidelined completely through no choice of his own because Keith has taken over his role on the team.

Keith gets to kill Shiro's personal tormentor after Shiro couldn't so much as best Sendak in combat.

Season Eight has Keith retreading ground that Shiro already tread, laying into Zarkon about his being unworthy of piloting the Black Lion and Paladinship. Even though that exact confrontation between current and former Black Paladin had already been handled in a much more impactful manner back in Season Two, when it was Shiro engaging Zarkon in a hand-to-hand fight inside of the Black Lion's inner quintessence while the Black Lion, herself, spectated and had the final say in who was the victor.

Not only did Shiro and Zarkon's conflict have higher stakes, both narratively and for the characters, as Zarkon was actually still alive and an active threat to the universe, rather than existing inside of Haggar/Honerva's head, Shiro and Zarkon had history. Shiro was imprisoned and held captive, forced to fight in the gladiatorial arena, on Zarkon's ship. Zarkon was able to wrest control of the Black Lion out from under Shiro mid-battle on multiple occasions, and used his persisting connection to the Black Lion to track Voltron down across multiple galaxies.

These two finally getting to face one another on the battlefield was a longtime coming. It had proper build-up, felt completely earned, and provided all parties involved (Shiro, Zarkon, the Black Lion, and the viewer) ample reason to be invested in the outcome.

It was also a visual treat, with dynamic, impressively animated choreography and physics highly reminiscent of Saiyan battles in Dragonball Z, against a gorgeous backdrop.

Contrast that with Keith yelling at a Mega Zarkon inside of Haggar/Honerva's head, because the showrunners had to artificially up the ante somehow, while standing stock still against a backdrop that isn't nearly as stunning.

And, the Black Lion immediately coming to his aid when Mega Zarkon decides to strike,

instead of watching as her Paladin is slowly strangled until he says the right thing that convinces her that he is worthy.

Keith had Shiro's essence teach him how to "see through the Lion's eyes" in order to unlock the Black Lion's wings,

something Shiro, himself, had to fight to figure out with no one other than the Black Lion guiding him.

Despite Shiro's bond with the Black Lion being the strongest bond between human Paladin and Lion, indisputably and unquestionably, Post-Resurrection Shiro has no connection to her at all. He's a silent passenger in her cockpit, or the cockpit of whichever other Paladin-Lion pair chose to carry him. He might as well not be present at all for all of the acknowledgement and deference he's given by both his found family, and the show, itself.

None of this is Keith's fault. But, it's difficult not to feel some measure of anger, watching him usurp Shiro's role entirely, while Shiro is sequestered off on his own ship to be nerfed and disrespected for a full thirteen episode season. Especially when Keith is younger and able-bodied and easily achieves or has handed to him things that Shiro fought with all of his might only to either fall short of (defeating Sendak), or barely scrape by on the skin of his teeth (cementing his bond with the Black Lion to unlock her ultimate power). Keith's success at Shiro's expense only serves to further fuel the noxious ageism and disgusting ableism perpetuated by this show and its fanbase.

And, Keith's own personality seemed to suffer for it. Perhaps it's meant to be character growth, but he seems so flat, void of the traits that made him distinctly Keith, throughout Seasons Seven and Eight, following Season Seven's opener. I'm positive there are passionate fans who could and have elaborated on this with the detail and insight necessary to fully illustrate the dearth of Keithness. But, I think it says something that even someone like me, who watched this show for Shiro and skipped over nearly four entire seasons due to the absence of him, picked up on the less-than-satisfactory change.

4. If you could put this character in any other media, be it a book, a movie, anything, what would you put them in?

A shonen anime series, either Sci-Fi or Isekai, where he can be the hero who reluctantly heeds the call of Destiny and pull off risky, reckless maneuvers on a futuristic vehicle, and/or masterfully take down foes with a great big sword, to his hearts' content.

5. What’s the first song that comes to mind when you think about them?

"Hold On", by Chord Overstreet; only because of this Keith/Shiro video.

6. What’s something you have in common with this character?

I, too, love dogs and would die for Takashi Shirogane.

7. What’s something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you like?

Treating him like the competent adult he actually is. The one who lived on his own in a shack in the middle of the desert for a year, and set off bombs to distract Garrison security personnel while he snuck inside of the quarantine zone to figure out what they were up to. Before even realizing they had a miraculously alive Shiro sedated and strapped to a table.

8. What’s something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you despise?

Feminizing and infantilizing him, always in service of a ship. Keith has moments of emotional vulnerability, because he's meant to be a multi-faceted human/alien hybrid. That does not make him a weepy blushing "uwu" uke who sobs, wails, and cries while being choked and split open on Lance or Shiro's intimate parts and calling them "daddy".

He's a semi-feral cat in human form. He'd more than likely use his teeth, inflicting serious damage on those very sensitive parts, should someone try to make him choke on them, and I can't see him ever wanting to be sexually dominated by anyone. Putting aside that Shiro is a bottom and would never, Keith would sock Lance or any other man square on the jaw, or drive his knee or foot into an even more vulnerable area, for so much as trying to pin him down and make him "take it".

And, I know this is a popular headcanon and the show, itself, tried to lend credence to it by having Krolia thank "Kuron" for looking after Keith for her, but Shiro did not "raise" Keith. Shiro was an ambitious ace pilot in his very early twenties, contemplating the prospect of engagement and marriage to his long-term partner while their relationship began to unravel, battling a terminal degenerative illness, and planning to pilot a voyage into deep space. When was he meant to have found the time amidst all of this to have adopted or parented a preteen/early adolescent?

He and Keith were close, as a mentor/protege and friends typically would be, but Keith certainly didn't look to Shiro to be a stand-in or surrogate for his father. Nor did Shiro view Keith as his son. Keith confronting Shiro over Shiro's attempt to conceal his illness from him plays out exactly the way a confrontation between two peers who view each other as equals would.

Keith marches up to Shiro without so much as a greeting, very abrupt, direct, and upfront, unafraid of castigation or reprisal. The opposite of what one would expect from a cadet approaching his senior officer, or any kid confronting an adult authority figure about a perceived deception.

Likewise, Shiro steps down to put himself on the same level as Keith.

While maintaining a respectful physical distance, Keith leans forward into Shiro's space, resolutely standing his ground and refusing to let Shiro hide or deflect.

And, Shiro ultimately gives in and chooses to be honest with him, rather than pulling rank and brushing Keith off, telling him that everything's fine, or it's none of Keith's business, and treating him like a child.

Their relationship can't be so simply and neatly classified. Though Keith does refer to Shiro as his "brother", there's enough ambiguity there to be threatening (see Keith tenderly touching Shiro's face

and pausing over Shiro as if he intended to kiss him

), and I think that's why very specific shippers dilute Shiro into Keith's parental figure, even going as far as interpreting Shiro and Keith as, or outright making them biologically related. It's a transparent attempt to rule out any possibility of a romance between them while pretending to pay perfunctory tribute to their bond.

As if these shippers actually care about it or Shiro in any way, shape, or form.

And, it's sincerely grating to have to scroll past.

9. Could you be roommates with this character?

I see no reason why I couldn't be. Though, I don't think my cat would get along with Kosmo very well.

10. Could you be best friends with this character?

Once again, I would be too nervous to approach him.

11. Would you date this character?

No. He's way too young for me.

12. What’s a headcanon you have for this character?

I have to go with the fairly popular(?) fanon reading that Keith falls somewhere on the Autism spectrum. Canon seems to back this by some degree, with the aforementioned "I say 'Vol', you say--" "Vol-tron?", and showing Keith covering his ears and closing his eyes on the carnival ride he and Hunk get stuck on, as if suffering from overstimulation.

13. What’s an emoji, an emoticon and/or any symbol that reminds you of this character or you think the character would use a lot?

▬▬ι═══════ﺤ

14. Assign a fashion aesthetic to this character.

Probably cliche and expected, but... Biker Aesthetic. Leather jacket in black or red, fingerless gloves on his hands, of course, tight jeans, perhaps with a tear or two in the legs, and heeled boots.

He'd also definitely wear hoodies and hooded jackets with drawstrings, so he can pull the hood over his head and secure it tightly when he's feeling overstimulated and wants to shut out the world.

15. What’s your favorite ship for this character? (Doesn’t matter if it’s canon or not.)

Keith/Shiro. Their love for each other is legitimately, canonically death-defying.

"Keith, I was dreaming. Keith... you saved me." "We saved each other."

I get emotional every time.

16. What’s your least favorite ship for this character?

The portmanteau starts with a 'K', and rhymes with pants.

17. What’s a ship for this character you don’t hate but it’s not your favorite that you’re fine with?

I think Keith/Acxa is interesting and has potential, and I kind of wish the show would have done more with Keith/Allura than the brief ship tease we got in The Ark of Taujeer.

18. How about a relationship they have in canon with another character that you admire?

I think Keith and Hunk's friendship is very sweet, Keith and Kosmo are adorable, and in a purely platonic sense, Keith and Lance do have their moments (that I don't reflexively tune out because the fandom has caused me to dread any interaction between them.)

19. How about a relationship they have in canon that you don’t like?

Nothing comes to mind.

20. Which other character is the ideal best friend for this character, the amount of screentime they share doesn’t matter?

I think Keith has some pretty solid friendships as is.

21. If you’re a fic writer and have written for this character, what’s your favorite thing to do when you’re writing for this character? What’s something you don’t like?

I like how concise, direct, and to the point Keith is. He doesn't meander, or waffle, or embellish, or put on airs. He says exactly what he means to say the first time, and doesn't put up a facade for anyone.

I've yet to find something I dislike about writing for him.

22. If you’re a fic reader, what’s something you like in fics when it comes to this character? Something you don’t like?

I like when he's actually written faithfully to his canon characterization, scrappy and slightly rough around the edges, but fiercely loving and possessing a strong- if sometimes somewhat misguided- sense of justice.

I hate when he's infantilized and portrayed as a soft, weepy, fragile child in fics that are meant to take place during the show's main timeline. It comes across as borderline fetishistic, and kind of creeps me out. Especially when he's being paired with Shiro and the author continues to emphasize how "delicate" and "small" he is in contrast to Shiro's strength and size.

23. Favorite picture of this character?

24. What other character from another fandom of yours that reminds you of them?

Just as Shiro reminds me very much of the 2003 iteration of Leonardo, Keith invokes 2003 TMNT's Raphael. Short-tempered, always ready and raring to deliver a well-deserved beatdown, prone to acting rashly, strong sense of justice, intense, unbreakable bond with his team leader.

The major difference is, aside from Keith and Shiro not butting heads like Raph and Leo frequently do (and obviously not being siblings), Raphael never lost his internal fire over the course of the series, no matter what trauma he endured.

The same cannot be said for Keith.

25. What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

I can't recall my first impression of him, truth be told. Now... Admittedly, I'm not quite as taken with his character as I sort of hoped I would be, given how he's portrayed in well-written fanfiction. I like him just fine, but...

Maybe it's the product of me being overexposed to him by a fandom that is utterly obsessed with shoving the milquetoast pairing of him and his "rival" down everyone's throats. Or the fact that he's made to usurp Shiro's role, to the point that some of his fans openly wish that Shiro would have remained dead in service of Keith's character arc.

Regardless of the reason, Keith kind of doesn't do much for me. Strange for someone who happily ships him with their favorite to say, but that's the reality of it.

----

Thank you so much for the submission! I hope my answers were somewhat satisfactory, and not completely incendiary. (I'm not really equipped to handle torches and pitchforks.)

#Correspondence.#iamstuckinfandom #Keith Kogane #Takashi Shirogane #Shiro #You're nothingness but shining and everywhere at once.#Sheith #OTP: We saved each other.#Zarkon #Kosmo #Voltron: Legendary Defender #Meta.#VLD Meta.#I apologize that this took so long!#I can only hope it proves worth the wait.

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crystaiskiess · 3 months ago

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Okay, after catching up on 113.6k words, I am here to ask questions. (Sorry, work on slowly losing my fixation on Merlin caused me to get behind the last four months.) A lot happened in the four chapters I got behind on, and I have a couple questions.

First question is why did you decide to cut The Secret Sharer? I guess I’ve always seen that as a really good magic reveal episode and also just a good episode setting up for future characters in season five. Although, I kind of assumed you’d have the magic reveal in The Sword in the Stone because of how you’ve been building the story. How you did the magic reveal of Merlin having no other choice was realistic, though. If he was put in that situation, that’s what he would’ve done. I just didn’t know if there was a certain reason you decided to cut that episode.

Second question deals with the lamia. First, love that Elyan is aroace. I like that no one is judgmental or tells him he hasn’t found the right person yet. Very nice and refreshing. I was just wondering if the change that everyone attracted to women being affected by the lamia was to reveal he is aroace and Gwen is attracted to women as well. Or did it stem to wanting Elyan and Merlin to have that moment where they finally really talk to each other? (Which they should’ve done in the show. It’s clear they care for each other, but it would’ve been nice to see that kind of conversation in canon.)

Lastly, not a question, but I feel very confident in love confession being the next chapter. It only makes sense because Arthur is like, “well, guess I just need to get married” because he believes Merlin does not feel the same way about him. I have literally nothing to bet on it and could very much be wrong, but I’m still confident in this. Intense slow burn is good for this; however, I want them to be together for the entirety of season five. Like dude, let them have this, please.

Also, I read The Sword in the Stone while at work and kept getting annoyed when my coworkers would come over to ask me questions because I was trying to finish up reading. Apparently AO3 went out during this, but I didn’t know so the chapter length saved me.

Okay, hopefully I don’t disappear for four chapters again. (No promises, though. Blame my job.)

HI !! welcome back !! i hope you enjoyed your catch up reading shfjshdhs !!

in answer to your question regarding secret sharer this was actually one of the most interesting chapter cuts for me - it was actually included in the plan up until the point i got up to it, when i realised that the plot of the episode itself no longer works in oafk because of arthur’s character development- in the show the only reason that episode actually works is because arthur doesn’t trust/believe merlin enough to listen when he says it isn’t gaius to blame and is instead agravaine - but in oafk arthur trusts merlin so completely i couldn’t make that work without it seeming largely out of character for oafk!arthur and merlin/arthur’s relationship - for ,,,, other reasons that i cannot reveal it didn’t really impede anything to cut it altogether so i thought it was better to do that than try to force character decisions that would feel out of place (however i agree it’s a great episode for magic reveals and if you haven’t read it i highly recommend turning the page by queerthedagger it’s amazing)

i’m really glad you enjoyed the magic reveal too 💕

in regards to lamia, aroace elyan is truly one of my favourite details to get to include and i’m so glad it’s gotten such a positive reception - the lamia does actually affect people attracted to women even in the show (the reasoning for why gwen isn’t affected in canon) - it’s meant to be implied that merlin isn’t affected because of his magic, but weirdly gwen never really questions that beyond an initial “huh that’s strange” - i just leaned heavier on the attraction part of her spell so that merlin has a cover for his magic, and subsequently it gave me a great opportunity for him and elyan to talk which i really wanted to happen because i think their dynamic is an extremely fascinating and moving one - aroace elyan and bi gwen has been sprinkled throughout other chapters too but this one was a great way to properly confirm both of those details

and i love your theory regarding the love confession !! i guess we’ll have to wait for the next chapter to see if you’re right or not 💕 alas i must keep my lips sealed

i’m glad the insane length of sword in the stone saved you from the ao3 shutdown HFJSHDHSH

good luck with work and i hope you’re well !!!!!! so lovely to hear from you again !!!

#tj talks #oafk #not-rome

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jymwahuwu · 6 months ago

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// 2.3 complaints

first of all, i loved the penacony arc so much, its probably one of my favorite storylines / worlds we have thus far. but, I AGREE WITH YOU SOOO MUCH ON YOUR 2.3 COMPLAINTS POST. I was so disappointed with the charmony festival, it was so lackluster?? I literally could not believe the amazing, hyped up, grand, annual festival turned out to be a small gathering of like 8 npcs and robin standing on a small ledge 😭 I kept thinking to myself, "maybe there's a bigger festival later.. maybe there's more to it in a few minutes." and the firefly/trailblazer comical-esque romance just felt a bit out of place? I don't rly mind if trailblazer and firefly have a more intimate relationship, but they way they're going about it just feels rushed and honestly even a bit forced - and I 100% agree with you on firefly's character being reduced to nothing more than "best girl/wife" material. I rly hope they expand and further flesh out firefly as her own individual character than just a character who is implied to like trailblazer. AND THE RATIO INTERACTION HAD ME SO DISAPPOINTED, like, that's it? nothing more? I understand he didn't play as big of a role in the penacony story like other characters, but damn 😭 I'm rly hoping he gets more familiar with us when we get to the next world :<

overall I just didn't feel like the ending for penacony was as grand as it was being hyped up to be?? I enjoyed playing it, but it was a bit anticlimactic imo :P

I'm glad someone has the same feeling as me!! Also the description of "annual festival turned out to be a small gathering of like 8 npcs and robin standing on a small ledge" actually made me laugh 😹😹😹 I also tried to count the number of NPCs present. I wanted to try to argue that HSR might have too many NPCs making the game slow, but that perfunctory little venue shut me down. At least they should put some care into building the game maps and venues.

And why is there no preparatory program before the festival? Why wasn't every participating traveler there, or so it seemed? Don’t Xipe say want to bring blessings to everyone equally? It makes me feel like the blessing of harmony is some kind of luxury (actually, it is, when I think about people breaking the bank just to get to Penacony).

Firefly... I played the bird event today and I am more certain that HSR is promoting romance and hinting at her relationship with MC. This is really a bit clumsy, from the Silver Wolf OOC to directly teasing us for being good at love games and our special feelings towards Firefly... Did the person who wrote the event script ever think that not everyone wants to fall in love with Firefly?

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flowersinurdustbin · 1 year ago

Text

Have you ever confessed your love to someone? I did. I begged them to love me, but there is no forcing love. I never received a response. My letter went like this.

Hey You,

It’s hard knowing that someone like you exists. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you exist. Yet you’re out there in the world, and I can’t seem to forget about you. But like Dr. Suess said, don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened, right?

I’m writing this letter because I’m not sure when we will meet again, and I don’t think I’m capable of holding onto my truth in silence any longer. I love you, and I miss you. I love you like fire loves water. I miss you like I miss home. It is a feeling I can’t put words to, but I know I am still in love with you.

There’s no expectation for you to reply, but I need you to know that I feel this way. I don’t love you rationally, meaning I’m not about to argue that the problems we used to have would magically go away. And I’m not hurting from the breakup. This isn’t coming from a place of lust. What continues to hurt is my own denial of these feelings.

When I begged you to stay all those months ago, I didn’t know what learning to be alone would be like. I was so scared of the unknown. I was scared to lose you, and therefore to lose myself. In learning how to be alone, I had to come to terms with the depth of my love for you. I lost myself, and I found myself again. And who I am now is still someone who loves you.

I wonder how my feelings persist, considering the amount of time it’s been, but I do not wonder why the feelings persist. I love you because I can see the future in you. I don’t mean a future together, necessarily -- I mean the future of the world. Your kindness, your grace, your laugh, your nature, are one-of-a-kind. Your existence is proof that the world can be a good place.

Truthfully, I am probably insane for still loving you. But this year, I learned that being authentic and honest is worth any price, even that of rejection. I learned how to hold onto love and optimism despite fear and pain.

When I think about you, it is in two senses. First, in the ‘someday, maybe’ sense. I hold onto a hope that if we were ever to cross paths again, and it was truly right, we could have a healthy love. Mainly, I don’t worry about it ‘working out’, though. Realistic or unrealistic, I want to be more than friends. That’s the second sense; I do want to be with you.

You’re still in my head and my heart. From what I can tell, you don’t feel the same. However you truly feel, I hope you can be authentic and honest with me.

You know I think the world of you. I love you unconditionally, and unconditional love is scary, but it is also really special. I may not express a traditional kind of love, but I’m not a normal person. Independent, yet emotional. Strong, yet sensitive. Intelligent, yet aloof. I’m a screwed-up kid, but my heart could stretch the lengths of the Earth.

I am a lover, not a fighter. Some nights, the memories of arguments past cross my mind. I have to apologise for the pain I caused you. I am sorry. I never wanted to fight with you. I wanted to love you and feel loved in return.

Everyone deserves to feel emotionally understood in a relationship. In the past, I felt misunderstood by you, and I misunderstood you, too. But I’m no longer looking for ‘happiness’ as feelings of elation in a hopeless romance. I’m searching for happiness as contentment, peace, fulfilment, understanding in a soft, stable, and supportive romance.

Human connection is one of the only certain meanings of life. I feel a real connection with you. If I didn’t tell you, I wouldn't forgive myself.

You might be interested in somebody else. You might be interested in nobody, just taking care of yourself. You might tell me it’s one-sided, or be completely caught off-guard. You often say that you don't feel much emotion, but clearly, I feel emotions for you. Whatever the reality, don’t let this be cause to worry. I only want you to know the truth.

No matter how you receive this, I hope you think of me as someone who loves you, depth over distance. Life is short, and the days are long. I can't waste time waiting anymore. If you love someone, tell them, right?

Yours,

#love letters #lovers #love #confessions #my truth #mine #prose #bpd #recovery #poetsandwriters

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nymph-ette111 · 7 months ago

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I’m happy to know you enjoy our interactions too and that you liked my little tangent there. I’m glad that you searched for accounts from actual people who have the disorder rather than pseudo-psychologists, because they are often the harshest without a shred of accuracy (just the way they talk about the narcissist’s eyes turning a demonic black is enough to make me exit the article).

To be fair, Quora is one of the worst places when it comes to accepting people with npd. So I’m glad you managed to find something that didn’t conclude in a pro-eugenics rant lead by a divorced dad who is certain his ex wife is a narcissist because she took the kids. And since I chose my first paper this school year to be about npd and gender (we could write about anything, it was to test our abilities in general), I had to go through a ton of those. They ranged from absolutely hilarious to restraining order worthy. Thankfully Google Scholar saved me from that (though I would never suggest reading studies upon studies on a topic for x reader headcanons, I’m only saying this to sort of validate where my understanding of it came from). Since, yk, it’s a relatively fresh thing (recognised since the 80s I believe) and the fact that I had a therapist who diagnosed me correctly and knew how to approach it is pure luck

Also just any dog metaphor is delightful but it fits so well with Toby too?? Like, it just feels so right when people do that. And I can genuinely see Jeff having some npd traits, good call^^

Ben is just so!!! He’s awful in the best way. I want to kiss him and also put him in a blender for fun :3 i want to drive him insane. And also hold hands maybe. Like, yeah, realistically I would lose my sanity if he liked me but he’s so fun

Also yeah, that’s why I like your blog so much. You don’t shy away from making them hard to be around, hurt, mean. All kinds of messed up but also fun to read about. That’s why I also said that they would probably have an easy time with hurting me mentally, bc if they were aware of just how paranoid I am they would absolutely do what I did in that friend example, only 10 times worse (like, specifically saying stuff they know gets a reaction out of me to force me to stay or do whatever). In all honesty, this might be just why I like creepypasta characters (especially this specific portrayal of them). I mean, it does fit into that type of ‚pleople may be nice but they are out to get you at all times so you need to act to survive’. It’s kind of a safe way to experience something that is both natural to me and also absolutely unsafe irl. Like, yeah, I would have to walk on eggshells to be with Toby but also that is the way I see any sort of relationship either way. Sometimes, I’m more uncomfortable with the pure fluff bc that feels fake and unnatural. On that note, Toby to me is so untreated-bpd coded

-⭐︎

Agreed Ben is so fucking stupid I want to gnaw on him and push him down the stairs, what a silly fella. You don't know how happy it made me when you said you liked my blog :') when I shared my first post I thought it wouldn't get any attention, and I would just end up deleting the blog all together so hearing someone actually enjoys these little headcanons I make about fictional serial killers is so nice <3

you said everything so perfectly I have nothing to add, and yes toby is fucking miserable any disorder he has is 100% untreated and yes I love him and yes I want him and—

#♡⁠˖⁠꒰nymphette talks #divider by pommecita #creepypasta #creepypasta x reader #creepypasta fandom #creepypasta headcanon #headcanon #ticci toby x reader #ticci toby #ben drowned x reader #ben drowned creepypasta #jeff the killer #x reader

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cowardly--throwaway · 1 year ago

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A Well-Placed Gift Chapter 1

What if Titania sent Nuala to Hob instead of Dream? In 1461?

Rated: Explicit ***WARNING: NON-CON, FUCKED-UP MANIPULATIVE POWER DYNAMICS/FORCED RELATIONSHIPS!*** Ao3 link

"My queen! I—" Nuala looked around for anyone — anyone else — to object to the ridiculous order. Anyone who might have the right, strength, or pure stupidity to question the faerie queen.

But the revel was was as raucous as ever, drawing everyone's attention with drink and dance and the usual debaucheries. Cluracan was laughing, petting another half naked courtier, and already looked too drunk to bother with any political intrigue (that is, any political intrigue that wasn't made up of laughing, petting, and drinking.) Even King Oberon, who might have preferred to keep Nuala close, had been drawn into a spirited reel.

"Would you prefer to abide in the Dreaming?" Queen Titania asked. "To be a plaything for Lord Morpheus and his nightmares? Hmmm…" She put a finger to her chin in mock thought. "You, installed at the Dream King's side to learn his current mind and moods? Divining his machinations for me, so that I might approach him in one of his softer moods when he is more… receptive — needy even? Perhaps he'd sweep you into the darkness to carry with him wherever he goes. A little fae spark at the very heart of his being. Oh yes, perhaps that would be the better choice!"

"My queen, please!" Panic constricted Nuala's throat. She was used to being used in the way that all the courtiers were used like toys for the machinations of the few. The court of Faerie was one big game of power, controlled only by the king and queen and those few brash and powerful enough to demand their own role. (And even those, Nuala had often suspected, were no more than naive tools of greater strategy.) Still, the thought of being cast out of Faerie and into the vast games of the Endless — to the land of the Nightmare King no less — made Nuala cold with dread. Anything would be better than that! "I did not mean to question your judgement," she stammered, desperately trying to reel back her objections. "I-I am sure your plans were… perfect as they were."

"Hm." Queen Titania's mouth quirked in the tiniest smile — it would have looked victorious, except there was no victory where she could simply order everything to her will. Her eyes remained narrowed in displeasure; Nuala was certain the queen wouldn't forget that second of resistance, and her heart pounded hard all the way up to the points of her ears as the queen echoed, "Perfect?"

Nuala swallowed against the fear in her throat. She bowed her head docilely, and let her glamoured yellow curls fall forward to hide the anger in her eyes. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Wonderful! No time to waste, then." The queen clapped her hands and turned to sweep out of the revel, not even bothering to check that Nuala was hurrying after. "I am glad for your enthusiasm. You'll do a fine job of diverting Hob Gadling's attentions."

"Yes, my queen."

Nuala stumbled slightly as she hurried after the the queen who was leading her through a tangled and twilit patch of the forest toward the point where the mortal world and Faerie had not yet pulled apart entirely.

"Even in the long living memory of the fae, the Dream King has never taken much interest in mortals — not in the waking world," the queen mused. "The old rumors tell of such disaster — oh that might be fun! Nevertheless…" She sighed as though truly lamenting a lost opportunity for catastrophe. "I will not have some muddy mortal seducing the king of the Dreaming!"

Nuala just listened. She, too, had heard old tales of those who tangled too closely with the Endless. She knew she should feel relieved that she wasn't actually being sent to Lord Morpheus. But it was hard to feel so when she was being sent to the muddy mortal who, apparently, was actually brash enough to seek the Dream King's attentions. What sort of man would dare such a thing?

"Our people may no longer be able to stand that world," Titania went on, "but I will certainly not have the Endless' machinations running wild there. I cannot imagine why Morpheus would lower himself to the interests of a mortal at this time."

"Is the man a magician?" Nuala asked. "Or perhaps has he made some bargain with one of their devils?"

"I know not. The rumors are mere shreds, and mostly consist of speculations about the coldness of Morpheus's bed. You must take extreme care. This is the work of that older sister of his, I am sure. And the others may well be involved, too."

Streaming sunlight was beginning to break into the twilit woods. The ancient, tangled greenery had yielded to gentler, younger trees and undergrowth and soft grass.

The queen's steps slowed.

"My queen…" Nuala struggled to keep the challenge out of her voice. "What if Hob Gadling does not like me?"

Queen Titania laughed heartily. "He is a greedy, grasping creature by all accounts. And you are a tempting morsel. And it is your task to ensure you draw his eye." Her amusement yielded to an iron stern glance. "You will use whatever temptations, magical or otherwise, to draw him to you and keep his attentions."

"For how long?" Nuala asked quietly.

The queen gave a lazy shrug. "For so long as he remains entangled with the Lord of Dreams. If the whispers hold any truth, he may be immortal."

Immortal!

Nuala had to bite down on her lip to stop from protesting. She hadn't wanted the task even when she thought it was only for the short span of a mortal life — at most, they blinked out in a few decades. But to be sent to an undying man! Nuala wracked her mind trying to think of what she'd done to draw the queen's ire. Perhaps this was a vicarious punishment for Cluracan, who'd certainly bungled more than one of his responsibilities to the realm. But more likely, Nuala thought despondently, she wasn't even interesting enough to punish; rather, she was just there, a piece with no other particular purpose in the game and that might as well be used to make this play.

Still, arguing would do no good. From long experience watching the machinations of the faerie court play out, she knew that even if the queen relented, she would only find another, worse task for Nuala to do. If she defied the queen, then she would be punished.

Queen Titania was eyeing her critically. Suddenly she reached up to a gold chain around her own neck. She removed it — together with the three sparkling stones that dangled there — and clasped it around Nuala's neck. "Here. I will give you this to help you get started."

"Thank you, my queen," Nuala said, feeling at once stunned and deeply fearful of this spontaneous gift.

"Yes, yes." The queen stood back, regarding Nuala thoughtfully. "That should help draw him in, given his supposed… proclivities. This, too, perhaps." She removed a small, bright broach from her gown. Then as she swept away from Nuala, she tossed it down the path where it glittered in a patch of dry leaves. "A breadcrumb of sorts!"

And then without another word, she faded back into the tangled, twilit woods.

#Fucked up stories that probably shouldn't exist — a.k.a. My Fanfic #hob gadling #nuala of the faerie #immortal sandflower #dream of the endless #More fucked up stories that probably shouldn't be in my head but are there and I need to get them out sorry #sandman #nsft #fanfiction

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vvrcths · 2 years ago

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where: london natural history museum when: mid-afternoon whom: @lydiacaine

All relationships had a purpose.

To most people, forming relationships kept them grounded. It gave them a point on any horizon on which to look at and know that there was an achor — a safe habor in the storm — and gave them something to work for. Someone to impress, someone to love, someone to learn about and grow with. People were inherently good and tried to improve one another's lives.

To Lucretia, forming relationships was a necessity. A habit that had to be learned over the years and is so practiced at this point to almost look natural. They tended to fall in one of several categories.

People from the Jolly Rogers tended to fall into tolerated in public and at least somewhat genial in private, when she could truly be herself and let go of the pretense of being proper and polite society's idea of normal.

There were people like Caleb who fell into a specific category of friendsly; those whom she had no issues with and, if she were a different woman, might be true friends with, but otherwise are more likely to get a call from Lucretia when she's bored and needs to be out in the public eye but too goddamn tired to deal with the debutantes and socialites.

There were people like Safiye, who were fascinations more than anything. The people she kept hold of because of some curious detail about them, however miniscule, that sparked an interest in her. A woman whose brain is built like Lucretia's tended to go at things like an anthropologist and she wanted to study that which made her question. She needed answers.

There was goddamn Javier.

Then there were people like Lydia. Innocent souls who radiated a sort of purity and kindness that made Lucretia, on a level that she would never admit, somewhat jealous of how they existed. They were bright spots in the world and though Lucretia hated bright spots, she needed some in her life to make sure that no one would think twice about this woman in regards to any of the heinous things she did. Which also mean that... these people were sort of protected.

She'd happened upon Lydia at an art gallery looking over traditional aboriginal art from Australia, an exhibit that Lucretia was forced to attend, and the woman had struck up a conversation. Right away, Lucretia knew it was going to be the way it was. No one could harm Lydia because she gave a certain note of compassion to Lucretia's socialite persona. She was a corner stone at this point, which meant that she literally would not let anyone harm or hurt her. It was as close as anyone could get to actually being friends with Lucretia, which is in and of itself an oddity.

More trips to museums and galleries and Lucretia had taken this young woman under her wing, using the practiced art of 'big sistering' that she had learned to satisfy her familial needs and modifying it so that every time she saw the other woman she could form the warmest smile, posture improving, arms opening for a hug and, yes, her ears lifting slightly with the intensity of her smile. She looks, to everyone who watched, like she truly loved Lydia.

So, that meant that when Lydia came through the doors to the Natural History Museum — a place they frequented often when the exhibits would change and a place Lucretia didn't hate because most of recorded history was a violent cesspool of trauma — the smile came on brightly, the arms opened, and she exuded affection, "Dia, my darling, I am so glad you're here. Its been a few weeks and..."

There was a pause so she could approach the other woman more closely. Anyone who knew Lucretia and watched this exchange would have a hard time proving it wasn't sincere, even...

#c: lydia #threads: lydia 001 #r: symbiosis #who can't type a post with a normal length? this gal #you don't have to match length #i hope this is okay if you need any details changed let me know goskd

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call-sign-shark · 1 year ago

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I've been waiting impatiently for this chapter, Reb!! My apologies in advance 'cause this is going to be quite a long commentary.

From the get-go, I love that Nina sounds cold and unsympathetic from the get-go despite her polite words. She makes zero effort to hide her annoyance with Tommy lmao. Which is rendered even better when she just looked at the razor blade in his cap and is just like "oh whatever" while Tommy expected her to be scared (hence his nickname The Peaky Blinder Devil). This is a very interesting detail because 1. it's unusual for Tommy, 'cause he's used to exerting a certain power over people, and 2. It fleshes out Nina's strong spirit.

"There was a fiery stubbornness in her eyes, but it wasn’t intentional, or a mere way of presenting herself to the world. It was rooted in her very nature."

I am just in love with your prose here, Reb. The way you describe her fierceness flows naturally and doesn't seem forced. Even before this description, I envisioned Nina's behavior as something deeply rooted in her rather than a voluntary bratty way of behaving. So kudo to you!

Now the scene between Agnese and Nina was exquisite. I don't know how you did but you've managed to give realistic family vibes in your text. I feel like I'm wandering in this house: this is quite an intimate and pleasant feeling 'cause it creates ties between the reader and the characters. I'm particularly thinking about the topic of forced marriage and the line "Being a Teresa was not that uncommon", so painfully true. Also the scene between these two (I love how you portray their relationship by the way) is a beautiful critique of women's place during this era. Normally, the trope of the wild girl that doesn't want to get married but still has because of her times' codes is quite common, but you succeed in rendering it insanely interesting and we, as readers, can only root for Nina. I particularly appreciate this quote:

“Yes, but doesn’t it bother you?” Nina asked, her dark eyes full of obstinacy. “They don’t involve us in the business, but they use us as some sort of bargaining chip when it suits them.” She spat out.

You go, girl! Nina spits facts and her anger against the world is as legitimate as beautifully described.

It might be something personal 'cause I'm Sicilian, but gosh I laughed so much at Tommy trying to hard to remember all the info he has learned and being relieved he hasn't to remember every name and face of the family. THIS IS SO TRUE FOR ITALIAN FAMILY. Then, I also laughed (a bit more sadly) at his sarcastic thought "They had to make things the right way // but it just looked like some kind of sale". You can't imagine how much I loved this line. A short, simple, but undeniably powerful image to illustrate arranged marriages.

Nina's relationship with Tommy is delightful, as well as their exchanges. On the one side, we have this young woman with her teeth bared, and on the other side, we have that older gangster who appreciates provoking her. Yet, her quick wit always leads her to have the final word and I love this. Despite the mutual distrust, I feel like Tommy particularly enjoys her presence, or at least his intelligence is stimulated by her. Nina would prolly yell but... I kinda ship them already 🤭

Now, the parts that got me squealing... First of all, I love how you slowly built tension between Tommy/Nina without being cliché. It's far from being love at first sight. Quite the contrary, she's supportive of Agnese and is kind of happy for her -- which I found very endearing. It's glad to see there is no competition between the two of them. Taking this into account, I want to ask you a question: how? How dare you be that talented? The way you construct the family diner scene got me speechless. From Nina's slow-building irritation to the women making more or less direct and nasty comments to her... This was an emotional whirlwind. You managed to instill a slight claustrophobic sensation in me, just like Nina probably feel.

“Look at them, sitting at the table like fucking kings.” Nina murmured, looking out the window as she scrubbed a plate. “God forbid they raise a finger.”

I enjoyed this line a lot. This is so true, and I could perfectly picture it. Nevertheless, this leads me to the final scene, and ... I AM YELLING. Once again, your talent for description and balancing tension reveals itself as Tommy's eyes dive into her and have for immediate effect to quiet her. As if the ice of his iris tamed the fire of her: it was such a poetic moment, probably my favorite of this whole wonderful chapter! And the fact he helped her with the plate of coffee, not minding Pietro's comment, made me fall a little bit for Tommy LMAO. And you perfectly ended this incredible chapter with Nina snapping at her brother.

Reb, I often have to force myself a little bit when I start reading a Tommy work. Not that it doesn't interesting, but I have to focus more and tell myself "okay, now we're gonna take a serious read at it". But since you post the first part, I've become addicted o your new series. There's something refreshing in the way you address the topic of arranged marriage. Whether it is the "relationship" between Tommy and Nina, who are two stubborn people, or the Sicilian settings, I am completely hooked. In truth, I can't wait for chapter 3. Also, please tag me in all your Peaky works, please.

Heart, Body and Soul || Tommy Shelby x OC

PART II

Summary: Nina has a chat with Tommy, and she doesn’t hesitate to make some things clear. As they get to know each other more, they learn one thing: neither of them wants to let the other win.

Warnings: mentions of arranged marriage, slow-burn, small age-gap (Tommy’s 30, Nina is in her early 20s), time-typical misogyny, English is not my first language.

A/N: This is set somewhere between season 1 and 2. Feedback is always appreciated🤍 Read part I HERE

SERIES MASTERLIST

SERIES MOODBOARD

Gif credit

Dividers credit

Tommy followed Nina’s quick steps down the hallway of her big house, his mind still racing from the past events. He still had to come to terms with the fact that he was in Sicily, he was alive, and the deal was not some trap set in order to get rid of him.

Nina stopped in front of a door, turning to look at him for the first time since she had started walking. She tucked a loose strand of her long hair behind her ear, finally resting her gaze upon him.

“This is your room.” She said, opening the door. “It has a private bathroom. If you need more towels or stuff like that, you can take them from the cabinet at the end of the hallway. Make yourself at home.”

Her flat tone, in high contrast with her polite words, made it plain that she had been told to be civil, and that she didn’t really care about him feeling comfortable. Tommy figured that the grudge she apparently held against him was probably due to the fact that, just like he didn’t trust those people, she didn’t trust him.

Nina’s dark eyes shifted to stare at something right above his head, and it didn’t take him long to realise she was looking at the razors sewn in his cap. He waited for her bold facade to crumble, to read the unmistakable signs of fear appear on her face. However, defying all his expectations, the glimpse shining in her eyes was not one of fear, rather one of curiosity.

“The Peaky Blinders…” she murmured, more to herself than to him, with the tone of someone who was suddenly aware of something. Then she blinked, seemingly recollecting herself. “I just wondered why you called yourselves like that.” She explained.

“Now you know.” He said, with a nod of his head.

Silence fell between them as they stood face to face, studying each other, all while keeping their distance. There was a fiery stubbornness in her eyes, but it wasn’t intentional, or a mere way of presenting herself to the world. It was rooted in her very nature. That restless gaze was something that Tommy knew all too well.

“Anyway, you won’t need it.” Nina suddenly spoke, nodding towards his cap. “Just like you won’t need the gun you’re hiding inside your coat. Don’t bring them to the lunch.”

Tommy squinted his eyes, opening his mouth to say something, but no sound came out of it as words failed him. How the hell would she know what he was hiding in his coat?

She shot him one last glance before walking past him, without giving him the chance to speak. Only when she reached the middle of the hallway, she spoke again, slightly raising her voice. “Lunch will be served in an hour. Don’t be late.”

“He’s not an old man.”

Nina went straight to the point as she stormed inside her cousin’s bedroom, eager to ease at least one of her worries. After her conversation with Tommy, she had hastily left her house, crossed the shared garden, and rushed inside Agnese’s house for an update session.

“Good.” Agnese said, taking one last look in the mirror before turning to face her cousin, who had proceeded to sit on her bed. “How does he look?” She asked, some sort of trepidation in her eyes.

Not like a Devil, Nina thought to herself. She had heard stories about him, about how everybody called him “The Peaky Blinder Devil”. She had pictured him like an unpleasant man - nasty, even -, rough and surly. Instead, he couldn’t have been any different. She had to admit that he was, in fact, quite attractive. And his manners were fairly good.

“He’s… nice.” She hesitated, the word feeling like a burning lump she had to swallow. “He has blue yes.”

Agnese stared at her with a puzzled look in her eyes, probably expecting something more articulate. But as much as she tried, Nina couldn’t find the words to describe the man she had just met. For some reason, they just wouldn’t come out.

“Don’t worry, you won’t be a Teresa.” Nina broke the silence with a joke, making her cousin chuckle.

“Well, that’s a relief.”

Teresa was a girl they used to play with when they were children, a sweet girl, unfortunately born in a poor family. She was married off as soon as she turned eighteen. The man was twice her age, smelled foul and missed a front tooth.

Being a Teresa was not that uncommon.

“Anyway, it’s not like he’s betrothed to me. They just suggested him to marry me.” She remarked, grabbing a hairbrush and turning towards the mirror again. “He might not choose me.”

Nina raised her eyebrows as she looked at her cousin in disbelief. “Are you serious?” She asked, slightly raising her voice. “You’re the most beautiful girl in the village, everybody says. And you’re gentle, and good.”

Agnese shook her head, slowly brushing her brown hair. “My sisters are beautiful as well. And so are our cousins both from your mother and my mother’s side.”

“Yes, but your sisters are not even twenty yet. And our cousins don’t know a single English word.” She pointed out. “Who else would he choose, me?”

A genuine laugh escaped from Agnese’s lips at her cousin’s sarcastic remark. Everybody knew Nina wasn’t exactly marriage material, with her smart mouth and unusual ideas. Silence fell between them as Agnese struggled to tie the front parts of her hair behind her head with a ribbon. Nina got up from the bed and walked up to her. She took the ribbon from her hand and started to style her hair. “Don’t be worried, Agnese. I’m sure he’ll only have eyes for you.” She said softly, giving her a supportive smile through the mirror.

When she finished, Nina sat back on the bed, suddenly becoming serious. She fidgeted with the hem of a blanket, trying to voice her thoughts without sounding negative. “Is this what you want, though?”

Agnese glanced at her with furrowed eyebrows. “Why wouldn’t it be?” She asked, pure wonder in her voice. “I’ve always known I’d have to get married.”

Nina sighed, slightly shaking her head. Sometimes she felt like her thoughts were something that could be understood by her and only her. She had no one to share them with, no one who would genuinely listen. And even though her cousin was the only one who didn’t look at her as if she was some lost cause, Nina knew that, deep down, she thought what everybody else did. That one day, Nina would have to stop with her nonsense and get married.

“The business is men’s business, Nina.” Agnese said with a soft voice, trying to reason with her. “We help the only way we can.”

“But what do we get from it?” She insisted.

“Security, stability. Someone who provides for us. That’s how things are. It’s not like we have any other choice.”

Nina scoffed, putting an end to the conversation. It was an important day for her cousin, and she didn’t want to ruin it for her. But as much as she tried to support her, she couldn’t understand how she could just accept that. In moments like those, their difference emerged in all its magnitude.

And she was well aware they really couldn’t be any more different. Not just in the way they thought, but in the very depths of their being. That difference was right before everyone’s eyes. She had been compared to Agnese all her life, to her beauty, to her softness. There was nothing soft about Nina. She was all sharp edges and searing looks. Where Agnese wore a smile bright enough to put the sun to shame, Nina wore a scowl. Where Agnese’s words, sweet like honey, meant to soothe, Nina’s words meant to cut. She was outspoken, and defensive, and angry. Angry at her family, whose judgmental stare burned on her skin. Angry at her mother, who had wanted her different since the moment she had drawn her first breath. Angry at her father, who still treated her like a little girl who knew nothing of the word. Angry at Tommy Shelby, who thought he could just barge in and state some claim over one of them.

Standing up, Nina shot her cousin one last look before walking towards the door. “I’ll wait for you in the garden.”

Not even half an our after Tommy Shelby’s arrival, the garden was already full of nosy relatives, half of whom didn’t even have a part in the business. The news of there being a gangster had roused the interest of ambitious mothers and their giddy daughters.

“Is it always like this?”

Tommy’s voice came to Nina’s as he walked up to her, stopping by her side. She was quite pleased to see that he had listened to her and taken off his cap, along with his coat and his jacket. No gun nor razors in sight.

“No, thank God.” She shook her head. “Usually, we only gather on Sunday. But now you’re here, and everybody’s curious.” She explained, her Italian accent coming through with all those r’s. “Those people there,” she pointed towards a group of people talking next to the table, “they’re from my mother’s side. And those ones-” she indicated another set of relatives, “they’re from Aunt Rita’s side, Agnese’s mother. I’d tell you to introduce yourself, but they don’t speak English.”

Tommy nodded to himself, trying to keep all that information in mind. “Are they part of the business, too?”

“No. The business is only run by my father’s side of the family. By they do benefit from it.”

A part of him was glad that he didn’t have to remember all of those people, or to interact with them. His main concern were the Ferrante brothers - or rather, two of them, since Antonio had stayed in England -, their wives and their sons and daughters.

“For the next few days this is how it’s gonna be.” Nina spoke again, a hint of annoyance in her voice as she looked around. “Once you make it clear who it is that you want to marry, the whole thing will die out. I hope.”

“Your uncle Mario has three daughters, right?” Tommy asked, trying to put together what he had learned about the family. He was pretty sure he remembered all of the important things, but a recapitulation wouldn’t hurt.

“Yes.” She confirmed. “Agnese, Rosa and Sofia.”

“And you only have brothers.” He said, taking his cigarette case out of his pocket. He opened it and offered Nina a cigarette, but she politely declined.

“No, thank you. Two older brothers.”

He rubbed the cigarette against his lower lip before lighting it. He took a long drag, relishing the calming feeling of the smoke filling his lungs. All that situation was nerve-racking, way more than he had imagined. They could’ve simply arranged a marriage with Agnese and get on with it, but no, they had to do things the right way. See if they got along, see if there could be a better match. But it just looked like some kind of sale.

“So it would be convenient to marry one of you four.” He noted, speaking more to himself than to her. “Because all of your other cousins and their family are not directly involved in the business. And they don’t speak English.”

“One of them.” She corrected him, crossing her arms over her chest.

Tommy blinked, feeling like he had missed some part of the conversation. “What?”

“You’re here to marry one of them.” Nina clarified, emphasising the last word. “I took myself out of the list.”

He exhaled a cloud of smoke, trying to hide the amused grin that threatened to appear on his face. Although he barely knew that girl, the thing didn’t surprise him in the slightest. “Could you do that?”

“Who cares?” She shrugged, raising her eyebrows. “It’s not like you could force me anyway.”

There was something entertaining in those quick answers, in the way she didn’t hesitate to make things clear. He had the impression that she had been constantly challenging him since the moment they had met, and it was something completely different from what he was used to. He wasn’t even sure she was doing it on purpose, it seemed to be just her way of being. “No, I couldn’t.” He agreed, flicking the ash to the ground. “And I wouldn’t. But if I were to choose you, and you were to say no, and I were to consider all of your cousins as unsuitable, I could decide to go on with the war. Would you take that responsibility upon yourself?” He provoked her, squinting his eyes.

Of course, Tommy would’ve never done something like that. It wasn’t in his interest to find a wife that was “suitable”, he only wanted to put an end to that war. But the girl in front of him seemed clever and quick-witted, and he was curious to see how long she would manage to hold her own.

“As I come to understand, this peace is more necessary to you than it is to us.” Nina started. “You were the ones who have been hit the hardest. You lost two pubs and a warehouse, right? And a few men.” She added, and it sounded more like a statement than a question. She cast him a sly glance, her brown iris glinting with smugness when she noticed the muscles clenching in his jaw. “You won’t go on with the war, it would be suicide.”

Tommy raised eyebrows with a nod, finding himself in the position of acknowledging that she, in fact, had a point. “I thought you weren’t involved in the business.” He said, before taking another drag from his cigarette. He knew the Italians were more old-fashioned in that sense. The men didn’t trouble their wives, sisters and daughters with the matters of business, not only because said business was dangerous, but mainly because there was a hierarchy to respect.

“I’m not.” She shook her head. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t know things.” She added cryptically.

Tommy had to give it to her, she was smart. However, there was a small detail she was forgetting, and he was determined to have the last word. “The thing is,” he drew on his cigarette again, taking his sweet time before going on. “If your family didn’t need me, I wouldn’t be here.”

He turned to look at Nina, staying quiet for a few seconds to test her reaction. She kept her gaze on a spot in front of her, waiting for him to go on, and from the expression on her face Tommy knew he had a chance of winning that conversation. “You can’t defeat Sabini without my help. You know he’s working with the Solomons, now?”

That was it. With a certain satisfaction, Tommy realised that she had no idea of what he was talking about. Maybe she didn’t know everything, after all. “You don’t even know who Solomons is, do you?” He rubbed it in with a taunting tone, stomping out his cigarette.

Before she could have the chance to answer, a voice called from behind them.

“Mr Shelby.”

Vincenzo Ferrante approached him, followed by a man and a young woman. “Meet my brother, Mario, and his daughter, Agnese.”

Tommy shook Mario’s hand before shifting his attention to the girl. They were right, she was a beauty. Her brown hair fell down to her shoulders, framing her sweet face. The pink, floral dress she was wearing flowed around the soft curves of her body, gracefully brushing against her rounded hips. Her doe eyes looked at him with shyness, and for a moment she seemed almost intimidated. But then, her full lips curved in a gentle smile, and her cheeks turned a vivid shade of pink as she held out her hand to him.

“Pleasure.” He shook it delicately, offering her a kind smile.

Agnese then turned to Nina, giving her a warm hug, but it was clear that it was just an excuse to whisper something in her ear. Nina shook her head, saying something in a fake scolding tone, making her cousin laugh.

“Come, Mr Shelby,” Vincenzo spoke again, drawing Tommy’s attention back to him. “I’ll introduce you to my wife.”

Against Tommy’s expectations, the lunch ran smoothly. He was introduced to Nina’s mother, Maria, and Agnese’s mother, Rita, although he didn’t speak much with them because of their lack of English. He engaged in conversation with Nina’s older brothers, Salvatore and Pietro, who were starting to take part in the Italian side of the business, and he met Agnese’s sisters. Sitting across from Nina, he noticed how she only spoke with Agnese, while her interactions with her aunts - the ones from her mother’s side of the family - were brief and characterised by some kind of tension. Her numerous cousins, for their part, seemed to barely acknowledge her existence. Tommy couldn’t help but steal a glance at her from time to time. For all she tried to put on a serene face, her rigid posture gave away how uncomfortable she actually was. Perhaps this time he had stared at her for a bit too long, because she raised her gaze from her plate to look at him. Their eyes met for a second, but Tommy was quick to look away, nodding at something that Mario Ferrante had said to him.

The lunch lasted until the early afternoon. After the majority of the relatives who had joined it had left - except for some of the aunts - Maria and Rita called their daughters to help cleaning everything up. Tommy remained sat at the table with Vincenzo, his two sons and Mario, all of them ready to settle the terms of the peace once and for all. Tommy’s headache, which had been plaguing him since the moment he had left Small Heath, was finally starting to subside. Now he would declare his intention to start courting Agnese, as they had suggested, and hopefully in a few weeks he’d be married and with one less enemy. Too much time had already been wasted, and getting to know the other girls would’ve slowed everything down even more. He wasn’t there to find the perfect match, he was there to save his family and his business. Agnese would do.

“So one of yours might get married soon, eh, Mario?” Vincenzo teased his brother, grabbing a bottle full of some bright yellow liquid that his wife had brought, before pouring it five small glasses. “Limoncello.” He said, handing one to Tommy.

“Who says? Maybe it’s your Nina that will get married.” Mario playfully retorted, winking at him with the glass in his hand.

Vincenzo chuckled, as if his brother had said the most amusing thing in the world. “You know my Nina’s not ready for marriage. Let’s leave her alone for a couple more years.” Having said that, he shot Tommy a look. It was a silent warning, my daughter is not up for sale.

Tommy cleared his throat, straightening his back. Maybe it was a bit too soon to declare his intention. As much as he wanted to get it over with, he didn’t want to seem hasty. Because, again, those people wanted to do things the right way.

Waiting two or three days wouldn’t hurt.

“Look at them, sitting at the table like fucking kings.” Nina murmured, looking out the window as she scrubbed a plate. “God forbid they raise a finger.”

Luckily for her, neither her mother nor her aunts could understand what she was saying, and her cousins were too busy talking amongst themselves to listen to her. She was in no mood for a scolding. She kept on cleaning, getting lost in her own thoughts. That day had been draining, and it wasn’t even over yet. It was always like that, every time that the family gathered. Feeling judged and looked upon for everything she said or did was tiring. It didn’t matter how much she tried to be good, there was always someone ready to point their finger behind fake curiosity and nasty smiles.

And now they were speaking loudly, talking about how beautiful Agnese was, about how Mr Shelby surely was already in love with her. Nina pretended not to see how they tended to look at her while making their comments. It was an implicit comparison, she knew. And she knew she was right when the comparison became explicit. Aunt Clara, one of her mother’s sisters, said only half jokingly that Nina would find a husband as well one day, if she decided to get rid of that frown and put some meat on those bones.

For once, Nina bit her tongue and kept on scrubbing the plate, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of a retort. Her mother, however, blushed and cleared her throat, almost embarrassed by the situation. Nina knew that her opinion about her was not that different from her aunts’, and that her behaviour was indefensible even for her mother.

Maria poured the coffee she had just prepared in five small cups that she had placed in a tray, then asked her daughter to bring it to the men. Nina sighed and grabbed the tray. At least she could leave that kitchen now.

She went out into the garden and walked to the table, that was now full of cigarette holders, matches, bottles and small glasses. She squeezed between their chairs, trying to find an empty spot big enough to place the tray. No one seemed to notice as she struggled make space with one hand, while with the other she balanced the tray, trying her best not to spill the coffee. A wave of irritation spread from her stomach, slowly rising to her chest and shoulders, all the way to her head, and soon she was gritting her teeth, her patience rapidly running out. Just when she was about to snap, two strong hands grabbed the tray, guiding it towards the space she had just cleared. Tommy’s blue irises pierced through her, and for a moment all her anger left her. There was something calming, in that particular shade of blue. She cast him a grateful glance, not only for his help, but mainly for preventing her from throwing a fit.

“Oh, no, no, please, sit, Mr. Shelby.” Her brother Pietro said, waving his hand. Nina raised her eyebrows, fighting the urge to slap him on the back of his head.

Tommy squinted his eyes and for a moment it seemed like he was about to say something. Then his gaze rested upon Nina again, and he nodded at her. “Thank you for the coffee.” He said, sitting back in his chair.

She took a few steps back, looking at him one last time before starting to walk away. Before she could go far, Pietro’s voice came to her ears again.

“Hand me the ashtray.”

Nina stopped in her tracks, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She gathered all her strength to remain calm, and turned around to look at him “You have hands.” She simply said, before going back to the house.

It would be a long day, indeed.

Heart, Body and Soul tag list: @zablife @queenofshinigamis @raincoffeeandfandoms @call-sign-shark @kmc1989 @babayaga67 @kmhappybunny240

Regular tag list: @iamngoclinh08 @lilywinchesterlove @fandom-puff @capitanostella @caelys @lucillethings @peakyxtommy @queenofkings1212 @lyarr24 @kmc1989

Tommy Shelby tag list: @50svibes

#Tommy Shelby #Tommy shelby x oc #Nina Ferrante #Peaky Blinders #Peaky Blinders oc

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the-lone-witch-and-secret-room · 3 years ago

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Camila Noceda and Flawed Parenting

A perspective by a flawed person with loving but extremely flawed parents

I’m genuinely baffled at some people’s hostile reaction towards Camila. Like… do any of you have flawless parents that always know the best solution instantly, make no mistakes and never get emotional?

My parents are great. They’re super supportive and I love them very, very much. Overall I think I got very lucky in the parents department.

But god, they are far from flawless. I still live at home, and despite all the good, there’s moments when I can’t take my dad anymore. He’s the kind of dad that stayed up until two am to help me with homework when I was in school, and he does so, so many things to make sure I’m happy. I know that. But despite all of this, I have told my mom in emotional moments before that I’m not sure if I can keep living with him, because for all his good sides, he has a couple of fatal flaws that sometimes make him unbearable.

My mom listens to me and is very open to being educated on certain topics, but she has her flaws, too. She hates when I fight with my dad, and gets so torn up about it that I’ve once apologized to my dad out of fear of her getting into a car crash otherwise. She’s very vocal about certain flaws of mine, and sometimes uses the things she does for me as leverage against me when she gets very emotional.

And both of my parents pay a lot more attention to my brother because he needs it more, because he’s more of a “problem child” while I “seem so capable” even when I’m not.

And guess what? I’m not a perfect child. I make mistakes sometimes, some of them pretty severe. Just like Luz, I’m the kind of person that struggles to communicate certain issues of mine to her parents. I’m stubborn, and when I get emotional, I say very hurtful things sometimes. So do they.

And this has nothing to do with my parents being horrible or abusive. They’re neither of those things.

The takeaway from this should not be that my entire family is made up of terrible people, but that we’re all flawed in our own ways, despite loving each other and trying our best. There’s things about my parents I wish I could change, and there are things about me that my parents wish they could change. And to an extent, that’s perfectly normal.

In our strengths and flaws and frustration with each other, we’re all human.

Specific, spoiler-y Camila and Luz things under the cut since this got very long.

We have no indication that Camila has a pattern of emotionally manipulating Luz. Her “emotional manipulation” as I’ve seen some people put it, is people for some reason thinking that the second you become an adult, you’re suddenly perfect and can no longer make mistakes, lest you’ll be dubbed horrible and abusive.

The whole concept is absurd to me. There is no perfect way to parent. There simply isn’t. Of course, there’s some genuinely abusive patterns that are horrible and inexcusable. But out of the parenting styles that aren’t, which one works depends on a number of factors, one of which absolutely includes that every child is different and has different needs. Camila is an amazing parent for Vee, giving the kid everything she’s ever longed for. She’s not an ideal parent for Luz. And that’s because Luz and Vee have fundamentally different needs.

Likewise, Luz is a pretty great child for Eda, but not a perfect fit for Camila. Luz relates to Eda a lot more than she relates to her mom, and that’s why the two of them have an easier time understanding each other. Both of these mother-child relationships exist, and one is not more doomed to fail than the other, but I think you’ll agree that the better you understand someone and where they’re coming from, the easier it is to communicate, pick up on certain signs, etc.

As mom and daughter, Camila and Luz are both flawed and have issues seeing the other’s perspective because of how different they are. And we should simultaneously acknowledge both of their roles in the issue and give both of them the space to learn and grow past those issues.

Luz struggles to communicate her problems. She doesn’t want to burden people in the demon realm, and it’s a given that this started out as not wanting to burden her mom. So she keeps quiet about her issues. Camila tries hard but can’t read her daughter’s mind, so there’s only so much she can do to understand and help the way Luz needs her to. Hell, Eda, who Luz is a lot more open with than her mom, struggles to help her, because Luz doesn’t tell her what’s wrong. I don’t see anyone calling Eda a terrible mom for that.

Camila tries her best, but she struggles to understand her daughter because of this, and because of how fundamentally different they are. She loves Luz’s creativity, we actively see her supporting it in the new episode—she keeps the weird stuff Luz made because she thinks Luz will regret throwing it away, and even plays along in what she assumes to be some elaborate role play because “she’s glad Luz kept her creativity even though it’s not made things easy for her at school”. But at the beginning of the show, said creativity got out of hand and people got hurt. Luz could’ve gotten hurt. So of course Camila had to interfere. I love Luz dearly, but she thought it was okay to bring snakes to school and set off fireworks inside a school building. Creativity is great. Doing reckless stuff that causes people to get hurt is not.

In sending Luz to camp, Camila tried to have someone else fix her issue because she didn’t know how to help Luz. That was a mistake, and a bad one at that, but she’s realizing that. She looks disheartened when Vee tries to throw out Luz’s stuff, because she never meant to change her daughter or take that part of her away. She just thought Luz needed a reality check—which, for the record, is something the narrative actually agrees with.

Luz spends her time in the demon realm getting reality check after reality check, realizing that even her ideal fantasy world where she has everything she always wanted doesn’t mean she’s free of consequences. She goes overboard constantly, causing:

-Eda to be forced to fly into a trap because Luz is chasing a fantasy (Witches before Wizards)

-Eda to almost be branded by her sister because Luz doesn’t think through why Eda doesn’t use magic to publicly announce her presence constantly (Once Upon a Swap)

-Eda and the twins to get kidnapped by a Slitherbeast because Luz stole Amity’s wand (Adventures in the Elements)

-Her friends to get hurt when she goes overboard trying to help Willow (Wing it like Witches)

-Eda to be captured and almost petrified because Luz thought she could just steal from the Emperor with no consequences in an attempt to help (Agony of a Witch)

I’m like 90% sure these aren’t even all. None of those make her a terrible person, for the record, but as all humans are, she is flawed and makes bad choices. She learns from these experiences and matures, just like her mom had hoped she would at camp. She’s also made friends there, which was another thing Camila wanted for her daughter.

You’ll probably realize that a lot of Luz’s behaviors I mentioned follow one of two patterns: 1. Luz’s idealized fantasy world causing problems, when she walks around with rose tinted glasses and gets people in trouble in the process because she hasn’t thought about the consequences, and 2. Luz trying to help someone she loves, but instead making things worse in the progress. The issue with this one is often that she doesn’t communicate her ideas/listen to the people she’s trying to help—like when Willow and Gus said they’ve had enough of Grudgby, or how she never actually talks to Eda about the healing hat idea before doing something reckless.

…does the latter one sound familiar to you at all? No? Because it’s the exact same thing that Camila did.

Some of the things Luz does are reckless and actively endanger others and herself, and that’s something that I think we need to acknowledge before judging Camila. As Luz’s mom, it’s Camila’s job to interfere in those situations. That she made a mistake while trying to protect Luz doesn’t make her a terrible person, especially as, again, the narrative proves her right to an extent.

I’m not saying her making Luz promise to come back and stay isn’t something that hurt Luz—it absolutely is. But it was born out of desperation. She’s emotional and in shock. She’s so full of pain and regret. She just wants her fourteen year old daughter home safe, and there’s nothing abusive or even morally ambiguous about that.

From Luz’s perspective, what she says is absolutely heartbreaking, but from Camila’s, it’s perfectly reasonable. I doubt Camila has the full picture, but even if she does, she’s had a full fifteen seconds to process that her daughter has not only been lying to her for months, but chose to leave her, and is in the demon realm of all places. Of course she’d be emotional and upset about that! Who wouldn’t? Camila isn’t a robot. If she’d been calm about this I’d be way more concerned, honestly.

My parents don’t get mad that easily, but if I would lie to them for weeks on end, they’d be pissed off too, not even taking the running away from home part into account. That’s a normal thing. People don’t like being lied to. Camila is absolutely devastated in that moment because she’s scared that Luz left because she hates her, when Luz actively states that her leaving wasn’t about her mom—which is another thing we should really be acknowledging.

Abusive parents suck and abuse should obviously never be apologized or trivialized, but saying something hurtful in the heat of the moment isn’t the same thing as being an abusive parent. My parents have done this. I’ve done this. And yes, those things can be emotionally manipulative, but there’s a huge difference in whether that’s a habit or a person speaking out of hurt and desperation in a very specific context. I doubt there’s anyone on the entire planet that hasn’t had a bad moment where they’ve said something like this because they were hurting. People lash out when they hurt, and they beg for reassurance when they’re scared. That’s something we all do.

The whole mindset of “all parents have to be perfect and can never get upset or make any mistakes” is harmful as hell, and honestly also very unrealistic. No parent is perfect, and especially people like me who have a relationship with their parents that’s very good overall should know that.

Once you have a child, parenting is a non-stop learning process, every day for the rest of your life. Taking away that room to grow and expecting perfection isn’t helping anyone, especially not struggling single parents.

And I see Camila as someone who is very willing to learn, because at the end of the day, all she wants is for Luz to be happy. Let’s give her some time to wrap her head around this whole situation. Let’s see what she says once she sees for herself how happy Luz is in that world, may it be via the videos eventually coming through or Camila visiting and meeting Luz’s found family, her friends and her girlfriend.

Ultimately, I don’t think Camila will force Luz to stay at home, but we have to give her some time. She wants what’s best for Luz, and she’s gonna need some convincing that a dangerous magical world is what’s best. I feel like that’s very normal considering the circumstances.

Her and Luz need to work on their communication on both ends, they both have things to learn, but I’m certain they’ll manage to fix their relationship in the long run.

If the bunk bed is any indication, I think Vee is gonna stay in the human realm permanently while Luz sleeps at home but keeps attending Hexside in the daytime. That feels like a solution that keeps everyone happy, and allows Luz to spend time with all the people she loves. I can’t see her being forced to choose at the end.

As a closing statement: Eda isn’t an ideal mom, Amity isn’t an ideal friend or girlfriend and neither is Luz, Lilith isn’t an ideal sister… but that’s because no one is ever an ideal anything. Being flawed is a big part of being human. Everyone has different facets to their personality. Their flaws are what makes them such great, relatable, believable characters.

And I feel the same way about Camila. She’s an extremely believable character that reminds me of my own parents, flawed but very loving nonetheless.

(Also honestly, I think it’s pretty telling that some of you guys immediately bash the black single mom that’s obviously trying her hardest while giving the benefit of the doubt to Alador, who has been portrayed as neglecting and threatened his six year old daughter on screen. This was already a thing before we knew much about either of them, and I’m disappointed but unfortunately not very surprised that it still is.)

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harleybeaumont · 2 years ago

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The Other Nevrakis

Chapter 24 - The Royal Wedding

Pairings- Drake x OC (Lilith Nevrakis), Liam x Riley

Book- TRR Book One

Synopsis- Lilith Nevrakis is the younger sister of Duchess Olivia, and the black sheep of her family. Drake Walker is the best friend of the Crown Prince. Lilith and Drake are similar in that they both prefer random hookups to relationships. Once they meet, something in each of them changes and they both realize they want more out of life. But is what they want, each other?

A/N- This pretty much follows the events of TRR Book 1, but this is an AU where Olivia has a younger sister and Riley is Maxwell’s cousin. The story alternates between Lilith and Drake's POV, but not in first person.

A/N 2 - Sorry it’s been so long between chapters! Oh and thanks @angelasscribbles for letting me borrow your Rashad’s last name 😊

Series Warnings- Language, Drinking, Sensuality, NSFW (there will be lemons!)

Word count- 2,800

18+ only

Click to catch up on previous chapters.

Chapter 24 - The Royal Wedding

The joint bachelor party in Paris was a huge success, and what made it even better was that no one had messed anything up. No press intruding, or obnoxious nobles whining about not being invited. It was an intimate affair with the wedding party and their guests. Everyone mostly did their own thing and it was perfect.

Liam and Riley’s wedding was to take place the following day and the head wedding planner was reviewing the final details with the wedding party. “Ok..” Gloria skimmed her list. “So in Lady Riley’s wedding party we have Lady Lilith Nevrakis, Lord Maxwell Beaumont, and Lord Ander Beaumont.” Riley clapped her hands as she threw her arms around her cousin and brother.

“I’m so glad you guys are on my side! Even though I had to steal Max from Liam.” Riley winked at Liam who gave her a cheeky smile.

Gloria made a couple notes and continued. “And in King Liam’s party we have Drake Walker, Leo Rys, and Lord Rashad Faheem.” Gloria cleared her throat. “My, there are a lot of gentlemen in this wedding.”

“Is that a problem?” Riley asked in concern.

Gloria gave her a forced smile. “Other than the fact that it isn’t traditional, as long as it's what you want.”

“Hey.” Leo spoke from his chair in the back of the room, his feet casually propped up on a table. “If my future sis wants her wedding party to be sausage fest, that shouldn’t be a problem.” Max and Ander snickered at Leo.

“Leo!” Liam furrowed his brow as he looked at his brother in disgust. “I mean, you’re right, but why do you have to say it like that?!”

Leo shrugged. “Just callin’ it like I see it! Other than you, Lil.” He winked at Lilith and Drake rolled his eyes.

“Give me a fucking break.” Drake mumbled under his breath.

“Don’t worry Walker, I won’t take your girl.” Leo chuckled.

“Ha!” Lilith laughed loudly as she shoved Leo’s legs off the table. “Like you could.”

“Easy Nevrakis!” Leo chuckled. “By the way, how’s your sister? Text her for me and ask if she’s DTF at the reception tomorrow.”

“Pass.” Lilith rolled her eyes as she climbed onto Drake’s lap.

“We are getting spectacularly off track!” Gloria said with pink cheeks.

“I agree!” Liam looked pointedly at his brother who winked.

Gloria sighed. “Now, we have extensively rehearsed what will happen at the ceremony so I am certain there will not be any mishaps during-.”

“Lightbulb!” Max interrupted with a delighted smile. “What if we do that thing where we switch on some crazy club music and each take turns dancing down the aisle!?”

“Absolutely not!” Gloria shrieked as she looked at Maxwell in disbelief. “This is a royal wedding, not a... youtube video!”

“Aw.” Max sat back and pouted with his arms crossed.

“Hey.” Riley nudged him. “At the reception, you can dance to whatever you want! After our first dance, the ballroom is gonna be lit!”

Gloria rubbed a hand down her face as she made more notes. “Lord help me get through this.. Now, the hair and makeup artists will arrive at 10:00 am, and you should all be ready to head to the cathedral by 1:00. Then the ceremony will start promptly at 2:00.”

“Do you think the hair stylist would dye my hair before the ceremony?” Riley's brother interrupted as he ran his hands through his dark brown hair. “I was thinking about dying it the same color as the bow ties! How freaking cool would it look to walk down the aisle with light pink hair?!”

Max gasped. “Yes! Ander, you genius! I’m in!”

“Hell ya, let’s do it!” Leo reached out to high five Maxwell.

“Dear god, no!” Gloria sighed. “Please.. Refrain from dying your hair until after the wedding.”

“Gloria, you are really harshing the vibe in here, shutting down all our ideas.” Ander said as he pulled out a blunt from his jacket pocket, attempting to light it. “Anybody else need a hit?”

“Pass that shit over here!” Leo called out from the couch.

Gloria was frozen in place watching Ander take a long draw before passing it to the former prince. “WHAT. IS. HAPPENING?!” Gloria screeched.

“I’m so sorry!” Riley put her hands over her face. “Ander, why would you think this is the right time or place to get high?!”

“Someone pass this to Gloria, I think she's broken!” Leo chuckled as he blew out a plume of smoke.

“Ok!” Liam stood up, trying to keep calm. “I think this meeting is over.” He forced a smile. “We will see you all in the morning.”

The wedding party stood up, making their way out of the room. The only person who hadn’t moved was Rashad who was typing furiously on his phone. “Lord Rashad? Lord Rashad?!” Liam cleared his throat and Rashad looked up from his phone.

“Oh, I’m sorry Your Majesty! Were we going to start discussing the wedding details now?”

Liam and Riley looked at each other, bewildered, and Gloria spoke coolly, “Lord Rashad have you not been paying attention this entire time?”

“Oh dear.” Rashad’s face fell. “I apologize. I’ve been hammering out the details on this new project I’m working on, so I-”

“Just.. go.” Gloria sighed and waved him out the door. “I’m going to type everything up for everyone in excruciating detail so we do NOT have to meet like this again.”

Rashad smiled ruefully as he left the room, leaving Lilith, Drake, Liam, Riley, and Gloria behind. Gloria took a deep breath. “I better get busy typing this before a Beaumont dyes their hair or sneaks pot into the wedding cake. I’ll see you all in the morning.”

The four friends were left in the room watching each other in disbelief. “Well, that could have been worse.” Riley said and Liam burst out laughing.

“I don't think it could have.” He chuckled. “I’m so sorry everyone. My brother is.. Well you all know how he is.”

Riley ran her hands through her hair. “Mine too.”

Lilith laughed as she wrapped an arm around Riley, giving her a quick squeeze. “Don’t worry, they'll behave tomorrow. And if I have to threaten them, I will.”

Drake spoke next, “She’s right. You two have enough to worry about. Let us handle the family bullshit.”

“Look at you, taking your best man duties seriously.” Liam nudged Drake with a smile. “Thank you both for everything.”

“Seriously.” Riley smiled. “You two are the best.”

“We know.” Lilith smirked. “Now I’m going to go have a talk with everyone else in the wedding party. During the ceremony, Rashad will not have his cell phone, Ander will not have any weed, Max will not have pink hair, and Leo will not.. do any of the above.”

______________________________________________________

The morning of the wedding, Drake and Liam were getting ready in Liam’s suite. People were scurrying about, fixing Liam’s regalia and making sure their clothes and hair were perfect. Drake waved someone away who was attempting to put concealer under his eyes. “No.. no way in hell.”

She raised her eyebrows and hurried away. The hair stylist was coating Liam’s hair with a thick plume of hairspray and he coughed. “I think.. That’s enough.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” The man bowed before retreating from the room. Finally the room was quiet and empty and Drake and Liam could relax for a moment.

“Shit, this is worse than your coronation!” Drake chuckled. “At least no one tried to put fucking makeup on me then.”

Liam couldn’t help the laugh that burst out of him. “I’m sorry. Part of me still can’t believe you even agreed to be my best man. You know you’re going to be up there in front of everyone. There will be wedding photographers, paparazzi, nobles, reporters.. Everything Drake Walker hates.”

Drake shook his head with a smile. “Well, it’s not every day your best friend gets married.”

“I suppose I’ll have to return the favor when it’s your turn.”

Drake grinned and said, “ya.”

Liam’s eyes went wide. “Wait, what?!”

“What?”

“You didn’t deny it!”

“What do you mean?”

Liam covered his mouth, trying to hide his smile. “Drake!”

Drake shook his head, his brow furrowed in confusion. “What the hell are you doing right now? Besides acting like Riley?”

“Oh my god..” Liam was still grinning. “Are you going to propose to Lilith?”

“No! Why would you think that?”

“Drake, any time I’ve ever mentioned marriage to you, you nearly vomit in disgust and adamantly deny the prospect of ever settling down.”

Oh shit. Of course Liam knew what he was thinking. That intuitive bastard. “Look, it’s just that the idea.. isn’t.. absolutely horrible anymore.”

“Wow.” Liam was grinning broadly. “Come on.. I’m not going to tease you, I just want you to be honest with me.”

“I am! The idea isn’t.. horrible.”

“Come on, talk to meeee.. I know you didn't buy me anything for my wedding so this can be my present.”

“You’re so fucking stupid.” Drake rolled his eyes. “And I did actually buy you something!”

“A bottle of whiskey doesn't count!” Liam smirked and Drake groaned in response. “Come on.. Let it out!”

Drake remained silent for a minute, and sighed. “Maybe one day..”

“How are you going to do it? When? Where?”

“My god, since when are you so nosy?”

Liam chuckled. “Since my best friend is thinking about proposing to his girlfriend.”

“I never said..” Drake ran a hand down his face. “You know what? Fuck it. Yes, one day I’m gonna do it. There.. Happy now?”

“Very!” Liam grinned and Drake couldn't help but smile.

“Don't say a word about this to anyone.. Especially Riley!” Drake knew Riley would tell Lilith in a heartbeat if she found out. “It’s not going to happen tomorrow or anything. Maybe in a few years.”

Liam shook his head with a good-natured laugh. “I won’t tell her, don't worry. And if you actually need to talk about it, I’m here.”

Drake was thankful for the interruption when Gloria poked her head in to let them know it was time to go. He had barely even admitted to himself that one day he wanted to marry Lilith. Admitting it out loud to another person was painful.

The afternoon flew by and Drake found himself beside the altar in an ornate cathedral reserved only for royal functions. His heart was pounding as he stood in front of hundreds of people who he only imagined were judging him. Liam, decked out in his regalia, looked cool as a cucumber like always. Although Drake knew from speaking with him before the ceremony that he was a nervous wreck. Leo and Rashad were standing to the left of Drake and thankfully neither had pink hair, smelled like pot, or had their cell phone out so that was one less thing to worry about.

Seated a couple rows from the front, he saw his sister, Savannah, smiling brightly at him. Drake tried to hide it, but he couldn’t help but smile back. He wasn’t even sure if she was going to make it to the wedding until this morning, and this was the first time he had seen her in years. She smirked and mouthed ‘looking good’ and he rolled his eyes. She always teased him when he dressed up.

Some classical music Drake didn’t recognize started playing and the doors at the end of the insanely long aisle were thrown open. The first one down the aisle was Maxwell, who had a mischievous grin on his face. That is, until he passed by Bertrand in the aisle and immediately straightened his posture and masked his expression into an emotionless robot. Drake was actually thankful for Bertrand for once. Ander was a ways behind him, looking slightly terrified. Drake had to stop himself from chuckling. Lilith had definitely threatened him. The next person down the aisle caused his heart to skip a beat. Clad in a baby pink lace and chiffon gown, was the most beautiful woman in the world. Her gorgeous red hair was partially tied back in loose curls that fell across her shoulders. Drake met her eyes as she continued making her way to the front of the room, clearly trying her hardest not to smile at him. She glanced over to Drake, briefly checking him out in his tux, then stared straight ahead, dutifully playing the role of maid of honor to the future Queen.

Drake, however, didn’t give a shit about how much he was ogling her. His eyes never left her as she took her place next to the altar. Leo elbowed him and whispered, “keep it in your pants, man.”

Drake fought the urge to say something snarky back. Not the time.. Maybe later. Ya.. later he was going to knee Leo in the balls. He could make it look like an accident.

Everyone in the crowd stood as the music changed, and Drake saw Liam’s breath quicken. Riley emerged on the arm of her father, looking every bit the Queen of Cordonia, covered in diamonds and silk, complete with a tiara. Drake had always heard that in a wedding you should watch the groom's face to see their reaction, and that’s what he did. Liam took a deep breath, before dabbing his eyes with a gloved hand.

It was amazing to see how love can change a person. Sure Liam had always been a romantic, but never did he let his emotions show to the public. Now he was actually tearing up watching the woman he loved walk down the aisle toward him. Drake couldn't help but think about how his own wedding would be. If he was the groom watching Lilith walk towards him. He looked over and Lilith was smiling at him, before turning her attention back to Riley. He wondered if she was thinking the same thing, and a giddy smile broke out across his face.

The ceremony was extremely long, and several people cried during Liam and Riley’s wedding vows. Maxwell was nearly sobbing when Riley thanked him personally for introducing her to Liam in the first place. Drake couldn’t deny that even he felt touched by it all. Once Riley and Liam were pronounced husband and wife, Drake took Lilith’s arm and they walked back down the aisle together.

She spoke softly, “how you holding up, best man? Ready to run yet?”

Drake chuckled quietly, “It’s not that bad.”

Lilith smiled. “I saw you tearing up at their wedding vows, you softie.”

Drake turned to her with his mouth agape, speaking a little too loudly. “Did not!” Lilith grinned as they nearly reached the exit of the cathedral. Drake whispered. “You’re one to talk. I saw you sniffling. You’re not as hard as you think you are.”

Lilith bumped his shoulder with hers when they finally reached the exit. Ander and Leo were next, then Maxwell and Rashad behind them. They continued until they reached a private room where the wedding party could relax.

“I swear to god, if someone doesn’t let me take a hit I’m gonna lose it!” Ander took a deep breath. “I was sweating like a pig up there!”

“Just.. go to another room to do it.” Gloria sighed, looking defeated as she waved him away. “A private room and lock the door!”

“Wait up!” Leo chased after him, pausing to clap Liam on the shoulder. “Congrats bro!”

Rashad pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and began furiously scrolling through his emails in the corner of the room.

“Guess that just leaves the VIPs!” Max said as he threw his arms around Riley and Liam. “Congrats you guys!”

“Thanks Max!” Riley leaned her head on his shoulder with a smile before taking Liam’s hands. “We're married! We did it!!”

Liam pulled her to him and gave her a searing kiss, causing her to squeal in surprise. “I love you so much,” he said smiling at her as if she hung the moon in the sky.

“I love you too baby!” Riley beamed right back at him. “Now, let’s get the rest of the formal shit out of the way so we can party!”

“Wooooo!” Max yelled and Gloria closed her eyes, sighing in exasperation.

“I'll check and see if Ander and Leo are ‘lit’ enough to head to the reception.” Gloria pinched the bridge of her nose as she left the room.

“Why do I feel like we hired a female Bertrand to coordinate our wedding?” Riley chuckled.

“That is.. disturbingly accurate.” Max shuddered.

“Hey.” Riley took Liam’s hands and smiled at everyone. “You guys ready to tear it up at the reception?!”

#the other nevrakis #trr fanfic #the royal romance #trr #drake walker #lilith nevrakis #liam rys #maxwell beaumont #drake x oc #liam x riley

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