#I haven't made a gif in forever but this series brought me back to life

[on-my-vigilante-sht]

Delicate

Luke Castellan x Reader

Summary: "Is it chill that you're in my head? / Cause I know that it’s delicate"

Warnings: Angst, death, major series spoilers for people who haven't finished the books

Word Count: 2.1k

Masterlist

Sometimes I wonder, when you sleep / Are you ever dreaming of me?

Luke could admit to himself he wanted his best friend. He had for a long time. In fact everyone could see it, except for her. She seemed blissfully unaware of any feelings Luke had to the point that it made him nervous she was doing it on purpose. But if he couldn’t have her, he’d take the next best thing of being her friend. As long as she was in his life.

It was supposed to be bonfire night but Luke and Y/M had snuck off to the beach. They lay next to each other, staring up at the stars. Well, she was looking up at the stars, Luke was looking at her. They talked for hours about nothing until she finally dozed off.

Given the strict rules about curfew, Luke hardly ever got to see his best friend’s peaceful expression as she slept. Her face relaxed, unburdened by the perils of being a demigod. And as the two oldest at camp, they had a lot of perils.

Luke reached out, stroking her hair. That elicited a content sigh from her and he wondered if she was aware it was him. He wondered if she thought about or dreamed about him nearly as much as he did her. He had an ever present fantasy of absolutely sweeping her off her feet in a moment of glory. One of his favorites was after he won capture the flag, he’d march right up to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and just kiss her.

But of course that would never happen so he kept it stashed in the back of his mind.

He let her sleep for a few more minutes before he finally woke her up. “Hey, you gotta get up or the harpies will get us,” he laughed softly, shaking her awake.

She groaned but opened her eyes nonetheless.

Sometimes when I look into your eyes / I pretend you're mine all the damn time

Her eyes. Luke could probably get lost in them forever. He didn’t even need to watch the stars. He’d much rather watch the reflection of them in her eyes.

Unfortunately, the moment was ruined by one of the Athena boys. “Oh, hey Luke. Um, I just came to find Y/N. Chiron said late curfew starts in five minutes.”

“Really?” she asked, sitting up. “How long was I asleep?”

Luke felt his face get hot. He actually had no idea, he had completely lost track of time while watching her. “Uh not long. I just didn’t want to wake you,” he tried to play it off smoothly.

She gave him a soft smile, her hand finding his knee. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean to waste your night.”

“No, no, no,” he quickly corrected. “You’re never a waste of time.”

“So um,” the Athena boy cut in awkwardly. “You want me to walk you to your cabin, Y/N? It’s right across from mine.”

Luke felt a surge of possessiveness. This guy clearly liked her. But before she could answer, Luke did it for her. “We’ll head over in a few minutes but thanks,” he tried to dismiss him.

The boy looked discouraged but tried to play it off. “Oh- uh ok.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Y/N offered, feeling bad for him. He immediately brightened with a smile before retreating back to his cabin.

Luke hated that she always seemed to leave the door open for other guys. They had had numerous conversations about the boys that liked her so he knew she wasn’t doing it on purpose. She just felt bad outright rejecting them so her sugar coating often came across as a signal to try harder. He just wished he could make it clear to them she was taken. Of course, she wasn’t his (yet).

Once Luke was sure he was out of earshot, he brought the topic up again. “He likes you.”

“No he doesn’t,” she immediately dismissed.

“Yes he does, and you trying to make him feel better about rejecting him doesn’t make it any better.”

“I didn’t reject him, you did.”

“Because I know you don’t like him.”

“Who says I don’t like him?” she shrugged.

Luke’s heart stopped. He had been playing defense so well for so long now that it hadn’t even occurred to him that she could like someone else. “What?”

She just shrugged again. “Who’s to say I don’t like him? You chased him away before I could get a word in.”

“D-do you like him?” Luke’s heart was pounding in his chest.

“No, but I’m just saying-”

“Gods, Y/N!” Luke interrupted in relief. “Don’t scare me like that.”

A satisfied look crossed over her face. “Why is that scary?”

He sent her a playful glare. “You know.”

“Tell me,” she pressed.

Is it cool that I said all that? / Is it chill that you're in my head?

Luke’s heart was pounding in his chest. She had basically already confirmed she was into him but the fear still lingered in his chest. He just had to say the words and he’d have his fantasy. She’d be his.

“I like you, Y/N. I have for a long time. I was just always scared you’d… I don’t know, reject me. Or think I was being stupid. But I like you.” Luke looked at her nervously, unsure of what she’d say. His heart was still pounding even when she leaned over and kissed him. As she tried to pull away for air, Luke’s hands found their way to her face, keeping her close. “I’m not done yet,” he mumbled against her lips, eliciting a giggle.

Long night with your hands up in my hair / Echoes of your footsteps on the stairs

That night Luke really didn’t want to leave her but Y/N wasn’t willing to break the rules just yet. He had spent the entire walk back to the cabins trying to convince her to sneak into the Hermes cabin. “Please, I swear no one will snitch on you.”

She laughed, intertwining her fingers into his. “Well what about my siblings when they see I’m not in bed? What will the children think?” By now they reached Cabin 7.

“The children can think whatever they want,” Luke smiled, pressing a kiss to her lips. It was late but several campers were still awake. Word of the couple would spread like wildfire and by the morning, even Chiron would know about the new couple.

But spending every night separately wouldn’t last for long. Y/N normally spent the evenings in the Hermes cabin where they had somehow managed to smuggle many forbidden things in. Like video games and junk food. And every night when the conch blew, signaling that curfew was soon, Luke begged her to stay. “Come on, no one will tell. Will you?” he asked his siblings.

That received a resounding “No!” swearing they’d keep our secret. She looked around the room, her resolve crumbling after weeks of this. “Fine,” she agreed. So many cheers erupted you’d think she just agreed to marry him. “But!” she waited for them to quiet down, “I’m still a counselor and I have to make sure everyone else is in bed.” Luke pouted but let her go nonetheless, promising to drag her back to Cabin 11 if she didn’t come back.

So after putting all the younger kids to bed, Y/N snuck back to Cabin 11. She found it dark but made her way to Luke’s bed. As she reached it, Luke could recognize the outline of her created by the moonlight. “Finally, I was just about to come break down your door.”

“Ha ha,” she laughed sarcastically. “Scoot over,” Luke obliged, sliding against the wall to create room. She slipped under the covers, settling against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, embracing her tightly, his face buried in her hair.

“‘M glad you’re staying,” he mumbled. “Feel like it’s easier to fall asleep when you’re with me.” He didn’t say it out loud but he liked having the assurance that she was safe in his arms as they slept.

“Me too,” she mused, her eyes already closed. “But I’ll say you kidnapped me if we get caught.”

“Okay,” Luke chucked. “You can blame me.”

My reputation's never been worse, so / You must like me for me

But those nights were gone now. Luke made his choice but so did she.

“Isn’t it messed up how the gods neglect their kids?” Luke asked as casually as possible, staring out at sea, his fingers tracing the dock.

“Yeah,” she mused. “Can you imagine being an omnipotent, immortal being but you can’t even take the time to tell your kid they belong to you? I mean, Apollo’s been pretty good about it but the others…?”

The pressure in Luke’s chest lessened as she more or less agreed with him. “Or how they treat us as disposable puppets? Like pawns?” He watched her face carefully as she considered it.

“What do you mean?”

Here we go. Luke began chipping at any remaining loyalty she had to the gods. “Well think about it. Thalia? Her godly parents could have saved her. Every demigod who died? Their parent could have saved them. My quest was a joke. All Hermes wanted me to do was repeat one of Heracles’ labors.”

She looked deep in thought. “I guess but why are you asking me about this?”

He took a deep breath before lacing his fingers in hers. “I’ve been uh… talking to someone.” She didn’t say anything but her furrowed brow urged him to continue. “I’ve been told that things don’t have to be the way they are. We don’t have to wait around until we’re killed. The Titan Lord could restore-”

“Shut up right now!” her frightened voice cut him off. She pulled her legs out of the water, shifting her sitting position to face him directly. “Luke! What- how- why are you doing this? So what if you can’t rely on the gods? You certainly can’t trust Kronos anymore.”

He gently grasped her hands. “Y/N, he promised every demigod that joins him immortality and safety. We wouldn’t have to cower in a summer camp with children who most likely won’t make it to their 18th birthdays. Please, come with me.”

She shook her head. “I can’t.” That broke his heart. “Luke, I love you. I really do. But I can’t let you go down this path.”

Through his internal struggle with Kronos, Luke could see Y/N staring at him, pain in her eyes. He gripped Annabeth’s knife tightly, saying a silent goodbye to everyone he loved and a curse to Kronos. “I love you,” he tried to say to her but it came out strained. The blade sunk into his only vulnerable spot under his arm—his Achilles heel.

“No!” he heard her yell. But he was already on the ground, beginning to lose consciousness at the fatal blow. But Y/N was kneeling over him, tears leaving tracks on her dirty face. “No, no, no,” she mumbled. “Why, Luke?” she practically screamed in frustration.

He reached up, wiping her tears and some dirt from her face. “Do you still love me? After everything I did?”

“Of course I love you!” she cried. “I never stopped.”

Despite the pain, he was smiling. “I love you too. I’ll see you in Elysium.”

She nodded, trying to smile too but the sobs were clawing their way of her throat. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Not too soon,” he insisted. “I love you, Y/N.”

Masterlist

[the-lost-eighth]

Sanji x Reader oneshot

word count: 657

warnings: none ^_^

genre: fluff

A/N: I haven't written in forever, but I had to get this out of my head so i apologize if it's written poorly !! i tried my best. also he might be a tad OOC. song is what made me wanna write ⬇️

"I love you."

You were in the kitchen of the ship drinking with Sanji before he dropped this on you randomly. You stared at him with your mouth agape before letting out a soft chuckle, "Alright mate, that's enough drinks for you." as you reach for the bottle in front of him, you feel him firmly grip your wrist. "Y/N, I'm seri-serious." he said, hiccuping in between the word serious. "I'm in love with you. you're special. You stand out, make me feel different. you're everything to me." Sanji brought his hand up to your face, cupping your cheek, "I want you all to myself. I want to wake up next to you every morning my dear. finding you was worth more than finding the all blue. you radiate the beauty of it already, it's like having the all blue by my side every day. You're–"

"Drunk. you're drunk and you're talking to talk Sanji. you've probably said this exact same shit to Nami or Robin. I'm not falling for your tricks, now let's get you some rest," you snap as you stand up, this time with his wrist in your hand as you head for his room. "Y/N, I'm not–"

"Sober is what you're not. Now c'mon, sleep." didn't seem like you'd hear him out any time soon. See, truth be told, you wanted his words to be true. you wanted the butterflies, and lingering touches, and sneaky glances to be worth it in the end, but you knew that Sanji was like this with every woman he met. nothing about you was special enough to change that. at least, that's how you saw things. he saw it differently though. you were-

"My secret ingredient." "I'm sorry?" you stopped on your path to his bedroom as you whipped your head around to make eye contact with the cook.

"You're my secret ingredient, the one piece of my life that I was missing. You're what completes my dish. I'd do anything to prove my love for you Y/N." You stared at him as he said this, feeling your face heat up. His eyes widened when he saw a tear make it way down your cheek, a small sniffle escaping your nose. "Why? Why me? Why not Robin, or Nami, why me of all people??" you choked out as more tears fell down your face. He quickly brought his hands up, wiping them away before cupping your cheeks, "You're perfect. You're sweet, gorgeous, smart, hilarious, you can cook really well, and I appreciate it deeply when you help me out in the kitchen, you're caring and generous, and insanely selfless. You risked your life to save someone you had just met, even when we all told you not to, you put their safety before your own and i admire that. your voice is soothing, your touch is calming, your laugh is like a drug, you always find some way to cheer me up but most importantly of all, you make me feel seen. you don't see me as a flirt, or just a cook, you see me as Sanji, and I love that about you. I love you, all of you, and I–" you cut him off by crashing your lips into his, bringing your hands to his shoulders as you hastily kiss him. he's caught off guard before transferring his hands from your face to your neck, kissing you back a lot more passionately than your rushed advances. you pull back for air and look at him softly, pushing a strand of hair behind his ear. "I love you too Sanji. so, so much." all he could do in response was give you a big stupid smile as he laughed and brought you into a tight embrace. the moment was so unreal he could've swore he was dreaming. but he wasn't, this was happening, you loved him back.

He had finally won in life.

The end :3

he's so 😩

[willalove75]

Alcina's New Maid Pt. 10 Lady Dimitrescu x Reader

Summary: Lady Dimitrescu brings you in as one of her maids, at least, that's what you thought she brought you to the castle for.

Warnings: 18+ minors DNI

Tags: flirty, fluff, slow burn, smut, angst.

Notes: Part 10! This one is a tad longgg but it's cute and fluffy so enjoy! Also: Should the notes be in cursive font? I felt like it took away from the content of the notes but let me know what you all think!

Click here for the rest of the series

Over the course of the next few weeks, a sense of peace was restored to castle Dimitrescu once again. Things between you and Alcina still weren't back to where they were before everything happened, but you've been happy with the progress the two of you have made. Alcina has respected your boundaries; taking things slow and giving you the time and space you need to regain your trust in her.

You still haven't had dinner with them, but you've been having lunch with them almost every day and breakfast a few days a week. On the mornings you decide to have breakfast in your chambers, Alcina personally delivers you your tray while you sleep. Around the third or fourth time she brought you your meal, you found a little handwritten note left on the tray.

The very first one you found made your heart swell a little. In her beautifully perfect cursive, she wrote:

I am still uncertain if I am worthy of your forgiveness, or worthy of a second chance, however I am forever grateful that you think otherwise. I will spend the rest of my eternal life proving my loyalty and devotion to you if I must. I give you my word, I will do everything in my power to make the changes needed to regain your trust. Thank you, for gifting me this second chance, for allowing me the opportunity to fix this mess I've created and to attempt to heal the wounds I've caused you. I will be indebted to your altruism until the end of time. Forever yours, Alcina

After reading the note you held it close to your chest, it was the most hope you've had about things changing for the better since you both agreed to try and reconcile.

Ever since then, a note was left on your tray each time Alcina delivered your breakfast. In some letters, she expressed her regret and how she resents herself for what she had done.

. . . I fear that no matter what I do, I will never earn your forgiveness. I am finding it near impossible to forgive myself for the pain I've caused you. I know for certain if I were in your shoes I would resent the person who hurt me so deeply for the rest of my life. I promise to never stop trying, in hopes that one day I will be truly worthy of your forgiveness. . . .

In others she talked about the hope she has that things will one day return back to where they were.

. . . In times of desperation I look to your eyes, when I feel that all hope is lost I find it within you. The hope has once again breathed new life into me and the spark is reignited in my soul. The fickle ember in my heart burns solely for you and if I must reach out for it every day with my bare hands to keep it alive, I will gladly accept the burns. . . .

In total you have nearly a dozen of them, keeping them in the drawer of your bedside table. Although the two of you haven't talked for as long as you did that night, knowing that Alcina takes the time every morning to confess her deepest thoughts and feelings, pouring her soul into each letter touches you. As if it's her way of apologizing every morning without bombarding or overwhelming you. She's able to express herself while still being able to give you the space and time you asked for. There are some mornings where you want to have breakfast with them, but decide against it just so you can get another note. On mornings when you wake up and feel the sadness or numbness lingering in your chest, the feelings subside after reading what she's poured out onto the page. They bring you a sense of comfort, making you feel seen and loved.

Early one morning you're in a deep sleep, you didn't even hear the door open or the clinking sounds from the tray as Alcina places it on your bedside table. You barely register the feeling of the mattress sink when Alcina gently sits on the edge of the bed.

"Y/n." Alcina says softly. She smiles as she watches you sleep, gently sweeping the hairs away from your face.

You finally begin to wake up when you feel a large hand rubbing small circles across your back.

"Y/n."

"Hmm?" You mumble, still mostly asleep.

"Come on, it's time to wake up."

Waking up, you roll over towards her and prop yourself up on your elbow.

"What time is it?"

"It's still early," Alcina says, gently brushing away the hair that had fallen onto your face. "but I have a surprise for you this morning."

"You do?" You squint at her as you adjust to the morning light, sitting up in bed you rub the sleep from your eyes. "What is it?"

Alcina chuckles.

"If I told you it wouldn't be much of a surprise now, would it?"

"Oh, right."

"I brought you breakfast. I was hoping I would be able to join you this morning, if you don't mind." She says, almost meekly, grabbing the tray and placing it on your bed between the two of you. Looking up at her, she's exuding a shyness you haven't seen before.

"I would love that." A smile crosses her face when she hears your response. You look down at the tray to see if there was a note, mostly out of habit and a look of disappointment must have flashed across your face for a moment.

"Is something wrong?" Alcina asks, her eyes worriedly scanning the tray.

Looking back up at her, you see the worry on her face.

"Oh, no. Sorry, I was just looking to see if there was a note, force of habit at this point."

Alcina visibly relaxes.

"Oh," The look on her face goes from relief to touched. "have you been reading them?"

"Yeah, every time you leave one. I really enjoy them." You say, looking away as a small blush crept across your cheeks.

"You do?"

"Yeah, of course."

Leaning over the side of your bed, you open up the drawer of the nightstand and pull out the small pile of letters.

"I keep every single one."

Alcina's eyes gloss over when she watches you open up the drawer and pull out every letter she's written you since she started leaving you notes in the morning. Carefully taking the stack from your hands, she looks down in disbelief.

"I can't believe you kept them all."

"Of course I did, what did you think I was doing with them?"

Looking away, a little ashamed, Alcina replies "I honestly thought you were throwing them away."

"I would never throw these away, they mean a lot to me Alcina."

"They do?" She asks as her golden eyes widen.

"Yeah, of course. Truthfully, now I look forward to each morning when you bring in my tray because I know there's going to be a note from you on it."

Alcina gently tucks a piece of hair behind your ear and rests her hand on your cheek for a moment. Neither of you have said "I love you" since that night, but you can see it in her eyes. Her hand leaves your cheek and you take the letters back from her, putting them back in the drawer and closing it.

"This smells amazing." You say, looking down at the tray of food.

"Go ahead, eat. I'm sure you're hungry."

The two of you enjoy a quiet meal together. This is probably the first time you've ever had a meal by yourselves, but you enjoyed it. As you ate you both lightly chatted, making each other laugh every so often. It was nice being able to enjoy each others company in private for a short while. You could feel the foundation of your new relationship solidifying as you ate breakfast together, and it felt good.

After you finished eating, Alcina placed the tray back on the nightstand.

"So when do I get this surprise?" You ask.

"Very soon, go and get yourself ready and come get me when you're done. I'll be in my chambers. Okay?"

"Okay. Anything in particular I have to wear or something?"

"No, dress as you wish. But we will be outside for a bit and it's supposed to be a beautiful day out." She says with a smile.

"Okay."

Alcina stands and grabs the tray and head towards the door. She opens it and turns back and gives you one last smile before ducking out and closing the door behind her. After she leaves you throw the covers off of you and hop in the shower.

Down the hall, Alcina sees a maid and gives her the tray to bring back down to the kitchen. She makes her way down the stairs and finds the girls in one of the sitting rooms.

"Is everything all set girls?"

"Yes mother!" Bela says.

"She's gonna freak out." Cassandra says.

"Oh I can't wait to see her face!" Daniela all but yells.

"Very well, thank you daughters. I'll be in my chambers, please see that everything is ready to go when we come back down."

"Yes mother!" The three girls say in unison.

Alcina heads back to her chambers and sits at her vanity, touching up her makeup and hair. After a little bit she hears a small knock on her door and takes a deep breath in and out before getting up and opening the door.

When she opens the door she's taken back when she sees you in the sundress she had bought you.

"Is this okay?" You ask, looking down at the dress.

"Yes," she breathes. "it's perfect." Her eyes meet yours and you get lost in her bright golden orbs for a few moments before you both snap out of it.

Alcina calls for the girls and Bela appears next to you.

"Is everything ready?" Alcina asks.

"Yes mother! Everything is ready for the both of you."

"Thank you my dear, we'll be down shortly."

Bela swarms off and she turns towards you.

"Are you ready for your surprise?"

"I think so!" You say with a smile.

You genuinely have no idea what she planned, you hope it's not an expensive gift or something extravagant, but you're still excited to see what it is.

Alcina leads you downstairs and towards the courtyard. Before she opens the doors she looks down at you with a big smile on her face, she looks excited and it makes your heart flutter.

"I know there's one thing that you've wanted since the day you came here, and I wanted to personally make sure it happened."

Alcina opens the doors and it takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the light. When they finally adjust, you see the kids, all five of them, running around the courtyard with Daniela, Bela and Cassandra.

Freezing in place, you can't believe they're here, in the courtyard, playing and running around like they always do. Tears begin to fill your eyes and Alcina places her hand on your back, gently pushing you forward.

The fears that you had of never seeing them again vanish into thin air. As much as you didn't want to admit to it, there was a small part of you that was worried Alcina was lying about letting you see the kids again just to give you some piece of mind. Fearful that she never had any intentions of letting it happen. But here they are, right in front of you, and Alcina was the one who organized it and planned a surprise visit.

"Y/n!!!" You hear Ana yell.

All of the kids stop and look at you, in an instant they're running into your arms. Kneeling down on the ground, you do your best to wrap your arms around all of them as the tears fall from your eyes. Your heart feels so full it's about to burst.

"Oh, I missed you guys so much." You say softly, burying your face into them.

Daniela, Bela and even Cassandra look on with huge smiles on their faces. Alcina looks down at you, her heart swells from seeing you so happy. She hopes that this surprise conveys how much she cares for you.

One by one you give each child a hug and a kiss on their head. The boys quickly go back to the game they were playing as you finish saying hi to the rest of the kids.

You hug and kiss Crina, the second oldest of the three girls. After her you hug and kiss Ana, the oldest.

"How are you doing love?" You ask as you hold her in your arms.

"I'm okay."

"Yeah? Are they listening to you at all?"

"Barely." She says, rolling her eyes.

"Oh boy, I'm gonna have to have a talk with them then." You say with a laugh.

"Are you okay?" She asks, looking up at you with concern on her face.

"I am."

"You promise?"

"I promise kiddo, they've been really good to me here."

"Good." You give her one more hug and turn to the last of the kids, Elena.

You bend down again and outstretch your arms towards her and she jumps into your embrace, almost knocking you over.

"Woah," you say, balancing yourself. "hi my little angel."

Elena doesn't respond, instead you feel her starting to cry. You stand up with her in your arms and hold the back of her head.

"Oh, it's okay honey, it's okay. I'm here."

"I missed you so much." She cries into you. Just when you thought you were done crying, tears begin to fall again.

"I missed you so much too baby."

"When are you coming home?"

"Oh honey, I'm not sure. But I promise we're going to keep seeing each other, okay?"

She nods into you and you rub circles on her back, soothing her.

"Do you like it here more than at home? Is that why you won't come back?"

You feel your heart break a little, hating that Elena thinks you're staying away because you like being here more than you like being with them.

"No, not at all El. There's a lot of complicated reasons why I can't come home, but it's not because I like it here more, okay?"

"You promise?"

"I promise sweetie, but I want you to know, I think about you every single day."

"You do?" She asks, pulling back to look at you with tear stained cheeks.

You wipe away her tears and cup her little face.

"Yes, every morning when I wake up I think of each one of you, and I do the same thing every night before I go to sleep."

"I think of you every day too y/n."

You kiss her on the forehead and hold her tight and she squeezes you back. Looking up, you see Alcina sitting on one of the large benches across the courtyard, watching you with Elena with a soft smile on her face.

Only having seen you interact with the children once, and just for a very brief period of time, Alcina studies you with the girl in your arms. The very same girl being the reason the two of you even met in the first place. If she didn't stay back in the road and almost get trampled by the carriage, you never would have had to run in front of it and knock her out of the way. The carriage never would have halted and Alcina and the girls would have gone back to the castle and their lives would have continued on without ever having met you.

Although Alcina would never harm a child, she's grateful that little girl put herself in harms way that day. Because if she hadn't, the two of you never would have met and the empty space in Alcina's heart, the one she either didn't know was there or blatantly ignored for so long, would still be residing in her chest.

As she watches, she notices how naturally caring for these kids comes to you. Sure, it could be from years of practice, but something in your eyes, something in the way that you look at that little girl in your arms, says otherwise.

"You would make such a wonderful mother, draga mea." Alcina thinks to herself.

Your aunt walks up to the two of you and you smile at her.

"Hello y/n."

"Hi."

"How have you been? Have you been," she pauses for a moment and her eyes shift from Alcina back to you and lowers her voice. "treated well?"

You watch as Alcina's smile fades into a scowl when she hears your aunt, thanks to her supersonic hearing, and you have to hold back your chuckle.

"Yes, I have. I promise. They've treated me exceptionally well." You decide it's best not to mention the events that have occurred over the last couple of months.

"Well I'm glad to hear that. Are you one of her maids?"

"I was, but I don't do many of the maids chores anymore."

"Why is that?"

"I, uh, bonded really well with the girls-"

"The girls?"

"Yeah, the Lady's three daughters." You say, nodding to the three girls as they play with the kids.

"Oh right, they're, peculiar."

"They're good kids. But I got close to them, to all of them, including the Lady, really quickly. Within just a few weeks I was promoted to being her handmaid. Although I haven't been here long, they accepted me right away; they really made me feel like I'm part of their family." You look over at Alcina and you can tell even from this distance that her eyes glossed over a little as she listens.

"Family?" You aunt scoffs. Alcina's softened look hardens and her eyes narrow at her.

"Yes, their family. They have a mother and three daughters, they're a family."

"How can they be a family when they're mon-"

"Don't." You say, cutting her off. Alcina's body tenses with anger as she focuses on the two of you. "Do not say that. You don't know them." Anger begins to bubble inside of you, an instinct to want to protect them, to protect your family, begins to kick in.

"Surely you must know first hand of the horrors that-"

"I don't expect you to understand. But I will not let you talk about them like that. You don't know anything about them," You go to speak again but stop when you see a tall shadow loom over the both of you.

Alcina walks over, she has a smile on her face, she looks happy but you know her better than that.

"I do hope you're enjoying yourself and that you are finding Castle Dimitrescu to be a suitable home for your wonderful niece." She says, gently stroking your cheek. Alcina has a smile on her face, but you see a hint of murderous rage in her eyes begin to develop as she looks at your aunt.

A little frazzled and scared your aunt stutters for a moment.

"Oh, uh, yes, of course. It is incredibly beautiful here, t-thank you for opening your, h-home to us, and to her."

Staring down at your aunt, Alcina doesn't have to do much to intimidate or scare her. Her presence alone can be quite frightening. She begins to tremble lightly and you decide to change the subject.

"Is uncle here?" You ask your aunt.

"No-"

"My apologies draga mea, but a longstanding rule in Castle Dimitrescu is that no men are permitted to enter the premise. So that, manthing, was unable to attend."

You feel your heart skip a beat when she calls you "draga mea" and your aunt gives you a bit of a look despite her frazzled state. You know she said it mostly for appearances, but you didn't realize how much you missed hearing Alcina calling you by your pet names.

You're pulled out of your thoughts when Elena tugs on the shoulder of your dress to get your attention.

"What's up love?"

She cups her hands around you ear and whispers to you.

"She's very tall."

Unable to contain it, you let out a laugh and nod your head at the girl.

"Yes, yes she is." Looking up at Alcina, she has a smile on her face. Any trace of the murderous rage in her eyes is now gone.

Cupping her hand around your ear, she whispers to you again.

"Are you scared of her? I'm scared of her."

The amusement in Alcina's eyes disappears, fading into a look of sadness that she quickly masks. You feel your heart sink in your chest when you see her reaction to Elena's question.

"No, I'm not scared of her at all. I actually like her quite a lot. I know she's very tall, but she's not scary. Remember when we talked about how some people are different from others, but just because they look different, doesn't mean that they are different from you or I on the inside?" Elena nods her head. "This is a perfect example of that! See the Lady is very, very tall, so tall she has to bend down through doorways to get into rooms." Elena giggles and Alcina shoots you a playfully annoyed look. "But, besides that, she's not much different from you or I."

Elena whispers into your ear again.

"People in the village say she's really mean."

"You should never let someone else's opinion of a person influence your opinion of them. There were a lot of people in the village that said mean things about me, do you think any of them were true?"

Elena shakes her head "no."

"Exactly. So why don't I introduce you to her, so you can find out for yourself if she's as mean as the villagers say. How does that sound?"

Elena shakes her head "yes" and you turn her towards Alcina.

"Elena, I want you to meet my friend, Lady Dimitrescu. Lady Dimitrescu, meet my youngest cousin, Elena."

Alcina bends down so she's eye-level with the girl and gently holds out her hand.

"It is lovely to meet you Elena. Please, call me Alcina."

Elena looks at you, unsure of whether or not she should be afraid.

"It's okay." You say.

"There's no need to be afraid little one, I don't bite." Alcina says with a smile. You eyeballs almost pop out of your head when you hear her. Alcina's eyes meet yours, you see a mischievous yet playful look in them before looking back at Elena. Looking over at your aunt, she's lost all of the color in her face, she looks like a ghost.

Elena, who's none the wiser, puts her tiny hand into Alcina's. It's comical at how small it looks compared to hers. Alcina gently closes her fist around the girl and shakes her hand.

"Now say 'it's nice to meet you too, Alcina.'" You say, encouraging her.

"It's nice to meet you too, Alcina."

Elena looks at Alcina with wonder in her eyes after she lets go of her hand. With her fears slowly melting away, Elena observes the woman in front of her with curiosity.

"Elena! Y/n! Come play with us!" Crina yells from across the courtyard.

Elena begins to wiggle in your arms, you let her down and she runs over towards the rest of the kids. Alcina returns to her seat and your aunt sits on the other side of the courtyard, trying to put as much distance between the two of them as possible.

You join the kids as they play with the Dimitrescu girls. For the next few hours, all of you are running around, playing tag and other games. The entire time, Alcina and your aunt watch on.

It's been so long since you've had this much fun. Of course spending time with the Dimitrescu women was entertaining, but you missed running around and playing with the kids like this.

During a game of tag you're it, you go after Daniela and right before you tag her, she bursts into a swarm of flies and ends up behind you.

"No fair!" You laugh.

The kids, and your aunt, give questioning looks and the two of you brush it off as a fun magic trick to evade any more questions. The kids immediately buy it, although Ana might not have been totally convinced. Your aunt however, was not convinced at all.

Running up behind one of the boys as he runs away, you grab him around his waist and lift him into the air, spinning him around.

"Got you!" He cackles as you spin him, the laughter is like music to your ears.

Cassandra eventually gets bored and sits next to Alcina. Your aunt watches the two of them carefully. Alcina looks down at Cassandra as they talk, she brushes some of Cassandra's hair out of her face and looks lovingly at her daughter. Out of the corner of her eye, Alcina catches your aunt watching them. Glaring at your aunt, she wraps an arm around Cassandra and pulls her in close, as if she's protecting her and turns her attention back to her daughter.

Quickly looking away, your aunt is unsure of what to make of the interaction between the two. On one hand, she knows the rumors and the few first-hand accounts she's heard about how ruthless and horrific the four women could be. But on the other, the Lady of the castle just seems like a mother, caring for her daughters and, for whatever reason, her niece. She's still unsure of how such monsters can have a "family" but she begins to think about what you said to Elena earlier.

Zina walks out into the courtyard and announces that lunch is ready. You all head into the dining room, Alcina pulls out the chair next to hers and offers it to you and you gladly sit. Once all of the kids are seated, the maids begin assisting the children with making their plates and Bela, Cassandra and Daniela head into the kitchen.

"I expect you three to come out looking as clean as you do in this moment. Understand?" Alcina says to the girls.

"Yes mother." Bela says.

"Yeah, Dani." Cassandra says.

"Shut up Cass!" Daniela yells at her sister.

Alcina lets out a low growl and the three girls fall silent and head into the kitchen.

"Are your daughters not joining us?" Your aunt asks.

"No, they will not be. They will be taking their lunches in the kitchen. The girls have a, peculiar, appetite so it's best that they eat away from the children." She replies with a haunting smile.

Petrified once more, your aunt quietly eats her lunch as Alcina sips on her wine, pleased with herself.

After lunch is finished, Bela, Cassandra and Daniela enter back into the dining room, much to both yours and Alcina's surprise, clean. Daniela gives you all a brief tour of the castle, the kids are fascinated when they get to see your room, given it's nearly the size of the living room at their house. The tour comes to its conclusion at the library, of course, since it is Daniela's favorite room.

All of the kids pick out a small book, one of the boys picking up "Poems of Sappho" which you quickly take out of his hand as he pouts.

"Sorry bud, this isn't a book for kids."

Alcina walks over and plucks the book from your hand.

"I'll take this one." She says with a smirk, her voice smooth as velvet, and takes a seat on the couch near the fireplace. You sit next to her and Elena crawls into your lap while the rest of the kids sit around you while you read to them.

After a little while you notice that Alcina had stopped reading the book in her hand. With one long leg crossed over the other, she fiddles with the loose string on the armrest cover, listening to you read to the kids.

By the time you finished reading each book a few hours had passed, dinnertime is now right around the corner. Alcina goes to stand but looks down to find Elena's head resting on her leg, the rest of her body curled up in your lap, fast asleep. Looking over at Alcina, you notice she's looking down at something and you follow her eyeline to find Elena. You both look up at each other with smiles pulled across your faces.

Gently lifting Elena up, you pass her off to Daniela as your aunt begins to wrangle the kids, getting them ready to leave.

"I'll be out in a minute." You say to Bela as she leads everyone out towards the main hall.

The library door closes, leaving you and Alcina alone. She stays seated when you stand and you turn towards her, the both of you practically at eye-level. You wrap your arms around her neck and hug her, your action taking her by surprise a bit. She hesitates for a moment, but decides to wrap her arms around you, holding you tight.

Tears begin to well up in your eyes when you think about how much her surprise meant to you. You were so genuinely afraid that you would never see the kids again, that they would grow up thinking you abandoned them without a second thought and didn't care about them. Alcina knew your fears, and she promised that you would see them again, and she followed through with that promise. Her keeping it a surprise for you made it all the better.

When you were racking your brain trying to think of what the surprise could be, seeing the kids never once occurred to you. It was the best surprise of your life, and you are so grateful for her for doing it.

"I hope you liked your surprise." She says.

"I loved it." You say softly as a few tears escape. "Thank you."

Pulling away a bit, you look into Alcina's eyes and see hope, and love. She gently wipes away your tears, cupping your face with her hand.

"I can't tell you how much this means to me Alcina, really."

"I know this doesn't make up for everything, but I hope you know, I am trying."

"I know."

"I will do anything and everything to regain your trust."

"I know, and you are. This today, this meant everything to me. You heard my fears, you listened to the one thing I wanted more than anything and you made it happen without me having to ask you to. It doesn't make up for everything, but, this, the letters, it's exactly what I meant when I said I wanted you to put in effort to make things better. And you've been doing it, and it means so much to me. It really does."

As you look into each other's tear-filled eyes, you feel butterflies for the first time in a long time. Your eyes wander from hers, down to her lips and back up. A nervousness you're not accustomed to floods your body, like a teenager about to have their first kiss.

Your first kiss with Alcina was rough, passionate, on the heels of her teasing you for weeks. It led straight into your first of many long, glorious, nights of intense passion.

Right here, right now, the sexual tension is nonexistent. The only thing drawing her to you in this moment is your love for each other.

You watch as her eyes shift down to your lips and back up, you can tell she wants to make the move, but is hesitating, not wanting to overstep or make you uncomfortable.

Gazing into her eyes once more, you can feel them screaming "I love you" at you. Truthfully, you feel like your eyes are doing the same. With your heart feeling like it's about to burst, you tuck a strand of hair behind Alcina's ear and cup her face. Slowly, you begin to move in, you feel your heart beating out of your chest, you think you can feel hers pounding as well.

You both close your eyes as your lips gently meet. A jolt of electricity is sent through your body, as if you've finally been woken up after months of being asleep. Her soft, cool lips feel like home to you, a place you haven't been to in so long. A lump begins to form in your throat as you slowly kiss, you love her, so much. And you've missed her more than you ever could have imagined.

When your lips part you wrap your arms around her and hold her tight again as tears fall. Alcina holds you tight and buries her face into your neck.

"I love you, draga mea." She says softly.

"I love you too Alcina."

The two of you were so enthralled with one another, neither of you noticed your aunt had come back into the library, witnessing most of your tender moment together. Quickly, she slips out before either of you notice.

Pulling back a little bit, Alcina brings her hand to your face once more, studying you as if she's looking at a work of art. You gently nuzzle into her hand and close your eyes, letting yourself relax into her touch. It's almost a relief knowing that you'll have her back soon enough. Although you know the road the two of you have ahead is a rocky one, deep down you know that if you both keep putting in the effort you have been, the two of you can overcome anything together.

[ladylamrian]

- Chapter 4: Lovers & Strangers

[ Please read past chapters before this ]

-> Masterlist of this Mini Series <-

Female MainCharacter: Alexis Clarissa Fontaine

Pairing: F!MC×NikRyder

Summary: Paths cross again. Strangers in love.

Word Count: 1.1K words

Rating: Teen (Fluff)

Warnings: none

-> My complete Nightbound Masterlist <-

Taglist: @infactnoimmasitinthemiddle ; @peonierose ; @secretaryunpaid ; @jdstar88 ; @blackcatkita ; @lilyoffandoms ; @liviusofpella ; @mxdanni ; @mariemarieohcontrary ; @tessa-liam ; @choicesficwriterscreations ; @hopelessromantic1352 ; @rosepetals1 ; @stars-are-within-me ; @dutifullynuttywitch ; @artbyalz

Comments via Reblog wholeheartly welcome

Lonely, wandering down the streets of New Orleans while constantly looking back and forth. What was going on? Where did Vera go and why did she leave? Everything around her still looked like the same old New Orleans. Did she somehow accidently time-traveled? No, it can't be... The time was still present, she just checked as a huge poster hung in a shop that advertised an event with the correct date and year. But how was Elijah here and therefore Nik a total stranger?? Shapeshifters perhaps??

"Hey!" A familiar voice greeted her by pulling her away from her current thoughts. She turned around and found herself facing...

"Nik?"

The blond-haired shyly stepped closer to her and gently looked at her which warmed her heart. A sweet smile on his face

"I... I... I didn't thank you for trying to save my life before. Thanks. I'm so glad to see you again. Are you alright?"

"I am now. After seeing you. Where's the dog?"

"I just left her home. My parents will look after her, in the meantime, I will go to my office. Just finished some work and was about to head home."

"Your parents? You live with them? Are you sure these people are your real parents.", Alex asked curiously. The Nik she knew lost his parents when he was a child and now this Nik lived with them. Her question surprised the young man.

"Uhh, yes. There are my real parents, why wouldn't they? I spent my whole life with them. My mother is Cajun if you haven't noticed from my accent."

"Hmmm, okay. I believe you. That's true, your mother was... is Cajun. Ummm... well... I...", she tried to progress while her head was spinning now with more questions than before.

"What is it? You okay? Wanna grab some ice cream with me?"

"Ice cream at night? Uhh, sure.", she agreed, blushing as Nik took her hand and pulled her inside a small shop.

Inside the cashier happily greeted them and prepared their orders. One vanilla ice cream and one pistachio ice cream. Both grabbed their dessert and were seated outside the shop where other customers were having their meals in an outdoor area with tables and chairs.

"Nik, you shouldn't have paid for my ice cream. I had money too."

"But I wanted too. I invited you for some ice cream, didn't I?"

Both smiled shyly at each other which brought an awkward silence between them. At least they could tell that they were focused on finishing their ice cream. The milky dessert sweetened everything. The waffle cone was eaten at last. Soon they were about to finish the cone which made Alex worry. If they finished, he would leave her and she didn't want that. She wanted to stay like this with him forever, hoping this moment together would never end.

"Your milkshake order.", a waiter came by and brought Alex and Nik a strawberry milkshake with only two straws inside. It made both their faces turn pink.

"One milkshake and two straws?", Nik blushed.

"Nik, did you ordered this?", she asked, hoping for Nik to remember everything again because they often shared one drink with two straws inside.

"Oh, my apologies. Wrong table.", the waiter apologized, took back the order and left.

"Ha, how funny! Nik, could you believe he thought we were a couple?!", she joked, trying to start a conversation with him.

"Yup, for someone like me who was never involved in romance or any relationship."

"Wait, what??!! Really? What about your exes?"

"How can I have exes when I was never in any romantic relationship? I just wasn't interested in being in a relationship because I was or am focused on my career and taking care of my parents."

"What career?"

"I teach children, but currently I'm trying to become a lawyer."

"You and children??!!"

"Why not? They're lovely. Purely innocent and sweet. One day I want to get married and have children to build a family.", he explained which highly surprised Alex.

"Wow, Nik... I... I didn't know."

"Beautiful one, you know my name and a bit about myself too now, but what is your name? I'd like to get to know you better too.", he asked which made her smile, especially the fact that he called her beautiful.

"Oh sorry, my name is Alexis. But I only want to be called Alex. It's nice to get to know you better, Nik. And thanks for the ice cream. This made me feel better now. I wish this moment would never end."

"Really, why?"

"Because I... I... I like you. A lot", she hesitated a little.

"The kiss from before..."

"Oh that, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Nik. I shouldn't have, I didn't knew that...", she got interrupted as Nik gently rested his fore-finger on her rosy lips.

"That's alright, I forgot about that. It... It kinda felt good, honestly. You're beautiful, so thanks for trying to save me before.", he confessed while his cheeks turned softly pink. His face moved the distance between her face as he gently cupped her face in his hands.

"Nik, I love you. I love you no matter what. You're perfect."

"Why? You just met me and I'm not someone special. I'm no muscular, athletic guy like many other women might fall in love with. Just a nerd and...", he whispered.

"Hush, Nik. I want to kiss you. Love you. Feel you. Become one with you.", she begged. After all it's been months since she was last together with Nik. She needs him now.

Without holding it together, they got closer. Closer, closer, and closer. Their lips crashed for a passionate kiss, one that made them feel one. Too irresistible to stop. His hands moved over her back and pulled her close to him while her hands were resting on his chest.

After a few more kisses, he quickly pulled away from her and looked away with guilt, asking himself what he was doing right now.

"What am I doing? Sorry, I didn't mean to... Sorry, about this. The kiss. I'm not good at it. I shouldn't have. I would like to get to know you better before... before things go...", he tensed.

"Nik, I..."

"No, I need time to consider. Sorry, I don't know you well enough.", he answered which disappointed her. He didn't know her but she knew him. Her long-lost boyfriend. Her love. Her everything. This Nik was diffrent, but still... He's still Nik. He couldn't be a shapeshifter, because a shapeshifter would try to harm her, try to prove himself as being the real Nik Ryder. But this Nik didn't remember her. He saw Alex as a stranger or maybe a new friend.

"I'm sorry, Nik."

"That's okay, I couldn't resist kissing you either, after the way you kissed me before. It felt good. I'm sorry for that. And I'm sorry again, but I have to leave now. Got pretty late, huh? I hope you liked my ice cream invitation and again thanks for trying to save me before.", he gave her a warm smile, turned his back to leave her, but then stopped.

"What happened?", she asked him. He slowly turned around, trying to meet her eyes.

"That skeleton from before... What was that? It's not like real monsters exist, right? That was fake. Fake, but scary. And the man with weapons who said you were his student? Glowing light arrows? What's going on?", he dared to ask as he hid his fear.

"Nik, don't worry. Everything will be alright. We're in this together.", she closed the distance, placed her hand on his cheek and planted a sweet kiss on his lips which made him feel better.

"Thanks, Alex. When will I meet you again?"

Very soon again, she promised. Soon they will be united again after finding out what really happened to him. Her Nik. Now, both headed separate ways. Nik went to his home and Alex back to the Graveyard Shift where she left some of her friends.

[twoidiotwriters1]

Daughter of Olympus (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: I'll see y'all in a few weeks! -Danny Words: 1,944 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter /Book II Listen to: 'The Exit' -by Conan Gray

XLIII: It Got Too Fluffy, I Had to Do Something About That

Monsters are vanishing left and right. After Typhon vanishes away, Lady Artemis and Apollo help us strike down a couple more creatures, not to mention Tyson and his buddies are also stomping enemies like they're made of clay.

A blast of golden light comes from the sky, and we all stop to stare. The gods around us, all except Hades, go up to Olympus at once.

"Did we win?" Jake Mason asks behind me.

I realize we've run out of monsters, and everything is deadly quiet except for a few mortals' panicky screams in the distance.

"It's done," Hades announces. "Olympus stands."

I drop Almighty out of pure shock. "My brother..." 

The top of the Empire State turns blue all of a sudden, there is only one kid insane enough to ask Zeus to do that.

"She said what?"

"It doesn't matter."

"It matters 'cause she's supposed to be your second in command and she's disrespecting you!" Leo insists heatedly.

"It doesn't matter," Ara repeats calmly. "This was just an argument, we'll make peace once I'm back."

"But..." he almost asks 'What if we don't come back?', but asking that is never an option, so he changes the subject. "I don't want you to leave this place sad, this is your home."

"My home is with my parents and Percy," Ara corrects him stubbornly, then pokes his cheek. "And you. As long as I'm with you, I'll be okay."

Leo softens at her words. "Alright. Let's go rescue your brother from Camp Stuck-up."

"I heard that!" Jason steps onto the deck with his backpack over one shoulder. "Don't go saying that once we get there, Leo. Be nice."

"I'm nice!" Leo puts his arm around Ara's shoulders. "But my girl needs me on her side right now."

Ara looks over the ship's rail, they're on top of the cliff where Bunker Nine is hidden, and she's meditating on whether it's a good idea to look for Lily or not. Their arguments wash away as soon as something bigger happens, so she's not too worried. 

The next hour is a blur, while Hades helps us rebuild the city, Mrs O'Leary walks past us with Chiron on her back.

"Ara Jackson," he says my name as if he were talking to a badly behaved pet. "In the future, review your plans with me before you risk your life in such a reckless manner."

Mrs O'Leary shakes off a bit of dirt, making him wince.

"We can talk later, go to camp," I say gently.

Hades walks up to us after Chiron leaves. 

"Well, Jackson," he eyes my appearance. "Now is your time to come through with your part of our agreement."

I stare at him, not sure of what to say. He glances at Nico and the boy steps forward, looking anxious. "We should check on the others," he suggests.

"You're a good warrior, Ghost King," I nudge his arm as we walk together. "If I hadn't promised Lily the position, you'd be a good second in command." 

He makes a face as if he can't think of anything more horrid than following my orders forever. 

When we enter Olympus, people cheer for us. Percy goes out of his way to find me and holds me, after getting my mom's blessing, my forehead can reach his shoulder perfectly. 

"Pretending to be Achilles? Are you kidding me?! That was insane!"

"And I haven't pulled my craziest stunt yet," I mumble against his shoulder.

Percy moves away and frowns. "What do you mean?"

"Ready to go?" Piper and Coach Hedge arrive with all of their stuff. 

Ara holds tightly onto the railing. Lily didn't come to say goodbye, she left Ara's cloak inside Ara's cabin in the ship, along with her tattered T-Rex. That's how she operates, Ara knows that. 

She pulls out the dagger her friend forgot in her room that same afternoon, Ara brought it as a good luck charm. 

"Annabeth's ready?" The girl eyes the blade, deep in thought.

"Yes," Leo hums, moving to the control board.

"Let's go, then," Ara sighs, trying not to sound worried.

Lily gets called by Hades right after Annabeth becomes the architect of Olympus, he tells her there are too many corners that he doesn't want to leave unattended in the Underworld, and many souls to recover after this war, so Lily must work with Daedalus to make the Underworld safer and Tartarus harder to reach.

Percy could've become a god if he wanted to, but he turned it down. In exchange, he asks for the Gods to care for their children, to treat every camper with respect, no matter who their parents are. I think that's sweet.

"Arae Jackson."

It isn't Hades the one who calls me forward, it's Ares. I can't help the way I glance back at my friends in confusion. The god snorts. "Why are you surprised? You've been calling to me for a whole year."

I frown. "Lord?"

"We've all been listening, like you asked," Mr D says. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

What surprises me the most is that instead of passing out, I feel braver. Blame it on the Aphrodite in me, but I thrive on the spotlight. 

"Yes," I look at Zeus. "With your permission, then... I'd like to plead my case." The god's face is impossible to read, but I carry on anyway. "I offer myself as your next child of Olympus."

Demeter scoffs. "Why would we choose you?"

"Cause I want it," I reply cynically.

"Young lady," Poseidon speaks. "We haven't seen that kind of hero in centuries. What makes you think you're up to the task?"

"Well, what makes you think I'm not?"

"You're an Aphrodite!" Ares laughs. When my mother glares at him, he clears his throat. "I mean, it doesn't seem like it would be the calling for someone of your kind."

"I've fought plenty," I continue. "I've learned a lot and I want to keep our world safe. I also have this..."

I show them Almighty. Hephaestus shifts on his chair uncomfortably and looks away; Zeus frowns, but next to him, Hera gets excited with the revelation.

"Pantodynamos!" She beams.

"How do we know she didn't steal it?"

"I saw her in action," Hades says. "This half-blood tricked a whole army into believing she was Achilles, our last son of Olympus, and they believed it because she did a good job."

"A child of Olympus must be familiar with their armies," Athena nods in agreement. "And she's spent years learning all the crafts, has she not? She can fight, build, and knows how to lead."

"I say we give her a try," Mr D shrugs. "We can strike her out of existence if she's lousy."

"She has my full support," Hades announces. "And my vote."

Zeus glares at his brother, but then Hera speaks. "Mine too."

"Me three," Mr. D hums, he's already lost interest and seems eager to leave the throne room.

"I gave her my blessing," my mother smiles. "She has my vote and my trust."

"Mine too," Hephaestus grumbles. "That was a neat trick you pulled with my son's creations, I'd like to see more of that."

"I vote in favor," Artemis eyes me with interest. "Would've made a fine hunter, but if this is her choice..."

"I never forget a fan," Apollo winks at me. "She's got my approval."

"Well, I helped her kill a Hyperborean..." Ares ponders. "So I guess I vote in favor too."

"She has my vote," says Hermes.

"Fine," Poseidon gives in, briefly glancing at Percy. "She shall have her chance."

Percy steps forward but Annabeth stops him. It catches my eye and I look back at them, my brother doesn't understand what being a child of Olympus ensues, but he's visibly worried. Annabeth's staring at me like she can't believe this is happening, and Thalia's shaking her head, knowing the deed is done. 

Lily keeps her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes fixed on the floor, Nico's the only one who doesn't look anxious or angry, perhaps he wants me to succeed, cause that would mean he also can.

"Arae Jackson, kneel before the council," Zeus says at last. 

I do what he asks me right away, holding tightly to the hilt of my sword.

"The gods are granting you the greatest honor," he says. "Do not waste it."

"You'll be the General of our armies," Athena continues. "You're allowed to deny or authorize quests as you deem it proper, and you shall join them if you think it's necessary." 

"If we call, you must answer. We will grant blessings only when you truly need them," Zeus continues. "Choose wisely, we cannot grant you all twelve."

"Lastly," Hades smiles coldly. "You cannot favor your former godly parent over the rest of us. From now on, you are the daughter of Olympus."

"Do you conform to these rules?" Zeus asks.

"I do."

Every god in the room lowers their weapons and scepters to the ground, golden lines travel through the marble surface and climb up my body healing my bruises, cuts, and scars.

"Stand."

I hold onto Almighty as I get up and notice the purple cape around my shoulders, a gold pin shaped in the form of an omega keeping it in place. I also feel something on my head, and when I reach up, I discover it's a crown of gold laurels.

Zeus looks far from happy. "You may go."

I put my sword on the sheath that's hanging over my hips, and I keep my head up as I walk away without turning my back on them. 

I think of the friends I lost, of how lonely they must've felt in their last moments. I think of all the lives it could save to have someone who shows up when we need them. A hero who doesn't think we're inconsequential and who by magical binding, can't turn their back on us.

 I remember when the monsters thought I was Achilles. 

I'm just like him now.

"You should take a nap," Annabeth suggests. "You have to look your best once we arrive."

Ara raises a brow. "I didn't come here to look pretty."

Annabeth shakes her head. "A child of Olympus is above everyone else, Ara. The Romans won't like that."

Ara feels her stomach twisting in knots, but she smiles despite it. "Won't be nice to discover a Greek is their commander, huh?"

"You'll have to assert your position, and for that, you need to look strong," Annabeth squeezes her shoulder. "Sleep, I'll call if we need you."

The girl makes her way to the cabins. As she goes she spots Leo moving from one side to the other on the control board, but she leaves him alone, they all need to focus on themselves.

Jason helped her practice the wolf glare all Romans have, and he's taught her the way the legions work, but just like Annabeth, he's warned her they'll show resistance to admitting she's their superior.

Ara has faced worse crowds, so she thinks it'll be fine. Becoming a daughter of Olympus didn't keep her loved ones out of danger, but at least no one can keep her out of the fight now, and she's going to become whatever she must to secure their victory over Gaea.

The girl falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow, but she doesn't get a demigod dream this time. When she opens her eyes, she's no longer on the ship.

"Ara," Aphrodite looms over her, eyes just as serious as the rest of her expression. "We need to talk about your curse."

I don't understand why my friends are acting this way, but they aren't upset because I wasted their time, they're angry because I've given mine up. Ambition blinds me from the one thing the others can see.

I didn't care at first, I was fifteen years old yet my name would be written in our history books. No one was going to be able to put out my fire for a very long time.

I wish they had.

Book II ->

Taglist.

@siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @ash-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris @obxstiles

[princessbettina]

Bittersweet Memories: Cody Rhodes x Fem reader pt 1 (18+)

A/N: Hey guys! Here is chapter 1 of my first ever Cody Rhodes series. Some chapters, like this one, may be a bit short and won't contain much of explicit material. As the series continues, the chapters will get longer. If you wish to be tagged in future chapter posts (my taglist), please comment to let me know. I hope you all enjoy ♡

Warnings: None. It's kind of short. Apologies if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes in this.

Gif border credit: V6que

Series Masterlist

The current year is 2023. You’re hanging out with your best friend at your house, reminiscing on past life moments together, talking about your very important and special someone who you were extremely lucky to have back in your life again...

"I used to hate him, F/n! He left me and an incredible company behind when he quit and come to find out he co-founded a new company of his own, just to go against the company he once was a part of many years ago." You truthfully spoke to your best friend as she listened to you speak about the man you were head over heels for now.

"Did he realize he would have broken my heart by his sudden exit at first during that time? I doubt it, but gosh, I am beyond happy at what happened a few years later to where we are now." You continued on, staring off into space as your best friend giggled softly at your behavior.

Flashback to the year 2014, when you and him officially first met.

You stood backstage in the arena where Monday Night Raw was held for the night, stretching and warming up for your own match.

While doing some side stretching, you glanced up at your surroundings when your eyes laid on a guy who looked a bit goofy at first glance.

He had on silver and black face paint that made it look like a giant star was splattered atop of his face. Along with this metalic red and black body suit, of course, with stars on them too.

His hair wasn't the color it is in the future, oh no. The man had dark brown hair, almost brunette if you will.

At this glance, you knew you wanted to talk to him, at least introduce yourself to him and get his name.

You took a few steps towards him and instantly smiled at the sight of him smiling at you, too.

"Isn't that like skin tight? Your outfit. How do you fit into it?" You asked flirtatiously but didn't realize it at first.

The man chuckled at your question and smirked as he ran his hand down his chest; "It's what I like to call a 'Mehvlar' body suit. And maybe next time I'll have you be the one who assists me into it."

You instantly blushed and giggled after hearing this response. "What a flirt this guy was," You thought to yourself.

"Hi, My name is Y/n. We haven't officially met yet. I'm one of the newest women superstars on the roster. What's yours?" You asked the guy with another smile.

The young man smiled and held out his hand to you; "In this costume, I'm Stardust, but in reality, I'm Cody. Cody Rhodes."

You widened your eyes in a good way as the name you heard began to ring a familiar bell in your mind. It all clicked for you and you couldn't believe who you were talking to and wanted this moment to last forever.

Your hand met within Cody's, as you both shook hands and again smiled up at one another.

"It's nice to meet you, Cody. If you ever need a friend, I could be your gal for that." You playfully winked at Cody.

The blue-eyed man nodded his head as he chuckled; "Of course, you seem like a nice girl. I'll for sure consider your offer."

Was it getting warmer and warmer in the hallway, or was it just you?

Talking to Cody brought you joy and happiness, even if it was your first time meeting one another. He was one of the sweetest and kindest men you ever met, he was even making you feel warm and bubbly inside.

You hoped he felt the same way about you, too.

"Stardust! You're on next," said one of the backstage managers to Cody. He nodded his head and began to take a few steps forward where gorilla was.

Cody quickly turned back around to face you and smiled briefly; "It was wonderful meeting you, Y/n. If you're free after the show tonight, I'd love to hang out, maybe grab a bite to eat or a drink, only if you want to, of course."

You couldn't stop smiling. You nodded in agreement; "That sounds lovely. It's a date, Cody. Oh, and good luck tonight"

Cody smiled and then waved to you before walking back to Gorilla and having his match as Stardust.

You watched as Cody disappeared further backstage. Your heart and stomach beamed with happy butterflies.

You were excited and couldn't wait to see where this adventure with your new friend was going to take you.

The end ♡

Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for updates on next chapter releases! I'll see you in the next chapter ♡

[paperlovesadness]

Tag 9 people that you want to get to know better

Thank you so much for the tag @uhbasicallyjustmilex 🩵

most recent ship: Do I even need to say it? 👀

(oh god; the way I just fell into that gif hole and couldn't pick and just happily scrolled & scrolled & smiled & scrolled)

ship i’ve read the most of: huh! Hmm. I think it might be them at this point honestly 👀 otherwise - it could've also been Beth Harmon/Benny Watts.

Yes - Queen's Gambit fics... Was a thing in my life. I was in a deep dark hole at the time & that show just hit something in me - I grasped onto it for dear life as a form of escapism for months and it brought me back into fanfics after years & years.

wild card: figure skater ships? i don't wanna get into the specifics though 🙈 things have changed.

first ever ship: oh, we're going there are we 👀 there might've been earlier ones I can't remember. They were probably niche though. So I guess I'll say Skate (Sawyer/Kate from Lost - anyone remember that show?). But I think Suspian (Susan/Caspian from Narnia. Yep.) needs an honorary mention cause it's the first I got involved in to the point of making ship content - even if I didn't know that term yet (wasn't I such a fun kid?).

last song: I wanna be your girlfriend - Girl in Red

last movie: oh I've been bad at watching movies for a while now (shows seem... easier) - so it seems like actual movie-wise that's gonna be Fantastic Beasts: Secrets of Dumbledore a few weeks back (@kiray1991 👀)

currently reading: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (been on my shelf forever & was reminded of it by the trailer coming out. It seems like I've recently been unintentionally catching up on my older fandoms - with this THG prequel & the Fantastic Beasts movies). Also John Lennon: The Life by Philip Norman is one I've started; stopped for a sec and will be coming back to next.

currently watching: in the middle of Get Back - the Beatles docu-series. Had a bit of a break cause I like to craft while watching that one & haven't had motivation to do so lately. But can't wait to get back (pun not intended actually, but I'm still proud of it) into that one.

currently consuming: a bunch of meds, cause I'm sick atm :c. Also coffee.

currently craving: evenings with guitar & singing - cause this cold/tonsillitis thing has made me take a break for the last couple of days 💔 (also TLSP 3 is very much the correct answer here always).

Ah goodness, I feel like a looot of people in my Tumblr circle have already been tagged? I'm going to just try - but I'm so bad with remembering the @'s off the top of my head - also sorry if you get double-tagged:

@kiray1991 @homoirrealis @haemoglobinheights @maybemoonout @mileskanex @inourownshadows @the-thing-about-life-is @the-libertines & YOU. Yes, you. If you're reading this I really wanna see you do it!

[chaostrick]

[alwaysnforeverfangirl]

Dance Me To The End Of Love - Prologue

A/N: Here it is the Prologue of the Fred Weasley x OC fic. It's a short introduction to the story of my OC, Veronica Reed. Although Fred doesn’t appear in here both characters will meet very soon. Hope you like it, Rach💖

(To the people who had already read the other prologue, somethings are change, this is the new one.)

Summary: Veronica Reed has a nightmare before the day her life changes forever.

Warnings: torture, death, mentions of war, mentions of anxiety.

italics are flashbacks/memories/letters/notes

Tags: @hercrimsonpeaches @reeophidian @beforeoursunsets @weasleysandwheezes @cursestothemoon (let me know if you wanna be tagged in the next parts or if you want me to remove you)

Masterlist of the series

There it was again. In her chest, hiding behind her ribs. The pressure that she had grow to fear. She whipped away the sweat on her forehead while releasing a sob that she had hold. The cold air of the night painted goosebumps on her skin when she moved the covers off the bed, her feet touched the carpet that decorated the floor of the room and she started to make her way to the kitchen to drink a glass of water.

Veronica Reed knew very well her condition. That's why she was so afraid of the anxiety that always came after remembering her father's death.

----------------------------------------------------------

-Rabastan…

The voice of Alaric Lestrange was barely a whisper. In front of him a man dressed in black robes was giving him a wicked smile. Behind his long hair Alaric could recognize the features of his younger brother.

-It’s been a long time brother.- Rabastan’s voice was hoarse. He was moving around the place, searching for something while laughing at Alaric.- I didn't have the opportunity to give you my condolences on the loss of your wife.

Alaric’s body tensed up, thinking of the day Anna was brutally killed by Fenrir Greyback. She had fought in the war even though Alaric didn't want her too. They had a daughter and the thought of leaving her orphan haunted him, he had promised himself that she would have the loving family that he never had.

“She will grow healthy and free and she’ll understand what we fought for and why we couldn't hide away while the world we believe in was at risk.” With those words being said by his always courageous wife, Alaric Lestrange joined the Order of the Phoenix with Anna Reed by his side. He knew she was right. He couldn't keep on running from his family and the atrocities that people like them were doing to the Wizard Community.

-She had an amazing magic ability for a mudblood…- The younger of the Lestrange brothers started to approach Alaric in a threatening way.- The child that you two had together… Where is she?

At that moment Alaric realized why Rabastan was there. He was furious about the fall of the Dark Lord and he definitely had heard about the rumors. Not only he was there to torture him like he and their older brother had done while they were kids. He was there to capture his daughter and found out if what people said was true. But Alaric knew that if Lord Voldemort followers were to find Veronica she would become a slave, and that’s the reason why he came back to the United States when Anna died. To protect their daughter and help her understand what she was able to do before anyone could use her.

-You haven't said a word yet dear brother. Has the cat got your tongue? - Rabastan left a creepy laugh.- You know pretty well what I’d do to you if you don’t show me where your daughter is.

-You’d do it even if I do as you say.

Rabastan smiled, he took Alaric’s face with his left hand and pointed his wand to his chest. This wasn't the first time both brothers were in this position, although usually Rodolphus Lestrange was behind Rabastan, with his chest filled with pride as the younger of the family showed the middle one what they called discipline. It had always been this way, ever since the three of them were kids both Rabastan and Rodolphus would haunt Alaric. They would hex him just because he was different, just because he didn't share the same ideas as his family. It got worse when he started Hogwarts and he was sorted into Hufflepuff. “Our family has been in Slytherin since that school was founded and now a miserable Hufflepuff…” Alaric would never forget the voice of his father and the disgust in his mother’s face. Both of his brothers made his life a terrible one until he flew from England, escaping from the pain that the Lestrange name brought him.

A red light came out of Rabastan’s wand and Alaric fell to the floor in pain. He could feel the cruciatus curse invading his body and he failed to silence a scream. In a wardrobe, near the window of the room a small toddler shifted at the sight of her father’s aching. The torture continued for at least five minutes and Alaric stopped trying to keep silent, he didn't want to give his brother the satisfaction of seeing him suffering but the stinging in his bones and skin was too much.

Veronica knew that her father would be upset if she got out from the place he told her to hide when they heard someone entering their home but seeing Alaric crying of pain on the floor awoke something in her. In her chest a pressure started building and her body started to tremble.

-You’re going to die Alaric. Why not have a moment of peace before you go? Tell me where she is and I will kill you fast.

-Never…

-You and your stupid moral code. You really think that these people you defend are worth fighting for? That your filthy mudblood wife deserved a life?- The poison in the voice of Rabastan only increased when he saw how his brother was fighting the curse.- You refused to have a good life, to carry the honor of our family name, all of the glory that runs through our veins for what? A fair cause?

-I’ve never share our family beliefs…- Alaric’s voice was almost inaudible. Every inch of his body was in pain.

-Oh no, I know that very well…You and your choices throw dirt to our name ever since you decided to do the right thing.- Rabastan laughed, he kneeled in front of his brother and spoke to his face with anger.- You. Are. A. Traitor.- He spited in his face and kicked him in the stomach.

Right when Rabastan stood up the doors of the wardrobe opened up.

-Stop! Let him go!

Rabastan turned to look at the origin of the sounds and his eyes landed on a three year old. He sent the most horrifying smirk to Veronica and returned his attention to his brother.

-Found her.- He said to Alaric with a creepy smile.

Alaric looked at his daughter, she had her mother’s fire, her eyes were burning with anger and her breathing was accelerating. He knew what was gonna happen, and even though he was sure he wouldn't be able to see it, he knew for certain that his daughter was going to win that fight. While Veronica gave a regretful smile to her father for disobeying what he had told her earlier Rabastan’s wand emitted a green light and Alaric’s life left his body.

Veronica screamed and the window’s glass shattered. The light of the room became darker and everything started to shake. When Rabastan’s eyes returned to Veronica he could see clearly how the figure of a three year old transformed into something similar to a black cloud. A sudden strength pushed him to the ground and knocked the air from his lungs. Rabastan Lestrange couldn’t breath, his blood was burning and he wasn't able to do anything. He was sure that he would join his brother’s faith in any minute, but it didn’t happen.

----------------------------------------------------------

-Same nightmare again?

Veronica put the glass down and turned to look at John. He had a tiring smile on his face and his hair was a mess due to having fallen asleep on the armchair of the living room. She tried to return the smile to the man who had raised her.

-I’d love for it to be a nightmare but we both know it isn’t.- Her voice was sweet, a perfect contrast with what was going on through her mind at that very moment.- It’s been the fourth time this week and I don’t like it. I feel like I’m losing control…

-It’s normal, given the times we live in. You don't have to worry, we’re gonna see Scamander and Dumbledore tomorrow.- John caressed Veronica’s cheek and she sighed.

-I’m afraid of it. I don’t want to loose control again, not like last time.

-You won’t do it. Try to rest. - He laughed at the bags under her eyes.- We have a long day ahead and I’m pretty sure you don’t want your first impression to be a bad one, and well, with that…- He pointed at her eyes and she whipped aways his hand.

-Fuck off…

Both John and Veronica laughed at her bluntness. She did what he told her and decided to go back to bed.

The right hand of the old auror went back to the pocket of his trousers while the young witch climbed the stairs. He had been rereading the letter that Alaric Lestrange wrote down before he was killed by his brother Rabastan. The ink had decorated the parchment for eighteen years but it was still clear as it was that night.

Dear John:

I write this in what I know is gonna be my last time. The rumors of Veronica’s condition had grown this past month and I’m sure they had reach the ears of the Dark Lord. I’m well aware that you’re not as innocent as everyone seems to be these days. Voldemort has been defeated, yes, but I’m sure he’s still somewhere. And he’ll come for my child.

I never wanted to get involved in any of this. I thought that coming here to America would help me put my past in a box that I would never look at again, that my family’s name wouldn’t haunt me anymore. And it worked for a while but that box had been open with the war and it contains way too much darkness. A darkness that my daughter shouldn’t be a part of. I was hoping too much because that same darkness that I try to kept away from Veronica gained power over me and soon it would imprison her.

I need you to take care of Veronica. Give her the love that both her mother and I won’t be able to give her. Teach her that magic can be used to do good. That she shouldn't be afraid of herself and her power. That the light would always be there by her side no matter what.

I really wish things weren’t like this. I wish that my family wasn’t the monstrosity that it is. That they won’t hunt my daughter down until they destroy her for their own benefit, a benefit that can only mean for the Dark Times to come again. I really wish that won’t happen, that Veronica will grown into a beautiful and strong woman, that she’ll be healthy and free as Anna said but I’m afraid I cannot dare to dream that much.

Go to Dumbledore after you read this, he’d know what happened and what to do.

I cannot thank you enough my dear friend. But I’m sure Veronica’s smile would be a good paycheck.

Your eternal grateful friend,

Alaric Lestrange - Reed

And it sure was. Not that John Fischer needed to be paid for taking care of his old friend’s daughter but it sure was worth all the struggles. And sure one of Alaric’s wishes came true. Veronica was now a beautiful and strong woman with the world at her feet. Sure her health wasn’t the same as any other witch or wizard her age but she was strong, stronger that she’ll ever believe herself to be.

The old MACUSA auror turned off the light of the first floor of the house and walked the stairs and hall until reaching his room. He was going to whisper “nox” as soon as his body touched the bed but his eyes fell on the photo he had on his nightstand. A 10 year old self of Veronica was smiling widely his way and it warmed his heart. He understood now the worry in Alaric’s words as it was the same worry he had.

No one really know how Veronica had survived this long. It could only had been due to the immense power she held, and it was as scary as it was hopeful.

[thatssonanii]

Heartbreak Hotel Pt. 2

Bloodline Family Series

Koda needed to go home. He couldn't be in Miami right now. No matter how juvenile it sounded he wanted his parents, he wanted them to tell him it would be okay and how he could fix it so it wouldn't hurt anymore. When he got in the house Roman was running around with Messiah and Micah, laughing and smiling. Seeing it brought a small smile to his face. His little brothers noticed him and ran straight for him, attacking his legs. Koda picked them both up kissing their cheeks.

"Brody, you home!" Micah squealed happily.

"We fight?" Messiah asked.

Roman approached his boys, pulling the three year olds from Koda's arms putting them on the floor. He ignored their pouting and squatted to their level.

"It's naptime. You guys go on upstairs, get your sister and get in me and Mommy's bed. Good deal?" He asked.

"Him stay?" Messiah asked looking at Koda, who nodded.

"I'm not leavin. I'll be here a few days, SiSi." (like sigh)

Koda followed Roman to his man cave after the boys had gone upstairs. Both men sat on the large sofa.

"What's botherin you, Ko?"

Koda shook his head then rubbed at his eyes. "Nothin, I'm good."

"Come on now, son." Roman said squeezing his shoulder. "I know you better than that. Your eyes are red and misty, your face is red and your hair isn't done. So I'll ask again, what's botherin you?"

Koda opened his mouth but nothing came out. He couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead he cried, he cried like he had done the past two days whenever he was alone. He felt this pain was unbearable. Roman watched his oldest for a second, it had been a while since he'd seen him cry like this.

"What's goin on, son? What happened?" Roman asked.

"It's Parker, Pop," he explained through his sobbing.

Roman started to worry, he thought the worst.

"What about her? Is she pregnant? Did something happen to her, Ko?"He nodded, holding his head down. "What are you nodding to?"

Koda looked up at his dad trying to hold back the rest of his tears. When he opened his mouth this time, Kandice walked in. She saw him crying and rushed to sit beside him, pulling his head to her chest.

"What's wrong with my baby, Roman? What did you do?"

Laughing a little, Roman shook his head at his wife. Whenever any of their kids were crying she asked that question. It didn't matter if they both entered together she still asked. "I didn't do anything to your baby, Kandi. He was gonna tell me but he started crying."

Koda sat up, out of her hold, trying to slow down the tears. His head was starting to hurt and he didn't want to deal with that. "Friday after my game she wanted me to go to this party with her," he started slowly. "We won and I usually go to whatever after party but I played all four quarters, I was tired. But she went."

Kandice sucked her teeth at him. "Boy, you better not be crying cause she went to a party without you."

Roman glared at his wife, "Hush, Kandi. Let him finish."

"Fine, fine," she said putting her hands up. "Go head, Ko."

Koda scratched his growing beard. "She came over Sunday and I guess that's when Eli and Lo found out and showed it to me."

"Showed you what," Roman asked.Koda couldn't look at either of his parents.

"She was mad at me for not goin with her so she," he paused feeling his anger and more tears starting to rise. Kandice rubbed his back and Roman told him to go on.

"She fu- had sex with these dudes that play for Auburn on Instagram live."

"She what?" Kandice yelled making Koda jump.

"I asked her and she just kept saying she was sorry, over and over. But that don't fix this shit," he cried putting his head down.

Roman nodded his head at Kandice for her to leave them. She didn't want to go but she knew it would be better for Koda if she did. Once she was out of the room and in the kitchen, she called Apryl and Trinity to vent while Koda continued to vent to Roman.

"I treated her exactly how you taught me, Pop. I did what I was supposed to do and she did that."

"You did what you were supposed to do, Koda. You can't control what someone else does."

"I love her, she said she loved me too. I don't go to one party and that's what she does," he yelled out of frustration. "Then she came straight to the apartment after the party and kissed me in my mouth."

Roman didn't want to ask but he knew he needed to.

"Did yall have sex that night?" Koda nodded making him sigh. "You used a hat?"

"Yeah. She told me not to, we almost didn't cause she got mad about me wearing one. Now I know why." He said bitterly.

That made Roman happy. His son had listened to something.

"What about oral?"

"She did. I didn't," Koda shrugged sitting back, "It was late. I ain't want her to wake E and Lo up."

While Roman continued to calm Koda down, Kandice was trying to calm her nerves on the phone. Apryl was playing devil's advocate and Trinity was the peace maker.

"I say you grab your bat, Kandi. I'll bring my knife and Trin will bring her taser. It'll be a nice lil trip to Miami."

"No," Trinity chastised, "We're not jumping that lil girl. That's not gonna make him feel any better."

"Hell, it'll make us feel a whole lot better."

"No, Apryl."

Kandice laughed. "Where was this energy when that girl broke Eli's heart? We had to barricade you in the house tp keep you from jumping on that girl."

"I don't recall," Trinity laughed.

Roman had pretty much calmed his son down and gotten him to sit back down. He'd thrown his arm around Koda squeezing his shoulder lovingly.

"Look, I'm not gonna tell you that this hurt is gonna go away cause its not. One day it just won't hurt as bad. And I won't tell you that you'll forget about it cause you won't. But I will say," Roman spoke softly, "One day you'll think about this and be thankful. You'll realize there was a reason for this."

Koda nodded listening to his dad.

"But dont let this pain just continue to hurt you. You gotta learn from it."

"Learn what?" Koda asked looking up.

"Later on when you're thinking about this you'll remember things that happened that didn't add up, that there were red flags for you and you'll learn not to ignore those things. You'll realize what you do6nt like in a partner and what you do. Understand?"

"Yes, sir. Thanks, Pops. I love you"

Koda loved the bond he had with his dad. There was nothing else in his life like it. Eli and Milo are his best friends but his dad was his first best friend.

Roman pulled his son into a hug, squeezing him tight. He kissed his head before letting go. "I love you too, Ko. Go share some of that love with ya mama before she gets jealous."

Laughing, Koda got up to go to the kitchen. When he got to the kitchen Kandice hurried off the phone and engulfed him in a big hug when he was close enough. Even though he's a foot and some inches taller than her, she still cradled him like she did when he was a baby. She hugged him tight, holding back tears, until he pulled away.

"Aight, ma. I gotta stop or Ima cry again."

Kandice laughed a little, happy to see him in better spirits.

"I'm sorry. Yall know I don't play about my babies so I had to love on you."

"I know, Ma. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Koda?"

"Yes ma'am," he answered softly. He leaned against the island with his hands pushed into the pockets of his sweat pants.

"Don't let one person ruin your mood. You hold your head up like the man that you are. This hurts now but you'll be given something much better."

Koda nodded listening to his mama talk.

"When you get back to that campus, I want you to hold your head up, put you some clothes on and do your hair. You be the man me and your Daddy raised you to be. Understand?"

"Yes ma'am. Thank y'all. I had to come home, I couldn't stay there like this."

Kandice nodded, she understood.

"Did Milo and Eli help?"

"Yeah, they tried but this wasn't something they could really help with. I needed you and Pops."

Kandice went to Koda putting her hands on his face. Leaning up on her toes and pulling his head down she kissed his forehead and whispered a prayer over him.

"I love you, Mama." He admitted softly.

"I love you too, baby boy. Always and forever."

A few days later, Koda was back on campus. He needed the break away from everything, it did him good. By the time he got back, everyone had found out what Parker did to Koda. They were hard on her. Everyone knew how well he treated her and took care of her so they thought it was stupid of her to cheat on Koda the way she did. Girls were constantly trying to steal Koda from Parker only to find out how faithful and committed to Parker he was.

Eli and Milo had finally gotten him to come to a house party with them. He did what his mama told him to do. He got dressed, did his hair and got himself together.

As the cousins walked into the house party, a girl bumped into Koda. He caught her around her waist before she could fall to the floor. When he opened his mouth to apologize, she stopped him.

"Don't," she smiled, "It was my fault. I'm clumsy."

"But still," Koda said still holding onto her, "You aight?"

"Yeah, I'm good. I promise."

"Aight then, sweetheart. You be careful." He nodded letting her go

"I'll try."

She laughed as she walked off. Koda watched her until Eli smacked his arm playfully.

"My boy is back!"

The laughing cousins moved quickly through the party to the kitchen. Milo grabbed them each a beer and passed them to his cousins.

"Here, here," Milo laughed raising his beer, "To our cousin. Haven't been single but a week and half and already got girls tripping over him!"

[chvrrydolan]

the mistery girl - Grayson Dolan. part 1

Summary: Dolan Twins, 22 year old brothers took their carrer to the next step and started to write songs besides just making youtube videos. Their last song went viral which made Grayson open up that was him who wrote this song and the whole fandom went crazy wanting to know who the girl was he was writing about.

Inspiration for this imagine series was a song - broken by lovely the band. Just pretend it was the song that Grayson wrote and it was sung by Cub Sport.

"So guys, the music video that directed went viral! How do you feel?" The interviewer asks twins.

Grayson and Ethan Dolan. Two goofballs from youtube started writing songs and directing music videos. Very drastic change in their carrer I can say.

"We feel amazing. We always knew that we had some connection with music, minus the singing because we suck at that." Ethan said laughing.

Two weeks ago the twins released a song called 'broken' which was sang by Cub Sport. The song got very popular in two weeks.

"I also heard a rumour that you got a chance to write this song? Am I right?" Interviewer asks again.

"Well, actually, it was Grayson who wrote this song. I only directed the music video." Ethan explained while Grayson sat just smiling remembering everything.

"Oh! So, Grayson what was the inspiration for this song?"

"Just a adventure from trip." Grayson said smiling while all those flashbacks hit him.

*2 months ago*

The twins were in Brooklyn for friends birthday party.

Ethan was always the partier but for Grayson it was a torture. He never liked them. He always was 'in his own world', didn't like to socialize as much as Ethan.

"Are we gonna be there for long time?" Grayson asked clearly annoyed while driving to the party.

"Bro, we haven't seen Adam for 2 years, it's his party, leaving early would be dissrespecful." Ethan said feeling kinda guilty that he had to drag Grayson to this party.

"You know that I don't like Adam that much." Gripping the steering wheel Grayson exlaimed rolling his eyes.

After 15 minutes they arrived to the loft that was clearly not his, problably some trust fund baby's.

Entering the loft, everybody's eyes was on the famous set of twins. Girls were already drooling, even some guys.

"Yo, Ethan! Grayson!" Adam shouted greeting the twins, "Glad that you came!"

"Hey, man! Happy birthday!" They both said in sync, bro-hugging him and giving him his present.

"Drinks are at the bar in the kitchen, beer pong in the balcony, girls everywhere, feel free to do anything here!" Adam explained and dissapeared in a second.

Drinks wasn't on Grayson's mind tonight. He just wanted to go home.

Ethan was already drinking and talking to girls. Usual stuff.

Grayson decided to go for a smoke to a balcony. Being 22, well-known and always under peer-presure can get onto your nerves a lot.

Smoking, was something that Grayson promised to never do but life has his reasons.

While searching for the balcony, Grayson bumped into small figure which belonged to a girl and by that his life changed forever.

His hazel eyes met bright blue ones. He scanned the girl standing in front of him. Small, long bleached hair, freckles on her cheeks and nose. She was breath-takin' to Grayson. He didn't even noticed the dark under-eyes of hers, you could easily tell that she hasn't slept for like 2 days. She didn't wore any make-up because she just didn't care.

"Hi, bleached boy" The girl said pointing out Grayson's grown out bleached hair.

"Umm, hi" Grayson said nervously. He was used to girls talking to him but she made him nervous.

"Why you are alone?" Girl asked while scanning him from the head to tea. God damn, she thought. She had never seen someone this attractive before. She also had no idea who he was which made Grayson relieved kinda??

"Searching for the balcony," Grayson answered while taking his cigarettes out and smirked at her, "Wanna join?"

Grayson never invited people to smoke with him. He actually, hated when people watched him do that.

The girl smirked back, "Just by the vibe yoi give me, you seem to be interesting person, so, sure let's talk"

The girl lead Grayson to the 3rd floor which was locked.

"Umm, it's locked?" Grayson said confused.

"No, you dummy, it's my place, I have the key." The girl laughed while unlocking the door and letting Grayson in, "And please don't say anything about this place."

"Why?" Grayson furrowed his eyebrows scanning the place which semmed to be her bedroom but it was like huge.

"People treat me different when they see how and where I live. He bought me this loft, told me to live in it because I can't do shit on my own." The girl said sighing and opening and her balcony door, "I also never got your name, bleached boy."

"Grayson." He said while taking his lighter out of his leather jacket's pocker.

"Y/N." The girl said while sitting down on one of the chairs.

Grayson heart was racing just standing beside her. He nervously brought a cigarette to his lips while lighting it.

Y/N stared at him in awe. She never thought that somebody could look that hot while smoking.

Smoke escaped Grayson's lips while he turned to her and quickly cought her stare.

"So, Grayson, why are you here alone at this party?" Y/N asked while lifting her one eyebrow at him. She was so facinated by him.

"My brother dragged me here. I hate parties." Boy sighed while shaking ashes from the cigarette to the ashtray.

"And why so?"

-

[alj4890]

The Bench~Fluffy Friday

(Prince Ellis Rhys x Lady Emily Beaumont)

From the upcoming TRR series While We're Young with @krsnlove.

Fluffy Friday Masterlist

Tagging those who wanted extra fluff 😉@brightpinkpeppercorn @riseandshinelittleblossom-deact @zaffrenotes  @fullbeaumonty  @speedyoperarascalparty  @bobasheebaby  @tmarie82   @littleblossom-18 @cocomaxley  @ehkw1989  @hopefulmoonobject @leelee10898  @itsstillnotwhatyouthink   @littlecrookedheart @mrswalkerwrites @debramcg1106 @krsnlove @littleblossom357 @ritachacha @lodberg

It had been a very long day filled with long winded people and not enough time with the one he really wanted to be with. Such was the life he was born to. He normally didn't mind, but things were changing or had changed. He wasn't really sure anymore about anything.

The palace was still at this time of night or rather early morning now that he saw it was a little after 2 am. He felt restless. He changed into some jeans and pulled a hoodie over his t-shirt and sneaked out. If he couldn't be with her, he might as well go to their spot. He walked the rain drenched streets and finally came to the right place.

A couple of years ago

"Here it is! This will be the place we come to for the rest of our lives." Emily announced as she plopped down on the bench.

Ellis stood there shaking his head in disbelief. "Why? Why would we come to a bench?"

She rolled her eyes. "Are we not best friends?"

"Yes."

"And do we not share everything with each other?" She asked.

"Well, I wouldn't say everything." He muttered.

She gasped dramatically. "What have you been hiding from me?"

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Look Em, I haven't told you everything that I do with Zoey. That seems a little much. Have you told me everything you do with Seb? What about when you were with Chris?"

Emily narrowed her eyes. "I...anyway, this will be our spot where we come to talk about all the things that is going on in our lives. When we are old and gray, we will come here and compare pictures of each other's grandkids. Newsflash: mine will be incredibly awesome. We will sit and complain about the people we married then grin and say how wonderful they really are. But...for now this is our spot to share our dating highs and lows, and of course our dreams." She smiled and patted the seat next to her.

He grinned and sprawled out beside her. "Alright. I'm in crazy lady."

Back to the present

It had been their spot. Sometimes they would meet multiple times a week to talk. Emily said this was better than talking on the phone because she liked seeing the expressions he made. How else was she to know how much he hated Zoey's lasagna if she couldn't see the disgust? How would he know how much Seb drove her crazy when he went on one of his music genre binges if he couldn't count the number of times she rolled her eyes?

Then there was the time she was away for months traveling with the Russian ballet. He had not realized how used to her he had become until he couldn't see her. So she told him to video chat on the bench with her. It was nice but not the same as having her playfully push him when he said something truly eye rolling worthy. He was her hopeless romantic friend, she said, thus he needed a shove every now and then to keep him grounded.

Then something happened. One night they seemed to see each other differently. Or at least he had. And what did he do? Nothing. For weeks, all he did was think. Now, he had come out to stare at a wet bench. He shoved his hands in the pocket of his hoodie and turned to head back to the palace. His mother would flip out if she knew he had pulled an Uncle Leo and left without a guard.

As he took a few steps away from the bench, he collided with someone. He couldn't get his hands out fast enough to steady her and she fell into a puddle.

"Well, this was not where I really intended to sit." Said a voice filled with bubbly laughter.

"Oh Emily, I'm sorry." He reached down and took her hands to help her up. She twisted around to look at her wet rear and laughed some more. "I don't suppose you have a towel of some sort on you? An extra pair of pants?" Her eyes were filled with mischief causing him to chuckle. He pulled his sweatshirt off and handed it to her with a dramatic bow.

"For you, my lady. Take this meager rag to rest your weary...bottom." They both burst out laughing as she curtsied. "You are far too kind, my prince." She went to their bench and sat down, pulling the hoddie over her head. She patted the wet wood next to her. "Sit with me for a while."

He sat down and crossed his arms against the damp cold. When she noticed his chill bumps she scooted closer and pulled his arms around her. Emily leaned her head against his chest and snuggled against him. "It's only right to share body heat."

He nodded, grateful that she had. His t-shirt was useless tonight. Emily propped her chin against his chest and looked up at him. "Ellis, what's wrong?"

He debated on what to tell her. How could he explain it? He thought he had romance all figured out. Zoey had seemed perfect. Then it hit him that she wasn't perfect for him. His heart recognized someone else. Someone he had known since her birth. His father had explained how he had felt a spark when he met his mother. He said it was unlike anything he had felt for anyone else.

Ellis' spark felt like a lightning bolt straight from Zeus himself. Emily poked him in the ribs when he remained silent. He looked down at her and fought the grin that always bloomed when she was near. She made it impossible for anyone to be gloomy for long. He was more susceptible than others. One laughing glance from her and he was smiling like a fool.

"Talk to me, your highness." She whispered.

"I don't know what to say." He whispered back.

Emily chewed on her bottom lip. He had acted different the last few weeks and it worried her. She didn't want to lose the relationship they had. She loved spending time with him. She could be herself without worry. She knew that eventually they would meet and marry the ones they were destined to be with and that their time together would be greatly reduced.

But until that came about, she would selfishly hoard all the memories she could make with him. "Is it about breaking up with Zoey?" She asked, involuntarily tightening her arms around him, hoping he wasn't hurting.

"No."

"Have you met someone else?"

"Not exactly."

Emily studied his face in the dim light of the nearby streetlight. "Have you fallen for someone you already know?"

"Yes."

Emily felt her heart race. They knew the same people. She didn't know how she would react if it ended up being one of their other best friends. She felt jealousy churn in her stomach thinking of it being Jules or Izzy. And she believed they were two of the best ladies on the planet!

She met his eyes, waiting on him to admit who he had fallen for. With one hand, he gently pushed the hood back off her head and ran his fingers through her hair. He seemed in awe of its silkiness as his eyes traced her features pausing at her lips.

As if they were under some spell, they both moved closer and their lips met. His hand cradled her head while the other grabbed the material of the hoodie. Her arms slipped up his chest to wrap around his neck. It was a kiss that took every thought away save one: this moment was perfect.

A few years later

"Now we can talk." Emily said as they stood in front of their bench.

Snow fell in fluffy flakes around them. Ellis shook his head, laughing at being brought here.

"Alright my princess, what is it we need to discuss?" Ellis cuddled her in his arms, placing kisses across her face. She giggled and tried to remain serious. "I have to talk about the man I married."

Ellis sighed. "What did he do this time?"

Emily grinned. "You won't believe how happy he makes me. It is criminal how often I am found smiling and laughing. And wow, is he cute. I wish you could see him. What am I to do?"

Ellis frowned playfully. "That's nothing compared to what I have to deal with. My wife does nothing but make me lose all track of thought. The smell of her perfume nearly made me walk into a wall as I looked for her the other day. The goofy grin on my face has been commented by more than one in the news. I'm not sure if it is a good thing or not that she is so incredibly beautiful. What am I to do?"

Emily stood on her tiptoes as she kissed him. "I think you should love me forever."

Ellis deepened the kiss. "Already done."