#If I can't get a spot at someone else's venue doing readings

[humblemooncat]

Finished up renovating my apartment!

I decided I did want to turn it into a little tarot parlor, so you're more than welcome to stop by! I've dubbed it the Moonlit Sanctum, and I'll be offering readings every weekend (Fri, Sat, & Sun) from 7 to 10 pm EST.

If I'm not there when you stop by, there are some sweet Xaela boys there to keep you company. They don't mind pictures, I swear. ;P

I'll make up a carrd for it soon to list reading types and such, but for now here's the info! If you're interested in stopping by tomorrow, you're welcome to ask after the types of readings here. <3

And if you do end up stopping in and take any screenshots, please tag me so I can see! :D

[black-lake]

astro observations 11

your astro granny is back, I've been doing this for so long omg. some of it is venting, like always, so ignore that, but maybe don't you may find words of wisdom there. anyway, enjoy. also warning, it escalates to heavier subjects fast 🪐 🔭

 ——

🕰️ Virgo and gemini risings can pull off any type of glasses, sunglasses, bug-eye glasses, cat-eye, mirrored ray-bans, you name it. They even look cute with goggles no joke. They also make the smart and academia aesthetics look so cool and elegant in a chaotic way, not in a taurus capricorn way but in a- 'I spilled coffee on my boss's laptop this morning and I'm still talking about it way- because omfg- did you see the way they looked at me? it's like I've done it on purpose or smth but I didn't, not sure if they have a crush on me or they fucking hate me, what do you think? I'm pretty sure they don't hate me tho, but I can't tell, do you think I should quit?' 🎙️🎬

🕰️ I recently looked up George Clooney's chart and omggg, it all makes sense. The moon conj saturn in capricorn, giving him that nostalgic wise aura along his taurus sun, uranus and pluto opp ascendant kind of indicating finding his perfect partner later on in life, venus in aries and mars in leo, he's fiery but that fire so damn well contained with all the earth. His asc and jupiter in aquarius, yeah only an aquarius women with so much air and intelligence can maintain his attention and lock him in lmao. His synastry with Amal Clooney reminds of that of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Manifesting a relationship like this for everyone reading 🧘🏼‍♂️✨

🕰️ Personal planets in scorpio 10° or 22° is a sexy mf combo, esp moon, venus, mars and asc, it gives bedroom eyes and seductive domineer, also godmade bone structures. 🗿

🕰️ Pluto opposite or square ascendant, a very classic aspect for friends/coworkers/admirers/people in general turning enemies and talking shit behind your back. This aspect can easily make people speculate, overanalyze your actions, assume things, spread rumors and lies about you out of jealousy and intimidation. 

🕰️ Any planet conjunct the desc can bring the physical manifestation to that planet's shadow side, up to 10°. It can conceal traits of that planet in the sign it’s in, as it’s descending and escaping the sun’s light. Pluto on the desc brings a few shadow traits out of people and conceals their true intentions from the native. So the native has to face those traits, learn to see them from miles away, to discern what people’s intentions are and whether it's that or their own perception and fears. In other words, they start from naive to paranoid to bs detectors, and it takes a long painful journey to get there.

🕰️ Even tho personal planets on the desc are much easier to see and handle, venus on the descendant can bring shallow traits and empty promises out of people, mars on the descendant, not as easy, can bring out anger, toxic masculinity and aggression. Saturn on the desc can bring immaturity, irresponsibility, immoral and disloyal behaviors out of people, stagnation, delays in connection and loneliness, pushing the native to learn patience and endurance. The native will meet people with such traits over and over again until they learn to spot and discern them faster and take the right action. ☔️

🕰️ I’ll keep talking about it in this blog cuz it’s always been one of my biggest challenges. What I learned with pluto on the desc is that you will keep attracting the same kind of enemies to challenge you if you don’t own your power and stop diluting yourself for someone else's fragile power hungry ego, because people will have a problem with you anyway. Also don’t hold too tight to anyone, never be afraid to lose people, because trust me you will. Almost no one is meant to stay in your life, they’re meant to transform you and leave. The only thing you’re meant to rely on is your power and independence. The moment you see it the easier cutting ppl off becomes. 

🕰️ I have venus in aries and I find myself always having a girl crush on celebs with this placement, Rihanna, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Aniston. They all seem to share that fiery independence mixed with a childlike but fierce demeanor which I admire, plus they never age. 🐈‍⬛

🕰️ I have mercury in aries and mars in scorpio, but for some reason I’m fascinated by people with mercury in aquarius and mars in sagittarius, with mercury in aqua I always expect something fascinating about their minds but I can't guess it cuz it's always different, but females with mars in sag omggg the sass is hilarious, I can’t help but laugh when they get blunt, loud and shady out of nowhere lmfao.

🕰️ Speaking of placements I’m fascinated by, what’s the deal with moon in taurus? I keep thinking it must be… nice.. to have? people that have it are so grounded and serene it makes me think it’s the best moon sign. If you have it please share the emotional difficulties you experience, because I can speak of every moon sign emotional traumas in detail but for some reason I be romanticizing this one. ☕️

🕰️ Another placement I really admire is moon conjunct saturn, there’s just something unspeakable, that isn’t tangible (even tho they have timeless mesmerizing eyes) but on a soul level I can sense their wisdom and nostalgic aura. It’s like there’s a balance of feminine and masculine qualities which come out in their mannerisms. People that have it, Timothée Chalamet, George Clooney, River Phoenix, and every hot man ever. 

🕰️ Have you ever asked yourself why Morgan Freeman has such deep unique and easily recognizable voice? It's his mercury conj uranus in taurus. Who else has an easily recognizable voice, Kim Kardashian, mercury conj uranus in scorpio. 

🕰️ Having the axis of virgo-pisces over your sun-moon, like virgo sun opposite pisces moon, or mercury-moon can give someone a soft voice, their voice can even be therapeutic and healing. Think of Michael Jackson's speaking voice.

🕰️ The hardest aspect in any chart for me are oppositions or squares to pluto, saturn and chiron. These are easily the most challenging aspects you can find in a chart.

🕰️ Those that have lilith/pluto in the 1st, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th tend to have haters in their workplace, in groups or wherever they go often. It’s saddening but I’ve seen it a lot. Can also make ppl copy your style or attitude then hate on it, and never admit they got inspired by you.

-- potential triggers in the following one, pls skip if necessary.

🕰️ Difficult planets on the angles, saturn, pluto and chiron mainly can truly mess with someone's mental health to the point of them wanting to- yeah that. The most drastic effect is when they sit on the descendant and MC, since it deals with connections, groups of people and the public, a lot of it is outside of the native's control, and at times more than what they can handle. Their usually painful past experiences and memories has shaped their perception of the world to a dark and despairing one where they don't see a better future for themselves. A few examples, Kurt Cobain (chiron and saturn conj desc and pluto conj asc all tightly opposing), Mac Miller (chiron conj desc, saturn conj asc and pluto conj MC). Marilyn Monroe (chiron conj MC and saturn close to the IC, pluto conj nn). 

🕰️ I see every major astrological transit as a collective test, lesson and preparation for the next transit. It made sense that corona happened when pluto was in capricorn, a pandemic that restricted our freedom and made us prisoners in our own homes. There was a stellium of mars, jupiter, saturn and pluto all in cap the moment quarantine started in march. It was all about teaching us to respect societal rules and structures that keep us safe, whether it had to do with the government or the medical system, whether it was real or fake or real fake. Yes you have to give up some freedom for safety, that’s how surveillance and security cameras everywhere you go work, for your safety. 

🕰️ It taught us to care for the health of humanity, to live responsibly and respectfully when in crisis, even if that means compromising our freedom and limiting our movement. Trusting that the structure built over the past decades is somewhat reliable and helpful. We saw how some people put their own freedom above anything and anyone out of superiority, that's the selfishness we collectively needed to face before pluto moves to aquarius and we are given freedom we didn't learn how to appreciate or use responsibly. We had to learn the value of personal freedom vs discipline and structure.

🕰️ There are two planets I’ve seen repeatedly in people that manifest like magic, saturn and neptune. To add a third it would be uranus. Conjunctions and oppositions to these planets are like superpowers in manifesting your desired reality. All work in different ways. 

🕰️ For example people that have personal planets conjunct saturn (esp sun and moon) are easily attuned with the physical world and have some sort of control over time, turning it backwards or forwards, making themselves look younger and older at the same time, knowing the actions to take to bring anything into the three-dimensional world.

🕰️ Now this leads me to an astrology book I recently came across, the Alien Constructs the work of Edwin Steinbrecher and Stephanie Jourdan, discovering aspects that constitute an alien chart. The alien construct occurs when one of the outer planets, that is saturn, uranus, neptune or pluto, is conjunct or opposite the sun, moon, ascendant or the chart ruler. An individual that has one or few of these is different from other humans, they possess supernatural abilities, and typically have rough childhoods and adolescence.

🕰️ Every aspect with each of the outer planets has a unique ability, for example when the sun conjoins an outer planet it's called Power Alien Construct, the moon conjoining an outer planet is a Vessel Alien Construct, an outer planet conjoining the ascendant is an Instrument Alien Construct, an outer planet conjoining the descendant is a Shadow Alien Construct. Saturnian aliens are able to manifest things in the physical realm, plutonian aliens are masters of metamorphosis and irreversible change, uranian aliens are able to see the future and raise energetic frequencies. 

🕰️ Sun conjunct pluto is Plutonian Power, aliens are able to destroy that which is not built upon truth, understand the true nature of birth, sex, death and power, generate energy and power,  integrate polarities, perform psychic surgery, see beneath solid surfaces, shape-shift into animals, minerals or plants, heal utilizing sex, magnets or lasers.. etc. Moon conjunct uranus is a Uranian Vessel, aliens are able to comprehend the cycles and trends of the futures, safely corral erratic energy or electricity, channel high-frequency beings, telepath to imprisoned or trapped individuals or animals, sense the formation of inventions and innovations. Look it up, it's fun and tell me what alien construct are you and how you relate to it. oh it reminds me of a post I did a while back of aspects as superpowers.

Happy pluto in aquarius 🛰️✨ (will come back in years and see how this aged)

[violentdelightsandviolentends]

Someone Borrowed, Someone Blue.

an engagement party, your childhood best friend, one too many glasses of champagne. what could go wrong?

pairing - childhood bestfriend!steve harrington x female reader

warnings - smut. cursing. cheating. alcohol mention. so much angst… i’d apologise but i’m not sorry.

word count - 3.7k

author’s note - get it? like, something borrowed, something blue… because it’s a wedding… I was half asleep when that popped into my head and I thought it was perfect, personally. I don’t condone cheating irl, but also… it’s your life, do what you want ;)

as always, reblogs are the only way to circulate my fics!! so, if you enjoyed, please consider reblogging. thanks, angels <3

masterlist. inbox.

The moonlight shines down, glinting off the diamond ring settled on your left hand.

Everyone's dancing, singing, laughing, enjoying each other's company in a rare moment of complete happiness. People keep grabbing you, hugging you, reaching for you to offer their congratulations.

Isn't it just so wonderful? Two people completely in love. Ah, to be young again.

The fairy lights twinkle where they're hung across the garden, acres of grass just begging to be decorated. You'd initially protested this venue - a huge country house in the middle of nowhere, with countless rooms and a huge courtyard.

It's just our engagement party, not our wedding. We don't have to be so extravagant.

This isn't extravagant - not for my family, anyway. Just say yes. I'll plan the entire thing, you don't have to worry.

And so you did. Say yes. To his proposal, the venue, anything he suggests. You can't find it in you to say no, to argue, to fight for what you really want. It isn't worth it.

"There you are, my soon to be wife!"

You take a deep breath, pretending the sound of his voice doesn't make you feel sick.

"My soon to be husband."

He can't see the grimace on your face, even though it's there, loud and clear. He can't read you, has never been able to.

"A car has just pulled up. You expecting anyone else?"

You are, but you won't let yourself get your hopes up. So you lie.

"Don't think so."

"Okay, well... you'll save me a dance, won't you? My mom wants to take some pictures."

You nod reluctantly, patting his arm with as much affection as you can muster.

"I think your brother is calling you."

You direct his attention to where his frat boy siblings are, hollering and yelling for him to come over.

"My guys!"

He departs as quickly as he came, leaving a wave of too strong cologne in his wake.

You take a walk from the garden to the front of the house, curiosity peaked. You scan the parking lot, and your heart stops when you spot the car in the corner.

A burgundy 1983 BMW 733i.

He's here.

You spin on your heel, searching almost frantically, when you hear someone clear their throat. You turn around, and there he is.

Leaning against a pillar, stood in a dress shirt and tailored trousers, hair perfectly styled.

Steve Harrington.

You're half convinced you're dreaming. The world moves around you in a daze, crickets chirping and wind blowing gently. You lock eyes with him, and can't fight the grin that spreads across your face.

“Don’t fret, baby. The life of the party has arrived.”

You scoff but almost run towards him, tripping over in your heels. He meets you halfway, arms snaking around your waist to keep you steady as you wrap yourself around him.

He smells the same. Cologne, spearmint, a faint note of diesel from the car. He smells like home.

Past home, you remind yourself. Not anymore. You have a new home now, with a soon to be husband that doesn’t understand you and a soon to be family that is built on morally questionable money and fake niceties. Steve’s a person of your past, a distant memory, a fading dream.

Except he’s stood right in front of you.

He's staring at you with a look in his eyes you can’t quite place. You’ve never seen it before.

"I didn't think you'd come," you whisper, begging yourself to pull away from his embrace. He doesn't let you go far, keeping his arms around your back as if he's worried you'll bolt at any given moment.

"And miss my best friends engagement party? Never."

"Best friends. We're not five anymore, Steve."

You roll your eyes, punching his arm lightly.

"What, I can't call you my best friend anymore?"

He picks you up, spinning you across the gravel of the parking lot. You're dizzy with it, the world passing by you in streaks of shapes and colours.

"Steve!"

"What?" he laughs. "You don't like this, best friend? What's the problem, best friend? Are you dizzy, best friend?"

"Put me down!"

Steve throws you over his shoulder as you both spin, strong hands preventing you from falling.

"Put me down, Steve, please - okay, okay! You're my best friend! Call me best friend all you want, please!"

Steve's crying with laughter, out of breath and rosy cheeked. He places you back on the ground, smoothing your hair down with rough palms.

You inhale carefully, grabbing onto his biceps as an anchor as you gauge your bearings. You look up at him, and lose your breath all over again.

Chest heaving, tongue darting over his bottom lip, hair mussed but still perfectly styled. He looks a picture, an ancient painting, a statue carved from the finest marble.

"I never want you to stop calling me your best friend," you whisper, so quietly that the breeze takes it.

"Then I won't."

Your hand slips down Steve's arm and into his, fingers linking gently.

"I missed you."

"I missed you so much, Birdy. You have no idea."

The childhood nickname shoots a lightning bolt through your heart, shiver running up your back involuntarily.

The two of you would sit and watch cartoons for hours on the floor of Steve's living room, pressing your little heads together to see the TV better. He'd joke that you sounded like Tweety Bird, all sweet and lispy. The nickname was born that day, and stuck ever since.

"How was California?"

"So good. I'll tell you all about it later. How's your engagement party?"

"It's good."

You try to sound convincing but your voice cracks, giving you away instantly. Busted.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. There's a few people you know back there - from school, the neighbourhood, family. They'll all wanna see you."

"I'll socialise later. Wanna talk to you first."

The intensity in his voice makes you nervous. You realise you're still holding his hand, so you drop it, crossing your arms over your chest.

"You didn't RSVP."

"Didn't get your invite. Travelling."

"I called your mom. She said she'd tell you."

"She didn't."

"She told me she did."

The crickets continue to chirp, gentle breeze blowing your hair into your face. You look at Steve pointedly, unwilling to be the first to break.

"What are you doing here, Steve?"

"It's your engagement party."

"So you've said."

"I haven't seen you in months."

"I tried to call, but you stopped answering."

"Birdy-"

"I'm just saying, Steve. We haven't spoken in months, I feel like you've been point blank ignoring me, I've had to come to terms with the fact that you probably wouldn't be at this party or the wedding and then all of a sudden you just show up? Unannounced?"

"I know how this looks."

"Do you?"

You're not entirely sure where all of this anger has come from, but you can't seem to tamp it down. It's bubbling, simmering, threatening to spill over the surface dramatically any second.

"I wasn't sure I could do this. Any of it."

"Do what?"

"Stand by and watch you make a mistake."

You scoff, laughing at him in disbelief. He's never been one to sugarcoat things, and usually, it's one of your favourite things about him. But not today.

"Don't you fucking dare, Steve."

"Birdy, be real. The guy is a prick. And you want to marry him? You're a smart girl, the smartest person I know. You've got to see that none of this makes any sense."

"So you showed up here to yell at me? Criticise my life choices? Thanks, Steve. Thanks a million. Some best friend, huh?"

"I've done nothing but support you."

"You ran away! Across the country! How is that support?"

"Fine, maybe I can't support straight up stupidity!"

"Am I smart or am I stupid? Which one is it?"

Steve sighs, running his fingers through his hair as he watches you pace the gravel in front of him. You're vibrating with fury now. It's something he's seen before. Something he knows how to navigate better than anyone. He knows you. He knows you need an outlet here.

He also knows that you're never more hyperaware than when you're mad. So, he takes his opportunity.

"I came here to tell you not to marry him."

You stop dead in your tracks, shaking your head in denial.

"...Why, Steve? Why would you say that?"

"You know why."

"No."

You take a deep breath and will yourself not to cry. In the garden, you can hear people laughing, singing along to some 70s pop song you've never liked. You pray silently that no one comes looking for you.

You take a step closer to Steve, standing up straight.

"Say it."

He looks at you incredulously, shocked by your sudden defiance.

"Say it, Steve. If you came all this way to say it, then fucking say it."

Steve steps into you, closing down the space. You don't move, determined not to back down.

"You're going to hate me if I say it, Birdy."

"I don't give a fuck anymore. Say. It."

Steve runs his tongue over his bottom lip, never once breaking eye contact with you. The silence seems to stretch on infinitely, thick and blanketing like fresh snow falling.

"I'm in love with you."

You feel like you've been punched in the gut. You take a deep breath and try to stay on two feet, wobbling where you stand. Finally, you find your voice.

"Fuck you, Steve Harrington. Fuck. You."

He laughs, but there's no humour in it.

"Yeah."

"How dare you? How dare you come to my engagement party and start confessing your feelings? You could have told me anytime, but you chose today?"

He goes to interrupt but you hold a finger up, effectively shutting him up.

"How long, huh? How long have you been in love with me?"

Steve's trembling, chest stuttering with the force of his confession.

"For as long as I can remember."

You haven't looked away from him once. You're frozen in place, suspended in the moment.

"No you haven't."

"You're gonna tell me how I feel now, Birdy?"

"Yeah, Steve, I am. Because I don't believe you. You're King Steve, ladies man, notorious player. You were never seen with the same girl twice in high school. Don't you remember? Sneaking into my room at night, whispering under my blankets about your latest hookup, telling me all the dirty details?"

"I remember," he whispers, voice laced with something like sadness. "Of course I remember."

"You don't get to tell me this now. It's not fair, Steve."

"Why not, huh?"

"Because I've always been in love with you! Always."

Steve stumbles backwards, dizzy and disorientated.

"No you haven't."

"You're gonna tell me how I feel now?" you laugh in disbelief. "I've always been in love with you. Everyone knows it. My parents, your parents, all of our friends... I think the goddamn mailman knew, Steve!"

"I didn't."

"Blissful ignorance," you chuckle humourlessly.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I knew it wouldn't change anything."

Steve's eyes go wide as he keels over, as if the wind has been knocked out of him.

"Wouldn't change anything? Birdy, it... I-I can assure you it... It would have changed everything."

You both look at each other, breathless and riddled with confusion. There's something flowing through your veins, something unintelligible, something unrecognisable.

"Why would you do this today?" you choke out, sobs threatening to break free. "Of all the days, Steve."

"Because I'm going insane!" he yells, voice raising. "I can't sleep, I can't eat, I can't function knowing that you're going to marry a man you don't love. It's ruining my life, Birdy!"

"You don't think it's ruining mine? Huh?"

You take a breath, very aware that if you shout anymore, multiple people are going to come running from the garden.

"This is selfish, Steve. And you're not selfish."

He looks down at you, bottom lip wobbling.

"I am when it comes to you. Always have been."

"You're breaking my fucking heart, baby."

You choke out the words before bursting into tears, sobs wracking your frame. Steve grabs your hand and guides you to the stone steps, sitting you down next to him. Against better judgment, he slings an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close.

He smells so familiar, so comforting, that it only makes you cry harder. You bury your face in his chest, fingers tangled into his dress shirt, holding on for dear life.

"I'm sorry," he's mumbling. "I'm so fucking sorry. I had to. I really had to."

"I know," you're muttering back. "I know you did. I know."

You lift your head to look at him only to find he's crying too, years of emotion dripping down his face. You wipe his tears with your thumbs, your heart shattering at the sight in front of you.

Steve's only made you cry once before. In ninth grade, you'd stupidly assumed that the two of you would go to the prom together. Steve had made a joking comment about always being your date, and you hadn't questioned it. Then, one Friday night, he'd snuck into your room to tell you excitedly that he'd asked Lizzy Buchanan to the dance, and she'd said yes. You'd burst into tears immediately, much to your teenage embarrassment, willing yourself to play your cards closer to your chest. Steve had crumbled instantly, crying because you were.

That's how it's always been. He cries, you cry. You cry, he cries. He's just not usually the cause of the tears.

"I'm sorry, Birdy," he chokes. "This was the only way."

"I know," you soothe, rubbing circles into his wet cheeks with your fingers. "I know. You're not the villain here, Steve. You never were."

His eyes are trained to yours, silent communication passing back and forth. The two of you have always had the ability to practically read each other's minds.

You're not sure who moves first - perhaps it's the universe, pulling you together by the strings woven into your chests - but suddenly your lips are melded together, moving as if it's the easiest thing in the world. Steve's clinging to you as if you're his life source, a man in the desert without water.

You tangle your fingers into his hair to tug him impossibly closer, eyes fluttering when he groans, deep and visceral. He spreads his legs and pulls you between them, both of you slotting together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Your tears are dancing onto each other's cheeks, mixing like rain water and gasoline.

Suddenly, you yank yourself from his grip, standing up and smoothing down your silky dress. Steve prepares himself for the yelling, the screaming, a slap that he most definitely deserves.

Instead, he's met with you, chest heaving, skin warm, eyes heavy. You're looking at him expectantly.

"Come with me," you croak, voice hoarse and untrustworthy.

You grab his hand and slink through the front door, up the grand staircase and into a room with a heavy oak door. He follows you obediently, confused but completely trusting.

It's your hotel room. A marriage suite. A spacious, windowed room, with makeup scattered across the vanity and suitcases half unpacked on the floor. The bed is still made, which makes Steve breathe a sigh of relief. He hasn't had you here. The room isn't marred.

The minute you shut the door you're back on Steve, shoving him up against the hard wood. He grabs handfuls of your ass and spins you around, backing you into the cold surface behind you for stability. He lifts you easily, wrapping your legs around his waist as he kisses you again.

Steve trails his lips down your neck as you rock your hips, desperate to find some friction. You whine gently, fingers tugging at his hair a little rougher than intended to get your message across.

"What do you need, honey?" he murmurs, afraid to disrupt the atmosphere.

"You."

Steve throws his head back as he groans, exposing his throat to you. You waste no time in nipping up the expanse of it, sinking your teeth in with no regard for the consequences. You're too far gone now, not worried about looking back.

Walking backwards, Steve tosses you onto the bed, chuckling when you almost bounce off of it. He unbuttons and strips his shirt, pulling his belt from the loops as he goes. You can only lie there and watch, wondering when your best friend became less of a boy and more of a man. He's all corded muscle and tanned skin, freckled and perfect.

Steve crawls between your legs, kissing you tenderly.

"Wanna take my time with you," he murmurs between kisses. "Can't right now. Will, though. Promise."

You feel as if there's electricity crackling across your skin, pulsing and alive. It's never felt like this with anyone. It never will again.

"Promise?"

You can't help the slight insecurity that colours your voice, young and unsure.

"I promise, Birdy. Cross my heart."

He takes your hand in his and places it over his chest, as if to solidify his point.

You nod and kiss him again, desperate to have every inch of his skin on yours.

Steve shimmies your underwear down your legs, tossing them behind him somewhere. Shucking his trousers off, he pushes your dress up and around your waist, groaning when he gets a good look at you.

"Prettiest girl in the world. He doesn't deserve you. Never did."

"And you do?"

"I'll spend every day for the rest of time proving that I do."

With that he's pushing into you, sliding home with one smooth thrust. Both of you gasp, grabbing onto the other person to use them as an anchor.

"Please, Steve," you're whispering. "Give me everything. I want it all."

"You've got no idea how long I've been waiting for this."

"I do," you laugh, "I do. Because I've been waiting just as long."

Steve chuckles and leans down to kiss you, slipping his tongue into your mouth to memorise the way you taste. There's remnants of champagne on your lips, along with the minty lip gloss you've loved for as long as he can remember.

He wastes no time setting a steady rhythm, thrusts deep and measured. You rake your nails down his back, clawing at this skin, praying silently that you leave your mark. Little do you know, you staked your claim on him a long, long time ago.

"S'good, Stevie," you whine. "Fuck, so good."

"Does he make you come? Does he even try?"

You shake your head frantically, closing your eyes when Steve laughs dryly.

"Didn't think so. He can't make you feel the way I can, baby. He'll never be able to."

His words are only pushing you closer and closer to the edge, red hot heat building at the pit of your stomach. Steve places one hand at the base of your throat, the heavy weight of it causing your eyes to roll back.

Your sweat slicked skin is plastered to his, every inch of you pressed together. Steve leans down to rest his forehead against yours, panting into each other's mouths.

"I love you," he breathes, hips getting quicker. "I love you. Fuck, I love you."

"I love you," you sob, back arching as you find your release. Stars dance across your vision as you tighten around Steve, nails leaving crescent moons on the skin of his shoulders.

Steve's right there with you, back flexing and fingers leaving their prints on your hips as he groans. It's the prettiest sound you've ever heard. Your mind loops it for you, playing it on repeat as he collapses his weight on top of your body.

"I meant it," he mutters against your damp chest. "I do love you. Always have."

You kiss his forehead gently, smoothing the hair away from his face.

"I meant it too. I love you. You taught me what love was in the first place, Steve."

He leans up to press his lips to yours, tender and honey sweet.

You realise the gravity of the situation all of a sudden, your heart rate increasing in Steve's ear.

"Hey, hey. Birdy. Don't panic, okay? We'll figure this out."

You think for a moment, weighing up your options in your head. Unexpectedly, you're jumping out of bed, fixing your dress and slipping on your underwear and heels.

"What are you doing, babe?"

You adjust your hair and swipe your fingers under your eyes to salvage your makeup in the mirror, turning to face the man who's now dressing himself frantically.

"Have you had a drink tonight?"

"No, I drove here."

"Perfect."

You grab your purse and stand by the door, waiting for him to follow. When he looks at you in pure confusion, you chuckle.

"Let's run away."

"Birdy... what?"

"Steve. You heard me. Let's. Run. Away."

He scans your face for any sign of hesitation, but all he finds is love. Adoration. Assuredness. That's all the confirmation he needs.

He runs at you, picking you up and spinning you around. Grabbing his hand, the two of you sneak down the stairs, slipping out of the front door as quietly as possible.

You throw yourself into the front seat of his BMW, vibrating with adrenaline as Steve starts up the engine. It roars to life, and you're very aware that people are going to come looking for you.

But you don't care.

Steve links your fingers, resting your intertwined hands in his lap as he reverses. You go to look back towards the garden, but you stop yourself.

"Can't move forward if you're always looking back, right?"

Steve laughs, leaning over to kiss your warm cheek.

"Truer words have never been spoken, Birdy."

He brings the car to a stop before you begin down the winding driveway, looking at you carefully.

"You ready?"

You take a deep breath, grinning at him.

"I've been ready since we were five years old."

He smiles at you, bright and blinding, and there's no doubt in your mind that you've made the right choice.

Can't move forward if you keep looking back, after all.

@enigmaticloki @joekeerysslut @s-trawberryv-eins @wintressoldier36 @mangomastani

[undiscovered-horizon]

Return to sender - Kaz Brekker x Reader

[graphic descriptions of violence/injury]

SUMMARY: Someone from your past keeps sending you unambiguously romantic letters. While you think of them as nothing beyond an inconvenience, Kaz has a different opinion.

WORDCOUNT: ~ 2.9k

A/N: I'm going through the first editorial correction for my novel and as it turns out, I can't speak my own mother tongue lmao

Kaz has an eye for details. Whether it’s a pattern or an overlooked design, he always notices. That set of skills, either he learned them or was born with them, made it painfully obvious to him that your foul mood coincided with correspondence he never saw you actually read. The letter usually ends up in the nearest fireplace, its secrets never uncovered and you maunder around the club looking for a fight or a strong drink. A much bigger problem, however, was the fact that if you were in a sour mood, Kaz would become exceptionally chippy without an apparent cause. ‘Care for my investment’ he calls it, which makes a rather amusing euphemism.

In any event, he knows that the letter should arrive today. Exactly seven weeks had passed since the last time some mysterious correspondence pissed you off and the sender, as far as Kaz has noticed, is like clockwork. Strangely enough, he can’t recall a day when the letter should arrive that you’d come to the club already annoyed as though he has become privy to a rather obvious pattern that you remain oblivious to. If so, he has even more advantage - he can solve this inconvenience behind your back, in case you’d try to dismiss him. He wouldn’t listen anyway, of course. Not when it comes to you.

Knowing very well that you have a habit of arriving shortly after Inej, he’s quick to find the thief before you even get a chance of catching wind of his scheme. She’s fixing her clothes when she spots him hastily limping towards her with his face turned nearly into a snarl. A hand brushes through his hair. He’s agitated. But Inej knows better than to make the first move against the unmovable mountain. Kaz sought her out, after all, and if he means business, he won’t waste time.

And he does just as she thought. Speaking in a low tone, Kaz makes her part of his conspiracy: “Inej, I need you to do something but no one else can know. Someone will deliver a letter today. Follow them and find out as much as you can,” his voice is stern, not accepting refusal. The matter appears urgent, of utter importance.

Her keen gaze studies his face for a moment, looking for any way even the slightest tick of muscles could reveal a further piece of the mystery she isn’t yet privy to. “Is this about the new job we’re doing?” She elegantly manoeuvres around the subject.

Kaz knows what she’s trying to do. He clenches his jaw and gives her a blank, although somewhat impatient, look before slowly answering: “It’s rather loosely related.”

This is enough to put her curiosity on hold - for now, at least. The unmovable mountain remains, well, unmovable. Inej nods. “I’m on it.”

The moment she ends her sentence, the door to the club opens with a creek echoing through the otherwise empty venue, immediately earning the undivided attention of Kaz and Inej. The sound of heels against the wooden floor is unmistakable as is the fitting, rather short, coat. Inej smiles, stifling laughter as she notices Kaz immediately straightening his back when he sees you.

There’s a certain spring to your step, one that Kaz has learned to associate with complacency. Although this joyous aura is making his mind turn into quicksand swallowing anything coherent, he’s got enough grip on his thoughts to render his theory proved - you really do not have any idea that the letters come regularly. 

With a triumphant grin, you wave a scroll in his face. “I had a hunch and did some browsing at the city archives. You’re going to love it.”

Inej is gone and the only thing Kaz can do at the moment is wait along with trying his best not to think about this mail fiasco. But considering you’ll spend the entire day a mere inch or two away from him, he’s hardly going to do much thinking anyway. 

“Let’s see it then,” Kaz interposes before turning around and walking back to his office. 

Making his way to Brekker’s office, Jesper examined the expensive stationery from every side and angle. No matter the perspective, the cursive letters on the front still spell out your name. Truthfully, he does that every time you receive mail, mainly because of how little you talk about the possible sender. There’s always a huff, an eye-roll and the envelope ends up turned into ashes, without any further explanation. You become short-tempered for the rest of the day and go ballistic on anyone trying to inquire about the mysterious correspondence. As much entertainment as it usually brings Jesper, he’s smart enough to know when to stop poking the bear.

Jesper knocks on the door but opens them right after - announcing his arrival rather than asking for permission to enter. 

“...smuggling through the sewers.” He hears you finishing your sentence.

Both you and Kaz simultaneously tear away your gaze from the maps scattered on the table and bore your eyes into Jesper with anticipation. He lifts the letter, wriggling his wrist slightly, and immediately your expression falls. You clench your fist. A contemptuous grimace creeps onto your face.

“Letter for you,” he announces.

“By the Saints, not this again,” you whisper and roll your eyes.

“What do you mean again?” Jesper asks casually, half expecting you to break his hand and half hoping for an answer. Today, as it turns out, is his lucky day.

“A friend once convinced me to go to some socialite high tea with her. I met someone there, we wrote to each other a few times and then he started to be obnoxious, the whole ‘woe is me’ lark.” The memory must still be vivid to you as you let out an annoyed sigh. “He claimed he can’t live without me while never spelling my name correctly. But since I value myself a little too much to waste my time on pity parties, I simply stopped replying. The last letter I sent him, I don’t know, three years ago? And he just keeps coming back.” You clench your jaw, clearly stopping yourself from a string of profanities considered obscene even in this company.

Jesper puts on a playful grin. “You know, you never struck me as someone who’d have a secret admirer.”

Your irritated gaze makes him equally amused and nervous. “He’s not exactly secret, is he? More of a returning cockroach infestation. Worry not, boys, I’ll just burn this one like the rest and we can all forget about this little perplexity.”

“Come on, you’re not even a little bit curious about what’s inside?” Jesper coaxes as he hands you the letter.

“Believe me when I tell you that I don’t give a rat’s bald ass about this man and his pathetic wax poetic.” You snatch the envelope, all the while looking at your friend with squinted, piercing eyes. Considering who you are, a complete lack of curiosity whatsoever might as well be a symptom of a lethal disease.

In that short moment, when the stationery goes from Jesper’s hand into yours, Kaz watches the letter as closely as he can. Smooth paper, probably expensive. Careful lettering, written with patience and thoughtfulness. An aroma of mint and tobacco lingers on the parchment. The stamp has the current date on it and the postal code is only a few numbers away from the club’s - whoever sent it is in Ketterdam and quite close by.

Kaz makes those little observations just in time because you throw the letter into the fireplace behind him, without even glancing at the paper. The flames grow for a few seconds, devouring the dry stationery. Soon, there’s no evidence that any mail has been delivered to you on this day.

“Now, where were we?” You clap your hands. “Ah, sewers.” Jesper takes the change of subject as his cue to leave but you stop him right when he pushes down the door handle. “Oh, and Jesper? If you tell Inej, I’m ripping your arm off and beating you to death with it.”

He looks at you over his shoulder, a newfound sense of anxiety turning his vivid amusement into somewhat tame courtesy, leaving his smile unfaltering but tearing away the genuine joy behind it. “I will keep this enlightening piece of advice in mind, thank you.”

The door clicks as Jesper closes it behind himself. Returning to your previous engagement, you stumble upon Brekker’s stern gaze of disapproval. 

“Do not maim my investments.” Although it’s supposed to be a scolding or a threat, it comes out with a certain note of disinterest.

“Don’t try playing all nice, Kaz. You and I both know you’d watch for like ten minutes before stepping in.”

His gloved finger taps the map. “Sewers.” 

You mumble something along the lines of ‘yes, sir’ and pick up the single-handed divider again. Kaz examines your face out of the corner of his eye. Judging by your casual demeanour, the palm’s length between your heads is of no bother to you. Maybe you’re just too busy counting the segments with the divider. When you’re done, you reach for the other side of the desk, for a moment leaving broody Kaz to the, surprisingly cold, lukewarm air filling the room.

This day just can’t seem to end for Burr Lowther. First, he had to take his regular trip into the filth of the Barrel, he shudders at the memory, only to then spend another ten hours at the sewing workshop. Being a foreman pays exceptionally well and perhaps this is the only reason he’s still putting up with those lazy needlewomen. 

Putting his well-kept coat on the hanger by the front door, Burr lets out a sigh of relief - compared to the factory, his house is a quiet oasis. He remembers to take out a pouch and a box of expensive cigars from his coat. Without much thinking, he opens the small bag and puts another leaf of mint between his teeth. What started first as an addition to his personal hygiene, has quickly become a habit impossible to kill. Now used to the strong, chilly sensation on his tongue, he’s grown to like it. 

The house is drowning in darkness. Dim, yellow light from the streetlamps crawling in through the windows is barely enough to let him make his way around the furniture. Foreman Lowther is yet to start the fire in his living room but he needs to be quick - if he stalls too long his joints will begin to hurt. Even with laudanum, the ache is bound to keep him up for hours and that’s something he can’t afford. But first, he needs some light to be able to get the necessary things.

Chewing on the herb, Burr walks to the table across the room from the fireplace. He puts the new box of cigars down and begins looking for something to light the oil lamp. Once he blindly finds a box of matches, his muscle memory does most of the job - he’s lit up the lamp far too many times to think about the actions. In swift, mechanical motions, Burr takes off the chimney, lights the wick and puts the glass part back on. The fire brightens the rest of the table, reminding the foreman that he forgot to put away the made-to-order McKinnon & Co. stationery. He pushes the paper farther away from the lamp, just in case.

Burr’s knees make a cracking noise when he crouches in front of the fireplace. Carefully, he lights a match and puts it between logs and old newspapers. The fire smoulders for a moment, balancing between starting and being put out, before a bigger flame begins gnawing at the dry wood and paper. 

Foreman Lowther is about to stand up when something hits the side of his head, making his face clash with the seat of a nearby armchair. Scurrying and turning around, he sees an outline of a man, looking more like a feverish mare of the night than a real human. He’s thin and tall, dressed rather elegantly. The model crow on his cane glistens in the newly started fire.

“Who are you?” Burr’s voice cracks, giving away his panic.

“A scorned businessman, Burr Lowther,” Kaz explains slowly.

The foreman climbs backwards into the armchair. It’s difficult to look imposing while sitting beside a fireplace but his fear is far too severe to let the man stand on his own two feet.

“I’ve no business with you!” he yells. A few droplets of spit fly out of his mouth. “Get out!” Burr’s shaky hand points vaguely in the direction of the front door but Kaz, as it seems, is not going anywhere just yet.

In slow steps, Kaz gets closer to Burr, the difference in height painting him even more menacing. Lowther’s hand falls limp on a small table meant for trays with food.

“Perhaps you don’t. But I have plenty with you.”

Before foreman Lowther can ask another question, Brekker drives a sharp blade through the man’s palm, pinning it to the wooden counter. A howl of pain cuts through the night, scaring away the birds sitting outside the windows. Thick, crimson blood spills from the wound, falling to the floor in long drops. The fireplace’s flame glistens in the growing puddle, the reflection dances in morbid anticipation.

Kaz walks over to the table with the oil lamp. The first thing that catches his eye is the ivory paper. Somehow, he stifles the visceral reaction it elicits from him. Grabbing the wad of stationery, he folds it a few times and puts it in the inner pocket of his coat. Then his gaze trails towards the wooden box of cigars. The name of the company, Starling, is burned in cursive lettering on the front. In a swift movement, Kaz slides the package open, knowing exactly what he’s going to find inside - a cigar cutter. For people who can afford Starling tobacco products, it definitely doesn’t befit to chew off the end.

Firelight cascades off the metal cutter when Kaz turns back towards Burr. The man’s eyes widen in panic, recognizing the sharp device put against him.

“No, sir,” Burr begs with a frantic shake of his head. “Oh, Saints, please, no! Don’t! I’m begging you, sir! Please, please! No, please!”

Brekker’s face doesn’t change its indifferent expression. The pleading is not putting him off, never faltering his already-made decision. Perhaps, if it isn’t too morbid to consider, he’s enjoying having someone at his mercy. The cigar cutter clicks quietly as Kaz closes it a few times to check the state of the mechanism.

Kaz makes his way back to the foreman. Casually, he puts his cane against the table but away from the nailed palm, careful not to get it dirty. Then, he snatches Burr’s other hand, the swiftness diminishing all doubts that he’s inexperienced in bringing suffering.

“You have laid your hands on something that isn’t yours, Lowther,” Brekker explains as he forces one of the man’s fingers through the cutter’s opening. “Now you must pay for it.”

A muscle in his face ticks as he presses the cigar cutter. Burr howls in agony, tears streaming down his face. The finger falls to the floor with a wet slap as blood begins to pour. The white tip of the bone sticks out from the pulsating flesh, glistening in the warm, dim light of the burning fireplace.

In a feverish delirium, Lowther mumbles something under his nose, the string of incomprehensible words sometimes interrupted by sobs. Kaz can understand only two things from the ramblings of a madman: ‘wench’ and ‘reply’. Scarce information but he hardly needs more.

“Wench?” he repeats in a low voice.

With a snap of his wrist, Kaz twists the knife still residing in the man’s hand. A bone cracks. But there’s no scream this time - not an ounce of strength left in the victim. Lonely tears stream down his grey face, mixing with cold sweat as he blankly stares ahead. A gloved hand yanks his head back by the hair, forcing delirious Burr to look into Brekker’s eyes. They look darker than they should, clouded with something far too horrible to be considered human.

“Not only did you lay your filthy hands on something of mine,” Kaz’s voice is low enough to resemble a growl as though something carnal inside him has finally woken from its slumber, “but you also dare insult her.”

Burr makes a strange guttural noise, something between a gag reflex and a murmur, as another one of his fingers is cut off. Considering his vacant expression, it’s hard to say whether his consciousness even registered the loss.

Kaz tosses away the cigar cutter. It clutters and clicks falling in the largely unknown corner of the room. Reaching inside his coat, he pulls out the folded stationery. Pressing tightly on Burr’s cheeks, he forces the man’s mouth open.

“I don’t think you will be needing this anymore.”

Even if foreman Lowther was in his right mind at the moment, there wouldn’t be much he could do to prevent Kaz from shoving the dry paper down his throat. A match, a spark, a smoulder - the ivory stationery is burning inside Burr’s mouth.

Leaving Burr Lowther to his own devices, Kaz Brekker leaves the house, joining the otherwise grey and indifferent citizens of Ketterdam. The sunrise is just a few hours away. He’s making his way back to the club, uninterrupted and unbothered, to enjoy another day of your hardly divided attention.

[mschoiyuki]

Forever With You

Trafalgar Law x f!reader

tw : angst to fluff. slow burn. SFW

wc : 7.2k

a/n : Modern AU. Everyone alive. Lack of communication. Law is clueless.

request by anon : arranged marriage with Law where you actually do love him but he doesn't know that.

Hi sweet anon, I don’t know you want this as a full angst or angst to fluff. I hope this is what you want, and I hope you like it.

I'm sorry for any grammar errors.

It's best to read this while listening to :

❆ Katy Perry - Wide Awake

❆ Taylor Swift - Say Don't Go (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

Enjoy ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧

"Law, you're single right?" Doflamingo taps his fingers on his desk.

Law gives his unamused look and sighs, "I'm busy and you called me to come here to ask that stupid things?"

"Here. Go meet her at 1 PM at Dressrosa Hotel. She is your soon wife to be." Doflamingo throw a folder contains photos and all information about you in front of Law.

Law take a deep breath and clench his fist, "Like I said, I'm busy and I don't want to get married. No, I'm not interested in it. Go ask someone else." Law stands and ready to leave Doflamingo's office.

"You know I don't take NO as answers, right my cute nephew? Everything has been settled, the date, the venue, everything. You just need to meet her once before the marriage day." Doflamingo scrunch his eyebrows, "1 PM at Dressrosa Hotel. Takes the folder with you and off you go." Doflamingo puts his leg on the desk and sips his wine.

"Can't you just ask someone else? Like I said-" Law ruffles hir hair in frustation.

"You remember who makes you as a hospital director, right? And you remember with whose money that you could went abroad for collage for your doctors degrees, right?" Doflamingo interrupted Law before he can finish his words, swirling his wine glass.

"Like I said, I don't takes NO as answers. And you need, no, you MUST marry her, because I need their money. No matter what. End of discussion. You can go now." Doflamingo smirks and continue sipping his wine.

Law abruptly stands and storm off without saying any words. Doflamingo peer from his glasses, "Rosi, your son didn't take the files with him. And make sure he meets with the girl."

Rosinante shakes his head and take the folder with him, following Law to try persuade him to meet the girl. He spotted Law walks in to the lift, he runs and call for Law, "Law! Wait for me!!" Rosinante almost fell over in front of the lift and Law immediately push the hold button to let him in.

"I know why you are here." Law lets out a defeated sighs.

"Just go this once, Law. You know what will happen if you defy Doffy. Plus it's not a bad things if you're married, someone will take care of you. Hey, look. She's pretty too." Rosinante open the folder and tries his best to persuade Law, "Just go there for a moment, maybe talk a little? It will be so damn awkward at the wedding day if you ignore her, right?"

"I can take care of myself." Law grumbles, when the lift reach his destination floor, Law quickly get off. But Rosinante still follows Law closely, making Law more irritated than before . "Fine! Fine! I'll go! Happy now?" Law turns his heel to face Rosinante and takes the folder from him.

"Are you sure you want to marry him, Y/N?" Your father, Dragon asks. Being the only daughter of his, he seems reluctant to let you marry with someone from Doflamingo Family.

"Yes, father. 100% sure." You can't help the smiles that form on your face. Dragon not sure why are you so happy to get married even though you never meet your husband to be.

"You do know why Doflamingo wants you to marry his nephew, right? He just wants our money to invest for his hospital business." Dragon still persuade you to consider about this marriage again.

"I know, father. I have a lot of money. You can use my money for the investment, don't worry about it. Also some of my friends works at there, so let's just say I help them." You try to calm your father down.

"It's not about money, Y/N. You're my only daughter and I'm not that cold hearted to let you marry with someone you don't know. I just want you to marry someone you truly love, I just want my daughter to be happy." He may looks cold at the outside, but your father is just a softie to his sons and daughter.

"It's okay, father. Really. If anything happens I'll take care of it myself. Don't worry, okay?"

"But-"

"Ah! Look at the time! I have to go to meet my soon husband to be. Bye, dad!" You cut him off and dash out from his office almost bumps into Sabo at the door, "Oops. Sorry brother number 2." You laugh and kiss his cheek and run off again. "Hey! Where are you going, Nee-chan?" Sabo tries to catch you. "Off to meet the love of my life! Byeee~" You dodge him and stick your tongue out. Sabo glance at his father who shakes his head and sighs.

You nervously wait for Law at the restaurant, rubbing your thumbs together trying to calm down and keep your cool demeanor. When you sees a unique white spotted hat, you stands ready to welcomes Law, you reach your hand out to shake his hand, “Hi, I’m Y/N. Daughter of Monkey D. Dragon.”

Law reach your hand, “Trafalgar Law.”

You both sits down and order some lunch. You try to do a small talks with Law, but he just answer it short and sharp like he doesn't has any interest with you, he also doesn't ask you questions. You bites your inner lip and gives Law a sheepish smile, and eating in silence.

After done with lunch, Law offers to drive you to your house. You happily accept it because it's mean spending more time with him. But sadly silence fall over inside the car.

When you reach your house you ask Law if he want to come in for a cup of tea, he decline saying that he needs to go back to hospital. “Oh. Okay. See you next time then.” You smiles and Law just nods and leave.

You sigh and walk inside your house when your phone rings, your best friend Nami calls. “Hey, how’s your date?” She giggles. “Umm. It’s good maybe? I don’t know. I think he doesn’t like me, maybe because this is an arranged marriage. Or maybe he already has someone he loves?” You can feel the tears are swelling because of your negative thoughts.

“I don’t think he has someone he likes. Luffy never mentioned anything about that.” When Nami didn’t hear your response, “Come on! Don’t be sad. Let’s go out now. You need your bachelorette party.”

When Law arrive at his office, his two friends pestering him asking him about his marriage.

“Is it true that you’re going to marry the only daughter of Dragon? The conglomerate??” Penguin excitedly pestering him.

“Yeah. Got no choice.” Law lets out a long sighs.

“When’s the wedding? So we’re are groomsmen then? Can’t believe you’re getting married.” Sachi squeals.

“Shut up! Get back to works!”

Both Sachi and Penguin scurrying off before they get a taste of their friend wrath, “Can’t wait for the big day! We need to throw you a bachelor party! We will invite the others!” Penguin shouts from the door.

“Don’t shouts in the hospital!” Law massages his back of neck, he can feels his blood pressure is rising. He can’t believe he has to married in less than a week.

Both of you decided just invite your family and close friends to the wedding party. Luffy can’t believe you married his friend, but still happy for you because this means Law becomes his family too now.

After exchanging vows and rings, the wedding officiant announce, “You may kiss your bride now.” Law hesitate but decided to just gives you a quick kiss so this whole party can be over. "And now I announce you husband and wife." You smile happily now that both of you are officially a married couple now, but Law just keep his stoic looks until the end. But he still does his duty, he stays at your side while you both greet the guests.

After the party ends, you both goes back to your new home. "We need to talk, Y/N-ya." For the first time he talks to you first so you got excited, "Yeah. Of course. I'll prepare some tea." Law quickly cut you off, "Don't bother. I'll be quick."

Law sits and gesture you to sit too, "I'll sleep at the guest room. It's not like we married because of love so I don't think it's appropriate for us to sleep at the same room. You can take the master bedroom." You widen your eyes with his statement, "But, I lo-" Law cuts you off, "Let me talk first so we can finish this quickly, because I have an early surgery schedule tomorrow."

"If you need someone to accompany you to your events, just tell me. I'll try to fit my schedules. You also don't have to do any wife duties to me, house chores and marital duties. I think that's all for me. Then I'll excuse myself first." Law stands and leave you dumbfounded.

You can feel something is stabbing your chest, his words really hurts. "Then tell me just one thing." You speak louder so Law can hear you, Law turn his body to face you. "Do you have someone you love? If you have one you should tell me, because I don't want to be the third party here." You clasp your hands praying that he doesn't has one.

Law gives his deadpan look on you wondering why you ask this kind of question, "No. I'm not interested in that kind of things."

“Hmm. Then if you want me to follow your rules, I want you to fulfill my requests.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to spend your days off with me, for a date. At least we have to show other people we are married couple.”

Law considers your offers, “Okay. Fine. Anything else?”

"That’s all for now. Thank you. Good night. Have a good rest, Law." You feel relieve after hearing his answer. At least you still have a chance with him. "Let's take this slowly then. Hopefully one day we can share the same bed or even he will open up to me and loves me." You thought to yourself and gets ready for bed.

Even though Law said to not do any wife’s duties, you still want to act like one. You are his legal wife, you love him, just some small acts won't hurt right?

You know that as a doctor, Law schedules will be so packed. Sometimes he will come home at dawn and when you're coming home from work he's already goes to hospital. It's so rare to see him at home.

So you decide to give him a visit at hospital, bringing his favorite food. You thought that at least he will be happy to see you. No. He's not. You can see his scowl face as if he don't want you to be here. He grabs your wrist and drag you in to his office, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm bringing you lunch, your favorite. Onigiri. Because I know you hardly get times to eat so I made something simple." You handed the lunch bag to him.

Law just stares at you with his cold grey eyes and sighs, "We have canteen here. I can eat whenever I have time. Though I already told you to not do your wife duties?"

You clench the bag, "And I told you we have to act like married couple? What kind of wife that never visits her husband?" You sighs, "It's almost three weeks that we never meet each other even at home you know? I try to stay awake to wait for you comes home so I can greet you. I told you I want a date on your day off. But you never have a day off. At least this is the only way I can see my husband face." You put down the lunch bag at his table, "If you don't want it you can give it to your friends. Bet they will love it."

You quickly leave his office trying to blinks away the tears. You thought that he will chase you and gives his apology, but none. He doesn't come out from his office. "Why would I thought he will do that? Pathetic."

"Y/N! Hey!" You turn your head to the source of voice that calling you, "Hey! Marco! Chopper! You guys are on break?" You hugs both of them, they are your brothers best friends so you've known them for quite a long time too. "Yeah, we are on break now. You good, Y/N?" Marco stare intently at you. "What? I'm good. Come on, I'll treat you guys foods and sweets." You quickly dismiss Marco concern, you don't want him to suspect anything.

"Are you coming to visit your husband, Y/N?" Chopper asking with mouth full of cotton candy. "Yes, I just met him before I bumped into you guys."

"He's a busy man. Being the top surgeon and also the head of this hospital." Marco propped his head on his hand.

"Yeah, I know that." You try not making eye contact with him, because he will know something's wrong and he definitely going to tell Ace about it.

You're going back home after after saying goodbye to Marco and Chopper. "Am I being to harsh with him? Well, like Marco said, Law is busy after all. I'll try to apologize to him tomorrow." Maybe you should be more patient with him, maybe you should be more considerate with him.

When you wake up and getting ready for work, Law comes out from his bedroom, "Hey, it's my day off today." Law scratch the back of his neck. Your eyes widen, "Soo.... You mean we can go on a date today?"

"Yeah. As my token of apology for not taking a day off. But if you're busy then we can move it to next time."

"Oh no no. I'm free today." You call your assistant to move your schedules for the next days. "So, where are we going today?" Your face beaming with anticipation.

"Where ever you want to go. It's up to you."

You decide to just grab a lunch, nothing fancy just a leisure lunch and goes to coffeeshop. Then everything change when you suddenly get a text from Ace.

"Oh my God... Ace, Sabo and Luffy wants to come over tonight. They said they want to have a sleepover at our house." You can see Law face turns slightly annoyed, "Then we should go home now, I have to move my things from my room to yours."

Law starts move everything, and staged it to make it like both of you are really together, sleeping, eating, everything. He needs to make it perfect in front of your brothers, because he knows how troublesome they are.

The three of them arrive right on when the chef done cooking for dinner. As soon you open the door Luffy jumps on Law, hugging him so tightly it annoys Law so much. Ace and Sabo give you a big hugs and just nods at Law.

"So, what's with the sudden visit and sleepover? You guys do know that I'm married right?" You chuckles while enjoying the dinner.

"Nothing, we just miss you, sis." Ace gives his suspicious stare to Law.

Ah... Marco must has said something to him.

After dinner and chatting with the guys at living room, you and Law decide to sleep because you both need to work tomorrow.

Law gets his pillow and blanket to sleep at a couch on your room, "Just sleep here. It's uncomfortable sleeping there. You need a good sleep." You plea at Law, honestly you're nervous mess because this is the first time you will share a bed with Law.

"No, I'm good. You can sleep at the bed."

"It's not like I'm going to do anything to you. If you don't want to sleep here then I'll sleep at the living room. Your choice." You start to picking up your pillow and blanket.

"Fine. Fine." Law let out a defeated sighs and strides to your bed, you smile and scoot over to make a room for him. He sleep at the edge of the bed, his back on you. You smile happily to be this close with him, this is enough for now. Maybe this is a good start, first date, first time sleeping together. You're content with it.

Law blink and open his eyes slowly to get rid of the sleepiness, he feels something warm on his chest. He looks down and find you sleeping peacefully in his embrace. He grunts and slowly lets you go, trying to not wake you up, "How the hell is this happened?" he get off from the bed and get ready to work.

You wake up when you hear rustling voice, "Morning. You want breakfast? I can make onigiri for you."

Law glance at his watch and he still has time for breakfast, and your brothers also still here, "Sounds good."

You happily making onigiri for him, and Law sits waiting for you while reading the newspaper with coffee. The brothers coming out because they smells something delicious, so you also make the onigiri for them.

After you pack the onigiri for Law, you walk him to the door to send him off. "I'm going now. Thanks for the onigiri."

"Wait." You tug his collar and pull him down and you capture his lips softly. Law's eyes widened with your sudden kiss, maybe because your brothers are looking. He slither his hand on your waist and kiss you back. You pulls away and graze his lips for a moment, not wanting this moment to be over. "Have a safe trip and good day, darling." Law's ear getting red with how you calls him, "Yeah, you too." Law murmur and he goes off to work.

You giggle thinking about your second kiss and how he kissed you back. Maybe this is a good sign. When you turn back to the dining room and see Ace and Sabo grinning like idiots while Sabo close Luffy's eyes, your smiles drop, "Now you three should go back to your own house. Shoo!" Ace and Sabo make any kind of excuses to stay at your house a little longer.

This means you can spend another nights with Law, but you afraid that he will be uncomfortable. So Law just tries to adjust the new routine, sleeping at your room, waking up with you in his arms for a week. Law feels like this can be a little dangerous for him, because every time he wakes up and see you in his arm there's something tingling in his heart. Something he can't describe with his knowledge. The feeling of your bare skin on his hands, your warmth, your steady breathe that makes him so in peace.

This is so wrong. Sleeping together, waking up with you. This is all wrong. This has to stop.

When your brothers all go back to their home, Law moves again to his room. He's back to the old him. Going to work or coming back to home when you're already go to work or even asleep. For the first two days you thought his schedule is packed, but it goes until two weeks, you never see Law at home at all, you even try to go to his hospital yet you also can't meet him. Is Law either busy or trying to avoid you.

The third week, Sabo text you saying, there will be a gala dinner for charity so you should come too with Law, because Law's hospital and Sabo company are the sponsors.

You wait at Law office for all day to ambush him, you need to ask him why he never coming home and he also need to attend the gala tonight. But you decide to not ask him about that to not spoiled the mood later.

Law startle when he sees you at his office. "Long time no see, darling. We need to attend the gala tonight. You should go home to prepare." You give him a sweet smile but taste bitter for you. "Yeah, I know. You can go home first, I still need to finish my last appointment for today." Law walks to his desk without sparing you a glance. You sighs, "Fine. I'll wait at home, we need to go there together."

When you're done with your make up and hair, you hear Law's coming home. He also starts prepare for the gala. You go to his room and knock, "Law, can you help me button up the backside?" Then you see Law already on his suit, looking so damn handsome like the day you two got married. "Yeah, sure." Law thoughts he will only help you a few buttons, but when your back turn to him, Law's breath hitched when he sees your bare back. He carefully to not touch your skin, but he feels the urge to touch you. He lightly graze your skin as he buttons up your dress, making you goosebumps and shudder with his touch. "All done." Law's hand still linger for a seconds near your neck, feeling reluctant to let it go. "Oh. Thanks. I'm done, we can go now." Law nods and walks out of his room to get the car started.

After greetings all the guests together with Law, now you both goes separate ways talking with business partner or colleagues. But then when you talking with one of the potential investor, he begins become a little bit flirty and that makes you uncomfortable. You try to endure it because he might be put his money on the hospital or Sabo's company.

You jolt when you feel a hand slither on your waist and grip it tightly, when you look at the hand owner turns out it's your husband hand and that's make you feel relieve and safe. "Are you done talking with my wife? Because we need to talks to the others. If you need anything else you can contact her secretary. Let's go, honey. Then, pardon us. Enjoy your night." Law's hand still on your waist and he leads you to the other people. You look up at him, "Thank you, Law." But he doesn't says anything back.

"Y/N!" You hear a familiar voice calling you, when you turn your head and see the red hair man, you unintentionally slips away from Law's grip and you walk to him and hug him, "Shanks! Long time no see! How you've been?" You’ve known Shanks for quite a long time too, just like Marco. Shanks often visits Luffy when he was just a kid.

When you slips away from Law's grip, he feels a stinging pain in his heart. Law follows you and stand at your side when you chats with Shanks. Law never sees you so happy before, laughing with another man. As time goes by Law watch you still talking with Shanks like Law doesn't exist at your side, it's irritated him more. But he doesn’t knows why.

“Honey, can we go back now? I have an earlier surgery tomorrow.” Law intentionally puts his hand on your waist again and tug you closer to his side.

“Oh yeah. Sure.” You find it strange with Law’s behavior tonight. At first he saved you from that man, that’s normal. Maybe because he saw you feel uncomfortable. But this? With Shanks? He should knows who Shanks is. You say goodbye to Shanks and Law leads you until inside the car.

Another strange behavior from Law is he drives so fast. He never drives more than the maximum speed. “Law, are you okay?” You ask him with concerns but he doesn’t answer you, and it’s makes you worry more.

When you both reached home, Law immediately get off from the car and storm off inside the house and you follow suit.

As soon as you close the door and calls him again he push you to the wall, pinned both of your hand above your head with his left hand, his right hand grabs your neck tugging your hair a little and Law kiss you aggressively. He shoved his tongue in and slide his right hand to your waist pulling you closer to him.

The third kiss with Law leaves you breathless, hot, but you can feel his anger in it. When he pulls away, he quickly moves to your neck and shoulder blade, leaving bite marks. You whimper and says his name meekly, “Law…”

Law shoot his eyes open, pulls away from you and stare you wide-eyed. Your red lipstick is all smudged on your chin, Law sure he also has your lipstick smudged on his lips. Yet you looks so beautiful even you are in mess. He wants to kiss you again but when your lips graze each other, there's something snap in Law's brain. And he stop before he can kiss you again.

Law release your hand and takes a step back, "Sorry." That's all he says and he runs off, he hurriedly get inside the car and left you.

As for you, you still trying to process everything that happened. The kiss, his sorry, and he left you just like this. You even can't ask him what is he sorry for, you even can't stop him from leaving. Everything happen so fast.

You try to call him but doesn't pick it up. You try all night but none. You try to reach him for a week but he can't be find, you try to ask his father but Rosinante doesn't know anything about it. You try to go to hospital and even wait all day at his office but Law not coming up. This is drive you insane.

A week without any news from Law, it's makes you tired mentally and physically but you don't want to give up before you can get the answer from Law. The last retort is you ask his close friends, Sachi and Penguin. You even threaten them. Turns out Law is staying at their place. They give you the address and you rush to go there.

You rings the bell and when Law open the door, he doesn't expect you to be here. Law immediately close the door, but you held your hand between the door to prevent it close. In result Law hurt your hand pretty bad from how hard he slams the door.

Law shocks with how careless you are and he instinctively brings you in. He sits you down and checks your hand is there any broken bone or anything, he massage your hand to ease the pain.

"So, can we talk now?" You stare at Law, you can see how tired he is from his face, it's not like you are any better than him. But he still refuse to talk, so you just sighs and continue to ask him, "Why did you do that? And why you left me? You didn't calls me or texts me. Just tell me the reason, don't leave me hanging like that. I hate it."

Still nothing, Law doesn't looks at you nor even answer you. You yank your hand and hiss at your throbbing hand, Law look at you but he quickly avert his eyes.

It's hurt like hell. Not your hand, but your heart. "I love you, Law." You whispers the words while trying to hold back your tears. "I love you." You repeat it again now more clearly. "I love you." And now you can't hold back the tears anymore. Law just stay silent, but he turn his head to look at you. He didn't says it back, instead he says. "No, you don't. This marriage is not true. We married because Doflamingo arranged it. And I'm truly sorry that you had to involve with it."

"I love you, Law." You try to reach his hand, but Law dodge it. "Go home, Y/N-ya. I think we need to separate ourselves to think more clearly."

"What do you mean? My mind have always been clear, Law." You wipe your tears, "Do you love me, Law?"

Law clench his both hands and stare at you, he can't say anything. It feels like something stuck at his throat, so he just turn his head averting his gaze.

"I'm happy with you, Law. Even if it's just for two months I'm really happy." You close your eyes and take a deep breath, "But, if you don't love me and you are suffering because of me, because of this marriage, then let's divorce. My lawyer will prepare all the papers. And don't worry about Doflamingo, I'll handle him."

You stand up and walk to Law, you reach his face and turn his head to looks at you. "Thank you for the happiest memories you gave me, Law. I love you." You leans in and stop at his lips, instead his lips you kiss his cheek for the last time. Because you don't want your last kiss with Law is a farewell kiss, let the last kiss with Law was the hot passionate kiss he gave you.

You caress his cheek and smile at Law, "You are free now, Law." Then you walk out of the apartment. You enter the lift and make a call, "Sabo, please pick me up." You crouch down and you can't hold back your tears anymore, you sobs while calling Sabo.

Sabo tries to drives faster to pick you, it's really hurt his heart hearing his beloved sister crying like that. When he arrive he immediately takes you into the car. "Take me to your place, Sabo. I don't want to go home. Please." You still sobs and clutching your arms tightly, leans your head to the window.

Sabo lets you sleep at the guest room, he prepare everything you needs. "Can you tell me why you are there, sis? What happened to you? Who did this to you?" Sabo sit at the edge of the bed and hold your hand to calm you down. Being the closest siblings with Sabo, you tell him everything and you cry again remembering how painful today's event were.

"Promise me, Sabo. Don't tell Luffy about this. They are friends. I don't want to ruin their friendship." You try to convince Sabo to keep silent about this matter.

"Then why you did that? Why you have to divorce him?" Sabo still can't understand why.

"If he can be free from this suffering then I'll do anything for him, Sabo." You give him a sad smile.

"Then what about you? You don't care with your own happiness?"

"If Law is happy to be free, then I'm happy too, Sabo."

Sabo grip your hand tightly, "Then what's your plan after this?"

"I don't know. Maybe I'll go to Switzerland to clear my minds. I don't have any confidence what will I become if I stay here." You really want to stop crying but the tears just rolls down on it's own. Sabo hugs your for comforting you, "So, when you are gonna go?" You hiccups and wipe your tears, "Tomorrow."

Law lays on his bed and stare blankly at his wedding ring on his finger. He takes it off, "I'm free? From what? Doflamingo? You?" Free. But he feels empty inside. There's something wrong with this freedom you gave him, but he doesn't know what's wrong with it. Law tries to sleep but his eyes won't shut. He can't sleep, every times he close his eyes, your face appears at his mind. Your crying face haunts him, Law can felt his heart clench when he saw your tears, Law wants to wipe away your tears, but he can't, he doesn't has the right for that. Does Law feels guilty to shove you away? Or he just pitying you?

Law not sure if he feels guilty or pity. But he won't denied that the first time he saw you two years ago in the crowd you were so mesmerizing. When he knew that you are his marriage partner he was so torn, should he be happy or sad? Will you be happy with him? And why did you agreed to marry him? Do you even love him?

But when you said you love him numerous times, he can't believe it. There's no way you love him. Did Doflamingo tricked you? Law keep tossing around thinking about everything that had happened today, "I should go home tomorrow to get new clean clothes. I have to wait when you're not at home then." Law sighs and his eyes feel heavy now with the sleepiness creep in.

When Law arrive at your house, he see Sabo's car outside. Law walks in and Sabo stare at him with anger, "You are really stupid, you know that? I really want to punch you right now but I try to hold back for the sake of my sister that loves you so much. You don't deserve her." Sabo walk past Law and leave him there.

Law lets out dry chuckles, "Yeah, I don't deserve her." Law thought that you are resting at your room, but there's soemthing not feels right at this house. It's feels empty, like nobody is at home right now. Law's guts tell him to check on you, so he walks to your room and knocks. But there's no answer, so he open it. Law's eyes widen when he see your empty room, "So this is it, huh?" Law close the door and starts gather his things, before he leave he looks back one more time. Remembering some moments he spent with you in this house.

You sits at the lounge waiting for your boarding time, looking at your diamond ring, you rub it and take it off, "Funny how this beautiful ring is not from him. Must be someone else pick our wedding rings." You chuckles, trying to hold back your tears behind your sunglass. When you hear the announcement for your flight, you get up and put your ring into the champagne glass.

That night Rosinante come to visit Law at Sachi and Penguin place, "Are you seriously getting divorce with Y/N? Why, Law?"

"Because this marriage is not real from the beginning. Doflamingo already got what he wants. So there's nothing wrong if we divorce."

Rosinante sighs, "Do you hear yourself right now, Law? Your words don't match your face you know. Don't lie to yourself."

"Lie about what? I'm not lying." Law furrow his eyebrows.

"Law, do you love her?" Rosinante ask him bluntly, "See. you even can't say no to it. I saw how you both looks at each other, Law. You look at her with eyes full of love. Think and ask yourself again, Law. Do you love her or not. She came to me asked about you in panic, you know." Rosinante rise and pat Law's shoulder. "It's not too late, Law."

Rosinante’s word lingers at Law’s brain, he stares at his phone thinking is this the right thing to do? Law close his eyes and takes a deep breath, then he push the call button, “Hey, Sabo. This is Law. Can we meet up now? There’s something I need to ask you.”

“What do you want, Law?” Sabo crossed his arms.

“I need to know where is Y/N-ya. And I know you must know where she is right now.”

“And why do you think I’ll tell you that?”

“Because I want to make it right this time.” Law stare directly at Sabo, and it’s make Sabo soften, he tells Law where you are right now.

“Thanks. I owe you.” Law rises from his seat and ready to leave but Sabo tells something to him and that makes Law more sure about his decision.

You strolls around Lake Lungern, enjoying the view and fresh air. Hoping this new environment can heal your broken heart. Yet your mind still wanders to Law. What’s he doing now, does he has surgery today, does he eat yet. You chuckle and shake your head, you flew thousands miles from him yet you still can’t forget about him.

When you look ahead, you see something familiar. A tall man with a white fluffy spotted hat. You squint your eyes, thinking maybe you’re hallucinating now because you just thought about him. Strange… That white fluffy spotted hat coming closer to you until that man stop his tracks a few feet from you.

“Hey.” Law stands awkwardly in front of you.

“This is not real.” You look up at him, blinking away your hallucination. But that man still standing in front of you, "It's real. It’s me, Y/N-ya.”

“What are you doing here? How did you-”

“I asked Sabo.” Law cut you off, “I’m here to take my wife back.”

You can’t believe with what just he said, “Wife?? I already told my lawyer to take care of the divorce papers. You are free now, Law. You can do whatever you want."

"Yes, and since I can do whatever I want then I'm here to take what's mine."

"You are so selfish, Law." You walk past him. You have a mixed feeling about Law sudden appearance. Just when you decided to let him go and yet here he is, spouting nonsense.

Law follow you and stands in front of you again to stop you walks away, trying to convince you that he is serious about this, "I know I'm selfish, and I'm sorry that I hurt you. Can we go somewhere else so we can talk?"

You close your eyes and sighs, "Do you have a place to stay?" Law shake his head. "Follow me."

You walk to a small cottage near the lake, Law follows you in and he put his bag down. "Coffee?" You walk to the kitchen but Law grab your wrist, "That can wait, let's talk first." Law lead you to the couch sits with you.

"Did Doflamingo threatened you to do this? I told you I'll handle him. You don't have to worry about the funds or anything, Law. Just lives freely." You furrow your eyebrows and ready to unleash your rage to Doflamingo later after this.

"No, Y/N-ya. He didn't threatened me or anything. I did this is on my own will." Law take your hand and rub your back of hand and he realize you don't wear your wedding ring anymore, "I know this is too late, but I really wish I still can make it right."

"What do you mean, Law?"

Law take a deep breathe, "I believe we saw each others at Luffy's birthday party two years ago. I mean we didn't talk to each other that time, but I saw you, and I... I felt something that time, but I just brushed it off. Until we met again at the hotel for the marriage thing. To be honest when I saw you as my wife to be, I'm afraid that you won't like me, because this is arranged marriage after all and we never talk before. Until you said that you love me, I still can't believe it."

This is the first time that you hear Law talking this much, and he shows you his vulnerable side to you, "How did you know we saw each other at Luffy's birthday party two years ago?"

"Sabo told me. He also said that you pestering him asking about me that night. Is that true, Y/N-ya?"

"Yeah..." You murmur and look down at your hand that Law still grip.

"I'm sorry, Y/N-ya. I shouldn't had push you away like that. Can we start over again? Is it too late, Y/N-ya?" Law lifts your face to look at him.

Tears begin threatened to fall at the corner of your eyes, you can't believe this day will come. You just nod and the tears fall down, Law hugs you tightly and kiss your temple, and you cry in his embrace.

When you wake up you feel a heavy arm hugging your body from behind, a head nuzzle at the crook of your neck. This feel surreal, from today onwards you will waking up with Law at your side everyday. Law stir awake and he peppered kisses on your shoulder and neck, "Morning, my wife." He says between the kisses. "Gosh. His morning voice is so sexy."

You giggle and turn around to face him, "Morning, husband." You kiss his lips and Law smile against your lips, spending a lazy morning with you under the sheets, feet’s entangled with each other and snuggles is like a dream come true for him.

“Do you remember the kiss you gave me when we got home from the gala dinner?” You propped yourself on Law’s chest and tracing his heart tattoo that you see for the first time.

Law furrow his eyebrows, thinking for a moment, "Yeah... Why??"

"Are you jealous when I talked with Shanks?" You grin at him. "No." Law flick your forehead gently. Your grins widened and you tease him again, "Ah... You are jealous." Law ears turned red, he grabs your arm and waist and flip you on your back, you laugh and Law bites your neck and laps it with his tongue, he suck it to make a red color appear on your skin making you whimper, "You're mine. I don't like it when you get close with other men." Law kiss your forehead and he grab your hand to get off from the bed, "Come on, let's go out and eat breakfast before we stroll around the lake." Well, turns out he quite a possessive man, you try to hold your smile.

Law intertwined his hand with you as both of you strolls around the lake, "Where is your wedding ring, Y/N?" You're taken aback with his sudden question and you stop on your track. You almost forgot that you didn't wear the ring anymore, "Umm. At the champagne glass on the lounge?" You stare at Law with apologetic look, "Well, since we will get divorce so I took it off and left it there. And I know you're not the one that chose our wedding ring. So... Yeah..."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm not the one that chose those rings. That's why this time I choose it myself." Law brings a box from his pocket and he open it. There are two wedding rings in it, a pretty diamond ring that really suits you. You gasps when he open it, Law takes your ring and brings up your hand, "Let's start over again, Y/N. Stay with me forever." Law slips the ring onto your finger and he kiss your knuckles.

You can't hold back your happy tears, you take Law's ring and you slips it onto his finger, "You stuck with me, darling." You giggles and tip toeing to kiss Law.

Law grabs your waist and pulls you close without leaving a gap between you, and he deepen the kiss. When he pulls away, he caress your cheek, "I love you, Y/N."

"Takes you long enough to say it. I love you too, Law." You smile and kiss him again, you can feel Law smiles on your lips.

You don't need Law to kneels to propose you, this is more than enough for you, all that matter is Law asking you to marry him again on his own will.

Both you and Law just stroll around the lake and the village, hand in hand and so in love. Enjoying your honeymoon.

dividers by : @saradika-graphics

[mercurytrinemoon]

on house systems and my reasoning behind using whole sign house system

As some of you may have seen from my recent posts, a couple of weeks ago a youtube/tik tok astrologer called whole sign users - including me - "lazy, non-abstract thinkers who can't think outside of the box". I dare to say it is ironic because people who use Placidus - a house system that is a default system in all astrology websites and software (aside from CHANI!) - are actually the ones leaning towards being lazy and unwilling to branch out and try something new. They are complacent in that regard. So that inspired me to talk about house systems in general and about why I personally find whole sign system the most accurate. I may do a part two where I will read a few charts to give you examples and illustrate my thought process. This part is an introduction and the theoretical reasoning behind my choice.

MY BACKGROUND

Like probably 99% of people, I've started my astrological journey with Placidus. It didn't last long (although if you count the time I've been indirectly under my mom's teachings then it's about 15 years, lol) because after a couple of months of my independent deep dive on astrology I switched to equal house system, which I found a nice compromise between an equally-divided houses and the fact that the 1st house starts at the ascendant.

And honestly, it's not like I jumped to the equal system just like that. I really didn't want to at first because that'd mean I wouldn't be able to be on the same page with everyone else - which still to this day is annoying sometimes when someone is showing a chart in Placidus and in my head I'm like "but this placement you're talking about! It would fit perfectly if you switched to whole sign!". But people refuse to keep their minds open and really stop and think about it. And I mean, really stop and think, not switch the system, look at it for 5 minutes, not really giving it a chance and then switch back to Placidus again.

So I've mentioned it ages ago but that deep dive into astrology started with synastry. I was looking at the bi-wheel of me and someone else and as much as I loved the thought of them having Venus in my 1st house, I just couldn't find logic in it: how can a Pisces Venus be compatible with my Aquarius ascendant if it's in a neighbouring sign and neighbouring signs have nothing in common??? It was a hard pill to swallow because I wanted it to be in my 1st, but it wasn't. It's two different energies, on paper Aquarius and Pisces shouldn't work together, so why is this trying to force me into thinking they do?

This is how I ditched Placidus. Because of synastry.

And to be fair, I have my rising sign at 0° so equal and whole look pretty much identical in my case. So it's not like a bit of Pisces could still be in my 1st house. But like I said, I thought that'd be a nice compromise.

But later on I've discovered ancient techniques and the most important and impactful of them all:

ANNUAL PROFECTIONS

So, in annual profections you basically use whole sign system. Helenistic astrologers had equal system and Porphyry at hand, yet they used whole sign exclusively for that technique. Even modern astrologers who use Placidus for everything will tell you: whole sign for profections. Because, just like with many things in life, there are certain tools for certain techniques and mediums. You know, you use acrylic paint for wood, not watercolor. Or, you won't use the same paint for your walls as for your steel fence, right?

So I used profections. And they were spot on and continue to be. Therefore my conclusion was, it doesn't make sense to constantly switch between houses - although, again, some people do that and that's fine but I like consistency and going back and forth became a bit chaotic. Because if certain placements get activated during certain years with profections, then why would I read these placements differently on a day-to-day basis. You know?

One thing I will say though is that sometimes I will look if a planet is cadent or angular. I guess this is also just to see if it's moving towards the angle or moving away from it.

MODERN APPROACH

So back to Placidus for a bit. Maybe this is beside the point cause we're talking house system usage in and of itself but Placidus users often value the intricacies of a "personalised" chart, where every chart of, let's say, an Aquarius rising isn't divided the exact same way. They also like the intricacies of interceptions.

Yet they don't mind using generational planets as rulers for every Scorpio, Aquarius and Pisces (wow, every Scorpio rising born between 1983-1995 has Pluto in Scorpio, how boring). They also often don't use house rulers. I've yet to see a modern astrology book that teaches about house rulers except for the ascendant ruler. Heck, my certified astrologer mom was never taught that - and she went to school for that!

And, the horror, they resort to the notion of "1st house placement is the same as an Aries placement". Which I despise bacause that is a thinking of a dummy and I have a separate article on it HERE if you want to give it a read.

Again, not all Placidus users but kind of following that default system and not looking for alternative points of view leads most of them to these ways of reading charts. Because Placidus has been closely ascribed to the modern approach.

And I think "personalising" a chart with things like traditional rulers, having MC-IC possibly fall into houses other than 10th and 4th and certainly using house rulers is far more superior than having things like interceptions, which I personally find to be a bit gimmicky.

And to quickly answer your question: interceptions are said to symbolize "blocked" energy, right? I find it a redundantly philosophical concept where you have to make up stuff in order for it to fit: and it either doesn't or the answer can be found in a different spot in the chart. I did watch some of the stuff from that avid Placidus worshipper and they blamed intercepted Moon for themes of secrecy when the Moon was in Scorpio - a sign that is already secretive. So, was it an interception specifically that caused it?

HOUSE RULERS

Such an underrated thing yet so accurate. How many times have we all seen people ask "but what if my house is empty?". Usually the answer is "look at the sign that rules that house", when in fact it should be: "look at the house ruler!".

And house rulers work best with whole sign houses. Profections are an amazing way of demonstrating that. Look at your chart or the charts of others and really pay attention to what planet rules your profection year: I can guarantee you that using whole sign you'll see a massive difference between, for example, benefic-ruled years and malefic-ruled years. It's like a night and day. Of course there's a lot of factors and sometimes a Venus-ruled year might go south on you when it's the year of Venus retrograde or Saturn is transiting your natal Venus. But that only proves that it is Venus being switched on that year, not another planet.

Or when your year is ruled by a planet that is exalted vs in detriment or in fall.

House rulers using Placidus? Or any quadrant system in general? A mess honestly. I was reading reddit, as I often do, and I've scrolled through a discussion on house systems. A user called StellaGraphia put it perfectly so I'm just going to quote them:

"house rulers are muddled in quadrant systems. There will often be a planet in a different sign than the sign on the house's cusp, and the ruler of that sign is ruling the next house, not the one the planet is in. So who is that planet relying on? That planet's whole condition, etc. in relation to who it is operating under is muddled."

TRANSITS AND SAME ENERGY SITUATION

I think even transits can illustrate it in a good way. There's a reason we have sign-based aspects because the same energies feel each other.

Let's say someone has Sun in Pisces but using quadrant system Pisces takes up two different houses. Transiting Saturn goes into Pisces, the Sun's going to immediately feel it - because it's the same sign, the same energy. And let's say that Sun is in the 3rd house and Saturn is still in the 2nd. How can it affect 2nd house issues if it's already affecting the 3rd house Sun? Personally I just think it gets unnecessarily messy.

This is kind of simmilar to that synastry example I was talking about earlier.

WHY IS PLACIDUS *THE* SYSTEM ACTUALLY?

I think the topic of quadrant systems is messy in general because there's so many of them and no one really is right in saying Placidus is better or Regiomontanus is better or Campanus or whatever. They're all someone else's idea of what a house division should look like, it's all hypothetical and the only real thing there is is ascendant-descendant degree cause that's a literal horizon and MC-IC degree cause that's a literal meridian of the Earth. Everything else? Theories. So which one is right?

The goal of a lot of scholars throughout the years was to finally crack the code what kind of system was Ptolemy (2nd century) describing in his texts on astrology. A few astrologers tried to push their own theory on what it was, including Placidus whose interpretation was pretty detailed in calculations. And so this is exactly why it got popular - it had the advantage of being an appealing old concept (or so they thought) that could finally be put into practice thanks to the technological advancement that made it possible to calculate easily.

Funnily, much later it turned out that Ptolemy was most probably using some sort of equal house division and nothing really that complex to calculate.

And so at that time in the 17th century older systems have been pushed to the side because of the excitement surrounding a system that required more nuanced math. And more nuanced math meant more advancement - at least for astrologers of that time.

Whole sign system is, for obvious reasons, tidier and simpler (as in more direct) but that does not equal to "easier to read" or, how our Placidus bully said, "for the lazy". Because there's nothing easier or more difficult about reading one or the other. It's just quadrant houses get more clunky if you want to read with house rulers and no, clunky does not mean more intricate. It's just clunky.

It's also more convenient if you don't know someone's exact time of birth but you know their ascendant. You don't really need the exact degree to divide the houses. Same thing if someone has an approximate birth time - as long as the ascendant stays in the same sign you're good to go. This is definitely an additional advantage of the whole sign houses that come in handy surprisingly often in my experience.

And earlier I said I used to find equal system a nice compromise. I think an equally (no pun intended) good compromise - if not slightly better - is Porphyry, which still retains quadrants but divides them into equal sections. So if you do like each of the axis to be the beginning of an angular house but like me, you find interceptions useless and like things to be more tidy, maybe give Porphyry a try!

So what I’m trying to say is, if someone wants to use Placidus - or any other quadrant system - then go ahead but don't be silly and say crap about other systems, especially whole sign, when it's a method that's been the blueprint and despite its simplicity (or maybe because of it) it works like a charm and it's been used by all the fathers of astrology and they didn't need such convoluted system like Placidus.

Or heck, no one said you have to choose one and stick to it for the rest of your life. Test all of them, use whole sign parallel to a quadrant system - this is what astrologers did even back in the late hallenistic times. There's a lot of options to explore when it comes to house systems.

[beyonsatan]

My next astrology post was gonna be about the chart ruler in astrology but I just saw a tik tok about pisces that received the ugliest laugh from me and so decided that i will be talking about pisces and after closing the casket on a few stereotypes and western astrologers who have absolutely no idea what they're talking about yet charge for readings, I'm gonna hurt some feelings haha 😁...

So let's create a list of the misleading stereotypes that modern astrology have successfully managed to attach to pisces and then i'm going to debunk a few or all in order and I'm going to do this in the most polite way :)

• Ditzy (you might've heard "pisces is debilitated in mercury so it makes sense why pisces aren't the smartest or are 'easily fooled'" WRONGGGGG! In fact, ancient astrologers believed that pisces was in its detriment while in mercury because you can't think properly when you're in love. Venus the planet of love feels the strongest in Pisces, venus is pisces dignified ruler, pisces is the only sign that's dignified in both benefics (Venus, Jupiter) so if you asked me what sign i think is the most in love with love i would say with confidence pisces. This is why often when you hear a pisces talking about something or someone they love they stumble over their words. Contradictory to popular belief, pisces are very intuitive and can spot people trying to take advantage of their giving nature. A person who is intuitive and knows when something is up is not dumb, being both intuitive and gullible is already a contradiction. Saying that a jupiter (planet of wisdom) ruled sign is dumb does not fit the bill or even make sense for that matter. Mercury In sagittarius is debilitated as well but not because sagittarius is stupid, gullible or can't reason but because sagittarius is the jokester and is all about exposing the truth and their delivery is usually harsh which can rub people the wrong way. It's all about the delivery with them, there can be instances of blurting out things at the wrong time, things that would be considered offensive, that doesn't necessarily translate to them being dumb, they're just blunt lol. A good example of this would be nicki minaj

• escapists (the only true one I have actually heard so far but I also think that the stigma around escapism needs be brought to a stop. Pisces is dignified In both benefics so they do not prefer to indulge in things that are meant to discourage them like fear, anger, self doubt and turmoil so in order to keep themselves on their feet they distract themselves with things that are meant to inspire or otherwise entertain them to keep them going. This claim that they get consumed by their fantasies, can't face reality or take decisive action is a myth and stems from this idea that certain aspirations or wish fulfillments are out of reach and too unrealistic to be put into plan. so while everyone else is doing only what's within their reach thinking things can't get any better for them, pisces is dreaming big and this is where people can often confuse delusion with staying optimistic. How wise would it be to call someone "stupid" or "an escapist" because they're choosing to see the bright side of a situation or not succumbing to negative emotions? Not very wise at all right? Out of every zodiac sign I would argue that pisces is the most likely to recover from difficult times Because the benefics always keep them in good spirit

• drug addicts (i just wanna say that if you've ever gotten a paid reading from an astrologer who has said up out their mouth that "pisces is the most suspectible to drug and alcohol abuse," you have been scammed and should request your money back, these astrologers either think that pisces is ruled by neptune or they think having pisces placements is the same as having 12th house placements, ps: it is NOT the same and they CERTAINLY do not make you more artsy, dreamy and whatever other terms ppl use to deem pisces.) the 12th house is where you can see some unhealthy habits and addictions, that is true but once again pisces does not rule over the 12th house nor does pisces get its meaning from this house and anyone that told you otherwise lied 💞

• poor self esteem (I'm not even about to dignify this imbecilic talking point with a lengthy response 💀 if pisces was a sign with poor self esteem, the sign wouldn't be comfortable in the planet that literally rules over our values and self esteem, 'venus' lol)

• compulsively lie ( one more attribute that came from neptune. I'm not gonna say pisces is perfect but alot of these stereotypes aren't really aligning with jupiterian and Venusian energy) you wouldn't lie to a person that you truly love (venus) and you wouldn't be able to easily fool someone who is wise(Jupiter) does that make better sense to yall??) Why do you think it makes sense for a zodiac sign that's notorious for their contempt of lies and deceit(Scorpio) to be compatible with a sign that modern astrology famously dubs as "liars" that doesn't make sense either does it? Of course not, cause it's not true lmao, every sign is capable of lying.

Summary: Once you register through your mind that there is no connection between pisces and neptune in astrology, everything that you've learned about pisces through western astrology and their antics automatically vanishes or becomes null and void. There is (and ima highlight 'no' in bold just so yall know how serious i am) NO reason to believe that pisces is gullible, stupid, a liar or any of the things I mentioned in the bulletpoints. The infantalizing of pisces in astrology MUST stop and I will do everything my power to make sure it does and that this knowledge reaches everyone, *mic drop*

that's all, hope thiz helps xx

[sehtoast]

Writer Tag

Thanks for the tag @venus-haze <3

How many works do you have on AO3? 29

What's your total AO3 word count? 230k

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Tender Threads

Satisfy Me

One Big Wet Spot

Say Please

The Hand That Feeds

(All Homelander fics) ^

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not? Most of the time, but lately I haven't had the energy or the time. My social battery is pretty fucked, but I do read every single one of them and love them

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending? So it's technically unpublished, but it basically ends with Ben (my oc) sentencing himself to die pretty painfully alongside Homelander with that thing that got revealed in Gen V. If you know you know

What’s the fic you've written with the happiest ending? Honestly, Envy.

Do you write crossovers? I've done an AU crossover for the same fandom, but not really

Have you ever received hate on a fic? Most of the hate I get is in my tumblr inbox. I haven't really done/said anything about it bc no one really wants to see or hear about it tbh, but I've gotten a fair amount of shit for pairing homie with a guy and then also more for pairing him with a trans guy. I think the only ao3 hate i ever got was barely even hate, more like someone bitching that my tender threads formatting wasn't to their liking bc it's Y/n formatted

Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Yessir yessir. Honestly just whatever i'm vibin with

Have you ever had a fic stolen? not that i'm aware although i don't think i've written anything steal-worthy

Have you ever had a fic translated? no, but @anon-nee has been my personal jesus christ in helping me make sure my english to german translations in tender threads has been accurate. love you nonnums <3

Have you ever co-written a fic before? technically no, but @homelanderbutbig did a collab with me and made this to pair with a fic i wrote, which i feel like is co-creation so i'm gonna say yes anyway. love you HBB <3

What's your all-time favorite ship? honestly i don't really have one, unless i can count my ocxcanon ship in which case it's benlander

What's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will? i have a depowered homelander fic where ben answers the door one day and ryan, now in his late teens, is there to finally see homie again after all those years went by. i adore the concept but i'm like NEVER in the mindset i need to actually write something like that

What are your writing strengths? yall got strengths?

What are your writing weaknesses? all of them

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? i think it's fine so long as there's clarification shortly after for the readers who may not understand, and also that you've somehow gotten it cross checked by someone who actually speaks the langauge so ensure you're not just saying some wild shit. but ultimately do whatever makes you happy idk bro i don't make the rules

What was the first fandom you wrote for? Prometheus! i was am down so bad for david omg

What's a fandom/ship you haven't written for yet but want to? astarion/tav. i wanna write something sooooo bad but i just can't get in the headspace for it

What's your favorite fic you've written? probably satisfy me because the role swap was incredibly fun and it's REALLY fucking cool to unbind homelander from his own behavioral patterns and manifest them into a reader's concept. like, of everything i've written, i could most clearly imagine everything that happened in that fic and i'd find myself grinning like a sick fuck while writing about literally eviscerating a man's chest cavity lmao

No pressure tags: @blindmagdalena @hom3landr @irenadel @slasher-smasher and anyone else who wants to participate

[gay-little-bitch]

Personal Lies pt4

pt1 pt2 pt3 Pt5

Gareths pov:

"Hey, Jeff. Eddie is gonna be dressing a little differently today. Don't ask why. Okay byeeee!" His words were quick and abrupt. Gareth is glad that the phone went to voicemail and he didn't have to get asked questions about their whore of a friend. Corroded Coffin has a gig today at the biggest venue in town and Gareth invited Robin... and Steve.

All he's trying to do is get Steve and Eddie to go backstage after the concert and become friends and then possibly more. Robin has been a good wingman for Steve but Gareth also had to do his part for Eddie. So his mind was filled with thoughts of 'what if I made Eddie more of a slut to impress Steve?' All Gareth has to do is tell Eddie that he would look good in something slutty and Eddie would go right for it... Right?

"Hey, Eddie!" Gareth walks into his apartment to find his best friend visibly shaking with excitement. "Gare bear! You edited for tonight?" Eddie can't contain his energy. "Yeah man of course. Um, so I was thinking that you would look great in fishnets... you should totally wear them tonight." The thought was abrupt and just tumbled out of his mouth.

Eddie is clearly confused by the random request thrown his way. "Um yeah, I guess. Maybe along with that, I should wear a fucking mesh shirt and body glitter." Apparently, Gareth sucks at sensing sarcasm because he responds with a big smile and a few nods. "Gareth I was joking! I'm not looking to get harassed today. Absolutely not." Eddie puts his hands up in a frustrated sigh and walks to his room, slamming the door closed.

"Damn it."

Eddies pov:

"How the fuck did he convince me to do this?!" Eddie scans his eyes over his body in the mirror. He is wearing mesh, fishnets, a thigh garter, and a small speedo. He looks away, from the fear of backing out due to embarrassment. His wandering eyes land on his old bloody Halloween mask from his shitty doctor costume from 5 years ago. As he picks it up he notices how bare it is. It needs chains and safety pins. So that's exactly what he does.

When he puts the mask on after the renovation he notices how fuckable he looks. The dark mesh shirt is brightened by his body shimmer and the deep black leather of his tight-fitting speedo showing the outline of his dick. The amount of skin he's showing is way too much for his liking so he throws on his leather jacket and walks over to the mirror to do his makeup.

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

Eddie walks over the the Edge of Curtain to stare at the right side of the crowd. There is nobody in the audience who looks like they have intentions of trying to fuck him... at least that hes aware of, so why else would Gareth try to get him the dress like this? "Hey man! You read- damn Ed's you look hot." Eddie nods sharply to Gareth as their ear pieces start counting down from 10.

"10"

What if he gets made fun of for his outfit?

"9"

What if no matter how hard he tries people still see him as a dumb kid who couldn't graduate?

"8"

What if he gets booed off stage for dressing like this?

"7"

What if his voice cracks?

"6"

What if he fucks up the lyrics?

"5"

Gareth, Jeff, and Nathan walk onto stage.

"4"

The boys introduce themselves.

"3"

What if he can't do this?

"2"

What if his jacket ruins the outfit and fucks it all up?

"1"

Fuck it. He strips off his jacket and throws it on the nearest chair.

"0"

Eddie walks out on stage as confident as he can for someone who feels like their gonna shit themselves. The huge crowd cheers as he gets to the microphone. He moves his hair out of his face and peals off the mask revealing himself. He looks around the crowd with a smile on his face as he looks right in front of him.

As he lets his head lower to the front row he spots... Steve Harrington! He's wearing the most beautiful eyeliner, a bundle of silver necklaces, a cropped Black Sabbath shirt, and his hair of course looks better then ever. Eddie lets his mouth fall open out of shock from a sweaty star struck Steve fucking Harrington staring right at him.

They held eye contact for what seemed to be a long time but was probably only a few seconds. They both refuse to peal their eyes away from each other until Eddie feels a hand on his shoulder. It's Gareth. "Eddie. Take your eyes away from the boy and start the god damn song or i'm gonna do it myself."

Eddies eyes reluctantly drag away from the beautiful creature in front of him, and he begins to slowly move his finger across his guitar to start the first song. The concert moves slower then most. Each song feels like it's in slow motion.

On the rare occasion that Eddie is able to move his eyes over to Steve, they boy is already looking at him with the look of a shocked little teddy bear. No matter what, Eddie looks away again.

The concert slowly comes to a stop but right before he leaves he takes the mesh he's wearing on his torso and throws it into the crowd. He doesn't know where it went but at least Gareth can't convince him to wear it anymore and embarrass himself.

As everybody steps off stage he grabs Gareth's arm and drags him into the nearest room. "What the fuck were you thinking?! Why did you decide to make me dress like a fucking whore and then invite Steveeee?!" Gareth walks over to the chair in the corner of the room and sits. "Well first I invited Buckley and of course she invited Steve. I genuinely had no idea he was coming until Robin texted me an hour before the show. I just thought it would be cool if you guys could come back stage and fu-"

Before he can finish his sentence Robin bursts through the door and quickly walks over to Gareth with a shy looking Steve following behind. "Gareth. We need to talk. Right now... please." Not even giving him a chance to protest the grabs his arm and pulls him out of the room leaving just Eddie and Steve.

Steve looks incredible. His hair is as Lucious as ever and his tight pants that hug his thighs just right. Eddie notices himself staring at Steve and looks back up to find Steve also checking him out.

The awkwardness is heavy in the air. Eddie starts pushing up and down on the balls of his feet. "So..." Steve is the first one to talk. "Yeah. So." For some reason the space between their faces seems to shrink. Did they get closer or was he just imagining it?

Steve's lips part and he leans in closer and closer, leaving little to no room in between them. Steve's voice is soft and sweet as he speaks and leans into Eddies space.

"Hi."

"Hey."

Notes: I fucking hate this chapter but to be fair I wrote this at like 1am in one day so..... Punctuation also isn't my strong suit so just go with it. Tell me of you wanna be tagged

Read on Ao3

Tags:

@down-sizing-reduxedux , @gay-stranger-thingsy-stranger-things , @satan-is-obsesseded , @this-is-moony-lovegoody-lovegood , @impeachy , @maraudersfavoritewhoree , @robinbuckleymybeloved ,  @hyperfixationgoddess , @fandomz-brainrot , @mightbeasleepp , @ali-just-ali , @beckkthewreck , @novelnovellalla , @beeing-stuupidd , @ourautumn866 , @newtstabberr , @love-kurdtt

[celticcrossanon]

Your Does King Charles want Prince Harry back as a working royal? reading really chimes with what I've been getting energy wise. It's like Prince Harry is constantly in King Charles thoughts. I can understand his concern as a parent towards a child but to the point that it's detrimental to everything/everyone else just isn't good.

KC is all emotion when it comes to PH, it's like he can't think rationally about the situation. Again, I could understand but that he is happy to throw his heir under the bus over it makes me angry.

When I was doing my reading I got really annoyed which isn't usual for me, it really was Harry above all else and with no care to anyone/anything else.

It made me wonder what KC is willing to do when it comes to his second son. The energy I was getting made me think "well just abdicate then", it's really made me wonder whether KC is fit to be monarch and I'm someone who has been very sympathetic towards him in the past.

Hi Nonny,

I'm glad we are picking up on the same energy. :) There is an astrological reason for Charles being so concerned about Harry. It isn't an excuse for such behaviour, but if you believe in astrology it does explain why there would be a tendency for Charles to be so concerned about Harry.

So far, I have not seen any evidence of Charles putting Harry above his role as King (and that did surprise me). In fact, with Charles taking care to be unavailable/out of the country when Harry is around, it looks like the opposite is happening, and I will give him credit for that.

I think that Charles is prepared to do quite a lot for Harry, more than most people would, but so far he does seem to be making an effort to avoid Harry's demands. However, at the same time, he does name Harry as one of the Counsellors of State when he leaves the country, so who knows what is going on.

Astrology Explanation

Charles is tied to Harry astrologically. There is a part of your chart called the IC, and it is the bit that you want to tuck away and protect. The IC is what you turn to when you want to feel safe and secure. It also represents your origins, your roots, your ancestors, your home etc. Harsh or aggressive planets on this spot can make you very uncomfortable, very upset, and/or very insecure.

Charles has his Venus, which represents his relationships (romantic, familial, friends etc) and his values, and Neptune, which stands for delusions/unrealistic worldview/overwhelming emotions/rose coloured glasses etc, on his IC. Venus and Neptune together can give a very unrealistic, romantic, rose-coloured-glasses view of things, and on the IC this view is concerned with the home and family life. It is quite possible that Charles is deluded about how his family thinks/feels/operates (Neptune is the planet of delusions), or that he has illusions about Harry's behaviour (e.g. It's not his fault, it's all because of <some reason>).

Harry has his Venus on top of Charles's Venus, i.e. on top of Charles's IC. Charles's IC is where he feels safe and secure. For that to happen, his relationship with Harry (his Venus and Harry's Venus) has to be harmonious. Anything else will make Charles feel very upset. Hence he will be concerned about Harry and he will want to make Harry happy, because making Harry happy makes Charles feel peaceful, secure, and stable. In looking after Harry, Charles is looking after himself.

[chill-mcyt-art-reblogs]

Okay, so in light of all the DSMP play talk, I decided to release the ideas that @rwggrace2 and I worked up a few months ago. To add some silly ideas to the serious, awesome ones going around.

Also, these were part of a conversation so the formatting is a little weird and there are some contridictions. sorry.

"The original cast doesn't actually do the acting except that Tubbo plays himself, but they're all consulting. We only cover the L'manburg arc for time but sequals are in the works. Each actor is also required to fill out a questionaire to make sure they understand their assigned character

The stage is a completely black and bare parkour set around the edges, and a very wide open space in the middle. There are a lot of lightweight black blocks and six bins of assorted props lined up against the back. The cast themselves is in charge of staging scenes and yes I absolutely want and expect props to get horribly mixed up. Aside from iconic moments there are no scripted lines.

It's chaos, it's madness. We reference Sad-ist, Derivakat, Passerine, WolfytheWitch, and other key figures in the fandom. Everyon's costumes are homemade based on the most popular fandom interpretation. Sally appears once and she's played by a normal woman in a salmon costume. 

Someone keeps shedding feathers halfway through and due to the bleeding black paint on the props no one can tell if it's Quackity or Philza. Jump in the Cadillac is added because we will never let cc!Tommy forget. Dream's mask has no eyeholes and everyone else has to position him correctly for scenes. Mumza is there but the only thing she does is sit at the top of the set and eat popcorn.

All of the props are foam, life-sized version of pixalated minecraft tools. For drug van scenes there are twenty bags of flour and a giant book that reads "PEOPLE THAT OWE ME (FOR DRUGS) (THAT I SOLD THEM)"

There is a post-curtain call scene where Ranboo shows up on the stage reading a sign overhead and say "the Dream SMP... well, it can't be that bad." 

Unlike in most real-life productions, being careful around the props and costumes is discouraged. The same costumes are used in the seuel production with no repair. We let Tommy's costume reenact Cast Away to prepare it for it's role in Exile. The venue is a defunct theatre that is rumored to be haunted. It needs to be haunted because Ghostbur will be played by an actual ghost.

To add behind the scenes tension, there will be actual audience voting during the president arc. It's tense because if the audience votes for something other than what happened in the story then the actors have to come up with a reason on the spot for why Schlatt wins anyway.

Besides Jump in the Cadillac, there is one (1) fully choreographed musical theatre moment with a song written by Derivakat and Lin Manuel Miranda (whom we have kidnapped). This musical moment must come at the absolutely most random time in the middle.

At one point during the presidential election George will simply walk off and climb up to a bed placed on a ledge in the set, where he remains for the reminder of the play.

For the opening of the sequel Tommy and Ranboo actually set a house on fire, but for safety and humor reasons it's a small dollhouse. As such George is now a dollhouse doll acted with by the human actor George in a fully black costume. Logstedshire is a taped-off square at the far right of the stage that contains toy version of the cabin, Trnet, Mushroom Henry, and later the tower is built out of LEGOs. The ocean is a baby pool.

The thing is, everyone is expected to give a heart-wrenching performance. Quote me on this but everyone must me "if it was heard in a radio production the audience would be SOBBING."

We play through to the stream where Tommy tells Wilbur what happened in Exile only so when that happens Dream is then played by an anteater. It's a symbolic move to show that Dream is no longer Wilbur's hero. The Egg is a plastic easter egg hidden in one corner.

All of the non-player children are played by stuffed animals. And all the voices for the stuffed animals are done by the parent actors.

Oh and also Charlie Slimcicle is played by the actial Charlie. Mainly because I don't think anyone else could do it like him. He has the most elaborate costume to really play into the slime aesthetic, and it's the only one that is actually treated like a proper stage costume.

The Doomsday scene is a play-by-play of WolfytheWitch's animatic, and it's the token musical scene completely with real dogs.

There is a trained crow to be Brian."

[giraffefeather]

Hi, I'm drunk on wine and too deep in astrology, read more included as a courtesy.

Everything makes so much sense. Like I was one of the "Ooh astrology is so cool but totally not real" girlies, but uh...

Quick reference: I am pisces sun, gemini moon, aquarius rising. And right off the bat, I always notice before anyone else when I start talking too much (gemini stereotype) and always question if I'm being manipulative or not (hi again, bad side of gemini) but try so so hard not to (oh hey, there you are pisces). I can never pick a goddamn side in an argument (ahem, pisces? gemini? both known to see both or all sides). Meanwhile, I attract the "outcasts," for lack of better word - the people that don't always fit in (hello aquarius, ya weird little noodle).

Okay but then we have the VENUS. God, the amount of times I questioned if I was asexual, but then dated friends and thought no... thats not right... must be demi. And then I'll enjoy sex for a while, get really obsessed for like a week. but get bored of it and move on to something else. And I'm thinking... huh, is this autism? Adhd? Perhaps. But ALSO have you read up on venus in aquarius? That bastard is 100% on my love life.

Hi, quick disclaimer. I absolutely believe neurodivergency is something not assigned by the stars. It is a separate matter entirely. I am NOT diagnosed with anything, and although I have tendencies that align with both autism and adhd, it does not affect my daily life enough to seek diagnosis. I just think it's interesting that it may not be a true neurodivergency in my case, but just aligning with my signs.

I skipped mercury, hold up, that's aquarius too. It fits, but it's boring. Except the bit I read where they dislike schedules, especially if paired with a Pisces sun (hello, called me out).

And I was so mad that my Mars was in leo, thinking no no no, I can't have a Leo anywhere in my chart, that's not right! Bitch, it fits. All of it. 100% turn into a Leo when I'm angry. Other parts of Mars (motivation, sex, etc) seem to be muted by the rest of my signs, but anger? Aggression? Yikes, hello Leo loud intensity.

And I just think it's interesting that my least favorite sign (Capricorn... sorry, I just have met too many manipulative Caps) is also my Uranus and Neptune.

But back to my favorite sign (Aquarius!), I have 3 of those fuckers and I wonder if it's why I always love other Aquas. Or of it's just because my dad is an Aqua sun. But my mom is a Taurus sun and while I never thought I had attachment to the sign (I love my mom, I just see her flaws too), my best friend growing up was a Taurus, and that's the sign I can spot a mile away. Hell, I worked with someone who reminded me so much of my mom, that it didn't even surprise me when I found they shared a birthday. I wa just like oh... yeah that makes sense, you're basically the same person.

And following true Pisces comparability, I've been dating a Virgo for 7 years. Since day 1, I've been saying we're opposites but it works. And then find out that's one of the most recommended pairings for a Pisces sun for that exact reason. To balance each other out. And as Virgo is literally the only sign not to be found on my chart, i need that energy in my life. Funny, I always used to love libras before him. But isn't that just typical of libras - their allure? And I would kill for an Aqua friend, please someone come talk to me about conspiracies and cryptic!

I still need to delve into Jupiter and beyond, see if those actually fit. I'm starting to suspect they will.

But what if that's just my pisces dreaming, understanding every sign so that of course whatever I have fits? Then... do we question that I fit the pisces personality too? Or am I just a wishy-washy person, and believe everything?

Interesting that a simple Google search reveals so much about the signs too... and not even with the info available. I've found that there's so many hits if you search pisces, possibly more than any other sign. Gemini has plenty, too. But Leo? Sagittarius? A huge decline in results. And if looking at images on Google, its even more pronounced. Pisces and Gemini have so many artistic interpretations. Leo? I found like... 1 cool lion. Compared to the millions of fish and mermaid art with pisces.

[halfmoondaze]

Request: Jack falls for the owner of a fan page. Like maybe he's been following the page, then the owner posts a face reveal and he dms them. They start dming regularly and he eventually gives them tickets or she just surprises him at a meet & greet and they hit it off

You smiled to yourself as you scrolled through the comments of your recent post. Even though you’ve been running a Jack Harlow fan account on your Instagram for 6 months now, you never expected the amount of support you’ve been receiving let alone from a face reveal post.

When you woke up the following day, you were taken back by the number of notifications on your phone from Instagram. As you opened the app, you came to realize that Jack Harlow was now following you and had slid into your DMs.

You gasped and threw your phone across the bed.

“This can't be happening” you whispered to yourself.

You went ahead and got ready for the day. Throughout the entire day, you did your usual daily routine: attending class, having lunch at your usual spot, meeting a few friends going back home.

By the time you got back home, you decided you were going to deal with this, no matter how much anxiety this was giving you.

As you opened the app, you went to your DMS and read what he sent you:

“wow”

He was responding to your recent post.

You were feeling a bit bold so you decided to go ahead and respond to him.

“Stop it, you're making me blush”

To your surprise, he replied immediately.

“What can I say? I'm stunned”

“Where are you from?”

And this is how everything started. You were expecting that after a few minutes, for the conversation to die down as he probably must have a bunch of girls to choose from, but to your surprise, the interaction continued for the next two weeks.

Then on Friday, you got a surprising text.

“What are you up to this weekend?”

“Not much. I was just getting ahead on some assignments” “Would you rather do something fun?”

“Like what?” now you were intrigued.

“I'm having a concert in New York and I really wanna meet you. Can I fly you out?”

You blinked a few times trying to make sense of this. Was this real?

You put your phone down and just walked around your apartment for the next 5 minutes.

“This is happening” you thought to yourself.

After your regained your composure you texted him back.

“Sure, I'm down”

Jack arranged for a driver to pick you up as soon as you arrived at JFK airport. Your suite had a beautiful view of the city. Throughout the day, you texted Jack repeatedly until he had to get ready for his soundcheck.

As soon as your head hit the pillow, you fell into a deep slumber.

When you woke up, you noticed it was 5 pm. There were still 4 hours until the concert. You decided to just chill for a meanwhile and order room service while watching a few shows.

At 7 you started to get ready. You were currently putting the final touches on your makeup before heading out when your phone chimed. It was a text from Jack.

“Can’t wait to see you” you read.

You smiled to yourself.

Before you arrived, Jack had let you know there was going to be a staff member in a certain area outside the venue waiting for you to take you to the V.I.P. area of the concert. As soon as you spotted them, they smiled at you and gave you a V.I.P. pass before escorting you to your seating area.

After an hour, all the lights went off and the crowd went wild as Jack went on stage. Throughout the show, he would sing and dance in your direction just acting very flirtatious. You had to look around a few times just to see if no one else noticed, which to your relief, they didn’t.

Overall, you had the greatest time dancing around and singing along to your favorite songs.

Once the show was over, you started gathering your belongings, but you stopped yourself when someone called you from behind.

“Y/N Y/L/N?”

You turned around to see a staff member.

“Yes?”

“Jack Harlow wants to meet you backstage”

You smiled and followed him.

He stepped in front of his dressing room and knocked on the door.

As Jack opened the door, his eyes beamed as his eyes landed on you.

“Hey”

“Hi”

He walked up to you and wrapped his arms around you.

“You look great”

“Thanks. I really enjoyed your show. You were great”

He giggled at your enthusiasm.

“You’re great” he smiled. “I was hoping we could get to know each other; can I take you out for dinner?”

At this point, you were screaming on the inside.

“Sure” you smiled.

He took your hand and walked into the night.

[midasinc]

Jehan or Gavroche headcannons if you want and haven't done so already lmao <3

i would love to do them !

jehan:

-modern jehan is really into rap culture and i'll never stop using that hc. his poetry comes out in freestyling and he's really into going to local venues that hold competitions. he doesn't always compete but he still enjoys going and observing people's rhyme schemes and vocal patterns and filing them away as inspo for later

-canon era jehan owns a lot of weird things just because he has the money to do so. he bought the full hand bones of a human that's just displayed in a glass box. jehan isn't a medical student- he just thought it was interesting. he's a bit of an impulse buyer

-he's also slowly building a frankenstein candle in his lodgings. when jehan gets bored, he just starts melting candles on top of this massive pile of melted candles. it's about two feet tall at this point. he's really proud of it

-modern jehan tries learning to skateboard every 6 months. he takes a board out to the street and tries doing tricks, but almost gets hit by 7 cars, eats shit, and tore his newest sweatpants. so he goes home grumbling and puts the board away until he finds it again in 6 months and gets super excited to try again, forgetting how it went last time (he's been doing this for like 4 years)

-he also dresses super masc, talking like jesse pinkman swag, but uses stereotypical female scented body sprays. this dude walks down the street being the epitome of Dude but is also in an aura of Blueberry Sugar Pancake Smell. it's very strong, but it is pleasant.

gavroche:

-he has microtia, so his right ear is small and not really formed, and he can't really hear on one side. he's thrilled when he finds out that enjolras is fully deaf in one ear (this is my other enjolras hc and man i tried so hard looking for the post but cannot for the life of me find it rn). in modern era, he asks a lot of questions about enjolras's hearing aids and how he lost it and feels really cool that someone like enjolras is like him. this also means that he wants to try and be annoying on enjolras's deaf side until he notices bc it's still gavroche

-modern gavroche stole one of montparnasse's paint pens and has his own little tag that he likes challenging himself to put in very very secret spots that no one else will ever find. graffiti is a game for gavroche and he's winning

-feuilly teaches him to read in canon era. i think i just see a lot of gavroche in feuilly and feuilly would as well, so he does what he can to try and push him in the right direction. they have a really brotherly relationship

-modern gavroche also has problems of stealing and pick-pocketing. he's really fucking good at it, but it turns into moments where he's just stealing because. he doesn't even want the shit he steals. he goes into small shops and takes a bunch of chapstick and gum and eye drops and throws them in a shoebox in his hiding spot when he gets home. he got busted once for stealing a bottle of hand lotion. he gave them feuilly's number instead of his parents and feuilly ended up making him show him the boxes of things he had stolen. gavroche didn't feel bad when he got caught, but his stomach sinks when he sees feuilly pinch the bridge of his nose and turn around because he doesn't even know what to say

[yourlocalbassistgroupie]

Get The Fuck Out // Sebastian Bach

AN: This post does not contain smut and is more fluff. This post was actually a request from a friend of mine who love Sebastian 😊(personally, I’m more of a Rachel and Scotti gal)

Warning: cursing, injury; read with caution

Enjoy 😁

••••••••••

According to my friend who was here with me, I was going to have so much fun.

It was the Slave to The Grind tour, and my friend Brenna and I had been rocking out to the whole album in her shitty volvo.

Before I knew it, we were at the venue. There were so many people, it was quite overwhelming, but I washed down the anxiety with excitement. I'm gonna see Scotti! I'm gonna see Rachel! I'm gonna see- Sebastian. I stop in my tracks. Brenna, not paying attention, walks right into me.

"What's wrong?" she asks.

"I've never been face to face to someone like them before," I say. "What if I pass out?"

"Y/n! That's not gonna happen," Brenna says, laughing.

We make our way to our spots. We had general admission tickets so were kind of close, but a few yards away from the barricade.

As the lights dimmed, I could feel my stomach churn.

The stage is black.

We hear drums start up, followed by a bassline and guitar. Suddenly, the lights turned on and we could see all the band members- all except one.

"Oh my god it's Rachel!" Brenna screams. She was a bigger fan of him than anyone else I'd ever seen.

Out of nowhere, we see Baz run out onto stage. Dressed in black leather pants and dark and a sheer, loose, tank top that wasn't doing a great job of covering him up- not that I minded that, though.

Brenna and I were screaming like a bunch of insane little girls, dancing around.

They sing their songs from the new album, as well as their hits, and I sang along to each one.

My god, was Baz gorgeous, even when his hair was tangled from whipping it in every direction, or when he was dripping with sweat. Brenna seemed too focused on Rachel, making eyes at him, and him smiling back. After playing "The Threat", Baz walks around the stage, going on about how their drive here, and how they were so pumped to be here. I feel someone trying to push past me.

"Hey can you move? I can't fuckin see!" says some middle-aged man from behind me. He reeked of alcohol and could barely stand.

"Dude, it's a concert- and her first one. Can you cut her some slack?" Brenna says to the guy.

"You don't have to be a fucking bitch!" he yells. This gets the attention of Scotti. He looks over to us- Baz, on the other stage is still talking. I hold Brenna's arm, nervously.

"Sir, I-" I begin.

The guy starts cursing and yelling causing a scene.

Rachel noticed too, and signal Baz over.

"Sir, please calm down," Brenna says.

"Shut the fuck up!" he yells. He takes his cup of beer and splashes it all over Brenna.

"Hey! Not cool!" I shout.

"You want some too, bitch?" he shuffle over to me, pushing me, knocking me to the ground.

"Hey!" I hear Baz yell.

I look up and see Baz and Scotti jump off the stage and push the push away the guy.

"Get the fuck outta here!" Sebastian shouts at the guy. Scotti and him hold the guy off until a security guard takes him away.

I suddenly feel a hand on my shoulder.

"You okay?" I look up to see Sebastian. WHAT THE FUCK???

I stand up confidently as if nothing happened.

"I'm fine," I say.

"You sure? You're bleeding," he says. I look down at my arm and see a long scrape, with blood slowly seeping from it. Sebastian takes a bandanna that was tied onto his belt and presses it carefully on my arm, setting my hand on it. I wince, but look into his eyes.

"Hold your hand like that, alright? My buddy's gonna take you and your friend backstage, okay?" he says.

WHAT? BACKSTAGE?

Brenna grabs my hand and we follow the usher. Someone from the first aid tent sits me down in a chair and helps me clean my arm.

Brenna and I watch the rest of the show from backstage and she can't help herself- she's dancing and jumping around while I'm getting a bandage wrapped around my arm.

Baz thanks the crowd for coming and the stage goes dark again.

A stagehand gives the band members waters as the come backstage.

Baz almost walks past us until he sees me in the chair.

"Hey, how's your arm?" he asks.

"Better. I appreciate it," I say.

"That guy was an asshole. Don't mention it," he says, smiles.

"What's your name?" He asks.

"Y/n," I reply.

"Well, y/n, our band and I was just gonna get to our hotel. Did you guys wanna come with?"  he asks us.

Brenna looks at me with a wild look in her eyes.

"We'd love to!" she blurts out. We make our way to the tour bus and I sit next to Baz and Brenna somehow gets next to Rachel.

"I'm a huge fan. Bass players deserve so much more credit," Brenna says to him.

"Awe thank you," he replies. "What are you doing later?" he asks her.

"You," she says, then gasps. "I mean hanging out with you guys," she says, correcting herself.

Rachel's face turns red and he scratches his head nervously.

I sit next to Baz and he holds my arm, making sure the bandages are secure.

"It's fine, really," I say to him.

He carefully sets my hand back down in my lap.

It's so hard not to check him out. Christ, he's a pretty blond with long, flowing hair, and had an insane voice and oh my god his tattoos-

"This one hurt getting done," he said, noticing me staring at his Youth Gone Wild tattoo.

He stretches his arm out for me to see it. I trace the letter with my finger and look up at him.

"I'd be so nervous to get a tattoo," I say. He smiles.

As the bus ride drags on, we sit quietly, exchanging small talk every now and then. I notice myself becoming tired and dozing off when I get a poke of the shoulder.

"We're at the hotel," Baz whispers.

Scotti and Snake are making fun of Rachel and Brenna who were out cold, her head resting on his shoulder.

The lights in the bus turn on and they wake up, and look at each other awkwardly as if nothing happened.

The band, Brenna and I get into the hotel and check in. Brenna pulls me aside.

"Rach wants to get a separate room with me!" She whispers excitedly.

"Dude! Yesss get it!" I say.

The band members and Brenna get into their rooms and I find mine. I change out of my clothes and decide to shower and change into sweats and a t shirt.

I get a knock on my door.

I open it, and it's Baz, also with damp hair and comfy clothes on.

"Hey, y/n, headbanger's ball is on... I was wondering if you'd wanna watch with me?" He asks, awkwardly.

Wow, for someone with so much stage confidence, he was a little dorky.

"Sure!" I say, letting him in.

We sit down on the bed and he turns on the tv.

He grabs a blanket from the hotel room closet and wraps it around me sweetly.

The room was still pretty cold from the ac, and I was shivering a bit.

"You cold?" He asks.

"Just a little," I say.

He takes the opportunity to wrap his arm around me, and I rest my head on his chest, hearing the soft beat of his heart.

Was this really happening right now?

An interview with Mötley Crüe comes on and Vince and Nikki are on the tv.

"Do you know them?" I ask. He nods.

"Vince is a cool dude, we've hung out a couple times. Nikki and Tommy are pretty crazy, and Mick's like a bit of a dad," he says, slightly laughing.

"That band gets around I bet," I say, eyes wide, awkwardly. Sebastian laughs.

"You have no idea. Their groupies are insane," he says.

"I'll be your crazy groupie," I tell him, laughing. He lets out a chuckle.

"I'd be okay with that," he says. I look up at him, into his eyes. God, was he beautiful.

He carefully tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, look back into my eyes.

He leans in, as do I, kissing his soft lips.

I couldn't believe this was happening. Was this even real?

He kisses back and eventually pulls away.

"You're so beautiful, y/n," he says, looking at me, intently.

After watching the rest of the show, we decide we should probably get some sleep. I fall asleep in Baz's arms, listening to his heartbeat yet again.

[helloalycia]

The Wrong Lifetime – Seven // Wanda Maximoff

chapter six | story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad | chapter eight

author’s note: hope y’all like this one 👀

The Maximoffs were just as a good at throwing a party as my own parents were.

Celebrating a new book that was published at Pietro's business, they threw a party in their back garden big enough to host half the town if they wanted to. Actually, now that I thought about, half the town was probably there.

We were invited to celebrate along with them because we were 'family' now, as Oleg and Iryna pointed out, so I found myself standing in their garden getting a drink under the night sky and trying to blend in with the snacks table so I wouldn't have to mingle. Parties still weren't my thing, clearly.

People-watching was more my forte. It was amazing the things people did when they thought nobody was looking. One guy coughed into his hand and wiped it on his pants – I reminded myself not to shake his hand – whilst some woman checked if her teeth were clean on the back of a serving tray.

My gaze raked the garden, indifferent to the men who attempted to get women's attention with a boyish grin and terrible pick-up lines, or the women who lifted their dresses a little higher than necessary to steal a man's attention. I spotted my parents talking to some guests whom I'd never see before, then there was Wanda's parents laughing alongside Pietro as he told a joke to some important looking people.

Eventually, my eyes fell to the remaining Maximoff, who was looking especially beautiful tonight. A deep lilac gown adorned her figure and she wore it like it was uniquely made just for her. She probably didn't even realise, but all eyes were definitely on her; a simple stride around the garden had people turning heads to see who the lilac beauty was. Y/B/N was the most envied man of the evening, with every guy here wishing they could have Wanda on their arm.

I'd wanted to tell her just how truly stunning she looked tonight, but I hadn't been able to pull her away from my brother's side for even a second. Everywhere he went, she went, too. I'd caught her eyes maybe three times tonight since she was so involved with whatever she spoke about with the people who worked for Pietro. I didn't take it personally of course, but it didn't make me feel any better.

Y/B/N had his hands all over her, probably suspecting just how many people were checking her out tonight, and I hated the way it made me feel. Envy and jealousy came over me and it wasn't pleasant. His hand was permanently fixed on her waist, at times moving suspiciously lower and making me roll my eyes. Occasionally, he'd lean over and whisper something in her ear making her flush – involuntarily or not, I didn't know. Wanda was a good actress, appearing as the perfect fiancé to him and couple to everybody else. Or, at least, I hoped it was acting.

"Pretty ladies shouldn't be standing by their lonesome," said someone with a Sokovian accent, but sadly not the one I wanted to hear.

"Pietro," I said with an amused smile, turning to face the man of the evening. "Congratulations on the new published book!"

He smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Y/N. How are you finding the party?"

I glanced around, disguising my discomfort with a nod. "It's great."

He chuckled, as if suspecting that was a lie, before changing the subject. "So, the book. Have you read it?"

Glad that this was something I could actually talk about, my shoulders relaxed and I nodded. "Yes! I bought it yesterday as soon as it was published. I've only read the first six chapters, but what I've read is beautifully written."

Pietro snickered, raising his brows. "Only? That's further than anyone here has read."

I smiled bashfully, eyes veering elsewhere with embarrassment. "I guess I just have a lot of free time."

He hummed with amusement. "And you must really like reading... Wanda mentioned you write, too. It's nice to know it runs in the family."

Certain my cheeks were flushed, I nodded. "Yeah, our dad, he taught Y/B/N and I how to write when we were kids. That's where my love of literature began."

"And what do you like to write?" he asked, intrigued.

I shrugged, the grip on my glass of champagne loosening as I grew comfortable. "I don't know... short stories, drabbles, novels. I mainly deal with themes of love and romanticism. We're so intent on leading our lives with what other people want that we rarely take time to think about we want... I write about that."

Swallowing, I looked to Pietro, hoping I wasn't boring him. He was a publisher after all, besides my soon-to-be brother-in-law. His opinion was important to me.

"I must admit, Y/N, my interest is piqued," he admitted, watching me with an inquisitive gaze. "Do you have anything I could read?"

"It's probably better than it sounds," I said dismissively, knowing this was just small talk.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I doubt that. You shouldn't say such things. You never know, you could be my next signed author."

I tried not to laugh. "Nice try, Pietro."

He smiled widely. "What? I'm serious!"

Tilting my head towards him knowingly, I sighed. "We both know that can't happen."

He was grinning now, clearly entertained by my unamused expression. "Says who?"

I motioned around us with my drink. "Says everyone? The world we live in?"

He began to list authors on his fingers as he said, "Jane Austen. Emily Bronte. Mary Shelley. Louisa May Alcott. Dare I name more?"

"Okay, okay, I get it," I said, pushing his hand down and rolling my eyes at his smug expression. "But I can promise you that all of those women fought tooth and nail to get published. Their families probably weren't as accepting as they wanted them to be. There's still people now who talk about how unprofessional and lacklustre their works are. They didn't have it easy. Still don't. And don't even get me started on the reputation side of things for you... d'you know how much backlash you'd get for signing a woman?"

Pietro shrugged, sipping his drink, before saying casually, "I only care about talent, Y/N. And if you have even a quarter of the talent your brother does, then I'm happy to go from there."

I quirked a brow, trying to gauge if he was pulling my leg or not. But the kind eyes looking back at me suggested he may not have been. Either way, the idea of actually being published – something I'd been dreaming of since I was a kid – was enough to raise my suspicions and make me shake my head.

"Thanks for listening, Pietro," I said conclusively, hoping he got the hint.

He nodded, accepting my word, thankfully. "Anytime. Hopefully this isn't the end of this conversation, though."

I cracked a smile, knowing it was but giving him the benefit of the doubt. He pursed his lips, glancing around briefly before attempting to hide an amused smile.

"What are you smiling at?" I teased, nudging him in the arm slightly.

His eyes met mine, sparkling with mischief. "You've probably not noticed, but as we've been speaking, almost everyone in this garden has looked our way."

I cocked my head with confusion, smile still present. He nodded subtly, eyes flickering to the right, so I followed his gaze and inconspicuously looked around. He was right, as murmurs of gossip escaped people's lips, their eyes trying to get a good look at the two of us. Even our parents were looking our way, no doubt discussing our future wedding affair.

"Wow," I breathed out, trying not to laugh as I looked back to him. "You'd think they'd have something better to do."

He leaned in, muttering, "Wanna give them a show?"

My eyes flickered between his, seeing that roguish charm of his come to life. I couldn't resist his mischievous attempt to piss off our parents, so of course I nodded with a stifled laugh.

"Care to dance, Miss Y/L/N?" he asked, a little louder than he needed to, attracting more attention.

I grinned, grateful for the idiot that was Pietro. He was already making my evening ten times better than it was.

Resting my hand in his outstretched one, I nodded. "Thank you, Mr Maximoff."

I barely had chance to put my glass down before he led me to the area before the live band that was strumming a lovely upbeat ballad. We joined the other couples that were also having a dance, unbothered by their nosey stares.

Bowing dramatically, he smiled and I curtsied before resting a hand on his shoulder and the other in his. He rested a hand on my waist respectfully before a grin spread across his lips and he began to dance me around everybody else, way too fast for me to keep up.

"Pietro!" I exclaimed between fits of laughter, trying not to trip over my feet or his.

"You said we could dance," he answered simply, before spinning me around.

My eyes went dizzy as he dipped me, making me laugh joyfully. For the first time all night, I was having fun. When he pulled me up, his eyes motioned to the left of us.

"D'you think our parents have already picked the wedding venue?" he teased.

"Definitely," I said with a nod, before shoving him back slightly. "But you, mister, need to slow down. You're like a speedster with the dancing. We should call you Quicksilver."

He laughed, continued to dance me around but much more slower this time. "I like that. You're clever. I can see why Wanda has taken a liking to you."

I knew he didn't mean it like that, but my heart dropped to my stomach anyway. A hearty chuckle escaped his lips as he noticed my expression. Thankfully, he didn't question it and we continued to make a fool of ourselves for a few more songs before taking a break by the snacks table.

"You're an idiot," I told Pietro as we caught our breath, but a delighted smile was on my lips. "You know you've probably convinced our parents that we're a couple now, right?"

"Hey, you're the one who started to fluff my hair like you loved me!" he retorted with humoured eyes.

"Because you're just so darn cute!" I mocked him, before moving forward and going in to fluff his hair yet again.

He attempted to smack my hand away as he said, "Hands off the hair, Y/L/N! I styled it perfectly!"

Grabbing my wrists, he held me back and I tried not to cry with laughter at the expression on his face.

"Such a child," I decided, pulling my hands away. "Whatever happens from here on out is definitely your fault."

He scoffed, as if ready to refute that fact, but before he could say anything, my brother's voice was heard.

"It's nice to see you actually conversing with people for a change, but maybe not my publisher."

Pietro and I turned and saw Y/B/N and Wanda approaching us. My brother seemed entertained by Pietro and I, looking between us with pre-conceived ideas that we may have already fancied each other, just like everyone else had tonight. Wanda, meanwhile, was watching me with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"He's good company, what can I say?" I joked, returning my brother's smile.

"Oh?" He raised a brow, knowing look in his eyes.

I rolled my own, trying not to laugh at his insinuation. There was no point trying to convince him otherwise.

"I was just giving Y/N here the best evening ever since she was moping around in the corner," Pietro explained nonchalantly, making me smack his arm.

"I was not moping!" I defended myself.

He shrugged, ghost of a smile on his lips. "Whatever you say."

I gave him a playful glare before focusing my attention to the couple before us.

"As lovely as it is to see whatever this is," my brother continued to make things awkward as he motioned between us, "I came to get Pietro. Someone from the press is here and has questions about the book."

At the mention of this, Pietro straightened up and neatened his bow tie, flashing my brother his most confident smile. "Lead the way, Y/B/N."

After assuring Wanda he'd be back in a second, Y/B/N let go of her waist and guided Pietro to the members of the press. Glad that he'd finally left her side, I looked to Wanda with a soft smile.

"Hey," I said quietly, glancing around before saying what I'd wanted to say all night. "You look radiant tonight, Wanda." 

Unexpectedly, she crossed her arms and pressed her lips together firmly. "How was your dance with Pietro?"

Her green eyes, literally green with envy, watched me with distaste. It didn't take long for me to recognise that familiar jealousy entwined in her expression because it was probably the same way I looked when she was with my brother. For some reason, this made me smile with amusement.

"He's a very good dancer," I said, half truthful and half trying to poke fun.

She wasn't amused. "Yeah, everybody saw. You've been all over him."

I covered my mouth, trying very hard not to laugh. "I mean, he's pretty funny to be around. I can totally see why everybody wants us to get married."

Her jaw clenched as she narrowed her eyes at me.

"C'mon, it's a joke," I said lightheartedly, nudging her in the arm. "You know that."

After internally debating whether or not to believe me, she relaxed her shoulders and unclenched her jaw. "I know."

"So, what's the problem?" I asked, raising a brow and smiling playfully.

She rolled her eyes. "Nothing."

My smile faded as I searched her eyes. "C'mon. What is it? You know you can tell me."

"Forget it, Y/N," she muttered, avoiding my eyes.

Realising she was still clearly bothered, I sighed dramatically, hoping to lighten the mood. Making sure my voice was low enough for only her to hear, I said, "I only danced with him to annoy our parents. Same with him. He's clearly not interested in me and neither I with him. That's why we get along so well." Teasing her once more, I added, "If circumstances were different, I'd like to think we'd be good friends. He's quite handsome, though I think the good looks are a Maximoff twin thing. Maybe if–"

"I'm in love with you!"

I paused, blinking, unsure if I'd heard correctly. Her cheeks were flushed as she looked to me with exasperation.

Glancing around to make sure nobody was attracted by her outburst, I swallowed hard. My heart was pounding in my ears as she said what I'd been struggling to accept for the past two months.

"What?" I breathed out, raising my brows with surprise.

She licked her lips, realisation replacing her look of admission. Opening her mouth to say something, she stepped forward, but my brother returned with an oblivious smile on his face and interrupted the moment.

"Wanda, the journalists want a picture of us for their article," he said enthusiastically, returning his arm around her waist and tugging her close, making my skin crawl.

Her gaze lingered on me for as long as she could before looking up to my brother with a halfhearted smile.

"Sure," she agreed reluctantly.

My brother nodded at me before leading Wanda away. She gave me one last look, her eyes trapped with unsaid words, before leaving with him. My mouth went dry as Wanda's words echoed in my mind. She was in love with me. And I knew I was in love with her, too. I had been for a while.

But wouldn't admitting that make this whole thing a lot more complicated?

—

"Will you stop shaking your hand? It's very distracting."

I stopped shaking my hand and gave my mum an apologetic glance before facing the door again. I was extremely eager and nervous to see Wanda again, as I hadn't been able to see her for the rest of the party last night.

Her words were permanently resounding in my mind all night, making it difficult to fall asleep. The reality of our situation had dawned on me and I knew that even though everything would become more difficult between us, I had to tell her that I felt the same way. The last thing I wanted was her panicking that I didn't. Because these last two months loving her in secret were better than anything I'd experienced in my life.

Iryna and my mum had made plans to hang out today, including Wanda and I in the plans without actually telling me until this morning. I didn't mind though as I was hoping it could be an opportunity for us both to finally speak.

The front door opened to reveal Iryna with a bright, inviting smile. She exchanged greetings with us both and ushered us inside instantly. There, waiting, was Wanda, looking as gorgeous as ever. A calm suddenly enveloped me as I looked to her, my heart fluttering in my chest more so than usual. She loved me and that thought alone made me feel giddy inside.

"You must come upstairs to the closet with me," Iryna insisted before I could utter a word to the brunette. "I've been very silly and impulse-ordered a bunch of new dresses. Of course, the only way to fix that is to try them on."

My mother laughed alongside her and the two of them looked to Wanda and I questioningly. I smiled their way, glancing at Wanda, before following them upstairs. Maybe later.

I spent the next hour trying on clothes against my own will, modelling them for Wanda and our mothers awkwardly. Ecstatic, our mothers threw their opinions out at me, but I was barely listening because all I could seem to focus on was a quiet Wanda. I couldn't read her mind for the life of me – she was getting better at hiding how she truly felt.

Wanda also tried some dresses on, still not as enthused as she usually was, but neither of our mothers seemed to take notice. I sat on the lounge sofa alongside them, eyes unable to look away from Wanda as she modelled the dresses. I had no words, my mind hazy and tongue tied as she stole my breath away for the millionth time. She was ethereal.

"...what do you think, Y/N?" Iryna asked, forcing me to look away from Wanda and to her. "She should keep this one, shouldn't she?"

I hummed in agreement, looking back to Wanda, who was avoiding my eyes. "She should. I don't think I've ever seen a dress so perfect for someone before."

Our mothers didn't seem to think much of my comment, but Wanda finally looked up, not ignoring me for the first time since I got here. I offered her a small smile, hoping she could see what I'd been wanting to say to her since last night. But she looked away, chewing on her lip and looking down.

"I'm gonna change," she mumbled, before turning to go back behind the curtain.

A sigh escaped my lips as I leaned back against the seat. I'd just have to find a spare moment.

Iryna and my mum proceeded to try on a bunch of dresses before we called it a day and were ready to eat lunch.

"I want you to have these, Y/N," Iryna told me as we all stood up, motioning to the pile of dresses on the arm of the sofa. "It's my gift to you."

I raised my eyebrows. "Oh, Iryna, you don't need to give–"

"Don't be ridiculous," she cut me off with a wave of her hand. "You're family now. Anything for my daughter-in-law."

I smiled awkwardly, not missing the eye roll from Wanda, before nodding. "Thanks..."

She looked to her daughter. "Wanda, medovyy (honey), can you help her pack them away and meet Y/M/N and I outside on the patio for some lunch?"

Wanda, having no other choice but to say yes, nodded and forced a smile in her mum's direction. "Sure, mum."

Our mothers fell into conversation as they left the room, finally leaving Wanda and I alone. I released a breath, grateful for the privacy, and looked to the Sokovian in question.

"You okay?" I asked slowly, wanting to find a start before erupting straight into my feelings.

She nodded, nibbling on her lip. She looked like she wanted to say something more, so I watched her patiently.

After a pause, when I thought she may just stay quiet forever, she spoke. "If what I said last night was out of line, I'm sorry."

I shook my head, a smile curling on my lips. "It wasn't. I'm in love with you, too."

Surprised, she finally met my gaze, eyes swirling with confusion. "You are?"

"Of course I am," I said quietly, stepping forward and taking her hands in mine. "I didn't mean to make you jealous last night. Pietro and I were genuinely just hanging out as friends."

She shook her head, eyes flickering between mine. "It doesn't matter about that. Forget it."

I still felt guilty, adding, "I know, but it does matter. I don't want to–"

She pressed her lips to mine quickly, cutting me off. Her fingers tangled in my hair as she tugged me closer with her other hand, making me gasp when my body touched hers. I kissed back, closing my eyes and moving my lips against hers in perfect sync.

I probably could have kissed her all afternoon, but the sound of the door opening made us both jump apart, startled. It was just a servant who was coming in to clean up the room. When she saw us, she gave us a small smile before moving around the room carefully. My eyes fell to Wanda's excited ones, and I smiled at her before nodding to the dresses.

"We should sort this out before they wonder what's taking so long," I told her, moving to pack them.

She nodded, grabbing my hand and squeezing it gently before helping me. We packed the dresses in no time before joining our mums out on the patio where they were sat with our lunch. I tried to keep my eyes off Wanda as our mothers spoke to us about God knew what, but it was hard when all I wanted to do was kiss her over and over, telling her just how much I loved her.

"...nice to see you both getting along lately," Iryna was talking, and I only zoned back in when I realised she was looking at me.

I blinked. "I'm sorry, what was that?"

Wanda stifled a smile as my mum gave me a disapproving look from across the table.

Iryna didn't seem to mind as she chuckled. "You and Pietro," she continued. "You both seemed very comfortable at the party last night."

I settled on a polite smile. "He's a gentleman. Very nice to be around, I guess."

Iryna smiled knowingly, exchanging glances with my mum before patting Wanda on the forearm, getting her attention. "How does that sound, dear? Your brother and Y/N together?"

I shook my head instantly, realising how she'd taken my words. "That's not what I meant."

Humming in response, Iryna continued to look to her daughter. "You may have to start sharing your new best friend with Pietro."

Remembering Wanda's jealousy last night, I spared her a glance of concern, hoping she wouldn't let this get to her. She was smiling, but her eyes were dimmed with dismay.

"Uh-huh," she played along with her mother's words, before using her fork to pick at her food.

As our mums began to talk about it, I found Wanda's hand under the table and laced my fingers in hers, hoping she'd know I only cared about one person and it was her. Though she didn't look up, her hand tightened around mine and she didn't let go.

The rest of the lunch went by as expected, though the more Iryna and my mother mentioned the wedding, the more Wanda and I grew uncomfortable. It was so much harder to hear about it when I knew my feelings were growing stronger for the brunette every day. By the end of the meal, my mother was happy to go back home and said I could stay to hang out with Wanda, which of course I did.

After bidding her a goodbye, I let Wanda drag me upstairs and to her bedroom, though the door closed when she spun around and pushed me against it, immediately kissing me. Before I could even question what was happening, she pulled away and looked at me through a half-lidded gaze.

"I don't want to share you with my brother, ever," she rasped out lowly, before licking her lips. "I don't want to share you with anyone."

She breathed out, her breath mingling with mine. Her hands rested on my waist before she reattached our lips, moving hers slower and more thoughtfully against mine.

I closed my eyes, grabbing her face and holding her gently, letting her slip her tongue between my lips and play with mine. Then she sucked on my lower lip, teeth nibbling gently at the sensitive skin, and made my insides go warm and fuzzy.

When she let go, she trailed kisses down my jaw and to my neck, having me at her mercy.

"Wanda," I moaned, hand moving to the back of her neck as I tried to regain some control of the situation, but the longer she sucked at the exposed skin, the more my knees wanted to buckle.

Already lowering my dress to my shoulders, her hand untied the back of it and I flushed at the contact of her fingers against me, not used to the feeling but also not opposed.

"Wanda, are you sure?" I asked between bated breaths, attempting to get her attention by tugging at her dress.

She pulled back, hand rising to my jaw and caressing it with her thumb as she looked between my eyes. Hers were dark, clouded with an arousal I hadn't seen before.

"I am," she said with certainty, before asking, "Are you?"

I swallowed hard, the warmth in my core growing hotter as she stared at me with lustful eyes and swollen lips. "Yes."

She gave me a slight smile before pressing her lips to mine again, allowing me to wrap my arms around her neck. I heard her lock the door behind me as I undid the top of her dress, struggling to do so without breaking contact from her. We moved to the bed clumsily, trying not to stumble over our discarded dresses, before I laid her down and straddled her.

Leaving a trail of open-mouthed kisses down her neck, I felt her fingers grip my waist, keeping ahold of my body on hers. I shivered as her nails scratched gently against the skin and grew warm when she lifted herself up gently to get more comfortable, her clothed centre rubbing against mine.

Taking a breath, I pulled away and hovered over her, revelling in the beauty that was Wanda Maximoff. Her cheeks were dusted pink as she opened her eyes, green eyes sparkling desperately as they flickered between mine.

"I love you," I told her softly, leaning on my elbow and caressing her forehead.

She smiled, nails trailing up my back and sending shivers down my spine. "Ya tozhe tebya lyublyu."

I tried not to laugh as I tilted my head with confusion. She smiled a little wider, hand reaching for the back of my bra.

"I love you, too," she translated in English, hint of amusement in her eyes, before she managed to undo the bra strap.

I rolled my eyes at her attempt of mockery before chasing down her lips once more. Everything about the woman before me was absolute perfection and I was glad I could finally share how I felt about her without having to hide it anymore.

The potential consequences of our actions was not my concern right now... all I cared about was treating her with the respect and care she deserved.