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fourthwingfan · 9 months ago

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Madness - Chapter 8

Hello, hello dear readers. The new chapter is here, the longest so far. I hope you'll enjoy it :)

„There is an art to poison not often discussed, and that is timing. Only a master can properly dose and administer for effective onset. One must take into account the mass of the individual as well as the method of delivery.

—Effective Uses of Wild and Cultivated Herbs

by Captain Lawrence Medina”

The women’s hall is quiet as I dress for the morning, the sun barely peeking above the horizon in the far windows. I take the dragon-scale vest from where I left it to dry on the hanger at the end of my bed and slip it on over my short-sleeve black shirt. It’s a good thing I’ve gotten pretty adept at tightening the laces behind my back, since Violet isn’t in her bed. She had to get up earlier than the others. She’s on breakfast duty. And she chose it herself. I would think she’s a masochist if I didn’t know the reason behind it. Two words. Challenges. Poison.

I grab my bag on the way out, passing by rows of empty beds that belonged to the dozen women who haven’t survived to see August.

Time sure flies. And I’m incredibly lucky that after the talk with the General in his office, he had to go to the front. I didn’t have to report. It’s really a great luck because I haven’t figured out how to lie to him about the marked-ones.

With these thoughts I shove open the door.

And there he is.

“You didn’t tell me why you chose the library duty.” I greet the smiling Liam. He always at the door waiting for me in the mornings.

“Good morning to you too, Sunshine.” He laughs at me. “And I chose it because you’re my friend, and if I don’t go to the library then I would never see you after classes. It’s like you’re in love with the books. Or learning. I’m not sure yet.”

“Haha, you’re funny. And don’t call me that either” I say grumpily as we made our way to the quadrant’s library. It’s not like the Archives where the scribes are. It only contains books what we learn at classes. History, dragons, past reports etc. Despite of that, I like our library, it’s cozy. And not crowded at all. It seems the Riders don’t have time to read.

“And why did you chose the library?” Liam asks as we enter the library. “You’re always here after classes and I don’t understand why you’d want to come here so early in the morning.”

“What if I just love books?” I ask with a raised eyebrow. The only reason I chose the library duty is because we’ve got the keys to open it at the start of the day, and to close it before curfew.

“No, you don’t.” He shakes his head.

“What? How do you know?” I ask him curiously.

“You always look angry when you’re reading or writing an essay. It’s like books are you’re nemesis.” He says with a surprising insight.

I should have known. Liam is very observant, since our first day. He always points out what I try to hide. Only because he cares about me, not with bad intentions. And because of that I find myself opening up to him. I told him a lot of things about me. Things that only Violet knew. I really appreciate our friendship. He’s the kindest man whom I ever met. And I feel bad about his parents, even though he won’t speak about them. After all it was my father who killed them.

“I just like to be left alone.” I try to share some truth with him. “Not many people come here.”

I go to the closet beside the wall, near the entrance and pick up a broom. “Do you got the books?” I nod toward the piles of books which was brought back by the cadets and riders sometime yesterday.

“Yes, that’s true. But I think it’s only part of it.” He picks up the first book. “I don’t want to pry but I have eyes. You hate books. You take notes without looking what you write. I did not once see you put back a book in it’s place since we started this thing. You can tell me anything, but only if you want. If you’re not comfortable then just forget it.”

Shit. What should I do? He almost figured it out. If I tell him my secret will he changes toward me? I don’t want that. But if he finds out without me telling him, would it be better? No. I don’t think so.

Then I just have to prepare for the worst.

“It’s a long story.” I say while I walk to the chair beside the desk he currently sorting books. “You really want to know?” I sit and look at him with a serious gaze.

“Yes. I like you, you’re a good person. I want to know because if I can, then I want to help you.” He sits in front of the desk and turns to me.

“I have dyslexia.” I stare my hand without looking up. “When I was born…my mother…” I try to explain but I can’t. I didn’t even knew her but it still hurts to think about it.

He grips my hand and when I look up he smiles reassuringly.

“There was certain circumstances which caused brain damage due to lack of oxygen.” I say in a rush lest I change my mind. “I’m normal in every other aspect, I think. It’s just that my mind works differently then others. In most situations I have good memory so it’s not that bad, but when it comes for example history then I need to learn. Or if I see a map then I should be able to read the names on it, but… But I can’t read, only with great effort. It’s really difficult. It’s like the letters are running away from me. I know which letter is which, but when I try to put into words it’ll become nothing. It’s really tiring. I’m useless, I know. And I understand if you don’t want to be my friend anymore.” I draw back my hand to let him go.

“Aelin. Look at me.” He says quietly.

I look up at him and only see understanding in his eyes.

The air rushes out of my lungs.

“First, you’re not useless! You’re a very kind and protective woman. You’re really amazing and do not forget that! It doesn’t matter if you can read a whole book within an hour or not. It doesn’t define who you are. I don’t know who said that shit to you, but it’s not true.” He says firmly and my eyes are stinging. “You’re very precious to me. And I find it amazing that despite of your struggle you’re here as you are. You’re smart. If you struggle a little then what? Nobody is perfect. Me neither. And if I can help you with anything, even if you only need me to read out loud the books then I will help you. Because we’re friends.”

I swallow hard and try to blink back the tears. Nobody said things like this to me. And here we are. A marked-one and General Melgren’s daughter. And despite of the circumstances he became my best friend beside Violet. Because he wanted to.

“Liam…” I start but my voice breaks. I feel that if I say a thing then I will cry. Instead I smile at him. With real, genuine smile. With all the warm that I can muster up. I want him to know that I really appreciate his words. Him.

“Now come. We need to tidy up here before breakfast.” He lets go my hand and stands up. But I know he understood what I couldn’t say. He understand me.

“Yeah” I say in a raspy voice. “Don’t slack off.”

He just laughs and it seems that the library is brigther then minutes ago.

***

„Keep the temperaments of each specific breed in mind when you decide which dragons to approach and which to run from at Threshing,” Professor Kaori says, his serious, dark eyes slashing toward his nose as he studies the new recruits for a beat, then he changes the projection he’s conjured from a Green Daggertail to a Red Scorpiontail. He’s an illusionist and the only professor in the quadrant with the signet ability to project what he sees in his mind, which makes this class one of my favorites.

The Red Scorpiontail in the center of our circled tables is a fraction of its actual size, six feet tall at most, but it’s an exact replica of the actual firebreather waiting in the Vale for Threshing.

“Red Scorpiontails, like Ghrian here, are the quickest to temper,” Professor Kaori continues, his perfectly trimmed mustache curving as he smiles at the illusion like he’s the dragon himself. We all take notes. “So if you offend him, you’re—”

“Lunch,” Ridoc says, and the class laughs. We have a common class with Violet’s squad and unfortunately Jack Barlowe is here too, who hasn’t quit glaring at Violet since his squad took over their quarter of the room a half hour ago.

“Precisely,” Professor Kaori responds. “So what’s the best way to approach a Red Scorpiontail?” He glances around the room.

I know the answer, but I keep my hand to myself to lay low as always.

“You don’t,” Liam mutters next to me, and I huff a laugh under my breath.

“They prefer that you approach from the left and from the front, if possible,” a woman from our squad answers.

“Excellent.” Professor Kaori nods. “For this Threshing, there are three Red Scorpiontails willing to bond.” The image changes in front of us to a different dragon.

“How many dragons are there in total?” Rhiannon asks.

“A hundred for this year,” Professor Kaori answers, changing the image again. “But some might change their minds during Presentation in about two months, depending on what they see.”

My stomach hits the floor.

“That’s thirty-seven fewer than last year.” Violet says.

Maybe even fewer if they don’t like the look of us after we have to parade by them for their perusal two days before Threshing. Then again, there’s usually fewer cadets after that particular event anyway.

Professor Kaori’s dark eyebrows rise. “Yes, Cadet Sorrengail, it is, and twenty-six fewer than the year before that.”

Fewer dragons are choosing to bond, but the number of riders entering the quadrant has remained steady. My mind whirls. Attacks at the eastern borders are increasing, according to every Battle Brief, and yet there are fewer dragons willing to bond in order to defend Navarre.

“Will they tell you why they won’t bond?” another first-year asks.

“No, jackass,” Jack scoffs, his icy-blue gaze narrowing on the cadet. “Dragons only talk to their bonded riders, just like they only give their full name to their bonded rider. You should know that by now.”

Professor Kaori sends Jack a look that shuts the first-year’s mouth but doesn’t stop him from sneering at the other cadet. “They don’t share their reasons,” our instructor says. “And anyone who respects their life won’t ask a question they’re not willing to answer.”

“Do the numbers affect the wards?” Aurelie asks from where she sits behind Violet, tapping her quill against the edge of her desk.

Professor Kaori’s jaw ticks twice. “We’re not sure. The number of bonded dragons has never affected the integrity of Navarre’s wards before, but I’m not about to lie to you and say that we’re not seeing increased breaches when you know from Battle Brief that we are.”

The wards are faltering at a rate that makes my thoughts running wild with possible theories every time Professor Devera starts our daily Battle Brief. Either we’re weakening or our enemies are getting stronger. Both possibilities mean the cadets in this room are needed more than ever.

The image changes to Sgaeyl, the navy-blue dragon bonded to Xaden.

My stomach pitches as I remember the way she looked right through me that first day.

But despite of that I found her beautiful. That color and that confident stance.

“You won’t have to worry about how to approach blue dragons, since there are none willing to bond this Threshing, but you should be able to recognize Sgaeyl if you see her,” Professor Kaori says.

“So you can fucking run,” Ridoc drawls.

I nod along while others laugh.

“She’s a Blue Daggertail, the rarest of the blues, and yes, if you see her without her bonded rider, you should…definitely find somewhere else to be. Ruthless does not begin to describe her, nor does she abide by what we assume to be what the dragons consider law. She even bonded the relative of one of her previous riders, which you all know is typically forbidden, but Sgaeyl does whatever she wants, whenever she wants. In fact, if you see any of the blues, do not approach them. Just…”

“Run,” Ridoc repeats, raking his hand through his floppy brown hair.

“Run,” Professor Kaori agrees with a smile, the mustache above his top lip quivering slightly. “There are a handful of other blues in active service, but you’ll find them all along the Esben Mountains in the east, where the fighting is most intense. They’re all intimidating, but Sgaeyl is the most powerful of them all.”

My breath catches. No wonder Xaden can wield shadows—shadows that can yank daggers out of trees, shadows that can probably throw those same daggers. And yet…he let me live. I shove the kernel of warmth that thought gives me far, far away.

He was an asshole after all.

“What about the black dragon?” the first-year next to Jack asks. “There’s one here, right?”

Jack’s face lights up. “I want that one.”

“Not that it’s going to matter.” Professor Kaori flicks his wrist and Sgaeyl disappears, and a massive black dragon takes her place. Even the illusion is bigger, making me crane my neck slightly to see its head. “But just to appease your curiosity, since this is the only time you’ll ever see him, here is the only other black besides General Melgren’s.”

“He’s huge,” Rhiannon says. “And is that a clubtail?”

“No. A morningstartail. He has the same bludgeoning power of a clubtail, but those spikes will eviscerate a person just as well as a daggertail.”

“Best of both worlds,” Jack calls out. “He looks like a killing machine.”

“He is,” Professor Kaori answers. “And honestly, I haven’t seen him in the last five years, so this image is more than a little outdated. But since we have him up here, what can you tell me about black dragons?”

“They’re the smartest and most discerning,” Aurelie calls out.

“They’re the rarest,” I add in. “There hasn’t been one born in the last…century.”

“Correct.” Professor Kaori spins the illusion again, and I’m met with a pair of glaring yellow eyes. “They’re also the most cunning. There’s no such thing as outsmarting a black dragon. This one is a little over a hundred, which makes him about middle-aged. He’s revered as a battle dragon among their kind, and if not for him, we probably would have lost during the Tyrrish rebellion. Add to it that he’s a morningstartail, and he’s one of the deadliest dragons in Navarre.”

„I bet he powers one hell of a signet. How do you approach him?” Jack asks, leaning forward in his seat. There’s pure avarice in his eyes, mirrored by his friend next to him.

That’s the last thing this kingdom needs, someone as cruel as Jack bonding to a black dragon. No, thank you.

“You don’t,” Professor Kaori answers. “He hasn’t agreed to bond since his previous and only rider was killed during the uprising, and the only way you’d ever be near him is if you’re in the Vale, which you won’t be, because you’d be incinerated before you ever got through the gorge.”

The pale redhead across the circle from me shifts in her seat and tugs her sleeve down to cover her rebellion relic.

“Someone should ask him again,” Jack urges.

“It doesn’t work that way, Barlowe. Now, there is only one other black dragon, which is in service—”

“General Melgren’s,” Sawyer says. His book is closed in front of him, but I can’t blame him. I’d hardly be taking notes, either, if this was the second time I’d gone through this class. “Codagh, right?”

Everyone looks at me with curiosity in their eyes. Shit. What do they think? I won’t tell stories about him. Never.

They say the dragon chooses their rider based on things that makes them a great match. In this case they’re both cruel. They deserve each other, I shudder.

“Yes.” Professor Kaori nods. “The eldest of their den and a swordtail.”

“But just for curiosity’s sake.” Jack’s glacial-blue gaze doesn’t stray from the illusion of the unbonded black dragon still being projected. “What signet ability would this guy gift his rider?”

Professor Kaori closes his fist, and the illusion disappears. “There’s no telling. Signets are the result of the unique chemistry between rider and dragon and usually say more about the rider than the dragon. The stronger the bond and the more powerful the dragon, the stronger the signet.”

“Fine. What was his previous rider’s?” Jack asks.

“Naolin’s signet was siphoning.” Professor Kaori’s shoulders fall. “He could absorb power from various sources, other dragons, other riders, and then use it or redistribute it.”

“Badass.” Ridoc’s tone has more than a little hero worship.

“He was,” Professor Kaori agrees.

“What kills someone with that kind of signet?” Jack asks, crossing his arms over his thick chest.

Professor Kaori glances at Violet for a heartbeat before looking away. “He attempted to use that power to revive a fallen rider—which didn’t work, because there’s no signet capable of resurrection—and depleted himself in the process. To use a phrase you’ll become accustomed to after Threshing, he burned out and died next to that rider.”

Something in my chest shifts, a feeling that I can’t explain and yet can’t shake.

The bells ring, signaling the hour is up, and we all begin to gather our things. The squads filter out to the hallway, emptying the room, and I rise from behind my desk and go to stand beside Violet, shouldering my satchel as Liam waits for me by the door, a puzzled expression on his face.

“It was Brennan, wasn’t it?” Violet asks Professor Kaori.

Sadness fills his gaze as he meets hers. “Yes. He died trying to save your brother, but Brennan was too far gone.”

“Why would he do that?” She shifts the weight of her satchel. „Resurrection isn’t possible. Why would he essentially kill himself when Brennan was already gone?”

A stampede of grief tramples my heart, stealing my breath. Brennan never would have wanted anyone to die for him. That wasn’t in his nature.

Professor Kaori sits back against his desk, pulling at the short, dark hairs of his mustache as he stares at us. “Being a Sorrengail and Melgren doesn’t do you any favors in here, does it?”

I shake my head. “There are more than a few cadets who would like to take me—and my last name—down a peg.”

He nods. “It won’t be like that once you leave. After graduation, you’ll find that being who you are means others will do just about anything to keep you alive, even pleased, not because they love your mother or father but because they either fear them or want their favor.”

“Which was Naolin?”

“A little bit of both. And sometimes it’s hard for a rider with a signet that powerful to accept his limits. After all, bonding makes you a rider, but resurrecting someone from the dead? Now, that makes you a god. I somehow don’t think that Malek takes kindly to a mortal treading on his territory.”

“Thank you for answering.” Violet turns and starts toward the door, I follow her.

“Violet,” Professor Kaori calls out, and I pivot to look back. “I taught both your siblings. A signet like mine is too useful here in the classroom to let me deploy with a wing for long. Brennan was a spectacular rider and a good man. Mira is shrewd and gifted in the seat when it comes to riding.”

She nods.

“But you’re smarter than both of them.”

She blinks. It’s not often she gets compared to her brother and sister and somehow come out on top.

“From what I’ve seen of you helping your friend study in commons every night, it seems you might be more compassionate, too. Don’t forget that.”

“Thank you, but being smart and compassionate isn’t going to help me when it comes to Threshing.” A self-deprecating laugh escapes her mouth. “You know more about dragons than anyone else in the quadrant, probably anyone else on the Continent. They choose strength and shrewdness.”

“They choose for reasons they don’t see fit to share with us.” He pushes off his desk. “And not all strength is physical, Violet.”

She nods, and we head over to meet Rhiannon and Liam at the door.

“See? I told you that you’re the smartest person I know.” I grin at her. “And if anybody will bond with a strong dragon at Threshing then you will be the one.”

“You’re just saying that to comfort me.” She sighs.

“No, Vi. I say it because I belive in you.” I grab her arm and look into her eyes. “You’re smart, persistent and a good person. Don’t underestimate yourself.”

“Okay, I try.” She gives in.

“Good. Now see you later at the gym.” I wink at her and go grab Liam’s arm.

“Come on, we’re gonna be late.” I laugh at him.

“Again.” He mutters.

***

I’m so nervous for Violet’s challenge I thought as I stand and watch Liam beat the ever-loving shit out of his opponent. It’s a guy from Second Wing, and it takes almost no time for him to get the guy into a headlock, cutting off his air supply.

He’s really good. I cross my arms across my chest. I’m stripped down to the dragon-scale vest that’s starting to feel like a second skin and my fighting leathers. All four of my daggers are sheathed, and if everything goes correctly, I’ll have one more to add to my collection soon.

The Second Wing first-year passes out, and Liam rises victorious as we clap. Then he leans over his opponent and removes the dagger at his side. “Looks like this is mine now. Enjoy your nap.” He pats him on the head, which makes me laugh. Maybe I’m a bad influence to him.

I hear a shout behind me and I turn around.

Wow. Jack Barlowe stands near the wall and two daggers are etched into the wall. One near his ear and the other near his balls.

That must be Violet. So she took Xaden’s advice. I’m…glad.

There’s no ignoring the prickle at my scalp, and I let my gaze shift to see Xaden watching Violet.

My heart does that damn stuttering thing again, as if he’d sent shadows straight through my ribs to squeeze the organ. He lifts his scarred brow, and he walks toward the door, but before he can disappear he looks at me and I swear there’s a hint of a smile on his lips as he leaves.

That’s strange. It’s just me or he sends mixed signals? I thought he liked Violet but maybe he didn’t?

I don’t have much time to ponder on these thoughts.

„Melgren.” Professor Emetterio glances at his notebook and raises one bushy black brow before continuing. “Cardulo.”

Oh man, it will be a good fight. I grin as I step onto the mat opposite Imogen who glares daggers at me.

“You were just lucky last time.” She says as we start circling each other “And I will show everyone that you’re just a weakling.”

“Sweetie, I wasn’t lucky I’m simply that good.” I laugh at her.

She charges at me with raised fists and intends to punch me in the face but I quickly block it with my arms. I swing my right arm to land a hit on her side but she swiftly moves sideways and avoid it.

Hm, she’s not bad either. We exchange several blows, each one is faster than the one before. It’s like a well balanced dance, and we wait to see who will make the first mistake.

And there it is.

She charges at me again but her footwork is a little sloppy. I took advantage of it and kick out her legs.

She falls on the mat and I quickly try to secure her legs while punching wherever I can but she blocks almost every hit.

With a move I can’t see with her leg she reverses our positions and now my back is against the mat.

She lands a blow on my jaw and for a moment I see stars. Shit, she’s strong.

While I try to blink out the darkness she lands another punch at my ribs and grabs my hair to slam my head into the mat.

“I told you that you were lucky.” She mocks me. “You’re actually useless, aren’t you?”

Useless? My world stops for a moment.

You’re useless. You can’t even do the simple things I asked from you. You’re an embarrassment. Do something right for once in your life.

Useless. Useless. Useless.

I’m going under deeper and deeper in my memories.

‘You’re very precious to me’ I hear a voice. That’s… what Liam said at the library in the morning. He’s my friend and he doesn’t think that I’m useless. Then… maybe I’m not?

With these thoughts I’m back in reality and that’s the moment when Imogen hit my nose and I hear the bone breaking.

There’s blood everywhere.

Fuck. She broke my nose. I feel my anger rising.

When she tries to hit me again I grab her arm and I pull it to the side with all my power.

She loses her balance and I push her on the mat. With a swift move I punch her in the face, and I hear a satisfing snapping sound.

Payback bitch. Now her nose is broken too.

We begin to struggle for the upper position, but it’s like our strength is matching.

We use elbows, fists, everything we can to gain an advantage over the other one, while collecting more bruises.

With an opening, I get her into a headlock and I stabilize myself against the mat. I cut off her air supply, now I just need to endure it.

She claws my hand, tosses her body, trying to break my hold on her, but I won’t let it.

“Yield.” I say in a raspy voice.

She starts to struggle with a renewd ferocity but in vain. Slowly she starts to lose strength, slowing down. She almost lost consciousness.

“She yields.” Professor Emetterio says.

I relase her and she starts coughing.

Serves you right bitch. I won.

I stand up and I extend my hand. She looks at me with surprise in her eyes.

“It was a good match.” I say in a hoarse voice.

She accepts my hand and I help her stand up.

I turn to Liam who smiling at me. “You were great Aelin.”

“Yeah, thanks. But I think I will go see a healer, somebody should fix my nose. I don’t want a crooked nose.” I whine.

“Then come, I will escort you there” he laughs outright.

As we made our way to the doors I see Violet and her opponent and that’s when he pukes all over the mat.

Good job, Vi. The poison is working.

***

Next week I win against a second-year man with a rebellion relic who challanged me because the General is my father. What a surprise.

The week after the next I win again, because my opponent was a first-year who almost cried when the Professor paired us up.

The next week I almost lost against a second-year. He was a really strong opponent but got too cocky and his moves became sloppy.

My fifth won dagger is from another first-year. To my surprise I was paired up with Rhiannon. That was a good match, she’s strong and smart. But I’m better than her. It’s a fact. After all I was taught by the General.

It’s my luck that he was still at the front. I’m terrified if I think about the first time when I will have to report him. I can feel that I can’t avoid it much longer.

And August is over.

Come early September I stand next to the mat to wait for my match.

Violet is on the mat and I search for her opponent. What will it be this time? She will be throwing up? She won’t see after a couple of minutes? She will lost her balance?

I’m really intriguied. She always uses different kind of poisons so it’s not that conspicuous.

„Sorry, Violet,” Professor Emetterio says, scratching his short black beard. “You were supposed to challenge Rayma, but she’s been taken to the healers because she can’t seem to walk in a straight line.”

“That’s too bad.” She winces. “But I’m fine without a match” she adds quickly.

The Professor nods then turns to me “And Aelin it seems you’re opponent is Rayma’s boyfriend and probably they shared their breakfast. Now they both at the Healrs Quadrant.”

“What?” I ask with surprise evident on my face. “Then who will be my opponent?”

„I’m happy to step in.” That voice. That tone. That prickle of ice along my scalp…

Oh no. Hell no. No. No. No.

“You sure?” Professor Emetterio asks, glancing over his shoulder.

“Absolutely.”

My stomach hits the floor.

And Xaden walks onto the mat.

Shit. I should’ve said that I’m fine without a match too.

#fanfiction #fourth wing #fourth wing fanfic #liam mairi #the fourth wing #violet sorrengail #xaden riorson #oc #the empyrean #xaden riorson x oc #xaden x oc

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jessicaloons · 10 months ago

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Chapter 32:

Don't say I didn't, say I didn't warn ya…

Masterlist - Previous - Next

I woke up to sunbeams warming up my skin and turned around, the bed next to me empty. Yawning I snuggled back into the warm sheets, not wanting to get up already. Right when I was about to doze off again, the bed behind me dipped a little and Charles engulfed me in a warm embrace.

"Good morning, cara mia." he whispered in my ear, his soft stubble tickling my skin.

"You need to shave…" I mumbled and he chuckled, kissing along my jaw.

"Happy anniversary, pretty girl." he said between kisses and I smiled.

"Happy anniversary, pretty boy." I turned a little, waiting for his soft lips to press against mine, sealing them with a kiss.

"What about we start the day with a nice shower together and then head downtown to this beautiful market, having breakfast or more brunch and just enjoy a free day together? And for tonight I booked us a table at the best restaurant in town! How does that sound?" he asked and I sighed contently.

"Sounds perfect." I pecked his lips and he got up, pulling me with him and I wrapped my legs and arms around him, giggling.

"I guess I have to carry you then." he smiled at me and walked us into the bathroom.

An hour later we left the hotel where a car already waited for us, to drive us to the market.

"We have to FaceTime Pops!" Charles said as we got out of the car. He pulled his phone out and looked around for a quiet corner where we could call him to congratulate him, right as we said our goodbyes Liam chimed in.

"Guess what! We’re coming to Monaco!"

"No way!" Charles said excitedly.

"Mummy and Pops and I! And then I cheer you on!" his face lit up.

"Who me or Charlie?" I asked and he looked conflicted for a moment.

"Both of you? But it’s Charlie’s home race! So maybe a little bit more for him?" he said sheepishly

"Awww thank you, Bubba!" Charles smiled and I pouted.

"It’s my home race now as well!“

"No it’s not, silly! You just live there! But Charlie is Monegasque!" Liam laughed.

"Beautifully pronounced, Bubba! Amazing!" Charles cooed and Liam blushed a little.

"I’m speaking only French now with Oma!" he answered in French and Charles grabbed dramatically onto his heart.

"You’ll speak better than me in no time!" I said and Charles laughed.

"Then he will teach you, right?" he said looking at the screen.

"Qui!" Liam smiled "Now I gotta go, Lunch is ready! Love you! See you! Bye!" he hung up before anyone else could say something.

"Well, goodbye everyone else." I laughed and Charles pocketed his phone, taking my hand.

"Come one now! I’m hungry!" he pulled me towards the market and we strolled around, looking for a nice spot. When we sat down and ordered a little of everything two young boys walked up to us, asking for a picture with Charles and he happily obliged, while I took it. The boys then wished us both luck and scurried off, right as our food arrived.

"Okay. I have no idea where to start, but this looks delicious, what was it called again Qutab?" I took a bite of the pancake like dish "Damn that’s good! It’s filled with spinach and cheese. Here! Try it!" I held out the pastry for Charles to take a bite and he nodded, while chewing.

"That’s really good. Here, taste that. Kükü? Kuku? I don’t know how to pronounce it, it’s an omelette with herbs." he fed me a spork full and I almost moaned because of the flavour.

"Okay. Yeah. That was an amazing idea coming here, thank you!" I brushed his cheek with my knuckles and he smiled.

"I’m still a little mad that you didn’t let me buy you anything. It’s our anniversary, cara mia!" he said while I sipped on my tea, tilting my head a little "It’s my duty as a good boyfriend to spoil you!"

"It’s absolutely not…" I rolled my eyes "It would also mean that I have to buy you something as well! And it’s not so easy buying you a present! It was tough enough delivering on your birthday and Christmas over the last years! Now you want to add Valentine’s Day and our anniversary to that list? Four occasions every year to buy you something? Have mercy!"

"I said it’s my duty to spoil you and not the other way around!" he mumbled, shovelling some more food into his mouth.

"But that wouldn’t be fair to you! Ever heard of something called equality?" I chuckled and now he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah I know what that means and I want to be equal with everything, but I also want to spoil you!" he pouted and I shook my head.

"Whatever." I sighed and his eyes lit up.

"Whatever you let me spoil you?" Charles asked.

"Do whatever you want. But please stop looking at me like a lost puppy!" I laughed and he slipped his hands inside his jacket, pulling out a little box "Oh you’ve got to be kidding me!" I exclaimed as he put it down in front of me "You carried that with you?"

"Okay listen, it’s not a present like you think it is. It’s more… umm- I don’t know how to say it! Open it." he sounded nervous and I cocked an eyebrow, opening the box. A key with a beautiful keychain inside, I took it out and then looked at him confused.

"I already have a key to your flat?" I asked and he nodded.

"This is not a key to my flat, it’s not even a key to any flat. It’s more a symbol… you know how they build more and more new buildings in Monaco?" he asked and I nodded slowly "There is this one penthouse, I want to show you. It’s amazing."

"Charles I just bought my own flat…" I began.

"It’s not for now. It’s not even finished… it’s for the future! I just want to show you, please!" he pleaded, his puppy eyes on full display.

"Okay… let’s have a look." I smiled at him and he pulled me into his arms, gently kissing me.

"You’ll love it. I promise you that."

I knew he was right, after all he knew me all too well.

Charles POV:

"Okay, how do I look? Please remember, you didn’t tell me that you would get us a table at the best restaurant in town. Otherwise I would’ve packed something way more fancy than this!" Lizzie stepped out of the bathroom, a black dress on. A black dress that hugged her body perfectly, with long sleeves, ending right above her knees.

"You look beautiful. It’s elegant, yet simple. Sexy but not too revealing. It’s perfect." I kissed her cheek, feeling a little bad that I didn’t tell her the whole truth, about our dinner reservation.

"Okay? So hair and make-up, check. Dress, check. Bag, bag, bag…" she rummaged through her suitcase and then smiled "Bag, check. What am I missing?" she looked at me and I chuckled, pointing at her legs "Oh! Shoes! Okay, yeah, shoes, check." she slipped into her black heels and stopped in front of the mirror, smoothing the dress down "Isn’t it a little too short?"

"Absolutely not, cara mia. You look amazing!" I hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek.

"Hmm… okay." our eyes met in the mirror and she smiled "You look handsome"

"Not as good as you, but that’s okay." I laughed and she rolled her eyes "Can we go now? Our car’s outside." I took her bag from the bed and she nodded slowly "Alright, then let’s go." I took her hand and pulled her with me, out of our room, down to our car.

"What even is the best restaurant in town? Did you google it?" Lizzie asked, playing with my fingers that were intertwined with hers in her lap.

"No. I know someone who was there already and they loved it." I said and she looked out of the window "Don’t worry, they have vegetarian options." I squeezed her hand and she smiled "It’s not that far away actually, maybe we can take a walk back to the hotel…"

"With these shoes?" she snorted and I laughed.

"Maybe not." I looked outside, the little street looking familiar, when the car stopped "We’re here." I got out of the car and walked around, opening Lizzie’s door, holding out my hand for her to take. The car drove off and Lizzie spun around a little when her eyes caught the little neon sign and her breathing hitched.

"Charles…" she whispered, squeezing my hand "That’s… that’s…" her voice got caught in her throat and she looked at me.

I grabbed her waist and cupped her cheek, pulling her closer.

"We were here after I won the race…" I said and Lizzie had tears in her eyes. "Pops said after that week we deserve a treat. How you housed down that burger and the fries? God, I think I fell in love with you even more back then. It was the first time that I genuinely laughed the whole week! You took care of Arthur and I, tended to us. Made us eat and drink, that you forgot taking care of yourself. You were almost dehydrated and starved after the race. And when we were here, you did a little happy dance when you had your first fry…" I laughed.

"That was the best fry of my life!" she chuckled and I nodded.

"And for me it was one of the best nights of my life… because I knew that everything was going to be okay, after all I had you by my side…" I wiped away a stray tear and then closed the last distance between us, kissing her, putting all my heart and soul into the kiss "Now? Would you do me the honour and have a fancy dinner with me?"

"With pleasure!" Lizzie took my hand and I lead her inside, everything was quiet, only one table in the middle of the little room, candles lit up "You did not rent out the whole place?" she made big eyes.

"Of course I did… it’s just for us tonight. No one interrupting. No one watching. Just us. And the waiter." I chuckled as the waiter welcomed us.

"I love you, Charlie." Lizzie whispered, kissing my cheek and I smiled at her.

"I love you too, mon amour."

"What did I say? WHAT DID I SAY?" I jumped right into Charles arms "You were flying!"

"Thanks, cara mia!" he set me down and I kissed his cheek.

"Now go! Go to your Interview! I’ll wait for you!" I pushed him towards Crofty and he smiled one last time before he turned around, walking to give his interview.

"Lizzie!" Pierre nudged my shoulder and I smiled at him "Now that was a comeback!"

"Yeah.. I honestly thought I would be out in Q1 already, I mean, that was just milliseconds!" I said and he nodded.

"But you did it! As always!"

"Well yeah, P4 isn’t what I wanted. But the best that was possible, given the circumstances." I shrugged my shoulders "I’m sorry for you though… what happened?"

"No idea." he shook head and I squeezed his shoulder "Can’t change it now…"

"Hmm… you’ll make up for it in the race!" I tried to cheer him up.

"Yeah, maybe…" he sighed and walked off.

I turned around when Charles pinched my side.

"How’s he doing?" he asked and looked at Pierre’s back.

"Not so good… " I sighed, when Julie waved at us "Seems like I’m needed."

"Alright, I pick you up later?" he kissed my cheek and I nodded, walking towards Julie.

"Good job, Lizzie!" she smiled at me.

"I tried my best…"

"And you did amazing!" Felix smiled at me when we walked through our garage.

"The set up was way better than in practice!" I replied and he nodded.

"That’s good!"

"Let’s go Lizzie." Julie nodded towards the exit.

"Let’s do this then." I followed her outside to the media pen.

When we were at the interview for ESPN Spain I had a weird feeling, the reporter smirking at me the whole time, like he knew something about me. As soon as we walked away Julie looked at me and then back at him.

"What was up with that dude?" she asked and I shrugged "He was weird."

"I’m just glad that you felt the same…" I mumbled and she shook her head.

"At least the girl from Canal+ wasn’t here today." she chuckled.

"Oh don’t remind me of her! I mean I know that half of the media, probably even more, doesn’t like me, but she hates me! I don’t know why!" I laughed right as Charles crossed our path and he kissed my cheek without a word and then kept walking with Mia. I felt myself blush and Julie laughed.

"You two are sickeningly sweet! And the way you blush sometimes? Adorable!"

"Oh stop! It’s not adorable! It’s annoying! I don’t even know why I blush sometimes!" I groaned as we walked inside our hospitality.

"Hmm… I’d say it’s because you’re still a little shy with PDA?" she asked and I thought about it.

"Whatever. When does the team meeting start?" I asked right as Pete waved me over "Well, speak of the devil…"

"Third in yesterday’s sprint race. Fifth in today’s race. Seems like your luck has changed a little, no?" the Canal+ reporter asked, rather sneered and I nodded.

"It was a good weekend. I understand the car better now and-…" I began when she interrupted me.

"Charles had a pretty good weekend, too. Pole position for the sprint and the race. Second in the sprint race, third today. His season also changed for the better."

"Is there a question in your statement that I just missed?" I asked her and she laughed.

"How do you feel about that? People were joking that since you’re driving alongside Charles he only makes it onto to the podium when you’re up there too."

"Oh yeah? Sucks that I’m not on the podium today then…" I said and she nodded.

"True. Oh! Charles! Here! I was just finishing up with your lovely girlfriend." she switched to French and waved Charles over who joined us "Now, I just told Lizzie what a great weekend you two had! You can be really proud!" her voice was sweet and loud as she laid her hand on his arm, smiling at him with big eyes.

"Umm yeah, we had a good weekend…" Charles began but I didn’t listen, I looked at Julie who just chuckled and shrugged. I squeezed Charles arm and followed Julie.

"I think she has a huge crush on Charles, that’s why she doesn’t like you." she said and looked back to the French reporter who smiled at Charles, throwing her head back laughing, by the look on Charles face, probably about something that wasn’t that funny.

"Yeah well, tough luck. That’s my man." I shrugged and she laughed.

I looked out the window for a while, when I turned to Charles.

"How is it? Having Fred now in the team as well?" I asked and he looked up from his book "What’s he even doing?"

"Honestly? No idea, all they said was he’s having a supervisory role within the team. But no clue what that means." he scratched his chin "But it’s nice having him in the team in some kind of way, at least. He helped me a lot in my rookie year… but yeah. He won’t be around a lot on the track, they said he will be here for the next three or four races to see how the team works, the routines and stuff and then he’ll be back in Maranello, working on how to improve the departments that need improvement."

"So he’s basically making sure that the team stops fucking up?" I said and Charles chuckled.

"I guess you could say that."

"Hmm. Well let’s hope he can fix that… especially your strategy department…" I muttered and he pinched my side "What? Just saying…"

"I’m not supposed to say this, but I heard from… doesn’t matter, but I heard he’s heavily involved in the development of next year’s car." Charles said quietly and I looked at him "It’s not official or anything, I just heard it from someone who has connections to certain people in the factory."

"If you’re lucky Mattia is gone by the end of the year and Fred will take over…" I wiggled my eyebrows and he laughed.

"I never had any problems with him, it was just that…" he stopped.

"I know, I got it." I patted his arm and he sighed.

For the rest of the flight I mostly watched some tv shows or cuddled up into Charles warmth, trying to not think about the upcoming race weekend. The race I didn’t finish last season. Coming back here, I knew that it would be one of the number one topics on media day, that’s why I wasn’t surprised at all when I sat down for the press conference and answered the probably tenth question about it.

"Of course I watched a replay of the crash and I honestly don’t know what happened still. It all happened so fast. I was making contact with Checo, I don’t know what lead to that or why I didn’t react. Maybe I had an idea for a split second but then got already caught up by him." I said, of course not mentioning the blackout due to my terrible night before the race. That was a secret I’ll never share. Not with the public at least.

"Brad Worthington, BBC Sports. Lizzie, what do you expect from this weekend? Your car seems to be good around here, on paper at least?"

"I hope I can convert the performance from paper to track. I think we’re heading in the right direction with the car, Baku was a huge step forward, so I’m really excited to see what’s on for us this weekend!"

"Jan Dietrich, Bild. Question for Charles. How is it coming back to this track after last year? We all remember your team radio, the agony in your voice asking for updates on Lizzie after her crash. How you left right after the podium for the hospital? Your win here was a little overshadowed by the crash."

"I didn’t care about the race or the win to be honest. For me it was more important that Lizzie was okay, so yeah, I knew I had to leave immediately. If it were up to me I wouldn’t even attend the podium, but the win wasn’t just for me. It was also for the team, they deserved to celebrate it." Charles said and looked at me.

"Alright, that’s it. Thank you Lady and Gentlemen. Have a good race weekend!" Tom Clarkson ended the press conference and we left.

"Are you okay?" Charles asked and I shrugged.

"Never show them that their questions are getting to you." Lewis smiled at me and I nodded.

"Thanks, Lewis. Trying my best." I replied.

"You did good, both of you." he squeezed my shoulder and nodded at Charles and then left.

"Come on. Let’s get out of here. I’m done for today, whatever Sylvia has in store for me, I’m not doing it. Not today, I feel like a bad headache is coming? And my stomach? Not good…" Charles winked and I laughed.

"Yeah? If that’s it, then I guess I have to take care of you! Let me just tell Julie."

"In 15 minutes at the car?" he kissed my cheek.

"I’ll be there!"

The car worked great on the track. Valtteri had the better Friday, but after we adjusted the set up of my car a little, I could make up some seconds. Quali went amazing and luckily I already set a pretty good time when Q3 was red flagged, parking my car in P3. I knew that Charles had a hard time, getting comfortable in the car and as I watched the replay of his crash I knew immediately that he must’ve pushed too hard, to abstract the most out of the car. He looked down, head hung low, shoulders sagged.

"What happened?" I asked him gently and sat down on the couch next to him.

He sighed, throwing his head back.

"This car. It’s… it’s unpredictable! The car goes from understeering like crazy when I turn into the corner, where I have to fight to stay on track, to massively oversteering at the exit. I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel comfortable like this." he sounded tired, his eyes closed.

"Consistency is what you’re lacking most at the moment…" I said carefully and he only nodded.

"We’re good in qualifying, I mean if I’m not that stupid and crash out… twice! At the same fucking spot! But we have no race pace whatsoever. So yeah, consistency is what we’re lacking at the moment." he turned to look at me and then smiled "But you had a good weekend. I’m proud of you. Audi really is doing a good job at the moment, developing the car, fix what’s wrong. You’re doing a good job, adjusting to the changes."

"Yeah, I think Baku was a little turning point? I mean we’re nowhere near Aston or Merc, but we’re getting there, slowly but steady."

"I thought after last week that we turned the season around as well…"

"I know, I’m sorry. It looked like your car was worse than last week for some reason? And by your car I mean YOUR car and not both Ferraris…"

He shrugged only and then got up.

"I don’t know. I’m struggling a lot this season. I’m not comfortable with the car, Carlos is. So yeah, we’ll see I guess…" he walked to the mini bar and grabbed a coke, looking at me, I shook my head and he came back, opening the can "But I have to stop using this as an excuse, that the car is more for his style of driving. I’m a Formula 1 driver in my fifth season in the biggest team, sixth overall. I have to be able to adjust to a car that’s not to my liking. That’s my job. That’s something I have to get better at." he took a sip of his coke.

"You will adjust, I know it. You’ll be back on top in no time!" I kissed his cheek and sat up, almost instantly Charles passed me the can and then laughed.

"Come on, take a sip, I know you want it."

"You know me too well." I chuckled but then took the can and took a sip "Thanks."

"At least I’m confident in how to handle you." he teased and I gasped.

"Handle me? How dare you!" I slapped his biceps and got up walking towards the bathroom "You know what? I’m really looking forward to stay a couple of days here. Relax under the sun. That will do us some good." I took off my shorts.

"Are you taking a shower without me, cara mia?" he cocked an eyebrow.

"No, I’m taking a shower waiting for you…" I winked at him and he threw his head back in the pillows, chuckling "I mean, if you want to of course…" I shrugged my shoulders, pulling my shirt off and threw it at him. The moment it hit him he jumped up and followed me.

I signed caps and shirts, took selfies with some fans and talked a little away when I heard how the crowd got louder and knew Charles had come. He waved at me and then turned to his fans, smiling and taking to them. Even after a bad result he was the sweetest with his fans, always trying to make everyone feel special and seen. I leaned at the car and watched him when JK stopped next to me.

"It’s truly amazing how he can always put on a smile for his fans." he said while watching Charles as well.

"Yeah, he was always like this. Always focused on making them the happiest…" I smiled.

"He was pretty hard on himself again." I looked at him "I mean I know you two, you both are like this. But he’s even this hard on him when it’s not his fault… his car? What a shitbox."

"I know… but it’s Ferrari. They could break him to pieces and he still would want nothing but the best for them." I sighed "That kind of love speaks volumes."

"True." JK waved at Charles as he looked over "I hope you guys have some quiet days, can relax a little. Take care, Liz." he hugged me.

"See you in a week." I waved him off, pulling out my phone, to beat the time.

"Alright, let’s go!" Charles voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I looked up "I can’t wait to get out of here."

"Someone’s eager!" I chuckled and kissed his cheek, getting in the car.

"We only have three and a half days for ourselves, so yeah, I’m eager to get away!" he started the car and drove off.

"We could’ve just stayed in our hotel here, you know?" I said looking out the window.

"Nope. I wanted to get away from here. Palm Beach sounded nice, the hotel looked amazing and the beach as well!"

"So Palm Beach it is then." I smiled looking out the window, right when Cruel Summer began to play on the radio and I began to sing along. By the time the bridge started I almost screamed from the top of my lungs, dancing along "You know that Taylor’s here? Well not here here, but close. Tampa. Tonight and then on Wednesday night again?"

"Yeah, Lizzie, you told me that like a million times…" Charles chuckled a little and I sighed "You’ll see her! At the end of this year. Next year. You’ll see her." he grinned.

"It’s annoying that you’re this optimistic."

"Life as a Ferrari driver…" he mumbled and I laughed.

"Did you just-… no… you didn’t? That can’t be? Did you just indirectly called out Ferrari?" I looked at him, still laughing.

"Nope." a tiny smirk on his lips.

Charles POV:

Lizzie snuggled into me as we sat on the beach, watching the sun set on the horizon above the ocean, a beautiful pink and purple hue painted the sky.

"Best anniversary ever!" she whispered after a while and I chuckled a little "You don’t think so?"

"Oh no! I do think so! For me it definitely is the best anniversary ever! I just think it could be maybe even a little bit better…" I shrugged my shoulders in amusement.

"How could this be even more perfect than it already is?" she asked turning her head a little, looking at her.

"I don’t know… but I think when I say that we’re going to the Era’s Tour tomorrow in Tampa, it might be really perfect and really tough to beat…" she sat up in an instant, turning around, staring at me with wide eyes.

"What did you say?" she almost whispered it.

"We’re going to the Era’s Tour tomorrow night in Tampa." I smiled at her.

"Okay… I’m having a hard time processing this… when you say 'We’re going to the Era’s Tour tomorrow night in Tampa' then you mean we could’ve gone there if I could’ve been able to purchase tickets, right? That’s what you mean?" Lizzie’s voice was wavering and I shook my head "Shaking your head means no… so no that’s not what you mean, right?"

"No, that’s not what I mean." I grinned and she squeezed my hands like crazy.

"So you’re saying we are going to the Era’s Tour… like going to the concert. Inside a stadium. Watching the show?" tears started gathering in her eyes and I slowly nodded, gently taking one hand from her strong grip, showing her the tickets on my phone.

"You. Me. Taylor. Tomorrow night." I said and she let out a loud squeal before she threw her arms around my neck, screaming, crying, littering my face with tiny kisses.

"I love you. I love you. I love you." she cried and I hugged her tight "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

"Happy anniversary." I whispered in her ear and she sniffled, pulling away a little, smiling at me "I love you, cara mia." she leaned in and captured my lips in a wet and salty kiss.

"You are the best boyfriend a girl could ask for. Thank you, Charles." she breathed out against my lips, smiling her gorgeous smile, I chuckled and pecked her lips "I can’t believe it! I’m going to see Taylor Swift live in concert!"

"Yes you are." I laughed.

"We’re going to see Taylor! We’re going to the Era’s Tour." her eyes shining bright "I’m going to the Era’s Tour tomorrow night!" she closed her eyes for a moment before looking at the sky above us "I’m going to the Era’s Tour. Tomorrow night." she repeated, this time her voice sounded a little panicked "Oh my god! I’m going to the Era’s Tour! Tomorrow night! FUCK! What do I wear? I can’t just go there in some boring clothes! OH GOD! WHAT DO I WEAR? I wanted to wear something special." full on panic now.

"Hey, hey, hey! Calm down!" I laughed but Lizzie almost hyperventilated.

"I can’t! This is not just a normal concert! This is the Era’s Tour! I have to dress up! Like seriously!" she pouted, pacing back and forth.

"I know! That’s why Shima designed your outfit, it’s in the closet." I smiled and she stopped abruptly.

"What?"

"I knew you would wanted to wear something special. And you talked with Shima about what you would love to wear. Well she designed it. It’s here. Well not here, in the hotel, but you get what I mean…" I chuckled and she grabbed my hand, pulling me with her "And now we’re going to the hotel because you have to see it." I laughed.

"Yep." she replied, then stopping again, kissing me fiercely "And then I thank you properly." she nipped at my bottom lip and kept walking again "And now move!"

The whole way from the hotel, to our car, to the entry and when we were brought up to our seats I had the biggest smile on my face. I was at Taylor Swift’s The Era’s Tour. I had my gorgeous boyfriend by my side. And I wore an amazing outfit, designed by Shima. The night could only be epic. And it was. More than epic. As the show started, I was singing and dancing, having the time of my life. Charles doing his best to keep up with me. While Lover was played he held me close, swaying us back and forth, gently kissing my cheek and I had the biggest smile on my face. As the setting switched and a new era began I looked at the stage in awe. Singing at the top of my lungs along. It was during Love Story when I had a little heart attack, right when the bridge started and Taylor sang 'he knelt to the ground' Charles in fact knelt to the ground and I gasped. He wouldn’t do that. Not here. Not like this. Not in public. My heart was beating out of my chest when I looked down, but then I saw how he tied his shoe lace and got back up again, a devilish smirk on his lips.

"What?" he mouthed and I chuckled, playfully hitting his shoulder. Although I was shocked and definitely overwhelmed with the feeling of getting proposed to in a sea of strangers, I couldn’t ignore the little spark that got ignited inside my stomach. The warm feeling rushing through me. The tiny pinch of disappoint when I realised Charles only tied his shoe lace. As if he sensed that I was a little lost in my head, Charles pulled me to his side, kissing my temple. I shook my head a little and smiled. Focusing back on the stage in front, where the visuals changed yet again, signalling for a new era to start. The time flew by and way too soon it was already the last era, then the last song.

charles_leclerc just posted a story…

We followed the security guy and I sweated even more, nervousness seeping through me. I just danced and screamed for more than 3 hours and was about to meet Taylor Swift. TAYLOR SWIFT. My sweaty self meeting Taylor Swift. I pulled off the coat and started to dry my face with the flimsy fabric, goosebumps spreading all over my skin.

"You’re getting sick like that." Charles said next to me, looking at my arms but I shrugged my shoulders.

"That coat, although it looked amazing, is soaked and way too hot."

"Here." he took off his jacket and gave it to me "Put it on cara mia, you’re wearing this thin dress and are sweaty as fuck. You’re getting sick!" he repeated and I took the jacket and put it on, rolling up the sleeves.

"Thank you!" I smiled at him, grabbing his hand again.

"Boyfriend duty." he winked and I laughed.

"You’re excelling as always!" he rolled his eyes a little but I squeezed his hand "I’m serious!"

"It’s okay. Really." he reassured me and I nodded.

"How do I look?" I asked him, smoothing down my hair a little.

"You look as cute as always!"

"Hmm. Okay, do y-…" I began when the security guard stopped.

"Alright. Wait inside there, she’ll come to see you." he opened the door in front of us and I walked inside. A handful of people waiting already. I swallowed hard and looked at Charles, who smiled at me encouragingly.

"Oh my god! Oh my god! You’re Charles Leclerc and Lizzie Doetterer!" a female voice behind us screeched out loud.

I turned around and in front of us stood a girl whose face I knew, but just couldn’t place.

"I’m Sarah Collins! I’m a huge Formula 1 fan!" the girl held out her hand and we shook them and it hit me.

"Sarah Collins! You’re an influencer slash activist slash fashion blogger slash… you kinda make everything! I follow you on Insta!" I said and she made big eyes.

"What? You follow me? No?! I swear I never saw that!" she took her phone out and scrolled through her Instagram "Oh my god! How the hell did I miss that!" she said more to herself before she looked up "It’s so cool to see you here! Wow! Can we take a picture together, maybe?"

"Sure!" I smiled at her and she shoved her phone into her friend’s hand and stood next to me, Charles wanted to walk away but Sarah shook her head "No, no, please! With you as well!"

"Oh, okay." Charles stepped next to me again and her friend took some pictures.

"Thank you guys so much!" she smiled and and looked at the pictures.

"No worries."

"So! How did you like the show?" she asked and I smiled wide.

"I loved it! I’m so sad it’s over already! I could’ve gone for another hour or two!"

"Same! It was so amazing!"

"As soon as she announces some shows in Europe for next year we’ll be going again!" I smiled at Charles who cocked an eyebrow.

"We are?" he laughed and I hit his arm playfully "Just kidding! We are!"

"You two are literally the cutest!" Sarah said and I blushed "Since the day it was announced that you’ll be in F1 as well, I was rooting for you! And then I saw you two the first time together on the screen? I knew immediately that you two were a couple" she wiggled her eyebrows a little and I laughed.

"Well, we tried our best to hide it and-…" I began as the door opened and the word got caught in my throat, Sarah turning around gasping a little.

"Hi guys! How are you doing!" Taylor Swift asked us how we were doing. Taylor Swift. She walked up to us, a big smile on her face, opening up her arms, hugging first Sarah and her friends, talking a little with them, before she turned to Charles and I, hugging me "Hi, I’m Taylor." she introduced herself and I hugged her back. Not just that Taylor Swift introduced herself, as if we didn’t knew who she was, no! She hugged me!

"Hi! I’m Taylor, it’s so amazing to meet you Lizzie!" I blurted out and blushed immediately "Oh god! You’re Taylor. I’m Lizzie. I’m so sorry!" I apologised immediately but she just laughed.

"It’s okay, don’t be nervous. Just take a deep breath!" she still held my hand, squeezing it "Hi Lizzie, nice to meet you! You’re the racing driver everyone is talking about, right? The only girl in… Formula 1?"

Rest in peace me. RIP me. I died. Dead.

Taylor Swift knew who I was. My mind went blank and I kept staring at her, unable to say anything.

"Yes. Yes, that’s her. The only girl in Formula 1." Charles jumped in and smiled at me, then at Taylor.

"And you must be the boyfriend who surprised Lizzie with tickets for tonight? Charles?" Taylor Swift knew who my boyfriend was.

"Yep. That’s me. Nice to meet you." Charles said and Taylor smiled at him.

"I hope you had some fun tonight?" she asked and I broke out from my trance.

"It was amazing! So freaking amazing! You were amazing! The show! The dancers! The band! The visuals! Amazing!" I praised her and her smile got even bigger.

"Aww! Thank you! You’re the cutest!"

And again. Rest in peace me. RIP me. I died. Dead. I kept on staring at her. Not knowing if she talked to me or if I even was able to answer. I just stood there. Star-strucked. And in awe. She was tall and so pretty. And her smile was contagious.

"Lizzie?" Charles gently nudged my shoulder and I looked at him "Come on, we’re taking some pictures!" he smiled and me and I nodded.

"Here. Come to me." Taylor Swift pulled me to her side and I tried my best not to faint.

Charles took some pictures with his phone, before he stood next to me, to be in some pictures as well. My cheeks were hurting from smiling that much but I couldn’t help it.

"Did we get some good shots?" Taylor asked and Charles nodded.

"Amazing shots."

"Perfect!" she smiled again at us, before her assistant walked in and nodded at her "Unfortunately I have to go now, but it was so good to meet you all!" she hugged us all one by one and when it was my turn she took off one of her bracelets, when she pulled away, handing it to me "I think that one fits you pretty well." she smiled and I looked at the bracelet the 1 stood on the pearls "As you’re the only girl in Formula 1 and you’re also the number one because you won a race!" I put the bracelet on and took one of my own off, in the colours of the German flag and with pearls saying girl champ.

"I think that one fits you pretty well too." I said and she smiled.

"Thank you!" she hugged me again and then lastly Charles "It was really great to meet you! Good luck on the race course? Is it race course? Yeah? Good luck then and win some more races! You guys rock!"

With one last wave she was gone and I just stood there, staring at the bracelet on my wrist. We said our goodbyes to Sarah and her friends and left. Or rather Charles dragged me along, because I wasn’t able to comprehend anything that had happened just now. It was late at night when we arrived back in our hotel and we took a quick shower, getting bed ready, when what has happened fully sunk in.

"I was at the Era’s Tour. I saw Taylor Swift live performing. I met Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift knew who we were. Taylor Swift took pictures with us. And last but not least, Taylor Swift and I switched friendship bracelets." I said and looked at Charles, a big grin on his lips "And that all was only possible because of you. YOU! My amazing, perfect boyfriend!" I snuggled into his side, kissing his cheek "I love you. So much. You have no idea. You are the best boyfriend any girl could ever dream of. Thank you for making this possible!"

"I would do everything for you, cara mia. Although I have to admit, there is someone you definitely have to thank rather than me… Lewis. He got us the tickets. He knew someone who worked with Taylor before and who’s she’s friends with and he organised this all…" Charles said and I smiled.

"Lewis? Well then I guess I have to thank him as well, as soon as I see him again." I yawned and Charles chuckled.

"Come on, sleep now, our flight is at 12." he kissed my forehead and I sighed contently "Good night, cara mia."

"Good night, my Charlie bear. And thank you. So much."

"Call me as soon as you arrive!" I kissed Charles at the gate to his flight to Bologna, after we had arrived two hours earlier from Orlando.

"I will. And you text me when you’re at the factory!" he held me close, kissing my temple.

"Will do! Have a good flight, I’ll see you back home." I waved him off as he boarded the plane, turning around smiling one last time.

Outside the airport a car was waiting for me and when I got inside I leaned back, closing my eyes. I was tired from the long flight and my mind was still trying to wrap around what happened the last 48 hours. Lost in thoughts I flinched when the door of the car opened and Pete grinned at me.

"Welcome back, Lizzie." he grabbed my back for me as I got out and took my suitcase from the driver, thanking him.

"Good to be back!" I smiled and followed him inside, ready to start the preparation for the upcoming races.

The data looked great. The lap times were solid. I was ready for Imola, Monaco and Barcelona. All three tracks were tested, the best set ups and strategies for all types of weather were discussed. On Saturday morning Julie informed me that I would be closely followed by the Netflix film crew for the next three days and for the first time

I honestly didn’t mind it at all.

"You’re awfully cheery…" Elijah chuckled on Sunday at lunch break and I just shrugged.

"I had a good week, I’m optimistic for the next races. Life’s good!" I laughed and he nodded.

"Let’s see if there will be a next race first, right?" Pete squeezed my shoulder when he got up and I sighed.

The weather situation in the Emilia Romagna region was concerning, heavy rainfall was threatening to flood the racetrack and the surrounding regions, a cancellation was considered. I left the factory on Sunday evening, stopping by at Marcus’ place, staying overnight and spending the evening with Benji, playing some board games and watched a movie, before I left on Monday morning to drive back to Monaco. I sent Charles a text that I would be driving now and got in the car, starting my journey.

I parked my car right when Charles called.

"Good timing, I just parked." I said and got out, unloading my suitcase.

"Already? I thought I would catch you somewhere on the streets still." he chuckled and I locked the car, going for the elevator.

"You know me, the indicated time is just like a challenge for me." I stepped into the elevator.

"I honestly have no idea how you’re still having your drivers license! I mean, speeding in Germany is one thing, but the rest? You’re not always going to be this lucky, not getting caught for speeding!"

"It’s not luck. It’s talent."

"It’s madness."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." I chuckled, rummaging through my bag to find my keys.

"You know that I’m right!" Charles said.

"We’ll see!" I sighed and walked out of the elevator "I’m at home now, I’m thinking about-…" I dropped my phone and gasped loudly.

"Cara mia?" Charles faint voice from the ground "Lizzie? Talk to me?"

I stared at the bouquet of red roses on my door mat. A white card in the middle.

"LIZZIE!" Charles scream pulled me out of my trance and I bent down, picking up my phone "Cara mia? What happened? Talk to me?"

"I’m okay. Sorry." I choked out, voice shaky.

"Lizzie, what’s going on?" I heard the worry in his voice.

"I tripped. Fell. Sorry. I didn’t look where I was going and there was a- ummm a package on the floor. Sorry!" I lied.

"Are you sure, you’re okay?" Charles didn’t believe me. I heard it in his voice.

"Yeah, kinda. Just some bruised knees tomorrow." I fake laughed.

"Okay. I call you later then?"

"Okay. Bye. Love you." I hung up hastily. My eyes didn’t leave the flowers for a second. I carefully picked them up. Looking the hallway up and down before I unlocked the door and walked inside. With shaky hands I set the vase down on my kitchen island and looked around, then walked through every single room and only when I was convinced I was alone, I took the card out of the flowers and opened it. An address. Nothing more. I googled the address. A betting office. I kept staring at my phone. What did he want me to do at a betting office? Would we meet there? But there was no date or time. Just the address. Nothing more. As it was already getting dark outside I decided to go there the next day. Although I had no idea what I was supposed to do there.

I sat in the car and double checked the address, looking around. Nervous as I was I sat in the car for almost four hours, watching the people who entered and exit the shop. I took one last deep breath before I got out and walked inside. Right at the door was a counter and the man looked at me.

"Hi, umm a friend of mine wanted me to pick something up for him? Salva Diaz?" I asked and he looked through a basket with papers.

"I’m sorry, there’s nothing for a Salva Diaz here." he informed me and I swallowed.

"Something for Lizzie Doetterer?"

"Umm… yes. Lizzie Doetterer." he pulled out a brown envelope and I wanted to take it from him "You have to sign the receipt, that you received the envelope."

He pushed a form over the counter and pointed at the dotted line. I grabbed the pen and signed it, then grabbed the envelope and opened it up. A folder with a bunch of papers inside. Race prognoses for each driver and team. Starting from Monaco. A chart with bet quotes. Copies of betting slips and receipts. And the last paper were instructions on how I had to ensure the winner in Barcelona, Montreal, Spielberg and Silverstone. Diaz’ message in bold letters on a sticky-note:

I lost my money because of you, now you help me get it back. You know what you have to do. Otherwise, see what happens.

I looked at the guy behind the counter, but he was already busy scrolling on his phone so I left the shop, envelope tightly clenched to my chest. Back in the car I looked through the folder. He wanted me to manipulate races? At the instructions for every race my heart clenched when I saw Monaco. He wanted me to make Charles DNF. For Barcelona, Montreal, Spielberg and Silverstone he only instructed who had to win the race. But for Monaco he wanted me to end both, Charles and my race. I started the engine and drove off. This was impossible. Not just that it was morally wrong and against all integrity, it was also fucking illegal. It only needed one person to raise suspicions and it would be over, my career, my team, everything. He knew how dangerous this was. Put all that aside, there was still the biggest question to answer, how was I supposed to do it? How? How do you manipulate a Formula 1 race? I could only control my racing. This wasn’t football where I could cause a penalty or just not give my all and play like shit. This was racing. This was nothing that could be easily manipulated. Especially not by one driver alone. It all didn’t make any sense. When I parked in the garage I opened Instagram and looked through my messages, when I found the chat with Diaz I took a deep breath and opened it up. Our last conversation visible. I wrote him that what he asked of me didn’t make sense, that I couldn’t help a certain driver to win. I had no influence on track positions and therefore didn’t know how I could ensure who would win a race. Not even a minute later he replied, saying his instructions were clear, I had to handle it myself. I groaned and got out, back in my flat I sat down on the couch, folder on the table and I kept staring at it. Out of all the things I thought he wanted me to do, this was something I never, not in a million years, would’ve thought about. I knew that Diaz was insane, but this? This was ridiculous. And impossible. And wrong. And illegal. He wanted me to commit a fucking crime? I flinched when my phone was ringing, Charles, I took a deep breath and answered the call.

"Hey."

"Hi cara mia, how was your day?" Charles muffled voice rang out.

"Uneventful." I answered looking around.

"Yeah? What did you do?"

"Had a workout with JK. Ran some errands and now I’m just sitting around. How was your day?"

"My Monaco race suit and stuff was ready so we shot a little video." I could hear the smile and excitement in his voice.

"Yeah? You like it?"

"Love it."

"I can’t wait to see it." I said, trying to sound as gleeful as possible.

"Are you okay? You sound a little down?" the excitement replaced with worry in an instant.

"I’m just exhausted and tired." I faked a yawn, hoping Charles believed me.

"Hmm… maybe you should cut back on your work outs? You seem to be quite exhausted a lot in the last weeks…"

"I’m fine. It’s just… yeah I don’t know for some weeks now I feel a little tense after the race weekends, but it’s fine."

"Okay. But don’t overwork yourself okay? I know you!" he sighed a little.

"Promise. And now that the cancelled Imola, I have a little time to relax."

"True."

"How’s the situation in Maranello?"

"Luckily we’re all good here, no flooding or anything. But yeah, people are a little worried…"

"I’m glad you’re okay."

"It’s all good, don’t worry!"

"Okay… look, I really don’t want to cut you off, Charles, but I’m really tired…"

"No, it’s alright, cara mia. Go to bed. I’ll be back on Saturday morning. We have a sponsor dinner on Friday and I’m leaving right after it."

"Saturday? That’s 4 more days! Didn’t you say Thursday?" 4 more days alone. I hated it.

"Mattia wanted to test some things." I could practically hear his eyes rolling "Whatever. I’ll be home on Saturday, yeah."

"Okay. See you then! I love you." I swallowed thickly, ready to hang up.

"Good night, cara mia. Love you too." he hung up and I sighed, falling back into pillows.

4 more days alone in here. Here where Diaz knew that I lived. I looked around. Then got up and packed my suitcase, threw everything in that I would need for the next week, with the stuff at Charles flat I should be good for a while. I locked the door and left, taking the car straight to Charles flat. Still alone, but at least I felt safer. Inside I locked the door and rolled my suitcase in the bedroom. Climbing into the bed trying to find sleep. A difficult task for the next days to come. My mind full of his crazy plan for me.

Charles POV:

I was more than happy that I could dodge that sponsor dinner tonight. Driving back home to Lizzie, I wanted to text her that I would be home earlier but decided to surprise her. I unlocked my door, ready to take a quick shower and then head over to Lizzie’s, knowing she would be still awake at this time. Right when I wanted to enter my bedroom my phone vibrated, Lizzie. I chuckled and picked up.

"Hey ca-…" I began but a faint whimper made me freeze "Lizzie?"

"There’s someone here…" she whispered and my heart almost burst out of my chest.

"Lizzie, hide. Lock yourself inside your bathroom! I’ll be right over!" I was already on the way to the door, when I heard a loud bang from inside my bedroom.

"Fuck! I knocked over the candle by the door…" she whimpered, her breathing staggering. Candle by the door? I spun around, storming inside my bedroom towards the bathroom, trying to open the door. Locked. "He’s here."

I threw my phone away and knocked on the door.

"Lizzie! Open up! It’s me! I’m here!" I said loudly "Cara mia, unlock the door! It’s me!"

"Charles?" her voice barely audible through the door. As soon as I heard the click of the door unlocking I pushed the door open, Lizzie looked at me, tears stained her cheeks, a terrified look on her face. Once she recognised me, she jumped right into my arms "Charles…"

"Shhh… it’s okay, cara mia. It’s just me." I held her close and kissed the side of her head "I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you!" I walked us outside the bathroom, sitting down on the bed, Lizzie in my lap "I should’ve told you that I’m coming home. I’m sorry."

"It’s okay. I’m sorry. I was just- I woke up because I heard you and thought that someone is-… I thought it’s a burglar or something." she whispered.

"Just me. No one else, Lizzie." I cooed and her trembling stopped slowly, breathing stabilised "I didn’t know you’re here. I wanted to surprise you!"

"I’m sorry! But there is-… someone is renovating above me and it’s so annoyingly loud. I should’ve asked you first if it’s okay staying here." she apologised but I shook my head pulling away.

"You never have to ask that, okay? This place is as much as your place as it’s mine. You come here whenever you want to, okay?" I looked at her intently.

"Okay." she gave me a little smile and then pecked my cheek "Sorry about the candle. I was just so scared that I just knocked it over."

"Fuck the candle. You’re alright. That’s important." I nuzzled my face in her hair and took a deep breath. When I opened my eyes I noticed tiny red droplets on the floor, coming out of the bathroom, I immediately sat Lizzie down next to me and kneeled in front of her, taking her feet in my hands. She had a small cut int the sole of her right foot, a little glass shard poking out "Alright sit still, I take care of that and…" I got up pointing into the bathroom "…that."

"I didn’t even notice it…" she muttered, looking at her foot.

"That’s why you have me." I kissed her forehead and left to get the first aid kit.

As soon as I took care of the cut and made Lizzie lay back down, I cleaned up the floor and took a short shower, then climbed in the bed, Lizzie already asleep. I switched off the light, hugging her from behind, I snuggled into her warmth. Her breathing was evenly and she grabbed my arm tightly.

"Charles?" she whispered after a while and I squeezed her hip to show her that I was listening "Thank you… for being my knight in shining armour, yet again."

"For you always, cara mia, for you always."

I opened my arms and she sat down between my legs, leaning back against my chest. I nuzzled my nose against her neck and inhaled deeply.

"Have I ever told you that I love how you smell?" I asked and she giggled.

"No… and would this be a true crime documentary it would be creepy!" she laughed and I pinched her sides.

"Why are you like this? You’re so annoying!" I chuckled and she just shook her head and turned it slightly to look at me.

"Oh come on! You love me!" she said and I looked into her eyes and leaned in.

"True. That I do. More than anything else…" I whispered against her lips. Before I could kiss her, her phone rang and she flinched.

"God! I almost had a heart attack!" she grabbed her phone and as she looked at her screen she froze "Umm… I gotta take that!" she got up and left the room. I sat up and waited for her to come back. After a couple of minutes I heard the bedroom door opening and Lizzie walked out, she looked confused, upset even.

"Lizzie?" I asked and got up, she looked at me "What happened? Who was that?"

"Umm… that was, that was Pete. He looked through some… umm some of my recent sim results and they weren’t that great… yeah I have to work a bit harder I guess." she was lying "Are you hungry? I’m hungry! I’m going to cook something. You want something too?" she didn’t even wait for an answer and already left into the kitchen. I got up and followed her.

"Hey! What’s going on? Pete wouldn’t call you just to say that? You’ll see him tomorrow?" I said pointedly and she looked at me.

"Well, he didn’t just say that, he said that after Barcelona I had to come to Neuburg and we need to get over some sim data for the new upgrades. That’s how he said it! No big deal!" she tried to reassure me but I wasn’t buying it.

"Lizzie. You know I know it when you’re lying? So just tell me the truth?!"

"I’m not lying! You don’t believe me? Okay! Let’s call Pete then!" she was almost furious as she walked past me, back into the living room grabbing her phone "Here! I call him! If you need proof of me telling the truth, I’ll give it to you…" she clicked on his contact "Thanks for trusting me!" right as she was about to dial his number I sighed. No. Not like this. It wouldn’t do any good if I caught her lying like this.

"Okay, stop. You’re right! Sorry! I trust you! I really do!" I said and she looked relieved "You don’t have to call him…"

"Thank you." she said it with such an attitude that I wanted to just grab her phone and call Pete myself.

"Yeah…" I pressed out "Sure."

When we ate our dinner I felt Charles look on me and tried my best to ignore it. My mind was still reeling from the fact that Diaz had my phone number. When I texted him in Instagram earlier today that I was done, that I wouldn’t do what he wanted from me, I didn’t expect him to call me. Then again, nothing should surprise me anymore when it came to him. I lazily picked at my food, not able to stomach any of it.

"You’re okay?" Charles asked after a while and I just nodded "You should eat, Lizzie. You haven’t been eating much recently." I could hear the worry in his voice.

"I’m fine. It’s just… this season is tough. The car is nowhere near last year’s car. Sure, the last races were better, but still… I just don’t know how to push the car to the max." I sighed "Maybe that’s why my sim work is not that great!" I added and Charles frowned, but didn’t say anything.

"You’ll figure it out. Maybe the upgrades will help." he said after a while and I nodded.

"Yeah, maybe." I shrugged, flinching when I got a text. I kept staring at my phone, feeling Charles look on me.

"Okay, what’s going on?" he asked after a while and I looked at him "First Pete who called you because of your sim data although he sees you tomorrow anyway, then you’re being totally out of it since the call, now you keep staring at your phone like your afraid of the text you just got? What’s going on, Lizzie!"

"Nothing! Jeez! I know who the text is from! And I’m annoyed! It’s Elijah! They want to film this weekend here as well. How I or we, I don’t know, get to track, what we do afterwards, stuff like that! And I’m not really in the mood for that!" I rolled my eyes and Charles sighed.

"Okay." he just said and got up "Are you done? Can I take your plate as well?" he asked and looked at my almost full plate, I nodded and handed him my plate.

"Thank you." I smiled a little and he only nodded and walked off.

With shaking hands I grabbed my phone, closing my eyes I took a deep breath and then unlocked it. When I saw that it was only a text from Shima I huffed, sinking back in the pillows. Right when I wanted to get up, I heard Charles cursing, then he stormed out of the kitchen.

"What the fuck?" Charles hissed and stopped in front of me, then he showed me his phone, a post from an F1 gossip account on display.

I grabbed his phone, reading through the post, my eyes widened.

"What the hell?" I frantically searched for my phone and when I finally found it I tried to call my sister. Busy. Dad. Busy. Mum. Busy. "What the actual fuck! Why is no one picking up!" I kept staring at Charles phone, as he clicked on a link, opening up an article of a big newspaper, my mind reeling when I tried to call Sissy again. Still busy. Right as I wanted to dial Dads number again I got a text from the same number that Diaz called an hour ago. With a sickening feeling in my stomach I opened the text. I swallowed hard and kept staring at the 6 words:

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Chapter 32 - Happy anniversary, Lizzie and Charles ♥️ and what better way to celebrate than going to The Era’s Tour 🙌 but you know me by now… I can’t let them be happy for too long 👀

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liam-crimm · 2 months ago

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The Ravenclaw prefect barely gets the door of the common room open as he comes face to face with a creature sporting a long black beak and goggles for the eyes, dressed in all black and accompanied by an unsettling herbal smell. He nearly screams but then the head of the creature comes off, revealing familiar pink hair. Not that it made Liam any less nervous.

"Lilith, what are you wearing?" Liam exclaims, protectively holding onto a stack of paper decorations that the Slytherin Prefect made him paint.

Lilith looks down at the malysh of a prefect as if she didn't hear the question. Liam notices the smears of dark red paint on her face, lines akin to warrior marks applied with fingertips before battle, and tries to convince himself that it really is paint.

"Is that... your Halloween costume?" Right? Right?

"Brilliant, isn't it? Just snatched it from a museum somewhere in France," Lilith replies like it's not a big deal. Perhaps for her it really isn't, but Liam feels the hair on the back of his head stand up. He anxiously looks around to see if anyone else has heard that.

"WHAT?" Liam hisses out in a loud whisper, clearly freaking out on her behalf. "Lilith, are you nuts! You cannot just apparate across the Channel for some light browsing! What if a Muggle saw you! What if you got caught!"

"Nobody told us we can't do that in Durmstrang," she deadpans, but then the corners of her mouth curl up: she is enjoying this.

"Return it! Wait, no, don't return it, it's even more dangerous... I— I have to report you to—"

He doesn't get to finish as Lilith starts barking at him loudly. Taken aback in his panic, Liam realises that she's laughing.

"Liam, oh Liam," she puts a hand on his shoulder, making the other Ravenclaw visibly dip under pressure as his legs already felt wobbly. "Relax. I never left the Highlands."

Liam closes his eyes as his brain catches up with what he heard. Right. Lilith and her jokes...

"And there are no museums around for you to..." he wants to motion with his hand but the paper spiders and pumpkins he holds onto make it hard to do. Luckily Lilith still gets what he means.

"None. Honestly, Liam, brighten up! Who'd want to steal that from a museum!" she laughs again. Oh, she didn't leave the Highlands nor did she feel up for visiting any museums. She nicked the thing from a poacher camp just now: one of the wizards relied on the herbs to get rid of the smell while cleaning the animal dung. Lilith left the poacher in the same cage they kept a poffle of puffskeins.

"Brighten up you say..." Liam grumbles. "I didn't sign up for this."

[Complete scene]

Lilith, changing the subject from the Doctor's costume: I see your face light up whenever Persephone is around, surely you can do the same now as well? Liam, blushing, refusing to acknowledge that he does: What's she got to do with anything? Lilith, ignoring that: Speaking of her, PERSEPHONE!

Liam visibly tenses up and goes even more red in the face when he realizes his crush is there.

Persephone: Lilith! Do you need help with anything? Oh, hi Liam! Liam, tsundere mode: H-hi! No, all good, all is good! No help! Lilith, motioning at the Halloween decorations: He needs some help with... whatever those are. Liam: No, I— Persephone: Let me hold the door for you! Lilith, walking away from further questioning: Splendid. Off you two go!

Liam awkwardly leaves the common room, noticing that Persephone is following him. He realizes he's starting to sweat.

Persephone, sighing: Isn't she amazing? Liam: Who? Persephone: Lilith! Liam: Er… I suppose… She is really strong. Persephone: Only strong? Liam, not understanding what she wants him to say: And beautiful? Persephone, squinting, a little jealous: I wish I was like her. Liam: Do you? I think you are wonderful the way you are. I mean… Uh. Persephone, brightening up: You think I am wonderful? Liam: No, I— I mean, yes, yes you are. Liam, thinking: It'll be a looooong way down to the dungeons….

#lilith #liam #halloween #persephone

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archiveikemen · 1 year ago

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Liam Evans Main Story: Chapter 25 (Blind Love)

I do not own any of the Ikemen Series content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD. Please support them by playing their games and buying stories. Not 100% accurate, expect mistakes.

read this before interacting with my posts

Several seasons had passed with the scenery around me changing colours. Nothing changed about me, I was still spending time in the world of darkness as a fairytale writer.

Of course, Liam had always been by my side, smelling like vanilla.

There were days when I missed where I originally was before meeting Crown, but I never once regretted my decision to stay.

Even after you've made your choice, there will never be a definitive answer to what’s right or wrong.

There would surely be people who would point their fingers at me, criticising me for making the “wrong” choice.

But it doesn't matter to me.

This is what I want for myself.

…

In the basement surrounded by the smell of herbs, Roger read through my report.

Roger: This information is quite valuable. Well done, young lady.

Kate: I’m humbled.

Recently, I’ve been writing about not only Liam’s, but everyone’s curses.

It was said that people born with curses were destined to face a tragic death.

I knew that there was no way to change fate, but that doesn't mean we should just sit back and accept it without resistance.

(If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do it. Even if it’s something small.)

Roger: Come to think of it, Liam has been having less frequent episodes lately, hasn't he?

Kate: Yes, they’ve become significantly less frequent. Liam is still periodically satisfying his curiosity, but now he’s more careful when doing so.

Roger smiled in satisfaction, his facial expression seeming rather sadistic.

Roger: It’s not very good for a former doctor to make guesses based solely on speculation, but…

Roger: … Liam’s episodes may be caused by his strong survival instincts.

Kate: Survival instincts?

Roger: He engages in potentially life-threatening activities to feel alive.

Roger: It sounds rather contradictory, but it’s important for humans to feel alive.

Roger: Therefore, you should stay by his side, young lady.

Roger: Because right now, to Liam, you are the one who's making him feel alive.

Kate: … I’ll always be with him.

Roger: Well, if ever he gets tired of you, I’ll take care of you. You’re my favourite, you know?

Roger ruffled my hair with his large hand like he were petting a dog.

Kate: Wah…!

Roger: Haha, your hair’s all messed up now.

…

Standing behind the door to the basement, Liam could hear the conversation between Kate and Roger.

Liam: “You’re my favourite, you know?”

Liam frowned when he heard those words, feeling uneasy.

Liam: What if Roger takes Kate away from me? What should I do…

Liam: N-No, no. It’s a horrible thing to doubt Kate. … I’ll trust her and wait. … I’ll do my best.

Liam felt the strong urge to run downstairs and swear his unwavering allegiance to Kate, but he resisted it and sat down on a step of the stairs.

He looked like a pet cat waiting for his owner.

Liam: … Ahh, it’s raining.

The rain was a sign of an episode's onset. It always felt ice cold, but today it felt as gentle as the rain in springtime.

He heard the voice of his “other self” in his heart.

Hey, Liam. I haven't had many chances to appear lately, huh?

(... Yeah. It’s because I’ve been focusing on moving forward to tomorrow with Kate.)

Hm? Ahaha, you’re so selfish.

(Yeah. I’m sorry for always running away. But from now on, I won’t run away anymore. I want to live.)

Living is something that’s difficult for you. You know, there’s no telling what could happen to you tomorrow, right?

(... I know.)

(But even so… I still want to try my best. I’m good at that.)

… I’ll be watching you.

I’ll pay you a visit when you’re at the brink of death again. See you.

When Liam opened his eyes, the rain in his heart stopped…

Instead, he heard the sound of Kate’s footsteps as she came up from the basement.

…

The clicking sounds of the typewriter keys echoed through my quiet room.

The things I had witnessed and the stories I had written with these fingers were sometimes inhumane and unforgivable.

My fear and sorrow never faded away, sometimes I even felt scared of what tomorrow would bring me.

(But I want to keep moving towards it no matter what.)

(And I’ll reach my hand out to the man I love, because that’s what “I love you” means to me.)

Liam: … Kate?

Kate: Liam, you’re back. Good job on your rehearsals.

Liam: Thanks. Oh, I saw that the door was left ajar, so I came in without knocking—

Kate: I thought it was about time you came back, so I left it open on purpose.

Kate: So I can see your face as soon as you’re back, you know?

Liam: That’s an adorable reason. … I wanted to see you as soon as possible too.

I couldn't help but be captivated by Liam’s smile, gestures, and even every one of his beautiful eyelashes.

(... It’s like he’s always getting more and more attractive.)

Liam’s radiance knew no bounds, it was always captivating the hearts of everyone who looked at him.

It feels a little embarrassing when someone this attractive looks at me so passionately.

Liam: Kate, can you close your eyes?

Kate: Fufu, okay.

Even though my eyes were closed, I already knew what Liam was up to.

Liam: OK. You can open your eyes now.

A strong fragrance tickled my nose, and a pink modern rose was placed in my hand.

Kate: Wow, it’s beautiful… . Thank you, Liam.

Liam: Mm, you’re welcome.

Liam often bought me modern roses on ordinary days like this.

(Now that I think of it, I’ve never asked him about the reason.)

Kate: Why do you always buy me modern roses? This flower isn’t easy to obtain.

I recalled Victor once telling me that this type of rose was a rare breed made through hybridization.

Liam: Hmm— I wonder why?

(Ah, I know that look. He has this facial expression whenever he’s trying to hide something.)

I gently placed the rose on my desk and reached my hand to his side…

Kate: Take this!

I tickled him relentlessly.

Liam: Hey, s-stop…

When I chased Liam around the room as he tried to escape, we tumbled onto the bed and messed up the sheets.

Liam: Aha, AHAHA! Okay, I’ll tell you! I’ll tell you honestly…!

Liam: Hah… Kate… you really show no mercy.

Kate: Fufu, sorry. But I really do want to know the reason.

Liam laughed while laying on the bed.

Liam: Back when I was trying to buy you flowers for the first time, the florist told me about flower language.

Liam: She said that modern roses symbolise “gratitude”.

Kate: … Gratitude.

Liam: Mm, that's right. I’m grateful to have met you, for being able to spend time with you by your side, and to you for forgiving me for always sticking to you.

Liam: … Haha, it’ll be daylight by the time I’m done if I keep going, so let’s leave it as that…

Liam: Kate, I’m always grateful for everything about you.

Liam: Thank you for existing, Kate.

Those words, spoken so casually and without hesitation, carried the weight of the loneliness he had been putting up with all this time.

(Ever since Liam was born, no one has thanked him for existing.)

(Moreover, his life was always being trampled on by others and that hurt him.)

(And yet…)

– Flashback Start –

Liam: Your heart belongs to you, and only you. I hope that you’ll let me help you stay just the way you are.

(He was the protector of my heart.)

…

Liam: Everyone wants a shining star, and if it pleases them and means something to them…

Liam: I want to be that star. I don’t care if I’m just a fake.

(He struggled while trying to please everyone.)

…

Liam: Therefore, you’ll be alright, Kate. I hope you’ll always be someone who believes in tomorrow.

– Flashback End –

While continuing to live between life and death, Liam had a beautiful heart that cherished others.

Why does it have to be so difficult for him to live with a kind heart?

But still, even though there was nothing I could do to change that, I wanted to continue staying by Liam’s side and expressing my love for him.

Kate: … I should be the one thanking you.

His slightly tousled hair smelled like sweet vanilla today too.

Kate: Hey, Liam.

Kate: Thank you for being born. I’m very glad that I met you.

Liam: …

Liam: Ah…

Liam: … My heart beating so fast right now, I can feel it hammering against my chest.

Liam: Right now… I… I feel so alive.

Liam pulled me into his arms, as if he wanted me to listen to his heart beating.

His heart had a regular rhythm like it was taking care of a tiny animal.

Liam: Let me kiss you after you display that flower. Once I start touching you, I won’t be able to stop.

Liam: And… I want more than just a kiss. I want lots of kisses.

…

As our flushed skin and bodies came together, we laid down together on the sheets.

(Ah…)

Kate: Look outside, Liam! Isn’t that Betelgeuse?

Liam: Yeah, you’re right. Amazing, it's like it’s shouting at you to look at it.

The Betelgeuse shining brightly in the night sky reminded me of Liam.

They were both dazzling, beautiful, and made people want to reach their hands out towards them.

Liam: Did you know, Kate?

Liam: Betelgeuse is red because it’ll eventually explode and die.

Kate: Explode…?

Liam: Yup. It turns red as it burns brighter and brighter… and I heard from somewhere that its lifespan also gets shorter.

(... The end of the shiny red star in the sky.)

Liam: As the saying goes, curiosity kills the cat… I wonder what will be the cause of my death.

Liam was clearly referring to his inevitable tragic demise due to his curse.

But that was definitely not all he was referring to.

Having experienced a close call with death once, Liam understood how painfully fragile human life could be.

The longer someone lived, the more prevalent death felt to them.

(That would certainly be the same for me. Everyone’s life would come to an end someday.)

Liam: … You know, Kate. If I can choose how I die—

Liam lifted my body up in his arms—.

He then guided my hands to wrap them around his neck.

Through the contact with his skin, I could feel the steady beating of his heart that was a sign of life.

Liam: Please, if I can choose how I die… I want my life to end in your hands.

Kate: In my hands?

Liam: … Yes. I want to be put to sleep forever by your hands.

Liam: Only then, for the first time, I’ll feel glad to have been born.

I could tell from the look in his rose-coloured eyes that he was neither joking nor speaking figuratively, it was his genuine wish.

It sounded depressing for him to ask to be killed. But, to me, that was him wishing for himself to keep on living.

What Liam was trying to tell me was that he wanted me to stay with him and watch over him until the day fate puts an end to him.

(And so, I…)

I gently tightened my grip on his neck, just enough for him to still breathe.

Kate: … Okay. I’ll be the one to end your life with my own hands.

Kate: Therefore, please remain by my side until the very end.

Kate: Keep on reaching out to me, who will be waiting for you in your tomorrows.

Liam: … Of course. You are the only one I’ll look at.

Just like any other day in your life, the world is unkind to you today.

(But…)

In this neverending nightmare, I will continue to beg for your life.

#ikemen villains #ikemen series #cybird ikemen #cybird otome #otome #ikevil main story #liam main story #niki translates

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hannahssimblr · 1 year ago

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As the sun sets and the waves glitter in the pink light we four sit on the crest of the dunes, obsessed by our attempts to open the crown seals of our beer bottles with Shane’s keys. It's been twenty minutes and nothing has happened, we just watch him, bored, as he fumbles it over and over again.

“There’s a knack to it,” he keeps saying, “You'll see,” and then makes a big show of trying to prove himself as the key lamely flicks off the glass neck and barely dents the cap.

“We can try using a shoe,” Joe suggests. “I did it before at a party, like. You’re meant to put the bottle inside it and then thump it on a wall and then the cap just, like, comes right off somehow.”

“How would that work?” Jen tuts, “The cap is bent onto the thing, you’re not going to knock it off by ramming it into a wall, are you? Think about the science of it.”

“We also don’t have a wall,” I point out and flick the little aluminium cap with my nail. I think about the consequences of opening it with my teeth and wonder what kind of fit my dad would have if I chipped a tooth, pierced my ears and shaved my head all in one day.

Joe shrugs, “I’m just throwing out suggestions here, lads. And if you’ve no better ideas then-”

“I’ve almost got it,” Shane grunts just as the key flies out of his hand and lands somewhere in the sand beside us.

“Ugh! Joe,” Jen cries with resignation, “Just go up to the surf shack and ask Anthony for a bottle opener. Let’s admit defeat here. You can tell him it’s for lemonade or some shit, I don’t care.”

I cringe, “Oh God, don’t send him up there, if Anthony knows we’re hanging around up here then…”

“Then what?”

“Like, do you think he’ll send Liam up to hang out with us again?”

Jen hesitates, “Well, maybe he won’t. Maybe he’ll be too busy to come this time.”

I groan, “When is Liam ever busy in the evening though?”

“Well I feel sorry for him.”

Joe scoffs, “For Liam? Do you guys remember that time that we told him we’d rolled him a special joint but it was actually just bits of grass and herbs from Jude’s kitchen? And he thought he was high and started rolling around on the carpet and everything?”

I smirk and Jen thumps my arm hard because I’m the only boy she can reach. “Youse are all mean,” she says, even though she wasn’t there so she doesn’t actually know how funny it was. “Liam is nice, he’s just trying to make friends.”

Joe laughs, “Here I’ll go up to the surf shack and tell him we’re playing truth or dare again. Dare him to talk about something that’s not surfing or that time his da brought him to Australia, for once.”

“Piss off Joe, just go get the bottle opener. I don’t care if Liam comes over. You can all challenge yourselves and be nice to him for once, you dickheads.”

When he leaves I prod her knee, “Since when are you so nice, hm?”

“I’ve always been nice, I don't know what you’re on about.”

“Yeah Jen,” I roll my eyes, “You’re an angel.”

A bottle cap suddenly flies down the dune between us, followed by a satisfying pop. “Got it,” sighs Shane. “Finally.”

A short time later Joe comes back with the bottle opener, but is perplexed to find us already drinking.

“Shane got the key thing to work,” I explain. “But thanks for going anyway.”

“Aw what? I had to talk to Anthony for ages when I was there. He asked me about school and everything.”

“Oh no,” Shane hands him an open bottle as he plonks onto the sand, “and Liam?”

“Dunno, wasn’t there. Didn’t see him anyway.”

“Good,” I mutter, and Jen elbows me sharply in the ribs and hisses, “Well he would have been welcome if he was there, right Judie?”

“Right.”

“Wait I forgot something,” Joe digs around in his hoodie pocket and pulls out a little bag, “I ran into my brother on the way to the shack, he was coming back from work. Gave me this,” he flicks it and dangles it in front of us as though it’s something more exciting than the three euros worth of the worst quality hash that money can buy.

“Giz that,” Shane snatches it out of his hand and peers at it closely, “Man that’s basically just weed dust.”

“Enough to feel something off it though.”

“Hardly.”

“Well either you want some or you don’t.”

Shane flicks the dregs of his beer onto the sand and then launches the glass bottle into the marram grass, “Yeah, fine so.”

Joe glances at Jen, “You in?”

“Yep.”

“Jude?”

I hesitate, “Nah, man, I’ll just stick with the beer for now, thanks.”

Shane laughs, “Jude gets sick off weed.”

“Seriously?”

I cringe, “Not all the time.”

Jen is laughing then, “Jude gets sick off everything. Once we were inhaling permanent marker fumes in first year and he went and got sick out the changing room window, and there was that time that he had a shot of tequila-”

Bile rises immediately in my throat at the memory, “Yeah, thanks, I don’t want to think about it.”

She cackles, “Oh come on, and that time in the playground when we-” I dive toward her to push her into the sand and start poking her ribs where I know she’s ticklish so that she has to stop talking about it.

“Stop!” She shrieks, “God, stop!”

“Are you gonna shut up? Huh?”

“Yes, yes I swear!” and as she lies there gasping for air I fidget with the laces of my shoes and the frayed thread of my shorts with jerky, trembling fingers. I don’t want anyone to know about the things we used to do in the playground. They wouldn’t find it as funny as Jen does. Or, in a worst case scenario they might be intrigued and want to know more about all of the things that I hate talking about the most.

“Do you get sick off beer too, man?” Joe says, “‘Cause my brother says that Americans can’t hold their beer at all. That they get drunk off nothing. Is that you?”

“Your brother? What does he know? Didn’t he get his head stuck between the railings on Wexford bridge and have to be cut out by the fire brigade?”

“Twice, yeah,” Joe laments, “He’s got big ears, like.”

“I heard he got his head stuck in the window bars of the boys school in town too,” Shane pipes up, and Jen starting giggling into her collar until she can’t hold back anymore and collapses in a fit of raucous laughter, and then Shane does, and I do too, while Joe protests and tries to explain to us that his brother was just doing it to be funny, and how there’s actually nothing wrong with him despite what we may think. Tears blur my eyes with laughter , and every time I think I can stop I’ll catch eyes with Jen or see Shane’s red face and I’ll laugh all over again, and so Joe huffs and plonks onto the ground with us and starts to roll a clumsy joint in silence.

“Hey guys, what’s so funny?”

A familiar voice causes Shane to jump to rigid attention and bring a self conscious hand to smooth down his cowlick, and it’s from looking at him that I know that Clóda is here. Everyone springs to attention whenever she shows up.

She stands at the bottom of the dune like some kind of vision with her straight blonde hair swishing around to her mid back and slim legs extending out from the shortest denim shorts that I’ve ever seen on a girl, and yet they don’t look tacky on her. Nothing looks tacky on Clóda, and I’m so busy looking at Clóda in her non-tacky shorts that I don’t even notice her friend until she introduces her.

“This is my friend from school, Rachel,” She says. Rachel has blue makeup on her eyes. That’s all I notice, because my eyes have slid back to Clóda again and the way her mouth moves when she says, “We were just going for a walk. Are you guys up to much?”

“Smoking a joint if you want some,” says Joe.

She pulls a face, but Shane jumps in quickly, “We’re not actually, he got some shit hash from somewhere but none of us want it. Here, we’re just having a few beers and talking and stuff if you want to hang out.”

And Joe throws his hands up incredulously and mutters to himself as he stuffs his wonky, unlit joint back into his pocket in defeat and disappointment that nobody wants to get semi stoned on the accumulated remnants of the dust from his brother’s friend’s weed grinder tonight.

But it’s okay for everyone else, because Clóda and Rachel do want to hang out, and they scale the dunes to sit with us, and luckily by now Shane has perfected the art of popping bottle caps off with his house keys so that he can impress them both and be equally impressed with himself. I consider starting a bet with Jen to guess how long it will take for him to slip the fact that he plays centre field on his local football team into the conversation but decide against it in case she accuses me of being mean and the girls hear her.

“Nice earrings,” Rachel sits down to my left, and I know that she probably intends it as some sort of insult, maybe even a flirtatious insult but I don’t really care about what Rachel, Clóda’s friend from school, thinks about my earrings.

“Thanks,” I say, “they’re from Claire’s Accessories,” which makes her laugh, and she scoots in closer to me, “What’s your name?”

“Jude.”

“There’s a girl in my school called Jude.”

“Right, well I guess you’ve found two of the girliest things about me in the first minute of meeting me.”

She laughs again even though it wasn’t that funny, and Jen, to my right, laughs privately to herself too. “Hehe,” She imitates in a high pitched voice as Rachel turns to take a beer from Shane. “She fancies you.”

“I don’t care.”

There’s a gust of cool air on my head as my cap is whipped from me, “I like your hat,” Clóda says. She puts it on and leans down to rub her hand over the surface of my shorn head, “But I don’t like your new hair. When did you shave it off?”

I peer at her and smile. I don’t care about Rachel, but Clóda? Clóda does wild things to my insides. “Are you saying you liked my old hair?”

A shrug, “Yeah it was alright. I just preferred it.”

“I might have left it how it was if I’d known that.”

She blushes and giggles, and Shane looks at me, and as I look back at him a muscle twitches in his cheek. I shrug. What are you gonna do? I can’t help it if the girls I like usually seem to like me back. I’m lucky like that.

Rachel grabs the hat to distract her and puts it on backwards, and she pulls a stupid face and then they giggle and wrestle each other for it while Shane and Joe watch them with fascination.

“Oh, okay, they both fancy you,” Jen hisses, “surprise surprise.”

“Are you jealous?”

She rolls her eyes, “Please, I’ve lost all hope of finding one single lesbian in this whole town. I’m the only gay for ten miles. I’ll just die alone this summer as I predicted.”

I jut out my bottom lip, “poor Jen.”

“Yeah, piss off.”

Rachel whoops abruptly and loudly near my ear and snatches my beer bottle from the hollow I made for it in the sand. “I’ve your beer now,” she points out, and dangles it in front of my nose. “I’ve your hat and your beer,”

“I can see that.”

Jen hisses at me, “she just wants you to flirt back. Just go wrestle her for the stupid beer. Don’t embarrass her.”

Clóda thunders down after her, grabs my hat and waves it triumphantly in the air. “I have it now! What are you gonna do?” I get up for her.

“Hey, now, give me back my hat,” I say, and I wink at Jen, and she winks back, and I chase down the beach after them both.

Prev // Next

#lucky boy #they cute #I just love their baby faces #simlit

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choicesficwriterscreations · 10 months ago

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CFWC LGBTQIA Masterlist - Jan 2024

✒️ = Fanfic | 📱= Text Fics/Edits | 🎨= Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQIA | 🌟Choices Holidays 2023

ACROSS THE VOID

Captain Pandrosion Elara 🎨🏳️‍🌈🔹 | Sol, Meridian, Kepler, Pedrosian by @/artbyainna (IG) (C: @lilyoffandoms)

Sol x MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈 by @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

BLADES OF LIGHT AND SHADOW

Aerin Valleros x M!elf!MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈 by @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

Aerin Valleros x OC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈 by @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

Blades Fanfic ✒️🏳️‍🌈| Tyril x elf!mc x Mal x f!human!mc - @storyofmychoices

Healing Herbs 🎨🏳️‍🌈 🔹| f!Aerin Valleros x MC by @gaiuskamilah

Springs Eternal 🎨🏳️‍🌈 🔹| Mal Volari x MC - @gaiuskamilah

Tyril Starfury x MC 🎨🏳️‍🌈🔹by @gaiuskamilah

BLOODBOUND

Bloodbound MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈🔹by @vampirkit

CRIMES OF PASSION

Gabriel Rose 🎨🏳️‍🌈🔹by @lilyoffandoms

THE CURSED HEART

Kieran x MC Fanart 🎨Ⓜ️🏳️‍🌈 by @oh-so-youre-a-nerd (C: @lilyoffandoms)

ENDLESS SUMMER

Grandchildren: Leonel 🎨🏳️‍🌈| Estela Montoya x MC - @marmolady

HIGH SCHOOL STORY

Aiden Zhou x MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈 by @hydn-jpg for @cadybear420

IMMORTAL DESIRES

Breakfast Roast ✒️🏳️‍🌈| m!Cas x m!Gabriel x NB!MC - @aria-ashryver

Cas Harlow Fanart 2🎨🏳️‍🌈🔹by @aallotarenunelma

Immortal Desires Fanart ✒️🏳️‍🌈 | m!Cas x m!Gabriel x NB!MC - @aria-ashryver

Immortal Desires MC Fanart 🎨 🏳️‍🌈 by @lilyoffandoms for @aria-ashryver

Immortal Desires NB!MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈 by @lilyoffandoms for @aallotarenunelma

Snow in Crimson, Starlight in Gold (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🏳️‍🌈| m!cas x m!gabe x m!mc - @aria-ashryver Chapter 38: Heaven is Not Fit to House a Love Like You and I

IT LIVES SERIES

Abel Flint Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈🔹by @aallotarenunelma

Lincoln McQuoid x M!MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈 by @somewillwin (C: @linkysmommy)

No Second Chances ✒️🏳️‍🌈🟣| Lincoln Aquino (McQuoid) x M!MC - @linkysmommy

Noah Marshall x M!MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈by @errajay

Snowed in at the Cabin ✒️🏳️‍🌈🌟| Lincoln McQuoid x NB!MC - @aallotarenunelma

Spirit, Stay Gentle (1/2) ✒️Ⓜ️🏳️‍🌈| Lincoln McQuoid x M!MC - @abelflints

The Rainbow Recipe Book ✒️🏳️‍🌈🔹 by @aallotarenunelma

LAWS OF ATTRACTION

Hold Me Close ✒️🏳️‍🌈🔹| Gabe Ricci x M!MC - @choicesmc

Serving Cunt and Justice 🎨🏳️‍🌈| Multiple Characters by @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

OPEN HEART

Countdown to 2024 🎨🏳️‍🌈🌟| OH F!MC, OH F!OC, OH F!MC2 art by @/artbyainna (IG) (C: @lilyoffandoms for @storyofmychoices @jerzwriter)

Halloween (Series) ✒️🏳️‍🌈| OH M!MC - @mydemonsdrivealimo Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6

"I'll pour... Now tell me more!" ✒️🏳️‍🌈🔹| Bryce Lahela, F!MC - @jerzwriter

THE ROYAL ROMANCE

Anything But Common (Series) ✒️🏳️‍🌈| Hana Lee & MC - @silvermillenniumqueenneptune Magical Misadventures in Miscellany

Unexpected (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🏳️‍🌈🔹| Liam x Maxwell x Riley - @angelasscribbles Chapter 12: The Beginning

VEIL OF SECRETS

Jeff Duffy x MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈 by @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

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justcallmefox89 · 7 months ago

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Cinderfella's Adventures in Cordonia - Chapter Twenty - One

An AU of The Royal Romance with a male MC and a bisexual prince.

Masterlist

Callum makes a request.

“Callum?”

“Hm?” I don’t look up from the herbs I’m chopping, afraid that once I quit moving I’ll start spiraling after that argument with Pops and my grandda. So for now I focus on a task I know I can handle; feeding my men.

Drake takes a tentative step into my kitchen, Liam right at his heels. “You doing ok?”

“Yeah,” I answer absently, setting aside my knife and turning to remove a few strips of bacon from a frying pan and setting them on a folded paper towel.

“Hey… talk to me.” Drake steps closer, wrapping his arms around my waist and nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck. Liam stands to the side awkwardly, a yearning look on his face, but he ultimately remains at distance.

I sag against Drake, soaking in his warmth and the comforting scent of his cologne. “I’ll be fine, love. It’s just been a long fucking night,” I mumbled, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

He snorts out a small laugh and tightens his hold on me. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry,” I reply, lightly slapping his ass. “You’ll be punished later.”

Drake shivers, but the subtle press of his groin into my thigh lets me know he isn’t totally opposed to the idea. Liam clears his throat softly, interrupting us before my teasing can begin in earnest.

I sigh and gently push Drake towards a seat at my kitchen island. “Sit down you two and I’ll get you something to eat.”

“We’re not - ” Drake begins, only to be interrupted by an unholy growl from Liam’s stomach.

“That’s what I thought.” I smirk at the pair. “Now sit.”

**********************************************************

Liam sits silently on a stool next to an equally quiet Drake, watching Callum butter two small ramekins before deftly cracking three eggs in each, then topping the eggs with a splash of cream and a generous sprinkle of a creamy, herbed cheese. He places lids on the ramekins and gently sets them in a large casserole dish half full of warm water, then places the entire thing in the oven.

“So…” Callum draws out the word as he places several thick pieces of buttered bread into a toaster oven. “I’m willing to go back to Cordonia with you.”

Drake straightens up, a tentative smile on his face. “You are?”

Callum reaches into his refrigerator, removing a large contained of cut fruit and a pitcher of orange juice. “For a few weeks anyway.”

Liam frowns, accepting the glass of juice Callum hands him with a small nod of thanks. “Have you changed your stance on my… previous offer?”

“No,” Callum says simply, passing a second glass of juice over to Drake. He moves fluidly through the kitchen, dishing out portions of cut cantaloupe onto two small plates, crumbling the cooked bacon into a bowl, setting various pots of jams and marmalades in front of the waiting men. “I was serious when I said it was either Madeline or me.”

Liam tamps down the anger that threatens to flare up. “Then why bother returning to Cordonia?”

“For Drake, you massively egotistical asshole,” Callum snaps. “Mine isn’t the only heart you’re breaking by marrying Madeline.”

The king winces, glancing over at his best friend and former lover guiltily. “I didn’t mean to imply - ”

“I know,” Drake interrupts quietly, toying with his glass of juice. “It’s fine.”

“No it isn’t!” Callum growls, glaring at Liam. “Why do you let him treat you like - ”

“Callum, stop…” Drake pleads, fatigue written in every line on his face. “Just let it go.”

Callum opens his mouth again, clearly ready to argue the point, but eventually relents. He rolls his eyes and gives Liam one last glare for good measure. “This conversation isn’t over, Your Majesty.”

“Looking forward to it, Mr. MacKenzie.”

“You shouldn’t be.”

Callum turns his back on them, opening the oven with more force than is strictly necessary. Soon he’s setting steaming ramekins before Liam and Drake. Callum tops the shirred eggs with finely chopped herbs and a sprinkle of crushed bacon. He pushes the plates of toast and cantaloupe closer to the pair.

“Go ahead and eat,” he urges.

Despite his annoyance Liam eagerly tucks into the impromptu breakfast, his eyes rolling back in his head as the flavors of the creamy, cheesy eggs combine with the freshness of the herbs and the saltiness of the bacon and explode across his tongue. Drake lets out a pleased moan next to him, verbalizing Liam’s thoughts.

“Aren’t you going to eat anything?” Drake mumbles through a mouthful of melon.

Callum hums in acknowledgement, pulling a container of cottage cheese from the refrigerator. As Liam eats he watches as Callum carefully measure one cup of cottage cheese and top with an equally precise half a cup of cantaloupe and begins to eat. The Callum he remembers would have already been on his second dish of eggs.

Liam narrows his eyes, carefully studying Callum as the other man leans against the countertop and slowly eats his meager breakfast. Caught up in all the other drama of the night, Liam hadn’t really taken in Callum’s appearance and what he sees now shocks him. Callum’s once robust frame is now far leaner than Liam remembers, replaced by smooth, lithe lines of muscle that have clearly been hewn by many hours in the gym. He wrinkles his nose, Callum’s new diet making slightly more sense. The shorter haircut just emphasizes the sharp lines of his cheekbones and jaw, making his face look nearly gaunt in the soft light of the kitchen. Previously unseen dark circles rim Callum’s eyes, the green of his eyes even more vibrant against their bruising.

Callum sighs and sets his spoon in his now empty bowl. “I meant it when I said I’ll go back to Cordonia for a few weeks. But if I do this I want Drake to do something for me.”

Liam glances at Drake to see if he knows what’s going on. His best friend looks equally confused. His eyes flick back to Callum, curious as to what his request will be.

“Drake, I want you to consider moving to New York after Liam’s wedding. To moving in with me. To being with me. Only me,” Callum says calmly, speaking to Drake but staring directly at Liam.

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solacedeer · 10 months ago

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reminders app: finish the zero wip

auburn: finish the zero wip

hatman: finish the zero wip

deepest desires of my heart: finish the zero wip

compulsion I was weak to; Keith Meowell

@v-anrouge

Uhhh addition info, Jadeclan territory is a wooded area with tons of useful herbs. He’s immune to deathberries, nightshade, and several forms of venom. He usually gets in trouble for offering stored herbs or taking in Sick cats from other clans. He’s an incredible hunter due to his Sense of smell, making sure his clan is fed (so he’s technically not breaking the “feed the clan first” rule).

Sootface (Liam) (used to be his mentor), usually lets his generous acts slide unreported on technicalities. Stagnose is an incredible mentor but they usually don’t let him. Theres a group of Loners out to get him because he’s responsible for their banishment. He’s also deputy,

#Ikepri #Ikemen Purrince #Im gonna finish Zero tomorrow i got Sicktracked #keith howell #warrior cat au #ikemen prince au

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dark-frosted-heart · 2 years ago

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Things from Harrison Gray’s Mad Love Route Chapters 21-25

The Dramatic route

*This is not a full summary or translation*

Chapter 21

Kate hears a tapping on her window. She parts the curtains only to see a black cat.

It’s already 19:00 and Harrison still hasn’t shown up

Liam enters her room after knocking. Last night, Harrison had asked Liam to come by Kate’s room after his play to help her with something. Harrison has a ship, called the Rorqual, to catch at 20:00

Kate says she never told Harrison that she needed help. She thinks that something must’ve happened to him. Liam’s lost

Ever since finding out the truth, Kate’s been Harrison’s accomplice in lying. But if something did happen, she’d need to tell someone.

She explains everything that’s happened to Liam

The two try to make sense of Harrison’s recent actions when Jude enters her room. He chides them for not being careful about discussing things others shouldn’t hear

He asks Kate if she knows what the other members of Crown are up to today. While William and Victor are abroad, the rest are at a warehouse to destroy a drug trafficking ring that’s smuggling herbs. Except, Jude heard from work that there’s going to be a night market at the location. Meaning the mission was a fake one.

The Privy Council had Harrison block Crown’s movements as a condition to meet the 3 eagles, so he made up a fake mission

Since the Privy Council’s always keeping an eye out for any unusual activity from Crown, Kate believes that Harrison entrusted her and Liam to help. Since Kate’s not being watched and Liam can disappear

Jude tells the two to remember the name Adolf the Red-haired” if they’re going to the docks. He’s a friend of Jude’s that manages the ships and will help out

Kate knows she’ll be owing him later and so she asks how she’ll need to pay him back. She’s gotten pretty wicked.

Kate can’t protect what’s important to her if she remains a good girl.

Jude wants the Privy Council and the 3 eagles brought before him to pay them back for the bullet put in him

Liam and Kate arrive at the docks at 19:40 but they don’t see the Rorqual anywhere. Kate spots a man with red hair and call out “Adolf the Red-haired”.

Kate asks him about the Rorqual but Adolf can’t tell her anything about it due to regulations, so she mentions Jude’s name. Apparently Adolf owes Jude a huge debt. Soooooo...not a friend of Jude, but a “friend”

The Rorqual had left 10 minutes ago. Men in suits showed up with a lot of money. Most likely bribed the captain to leave port

Kate asks if it’s possible to chase the ship down but Adolf wants no part of it.

Liam appears and throws an arm around Adolf’s shoulder, saying that he won’t helping, merely cooperating. There’s someone important to them on that ship. Oh, and important to Jude too. Liam tells him that Jude would get mad if something happened to said person. Just imagine Jude’s grumpy face. He’d look like a messenger from Hell.

The man gets scared into cooperating

Chapter 22

The two manage to catch up to the Rorqual out in the middle of the sea. They stop beside it and climb aboard. It’s eerily quiet, so quiet that Kate can even hear the sound of her own heart beating. Liam gives her a pat on the shoulder as if to reassure her and stands in front of her like a shield. He’ll be disappearing so that he can do a surprise attack just in case, but he’ll always be in front of her

Liam tells Kate that he really cares about her. She’s just too cute. Furthermore, she’s important to Harrison so he has to protect her. Kate thanks him but reminds him that he’s also important to Harrison, so she’ll protect him too. They’ll protect each other for Harrison’s sake

The two head toward the deck and peek over. She spots Harrison dining with members of the Privy Council and three men she assumes are the 3 eagles.

One of the eagles asks what Harrison’s doing here. A council member introduces him as the son of a noble who recently joined the council. He helped with sorting out a past incident. The murder of a police officer that they covered up.

The council members are setting Harrison and the 3 eagles up to get rid of each other

An eagle remembers the case, but asks about the accusation of them covering it up.

At first, Kate thought they were deflecting. However, it seems that they don’t remember doing it. For them it was just another day.

The fake smile on Harrison’s face never falters.

The eagles don’t believe their actions to be evil. They’re absolute justice in a country rampant with evil.

But in truth, the eagles kill people that threaten their position. They don’t want peace. They don’t care about the people. Kate’s shaking with anger

Harrison asks the eagles if they kill people in the name of absolute justice. But the eagles defend that the people they’ve killed have committed crimes. By being foolish enough to threaten absolute justice. But they haven’t been able to get rid of the fools they want to the most. The cursed monsters of Crown who commit crimes in the name of Her Majesty the Queen.

The eagles propose a toast to ignite their fighting spirit for the destruction of Crown. The council agrees, but the toast is interrupted by a glass shattering on the floor. Harrison stands over the broken glass

Harrison wonders if the eagles recognize his mint-colored eyes. Likely not since they don’t even remember his dad.

He tells them that the man they murdered and covered up as a a serial murder case was his dad.

The eagles understand what’s going on now. A council member adds that Harrison’s a member of Crown.

The eagles thought there were only eight members, including Victor but then realizes that this plan’s been in the works for a while now. They’re like rats

The eagles remind Harrison that if he does something now, it’ll lead to the destruction of Crown. Harrison tells them that he joined Crown to take revenge on them. He pulls out his gun and points it at the three, saying that he doesn’t care what happens to the cursed.

Kate tells Liam that it’ll be alright. She’s sure Harrison has a plan but they can only watch on impatiently.

Harrison asks the eagles why they killed his dad. He didn’t do anything that warranted being erased. The eagles answer that his dad was weak because he was too good. Too virtuous and tried to challenge those that were greater. A dog that doesn’t stop barking must be silenced

Kate suddenly feels the urge to kill. She will never forgive them for all they’ve done

Harrison knew he was done for the moment he pointed his gun at the eagles, but it was nice knowing their thoughts. The best thing to do now is kill them here and drag them to hell with him.

And eagle pulls out a gun faster than Harrison can pull the trigger

Kate shouts Harrison’s name

Chapter 23

Kate finds herself pushing Harrison out of the way as a gun fires

Meanwhile, Liam’s restrained the eagle that fired the gun which caused the bullet to miss

Harrison’s been wearing a bulletproof vest. Liam wonders if Harrison was trying to get shot on purpose to use as evidence. Regardless of if he was planning to or not though, Harrison wasn’t going to allow himself to go down easily

Both Liam and Kate call him out on the lie and Harrison just shrugs. He thanks the two for coming

Harrison reveals to the eagles that he never planned on taking revenge by killing them. He just wanted to drag the three out and expose them to the public. Liam and Kate are witnesses.

A council member laughs at Harrison because he has no evidence to back up his words.

Oh but he does. He proceeds to pull out of stack of papers and proceeds to read out the contents - the 3 eagles were bribed by a foreign healthcare organization to allow human trafficking. They’re also receiving bribes from the gambling den. And that case with the boy who killed a bunch of people, the case didn’t make the papers because of the eagles.

The various times that Kate accompanied Harrison are all connected.

The eagles have covered up a bunch of other crimes too.

And he has proof of the Privy Council sabotaging Crown too

The two groups point their guns at the three of them.

Kate tells them that they can’t shoot them and cover up the evidence again. She’s the fairy tale writer, a position given to her by the Queen. If they were all killed, word would get to her through Victor. The crime of trampling on others will come to bite them back.

Harrison comments on her being a little too zealous while Liam applauds her. Oh to be told off by a cute girl, he says.

The Privy Council burst into laughter and called out to some armed men that were in hiding. Harrison tells Liam and Kate not to worry. He knew the two groups were lying when he asked if it was just them and a few sailors on the boat. Harrison’s been lying to them too

In that moment, a voice calls out from the darkness that orders everyone except from Crown to drop their guns. They do as they’re told.

Kate asks if that’s William’s voice and another voice tells her not to forget about him

Two people remove their disguises, revealing William and Victor

Harrison knew the two had disguised themselves the moment he boarded the ship just by looking them in the eyes

Victor’s hold the entire exchange and will be reporting to the Queen. But first, he wants Harrison’s opinion on what their punishment should be. He wants all those involved to be fired. And for Victor to monitor the two organizations after they’re restructured. Lastly, he proposes a truce among the Privy Council, the police, and Crown. Victor will bring his proposal to the Queen

Liam and Kate didn’t forget about their agreement with Jude.

So how were William and Victor on the ship? The Court Reaper’s information network’s not to be underestimated. And the two weren’t 100% convinced that Harrison didn’t betray them.

Just like Harrison, the two chose to believe

Victor’d like to throw a party

It’s already been a month since Kate’s become fairy tale master

Chapter 24 (normal avatar route)

In that moment, Kate remembers the fact that she had revealed her position so that she could get help for Jude. As well as to the Privy council and 3 eagles. Meaning, she broke her promise. What will her punishment be?

Kate tells Victor that she had been unable to keep her promise on keeping Crown and her position as the fairy tale master a secret. She apologizes and says she’ll accept whatever punishment’s given

Though she did break her promise, Victor had heard it was to protect Crown. Kate looks at Harrison who just has his usual aloof smile. Victor then says that her punishment’s to continue working as the fairy tale master. But if she refuses, he can come up with another punishment.

Harrison and Kate look at each other. Later, they’re walking on the beach.

Kate has two choices - two continue on as the fairy tale master and be with Harrison or to give up the position and go back to her old life.

Harrison has no regrets about the things he’s done to get to where he is now. He tells Kate that though he’s achieved his goal tonight, he chooses to continue being in Crown. That’s his place now

There are things he wants to help and protect. A lot of things can’t be saved by empty words. There are many things only someone who’s fallen into darkness can do

Kate’s glad he’s not lying and he blames her for all these unusual thoughts. Originally, he didn’t have any thoughts on what to do with his life once he achieved his goal. He thought that his story would end here. But her cherishes the thoughts and feelings of others rubbed off on him

Kate’s reminded of the times Harrison protected her heart so that she could remain herself.

The thought of Kate’s smile makes the darkness not too bad

Kate can’t help but think that Harrison wants her to go back to her old life. He’s about to continue but cuts himself off. Kate implores him to let her know what he’s thinking

Harrison’s struggling before finally telling Kate that she should go back to her old life. The sun suits her. He’ll discuss it with Victor

Kate’s thoughts are jumbled and she can’t find any words to say. Finally, out of frustration, she manages to ask if he’s really okay with that. Harrison replies that he is, though he’ll have trouble finding someone to give mint candy to. Why’s he smiling with such sad eyes?

She doesn’t want to leave Harrison alone. She wants to be there to cover his eyes. Intense desire akin to evil wells up in her heart, but it’s the truth

Kate asks if him saying that he’s had enough of her is a lie. Harrison asks what she thinks.

Since she can’t understand what’s truly in his heart, she’ll rely on her feelings. At the moment she doesn’t know what she wants to do with her future. But once she’s figured it out, she’ll come straight to him. And when that time comes, she wants to know what Harrison’s true feelings are

The next day, Kate visits Victor’s office to tell him her decision. She’ll continue being the fairy tale writer. When she worked as a postwoman to deliver people’s thoughts and feelings, she had a sense of fulfilment. But after meeting Harrison, she developed some brazen desires. She wants to be there for Harrison, be by his side. To stop his eyes from getting stained with darkness

Victor says it’s arrogant to live for just one person. But is there such thing as love without arrogance? He approves of her decision. It’s a pure decision. When Kate thanks him, Victor also thanks her for not leaving Harrison alone. And then tells her to got to Harrison

As she steps out of Victor’s office, the scent of mint hits her nose. Harrison calls her name.

The two look into each other’s eyes; they’re so close that they could reach out and touch each other

Though Kate said she was gonna go to him, he decided to come to her instead. She can’t be the one going to him all the time

Kate tells Harrison of her decision to stay as the fairy tale writer because she values his thoughts and feelings more than anyone else’s. And more than that, it’s what her heart wants. All this time, Harrison’s been the one protecting her. And she wants to give back. She feels pathetic, always taking from him

She tells him that she wants clear the darkness from his eyes, to shield them when he doesn’t want to know if someone’s lying

She’s willing to be evil for him. Internally, she’s begging Harrison to reveal his true feelings.

Kate steps closer to Harrison and then cups his cheeks in her hands. Asks him to allow her to be the one closest to him. It’s a lie that he’s had enough of her, right?

After getting over his shock, Harrison pulls Kate into his arms. He hugs her so tight, she feels like she might suffocate. He confesses that he thought he’d have to let her go, to get her out of the darkness before it was too late. But he was the one who couldn’t go back. He did lie when he said he had enough of her. He wants her so much. Kate too

Later on, the two are in bed together, desperate for each other’s touch.

Afterward, the two cuddle under the sheets while the sun sets. Harrison asks if she wants to go for another round. Kate sputters and he laughs, saying that was a joke. While he does want her, he knows it’d be too much for her.

Harrison tells Kate that he doesn’t need her to be evil. Just stay by his side just as she is.

Harrison: Are you crying? Kate: I’m not Harrison: Liar

Chapter 25

Roughly 2 months have passed since Kate agreed to continue being the fairy tale writer.

Harrison takes Kate to the rye field he’d spend his childhood at. Normally, it’s not something to get excited over, but it’s a place special to Harrison.

Kate had joined Ellis on a mission last night - a case of a man living in poverty attacking a noble. She couldn’t decide whether that person’s actions were evil that needed judgement.

That’s why she moves people’s hearts and lends an ear to their thoughts. At that, Harrison recalls a memory from his childhood. The same memory from the beginning of the route, but this time he remembers more. He asks if the fox would be considered evil if he had a reason to lie. Like to protect someone. Little Harrison replies no one knows what’s going through a person’s mind. His dad agrees, and says the same thing Kate said. In that moment, Harrison looks like he’s at peace

Harrison suggests they go for a walk until the sun sets. Kate agrees and feels him next to her. He’s so used to walking a few steps behind her, but now, he can walk beside her. Kate always wants him next to her until she says otherwise

He pulls out a can of mint candy and hands Kate a piece. The flavor’s still a hit or miss, but she doesn’t mind because she likes it. He then tells her that mint’s his favorite flavor and Kate’s brain short-circuits (me: sure he’s always been pawning off his candy to her but given how he always smells like mint, you’d realize that he likes it?)

Kate asks Harrison if he’s lying and he asks her what she thinks. As she’s about to reply, he pinches her cheeks together with a hand and mutters about how she doesn’t have to expose him. He then kisses her.

One night, Kate’s typing up her report. She describes the words she’s typing as flowers of evil blooming on pure white paper. She then pauses for a moment, thinking about how she’s changed since that night she was thrown into darkness.

It’s eerily quiet, but there’s always something stirring. Sometimes her fingertips tremble at the idea of being swallowed up the moment she relaxes. But in those moments, there’s something that securely tethers her.

The scent of mint wafts into the room as someone enters her room. Before she can turn, she’s hugged from behind. Mixed with the scent of mint is the faint scent of blood

Harrison and Kate kiss as if to make sure that they’re both really there. Kate wonders if he just came back from a dangerous mission but it’s not like he’ll ever tell her the truth which is why she’ll always stay by his side and never lose sight of him. With each other, they can remain themselves

Kate: Welcome home, Harry Harrison: Yeah, I’m home.

The darkness clears from his eyes and Kate smiles

Harrison rests his forehead on her shoulder, confessing that there were times when he couldn’t see anything in the dark. But with Kate within his reach, he’s fine now. There’s no doubt that he’ll continue telling lies in the future, but after all that clears away, only the truth will be left.

He wants to love and cherish Kate. In the end, that’s all that matters. She will always be his truth.

After uncovering the countless lies, what’s revealed is tender, gentle, and extraordinary love.

Kate’s sure they’ll find their own happy ending. She swears that she’ll never let him go, that she’ll always be by his side. Harrison won’t either

He who smells like mint always tells frivolous lies and cleverly hides his true intentions. But Kate will uncover his countless lies to get to his heart.

Epilogue

As Kate stares at the books in Harrison’s room, she thinks back to her conversation with him and Liam last night. Harrison had an important job for her that only she could do; Liam had a bad feeling about it.

Kate can’t believe that he wanted her to organize his books. Harrison needed a hand since Victor kept bothering him about putting his books away. There are so many books.

Harrison says that stories are fiction, and fiction is made up of lies that can sometimes move a person’s heart. It’s likely they saved him

He finds a book he thought he had gotten rid of, “The Lying Fox and the Princess in the Tower”. It’s a book Kate had read as a child too. The story’s about a fox that goes on a journey to rescue a princess trapped in a tower. Along the way, he tells lies while fighting bad guys who are after the princess. When the fox finally arrives at the castle, the princess isn’t there. In the end, everything was a lie, and all the lies the fox told came to bite them back.

Speaking of stories, Kate recalls various fairy tales being based on the curses. Though now, the relationship’s been reversed. And there’s something she’s been wondering for a while now. While the other members of Crown are connected to fairy tales, she doesn’t think the fox belongs to any specific story. Harrison casually says that foxes are always alone.

Kate strokes the book cover and adds her own ending to the story. The princess was hiding in the shadows and told the fox she wanted to surprise them.

Harrison finds that ending too convenient. Kate replies that there are various kinds of lies. Everyone knows that Harrison had his reasons to lie. But he’s not alone anymore. And she won’t ever leave him alone, even if he ends up finding her annoying

Harrison interrupts her with a kiss and asks if he can continue. They can take care of the books later.

He undoes Kate’s dress and kisses her while at the same time teasing her by exposing her hidden desires.

Harrison admits that he could’ve cleaned up all the books himself. He just wanted an excuse to be alone with her. So be good and let him eat her up

Kate wakes up among a pile of books, having fallen asleep after making love over and over. She finds herself being carried to bed.

Kate looks over at Harrison and sees him looking at the book they were talking about earlier, repeating her ending to the story to himself. Not a bad ending

The peaceful and happy look on his face captures her heart. His profile and eyes are so beautiful, she thinks she’s about to cry and turns away, not wanting to worry him. Once her tears stop, she’ll hug him as hard as she can

#ikemen villains #ikevil spoilers #ikevil #ikevil jp

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