#OTP: You Were Right Here Beside Me

[honeybeefae]

Shadows of Fire (Azriel x Reader x Eris)

Summary// You stumbled upon something that you should have never seen, something that would send two courts of Pyrthian into chaos if made public. After a week of trying to forget, the two men cornered you, leaving you nowhere to run even if you wanted. However, deep down inside, did you?

(Azris is like my OTP and writing this was SO fun. I love this idea of a reader sandwich and I cannot lie I have fantasized about this exact scenario multiple times. Enjoy this 4,600 smut fic! I hope you guys like it!)

WARNINGS: Smut, Threesome, Bondage, Edging, Orgasm Denial, MMF, Spitting

By the time you arrived back at your shared apartment, it was late. You weren’t even meant to be there tonight but the date you had planned went up in smoke. He was cocky and rude, staring at your breasts for most of the night while the rest was spent bragging about the women he slept with. 

It shouldn’t have been a surprise to him when you declined his invitation to go home with him but by the look on his face, he seemed shocked his moves hadn’t made you putty in his hands. You had to refrain from rolling your eyes when he sneered at you, storming off like a child.

Good riddance.

Your roommate, Azriel, had plans tonight and you hoped you wouldn’t be interrupted as you unlocked the door quietly. His late-night rendezvous often left at this time so your fingers were crossed that you wouldn’t walk in on something that would make your eyes bleed.

And it wasn’t that you thought he was unattractive. Anyone with two eyes could see that he was, with tan skin and a lean frame. Black tattoos covered his body which only added to his dangerous vibe not even counting the wings. You weren’t stupid enough to deny the attraction.

However, you also weren’t stupid enough to jeopardize a friendship for a fuck that could only end badly. Azriel didn’t “do” relationships and you had heard more than one girl leave angrily when he denied them the night. No matter how badly you might want to have sex with him you were not going to give in to the temptation.

The floor creaked under your bare feet as you gingerly walked down the hallway, keeping your eyes ahead as you strained to hear any noises. You cursed under your breath when you heard soft moans and grunts coming from his room, the smell of sex increasing with every step you took.

You picked up your pace and prayed to the Mother they didn’t hear you, not wanting to deal with Azriel’s agitation or god forbid a jealous woman thinking you were here to steal her man. As you beelined for your room beside his you saw the door to his bedroom slightly ajar and you froze when you heard something… unexpected.

“Oh, Az,” A deep, sultry voice moaned loudly. “I always knew you couldn’t resist me.”

That voice…didn’t belong to a woman. It also didn’t belong to just any man, at least not a regular one. Thanks to your emissary duties to the Autumn Court, you knew that voice like the back of your hand. 

That voice belonged to Eris.

Surprise was an understatement for what you were feeling as your feet cemented into the floor, your dark figure looming in the doorway as you saw the two of them. There were a few candles lit around the room, giving just the right amount of light for you to see the two sworn enemies in a very interesting position. 

Azriel had Eris pinned against a wall, his wings tucked in tightly as he bit and sucked at the red-headed male’s neck. Eris had his head thrown back in ecstasy, his hands digging into the Shadowsinger’s hips as he ground down onto his clothed thigh. They were both breathing heavily, their shirtless chests already coated in sweat. You knew you needed to leave, to pretend that you never saw the two of them like this, but something about them was hypnotic.

The way their bodies moved against each other, how Azriel’s shadows caressed the neglected areas of Eris while they shucked off the rest of their clothes. It was like they were the only two in the world. A thrill went down your spine at being such a voyeur to this scene, the taboo couple adding fuel to the fire as you felt yourself grow wet.

“I might put that mouth of yours to better use, prince,” Azriel growled as he grasped Eris’s cock through his boxers, his grin feral at how he melted into his touch. “You’re only good for sucking my cock anyways. Isn’t that right?”

One of your hands flew over your mouth to conceal the moan that wanted to escape as you watched Eris nod submissively, his knees hitting the floor as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It shouldn’t have been as hot as it was.

Azriel fisted Eris’s hair into his hand and guided him to his cock, his nostrils flaring as he got to work. You could only see his head bobbing up and down but your mind was ready to fill in the blanks, your fingers itching to bury themselves in your needy cunt.

“Oh, fuck, Eris,” The Illyrian growled loudly, his hips pistoning in and out as he used him as his fucktoy. You watched Eris palm at his red cock, the candlelight catching the bead of precum on his tip as he readily took everything Azriel gave to him.

Your fingers were teasing the waistband of your panties before you sent them further south, rubbing your clit through your underwear. It was just the right amount of friction that had you biting your tongue to keep quiet as you watched them. 

After only a few seconds of teasing yourself, you couldn’t wait any longer and hastily pushed your panties aside to shove your fingers inside yourself. You knew it wasn’t going to be enough but you kept fucking yourself, matching your thrusts with Azriel's as their moans grew louder. 

Everything was getting too hot, too fast, and you gripped the doorway to steady yourself, freezing when it creaked under your weight.

No, no, no, no…

Both men froze and turned to look where the sound had come from, their gazes full of surprise and what looked like anger as they took in your form, your smell, and your hand down your pants. You blinked once before yanking your fingers out of your still-dripping core and running out the apartment door, slamming into an innocent person who just happened to be walking by.

“Sorry! I’m so sorry!” You spluttered as you kept running, waving a hand behind you while weaving through the streets. The night air was cold on your skin as you looked behind you, making sure you weren’t followed before you finally stopped to lean against a building. “What the fuck have I done?”

Both of your hands went up to grab the sides of your head as you looked up at the stars, shaking your head in disbelief. You had lost yourself in watching them, their passion, and not only intruded on their very personal moment but also fucked yourself while watching.

You had just ruined not one but two relationships for a stupid, lust-driven decision. Azriel would never be able to look you in the eyes again and Eris…mother above, your already shaky relationship with his court has now crumbled completely.

“I am so screwed…I might as well pack my shit up tonight.” You mumbled to yourself, trying to stop your bottom lip from quivering as your anger turned to sadness. 

“Why would you do that?” A raspy voice asked from beside you, making you jump and whip around. Your eyes widened in fear when you saw Azriel leaning casually against the wall, Truthteller twirling in his hands. “Did you see something you weren’t supposed to?”

“Azriel, I-” You tried to explain, taking a nervous step back only to bump into a solid mass. Your throat bobbed as you leaned your head back to find a smirking Eris. “Guys, listen, I am so sorry-”

“Are you though?” Eris tilted his head, grabbing your forearms roughly and spinning you around to face him. “You could have run, you could have gone to bed, but you stood there watching us…”

“With your fingers shoved in your needy little cunt.” Azriel finished for him, pushing himself off the wall to come up behind you. “What you saw tonight…it does not leave your mouth, do you understand?”

You hesitated, your entire body on high alert as you were sandwiched between the two men, and you flinched when you saw Az’s eyes darken. Before you could blink he had his scarred fingers gripping your face painfully, his nose brushing against yours as he bent down and said, “Answer me.”

“I swear on my life.” You promised quickly, eyes flickering between the two of them. “I won’t tell anyone just please let me go, please don’t hurt me.”

He held you for a moment longer before letting go, both of them stepping back as you took in much-needed air with a hand over your chest. Adrenaline was coursing through your body as you started to walk away, resisting the urge to run, until something cool wrapped around your wrist and yanked you back.

Your feet stumbled but you caught your footing before you could faceplant, looking down to see one of Azriel’s shadows holding your arm. You lifted your frantic gaze upwards only to see them both smirking devilishly.

“Do you smell that?” Azriel hummed, raising a brow towards Eris as the redheaded nodded and clicked his tongue.

“I do…it’s the same smell that was in the apartment when Y/N was fucking herself,” Eris replied. You could feel a shift in the air as they watched you with wicked delight. The sound of your heartbeat was roaring in your ears as you struggled against the shadowy binds only to gasp when a rope of fire slithered around your other arm. “Where do you think you’re going, pet?”

“The fun is just starting.” The Spymaster smiled as they both tugged you forward roughly, sending you spiraling towards them until four large hands caught you and straightened you out. “You wanted to watch us so badly. Let us put on a proper show for you.”

“No, I don’t-” You tried to protest only to shudder when you felt a pair of warm lips on the shell of your ear, the heat of the fiery bonds increasing briefly as Eris dragged a hand down the side of your body. It shouldn’t have felt as good as it did and when you looked up you saw Azriel watching you with hooded eyes. 

“Are you sure about that, mouse? Look at how quickly you’re coming apart.” He snickered, cupping your face and running his thumb over your bottom lip. “We’ve barely even touched you and you look like you’re ready to burst.”

Eris continued his lazy exploration of your body while his mouth caressed your neck. Your hands were fisted at your sides as Azriel watched on, licking his lips as he slipped the pad of his thumb into your mouth. “Suck it.”

And despite all the qualms you had about this situation, about the two of them, you found yourself immediately listening to his instructions. You took the large digit and started sucking and swirling your tongue around it, the slight groan from Az’s throat only spurring you on.

“Good girl.” Eris whispered into your ear. 

Another shiver ran down your spine from his words as you closed your eyes to avoid the embarrassment of how much this was turning you on. However, Azriel seemed to want to watch how they were affecting you. Both of their bonds suddenly disappeared as you stumbled back, barely catching yourself against the wall as you glared at them.

“What the hell?” You huffed, crossing your arms before letting out a small shriek as Eris threw you over his shoulder. Your fists banged against his back while your feet kicked around but a loud, hard slap to your ass got you to still momentarily.

“Save your voice for the bedroom, pet. You’re going to need it.” He chuckled with a glance over at Azriel, the two of them nodding before you felt yourself drop into nothingness. Your stomach churned as you winnowed into Azriel’s bedroom, Eris dropping you roughly on the bed as the Spymaster swooped in from the balcony.

“I truly am sorry, more than sorry even, for invading your privacy.” You swallowed thickly, your palms sweaty. “What I did was wrong and perverted and-”

“Mother above, shut her up, Eris.” Azriel rolled his eyes, smiling when your eyes widened as a thick rope of fire tightened around your throat. It wasn’t tight enough to cut off your airway but you knew he could if he wanted. “Spare us the holier than though speech, mouse.”

“I’m just-” You tried to argue only to gasp when the fire grew hotter. Your skin starts to sweat from the heat and you realize that four more binds have wrapped around your wrists and ankles, spreading you open for the two of them. Eris also used the opportunity to burn your clothes to dust, the wind scattering it across the floor as he left you bare for them.

“You just what? You just stood there and watched as I fucked Eris’s mouth? Stood there and touched yourself to the sight of the two of us?” Azriel was now on top of you, his eyes dark and tone seductive. “Admit it, Y/N. Admit it to yourself that you enjoyed watching us. Admit that deep down inside you are nothing but a wanton whore.”

“I’m not!” You denied, frowning, only to thrash and struggle as a cloth was shoved into your mouth. “Mmm! Mphm!”

Azriel clicked his tongue while shaking his head, stepping back onto the floor and turning to Eris. “Shall we continue before we were so rudely interrupted?”

“What about her?” Eris jerked his head towards you as you still struggled against your restraints. He frowned and narrowed his eyes, the flames licking up your skin burning fiercely for a moment until you whimpered in pain. “I must admit, I’ve wanted to taste her from the moment she walked into my court.”

“As soon as she can admit to herself that she loves watching and being treated like this, she can join us. Until then…” Azriel trailed off, grabbing Eris’s hips and pulling him towards him. The redhead grinned and kissed him with a passionate fire you could feel from the bed, their teeth clashing as they hastily removed their clothing.

You bit down on the cloth as their cocks sprang free from the confine of their pants, both of them impossibly large and thick. Azriel had more length while Eris was slightly girthier, though you know what mattered more was how they used it. Wetness began to pool between your thighs once more as you wriggled slightly, trying to gain some friction.

“Knees. Now.” Azriel commanded, his chest rumbling when Eris readily responded and took his cock in his mouth. It was already hard and you moaned loudly when you saw Eris’s throat bob with every inch he took of the Illyrian. 

Your fingers flexed as you watched him swallow Azriel down to the base, the Shadowsinger making a choking sound before grabbing a fistful of red hair and holding him there for several seconds. Tears were welling up in Eris’s eyes as he struggled to breathe but he never fought against Az’s hold. He took everything he was giving him.

“Good boy, good fucking boy,” Azriel grunted, finally letting him come up for air as he turned to look at you. “Look at how wet you’ve made her, Eris. She’s soaking the sheets.”

“Fuck, she looks delicious…” Eris moaned. “Are you ready to submit yet, pet? Ready to show us how good you can be?”

You hesitated, struggling with the moral and immoral thoughts swirling around your brain, and whined when Azriel shrugged his shoulders and turned back to his lover. “Her loss.” He said, using Eris’s hair to guide him back to his throbbing dick. “Eyes on me, prince.”

He had no hesitation as he went back to work on his cock, his hands rubbing where his mouth couldn’t reach. Your mouth went dry as you saw Azriel grow more and more desperate, his hips snapping in time with Eris’s sucking. Every inch of your skin felt as if you were on fire and when you saw Azriel shove him all the way down his throat, spilling inside him, your resolve finally broke.

“Mmmph! Mmm!” You garbled through the makeshift gag, your pussy weeping with how desperate you were. They ignored you, lost in their own euphoria as Eris’s own cock jerked in need of release. 

“Don’t swallow it, greedy prince. Keep my cum warm for me while I check on our little voyeur.” Az smirked, gingerly pulling out of his mouth before strolling towards you. His cock was glistening with Eris’s spit and his own cum, already starting to get hard again as you looked up at him with pleading eyes.

“Something to say, mouse? Do you need something?” He taunted, one of his shadows ghosting over your swollen cunt. It made you buck your hips as you struggled to talk, gasping for air when Azriel yanked the wet gag out of your mouth. “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

“I like it. I like it and I shouldn’t but I do,” You rambled, chest heaving with each word. “I’m a dirty slut who liked it just please, please fucking touch me. I’m begging you. I need it.”

Azriel mulled over your words, the shadow pressing more firmly on your clit. You knew if he kept going you would cum in no time, your inner walls already clenching as you bit down on your lip to try and control yourself. 

“Was that good enough for you, Eris?” Azriel asked, smirking when he saw him already climbing up the end of the bed. “Or should we make her beg more?”

“No, no, please!” You nearly cried, ignoring the burn from your bonded hands and feet as you tried to get up. “I promise I’ll be good, I promise. I’ll do whatever you want just please touch me.”

You flinched when Azriel’s fingers tilted your head to look at him, his eyes drinking in your tear-stained cheeks and flushed face. He studied you for what felt like forever before bending down until his forehead was touching yours. “You’re ours now, little mouse.”

Eris’s hot, wet tongue licked up your cunt as you were staring at Azriel and it made you cry out in pleasure, taken off guard as he latched onto your clit and started sucking on it roughly.

It was too much sensation at once and with how worked up you were, you already felt yourself teetering on the edge. Azriel seemed to realize as he crawled beside you and pinned your arms to the bed, Eris’s fire disappearing instantly. “Don’t you dare fucking cum, whore. You have to be given permission.” 

“I can’t-” You choked, your hips grinding down as Eris moved down to circle the tip of his tongue over your hole. “I can’t hold it! Please!”

“I said no,” Azriel growled, fingers digging painfully into the soft skin of your arms. “Stuff her full of my cum, prince. Claim her for me.”

Your brows furrowed in confusion until you watched as Eris pulled away from your sopping wet cunt, a small string of saliva following him, and spat Azriel’s cum onto your pussy. The sight of it had your toes curling as Eris gave you a devilish smile, sliding two fingers down your lips, collecting the cum, and then shoving them roughly inside you.

“Oh, fuck!” You yelped as he fucked his lover’s cum into you, his fingers curling with each thrust before he went back to licking and biting your clit. It was the hottest thing you had ever seen and you almost sobbed when Azriel pinned your hips down to keep you still.

All you could do was lay there and take it, desperately trying to fend off your orgasm as Azriel whispered in your ear, “Take it like the dirty slut you are mouse. Feel his thick fingers inside of you, fucking my cum into you.”

“She tastes so fucking, mmph-” Eris growled into your pussy, his amber eyes glowing like embers as he looked up at you. “So fucking good.”

“I bet she does, I can smell how sweet she is,” Azriel said, his fingers dancing down your body until he got to your breasts. “And look at how beautiful these are…just waiting to be marked up.”

He gave your right nipple a harsh smack at the same time Eris sucked your clit again, the pain and pleasure mixing in a toxic wave of lust. They had you seeing stars and they were just getting started. 

“Please, Azriel, Eris, please let me cum,” You begged, your bottom lip quivering as your legs shook with the effort to contain it. “I’ll be good, I’ll be a good girl.”

“You’re so cute when you beg like that, Y/N.” Azriel praised, goosebumps rising on your skin as his breath blew softly onto your neck. “So pretty, such a good whore. Do you think she should cum, Eris?”

Eris pulled back, ignoring your whimpers as he rose to his knees and pulled Azriel into a heated kiss so that he could taste your juices on his tongue. You huffed out angrily, nearly ready to stomp your feet as you felt your orgasm fade into nothing due to the lack of stimulation.

“Is my pet throwing a fit? Did you not already get enough attention?” Eris cooed, turning to watch you as Azriel kissed down his neck and palmed his cock until the High Lord was bucking into his hand. “Are you, ah, are you that needy?”

“Of course she is, look at her.” Azriel mocked, sucking a large hickey onto the column of his throat before he pushed him back roughly. Eris landed beside you, his hair splaying out beautifully as the Illyrian roughly picked you up and had you bending over the edge of the bed. “Suck his cock, mouse. Make him cry for you.”

You did not need to be told twice, your mouth hungrily kissing his inner thighs and trailing up to his dripping member. It was thick and long, the tip red and begging for you to pay it attention. He let out a small groan as you kissed and licked the head of him, swirling your tongue round and round before a sharp smack landed on your ass.

“I said to suck his cock not tease him, little whore.” Azriel ordered, letting another spank hit your clit this time which made you moan. You nodded, eyes focusing on Eris as you took him all the way to his pubic hair. It tickled your nose as you watched the redhead lurch forward, his hands immediately flying to your head to hold you still as he rutted upwards.

“Stars above, that feels amazing,” He moaned, looking over you to Azriel who was stroking himself to the sight. You began to choke and only then did he finally let you go, his thumb reaching out to wipe away the mascara that was now smeared under your eyes. “Again.”

He gave you no time to prepare as he roughly shoved himself down your throat once more, his mouth hanging open in ecstasy as you did your best to breathe through your nose. You cupped his balls in your hand, rolling them around, which only spurred Eris on further. 

“Who knew you were such a good cocksucker, Y/N?” Azriel chimed from behind you, stepping forward to rub his hard cock through your folds. Each time he bumped against your clit it made you lurch back, trying to get him to enter you. “Maybe that should be your new title, hm? Just for us.”

“Only for us.” Eris echoed. “Fuck I’m going to cum.”

“Paint her face. Mark her in your cum.” Azriel growled, savoring the way you were both lost in your own pleasure as Eris suddenly pulled out of your mouth to spurt onto your face. You closed your eyes and took it, loving the way they were being so filthy with you before you moaned when you felt Azriel enter you from behind. 

“So fucking tight,” He gritted out as he fucked you wildly like a beast taking his bitch. Your whole body was jerking forward and all you could do was look at Eris, your eyes heavy-lidded as he swiped some of his cum off your face and held it out for you to taste.

You sucked his finger in greedily, enjoying the salty taste of him as he smirked back at how corrupted you had become. However, as soon as Az hit that spot deep inside you, you let go of his digit to let out a loud, whorish groan. 

“Don’t stop, please don’t stop!” You cried out, looking back to watch him pound into you from behind. With every brush over that spot, you felt your orgasm building once more, your walls clenching tightly around him which made him hiss through his teeth.

“You wanna cum on his cock, pet? Do you deserve it?” Eris teased, placing two fingers under your chin to force you to look at him. “Do you think you deserve to cum on his cock?”

“Yes, mmm, I do,” You pant, moaning into his mouth when he kisses you sloppily. He tasted of warm spices and Azriel, the combination intoxicating as your tongues swirled together. It made your already wet cunt wetter. “I’ve been good.”

Azriel grabbed your hips harshly, making sure to leave bruises on them as he felt his orgasm racing up his spine. His balls started to tighten and he couldn’t stop himself even if he wanted as he spilled into you, your orgasm following swiftly behind as you came and came and came.

Your entire body shook with the force of it as you all but collapsed onto Eris’s thighs, your ass still up in the air as Azriel continued to thrust shallowly into you. He grinned as some of his cum leaked out the side of your union, watching it fall onto the bed. 

“You made such a mess, little mouse,” Azriel noted as he reluctantly pulled out, scooping his oozing cum and shoving it back inside your sensitive hole. You whined, trying to move away but Eris forced you to stay still as the Spymaster continued to toy with your sex. “And you came without permission.”

“I-what? But you-” You mumbled, lifting your head to turn and gaze at him. “Eris said…”

“I only asked the question, pet. I never permitted you.” He said sweetly, brushing the hair out of your eyes as you swallowed in fear. “You should know better.”

“It’s alright, prince.” Azriel smiled, flipping you over forcefully before appearing over you. “We have plenty of time to teach her how to behave.”

The last thing you saw was Azriel’s hazel eyes before his shadows circled your head, blinding you as Eris chuckled into the night air. You sucked in a breath when you felt those fiery bonds return once more, locking you to the bed as they both set to work on your punishment.

[scaredpigeons]

“Let me look at you.”

kaveh x fem!reader

Nsfw 18+ MDNI. Smut. Pussy inspection, teasing, light oral (fem receiving) Kaveh’s a bit mean, but not really and we like it. Established relationship, childhood friends to lovers, yes you both live in Alhaitham’s house still cuz I’ll never separate my otp

———————

You hear the rattle of a doorknob, unable to open. 

Then a thud, as if something hit the door. 

“Darling?” Kaveh’s frustration leaked into his voice. “Are you in there? I forgot my keys again.” 

You smiled, and rose from the sofa to open the door. Your sweet Kaveh stood in the doorway, shoulders slumped and white knuckling his mechanical toolbox, looking at you miserably through his brows. 

“Welcome home,” you stepped aside, allowing him to trudge into the entrance. “ I would ask how your day was…” 

“You would not believe the day I’ve had. I don’t even want to repeat some of the atrocities I had to witness today, let alone the absolute crimes against art as a whole— and I had to just sit there and let him drone on and on!— AND regardless of my experience and clear expertise on the subject, this—this monster absolutely refused to budge on— seriously my love, who in their right mind requests five inch thick mullions on stunning lancet arched windows?! The man's wife wanted them to be Sumerian rose stained glass— which I already ordered the exact amount for, at double the usual rate so they could have it installed in time for their daughter's birthday— and suddenly the man wants mullions?!” 

Your romantic relationship with Kaveh might have been fresh, but being friends with him since childhood gave you plenty of experience with these kinds of moods. You knew this spiral would only ruin his evening, and if left to fester it would consume his entire month. 

“Is there anything I can do to help?” You asked timidly, not wanting to send him into another rant, but not wanting your silence to convince him you don’t care. 

Kaveh huffed, and turned towards you. “Unless you can tell this imbecile of a client that—“ He paused, actually looking at you for the first time since he walked into the house. 

Since moving in with him and Alhaitham, you’d certainly made yourself comfortable in the space. 

The house had little pieces of you scattered here and there; a lavender throw pillow on your favorite couch, new mugs in the cupboard, a framed photo of the three of you from your last trip to the desert—smiling and laughing in the sun while camped at an oasis, but nothing showed how comfortable you were there more than how you dressed around the house. 

When the two of you became adults, you rarely ever saw each other outside of the akadeymia and Lambads tavern, so respectable formal wear was what you wore often. When you started coming over and rekindling your bond with Kaveh, you wanted to impress him, to be attractive to him, so you always dressed your best, always done up. But now…

He gazed longingly at your thighs peeking out from beneath one of his oversized shirts, buttons only done up halfway so that the majority of your chest was visible, placed to just cover your nipples in case someone came home during the day. Your hair was pinned back away from your face using a multitude of his own hair pins, and your face glowed as if it was recently washed. 

You were the pinnacle of beauty to Kaveh. So comfortable in his life— like you were meant to be there all along. He sighed, releasing his tight grip on mehrak to let him hover in place just beside him. 

“Actually, yes.” He sighed again, releasing the tension in his shoulders as he gestured for you with his arms. “Come here, let me hold you for a moment.”

You smiled sweetly and curled up into his embrace, humming happily as he rested himself at the junction of your neck and shoulder, inhaling deeply and groaning a little beneath his breath. 

“You’re perfect, you know that?” He said wistfully. 

You giggled, dropping your head to his shoulder to hide your intense blush. “Stop that! I’m supposed to be making you feel better, dummy.”

“Just having you here like this makes me feel a bit better, love.” He pulled back a bit. “Come now, let me look at you, there’s no need to hide.”

Despite your flustered state, you unwrapped yourself from him, cheeks warming even more at the way his eyes raked across your body.

“You like when I look at how beautiful you are, don't you?” He said, holding your hand in his with a gentle squeeze. Though his tone was still gentle, there was something burning beneath his gaze that had warmth pooling into the pit of your stomach. 

He grinned then, suddenly a bit mischievous in nature. “You know what would really help me de-stress, love?” 

If you hadn’t seen where this was headed before, you certainly knew now— though that didn’t make you any less flustered. Even after so many months, physical intimacy with Kaveh still worked you up just as badly as it had the first time. 

“I’ll do anything for you, Kaveh. You know that.” You murmured, cupping your own cheek in embarrassment.

You feel a light pressure around your limbs and waist, and suddenly you are hoisted into the air, hands together above your head and legs spread. 

“Wait—what?!” You tried to struggle, but the grip that he had mehrak put you in was unshakable. You’d seen Kaveh use this function with mehrak countless times; to swing his claymore, to move building materials, but never once had you seen it used on anyone else. “K-Kaveh! What are y-you doing?!”

His head appeared between your legs, though he was still standing, and you could see now why he had hoisted you so high into the air. 

“Just stay still for me, yeah? I want to look at you.” 

“B-but—“

You were silenced by his long, cool fingers pushing his shirt from where it covered you, and your legs spread even wider, exposing you in your entirety to him. He smiled as he hooked his fingers into your panties, sliding them down your thighs and onto the floor at his feet. 

You continued to squirm as your face bloomed with heat, trying to look away but entranced to watch him as he spread you apart, looking at your center with intense eyes. 

He wiggles your labia around a bit, spreading you open and watching as the strands of your slick glisten between them.

He’s torturing you. Eyes never leaving your cunt as he gently thumbs at your clit, watching it twitch and relishing the moans you can’t bite back. 

The teasing makes you ache, it makes pressure form behind your glossy eyes and deep inside you somewhere shameful. You can feel yourself clenching around nothing as he toys with you, poking and rubbing here and there as if to make sure his eyes don’t miss a single part of you. 

He sees you struggling, and a laugh emerges— light and airy from his chest. 

“Please… you’re teasing too much this time, Kaveh.” You manage to whimper. 

“Oh?” He says, eyes still unwavering from your leaking hole. “What is it you want, my love?” 

You keened, so frustrated with his not-enough-touches and the fact that he’s making you say it. You tried wiggling from the hold on you once more, but it only served to satisfy him more. 

“Please!” You begged. “Please make me cum!” Your blush burned. You couldn’t take it anymore. You needed him, to feel him. 

He hummed contently at your cries, finally looking up at you. His gaze burned with a lust so intense you don’t think you’ve seen it since the first time you ever shared your bodies with one another. It was an all consuming flame, and unlike the first time— this one didn’t startle you. 

Kavehs passion was one of his best qualities, and seeing it take on this form, this desire for you— to have you, to make you his— was something you came to crave. 

“Not yet.” He said. Tone leaning towards condescending. “I’m busy looking. You’ll let me keep looking, right?” 

His gaze trailed back down your body to your aching core, where he continued to run his fingers along your folds, eyes heavy with lust at the slick he touched there.

“After all,” he said. “You're so very pretty, and you know how stressed I get. And playing with this pretty pussy of my very own helps sooo much, you know that dont you?”

His words were dripping in sex—in demeaning condescension, and you were about to explode because of it. You squirmed and struggled more, moaning and crying out at the weight of his heavy gaze, and the lightness of his thumb across your clit. It throbbed, sending waves of need up your limbs and making your hips buck against his touch.

“I really enjoy playing with you like this,” He said darkly. Times like these were the only moments Kaveh ever spoke down to you. He was typically very doting, loving, and non confrontational when it came to your relationship. But when you hear his voice sink like this, hear him speak as if he owns you, it sends your brain into overdrive. 

Finally, finally he brings his tongue up your center, taking a nice firm lick from your clenching hole to your aching clit. He seems to add just the tiniest bit more pressure as his tongue rakes over your clit, and you squeal. 

A low, shuddering orgasm overtakes you, and you crumple into it, trying to milk it for all its worth. You’re shocked that he keeps his tongue gently moving over your clit when he realizes what’s happening though he never moves to make it more intense. He works you through it gently, drinking up your cries of pleasure. Your clit throbs dully with each wave of your orgasm, and right before it becomes something closer to painful, he stops. 

His large hands grip your thighs, and he watches as you continue to twitch with the aftershocks. He watches your orgasm subside, and laughs when you start to squirm needingly so soon after. 

“Awe, poor sweet thing. Not enough?” 

Your fucked out expression was nearly enough to break him. Tears streamed down your flushed cheeks, your eyelids drooped and heavy from the aftermath, but still sparkling with lust from the need for more. 

Truly, Kaveh never felt more blessed than when in these moments with you, and he truly couldn’t even remember the specifics of what exactly had made him so unhappy in the first place. 

He was sure he’d remember eventually, and go back to having more work to do, but for now, he’d rather just enjoy the fire you’ve brought from within him. 

“Alright, alright.” He smiled. “I wasn’t done with you yet anyways.” 

[tessa-liam]

A Royal Misadventure

Book: The Royal Romance Finale

A Smoke & Mirrors AU series one shot

Pairing: King Liam Rys x F!MC Queen Riley Brooks-Rys OTP 

Rating: Teen 

Category: fluff

Warnings: a couple of swear words 

Words: 1167 

Prompt: Inspired by an ask from @peonierose 

“I was wondering how would your MC/ OC embarrass their kids? Or the other way around?” 

__The Palace Courtyard___ 

The first week of the social season was officially underway which meant that it was time for the annual royal garden party. On a balmy, early summer afternoon, it was one of those events that managed to bring together nearly all the key players of the royal court, politicians, diplomats, nobles and close friends of the king and queen together.

Liam was busy talking with Ana de Luca and other reporters from national press outlets, while Riley was surrounded by ladies from the court who were pestering her with endless courtly questions. 

-And the five-year-old twin princes had gone missing.  

"Shit! ... Fuck!" ... Leo growled under his breath when he realized his twin nephews were missing after searching the hedge maze. Drake, sitting with Maxwell near the outdoor bar, looked at the frazzled former crown prince in amusement as he downed a full glass of scotch. 

“Rys?! What did you do?” Drake stifled his laugh, as Leo muttered to himself ..."I told them not to go in there. I've no idea how they even got out." 

"I think that's the point of a maze, Uncle Leo, to get lost," eleven-year-old crown princess Eleanor said matter-of-factly, rolling her eyes. 

That’s all it took for Drake and Maxwell to explode in laughter, shaking their heads. 

"You know, sometimes you are too smart for your own good," Leo said, scowling at his niece while ignoring the snickering and chortling of his friends. 

Eleanor cheekily grinned at her uncle. Leo stared at her, thinking to himself that she's been spending time together with her dad far too much lately, sighed in frustration.

"Do you want some help looking for them?" she asked sweetly. 

"You'd do that? Your mom would kill me if she found out that I let you go alone. She already is annoyed that I let you play hide and seek with them the other day.” 

"Why are you so desperate to find them? I'm sure the nannies are with them." 

"I'm the only one who knows their hiding spot and I can't even find it, so I have to look." 

"What's in it for me?" 

"You get to hang out with your cool uncle," he smirked. 

"I've already hung out with you enough for today," she replied with sass.

"Oh, come on, Ellie, do you really want to sit around with all these snobs and old people. I thought you hated this stuff." 

"Fine, I'll help, but only because you called me Ellie, and if Mom catches us, we'll both be in big trouble." 

Leo smiled to himself. He loved getting his way. 

Eleanor, however, was very clever and observant. She'd figured out the hiding place a few days ago. She wasn't going to let Leo know, but she decided it would be fun to mess with him a little. 

She took him through the maze, making it seem like she was actually looking, but leading him around in circles. 

"This is never going to work. What are we going to do when Mom realizes they are missing?" 

"I don't know, Ellie. They were here a moment ago, and now they're gone," Leo replied. 

She was interrupted by an eruption of laughter from the bushes, as the twin princes jumped out. 

As Eleanor and Leo turned into the center of the maze, Mara, Riley's personal guard, called out, "Princess Eleanor, your mother and father are aski..." 

"We were right here the whole time, Uncle Leo," said William, laughing. 

"Ha! Ha! You two little shits!" Leo exclaimed sardonically, yet relieved.

"Mommy said you aren't supposed to say bad words, Uncle Leo," Stefan said. 

"I'll deal with you later," he grumbled. 

___ 

Returning to the courtyard, Eleanor took her place beside her father as he and Riley chatted with Ana de Luca and her crew. 

"There's my favorite 11 year old," said Ana de Luca. 

"Are you here to interview me?" Eleanor asked. 

"Actually, yes, I was hoping to get some insight from our future queen." 

Eleanor rolled her eyes, and turned her attention to her parents, who were watching the exchange with amusement. 

"How are you enjoying the social season so far?" 

"It's great, everyone is really nice," Eleanor replied diplomatically, sounding bored. 

"Okay, Princess Eleanor, Cordonians want to know.  It's your parent's wedding anniversary coming up.... can you share some secrets about your mom and dad?" 

Eleanor glanced over at her parents, and they gave her a nod of encouragement. 

"Sure, what do you want to know?" she replied. 

"How does the King and Queen show their love?" 

"Sometimes, Daddy plans surprise date nights for my mom, like picnics in the hedge maze or candlelit dinners." 

"That's very romantic. Anything else?" 

"Hmm, Mommy leaves little love notes for Daddy in his study, and he keeps them all in a special box. And they always hold hands and they hug a lot." 

"I see, that is very sweet. Your parents live a very hectic life. How do they support each other?" 

"Daddy always holds my mom's hand when she's nervous, like during official events or speeches." 

"Do you think they still love each other like they did when they first met?" 

"Definitely! I overheard my mom telling Auntie Hana that she and Daddy are still best friends and have so much fun together. Sometimes, I hear them talking and laughing late into the night in their room. They have inside jokes that only they understand, and then they burst into laughter together.'" 

"Awww. That is so adorable," said Ana de Luca, before turning to face the camera. 

"You heard it here first, the King and Queen are still in love and living the happily ever after they always wanted." 

Liam and Riley smiled proudly, as Liam snaked his arm around her waist, gently pulling her closer to him. 

"Thanks, Ellie, that was amazing," Riley beamed, giving her daughter a high five. 

"Yes, Eleanor, you did a wonderful job," Liam added, smiling with pride.

"Thanks, Ellie," said Leo. "Maybe someday soon you can run the kingdom with your smarts." 

Eleanor giggled, "Yeah, maybe." 

___Thank you for reading___

📌 @peonierose

📌 @choicesficwriterscreations

📌 my tag list:

@bascmve01 @busywoman @kristinamae093 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @kingliam2019 @ao719 @alj4890 @emkay512 @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @malblk21 @tinkie1973 @queenmiarys @emersyn-in-cordonia @dutifullynuttywitch @charlotteg234 @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @imjusthereforliam @jared2612 @walkerdrakewalker @imashybish @703cowbarn @irisk12 @thesvnsins

[hana-no-seiiki]

Okay, it may sound weird, but what if the manager is also an artist, like daft punk/Banksy? They are famous but also anonymous, and are just working for the idol/rockstar? They got popular during their time as a manager and they cannot quit because it would be too suspicious and so sudden, like they are waiting for the right moment to quit, hut until then, the are just going to be 'the manager' in public.

YAN! POP IDOL [EVE] x MANAGER/ARTIST! READER (ft. YAN! ROCKSTAR [FEROZE])

AAAA I ACTUALLY HAD THIS IDEA BUT WAS LIKE- WHAT IF GENIE’S READERS HATE ME FOR CHANGING THE MANAGER TOO MUCH- but bAH fuck it! HAVE THIS!! THE THREESOME SMUT WILL HAVE TO WAIT-

@moyazaika tagging you just so you’re informed and can add more on Feroze’s side if you’re free:

Anyways if you manage to be both an artist and manager at the same time, props to you for your god-like time management cause that’s honestly fucken commendable. Like manager-nim you’re actually a god at this point.

I imagined reader to be completely out of the genre FerozEve (are we surprised by who the top is at this point) in order for the double trouble makers not to find out immediately.

I don’t know how wide Feroze’s music tastes are but for Eve he practically listens to every genre. As a teen his favorite were the rockstar and ofc pop. He got into Hip-Hop/Trap through the main rapper from his group, and Kpop has a ton of genres mixed into it including but not limited to EDM, R&B and Punk Rock. Soon enough, he hears of this underground DJ who’s known for not only making fire music but being their own choreographer and VJ. Talk about being blessed by the gods.

You (and his bae Khan ofc) inspired him to create his own music and eventually go solo. He went undercover sometimes to send you tracks. You thought he was just a kid/teen since his early ones were kinda . . . not it, but was impressed by the amount of passion he put into improving.

Years later, your activity died down due to working on Feroze’s career more. Those exclusive interviews and world concert arrangements don’t do themselves yknow!

Eve was saddened by your lack of releases and performances but understood. Besides he had your manager persona in mind to obsess over.

The collab happens and you joined Eve to look over the tracks in the album. From the amount of iced americanos he’d down, you could tell he was super out of it and really needed rest BUT HE WOULDN’T GODDAMN LISTEN TO YOU-

*ahem*

So you decided to help him instead.

You gave minor pointers here and there really. Nothing much in your opinion.

But to Eve he was just in utter shock and awe. How come he didn’t think of that?? The synth really elevated that section of the chorus?? Why were you hiding this genius from him??

You explained that you wanted to be a producer for the company but since it ended up reducing your passion for music so you otped for a managerial position instead.

Eve isn’t even listening at this point. He just has heart eyes. Like he didn’t know he could fall further in love with you. Boy is whipped.

Overall Eve kinda do be dumb and dense so he wouldn’t figure it out. But I’d imagine the revelation to happen sort of like this:

You were helping out Eve with vocal arrangement one day, assisting with adlibs and what not when . . .

“I think it’d be better if you put this here, and double it.”

“Woah that sounds fire.” Eve’s eyes were glued at your focused face. You looked so adorable all focused like that. He was so close to jumping out the recording booth just to give you a big ol smooch.

At his approval you continued, “We could build it up more. I’ll punch you in here and you could do a lower note? Like this.” You played a section of the song, perfectly harmonizing with his voice like it was nothing, before turning to him for approval.

He was silent. Mouth slightly agape.

“Eve?”

“. . .”

Holy shit. You’re one of his favorite artists-

[co-mixed]

Why Boom Still Can’t Get Buffy Right

My love for the Buffyverse is concrete but it has its limits. Yesterday I had a very unpleasant experience finishing yet another unimpressive Buffy run, courtesy of Boom Comics. It’s always disappointing to me because Buffyverse has so much potential and untold stories. It’s a goldmine that is constantly held back and simply can’t find its footing in the comics medium. Why is that? 

Boom’s been rather relentless in trying to make Buffy work. Several years and runs later, there’s still no big WOW story that can attract readers and viewers alike. Not just that, but even seasoned buffy fans don’t seem very interested in continuous attempts at rebooting the Slayer tale. You can blame the word reboot (it does tend to scare people) but the real reason is still Boom’s inability to deliver a good captivating story.

Boom had tried reinventing Buffy, sending her back to school, developing alternate realities and futures. But in every iteration, Buffy and the Scooby Gang were plagued with the same mistakes over and over again. 

Hey, I’m not sure what I am, so bear with me here 

The characters from Buffy are some of the most well-developed characters out there. Each one has a point of origin, a story, and a final form. We love them because we know them. And we know them extremely well. 

Let’s take the fan-favorite, Spike. We’ve seen his whole afterlife and even bits of his life. We know how he became William the Bloody, then Spike, a neutered vampire, and finally, an ensouled champion. We know how, and more importantly, we know why. 

I’d hate to throw in one more why but there is a reason Spike exists in the show, and we know it. 

When you read Boom comics, it feels like writers stick him into every arc just because they like him. He brings nothing to the story, he has no soul or chip yet chooses to join the scoobies. That does not look like the Spike we know. That guy was in s2-s4, not s5-s7. That’s the guy from School Hard or the one who got the Gem of Amara and happily marched to kill Buffy. 

But there’s nothing stronger than the author’s desire to make things ‘right’. Hence this spike lookalike joining the team every time. 

The funny part is, I can very well imagine a soulless chipless Spike who’s not a monster. If Dru sires him and never sees him again, if she never introduces him to Angelus, if he keeps on writing his bloody awful poetry only forever. He probably would’ve turned out like that poor librarian guy whose glasses Dru broke or like Harmony who still tried to be decent. But it’s the writer’s job to explain it, to write it into the story, not just throw a character into a book and see whether they swim or go down. They will always go down. 

Spike is only one of the issues here. In the show, both Kendra and Faith exist to show us the perfect (according to the council) and the fallen slayer. Two possible realities for Buffy. They have their own arcs (well, Faith does) but the show is strong because supporting characters serve a purpose. Just like the people we meet in real life always serve a purpose for us. You might believe that one character pushing the development of another is cruel, but that’s still how good stories are made. That’s still why Buffy is popular 20 years after the show’s finale. 

Kendra and Faith did that for Buffy in the show. In the Boom comics they just exist. They show up for no reason and they just hang around. You can take them out of the story and nothing will change. At one point in the initial reboot there were three slayers at the same time, and that felt more like a fix-it fanfic than a quality comic book. Unfortunately, some slayers have to die and some have to turn evil. Besides, without her rebellious personality, Faith is meaningless.

I have one more bone to pick. I know that Buffy and Angel (still the OTP of the show!) are a complicated matter to many modern writers. And readers, and viewers. There’s no place to hide from the creep factor and even though I will defend this ship till the day everyone finally agrees with me, I can’t deny its presence. But that doesn’t mean you get to discard this ship and separate Buffy and Angel into different books. One doesn’t exist or grow without the other. There is no Buffy in love with a vampire without Angel. There is only Vampire. Slayer. Dead vampire. 

Without Buffy, Angel is not in LA helping the helpless. He’s in New York eating low rats. Before trying to launch two separate books, how about Boom launches one good one, that provides background, even if revised and adapted to the modern days? 

I always worried what would happen when that b*tch got some funding

All this chaotic mess with the characters determines the stories Boom puts out. They tend to have an interesting start but by the time issue 3 comes out, it’s either Camazotz flying around Sunnydale, a giant crab taking over the main street, or whatever the hell Silas was (a soul eater?) Didn’t care for him much. Not even when we were evil. 

More often than not Boom writers suffer from the same disease that plagued Dark Horse comics – scale. Just because you can do anything doesn’t mean you should. Comics allow you to draw literally any kind of baddie but you are playing within a specific world, and suspense of disbelief only goes so far. Besides, in the show, it all grows gradually. You go from the Master to the First evil. In the comics… seriously, what the hell was Silas? 

From what I’ve read so far, Boom knows how to ask interesting questions: 

What if Buffy went to school today?

What if Willow took over as the slayer? 

What if Buffy was older? 

Those are all good what ifs but Boom has a problem following through. They don’t know the answer to this question and it feels like they’re making it up as they go along. If I’m being honest, it even feels like they wrote random ideas on pieces of paper, through them in a hat, and started pulling each time they hit a wall. 

Characters show up for now reason (hi, Tara from the latest run), they don’t feel like themselves, and the saddest part – none of it feels like you are getting your favorite show back. 

These characters deserve better than that. 

And there’s not a one who can say this ended well

At this point, I don’t know if Boom wants Buffy comics to succeed. I don’t mean to be this dramatic but every time someone mentions comics, fans think Dark Horse. Not because they are still considered canon, but because they had a connection to the beloved show. Boom comics don’t give you that, so you can’t look the other way when writers don’t deliver. It’s just how it works. 

I keep thinking what Boom can do to get out of this vicious circle. And I do believe there If they want to successfully play in the Buffyverse, they have to seriously up their game. It’s not impossible either. I mean, Something is Killing the Children is being released by the same studio. And what is that if not a more gruesome version of Buffy? So it’s not exactly magic. It’s doable. 

Personally, I still hold out hope that someone would dare explore the terrifying bloody past of the Whirlwind. Wouldn’t that be fun and gory? I’d like to see deep well-thought-through stories of past slayers. I’d happily read a well-illustrated comic run based on In Every Generation. And if we have to go back to Buffy variants, why not reinvent her story? But before we get to that, we’d have to work through every step of every character. Get them to where we want them, and start with a story that we want to tell, from start to finish. From her first day as a slayer to her last one (she didn’t have to empower the potentials after all).

That, of course, requires a lot of work. And if Boom isn’t ready to put in that kinda effort, they could just move from season 5, introduce a new slayer, and watch how her adventures unravel.  

Buffyverse is a hell of a property and there are too many stories waiting to be written. I’m probably still gonna give it a shot whenever Boom comes up with something new. I just hope I won’t have to write yet another long read complaining about it. 

[some-stars]

so my sister is visiting this week and ofc with all four of us here there are a lot of Feelings in the air, and apparently the way i cope with that is to dive deep into my #1 comfort fandom & pairing of all time, which is, of course, dark angel and max/alec, who i will be shipping on my deathbed. the show isn't streaming anywhere and it's never going to be, it's buried in the disney vaults (it was on fox originally) and they're never ever ever going to let it out, but it was SO good and if there were any justice in the world i'd be allowed to see 2024 fandom's take on the greatest and most important OTP of all time ever.

if you have not watched the show and are wondering how a 2 season science fiction/action show from 2000 can possibly have given us the greatest pairing of All Time, you need to think about all the ~energy that jensen ackles brought to supernatural that made destiel the force that it became, and then picture him (8 years younger than s4 of spn) pouring all that energy into depicting how his secondary character was deeply, deeply in love with the heroine of the show, and TPTB had a clear mandate to keep her with her assigned love interest but several of the writers just as clearly shipped her with alec, who was demonstrably more interesting and better to and for her. and then in the middle of all that throw an early cancellation RIGHT after setting up max and alec as the leader & lieutenant of a mutant resistance movement, in a location where the assigned love interest literally couldn't go without dying (also he and max can't touch for sci-fi macguffin reasons and have just spent a miserable season pining after never even getting to fuck once). and alec is just doing that ackles-style Quiet Self-Abnegating Devotion the entire time. it's fucking LETHAL. i never stood a chance.

(also young jessica alba was not half bad as an actor herself! but she's definitely not the driving force behind the Energy between them in every single scene, although her and jensen do have fantastic chemistry)

anyway this is i think the saddest thing in my life, that there's never going to be a second dark angel renaissance (the first was after spn got big, ofc). and since it originally aired in 2000-2001, and then had a second burst of fandom popularity from like 2007-2010, there's not a lot on ao3 either. it's basically just my one fic, a whole blessed bunch of good stuff from victoria_p, and 4-5 other stories that are decent to good. and that's it. for the most beautiful important meaningful in love pairing of all time ever forever. life is not fair. anyway it is available on various illegal streaming sites and also secondhand DVDs and you should REALLY check it out, bc there are many other things to recommend it besides the world's best ship that i did not get into here. season one is objectively better but alec shows up in season two, so i recommend watching both. and then PLEASE come talk to me, i have ONE (1) friend who's into it and i'm dying.

[al-luviec]

Scott. 7, 3, 8, 9

3. What is this character's favorite food?

He likes dirt which is scary... since he grew up poor, I don't think he's really picky when it comes to foods. He likes most things, and what he doesn't like, he will tolerate. I headcanon him as being from Arkansas (like me) but he moved to Canada (unlike me), so he gets southern classics like deer steak and gravy on everything.

7. What is my unpopular opinion on this character?

I do not know. I'm not really well versed in what people think about Scott. I'll just give my regular opinion on him and go from there. One of my favorite characters ever. I really didn't like him much in ROTI because he's just that insufferable but on All Stars (and ROTI rewatch), I learned to like him. I've always been a fan of villains and there's so much little stuff about him. Obviously something not completely right in his mind. I relate to him in some ways which is a whole can of worms. I'm not the hugest fan of how he was written in AS, but I do enjoy his character development. He's still rude but not as much. Realized negative attention didn't really get him anywhere. Need him dunked in cold water repeatedly.

8. What is my romantic OTP for this character?

SCIKE. I don't know what to even say about them besides I am incredibly normal. I wish they had more interactions in All Stars. It was mostly Mal pretending to be Mike, but I'll take what I can get there. Also I'm a massive fan of Scott/Manitoba. I think they're the most similar out of anyone in Mike's system, but if they're near each other for more than a couple hours something bad is going to happen.

9. What is my platonic OTP for this character?

Big fan of him and Brick because of this one fanficition I read. Someone who is a bit emotionally stunted + someone who sees the good in people and is more in tune with himself... Also Scott and Sam were super fun anytime they were on screen together. Basically anyone on the Toxic Rats. Also I really enjoy him being friends (or allies) with Alejandro. He was the reason he came out of the robot (Alejandro even thanked him via confessional) and they were bunk mates for a while. They have a lot in common which speaks to me. Him and Jo are fun as well. BUT unpopular friendship here, him and Gwen. Their bonus clip in All Stars opened my eyes. She was happy to see him! They're silly (kinda). They beefed the entire time on and off but you gotta put it aside sometimes.

[olderthannetfic]

Pet-peeve of the "you doing it wrong!" category.

I am in this fandom where there is a canon m/f pair. they are absolutely terrible for each other in canon. And I ship them hard for that toxic "bringing out the absolute worst of each other" vibe. (if I want fluff I go for other ships but their whole terribleness of a pair just does something for me)

As it stands right now the ship has a TON of followers. It seems its the OTP for most of the fandom. Great! Not so great that most of those shippers ship them in a super fluffy "nooo they gonna talk about their issues and fix them and be the best and healthiest ship ever!" way. And. I. Can't. Stand. It.

RIP me because AO3 is FULL of the fluffy fix-it versions of the ship and next to none of my beautiful burning trashfire of worst decisions that I came to adore. There is not really a way to filter for it. I did filter out fluff, fix-it and "healthy![ship] dynamic" and the likes and I still end up with 99% of stuff that I don't like.

(Also don't get me started on the discussions on tumblr and in that one Discord I was in where you get shushed the MOMENT you bring up the canon moments where they were just TERRIBLE at each other and did really terrible stuff. NOPE we just ignore that one, point out that any other character was MUCH worse than the canon pair (they weren't) or try to explain it all away as if it never happened and try to paint a pretty picture of that ship that has almost nothing in common with the canon couple besides the hair color I guess.)

There is nothing to be done here and its a complete me-problem. But urgh is it still annoying and I had to get my saltiness about the situation out somewhere.

--

[invisibleraven]

Imagine your OTP saying I love youto each other five times without the actual (romantic) meaning of it. + if one time they say it right

Peterpatterlina

Julie wasn't sure she was breathing as she waited for Mr. Brunner to return her math test. Calculus had never been her strongest subject, and this test was a big one-so she had reason to be nervous.

"Hey," Reggie whispered. "You'll do great, I just know it."

"If I do it's only because you tutored me," Julie replied.

Unlike Julie, Reggie excelled at math, so when he heard she needed help, he was happy to offer his services. It got him out of his house in the afternoons and neither of them mentioned how Ray slipped him a few bucks after each session.

The tests were handed back and Julie turned hers over with trembling fingers. Preparing to see a sea of red when she looked. But... as she looked it over, there was almost no red there. And a big fat 82% on the top.

"Oh my god!" she shrieked, turning and shoving it in Reggie's face. "Look!"

"Told you that you had this," he said with a smirk.

"Because of you," she replied. "Reggie I love you."

He grinned. "Love you too Jules. Now let's get to lunch. Your treat."

2. Luke stuck his tongue out of his mouth as he worked on his latest song. It was almost perfect, but the bridge was giving him trouble.

"Need a hand?" Julie asked from her spot besides him on the couch. They had both been absorbed in their own song, hanging out in her garage as they often did, not needing to talk, just swap songs when they needed to.

"Yeah, this bridge is killing me," Luke replied, handing over his notebook. "You?"

"Nah, I'm good," Julie replied, humming the tune to his song, making little notations along the margins regarding tempo, then came to the bridge part. She then started writing, scribbling madly and Luke had to sit back in awe as she made something work that had flummoxed him so badly. "How's that?"

Luke looked it over, and then a wide smile split his face. "Molina I love you and your beautiful brain."

She smiled back. "The feeling's mutual. Now let's see if we can fix the chorus."

"Wait, what's wrong with the chorus?"

3. Reggie slipped through his window, creeping around the house and then jumped on his bike, taking off towards Luke's house.

Sure it was late at night, but Luke barely ever slept, and honestly Reggie knew he wouldn't either if he stayed at his house. Not with his parents going at it like they were. Plus Luke had offered Reggie a place to go any time he needed.

Thankfully it was a short bike ride, and he quickly stashed his ride in the back yard, so as to not piss Mrs. P off. He knocked against Luke's window where there was still a light on, and Luke opened it up, giving him his infamous boyish grin.

"Hey Reg. Hop on in."

Reggie grinned, hoisting himself over the ledge, and threw off his leather jacket. "Thanks. The folks were re-enacting World War Two in the living room, I needed an out."

"I told you, any time," Luke replied, sitting himself back on his bed. "You wanna cuddle or the sleeping bag?"

"Cuddles please," he said, shucking off his jeans as Luke killed the light. Climbing in beside Luke, letting himself be pulled into those arms of his. "Thanks Lu. Love you."

"Sweet dreams Reg."

4. The applause was still ringing out as Julie and the Phantoms left the stage, the four of them beaming as they entered their green room.

"That was legendary!" Luke whooped as he launched himself back onto the couch.

"I can't believe we actually did that!" Reggie exclaimed, rubbing his face with a towel.

Alex was buried in Willie's arms but shot them all a pleased smile, even as it looked like he was ready to doze off then and there.

"Guys... we just played The Orpheum," Julie exhaled. "We could go real places from here."

"To the top boss!" Luke grinned, but then noticed Julie's watery eyes. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"It's just... I wish my mom was here for this."

The boys immediately got up and gathered her in a hug. Giving her all the support they could, even if they could never replace her mom. Julie sniffled and hugged them back. "Love you guys so much."

"Love you too boss," Luke replied.

"Forever and always," Reggie echoed.

5. Julie fluffed her hair in the mirror, and applied another layer of lip gloss before exiting her room. "How do I look?"

Reggie gave an exaggerated whistle while Luke pretended to use an imaginary camera, causing Julie to blush as she waved them off. "Thanks guys."

"Where you going Jules?" Reggie asked.

"Hot date," she replied, packing up her purse. "Dinner and a movie, but felt like making an effort. I really like this guy."

Luke felt a churning in his gut at that, sharing a look with Reggie. They had both discovered they had feelings for Julie long ago, and each other. But they had decided to not butcher their friendship and the band, the would keep their feelings to themselves.

Now it was coming back to bite them.

"Alright, I'm gone. Don't wait up!" Julie called at the door. "Love ya!"

"Be safe!" Reggie called.

"Have fun!" Luke added.

The door closed behind her and the boys shared another look-the sentiment clear. Fuck.

+1. Luke and Reggie decided to wait up-they both knew neither of them would be able to sleep until Julie got home.

But of course, neither of them could stay focused on any one thing either. Songs were all full of longing and scratched out phrases about unrequited love. Books got rifled through and tossed aside. Games were distracted button mashes.

"How long has she been gone?" Luke asked.

Reggie glanced at the clock. "Hour tops."

"Fuck," Luke said, tossing his head back onto the couch. "We gotta tell her Reg."

"I know," he replied, thought it was a mere whisper. "I think we might be too late though."

"Too late for what?"

They turned and saw Julie standing in the doorway, make up streaked down her face, looking much less jubilant than she had when she left.

"Julie!" Luke exclaimed coming over to hug her. "What happened?"

Reggie rushed to give her a wipes so she could clean her face, embracing her as she trembled in their hold. "Do we need to kill this guy?"

"You'd have to get in line," Julie snorted. "He seemed so nice online and then he was an arrogant, racist jerk in real life so I kicked him in the balls before I left."

"Good on ya boss," Luke chuckled.

"You deserve so much better than that waste of space," Reggie added, directing them all to the couch.

Julie sighed, relaxing back into the cushions. "I know, but every guy I like is either a jerk, or into someone else or..."

"Or?" Luke asked.

"Or it's more than one person. Both of whom I love like crazy, neither of whom I can be with because it will ruin everything," Julie finished, though her words were muffled from where her face was buried in her hands.

"Julie..." Reggie started, looking at Luke who nodded at him. "Julie, you know that they love you back right?"

"And not as friends, not as a sister or bandmate," Luke added. "Head over heels, hearts on our sleeves, completely gaga in love with you."

"Really?" Julie asked, lifting her head, looking hopeful. "You never said-neither of you!"

"Well neither did you!" Reggie replied, then laughed. "We're all idiots."

"We wasted too much time hung up on what ifs and maybes and worries," Luke said.

"We have lots of time left," Julie replied. "I love you both, you both love me..."

"And each other," Reggie piped up. "So what do you want to do about it?"

"Turn on a movie and see where the night takes us?" Julie suggested.

"We can get a pizza, since I doubt you ate," Luke added.

"Sounds like a perfect first date," Julie replied.

From then on out, they knew that every time they said I love you, it meant in the way they had always hoped, even if Alex claimed they said it to excess some times. But they never got tired of saying it, hearing it, and most of all, feeling it.

And they had a lifetime to do just that.

[bradshawsbaby]

Either "Surprise Hug" or "Broken" with the Bradshaw's! I hope you're having a great January! :)

I know it’s no longer January, but I have a few more January OTP Prompts left that I want to try to get done!

I hope you had a wonderful January, love! I tried to include both prompts in this one, and I set it in the early days of the Bradshaws’ relationship, when they just started dating ☺️

There was rarely a time when The Hard Deck wasn’t packed with eager patrons, but today felt especially crazy. Since you and Penny had opened up the bar earlier that afternoon, you hadn’t had a single moment to yourself. Between running drinks to all the tables and hurrying food orders to and from the kitchen, your feet were aching by the time the sun finally set. And your shift wasn’t over for hours yet.

Leaning against the bar, waiting for Jimmy to finish pouring the drinks for one of the tables you were waiting on in the back, you leaned against the polished wood and let out a heavy sigh, wiping a tired hand down your face.

“How you doing, sweetie?�� Penny’s motherly voice suddenly filled your ears, a comforting hand coming to rest on your back as she stepped up beside you.

“Oh, I’m alright,” you told her, trying to perk yourself up immediately. Penny was such a wonderful boss and friend, and you were happy to see her business thriving, so you didn’t want to let on how exhausted you were and have her worrying about you. Not when she had so many other things to concern herself with.

“You look dead on your feet, hon,” she laughed, her blue-green eyes sparkling with amusement. “Why don’t you take a break?”

“No, no, I’m okay. Really,” you insisted, shaking your head. “I have a few tables who are still waiting on their drinks, so I want to get those over to them.” At Penny’s pointed look, you smiled sheepishly and added, “After that, I’ll take a little break.”

Penny grinned in response, nodding in approval. “Where are Rooster and the others? I figured they’d be here tonight,” she said, brushing her dark hair out of her face.

“They had a special training today, so I’m not sure if they’re going to make it tonight. They’re probably even more dead on their feet than we are,” you laughed, smiling appreciatively when Jimmy set a cluster of beers down on your tray.

“Hmm, in that case, I’m sure Rooster’s going to be very mad at me that I’m making you work the late shift instead of sending you home to take care of him,” she teased with a wink.

Your cheeks grew warm at her words and you fidgeted with the tray in your hands. You and Bradley had only been dating for a couple months, but apparently it was evident to everyone how head over heels you were for him. “I should go drop off these drinks,” you stammered, not missing Penny’s knowing grin as you moved past her.

On your return to the bar, a customer suddenly grabbed your attention, waving her hand in the air. “Uh, you work here, right? Can you help us? I think the jukebox is broken,” she explained, indicating the vintage jukebox that was a central amenity in The Hard Deck.

“Oh, let me take a look,” you nodded, frowning in concern. You hoped nothing was wrong. You didn’t want to stress Penny out.

It looked, however, like you might have to. No matter how many times you tried to plug and unplug the jukebox, fiddling with quarters and pressing various buttons, nothing seemed to want to play. Your frown deepened as your concern grew, and you smacked your palms against the machine in frustration.

“Now what did that jukebox ever do to you, honey?” a deep voice hummed in your ear, the familiar tickle of your boyfriend’s mustache brushing against your skin as Bradley threw his arms around you from behind in a surprise hug.

“Bradley!” you gasped in shock, spinning around in his embrace so that you could throw your arms around him. But before you could try to defend your acts of violence against the jukebox, he was silencing you with a kiss, his fingers burying themselves in your hair as he held you close.

“What are you doing here?” you laughed when the two of you finally broke apart. “I thought you’d be home and in bed after that training today.”

Bradley shrugged nonchalantly, a grin splitting his face as he gazed down at you. “I couldn’t go home without seeing my best girl,” he murmured, brushing another kiss against your lips.

You still got butterflies whenever he called you that.

“So what seems to be the problem, honey?” he asked, resting his hands on your hips as he gazed behind you at the finicky jukebox.

“I don’t know. The jukebox is broken or something. No matter what I do, it doesn’t want to play,” you sighed. “But I hate to bother Penny about it. She has so many other things going on right now.”

“Sounds like you’re in need of some musical assistance, baby,” Bradley smirked, waggling his eyebrows mischievously.

You grinned in return, resting a hand on his chest. “I am, as a matter of fact. Know anyone?”

“I might know a guy,” he nodded, winking at you. “Just show me the way to the nearest piano,” he told you with a laugh.

Giggling, you took his hand and led him through the crowd to the piano where he’d first caught your eye months ago. “My hero.”

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

Always and Whatever Comes Next

[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Red Carpet Diaries]

Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer (F!OC) Book: Red Carpet Diaries Word Count: ~600 Rating: General: no warnings, just fluff Prompts: ice skating: @choicesficwriterscreations & @choicesholidays

Synopsis: Alex finally has a chance to teach Thomas how to ice skate.

This precious art of my forever OTP is by the amazing @weetlebeetle! Look at how adorable they look!!! I will never get enough of Neb's chibis!

There weren't many opportunities like this one, and Alex was determined to make the most of it. It was no secret she loved the snow. She somehow convinced Thomas to even have a winter wedding in Lake Tahoe. The glistening snow. The brisk, refreshing air. The feel of the cool wind on your rosy cheeks. Alex loved it all. She loved California, but she would always miss winter, a true winter.

Even with the snow she enjoyed during their many trips to Lake Tahoe in their years together, finding a frozen lake for ice skating wasn't something that happened often. It took a very specific set of circumstances and a whole lot of winter magic, but here they were. It was a small lake south of South Tahoe, but it was gorgeous. The sun glittered against its icy surface. It was everything she hoped it would be. 

Excitement sparkled in her eyes as she stood from the rock on the lake's shore on which they had been sitting to put on their skates. "Are you ready?" 

"Not even remotely," he stated apprehensively, remaining where he sat.

"It'll be great. I'm right here." Alex gave his hand a gentle squeeze as she attempted to usher him forward.

Thomas glanced at the shimmering surface with uncertainty. "I wouldn't want to hold you back."

"You never could do that." Alex took his other hand in hers, gently guiding him to his feet. She helped steady him as he got his footing, standing on his skates. "You can do this! We can do it—together."

He took a tentative step forward toward the frozen lake. With the safety of her beside him as his anchor, he continued steadily.

"I won't let go," Alex reassured him, her thumb brushing tenderly along his hand. "I'm right here."

With cautious steps, Thomas ventured onto the ice, wobbling almost immediately. His legs flailed out to the sides, threatening imminent disaster, but Alex's steady guidance kept him upright.

"Okay, just follow my lead," she encouraged, directing him with gentle patience. "Just like that." 

They glided in unison, Alex's effortless grace a stark contrast to Thomas's stumbling attempts. Even still, their laughter echoed across the frozen expanse as they carved paths on the ice.

"Just keep holding on," Thomas insisted, his grip tightening around Alex's hand. "Don't let go."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Her warm lips brushed a tender kiss on his cool cheek. "You're stuck with me, Mr. Hunt."

"I can think of far worse fates," he teased.

"You mean like if I let you go?" She wagged her brow playfully, pretending to loosen her grip on his arm.

"No." He shook his head to the sides, his faith that she wouldn't let him fall remained unwavering despite her feigned threat. "Losing you, not having met you—a life without you—that would be the worst fate I could imagine." 

She guided them to a halt, the warm sun tickling their rosy faces. "I'm not going anywhere. This is where I belong." Her fingers traced the strong lines of his jaw. "This is where you belong." She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him close. "Together—this is where we belong. Now and always." 

"Always." His lip twitched up into a soft smile. "That sounds like a good start."

"A start? What comes after always?"

"I don't know, but whatever it is, I hope I'll find it with you." 

"Always and whatever comes next," Alex pondered, but her words were lost on his lips as he drew her in for a slow and lingering kiss. 

This is not edited so please forgive any mistakes. I got inspired to write this little snippet so I wanted to share it before I second guess myself and delete it.

Thank you for reading! I always appreciate any support for this couple. They will always have the most special spot in my heart!

[spider-jaysart]

Character Ask:

Starfire

@paladin-of-nerd-fandom65

Favorite thing about them: Her very positive, sweet, friendly, and warm personality

Least favorite thing about them: Her new 52 version from the outlaws series

Favorite line: "Sorry to disappoint you but I am not as weak as I look." From Teen Titans 2003 episode "Divide and conquer"

Brotp: Starfire and Dick, Raven, Beast boy, Cyborg

Otp: Dickkory

Notp: Well, I don't know many other characters she's been with in canon besides Dick lol, but I do remember Jason though and I think it's pretty weird since he's literally just dating his brother's ex like it's nothing. Now for ones that aren't related to canon, any of them that are the Batfamily, because it would be just as weird as her dating Jason too

Random headcanon: Tamaraneans evolved from cats, right? Well, she used to have a little tail when she was a little girl and Blackfire would use it as way to make fun of her. She later found out that Blackfire used to have one too when she was younger and it was even longer than hers, but it went away after a long while. Starfire started teasing her about this since she found out from this that she wasn't so different from her either. Blackfire hated it and felt embarrassed and Starfire's tail later went away too

Unpopular opinion: I really hate whenever people trash on her character just because she's sweet and friendly and isn't their type of character or a "bad, hot, cool" girl like Blackfire. It just doesn't make any sense, since there's no reason to do that just because she's not how they prefer. We've all got different tastes and if she doesn't fit yours, that's fine, but don't get mad because of it. If all characters were the same, it would be very boring because there's nothing unique or special about any of them anymore, they're all just a bunch of predictable clones after that. If they like Blackfire or whatever other baddie type, then they should stay focused on them and be happy instead of insulting other ones that other fans already love, just because it's not fitting only their preference. She's a beautiful, poweful Tamaranean named Starfire, who's fierce, joyous, friendly, and a wonderful person with a big caring heart and that's what makes her awesome in her own way! No need for her to become like her sister or anyone else to be "better".

Song I associate with them: Lean on me by Cheat Codes & Tinashae, because she always wants to be there for her loved ones and is the type to give them big support and comfort whenever it's needed, especially during hard times

Favorite picture of them: It's hard to grab one from the 2003 cartoon, so here's this one

[voldemorts-tap-shoes]

Not sure if there’s a way to make the ultimate lost love song into an otp fic that’s NOT full of angst, but I tried y’all 😅

@cruelsummer-ficfest era #5 folklore/speak now

if one thing had been different

Hermione can’t completely explain why she’s here. Why she thinks a man she hasn’t seen or spoken to in multiple years—God, how many has it been now?—will have answers that she doesn’t have. Why she hopped on a plane yesterday morning to fly halfway around the world without the faintest idea of what she’s looking for or what she’ll say if he turns up. When he turns up. Because he will. She knows that, at least.

She’s not sure of anything in her whole fucking life right now except the fact that Ron will meet her for the sole reason that she asked him to, no explanation required.

Which is a good thing, because she doesn’t have one. About this, or anything else. It wasn’t any one thing, any huge monumental decision that led her to where she is now, but rather a series of tiny little decisions that painted her whole world a different set of colors than the one she had planned. It’s like she woke up one morning and looked around and didn’t recognize her own life and can’t quite pinpoint where things shifted.

Hell, she barely recognizes herself anymore. But if there’s one person who knows her better than anyone—better even, maybe, than she knows herself—it’s Ron. Even now. She’s sure of it.

Her heart jumps into her throat every time the little bell over the front door announces a new patron to the little coffee shop, but so far, none of them have been Ron. She hasn’t spotted anyone else she recognizes either, but that was by design. Meeting Ron somewhere in Diagon Alley would have meant a chorus of “long time no see” and “didn’t know you were in town” that she doesn’t have the energy to respond to. No, meeting him in Muggle London is the safer option.

She checks her watch for what must be the hundredth time, even though it’s still a few minutes ahead of the time she gave him. And just like that, as if summoned, the next chime of the bell announces Ron’s arrival.

Tucked into a little corner in the back, she allows herself a moment to watch him before he spots her, and her heart thunders in her chest as she drinks him in. So much for moving on. Is there ever going to be a day when he doesn’t have this effect on her? Five years apart ought to have done it, but apparently not.

She’s told herself time and time again that she’s over him, and it’s easy enough to believe all the way in Sydney. And a second chance with Ron isn’t why she came to London on this impromptu soul-searching mission, truly. Hermione just needs a friend. Someone who understands her. Her friendships in Australia all seem superficial in comparison. People there know her day-to-day: where she works, how she always gets takeout on Fridays, that she has a cat. Ron is big picture. Ron knows her, down to the very fabric of her being.

Even if she wanted to dig that grave up another time, Ron has more than moved on, too, as far as she knows. The couple of times she’s seen him since she left, he’s always been with someone, though never the same someone twice. Besides that, he’s the one who put the brakes on them in the first place. He wasn’t ready, after the war, so soon after losing his brother, and she understood that. She assumed once he was ready, he would have reached out, but he never did. At some point he must have healed enough for a relationship—just not with her.

His eyes finally lock on hers as he scans the room, and his steps pull up short. She gives him a tentative wave, and he smiles in return, though it’s not the big cheerful grin he used to give her. Ron weaves his way through the cafe to her table, hesitating a moment before he takes the seat across from her. “Hey.”

“Hi,” Hermione returns. “Thanks for meeting me. I hope I haven’t taken you away from anything important.” Or anyone.

She hears the awkwardness in her voice, but she’s not sure where to start. Small talk will have to do for now.

Ron shrugs and folds his hands on the table in front of him. “Nah. We just finished up a big case at work, so I’ve got a bit more free time at the moment.”

“Oh. Good. You still like being an Auror, then?”

He raises one eyebrow, blue eyes laser-focused on her. “Hermione.”

She feels herself coming unglued under the scrutiny, but she meets his gaze determinedly despite the tremor in her voice as she responds. “What?”

“That’s not why we’re here.” It’s not a question. It doesn’t need to be.

“No,” Hermione admits, “it’s not.”

They sit in silence for a moment before Ron speaks again. “You look…” He hesitates, searching for the right word. “Lost.”

It took him all of two minutes to cut right to the heart of how she’s feeling, summing up every doubt and insecurity swirling in her mind in a single word. Tears pool in her eyes, and Ron shifts forward in his seat.

“Fuck, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

“No, it’s not—” Hermione shakes her head and almost smiles. This is exactly why she’s here, isn’t it? Because Ron has always known how to see through the bullshit to what’s real? “You’re right.”

His eyes sweep across the empty table. “Want a coffee?”

“Please.” Hermione reaches for her purse, but Ron waves her off as he stands.

“I got it.” He hands her a tissue, and she shoots him a grateful smile. “Be right back.”

He returns a few minutes later and hands her a hazelnut coffee with just the right amount of cream—no need to ask her coffee order, either—before he sits and waits, letting her speak first this time.

She takes a few soothing sips of the drink as she collects herself. “Do you ever think…maybe there’s a single moment…that if you could change just one thing that happened in the past, your whole life might be different?”

Ron weighs her question before answering. “Not really, I guess. I mean, there’s definitely moments that make more of a difference than others, but…” He pauses to fiddle with the paper sleeve on his cup. “I don’t think you can boil your whole life down to a single moment. Seems like a lot of pressure.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“Maybe. But if you’re thinking about it, what would you change?”

She doesn’t want to answer. Even though she’s fairly certain she can trace the alternate path of her life back to the moment she left to find her parents in Australia. Looking back, nothing feels right after that point. But that would require admitting that the real mistake was leaving Ron. Or was it? She’s not even sure anymore. He didn’t come after her, either. What did she leave behind, really?

“You don’t have to answer that.” Ron gives her a reassuring smile. “But is it something you can change? Now?”

“I’m not sure.” She could move back to England, easy enough. Her parents have made clear that they’re not coming back, which is why she stayed in Sydney, but at some point she’s got to start living life for herself. Moving back won’t erase the last seven years, though. What good would it do her now to come back? “Did you love me?”

The words slip out before she can resist the temptation to ask him. Both of Ron’s eyebrows shoot up to his hairline, but she doesn’t take the question back even though she probably should. They really had something, she thought, until they didn’t, and she’s always wondered if maybe she made more of them in her head than what they really were.

“Does that matter, after all this time?” he asks softly. “Is that why you’re here?”

“No, it’s not why, but…” But maybe it does matter. Or maybe it doesn’t. It’s not like either answer will make her feel better. “Never mind. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that.”

“I don’t mind. But is anything I say going to be the answer you’re looking for?”

Hermione chuckles. “I see you’ve mastered Legilimency. I was just thinking the same thing.”

She stares across at him and Ron meets her gaze without wavering. These aren’t the answers she came for, but if he’s willing to give them to her, is she really just going to leave well enough alone? Leave without the truth she so desperately needs, in whatever form it’s offered?

“Okay,” she says, the word escaping her on an exhale. “Sure. What the hell. Did you love me?”

At least if he puts words to what she’s long-suspected—that she was just a Hogwarts crush, that he hasn’t thought twice about her that way since she packed her bags and moved down under—then maybe she can stop wondering what if and put that part of her life to rest for good.

Ron’s head tips back with a laugh, but he’s serious when he looks back at her. “Yeah,” he replies simply. “Fuck, Hermione, of course I did.”

Hermione draws in a long breath, then lets it back out with a laugh of her own. “Nope, that didn’t make me feel any better.”

“So…” Ron smiles at her over his coffee cup. “New topic, then?”

They get lost in easy conversation after that, talking and laughing and catching up while the cafe clientele turns over and over around them. The bright daylight shifts to a murky evening grey, and finally to a dark night lit only by the streetlights above them as the cafe shuts down and forces them out to the sidewalk. Hermione hesitates to voice a goodbye; once she says it, she’s not sure how long it will be before their next hello.

“So, how long are you in town for?” Ron asks, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he too makes no move to leave.

“Just a couple of days. I’ve got to get back to work.” The words feel heavy in her mouth. Wrong. But until she figures out what to do next, she has a routine, and responsibilities.

Ron nods, still not moving. “Well, don’t be such a stranger, okay? Did this…did I…help?”

“You did. Thanks.”

She reaches for him then, folding herself into his open arms. It’s the first time they’ve touched all afternoon, and Hermione doesn’t want to let go.

“I hope you’re happy, Hermione,” Ron murmurs, his voice muffled into her still-too-bushy hair as he holds her tight. “And if you’re not, I hope you find whatever you’re looking for.”

She just nods against his chest, not saying what she knows now to be true. Even though she’s maybe always known it deep down. That she found what she was looking for a long time ago. That it would’ve been fun—would’ve been great—with Ron. That he should’ve been the one.

He turns his head to place a kiss on her temple, his lips searing against her skin, before he pulls away and sets her at arm’s length. “Take care of yourself.”

“You too.” She turns away before Ron can catch the tears in her eyes, but only makes it a couple of steps before her name stops her. When she turns back to Ron, he’s looking at the ground, toeing a pebble with his shoe.

“This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but…” He sighs and then presses on. “Australia. That’s your moment, I think. If that one thing had been different, then…” He doesn’t finish, but he doesn’t have to. Then everything would be different today.

She doesn’t have the words to argue; he’s right. She just needed to hear it from someone that isn’t the voice in her own head.

“If that’s my one thing…do you think it’s too late to change it now?”

It’s a loaded question, but Ron doesn’t flinch. “I’d like to think it’s never too late to start over on the things that really matter.”

His answer is just as loaded, but now she’s the one who’s not in the right headspace for this. For them. And she thinks they both know it, because neither of them have made any move to snog the other right there on the sidewalk even though she wants to, even though she sees the same desire reflected back at her in his eyes. But they can both read between the lines. It’s a start.

“Then…I guess I’ll see you soon.”

Hermione gives Ron one final smile and wave as she turns away again. He doesn’t stop her this time, but there’s a lightness, a hopefulness in her heart that wasn’t there a few hours ago.

Maybe the greatest love of all time isn’t over, after all.

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 16.4K words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

Chapter 7.) Ripple Effect. Part One.

It had been a few days since Their Majesties had gotten the news that Khari’s friend Elena Charroux had died and they had to break the news to their daughter. Khari took the news hard and was heartbroken. She didn’t understand why it happened. 

At breakfast one morning Khari barely said three words to anyone before leaving for school and it started to worry her parents, specifically her mother. 

“I don’t like seeing Khari like this,” Shanelle said to her husband as they walked with the twins to the throne room. 

“I know. She’s heartbroken. Elena meant a lot to her and now she’s gone. And it’s a lot for her to process. But we will help her get through this.”

Shanelle shook her head sadly. 

“That poor little girl. She was so young.”

“Agreed. She fought for as long as her body would allow but her body was just too weak.”

Shanelle sighed heavily. 

“And her mother. My God. I can only imagine what she has to be feeling.” 

“I know. Losing a child whether born or unborn, is a tragedy that I would never wish on anyone.”

Shanelle cleared her throat. 

“Speaking of, what is the status of the injunction?”

“It’s been blocked and the funeral home holding Elena’s body has turned her over to her mother.”

“Good. I can only imagine the relief Lady Selene is feeling. Thank you for getting her back to her mother.”

“It was my pleasure. Unfortunately, there isn’t much I can do to Lord Phillip.”

“Why not?” Shanelle asks. 

“Because as insensitive, callous, and cruel as his actions were, there is no law on the books that actually makes what he did punishable,” Marquise replied. 

“Maybe it’s time to change that.”

Marquise snickered. 

“That would make you very vindictive.”

“In this case, I don’t mind being vindictive. He should’ve never been able to file that injunction in the first place.”

“He had the backing of the Heads Of State of Comery Isle. Much like the hospital, there wasn’t much the courts could do to fight them.”

“Speaking of those two, have they answered the summons that was sent?” Shanelle asked. 

“No. It was delivered but they haven’t bothered to answer it.” Marquise replied. 

“They will.”

His Majesty raised an eyebrow at his wife. 

“And what do you have up your sleeve?” He asks. 

“They submitted the islands’ fiscal budget for the year for my approval and I will not approve it until they have responded to the summons.” She replied. 

“That means their current budget will run out on the 29th.”

“Yup.”

“Genius. A tad vindictive but no less genius.”

“It’ll force them to answer the summons. That’s all I care about.”

That’s when their youngest son spoke up. 

“Daddy! Outside?” Zyon asked as he tapped on a glass window. 

“It’s too cold right now my love. Besides, you don’t have your boots on.” He replied.

Zyon looked down at his shoes.

“Boots?”

“Yes, my little one. You need your boots on.”

That’s when he turned to his brother. 

“Amon (come on)! Go det (get) boots!” 

“Let’s doe (go)!” Kylo replied before the two took off running down the hall. 

“What? No! Come back here you two!” Marquise said before he and Shanelle chased after the boys.

The boys made it a little way down the hall before their parents caught up with them, and their Daddy scooped them up before sitting down at a bench to catch his breath. 

“Who knew tiny humans could run so fast on short legs?” Marquise asked as he caught his breath. 

“Nooo Daddy! Outside!” Zyon said as he tried to escape his Daddy’s arms. 

“Now now my love. It’s too cold for you two to go outside right now.” 

“I doe (go) outside!” Zyon said before he put his heave in his hands and started to cry. His Majesty knew he wouldn’t be able to tell him no. 

“Okay, you two come here,” Shanelle said gently. 

The two hopped down from their dad’s lap and ran to their mother. 

“Now Daddy’s right. It’s too cold for you two. You’ll freeze and then turn into Mommy’s abominable snow babies. So no outside for right now.”

“No outside?” Zyon asked. 

“Maybe later baby but not right now. Okay?”

“Otay (okay),” Zyon replied. 

Shanelle snuggled her babies close. 

“Now let’s go sit in the big chair.”

“Big chair?” Kylo asked. 

“Yup. You ready?” She asked them. 

“Let’s doe (go) mommy!” Zyon said as he grabbed his brother’s hand and began to run down the hall. 

“Wait for me and Daddy!” Shanelle shouted as she took off after them. 

Marquise groaned. 

“Just as I was catching my breath!” He complained. 

“Move it you old goat!” His wife shouted over her shoulder as she ran down the hall. 

Once in the throne room, the boys were their normally curious and playful selves. Stealing the show as they played hide and seek while their parents conducted multiple council meetings. 

“Pee boo (peek a boo) Daddy!” Kylo said from behind the curtains. 

“There you are my little one! Come here. Come say hello.” Marquise said to him. 

Kylo came out from behind the curtain he was hiding and climbed onto his father's lap. 

“Say hi my love,” Marquise said to him. 

Kylo smiled at everyone. 

“Hellyo (hello)!” he said with a small wave. 

When it was lunchtime the boys were ready to eat. 

“Mommy! Eat yunch (lunch)?” Zyon asked.

“I think so. Right, Papa Bear?” Shanelle replied. 

“Sure.” Marquise said to his wife, “Everyone! Let's take a lunch break and we'll resume our council meeting after.” 

Once everyone had left, they went to a small dining room next to the throne room, where Margo was waiting. 

“Hello! Hello! Good afternoon my loves!” she said in greeting. 

The boys ran straight to their grandmother.

“Hello, my sweet turtle doves! How are you?” she said as she hugged them. 

“Gammy (Grammy) eat yunch (lunch)?” Kylo asked. 

“You want me to have lunch with you?” Margo replies. 

“Pease (please) Gammy?” Kylo asked. 

“I would love to have lunch with you, my sweet dove,” Margo replied. 

“Gammy sit. Eat yunch.” Kylo said. 

Margo sat at the small table in between the twins. The boys pushed their high chairs up to the table and sat next to her. Zyon started looking around for the attendant to take their lunch orders.

“What are you looking for, baby?” Shanelle asked Zyon. 

“Dotta (gotta) find yunchman (lunchman) mommy.” Zyon replied before he spotted him, “Oh! Helyo yunchman! Helyo!”

The attendant bowed with a smile. 

“Bonjour Your Highness! Good afternoon! Are you and your brother ready to order lunch?” the attendant asked. 

“Yeah yeah!” Zyon replied as he grabbed his menu that was upside down. 

“What would you two like?” the attendant asked. 

“Nugdets (nuggets)?” Kylo asked. 

“Chicken nuggets? Of course Your Highness. And what about you my Prince?” The attendant asked Zyon.

“Pisa poctect (pizza pocket)!” Zyon replies. 

“Pizza pockets it is! And what else would you two like?” the attendant asked. 

“Fench (French) fries!” Zyon replied. 

“Okay, French fries. What about fruits and vegetables?” the attendant asked. 

“Apple slice?” Zyon asked. 

“Apple slices? Okay. And what about you, Your Highness?” the attendant asked Kylo.

“Gapes (grapes)!” Kylo replied. 

“Grapes as well. What about your vegetables?” 

“Tarrots (carrots)!” the twins replied. 

“Anything else?”

“Dolfish (goldfish)?” Zyon asked. 

“Petzels (pretzels)? Kylo also asked. 

“Goldfish and pretzels. Now what to drink?”

“Chocate mill (chocolate milk)!” Kylo replied. 

“Gape duice (grape juice)!” Zyon added. 

“Very well my Princes. Now I have to get the orders of your parents and grandmother and lunch is on the way.” The attendant said to them. 

Margo was impressed by her grandsons. 

“Very good my loves, thank you for using your manners.” She said to the twins, “Now if only your father was as good at that age.”

Marquise made a face. 

“I wasn’t that bad.”

“You weren’t always that good either.”

Once lunch was delivered the twins were ready to eat but they had to do one thing first. 

“Gammy say gace (grace)?” Zyon asked as he and Kylo put their hands together. 

“Yes, my love. Let’s say our grace.” 

After lunch, it was back to council business for The Royals but it was building time for the twins. 

“Bocks (blocks)!” Kylo said to his grandmother as he picked up the bag of blocks, “yook (look) Gammy! Bocks!” 

“I see my love. What shall we build?” she asked him. 

Marquise occasionally would look over to the twins to see them play with their grandmother with a smile. 

“I take it you and Leo used to do that?” Shanelle whispered. 

“No, we were too busy declaring war and throwing blocks at each other between the chairs,” he replied. 

Once the meetings were done, it was time to pick Khari up from school. When Shanelle got to the school pick-up line, she noticed Khari walking slowly, and when she got into the car, she was silent. Just holding her book bag close to her chest. And when they got back to the residence, Khari went straight to her room. Not saying anything to anyone. Not even her brothers. 

“She hasn't said a word,” Shanelle told her husband. 

Marquise sighed as he shook his head. 

“She's taking Elena’s death a lot harder than I thought.” 

That's when Margo spoke up. 

“May I try? She might open up to me.” 

Marquise nodded. 

“Go right ahead if you think it'll work,” Shanelle told her. 

Margo nodded before walking down the hall to Khari’s bedroom. She knocked but didn't hear any response so she opened the door and when she looked, she saw Khari sitting on her bed clutching her stuffed dragon for dear life. 

“What's wrong, my sweet darling?” Margo asked as she sat down next to Khari. 

Khari looked up at her grandmother sadly but didn't say a word. 

“Why are you so sad my love? Did something happen?” Margo asked. 

Khari chewed her bottom lip before nodding her head yes. 

“What happened, my love?” 

“I had a bad day at school,” Khari replied quietly. 

“Oh?” 

“Some of the older kids were being mean about Elena and I didn't like that.” 

Margo shook her head sadly. 

“That's just awful.”

Khari laid her head on her grandmother's lap and started to cry. 

“I miss her Grammy. I miss her so much.” she cried. 

Margo rubbed her head as she cried. 

“I know you do my love.”

“It's not fair Grammy. It's not fair!”

“You're right. Death is never fair. Especially a death from cancer.” 

“But why Grammy? Elena was a good girl. She never did anything bad!”

Margo thought for a moment. 

“Because, my love, cancer is never fair. It doesn't care who it hurts or worse who it kills. Especially when it kills someone who had just barely begun to live their life. Trust me I would know.”

Khari looked at her grandmother before hugging her tightly. 

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean to forget about you, Grammy.”

Margo kissed the top of her forehead.

“No need to apologize, my sweet love.”

“I didn't get to say goodbye. And I feel bad for her mommy. She must be so sad now.”

“Bless you for caring about her mother, sweet child.”

Khari grabbed her backpack and pulled out a drawing. 

“What is this?” Margo asked. 

“Our teacher, Mrs. Thibodeau gave us these to color in honor of Elena so she could hang them up on a wall. It's a penguin. They were her favorite animal.” Khari said sadly. 

Margo gently took the drawing out of her granddaughter’s hands and studied it. 

“I think it is absolutely sweet that you all would do this for her.”

“I asked my teacher if I could keep mine so I could give it to Elena’s mommy and she said yes.”

“You want to give it to her?” Margo asked. 

“Yes. Daddy will speak at Elena’s memorial so I wanted to give this to her mommy.” Khari replied. 

“That is a wonderful idea, my love. I'm sure she'll appreciate your kindness toward her.”

“You really think so?” Khari asks. 

“Yes, my love. Even the smallest act of kindness can mean the world to someone in their time of need.”

Khari nodded before hugging her grandmother.

“Thank you for cheering me up, Grammy.”

“My sweet darling, I am only doing what Grandpa would've done. He would not let his little sunshine walk around being sad.”

Khari smiled softly at her. 

“You know what I think?” Margo asked. 

“What's that Grammy?” 

“I think that when Elena got to the happy place with all of the angels. She started looking around for someone she knew. And guess who found her?”

“Grandpa?” 

“Yes, that's right. And when he found her, he took her by the hand and told her that they're together now. And that they'll watch over you together.”

Khari smiled. 

“I like that Grammy. That way she's not alone.”

Margo nodded. 

“Thank you, Grammy,” Khari said as she hugged her grandmother, “I gotta go say hi to the boys. Since I didn't do that when I got home.”

Margo kissed her forehead softly. 

“Be off with you now.”

Margo watched as Khari ran off to see her brothers and parents. When the Princess got to the living area the boys were playing with the dogs. 

“There's my girl. How are you feeling?” Marquise asked. 

“Better. Thanks to Grammy. I'm sorry I didn't say anything to anyone when I came home. I was…really sad.” Khari replied. 

“Come here, my love.”

Khari climbed into her Daddy’s lap. 

“Your mother and I were beginning to worry about you.”

“I know and I’m sorry.”

“It's okay baby. Death affects everyone differently. And how you grieve and process is how you grieve. We just didn't want you to totally shut down. That's all.” Shanelle said to her. 

Khari nodded. 

“Daddy?”

“Yes, my love?”

“Before we go to Elena’s memorial, can we stop by one of the toy shops? I want to get a gift for Elena’s mommy.”

“Of course we can, my love. What did you have in mind?” he replies. 

“I want to get her a stuffed penguin if we can find one.” 

Marquise nodded. 

“I will put a call in to find one. How's that?” he asked. 

“Thank you, Daddy,” Khari said before hugging him and then going to play with her brothers and their dogs. 

On the day of Elena’s memorial, the Princess was quiet on the ride to the church. When they got to the church Khari was slow to get out of the car behind her father. When the Princess looked up at the entrance she squeezed her eyes shut while clutching the stuffed penguin close to her chest. Her father knelt to look into her eyes.

“Are you ready?” he asked her softly. 

“No,” she replied as she shook her head no.

“Look at me, my love.”

Khari looked at her father with tears in her eyes. 

“Your mother and I are right here. I know you’re sad but you’re not alone. Alright?”

Khari nodded before drying her eyes. While holding the stuffed penguin in her right arm, the Princess slipped her left hand into her Daddy’s right hand. Khari looked at her mother beside her, who smiled softly and rubbed her shoulders before they made their way into the sanctuary. At the altar was Elena’s casket and her mother’s receiving line. When Lady Selene spotted them walking down the line, she smiled softly. 

“Hello, Your Majesties. Thank you for coming,” she said to the royal family in greeting before looking at Khari, “hello Princess. Thank you for coming as well.” 

Khari smiled sadly as she looked up at her.

“Hi,” she replied softly. 

Selene noticed the penguin toy in Khari’s arms. 

“What's that?” she asked Khari pointing to the toy. 

Khari looked down at the toy before looking back at her. 

“This is for you. My mommy and daddy helped me buy it.” Khari replied. 

“May I?” Selene asked. 

Khari nodded slowly as she handed Selene the stuffed penguin. 

“I know that penguins were Elena’s favorite,” Khari said sadly. 

Lady Selene smiled at Khari. 

“Yes, they were. Thank you for this most precious gift, Princess. And thank you for being her friend. Your friendship meant the world to her. You were her best friend.”

“She was my friend too,” Khari said sadly.

“Come here.” Lady Selene said softly as she opened her arms to Khari. Khari looked up at her with tears in her eyes as she went to her. 

“You poor thing,” she said as she hugged a crying Khari. 

“I miss her. I miss her so much.” Khari cried. 

“I know you do, sweetheart. We all do. You meant the world to her.”

“I never got to say goodbye.”

“I know. And I’m so sorry for that. But I do want you to know that I cherish the friendship you two shared. And you know what else?” she asked Khari. 

“What's that?” Khari asked. 

“Now that she's with angels, she can watch over us as our guardian angel.” Lady Selene replied. 

“Really?”

“Yes, my dear. She's our little guardian angel. Yours and mine. Your kindness to her is immeasurable to me. You didn't have to but you did. And I can't thank you enough for being such a sweet, kind-hearted little girl. I want you to know that you are always welcome in my home.”

“You mean it?” Khari asked. 

“Yes, sweetheart. My home is always open to you.” Lady Selene replied with a smile. “Thank you for this precious gift. It will bring me so much comfort and joy in the coming days. Thank you for thinking of me.”

Khari nodded with a small smile. 

“And thank you both for coming.” Lady Selene said to her parents before addressing Marquise, “Your Majesty, I can not tell you how thankful I am that you agreed to speak today. You didn't and don't have to.”

Marquise bowed to her. 

“My lady, it is my honor. I assure you.”

Lady Selene smiled. 

“I should let you three go so I can greet other guests but from the bottom of my heart, I thank all of you for the kindness you've shown me and especially shown to her.”

The Royals smiled at Elena’s mother before making their way down the line. And running into Jean-Marc. 

“Well, you’re a sight for sore eyes,” Marquise said to him. 

“Likewise, Your Majesty,” Jean-Marc replied as the two shook hands. 

“It's good to see you old friend. Welcome home.”

Jean-Marc nodded gratefully.

“Thank you, Marquise. Truly I can't tell you how much it means to me to be able to be home after all these years. Thanks to you lifting our family’s exile, we’ll be able to properly bury my father.”

Marquise nodded. 

“I’m happy I could help. I'm just sorry I never asked what happened to you and your family.”

Jean-Marc nodded before looking at Shanelle and Khari and bowing to them. 

“Hello, Your Majesty. It is an honor to meet you. And hello again Princess. It's good to see you.”

Khari smiled softly at him. 

“Hello, Jean-Marc. I've heard so much about you. And do accept my apologies on behalf of His Majesty for stealing a goal from you.” Shanelle replied. 

Jean-Marc snorted while Marquise rolled his eyes good-naturedly. 

“You hear that Your Majesty? Even Her Majesty knows you stole that goal from me.”

“You two will never let me live that down.” 

“Nope.” Shanelle quipped. 

“Please do not let me keep you all. Again, thank you, Marquise. For everything you've done.”

“It was my pleasure,” Marquise replied. 

Jean-Marc nodded before stepping aside to let them pass. When the family got to the end of the line, there stood Elena’s small casket. Marquise picked his daughter up so she could see.

“She looks like she's sleeping,” Khari said quietly. 

“She does. She looks peaceful.” Marquise replied. 

“Sweet girl. She looks beautiful.” Shanelle added. 

“I wish she could wake up so we could play again,” Khari said with a sniffle. 

Shanelle rubbed Khari’s back. 

“We know you do.”

“Wake up Elena. You gotta wake up. Please wake up. We’ll play all you want I promise. You just have to wake up.” Khari said with tears in her eyes. Marquise held Khari close as she cried. 

“It's okay my love. I know you miss her. It'll be alright.” Marquise whispered in comfort to his daughter. “Come, let's take our seats.”

As they made their way to their seats, they were greeted by Elena’s grandmother and a woman Marquise hadn't seen in years. 

“Hello Your Majesties, thank you for coming.” Countess Gladys said to them in greeting before smiling at Khari, “Hello Princess. I hear you and my granddaughter were great friends.”

“Hi,” Khari replied quietly. 

“Your Majesty,” Countess Gladys said to Marquise, “I’d like to introduce you to my sister-in-law, Lady Freida Eriksson-Archambeau. Freida, you remember His Majesty don’t you?”

Lady Freida bowed her head with a smile. 

“Your Majesty? My goodness. You were His Highness the last time I saw you. It's good to see you. Thank you for what all you've done for our family.” she said to Marquise. 

“My lady, it is good to see you as well. And please it was nothing.” 

“No, it was definitely something. Your reversal of my family’s exile is what brought my husband home where he belongs.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t know sooner so that when I did lift the exile, I could’ve told him personally, but, I am happy that you all are home.” 

“When you took the throne, he believed in you. He knew how horribly your father treated you. He also knew that you would never be anything like him as a King. He knew that one day you would find out, and would work to let us come home. So again, I thank you.”

“It was my pleasure, my lady.” 

Lady Freida smiled at him as they took their seats. Just as everyone else was finding a seat in the sanctuary, there was a commotion at the entrance. It was Lord Charroux and a woman. Lady Jacqueline Yearling. 

“Get out of my way!” He shouted as he stormed down the aisle. He stopped when he got to Elena’s casket. “No! No! No! You can’t be gone! You can’t be!” 

That’s when he turned his rage to her mother.

“You! You did this! You tried to ban me from saying goodbye to my daughter! You no good harlot!”

“I didn’t ban you from anything! You were clearly occupied with other matters!” She hissed at him while giving the woman he brought with him a death stare. “You shouldn’t be here Jacqueline!” 

“Don’t you dare drag her into this!” He snapped at Lady Selene. 

“Why not? She’s half the reason you left!”

“Selene, please! Not now!” Jacqueline tried to say to her. 

“Not now?! Okay, Jacqueline, when do you suggest we do this, hmm?” Selene asked her. 

Jacqueline took a deep breath and cleared her throat. 

“I didn’t come here to start a fight, Selene.”

“Good, then you can leave Jacqueline.”

“Absolutely not! She stays!” Lord Phillip proclaimed.

“I will not have my soon-to-be ex-husband's mistress at my daughter’s memorial!” Selene said as she stood her ground. A hush fell over the crowd. 

Jacqueline shuddered at Selene’s words. 

“Despite what you may think of me, Selene. I loved Elena.”

“No, you didn’t. Because if you did, you wouldn’t have stabbed us both in the back.”

“I am her Godmother—” Jacqueline tried to say before Selene cut her off, “You were her Godmother. Until I found out you were sleeping with him behind my back! After everything I did for you! I was loyal to you! When your brother was convicted in Italy, I was there for you! When your parents cut you off and you had nowhere to go, I opened up my home to you and got you a job so you could support yourself! Meanwhile, you were plotting against me! You knew how rocky our relationship was! And you took advantage of it! I confided in you! I trusted you and you preyed on that! You sat back, watched, and happily helped to destroy the family I was trying desperately to save!” 

“I never meant to hurt you, Selene. I swear it. It’s just…Phillip and I…when we fell in love…it just happened, it wasn’t to spite you.” 

Selene scoffed. 

“Well, that’s good for you. I’m glad you found your happiness. Even if it did come at the expense of me and my daughter!”

Lady Selene then turned to Lord Phillip. 

“And you! How dare you decide to show up now! Our daughter was sick for years, and you were nowhere to be found. When I needed you, you were busy living your life however you saw fit. When Elena begged you to come home, you constantly lied to her! You put yourself before our daughter! The only reason you decided to come around now, is because your lover and her incessant need to be kept has put a strain on your finances. Thank God for Their Majesties getting involved and putting a stop to you terrorizing me.”

Lady Selene took a steadying breath. 

“Phillip, the only reason I will allow you to stay is because of Elena. Because before she took her final breath, she made me promise that I would honor her very last wish. She wanted to see you one last time so this is your last time seeing her. Now sit down!” Lady Selene said to him before turning back to Lady Jacqueline, “but you? I will not have you here! You’ve done your damage so now you can leave and go straight to hell while you’re at it!” 

“I will not have you speaking to her in any kind of way.” Phillip sneered as he took a menacing step towards her. He stopped in his tracks when Jean-Marc and Marquise both stood up. 

“You will not take another step towards my cousin,” Jean-Marc warned him. 

“It’s alright Phillip. I’ll go.” Lady Jacqueline spoke up. 

“Jacqueline please!” Lord Phillip pleaded. 

“No, Phillip. I don’t want there to be any more conflict. I’ll see you at home.” She said to him before speaking to Selene, “Selene please believe me when I say this, I never meant for any of this to happen the way that it did. I never meant to hurt you or Elena. I love you both. I still do. I always will. I just hope that one day you’ll forgive me.”

“Never. I will never forgive you for betraying me. Now get out!” Lady Selene snapped at her. 

Everyone watched as Lady Jacqueline made her exit. Lord Phillip shook his head before leveling a glare at Lady Selene. 

“You always were jealous of her. That’s why I left. Because she is a better woman than you will ever be. That’s why I can’t wait to be divorced from you. So she and I can start our own family.” He sneered at her. 

Selene raised an eyebrow at Lord Phillip. 

“I’ll let you in on a little secret that she would never tell you. She’s infertile. When we were younger she found out that she has a rare genetic condition that prevents her from ever conceiving children. Because much like the Heads Of State Of Comery Isle have to, you also have to have a blood heir to pass on your position in their administration to. No exceptions. So good luck with that.”

Lord Phillip stared at her with his mouth open. 

“Now sit down Phillip!” She hissed at him. “And oh! You will not sit anywhere near me and my family!” 

With a nod from their King, security escorted Lord Charroux to a seat in the back of the sanctuary. The memorial went smoothly. And as requested by Lady Selene, Shanelle gave a solo. She sang Elliot Yamin’s ‘A Song For You’. And Marquise gave the eulogy.

“I give speeches all the time so you think this would come easy for me. But this is not easy. When I was asked by Lady Selene to give the eulogy I was honored, grateful, and moved to be asked. Because she could’ve chosen anyone but she chose me, so to you my Lady, I say thank you. Grieving the loss of a child is a pain I can not describe. It is constant. It is indeed like a wave. Sometimes you feel nothing, other times you feel like you’re drowning and can't breathe. So I want to offer words of comfort and encouragement to you, my lady.” 

Marquise said before clearing his throat.

“Admittedly I didn’t know your daughter long but my daughter did. They were the best of friends. And when they saw each other that day at the hospital, I saw how both of them lit up. When they spoke to one another, there were giggles, and jokes, and smiles, and joy, and happiness. And I cherish the time they spent together. I will always cherish it. I mourn with you. I mourn for you. We all do. As I said, losing a child is a pain I can not describe and I will never be able to. But I encourage you to hold onto and remember the enduring love you had for her and especially the love she had for you. You will have days where it will be harder than others but in that moment, I hope you will remember her bright smile. Remember the beautiful light in her eyes. Remember how much of a joy it was to be with her.”

Lady Selene smiled up at him. 

“I want to end this eulogy with an action instead of a word. My Lady, with your blessing and permission, I’d like to honor your beautiful daughter and her memory, by naming the new child cancer center, The Elena Charroux Treatment Center.”

Lady Selene looked over to Shanelle in shock who merely smiled encouragingly.

“But wait there’s more. In addition to naming the new child cancer center after her, I would like to establish a cancer research fund in her honor as well, so that we can finally find a cure.”

“Yes. You have my permission, my King. Thank you so much.” Lady Selene replied in tears. 

“And to the sweet angel that is now watching us all, I hope you are smiling and giggling. I hope you’re running through the endless fields of flowers in heaven. I hope you are surrounded by as many penguin toys as you can stand. I hope you can slide down all of the rainbows. I want you to know we will take care of your mother and grandmother. We will watch over them. We will encourage them. We will protect them. We will give them love. As you would have. You will be missed but know that you are always loved. Your job on this earth is now done. Enjoy your rest amongst the angels. We’ll see you when we get to the other side.” 

When Marquise stepped down from the podium, he laid a hand on Elena’s casket. When he faced her mother, she hugged him. 

“Merci mon roi. pour tout ce que vous avez fait.” She whispered to him. 

“De rien madame. cela a été un honneur.” He replied before taking his seat next to his wife and daughter. Khari looked up at him with a small smile. 

“You did good Daddy.” She whispered to him. 

“Thank you, my little love.” He whispered back before kissing her forehead softly. 

Everyone watched as Lady Selene prepared to say her final goodbye to her daughter. 

“My baby. My sweet angel. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you from this monster. I miss you terribly. But mommy will be strong. I promise you that. I will be strong for us. I love you. I love you so much. I’m sorry my baby. I’m so sorry” She said as she watched her daughter’s casket close for the final time. Lady Selene closed her eyes before taking an unsteady step back and falling to the floor. 

Her cousin and Marquise sprang into action, rolling her onto her back. Marquise checked for a pulse but he couldn’t feel one. 

“She’s not breathing.” He said to Jean-Marc, “My lady, can you hear me?”

She didn’t respond.

“Guards! Get Emergency Services in here now!” Marquise called out to his guards before starting CPR.

Meanwhile, Shanelle did what she could to keep their daughter calm. 

“Mommy, what’s happening?” Khari asked. 

“I don’t know baby but everything will be okay,” Shanelle replied. 

“Her mommy is gonna be okay right?” Khari asked. 

“Yes, baby. She’ll be fine.”

When Emergency Services arrived, they were able to revive Lady Selene and get her on a gurney. As they took her outside to the ambulance, Shanelle pulled her husband aside. 

“Go with them.” She whispered to him. 

“Are you sure?” He asked. 

“Yes. I’ll take Khari home. She's seen enough for one day. Let me know how it all goes.” She replied. 

“Alright. I’ll see you later.” 

Later that day, Marquise returned to the palace and gave his wife a rundown of what happened at the hospital. 

“Lord Phillip showed up at the hospital?!” Shanelle asked. 

“Yes. Showed up and caused a scene. Accused Lady Selene of wanting to ruin him. Called her every name in the book. My guards had to restrain him.” Marquise replied. 

“Where is he now?” She asks.

“In the dungeons of Comery Isle until I figure out what to do with him.”

Shanelle nodded decisively. 

“Leave him there to stew for a few days. Then we can address this issue properly once he's cooled off.”

“Very well. How is Khari?” He asks. 

“She’s okay. She was worried about Lady Selene though.” Shanelle replies. 

“I’m sure she was. Where is she by the way?” He asks. 

“Taking a nap with the boys. They played Spyro until they all got sleepy.” She replied. 

“Good. I’ll speak with her after she wakes up.”

“Okay. How are you by the way?” Shanelle asked. 

“I’m alright. It’s been a long day. My heart goes out to Lady Selene and her family. As tragic as this was, I did find a silver lining for today.” He replied. 

“What’s that?” 

“The family will be burying the former commander with Elena’s casket.” 

“That’s really sweet.”

“Since Lady Gladys kept her brother’s plot at their family cemetery, they’ll be buried together.” 

“I’m glad you were able to lift the exile order and allow them to come home.”

“I am as well. I will never understand why father dearest banned him for a mistake he made on his own.”

Shanelle paused as they sat down. 

“If you don’t mind telling me, what exactly happened that made him unfairly hate the former Commander?” She asked. 

“It all started back during the Great War between the kingdoms. The Dialgosa Pass was a territory that was initially controlled by King Mordecai but because of his alliance with your grandfather, he allowed King Dominic to station troops there. It’s a small valley that runs through East and South Cordonia.” He replied. 

“Okay, so what happened?” She asked. 

“Your grandfather had planted a mole in the ranks, and that mole gave him information that my father would be advancing troops in that area, so King Dominic set a trap for them. Sebastian’s unit had set up camp there that night intending to go further into East Cordonia. But they never made it. Your grandfather’s troops ambushed them while most of them slept. Killing them all. It was said Sebastian was the last to die but there was no real confirmation of that.”

“I never knew that. I knew that Sebastian was killed but I never knew that part of it.”

“Commander Archambeau found out that the mole had been supplying your grandfather with troop information, so he went to tell my father to pull Sebastian’s unit back before it was too late but he wouldn’t listen. Instead, he listened to Barthelemy who was adamant about this being the right decision, and went ahead and unknowingly sent Sebastian to his death.” 

Shanelle shook her head. 

“What did your mother think?”

“She was furious. From what mom has told me, my mother ripped into my father for being naive enough to listen to and trust someone, meaning Barthelemy, who had no military experience or training whatsoever to make this decision. And when my father decided he wasn't going to tell Nadia that it was his blunder that got Sebastian killed, my mother hit the roof. He planned to lie to her about what happened but my mother wasn’t having any of it. She made him tell Nadia and all but forced him and the Monarchy to take care of her and Carlo for the rest of their lives.”

“The Monarchy wasn’t trying to take care of them?”

“No. They were prepared to give him a General’s final send-off but that was it. So she put it in her will that they would be taken care of. It’s one of the reasons why they were given Sebastian’s duchy instead of it going back to the people.”

Shanelle let out a breath. 

“I always knew your father was a coward but this? Not even I thought he’d be this.” 

“Unfortunately he was,” Marquise said as he shook his head. 

Over the next few days, the Royals watched over their daughter who was slowly becoming herself again. By the time it was time for the Royals to head west to Las Vegas, Khari was herself again. 

“Now promise you’ll be good for your grandmothers. Okay?” Marquise told her. 

“Yes, Daddy. I’ll be good. Me and the boys will be on our best behavior. Just promise me that you’ll bring me back a football.” Khari said to her dad.

“I’ll see what I can do. We’ll see you Monday. I love you.”

“I love you too Daddy! Go have fun!” 

With a sweet kiss to each of his children’s foreheads, Shanelle, Marquise, and her father were off to Las Vegas for Super Bowl weekend. They were staying at Shanelle’s Las Vegas hotel. While the men were going for the game, Shanelle was going for the Usher Halftime Show. 

Because of the money Marquise paid, they were given a tour of the stadium, where he and Damien took several pictures. When they got to their skybox, His Majesty couldn’t help but FaceTime Logan and tell him about the view. 

“Hello?” Logan said as he answered. 

“I got something to show you,” Marquise said to him. 

“What?” Logan asked. 

That’s when Marquise turned his camera around and showed him the view. 

“That!”

“Oh shit! Where are you?”

“Vegas! Live and direct!”

“Oh man!”

“You coming?” Marquise asked. 

“Oh, you got jokes. You got me on tickets?”

“Logan. I bought a 2 million dollar skybox. You don’t need tickets. You just need to show up.”

“On my way!”

“Move it, Ellis!”

“Be there in a few!”

Not even an hour later Logan was walking through the door of the skybox with his father-in-law in tow. 

“So this is how the other half lives? And you got Lowyn on deck too? You are the best brother-in-law a guy could ever have.”

Marquise snorted as he lit his cigar. 

“You make sure you tell Sam Dalton that.”

Logan took a swig of his drink. 

“But for real, thank you for inviting me.”

“Always. This is about to be one of the best Super Bowls on record. It would be criminal to miss it.”

“True.” He agreed before calling out to his father-in-law, “Chief you good?”

“Yup. I’m perfect. This view is unmatched.” He replied as he toasted with Shanelle’s father. 

“Okay, Logan. Who wins?” Marquise asks. 

“NFC all day my guy.” 

“Pity. And here I thought you were smarter than that.”

“You think Mahomes will repeat?” 

“Yes. He’s looking to build a dynasty. And he’s got the team to do just that.”

Logan raised an eyebrow at Marquise.

“How much you wanna bet San Francisco wins this year?”

“$2,500.00”

“Get ready to lose Your Highness.”

“My good man. I don’t lose. I either win or I learn.”

“Nelson Mandela said that.”

“I know. He’s the one who told it to me.”

“You met Mandela?”

“When I was a child.”

Just as Logan started to speak Shanelle came walking into the skybox with Dee in tow.

“Oh no! Trouble just walked in.” Logan teased.

“Shut up boy!” Shanelle snapped at him. 

“For the record, I was talking about Dee but hey if the shoe fits big sis, rock it.”

“Like she said, shut up Logan,” Dee said to him. 

Marquise snorted at the look on Logan’s face.

“Did you girls see him?” Marquise asked the ladies. 

They both started talking all at once. 

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Marquise said with a chuckle. 

“Man, I still don’t see the hype with him,” Logan muttered a little too loudly.

“That’s because you have two left feet,” Shanelle said to him. 

“I do not!” Logan protested. 

“Who can ever forget little Logan trying to breakdance?” Dee asked. 

Shanelle snorted. 

“And nearly breaking his neck in the process,” Shanelle added. 

Logan sucked his teeth. 

“Y’all can go sit down now.” 

“Aww poor baby bro. You’ll be okay. How was your flight?” Shanelle asked. 

“Short,” Logan replied. 

“Like you?” Shanelle teased. 

“I’m 6’1!” He replied. 

“I don’t know that’s still pretty short, Logan,” Dee added. 

The girls cackled at the look on Logan’s face. 

“You two are so mean to me!”

“We love you, Lo!” The girls said to him. 

“Yeah yeah. Love y’all too.”

The girls took their seats as the game got underway. But all the girls cared about was the Usher Concert at Halftime. And true to his form Usher did not disappoint during his halftime show. And by the end of the game, which had gone into overtime, Marquise’s premonition was correct. Kansas City won which meant the AFC won and Logan lost their bet. 

“One of these days you’re gonna learn to listen to me,” Marquise said as he counted his money. 

Logan snorted. 

“Yeah yeah. But seriously, thanks for inviting me, man. I had a great time and I’m sure the Chief will be bragging about this for days.”

“Anytime. Thank you for joining us. I’ll see you in a couple of days. And don't worry I'll send a check to cover what you lost.”

“Yup yup.”

Before he left Logan got a hug from Her Majesty. 

“Thanks for coming babe.” She said to him. 

“Thank your husband. See I knew you marrying him would be the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes. 

“You make sure my angels get their signed jerseys.”

“Yes, mom.”

Shanelle sucked her teeth and then smirked. 

“I love you little bro.”

“Love you too sis.” 

With one last hug, she watched her baby brother and his father-in-law head back to Los Angeles before they headed back to Cordonia. 

You've reached the end of Part One. Stay tuned for part two.

[hiddenmoonbeam]

Question of the day: if your otp didn't exist (maybe the whole story gets poofed from existence, maybe they just got written out during edits) what ship do you think you'd be obsessed with instead and why?

Ahhh thank you for sending this 🤩

I feel I have a pretty boring answer for this. When I fell back into HP two years ago I'd left my childhood obsession behind with no intention to return in any form, and the only reason I'm here now was because I started seeing wolfstar fanart that reminded me of how young these two really were in PoA - and during the first war. And so I tried some fics. And got sucked right in. I barely slept for a few days there, just read lmao.

And well if this hadn't happened, I would still be focusing on my own original projects, and so my obsession would be my own characters. Which is so very lonely in comparison.

I'm not generally very invested in fandoms and ships, rarely read fic, and have only once before gotten so obsessed with a ship I started writing fic for them. It's sadly just not easy to make me care this much 😭 and I'd missed it and making fandom friends, so I'm very pleased to be here now. But yeah. If it weren't for the history and nostalgia I already had with and for this world, and how obsessed I got with Sirius specifically, well 🤷‍♀️ I don't think any other hp ship or character could have dragged me back. And I can’t really think of any other ship at all (besides my own) that could hold my interest enough to make me obsessed...unless maybe if Sirius still exists and can be part of it..... now I enjoy prongsfoot and jilypad (and whatever the name is for wolfstar+jily) too but yeah without wolfstar I wouldn’t be here in the first place.

[sitp-recs]

Rarepair Tag Game

Thank you @danpuff-ao3 for the tag! This was really fun 😍

Rules: List the top rarepairs that you like outside of your OTP, and why you ship it! (Criteria for what makes a rarepair is up to your own discretion.) tagging anyone who wants to do this, maybe @lqtraintracks and @writcraft if you feel like it?

Harry/Teddy

This ship has been a long-standing guilty pleasure fave ever since I’ve read the amazing When It Alteration Finds by the Hardy champion @lqtraintracks, many years ago. Shipping Starker (MCU) in 2019 made my love for Harry/Teddy come back even stronger because I can trace so many similarities between both ships (besides the obvious age gap). Pretty much like Tony and Peter, Harry and Teddy are war orphans whose paths wouldn’t necessarily cross only they did, and the mentor/father figure combo can lend itself to so many interesting narratives, both tender and angsty which is my ultimate jam. This was my very first ship that didn’t have the antagonist component - on the contrary, this brand of romance is even more heartbreaking because they’re so so seriously devoted to each other. They could have been best friends to lovers if not for the whole godfather+ age gap problematique but it makes the ship even more compelling to me. I love the guilt, the want, the inevitability of them falling into bed then hurting through the complications before finally getting together. My favorite fics include (you guessed it!) everything LQT has written especially Beneath a Foreign Moon and Coming Up for Air, plus the stunning Surface Texture by @the-starryknight.

Ron/Draco

I would never have considered this ship if I hadn’t stumbled upon the brilliant A Fine Foray into Fashionable Fellatio by @wellhalesbells - a masterpiece that remains my all-time favorite Dron fic because it finally opened my eyes to their sexual and emotional potential as a ship on its own, outside of Drarry’s shadow. Ron is such a fascinating character, so very different from Harry in his strengths and vulnerabilities, which makes his dynamics with Draco very unique and 100% different from Drarry fics. It’s a delight to see him as a protagonist, I love his sense of humor and I find the idea of exploring what brings him and Draco together (besides being tall Purebloods with strong feelings for Harry 😏) and what pulls them apart when it comes to wealth/status difference very refreshing and compelling. Lokifan handles it masterfully! Now, I might have come for hung!Ron smut, but I stayed for the feels. In the past year I’ve become more emotionally attached to this ship especially as dragon tamer pals thanks to the superb Dreaming Skies by @sweet-s0rr0w and @tackytigerfic and more recently, to a Dronarry gem that’s really a love letter to Dron, The Sun, Shining Above You by @oknowkiss

Ron/Harry

Young Liv couldn’t care less for “friends to lovers” but now that I’m older and mellow, those dynamics are slowly but surely working their way inside my heart. Gosh, I’m so soft for Rarry! I love the idea of them experimenting together as young and traumatized teenagers, and there’s something poetic and right about Harry falling in love with his first and best friend. My heart aches when I remember that Ron was Harry’s most precious person during the Tournament’s 2nd task, being with each other just feels right. Love me some confused pining, domesticity and slight possessiveness /jealousy for them, especially in a scenario where Draco’s involved (yes I am also here for the Dronarry agenda). My first contact with this ship was through Golden Trio fics and the catharsis of comfort sex during the Horcrux Hunt; it was the easiest thing to slide into Rarry afterwards. Now I see them everywhere and am low-key spreading the word among my most skeptical friends (@writcraft is probably thinking “wdym you were shipping them in my Drarry fic???”). If anyone’s curious about this ship or wants a break from enemies to lovers I strongly rec the darling Sun Kissed by @static-abyss,the angsty Prelude and Fugue by shes_gone, this hot af Kinkuary by iota the exquisite Silhouettes by @sweet-s0rr0w