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[wardenparker]

Hummingbird Has Landed, ch 7

Marcus Pike x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst

After the debacle of his failed engagement and relocating to Washington to take charge of his task force, newly minted Special Agent Marcus Pike is ready to get back out into the dating pool once more. A slew of bad dates has him feeling a little down, and he takes an old friend up on an invitation to get away and get his head on straight. Imagine his surprise when he finds not only fresh air, but his soulmate as well - hiding in plain sight but in the unlikeliest of places.

Rating: Mature, but this blog is always 18+ Word Count: 18.3k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this series: occasional mention of American politics, pregnant character, food/alcohol consumption, mentions of clothing/regulated dressing for occasions, mentions of therapy because we believe in self care here, reader is in a previous relationship, love triangle, reader is mentioned as turning 30 during the course of the story* Relationship drama, family teasing, parental/societal demands, light discussion of politics, handful of sex jokes, Marcus is a menace. Summary: A gesture you weren't expecting, a memorable phone call, an admission at dinner, a surprise for a friend, and one more grand gesture that you definitely *did* plan. Notes: A gif from Sabrina feels extremely appropriate for this chapter, and this one is even the outfit inspo for Birdie at a certain point. You'll see it 🧡 (Outfit inspo, but not in any way indicating her body type. Wear the clothes you love!)

Ch1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3 ~ Ch 4 ~ Ch 5 ~ Ch 6

The next few days fly by, as working on the Cameron/Wiley wedding takes up all of your spare time. The only thing you've managed to do on your second day off is to comb through their contracts and get things straightened out with their florist — an agonizing series of phone conversations that nearly ended with you going down to the shop in person — but it is finally the end of the day. You're going to make yourself eat something reasonable, which is to say not the fast food you're craving, and you're going to take your yoga mat down to the studio in Old Town for puppy yoga. It's the single greatest way to relax and destress apart from the phone calls you've been having with Marcus — three now — and while you're bummed that you won't be getting a call tonight, at least he was courteous enough to text you and let you know that he is working late on a new lead.

You've got your leggings and t-shirt on under a sweater dress and you're ready to sneak out the back of the inn with Agent Bailey when you get stopped in the lobby.

“I am sorry, there is a gentleman her to see you.” Malachi rolls his eyes. “A flower delivery. Says that he must deliver to you personally.” He sniffs, a little annoyed that he had not been left the blooms so he could be nosy about who they are from by reading the card affixed to the front. He huffs. “He must be one of those singing flower deliveries.

“So he didn’t give you the card to read?” You tease, knowing Malachi has a penchant for gossip. “It’s okay.” Looping your arm through his with a playful grin, you walk with him out to the lobby. “I’ll let you read it first.” The hope in the back of your mind is very real and present, though — thinking of the possibility that Marcus might have sent you a few buds while he’s away. Maybe as a thank you for helping Cameron, since he’s still in a relationship.

“That is the least that you can do.” He snorts sassily and is eagerly looking forward to finding out who had send you such a beautiful bouquet.

“Hi there.” Greeting the delivery man easily, you’re immediately distracted by the tall cut vase of stunning white flowers with greens strewn throughout to enhance the beauty of the arrangement. “They sent you with quite an armful, didn’t they? Let me take those for you.”

The delivery person is dressed sharply and he confirms your name with Malachi, since you are distracted with the flowers. Instead of handing them to you, he starts to sing. “Baby, I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time. And maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you. Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time. You hung me on a line.”

The striking way your face falls immediately, draining of blood and leaving your eyes wide, leaving your throat dry right along with it. “I—um—thank you. Uh…thanks. That’s enough. You—you don’t have to sing anymore.” The way you had been desperately hoping Malachi was teasing about a singing delivery has been flushed down the drain, and you fish in your purse to tip the man so he can be on his way. “Oh god,” you mumble to yourself immediately, mortified and feeling like you’re about to throw up.

It’s not uncommon for someone to not wish for the song to be finished so when you tell him to stop, he sets the flowers down on the counter and accepts the tip. The transaction has been fulfilled in his eyes and he won’t insist the song be completed. “Have a nice day.” He tells you quickly.

“Thank you.” There’s no reason to be impolite to the man even though you feel like you’re going to be sick, and instantly you know that not even the cute little puppies at yoga are going to be able to cheer you up from this. “What the hell am I going to do with these?” The question is mostly rhetorical, even though Malachi is standing right next to you. “And why the hell would he send them?”

“Is it not alright for your boyfriend to send you flowers?” He scrunches his brow in confusion. “You love flowers.”

“Mal…” Lowering your voice, you grab the lapel of his jacket and drag Malachi behind the desk to make it look like you’re talking about something work related with the flowers acting as a shield between you two and the rest of the lobby. “I broke up with Sam earlier in the week,” you confide, as quietly as you possibly can.

His eyes widen in surprise and he folds his arms over his chest in mild annoyance you have not told him before now. “What? Why? You love Sam.”

“It’s complicated.” Is the best excuse you can really give him in this exact moment, which feels weird and wrong, but the whole situation is so odd. “Only Sydney knows, so please don’t say anything? You know I prefer to keep my private life private.” Which is yet another reason that the singing telegram is not exactly your style.

“I do not know what to say.” While Malachi loves to know all the gossip and details, he does not share information. He claims he is more of a gatherer.

“You don’t have to say anything,” you assure him, exhaling a long and haggard breath. “Just…help me look for a card or something? Sam having the delivery guy sing ‘our song’ is a little pointed, but there might be a note too.”

“Of course.” He nods and he starts looking through the massive arrangement to find a card.

“Here it is.” Tucked deep into the arrangement between the most massive white carnations you’ve ever seen, is a card in Sam’s scrawling print. Not one to go back on your promise, you hand it to Malachi first, but you have a sinking sensation that you know what it will say.

Malachi opens the card and clears his throat to start reading. “My love, I know I have much to apologize for, but I will spend as much time as it takes to win your forgiveness. Love, Sam.” He reads out loud and looks up at you. “He is begging for forgiveness, Birdie.” Ticking an eyebrow up, he smirks. “Looks like Congressman Chase is trying very hard to win you back.”

“Apparently so.” Although you can’t say that you’re thrilled about it. “Where am I going to put these flowers? This thing is enormous.”

“Your office?” He asks. “Or make it a centerpiece for the family table.”

“Emily Post says never use fragrant flowers in a table arrangement so they don’t alter the scent of your food.” The factoid — learned from your grandmother — spills out of your mouth instantly and you sigh softly. “I’ll bring them upstairs. The side table in the living room has room, and I need to call him now anyway.” Privacy is better is the implication there.

“I will send Charlie up with them.” Charlie is boy who works afternoons carrying luggage and delivering tea and meals to the rooms. As well as working in the kitchen when another pair of hands is needed.

“You’re an angel, Mal. Thank you.” It still leaves you with a phone call to make, but that is up to just you no matter what else happens.

“Of course.” Malachi nods and quickly walks off to find the burly younger man. Knowing you wouldn’t want the flowers to be downstairs for long so no one would ask questions.

Turning around again is an option, but Charlie is bringing the flowers upstairs and you’re already dressed for yoga, so you slip out the back door in the vain hope that an hour of stretching with very cute puppies will help. You can call Sam and have an uncomfortable conversation later when you’re feeling more centered.

The puppies are just what you need. Scampering and yipping through the posed arms and legs of people might not seem like it would be relaxing, but it is. And short of hearing Marcus’s voice, it’s the most relaxing thing you can possibly think of right now. Hopefully it works.

**

Fridays are always busier than any other day. Getting through the work day and having a little time to decompress before going to family dinner is always a task, but tonight you’re having an evening cup of coffee in your living room while you hammer out the scheduling assignments for the wedding which is now only one week away. Everything is falling into place, thankfully, and you’re going to give your team a big thank you for hustling to get everything ready in time.

The incoming call isn’t a normal one, and Marcus hopes you don’t mind. He wants to show you something and hopes you like it.

If he could see the smile on your face when his photo pops up on your phone screen, he would know for sure that you don't mind at all. "Hey G-man." You greet him with a voice full of sunshine, and since it's a FaceTime call he can actually see the grin this time as well.

“Hey.” Marcus grins back at you, very pleased that you seem happy to see him. “I’m sorry to call you at such a weird time, but I’m somewhere I thought you would appreciate.”

"Don't ever be sorry to call." As if to prove it, you heft the notebooks off of your lap and sit back on the couch. "Where are you?"

“The Tower of London.” He turns the camera around to show you the area.

"No!" Immediately you're sitting up in your seat again, trying to inspect the image on your phone like you might be able to climb into it if you try hard enough. "God, I miss London! Have you gotten to poke around anywhere? That whole place is so cool and so haunted."

“I’ve been allowed back into the Jewel House.” He admits. “They said that it’s okay if I’m on a video call while I’m there. Do you want to see the jewels up close?”

"Did you seriously just ask a girly girl if she wants to see the Crown Jewels? Marcus Pike you are a dream." The few minutes you have before you need to leave will be perfectly spent just like this and you grab your coffee to sip while he moves around the space.

He snorts, thankful that the camera is off of him so you can’t see that he’s blushing. “Here we go.” There is a moment that he has to wait for the doors to be unlocked, but then it’s opened up and he steps into the Jewel House.

"Did you know the Black Prince's ruby in the Imperial State Crown isn't actually a ruby?" The excitement bubbles over you with the instinctive knowledge that Marcus won't judge you for it. Getting excited about history isn't a bad thing, after all.

"What is it?" He asks, glancing around to see if he can find the Imperial State Crown to show you up close. "Oh, there it is."

"It's a balas stone." When he starts walking up to it you practically squeak with excitement. "They say Henry V wore it in his helmet at the Battle of Agincourt. Like a good luck charm."

"A good luck charm, hum?" Marcus smiles as he pushes the phone's camera closer to you can see it under the bright lights of the room. "I need one of those." He huffs. "Been running out of luck lately."

"Dead end with the case?" You ask, genuine concern in your voice despite humming over the large gem. "I hope not. You're supposed to be back in a week for Cameron's wedding."

"Nah." He doesn't want to turn the conversation to things that will bring down the mood. "Professionally, things are great." He promises. "I'm going to spend the next few days wrapping up to turn over to Interpol and I'm hoping to be back two days before the wedding."

"So..." Biting your lip is a nervous tick that you never quite got rid of, but you're smiling into the camera regardless. "Does that mean I can give my parents your RSVP for my birthday when I go to dinner tonight? Since you know you're going to be back in time?"

“Yeah.” Marcus shifts the camera back around so you can see him nod. “I’ll be there. Sorry that I’ve been gone, it’s probably sitting in my mailbox. But tell your parents I’m happily accepting the invitation.”

“I’m happy to accept it on your behalf, but since they still insist the location has to be a surprised, you’ll have to check the card for that.” Once he’s back in frame, that smile on your face gets beaming all over again. “So are there any corners of that jewel house that we peasants don’t get to see and you do?”

“Yes.” Marcus smirks and turns the camera around. “Would you like to see the personal jewels?” He asks, walking over to another door.

“You’re kidding?” Another gasp and giggle comes out of you as you readjust on your couch. There’s only one last sip of coffee at the bottom of your cup but what he’s showing you is far more exciting than hazelnut creamer. “Yes please! Absolutely.”

“Okay, but I’ve been instructed that I cannot pick up or touch any of them. So….yeah.” He doesn’t know why he would say that, it’s not like you can come through the screen and pick up the jewels.

“Oh my god…” The room that he’s in is full of cases, shelving, and careful lighting that make the stored pieces glint and glitter. They wink at Marcus as he moves about the room, teasing you through the camera and making both of you gasp or giggle alternately. It’s just such an enormous measure of opulence that taking it in together is surreal.

“What do you think? Pretty amazing, right?” He’s a little giddy, and soft, sharing this with you, even if it’s through a screen. “The sheer monetary value of this room is more than every house I’ve ever owned.”

“Same,” you huff, and laugh when he throws you a doubtful look. “We don’t own the White House. We’re just borrowing it for a while.” You remind him with a grin. “And I don’t even live there!”

“Yeah, buuuuuut…” he flashes you a grin. “You can sleep in the Lincoln bedroom anytime you want. I bet your mom wouldn’t say no.”

“You probably could too.” A little poke at the screen is the closest you’re going to get to touching him, and you hate that fact. “After the State dinner, she probably likes you more than me.”

“Nahhhh.” He shakes his head and shrugs. “You’re her daughter. She loves you unconditionally. Me? She just likes that I look good in a tux and can dance.” He reminds you. “Those are mutually exclusive things.”

“If you think she loves me unconditionally, remind me to tell you about the time I lost the fifth grade spelling bee to Maude Appleton,” you snort, nearly in giggles on the couch again. “I’m a disgrace to the family, Marcus. Truly.”

“The black sheep, huh? I can tell.” He rolls his eyes and cheekily sticks out his tongue at you. “You have a sitting President planning your birthday party.”

“One that she absolutely does not need to be throwing, and that you will be at.” The fact that he’s coming tickles you more than a little, and you grin like a moron for a moment longer before the alarm on your watch goes off. “Speaking of Madam President,” you huff a dramatic sigh and lift yourself off the couch. “That’s my cue. It’s Friday night dinner.”

“Go, enjoy your dinner with the President while I skulk around the Crown Jewels and dream of being King Marcus.” He jokes, smirking at you through the screen.

“Just remember, every king needs a queen.” The moniker First Princess flashes through your head again and your cheeks burn with it. “Or at least a Princess.”

You are moving to your door and Marcus is about to come back with slightly flirtatious comeback when he spots the gorgeously large bouquet of flowers on the table. A slap in the face reminder of who you are and despite that, you are taken. “Yeah.” The agreement is a little flat for the previous tone of the conversation. “Well, um, I better go. The President doesn’t need to be kept waiting.”

“She’s still just my mother.” The change in his tone doesn’t escape you but the reason does, and you furrow your eyebrows at the screen but swallow it down. He’s still dating Vanessa. Don’t make it weird. You remind yourself harshly. “I’ll talk to you later.” It’s always how you sign off your calls now, and you know you sound hopeful but you don’t care one bit.

“Talk later.” He agrees and disconnects the call. Staring at his Home Screen for a moment before sighs. “You’re a fucking idiot, Pike.”He grumbles. “She’s dating a fucking congressman. She doesn’t want you.” When he gets back home, he needs to look at the dating apps again. Needing to forget about you and move on.

**

Friday night dinners are ritual, soothing, although June is eager to get this particular one over with so she can go out with the potential boyfriend she had met at the party last Friday. Nervous, she exudes that kind of boundless energy she had as a child, since she likes this guy so much it surprises her.

“Someone’s in a good mood tonight.” Your father observes with a wry smirk as the five of you sit down at the table together. He’s particularly excited about dinner tonight for purely food reasons, but he likes seeing his children happy and buzzing.

“I’m going to the movies.” She volunteers, knowing that the security detail would have already informed her parents anyway.

“With Kiley?” Alex assumes automatically, knowing that Junie’s best friend is a movie fanatic. “What are you guys going to see? I might tag along.”

“No!” She’s almost spitting out her refusal and then realizing that it sounds suspicious, she backs down. “I mean, I’m not going with Kiley. You can’t come.”

“If you’re not going with Kiley…” Alex’s eyes widen as he picks up his drink, not bothering to hide his growing smirk behind the glass at all. “Did you meet somebody, Junebug? Please tell me you are smart enough not to get bamboozled by a frat boy or a post grad.”

“Shut up.” She hisses, throwing her napkin at him. “It’s none of your business and I’m smarter than that.”

“So you did meet someone.” You join the smirking too, knowing that razzing your sister is all in good fun and that you and Alex would go to the ends of the earth to protect her. “What’s their name? How’d’ya meet? Give us the dirt, Junie.”

She narrows her eyes at you, feeling slightly betrayed by you essentially ganging up on her. “I met him at the party last weekend. His name is Bryan and before you say anything…” She holds up her hand. “He is in a fraternity but he was the DD for the party.”

“Sounds responsible.” Your father commends from one end of the table. “We just want to know you’re safe, Bug. That’s all.”

“Oh, no.” Alex shakes his head as the salad course hits the table. “We want dirt.”

“He may have passed the Secret Service’s background check, but not the older sibling one,” you agree with a nod.

“Oh my ggggggggoddddddd.” June groans, dropping her head into her hand and giving a moan of embarrassment. “I think he might be my soulmate, okay?” She huffs.

The room is dropped into a vacuum as all the air is sucked out of it. Four family members sit stunned before all hell breaks loose in excitement as everyone starts talking at once.

“Why do you think so, honey?”

“Junie, that’s wonderful!”

“Holy shit, are you serious?!”

“Are you excited? Did you ask him how he got the scar on his leg?”

“I haven’t seen that scar.” June admits, groaning slightly and now worried that she might have raised everyone’s hopes for nothing. “But it’s not like it’s obvious like your tattoo.” She snorts, throwing you an amused look. “Although Agent Pike didn’t seem to think it was dumb.”

Halfway to picking up your salad fork, you freeze all over again. “Why would you say that?” The carefully affected breezy tone in your voice doesn’t fool your family for a second, and your blood is pounding your ears out of sheer fear for your baby sister’s answer.

“Oh, we talked about it while we danced.” She confirms, unaware of the turmoil she is causing. “He’s really nice. He actually didn’t make fun of where you put your hummingbird like I do.”

“June Allegra…” There is as much warning in your voice as there is fear and worry, your eyes blowing wide as they narrow on her across the table. “You told Marcus about my tattoo?”

“Was it supposed to be some kind of secret?” She asks, startled by your reaction. “I didn’t— you’ve never really hidden it before. Are you— did I do something wrong?” She throws her parents a confused look.

“I hadn’t said anything yet,” you admit, feeling sick to your stomach at the realization that Marcus has known for an entire week that you are soulmates. Through the phone calls and the chats and the work you’re doing for his friend’s wedding. He’s known, but he’s still with Vanessa. “I’ve suspected for weeks, but I didn’t…it hadn’t been confirmed…”

“Suspected what?” She’s still not grasped what you are talking about, but your mother and father exchange a very pointed glance with each other.

“Oh honey.” Your mother sighs.

June huffs. “Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?”

“Agent Pike is Birdie’s soulmate.” Alex’s voice isn’t nearly as teasing, more of a soft tone of understanding cutting through the tension in the room. “And you told him before she could.”

“I’m not mad,” you assure your sister quickly, but your heartbeat has leapt up into your throat. “It’s just…it’s complicated.”

“Oh shiiiiiit.” Her eyes widen and she looks like she might cry. “Why— why didn’t he say anything? Why didn’t you? You’re soulmates? What about Sam?”

“I broke up with Sam.” That admission is heavy enough on its own, knowing that letting the cat out of the bag with your family is now officially necessary. “Not…exclusively because of that. But it made me think about things. And…I hadn’t told Marcus yet because I wasn’t sure. Plus, he’s seeing someone else. And I didn’t want to complicate things for him.” June really does look like she’s about to cry, though, and you get up and circle the table to hug her. “You didn’t know, Junebug. It’s okay.”

“Oh shit.” It’s not often your mother curses, but she does now. “Sam got an invitation to your birthday, I wouldn’t have dreamed of not inviting him, but if you’ve broken up….”

“I still want to stay friends with him.” The clarification is obviously important since it does change expectations a bit. “And Marcus will be home from London in time to come to the party, so please just…I will let you guys know when I’ve talked to him, okay? If I don’t say anything to you directly will you all please assume I haven’t gotten to talk to him about it yet and not say anything?”

“Damn.” Alex whistles quietly. “I thought my soulmate status was complicated.” He snorts. “You’ve got me beat, big sis.

“Your soulmate status isn’t complicated, people are just bigoted,” you toss back, knowing that Alex and David have been crazy about each other forever. They just stay quiet about it to avoid unnecessary commentary on their personal lives. Which you give them a lot of credit for, honestly. “This is…a lot.”

“Yes it is.” Your father speaks up. “And only you can decide when the time is right to talk to Marcus about this.” He agrees. “You said he was also seeing someone?”

"Yeah..." As the five of you slowly start to eat, the sick to your stomach feeling is subsiding a little and you nod. "Um...Vanessa D'Amario? She's, uh...she's Sam's aide."

Your mother winces. “Also daughter to Judge D’Amario.” She tells the table. “Federal circuit and on the short list for Supreme Court.” She would never tell you to not follow your heart, but she does want to caution you. “Just be honest and let Marcus decide what he needs to do before you take any steps.”

"I just want him to be happy." It sounds cliched, but as soon as it's out of your mouth you know it's true. That the feeling that's nestled deep into your ribcage is new love and that it's real enough to make you both selfless and just a little stupid. "If that means staying with Vanessa, I'll just have to deal with it."

Alex shakes his head. “That man is a romantic.” He snorts. “He probably is waiting for the right moment. Some big gesture.”

"I don't know what's going to happen," you admit, stabbing a piece of apple and some cheese rather violently with your salad fork. "But what I do know is that for now, I'm excited about Junie maybe meeting someone she's interested in and my birthday happening in a week." Your eyes raise to your mother on one end of the table and you offer her a lopsided smile. "You might have to tell me where the party is after all, Mom. Unless you're going to have somebody else drive me."

“I can have Marcus bring you.” She offers with a small grin.

"I honestly think he would forget how to speak if you called him." It's an enormously sweet and endearing thought, trying to wrap your head around how Marcus might react to the sitting President calling him up to ask a favor.

Your father chuckles and reaches over to take your mother’s hand. “Well, she might talk him into it if she demands a dance with him. She was grumbling about not being able to dance with your escort herself after the State dinner.”

"There's going to be dancing?" You raise your eyebrow at your mother, no longer able to get any kind of read at all at what kind of party this is going to be.

“That entirely depends on the music that you choose.” She grins at you. “Doesn’t have to be ballroom dancing. I can still break a leg.”

"It's cut a rug," June huffs, still amazed that the woman who somehow uses turns of phrase just barely incorrectly convinced an entire country to make her President.

The President laughs, aware of what the phrase actually is, she just enjoys watching her children cringe at times. “Whatever.” She huffs, waving her hand. “Either way, Birdie’s party will be wonderful.”

“That’s how your tattoo came up!” June huffs. “Your nickname. Again, I’m sorry, Birdo.”

"You couldn't have known, Junebug. It's okay." At another point in your lives you might have been the right ages for you to hold it over her head, but not anymore. You and June have just under ten years separating your ages and that difference has united you in as many ways as it's separated you. "And I'm going to be honest, along with all the different songs from the years of my life? It's a lot of 80s dance music. I gave the list to Dad when I got here."

“Perfect.” Your mom winks at you, “I loved the 80s.”

"We know, Mom." Alex snorts, shaking his head as he eats his salad. "Just promise you won't do the Running Man or the Robot or anything."

“My Robot is amazing!” She protests with a laugh, knowing that while she can dance, she’s goofy with that move. “Okay, okay I’ll resist.” She huffs dramatically.

“We acknowledge and appreciate your sacrifice,” you tease, raising your glass to your mother in salute.

“As long as my accomplishments are acknowledged.” She teases back, smiling at the three of her children. Happy that all of them are on the way to knowing their soulmates, even if they don’t choose to be with them. “So how do you feel about the idea that Marcus Pike might be your soulmate?” She asks softly. “That’s the most important thing.”

The opportunity to think about your answer while tonight’s main course comes out is appreciated, and when it turns out to be your mother’s very favourite thing on the planet — chicken cordon bleu with roasted potatoes and broccoli — the softness on your father’s face at seeing her delight reminds you of the warm, tight feeling in your chest every time you hear Marcus laugh. It tingles its way up to your cheeks and you end up smiling just hearing his name. “He’s a good man,” you say finally. “I think I’m lucky.”

She watches you with a sense of pride. “Good.” She hums and lifts her glass of lemonade. “To Birdie and Junie.” She poses. “May their soulmates be worthy of the wonderful women they are.”

“Here here!” Your father’s addition may not be long in the way of words, but he sees your reaction, and the soft way you smile, and has a feeling that things will end up okay.

June smiles, still feeling guilty for letting the cat out of the bag, but honestly she wonders if Marcus is aware that you might be soulmates. He didn’t seem to react too much from what she can remember.

“So…” Your mother sits up tall at the table and looks between her three children at the table. “Am I allowed to do a little business at supper? Since I have all of you here?”

“Oh boy.” Alex immediately rolls his eyes. “I knew we weren’t getting a great meal and there not be strings.” It’s an old joke in the family about how no one eats for free.

"Oh, you'll like yours," she waves one hand at him, unbothered by her middle child's habitual sass. "I just wanted to let all of you know that someone from my office is going to be contacting each of you in the next month or so with some opportunities for good publicity. There are plenty of websites and magazines that want to talk to the three of you and different businesses that want to be associated with you. We're going through all of it before we approve requests, and I thought each of you should be allowed to have some say in each of your approvals." She meets eyes with each of you individually, knowing what the first question will be. "And I'm sorry, but no publicity is not an option. That's why we're curating each list carefully. To keep things controlled and try to avoid things coming at any of you from left field."

June is the least social out of all of you and it’s immediately apparent that she is not happy. “Whhhhhhhhhy?” she whines. “You’re President, not us. Go adopt a puppy or something.”

"That's actually on the list," she admits, chuckling at how on the nose some of the choices are for her kids. "Since animal rights and animal welfare are the things that you've always cared the most about, we thought you might be willing to partner with a local rescue and pick out a new dog for the family." There has been a lot of time and effort put into making sure that the things being presented to each of the kids is something they actually care about and something that is representative of who they are. Hopefully that makes things a little less overwhelming for each of the kids individually.

“Wait…really?” Her parents have been loving and wonderful but the busy lifestyle they had lead hadn’t been fair to an animal. At least for a long time. The last family pet had been a cat who had died of old age when June was eight. “Are you being serious? This isn’t a joke, right?”

"They'll be your responsibility to take care of, for the most part," your mother warns, but she's glad to see the way June lights up. "I'm sure Alex will help, and Birdie too, when your sister is around. But...we know we're asking a lot of your kids. So we thought you should get something out of it, too."

“You had to wait until I’m practically out of the house?” Alex huffs playfully.

“Four years in the White House with a puppy still sounds like a pretty good time,” your dad contends. From the way he’s smiling it looks like letting Junie get a puppy was probably his idea. Even more so when he adds: “And I have some thoughts about the name.”

“We are not naming it Scout.” Alex warns him, pointing his finger at his father.

“But it’s a good name!” Your father protests in response, sending everyone into intermediate laughter and sighs. It’s always what he wants to name pets. Even the baby bird Junie rescued from the park when she was five.

“But we need something more dignified for a White House pooch.” June insists, grinning at her dad.

“Don’t tell me. You want to name the dog after Eleanor Roosevelt or Susan B. Anthony?” Alex jokes. “Why don’t we meet the pup before we name them? They might turn out to be just as goofy as the rest of this family.”

“We should get a really dopey puppy and name him Goofy.” June snickers happily. She picks up her glass. “I want to adopt.” She insists. “And make sure they are spayed or neutered.”

“I think Junie might be enjoying her assignment after all,” you observe, flashing both of your parents an impressed smile. Whatever they have for you, you’ll take the responsibility of more spotlight onto your shoulders with as much grace as you can muster. While it’s not your favourite part of your mother’s victory, it’s a very real part of how things will work for the next few years. And you did willingly sign up — for lack of a better phrase — to be as helpful as you could be.

“Good.” The President watches over all of you with a small smile and nods back at you. She knew that it would be difficult at times, but you are all handling it with as much grace and aplomb as could be expected.

“In other news.” With things going fairly well after the shock early in dinner tonight, your father is glad for the change in tone. “I hope everyone has the White House Easter Egg Roll already on their calendar.”

“I’m finding the golden egg!” Alex declares with a laugh. “There better be big money in it this year.”

“There will be prizes for the kids, and a nice lunch.” It earns Alex a smirk from your father, though. Of course it does.

“Are we supposed to do anything besides dress appropriately and be proud of you at the podium while you make a small speech?” It’s a valid question, directly aimed at your mother, but the question you’re afraid to ask is whether or not this is something they would prefer the three of you have escorts for.

“I’ve decided to change things up a little this year.” The President admits with hopeful smile. “We are bringing in one of the local orphanages, I was hoping that you and any friends you want to bring, along with my staff, would pair up with a child for the egg hunt.”

“You’re going to piss off a lot of judges and legislators with that one.” And you don’t mind pointing it out to her. It’s often seen as a privilege of the position for high-ranking government employees to get that coveted invitation for their families to attend White House events. Letting ‘just anybody’ in is a mark for your mother to the public but possibly against her to a lot of other people. “I’ll be sure to bring a whole crew.”

“Fuck ‘em.” She huffs, rolling her eyes. “It is the People’s House. That includes children that haven’t found their forever home yet.”

“Besides,” June smirks, the admiration for her mother clear as day on her face. “What are they gonna do? She’s the President. You can’t impeach somebody for being nice.”

“They are really going to be pissed when we push the homeless initiative.” She has a list of things that she wants to tackle before she has to worry about re-election or leaving the office. Honestly, she wants her record in office to do the campaigning for her.

“And we’ll be even prouder.” There hasn’t really ever been a time when you haven’t been proud of your mother, but seeing the things she wants to accomplish while in office really does hammer it home for you. If the number of homeless and unemployed drops across the country like it did in Pennsylvania while she was governor, it will be enough to put her in history books all by itself.

“Thank you all for your help, your patience and everything you put with.” Right now, there isn’t a Secret Service Agent in sight, they all stay outside of the private residence, but she knows that it chaffs sometimes.

“We’ve got your back, Mom,” you promise her, because despite being a family of sass and negotiation, the fact is that you’re all very close. The age gaps between you and your siblings have never mattered, and the bumps in the road that you’ve all weathered were manageable because you got over them together.

**

The invitation to your birthday is beautiful and Marcus smiles when he sees the theme. Finally home, there’s plenty of mail to open and things to do before he changes and runs over to the inn for the wedding rehearsal.

His cell phone is perpetually on his person, always ready to go at a moment’s notice, but he isn’t expecting any calls. He’s just concentrating on getting through his stack of mail and getting his head on straight when his phone goes off. The word Private across his phone screen isn’t necessarily unusual, but having just come home from a case, there is an uncomfortable possibility that this is work related.

“Special Agent Pike.” He tucks the phone under his chin as he sets the mail down, pulling out a notebook in case it’s someone about a case.

“Good afternoon, Agent.” The President’s voice is distinct and recognizable to anyone who has heard her speak as many times as a government agent has, but she introduces herself anyway. Arrogance isn’t a characteristic she typically has. “Do you have a moment?”

“Yes Ma’am.” Marcus straightens immediately and wonders if something is wrong. “What may I help you with?” The President of the United States is calling him, he is going to do whatever she needs.

“I know you have an important night, so I won’t keep you.” She is well apprised of the wedding you are coordinating in just two days’ time. You’ll be missing family dinner for it, but your business and your integrity are important enough to take precedence. “But I’m afraid I have to ask a small favor of you, if I may? Are you Stateside again, Agent Pike?”

“Yes Ma’am, I am.” The fact that she knows he was out of the country means you talked about him with her, even if it was concerning the invitation to the party. It warms him in a way that it shouldn’t, given your relationship with Congressman Chase. He knows that whatever the favor, he will gladly do it. “Whatever you need, I’ll be happy to help.”

“It’s small,” she promises with a chuckle. Just as you had said — and as she had seen a little bit of at the State dinner — Marcus Pike is an earnest sort of man. “I was hoping you would be willing to pick Birdie up for her party on Saturday to bring her to the venue? The location is a surprise and I know she’d appreciate being able to ride in with you.” Instead of one of her siblings is the end of the sentence in her mind, but these days she’s fairly certain that you would pick Marcus Pike over almost anyone.

“Of course.” He agrees immediately, almost without thought, but he wonders why Sam isn’t bringing you. He opens his mouth to ask, but quickly shuts it before anything comes out, deciding he doesn’t want to know if there’s some birthday surprise involving the congressman. “What time do you want me to have her walk through the door?” He asks instead.

“Seven-thirty would be ideal.” The invitations say to arrive at seven, and she wants everyone assembled at the club before you get there. “She’s never been to the Statesman Club, I checked with Sydney. So she shouldn’t have any idea where you’re bringing her. And don’t let the half-hearted protests convince you of a thing. She loves a surprise.”

Marcus chuckles quietly. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He promises. “Seven-thirty.” He repeats. “I’ll have her there on time. Will Agent Bailey follow us or ride with us?” He asks.

“She will follow.” In fact, as a mother, she made sure of that. The chance to give you and Marcus some time alone seemed important. “Hopefully nothing will be complicated, and everything should be fun. I do appreciate the favor, Agent. It won’t go unremembered.”

“I am happy to help.” He feels slightly strange about having the President feel indebted to him, not that he would use it for anything at all. “Sincerely.”

“Wonderful.” There’s a smile in her voice, but a finality as well. “Well, I won’t keep you. Have fun at the rehearsal dinner tonight and the wedding on Friday.”

He’s surprised she knows the plans, but why, he’s not sure. You are close to your mother and he doubts you don’t talk about your work. “Thank you Madame President.” He hums quietly. “Have a good evening.”

“Good evening. And thank you again.” The call clicks off with a pleasant tone, and the President smiles to herself on the other end, knowing you didn’t think she would actually go through with having Marcus bring you to your party.

Marcus just stares at the phone for a moment, feeling like that was a surreal moment. He’s certainly never had the President call him for a favor before. Chuckling to himself, he moves towards the bathroom, needing to shower before he gets dressed for the rehearsal.

**

The rehearsal dinner truly is the easiest part of this process. For you, at least. You’ve done large handfuls of them in the past to be a help to Juan, and the number of people at this particular rehearsal is going to be incredibly small. Cameron and her fiancé had asked for just a family style meal after the actual rehearsal and you had set up a round dinner table in the gazebo in the grounds for them to enjoy their night with a few friends and family in relative privacy. Per your usual protocol, everyone working the wedding will be in black tonight and for the ceremony on Friday, and you’ve set yourself into a long-sleeved black blouse and cigarette pants for tonight with a smart pair of flats to complete the Audrey Hepburn look. There was a lot of back and forth about it between you and Sydney and Juan, but now that you know Marcus knows about your soulmate status? You’ve got to talk to him tonight. You may even have a few surprises up your sleeve, since you had to change your plans for that grand, romantic gesture.

Marcus tries to make his outfit seem casual, a more tailored suit than he wears at work, no tie. Loafers instead of dress shoes. He shows up right as Cameron and Michael do. Smiling as they get out of their car and he hugs the bride, shaking the groom’s hand. “You survived.” He jokes.

“Thanks to you.” Cameron — Joyce outside of work and to her friends and family — happily hugs Marcus instead of shaking his hand. “I don’t know what you said to her but she has bent over backward to make this happen and we’re so grateful.”

“I just asked her for a favor.” He admits with a sheepish grin. “That’s all.”

“Well, then she’s an amazing friend and we’re grateful for that, too.” She’s absolutely beaming in her white floral sundress and happily ready for this week’s celebrations. As stressful as everything had been, it has also been wonderful to feel like the day isn’t in jeopardy after all. “How was the case?”

“Interesting, but I want to focus on you and Wiley.” He reaches into his coat and pulls out an envelope. “I want to help with the costs. I know you guys got screwed having to pay twice.”

Cameron shakes her head adamantly, touched by the gesture even though it isn’t necessary. “We didn’t have to pay twice,” she tells him, acknowledging how remarkable that is. “I don’t really know what she did, but she hasn’t asked us for any money. The whole thing is just…it’s been a miracle.”

“Wow.” Marcus’s eyes widen and he wonders if you managed to get the other venue to cover the costs, but he knows in his heart, you just aren’t charging them. “Okay.” He sighs. “If you’re sure.”

“You’ve already helped us so much.” As a coworker and a boss, Marcus is fantastic. But as a friend? She will always be grateful for everything he’s done. Their long friendship has been through plenty of ups and downs, but this is above and beyond any call of duty that she could possibly think of. “Are you…still okay with walking me down the aisle?“

“I am looking forward to it…although…if you want someone else to do that, I understand.” Marcus hums as you walk outside to greet them.

“Joyce, Michael, you look fantastic. How are we feeling tonight?” You are nothing but professional smiles despite your own nerves for the various things that are set to happen tonight. Hopefully it will all be emotional in good ways only. “I’m glad you were able to get back in time, Marcus.”

“Me too.” He smiles politely, trying not to moon over how good you look. It makes him want to reach out and pull you into his arms, although that’s not right. “Are we all set?”

“Just about.” There’s a tingling in your fingers and the nervous butterflies in your stomach bottom out, but things are as ready as they’re going to be. You’re not about to steal the thunder from this couple on such an important night, but Marcus looks so good in his more casual and stylish suit that you have to remind yourself that you can’t just drag him upstairs. “Let’s take a walk out to the back and I’ll just give you a few moments to say hi to everyone before we get in place for the rehearsal. Okay?”

“That sounds good.” She’s excited, of course she is, but she’s also very disappointed. Wishing that she had her family here. The upside is that Marcus and her other friends are the best kind of family she could ask for.

“We’ve set up a table out in the gazebo for dinner. It should fit all eleven of you just fine.” A slight smile touches your lips, knowing that the couple only told you to expect nine for the rehearsal. The first surprise of the night is waiting for them out in the garden.

Cameron frowns slightly, tilting her head as she catches the error. From what you’ve shown her, you don’t make mistakes. “Eleven?”

“Eleven.” Waving one beckoning hand, you head out to the garden with Marcus, Cameron, and Michael in tow.

There are big batches of raspberry iced tea ready for tonight and all the guests gathered in the garden have glasses already. A few people are chatting but mostly they are looking around, inspecting early flowers blossoming in the flower beds from the warm spring, and the large planters that have already been brought in to be part of the decor for the wedding. In amongst the guests — the joyful friends and select family members who had offered continuous support — are Agent Cameron’s parents.

“Mom? Dad?” Cameron’s tone is nearly disbelieving and that makes Marcus’s heart hurt.

Mr. Cameron unwinds his arm from around his nervous-looking wife’s waist and rubs his hands together. “I hope we aren’t crashing your party.” He wants to set her and Michael at ease that they aren’t here to cause trouble. “I got a call from your boss a few days ago.” He glances over at Marcus briefly before turning his attention back to his only daughter. “Who told me, in much more eloquent terms, that I was a horse’s ass and would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t support you and Wiley.” He explains. “Your mother and I….we would like to come to the wedding and if it’s possible, maybe I could give you away?” He hopes that she will let him but if not, he would understand.

“Really?” A grown woman of more than thirty years, Joyce Cameron tears up immediately and clutches her fiancé’s hand while staring — gob smacked — at both of her parents. The whole thing doesn’t even register for a few seconds before she looks over at Marcus with a watery smile. “I don’t know a lot of people who can say their boss saved their wedding, and this is so much more than just one day.” She turns to hug Marcus fiercely before walking the six steps across the lawn she needs to embrace both of her parents.

Michael hangs back, giving his fiancée her moment with her parents as he turns to look at Marcus in astonishment. “How?” He demands, making the older man shrug.

“I asked them if they would be proud of the union if you shared marks.” He tells him. “They said you were a good man, and I reminded them that is all they should want for their daughter. A good man. One who treats her like a queen. And she’s found that. In you.”

"I guess it took somebody from the outside." Wiley shrugs, though, watching his fiancée hug her parents with happy tears in her eyes. "She deserves this, Marcus. Thank you." He murmurs, before stepping up to shake his soon-to-be father-in-law's hand and leaving Marcus standing with you on the edge of the garden.

Marcus smiles, happy that he has been able to help Joyce again, even if it means that he’s lost out on walking her down the aisle. He will happily be relegated to just a guest in this case. After a minute or so of quiet where Marcus doesn't step away from you, you nudge his side playfully with your elbow. "It's good to see you in person again."

“Glad it’s not accompanied by screaming parents, disturbing the peace and police reports.” He snorts, turning and giving you a friendly grin. It’s all he can muster but hopefully it’s believable. “But at least I didn’t get thrown into the dungeon for trying to steal the jewels.”

"They were very meek and apologetic when they got here," you assure him. The maid of honor — a cousin, apparently — had been shocked to see them but things had gone okay after the initial surprise wore off. For now, it's only good things with this wedding party so you can turn your attention to Marcus. "It would've caused quite a scandal if I had to go over there and bail you out, so I'm also glad you didn't get into any scrapes across the pond. I don't know if my curtsy is good enough for groveling."

He laughs slightly and then looks back at the older couple talking with the younger one. The relief is staggering from both sides and he sighs happily. “Guess I’m out of the rehearsal.”

"No reason you can't stay." It probably comes out too quickly, but the last thing you want is for him to leave. Not when you have...things you want to say. "You're the hero of the night. Stay and have a little supper, at least. I'm sure they don't want you to go."

“I wasn’t planning on leaving just yet.” He assures you. “Not when I can stay and bask in the happiness that my meddling worked.”

"Bask in it all you like. You earned it." Just like you're basking in this — just standing here beside him while the warmth of his presence washes over you like an exquisite sunset.

“Just like you.” Marcus turns towards you. “Are you not charging them? Or did the other place pony up some money?”

"I couldn't bear to charge them anything," you admit, shrugging your shoulders slightly. It's not something you're doing for the praise — it's something you're doing for the love of him as much or more than any other reason. "Derby Farms' lawyers are putting together compensations for all the clients who lost their dates and deposits and all...and it covered the expenses here. They already paid for their wedding once. And Sydney's food is better than what they serve anyway."

“So let me give you this.” He pulls the envelope out of his coat again. “To help. Because you just said they ‘are’ not they ‘have’.” He points out. “You have expenses.”

"You don't have to do anything, Marcus." Pressing the envelope gently back toward him, you just shake your head once so you don't draw any kind of attention from the happy wedding party or their officiant as he gets them all into order. "You asked me for a favor and I take that very seriously."

“I didn’t mean that you shouldn’t be paid.” He huffs, knowing that your time is precious and you have worked miracles with the short amount allotted.

"I know. But this is...it's more than just a few days of business. It's their happiness. And—" Your head tilts slightly, knowing that you didn't plan for this kind of timing but now you have a bit of extra time. "Do you...would you mind if we...talked? Just for a couple of minutes, since the rehearsal will go perfectly smoothly without either of us?"

Marcus feels his stomach flip and he swallows slightly, wondering why you want to talk to him. “Sure.” He says breezily.

You nod to the right, to where one of the small outbuildings that you use as a staging area has been staged for tonight, instead. Set up with twinkle lights and a little set of Bluetooth speakers and a small something for Marcus, you feel like you're visibly shaking as you walk to what used to be a shed and is now quite fixed up and neatly painted. The lights and music aren't on — not wanting to force a romantic mood on him in case he reacts poorly in any way to what you have to say — but privacy is good regardless.

"I...before anything else, I owe you an apology," you start, inhaling and exhaling deeply once the thin door has tapped shut behind you both.

“You don’t have anything to apologize for.” His rebuttal is automatic, along with the frown on his face.

"Yes I do." The nerves are running through you like lightning strikes, but you wrote out all of what you wanted to say and if you get through half of it you'll be very proud of yourself. "I kept something from you. Something important. And I thought I had kept a lid on it until I was prepared to really explain why I kept quiet. But then I found out at family dinner last week that Junie had gone and spilled the beans on me at the State dinner and I just..." Deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. "I should have told you that I suspected we were soulmates right away. And I didn't. So I'm sorry, I just hope you'll let me explain why."

Marcus freezes and he wants to walk away. Fear, true fear curling in his gut. The fear of being rejected by the person the universe had said was supposed to be his. To realize that he wasn’t good enough for anyone. “You don’t—” he shakes his head. “Please don’t. Not right before Cameron’s wedding.” He asks softly.

"I know." You hang your head in turn, the bravery evaporating from you far faster than the weeks it has taken you to build it all up. "You're seeing Vanessa. And that's part of why I kept things to myself. If you really—" Nearly hiccupping at the idea of full-on rejection when you had been dreaming of any other reaction, you nod dumbly and try not to look as crestfallen as you feel. "I'm sorry. I should have kept it to myself a while longer, I guess."

Marcus chuckles dryly, surprised that he can in a moment like this. “I went to her after the State dinner.” He admits, looking down at his loafers and wishing he was still in the wedding after all. “I needed to tell her that I— that it was— to end things.” He sighs and gives a self-amused smirk at the ground. “Only to get dumped before I could open my mouth.” He shoves his hands into his trouser pockets. “She apparently discovered who her soulmate was.”

"When it rains, it pours." Your laugh is hollow, still afraid, and you twist your arms behind your back nervously. "So...all the phone calls...all the times I swore to myself I wasn't going to flirt with you on the phone...we've both been single the whole time?"

“You’re dating Sam.” He murmurs, as if to remind you even though it’s odd you would say that. It is too much of a hope to have that you had ended things with him.

"I told you at the State dinner that I was ending things." Although it does, somehow for the very first time, occur to you that you didn't actually tell him you had done it. "I meant it. I broke up with him the next day."

“Why?” The question is quiet, although he would normally never pry, he needs to know.

"Do you want the complete or abridged list of reasons?" Attempting at humor falls short, and you find yourself swallowing down that fear mixed with bile that is threatening to bubble up your throat. "Well... whichever list you pick... this biggest reason is... is actually you." Inhale. Exhale. Try to remember everything you wrote down over the last week. "Because from the moment you walked in the front door of the inn, you took my breath away. And not just because you're handsome, although I admit that's undeniable. It's the way you seem to make things effortless. Easy conversations and god you have the most incredible laugh. It's like music. Everything about you has just built up and built up and... and somehow it isn't just oh, I like Marcus more than I like Sam. It's the way something inside me started tugging toward you right away and I didn't know what it was. All the cracks in the veneer I had built up of convincing myself that I was happy before... I've been happier being friends with you than I was in that entire relationship."

As the rambling boils over, the small speech you prepared is abandoned, and for better of your worse you find yourself laying your heart bare right there on the floor of the work shed. "I told myself I couldn't tell you that I was falling in love with you until I had made sure that I was doing it for the right reasons, but I don't even know what the right reasons are anymore. I just... know that my entire life I've felt like I was reaching for the moon. And every time you smile at me, it makes me feel like the moon is reaching for me, instead."

There’s a moment when his heart stops. Skips a beat or just falters from the emotions. Recognizing the line, it’s almost embarrassing how misty his eyes become. “You quoted Sabrina.” He murmurs, finally able to catch his breath and pure pleasure rushes through him when he realizes that this isn’t the ‘sorry we can’t’ speech he had been anticipating. “I didn’t want cause you problems.” He admits softly. “But I was – expecting this to be more of a reasons why you couldn’t be with me, speech. So you’ve surprised me.”

He smiles at you again. “From the moment I met you, I felt like I knew you. That you were someone precious to me.” He whispers. “And you are. Not just for the ridiculous tattoo we share—” he jokes, reaching for your hand. “But because of the woman you are. Hardworking, kind, smart, generous, beautiful – inside and out.”

His touch soothes and burns all at once, scorching you and making you feel lighter than air. All the grand, elaborate plans you made have gone out the window, and now it’s just you and Marcus standing together alone with your hearts in your throats. “Every realistic way I imagined this going…most of them ended in a polite denial or a reminder that you’re seeing someone,” you admit, exhaling a shaky breath. “I almost don’t know what to do now.”

“Neither do I.” Marcus can only laugh because he’s so hesitant right now. So sure you had wanted to just pretend he wasn’t your soulmate, he hadn’t even realized he had discounted the possibility you wanted the connection.

“I had a whole plan.” A fact which now makes your cheeks burn just as much as your hand is where he’s still holding it. “It was much more romantic than just spilling my guts to you all at once, I promise.”

“A plan?” He frowns slightly in confusion.

Not willing to take your hand back from him, you reach over with your free one and flip a few light switches — turning off the main lights in the small room and turning on the twinkling fairy lights instead. The small Bluetooth speaker crackles to life to begin playing Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose, and a small, cylindrical box nearby holds a single, ivory Eternity rose. Opening it now feels almost backward, but you still want Marcus to have the small token of your affection. “My first thought was honestly to whisk us both off to Paris for a weekend,” you admit, laughing at your own romanticism. “But when I reined myself in a little, I realized that all I really want is to spend time with you. So… Marcus Pike…” you hold out the wax treated rose just like a nervous high schooler and admit to yourself that that is how you feel right now. “Would you like to go out with me sometime?”

He’s been asked out before, he has. He’s been hit on in bars or through dating apps, but this feels significant, because no one has ever put a lot of thought or effort into doing something for him. “Maybe Paris next weekend.” He chuckles, taking the rose and reaching out to cup your face with it in his hand. “This weekend we have a wedding and a birthday party.” He hums softly. “And maybe the flea market on Sunday?” He would say a baseball game, but the season hasn’t started yet.

“I’d really like that.” With his hand there it’s nearly impossible not to lean into his palm, and the feeling of nearly shaking apart with excitement shoots through you again. “As long as…” The nerves return, but you swallow them down carefully. “You don’t mind being seen out with me? People tend to take notice these days… and there’s always a chance of being photographed. Well… you saw the papers after the dinner…”

“I don’t care if the whole world knows that I’m out with you.” Marcus murmurs softly. “I’ll be proud to stand beside you. Not because I want any kind of fame or recognition, but because I’m with you.” He smiles. “Although sunglasses and a baseball cap work wonders for making people second guess if you want anonymity.”

“We’ll have to give it a try.” You’re beaming at him, absolutely grinning from ear to ear, and the feeling of rightness in this moment is nearly overwhelming. “I would’ve told you all this two weeks ago if I’d known on that first phone call that we were both single already. But I’m glad we got to do this face to face instead.”

“Getting away was best.” Marcus admits softly. “I was having a hard time reminding myself that you weren’t available.”

Nuzzling your cheek into his hand is as easy as breathing, and you laugh softly. “I think if you had asked, I would have come running.”

He smiles and gazes at you softly. “This is real? I’m not dreaming?” He jokes.

“If you’re dreaming, then we both are.” It’s nice to know you’re not alone in this giddiness, and even getting lost in his eyes at this moment feels like a gift.

“Sweetheart…” Marcus brushes his thumb over the apple of your cheek. “May I kiss you?” Even if you are his soulmate, and want to be with him, you deserve to be asked.

“I was going to ask you the same thing,” you admit after a soft laugh. “I’m glad we’re already on the same page.”

“Good.” Marcus is stepping closer the second you say that. His other hand on your hip gently and he smirks slightly. “You don’t know how badly I wanted to kiss you during that dance.”

“About half as badly as I wanted to kiss you?” It’s good that you didn’t, of course. Not in front of so many people and while you were both still attached to others. But now? In privacy? Your heart is beating wildly out of time. “Please?”

Marcus is happy that his lips aren’t chapped, pressing them together and then parting them slightly. Watching you in wonder as he leans in.

The knock that comes just a second before your lips meet is probably the single most unwelcome interruption in history, and the disappointed sigh you let out when you hear your name called from the other side is practically a growl. "I'll be right there!" You call back, wishing you'd just hesitated slightly less and gotten to that kiss a touch faster.

He chuckles quietly and his own sigh of frustration is smothered. “Duty calls.”

"Hold that thought." You lean forward, pressing a kiss to his cheek, and give him a gentle hug before turning around to shut off the electronics of your little surprise. He's still holding the rose bud with its trimmed stem, and you gently tuck it into his lapel with a smile. "I'll make it worth being interrupted, I promise."

“It’s okay, Birdie.” He uses your nickname for the first time. “You take care of what you need to.”

"If they're done it means it's time for dinner." It's still his friend's night, even if something has also happened here for you and for Marcus. "Come on." As much as you don't want to, you both have to go back out there. "Sydney made a ton of panzanella salad, giant pans of lasagna and these amazing parfaits of Madagascar vanilla panna cotta, raspberry jam, and pistachio brittle. I can't allow you to miss this dinner." It absolutely sucks to have to open the door, but you're practically beaming you're smiling so hard. "Sydney can't get over the fact that you were talking her up to José Andrés, by the way. I think you have a private chef for life."

“That sounds amazing.” He groans, having missed the last few meals due to traveling. “And I was only telling the truth.”

Coming out of the work shed, you see the wait staff starting to bring beer around to the table — as requested by the couple instead of wine or champagne with their casual rehearsal meal — and you nod toward the gazebo. “Go join your friends. I’m going to go check in in the kitchen and make sure Syd has everything under control.”

“Talk later?” He asks seriously, lifting a brow at you. There’s a lot to talk about obviously, but he does want to kiss you.

“If you want to stay late, I’m not going to be upset.” As soon as it’s out of your mouth you realize it could be taken as an overnight invitation, and while that wasn’t what you meant originally, you’re also not going to turn him away if he wants to stay the night. Apparently your old tendency to be fast-moving in potential relationships is back with gusto.

He smiles softly and nods, trying not to read into it, but he will be talking to you later.

Telling yourself you’re walking back to the main building at a reasonable pace, you know you’re racing when you bust in the back door and practically fling yourself into the kitchen as the waitstaff is bringing dinner out to the wedding party.

“There you are!” Sydney is rushing around, checking everything as she grins at you. “You disappeared on me.”

“Sorry.” In all honesty, you hadn’t expected things to go so well, and you were happily tucked away in a little vortex where time didn’t exist. “I lost track of time…talking to Marcus.”

“Oh!” She immediately stops and comes over to you. “How did it go?” She knows you’ve been worrying over possibly the most important conversation of your life.

Absolutely deadpan — or at least as close to it as you can get right now — you tilt your head at Sydney. "I'm firing your head server for interrupting us before he could kiss me."

“Done.” She snaps her fingers playfully. “Gone.” She insists. “Oh my god! He was going to kiss you! How did— so obviously he’s not upset, right? Unless it was going to be an angry kiss? But I don’t see Marcus being an angry kisser. Do you?” She’s rambling because she’s happy, ecstatic for you really. Now dreaming of a happily ever for you.

“It was definitely not angry.” Now that Syd is bubbling over too, you start giggling all over again. “We’re going to go out on Sunday, which means we’re spending like half the weekend together.”

“Half?” She snorts and shakes her head. “You mean all.” Holding up her hand she smirks. “Wedding Friday, you are going to attend and you know it.” She holds up one finger. “Then your birthday party.” She holds up another finger. “And now a date on Sunday.” She holds up three fingers altogether. “That’s all the days of the weekend, my love.”

"I will be working the wedding and seeing him for part of each day doesn’t mean he’ll want to see me all day." Even as primly as you try to present it, you know she's right, and the giggles boil over once again. "He's got the rose in his lapel and I can't wait for him to realize that it's the special kind that's been treated to last for years."

“And in return, he’s going to support you like you’ve never been supported before.” She snicker, beaming at you. Now that Sam is gone, she’s realizing how much more enthusiastic you are about the inn again. Like the zeal had been suppressed when you were with him. Or maybe planning this wedding is what has snapped you out of the funk.

“There was a dirty pun in there somewhere,” you observe, giving her a playful side eye. “Or maybe I just hope there was.”

She smirks and waggles her brows at you. “Are you needing a good romp, Birdie?” She asks playfully.

“Listen.” Wagging a finger at her, you blow out a breath and lower your voice, making sure no one else can hear you. “There nothing wrong with missionary. Nothing, as long as it’s done right. But a girl likes a little variety.”

“You mean you want your hair pulled while you’re railed from behind and he slaps your ass right above that dirty little tattoo and calls you his filthy, gorgeous little cum dumpster?” She winks wickedly at you.

Your deadpan expression comes back just long enough to tease her, and you put one hand on your best friend’s shoulder seriously. “Thanks for the insight into how my goddaughter was conceived.”

“You’re welcomed.” She snorts, laughing at herself. “I wel-cummed too!”

“Oh my Fuckin god.” Snorting, you turn away to grab your clipboard and try to compose yourself but are still laughing when you head for the door again. “Okay. I gotta back out there and pretend I’m not thinking about fucking that gorgeous man in the bathtub. Byyyyyeeee.”

“Byyyyyyyyeeee!” She afflicts the same tone you do and waves happily before diving back into making sure every dessert is perfect.

**

For a wedding that has been so fraught with stress, the rehearsal dinner goes perfectly. Dinner is delicious and by the end of the night, it’s obvious that Cameron and her soon-to-be husband are feeling both much more relaxed and more excited for their big day.

“Tonight is about you.” Marcus lifts his beer in a toast and smiles at them. “In two days, you will be married.” He chuckles. “And then I don’t want to see you in the office for two weeks.” He tells his agent fondly.

“She’ll be in good hands, I promise.” From the edge of the gazebo, you offer everyone a smile.

“You have planned everything perfectly.” Cameron smiles and stands quickly, walking over to hug you.

“It’s been my pleasure,” you assure her honestly, giving the very sweet bride a squeezing hug back. “I forgot how much I enjoy the hustle of wedding planning.”

“You have done such an amazing job. I would never know you didn’t do it all the time.” She promises you.

"I'm glad you're not upset to be stuck with second fiddle while Juan is out of town. I promise I consulted him every step of the way." The two of you exchange another hug as people start to get up from the table, all of them milling about and not quite ready to say good night. "You have a spa day tomorrow for your bachelorette right? Enjoy it."

“My mom is coming with me too.” For a moment, she looks like she’s going to cry again. Only happy tears though. “I can’t believe it.”

"Bask in that happiness, Joyce. You deserve it." Over the past two weeks it's become very routine for the two of you to check in with each other, and the text message thread you share has been as cram full of memes, music recommendations, and little affirmations as anything else. It's an unexpected start to a friendship, but a friendship nonetheless.

“I can’t believe Marcus called them.” Even hearing it from them again, she’s still in awe. Especially because they had changed their minds. “I just wish Michael’s parents would be here. That would make it perfect.”

"They might need a little more time to come around, but don't let that hold a cloud over your day." You squeeze her arms gently in both hands, prompting both of you to smile. "It's going to be a wonderful day no matter what. You get to marry the man you love. That's what matters."

“That is all that matters.” She smiles in that giddy, secretive way as her eyes automatically drift over to where her fiancé is talking with Marcus and her father. Looking a little more dreamy when she sees the man she will create a life with.

"Go on." Nudging her a little and grinning, you have to acknowledge that at least half your smile is for Marcus, but it's a private acknowledgement. "Have a fantastic day tomorrow and I'll see you Friday morning to start getting ready."

“I will.” She promises. “And when we come back, I want to take you and Sydney out to lunch. One that she doesn’t fix.”

"Deal. We'll want to hear all about the honeymoon anyway." As soon as you agree she's skittering off again, excitable and oh so ready to spend some time with her almost husband.

Somehow, Marcus has been talked into a round of golf with Cameron’s father and Michael tomorrow, although he’s not sure how that happened.

You don't butt in and don't eavesdrop, just quietly start clearing the table of dirty dishes and loading up trays with silverware and glasses to be brought back inside to clean. The party has already started slowly wandering across the lawn to the parking lot so you know it won't be too much longer before you can shut down and get upstairs. If Marcus is too tired after everything to want to talk tonight, you'll absolutely understand. It's not like you won't see him again in just two days' time.

Marcus says goodnight to everyone and looks around, finding another tray of dishes loaded up to take inside and he picks it up. Assuming you are already taking more back and he can help you clean up.

When he walks into the kitchen with a full tray to hand off to the dishwasher, your already bright smile gets impossibly bigger. “You’re a guest,” you remind him, lifting the tray from his hands and reveling in the tiniest touch of skin to skin regardless of how fleeting it is. “You don’t have to clean up.”

“And you shouldn’t have to do everything when I have two empty hands.” Marcus replies with a grin.

“As helpful as you are handsome.” Now that the line has been crossed — now that you can — flirting is probably going to bleed through into just about everything.

He doesn’t know exactly how to respond to that enthusiastic flirtation, so he just shrugs slightly, aware of how his cheeks are heating up. “I try.” Is all he can muster.

“Sorry,” you cringe for a second, realizing you might have stepped too far over that newly crossed line, and you bit your lip. “Too much?”

“No.” He shakes his head quickly, not wanting you to feel like you have done something wrong. “Not at all. It’s just—” he shrugs self-consciously again. “I liked it, a lot.”

“Okay.” The momentary pause with both of you smiling at each other like star struck idiots is broken by the sound of Sydney clearing her throat.

“Go,” she insists to you, even making a shooing motion with her hand. “We’ve got clean up. Go upstairs.”

“I— are you sure?” Marcus frowns slightly, aware that Sydney is pregnant and has to be tired.

“I have tons of help.” Motioning around the kitchen before she shoos you again, Syd considers his concern for her an extra mark in his favor, but insists. “Seriously, go on. And don’t let her do any more work tonight. She’s been going nonstop without the benefit of a whole staff to help her.”

“I won’t.” Marcus promises, looking back at you. “I’ll make sure she does nothing but relax.”

“That’s exactly what I want to hear.” Sydney grins, throwing you a wink before turning back to the tray of things she was unloading.

He doesn’t know what all was said, but obviously there’s been a conversation between you and your best friend. “Do you want to buy a bottle of wine to take upstairs?” He suggests.

“Sounds perfect.” More than anything it implies that he wants to stay for a little while, and you’re very happy to hear that.

He figures that will let you relax; you can have some time to talk and then you can go to bed after he leaves. “Okay.” He smiles. “Any particular bottle you’re fond of?”

“I don’t know a whole lot about wine.” You had been trying to absorb whatever Sam had told you about a particular bottle or style, but it hadn’t been sticking well. “I’ve been sticking with sweeter wines, but if you have something you like I’d love to try it.”

“Sweet.” He decides it’s a perfect time to flirt back. “I’ll try to pick one that’s as sweet as you are.” He promises before he walks out of the kitchen to look at the wine rack.

"If you'll excuse me." Glancing over at Sydney, both of you grin at each other. "I'm going to go scream into a pillow about how cute that man is."

“Maybe you’ll scream into a pillow for a different reason.” She teases, throwing you another wicked wink. “Go get your soulmate, Tiger.”

While you absolutely would not mind, you don't think that's on the docket for tonight. Still, you smack a kiss on your best friend's cheek and head down the hallway to find Marcus coming out of the bottle room with a bottle of Riesling in hand. "Find something you approve of?"

“I think this will satisfy us both.” He hums, smiling at the sight of you. “Are you hungry? We could order something to be delivered.”

"I have the makings of an excellent charcuterie in my fridge upstairs, if you're interested?" While the wedding party ate, you picked minimally at a small bowl of salad and gotten some other things done, so a snack along with your wine sounds perfect. "If nothing there looks good to you, there are lots of places that deliver."

“I always love a good charcuterie.” Marcus admits, nodding easily. “As long as you are content. I notice you didn’t eat much and I’m sure you didn’t eat in the kitchen when you were running around.”

His caretaking tendencies are endearing, and since he had mentioned to you before that his ex wasn't a fan of them, you offer him a sincere smile. It's...sort of remarkable the way he notices things but you have to think that some of that comes out of his professional training. "You were supposed to be having fun, not keeping an eye on me," you chide gently as you walk together toward the elevator. Agent Bailey is keeping her distance but always present, trying to give you a bit of privacy while still doing her job.

“It’s hard not to notice a beautiful woman.” Marcus comes back easily. “Especially knowing what we know now, it’s impossible.” He isn’t going to rush you, not on the heels of a previous relationship, but he wants to get to know you. Learn more about his soulmate.

"That makes me feel slightly less self-conscious about always feeling like there's a magnet in my eyes whenever you're around," you admit. The elevator dings on the bottom floor, expelling two guests, and the three of you get in together once it's empty.

“I felt extremely guilty about how interested I was in you, from the very beginning.” He admits softly. “But I never would have said a word. That invitation to dinner was just a friendly invite.”

"That's all I took it as. And how I meant it when I accepted. It's just...that interest has always been there. For both of us, I guess." The ride to your apartment in the attic doesn't take long. It's only four floors, after all.

“Good. Soulmate or not, I don’t— cheating is not something I approve of or want to engage in.” He assures you. It’s not like being a soulmate would prevent cheating, there are still crappy human beings in the world.

"Cheating is really my biggest...I won't call it a trauma from earlier relationships, but definitely the issue that weighs most heavily on me. I absolutely do not and cannot condone it." The door to your apartment swings open easily and Agent Bailey steps inside to do her usual check of things before settling onto a chair by your door. Marcus has only been to your place once, but it's not exactly large so it's easy to see pretty much everything from the front entry. "My agents have free reign in my kitchen, also. Just...in case I never thought to mention that. I keep snacks they like on hand, and the coffee they like. Plus sometimes you might see a lunch bag or something on the bottom shelf. It's my home, but it's also their workplace, so I try to make sure they feel like they can be comfortable."

“That’s very nice of you.” He chuckles and glances at Agent Bailey. “I’m sure it’s appreciated. Sometimes eating during work is hard isn’t it?” She nods and he glances back at you. “Why don’t you go change into your comfy clothes and I’ll get everything?”

"There's platters and boards in the cabinet to the left of the refrigerator." On a more casual evening, you would have tipped your head back to kiss him, but something in your gut tells you that your first kiss with this man will be anything but casual and not to waste that little bit of magic. "I'll be right back."

“Take your time.” He smiles. “Agent Bailey can help if I need to find something.”

If it wasn’t the first time you’re spending time together like this, and if there wasn’t a Secret Service agent on hand, you might have gone into your room and found something slinky or lacy or otherwise revealing to put on. Slip into something a little more comfortable, as the movies always used to say. Instead, you trade your cigarette pants for a pair of yoga pants that you routinely sleep in, and trade the very tailored, carefully fitted blouse and push up bra for an old tank top that is soft on your skin and an oversized sweatshirt from Kings College, back when you were in London. The decision to wipe your makeup off and just be a bare, clean version of you is one you take very seriously. Some men expect their partners to be ‘on’ at all times and that isn’t you.

Marcus finds your kitchen to be small, but set up in a very easy to use kind of way. He follows your directions for the board, and opens the wine to let it breathe before diving into your fridge and small pantry to put together a board based off what you have. You were right, you have all the makings for an excellent board and he hums as he works.

It’s certainly less than ten minutes that you’re gone, but when you reappear again, Marcus has created a masterpiece of a board and fished two wine glasses out of your cupboard to boot. He looks so natural — standing there in your kitchen with his shirt collar hanging open and a look of deep concentration on his face as he works to twist slices of prosciutto into something resembling a knot or a flower — that it makes you downright emotional. In all the months you were with Sam, he had barely done more than fix you a cup of coffee.

Looking up when he senses movement, he beams at the sight of you all dressed down. Even more beautiful than you had been when he arrived. “How did you manage to do that?” He asks, abandoning the prosciutto to scoop up a wine glass and walk around the bar to bring it to you. “You look even better than you did when you walked into your room.”

“He prefers the casual look.” You beam at him, letting the heat in your cheeks burn the rest of your face as well. “Noted.”

“You are beautiful dressed up or dressed down.” He promises, smiling as he hands you the wine. “Go sit and I’ll bring the food over. The couch?”

“Perfect.” It seems like you’re saying that a lot, but your face is on fire with the compliment as you accept the wine glass from him and glance back at your living room. There are a few candles around just because you like the ambiance, and you quickly gather them to put out on your coffee table. When was the last time anyone had just…taken charge and spoiled you like this? Maybe years ago? Maybe never. It’s certainly not something Sam ever did — those situations always seemed to be you serving him and never about meeting in the middle or treating you. The realization stings, but only for a moment.

“I hope you don’t mind.” It takes him a second to gather up the board, his wine and the bottle, but he manages it before he starts to walk over. “I found a little bag of chocolate candies and I love having chocolate with cheese.”

“I don’t mind at all. You’re perfectly right about those two together.” The board he sets down looks like it belongs on the cover of a cookbook or a food blog, and it looks like he found your nearly-done jar of blackberry jam too, because there is a ramekin of it on the board next to some of your favourite sesame crackers. “This is…” It’s perfect, but since you keep using that word, you search for another. “It’s such an indulgence, and a beautiful one, too.”

He’s never described himself as someone who preens, but he definitely wallows in your praise just a bit. “I took a charcuterie board making class.” He explains. “I thought it would be a good date. Food, learning, wine. The date didn’t work out, but I enjoyed the class.”

“And you clearly absorbed everything they taught you.” Shifting over on the couch, you take the wine bottle from him and set it on a thick coaster before inspecting the magic he’s made of all the bits and pieces from your kitchen. “Thank you for this. I know you must be tired from traveling and everything, but I’m glad we actually have a chance to talk.”

“You’ve been busy too.” He reminds you softly, leaning over and nudging your shoulder gently. “Putting on a wedding in two weeks’ time with little help.” He huffs slightly. “I hope you know that’s not exactly what I had in mind when I called you for a favor.”

“I know it’s not.” The first sip of the wine you take is sharp and fruity up front, mellowing on your tongue and warming you through just seconds later. “But you wouldn’t have called if it wasn’t important to you, and…you’re important to me. So I wanted everything to be perfect.”

He can’t help but give a pleased little hum in the back of his throat, covering it up by taking his own sip of wine. “I appreciate it, so much. You can see why it was important. Cameron— I guess I need to start calling her Joyce— and Michael are such good people.

“I wanted you to know you could count on me,” you admit, sitting forward to compose your first little bite. “And I ended up making new friends in the process.”

“I think that is probably the best part.” Marcus smiles as you pick and poke until you get the bite you want on your cracker.

A sesame cracker with creamy Brie and a little dab of Calabrian chili jam — not traditional, but an experiment of Syd’s — is first and you practically giggle at how well it all goes together. Even the sweet wine seems to be perfect with the spicy jam. “So…” The beginning of something like this, not that you’ve ever sat down to have a methodical chat with your soulmate before, feels important and intimidating. “Do you mind if we sort of lay things out in the proverbial table? Just kind of be open with each other going into this?”

“I think that would be the best way to handle things.” Marcus admits, hoping that the way you’ve phrased that isn’t some kind of ominous prelude of what’s to come. You surely wouldn’t flirt with him and then crush his hopes? He picks up his own cracker and puts a slice of very sharp cheddar and a fig onto it with a smear of the blackberry jam on top.

“We’ve already talked about wanting kids.” That day at Eastern Market has stuck in your mind, although you couldn’t have known then that it would become such an important topic for you. “And I…I’m actually looking forward to being married. To have a partner who is my confidante and my friend and my support as well as being along for whatever fun and mischief might come up in our lives. I just…my family means the world to me and the fact that I couldn’t see a future with Sam where we were equal partners in an equal marriage was one of the major reasons I knew it wasn’t going to work out.”

Marcus chews his bite, understanding what you are meaning. “So you are asking if I can handle the political, social spotlight and put up with the interferences that it might cause in our personal lives?”

“Partially.” You nod and go back in to build another bite. Serious conversations somehow always make you hungry, so this was a good idea. “I’m also asking if your dream or your future includes a wife who stays at home with the kids, because that isn’t a version of me that I have ever found realistic.”

Marcus laughs, shaking his head and reaching out to pick up a candy, offering it to you instead of eating it himself. “No.” He snorts. “God no, I’ve never had any dreams of having a wife at home to cook and clean, bring me my slippers or anything of the sort.” He assures you. “My parents both worked, my father was constantly traveling. My mother would sometimes work late. We had my family, family friends, babysitters to help her when he was gone. I know that this inn is important to you.” He stresses carefully. “What you decide to do, that is what I would want you to do.”

The chocolate drop is such a small offering physically, but the warmth is spreads through you to accept is something you can’t really describe. Marcus just puts you so at ease, even with small gestures. “I saw my father give things up to help my mother achieve everything she ever wanted,” you tell him honestly. “And while I know he’s happy, it isn’t what he dreamed of. And I’ve just always wanted to find a way to make sure my partner and I could both have our dreams come true.”

“My own dreams are pretty simple.” He shrugs. “I want an equal partnership. Kids. A healthy family dynamic where sometimes I have to take off work because the kids are sick, or you have to take them to work because I’m out of town. I like compromises.”

“Compromises are good.” The chocolate melts slowly on your tongue, mixing with wine and making you smile again. “I like traditions, too. Mixing your family traditions with mine and then coming up with some new ones all our own.”

“And I understand that for the next three to seven years, your family is….well, prioritized, for lack of a better word, and I’m okay with that.” He knows that there will be press obligations and holidays where you need to be present. He wouldn’t begrudge you that.

“You don’t mind Friday night family dinners, or a Secret Service detail, or the fact that people are going to feel entitled to know things about us or have opinions about us?” Sam had said he didn’t mind. And sometimes you thought he even basked in it a little, but the reality is that he doesn’t like things he can’t control. You just hope Marcus is willing to be a little more flexible.

“Do I love the idea of people judging our lives when they don’t actually know the details?” Marcus shrugs slightly. “No, but at the same time, I understand that it will happen. I’m not going to be upset at you for it.” He glances back at Agent Bailey who is comfortably sitting in a chair and trying to not listen in on your conversation. “Your detail is a necessary evil. I would never want you to get rid of them. I know the types of threats your family can receive.”

“My Dad’s already gotten a few.” Of course your mother has, but as the first female President she had expected that and has just handed the pertinent materials over to the Secret Service. “He just says it’s proof that Mom is a strong leader that some people also feel strongly against her. But that doesn’t have anything to do with you and me.”

“No, it doesn’t.” He can agree with that. “But some think that the sin of the mother, in this case…” he picks up a grape and offers it to you. “Are you worried I will hate it, or love it?”

“The attention?” Without even thinking, the bite of cheese and prosciutto in your hand instantly becomes his in exchange for the grape, like a reflex. Sharing easily and just instinctively giving things back and forth without worry. “I’m terrified that you’ll start to resent it and resent me by association.”

“Never happen.” He can promise you that with absolute certainty. “I am the son of a therapist, remember?” He teases lightly, tapping your nose. “I talk when things bother me. I don’t hide from them.”

“I’m the daughter of two lawyers, one of whom turned politician.” It’s impossible not to nudge toward him, the endearing little boop to your nose making you smile like an idiot all over again. “We’ll talk about it, but as soon as you’ve given me your opening statement I’ll have a cross-examination, a motivational monologue, and an emotional closing argument ready to go.”

He throws his head back and laughs. “You do realize that I’ve got quite a bit of experience on the stand, right?” He asks, picking up another cracker and recreating your first bite to hold out to you. He had enjoyed the way you moaned over it.

“And if I remember correctly, you said you also debated at the family dinner table.” This time you spread some of the goat cheese from the board onto a piece of baguette and top it with a chocolate drop for him to try. “So I think we’re going to be just fine and the communication front.”

“I don’t foresee any grand problems.” He agrees. “But if there are issues, we talk and work them out.”

“I completely agree,” you even nod as you hold the bite out for him to try.

He takes the bite out of your hand, just leaning forward and eating from your hand. “Oh that’s good!”

The casual intimacy of the gesture and the slightly cavewoman-esque feeling of feeding and giving life being connected aren’t exactly things you expected to mix so easily. But here you are squirming in your seat and trying not to set on fire with it. “Damn it, Marcus,” you laugh despite yourself.

“What?” The question is innocent enough, but Marcus has enough experience to know what he’s doing to you. The slight smirk twisting his lips giving him away.

“You’re a tease,” you huff, pouting at him animatedly.

“I’ve been called that before.” He admits, picking up another cracker and putting together another little morsel for you as a peace offering. “Do you not like that?”

The slight snicker and smirk you have for him is good natured, and it turns into a wry smile. “I like it better when I’m allowed to climb the offending teaser like a tree.”

Your words hit him like a ton of bricks and he would be lying if his body didn’t immediately react. “Yeah?” His voice is a little raspy choking out the word. “You’d like that, huh?”

“I’m not planning on rushing you,” you assure him, but you still put down your wine glass. “You did just get out of a relationship.”

“As did you.” He points out, leaning back and staring at you, trying to gauge your position on this.

“I did.” It’s nearly a standoff now, but not in a hostile way. Just in a way where you’re both wondering who will break first. “So I’m not saying we should sleep together right away, but I still really want to kiss you.”

“Can I be completely honest?” Marcus asks, almost a little ashamed of even having to admit this.

“I prefer it.”

Reaching for your hand, he chuckles slightly. “I really want to kiss you too. And more….but I just flew in less than an hour before I got here.” He reminds you. “I’m afraid that I would not be at my best if we did anything tonight and I would like to make a good impression the first time.”

“That’s completely fair.” And actually makes you laugh a little. Not because you’re laughing at him but because it’s so human. “So we’ll come to it when we’re ready. And when we’re well rested.”

“I don’t want you to think that I’m not interested, because I am.” He promises. “But I also don’t want to fall asleep in the middle of learning your body.”

“Well when you put it like that, I don’t want that either.” The smile curving your lips and cheeks is bright, though, and you set one hand gently on his knee. “If you need to go home, I’m not going to be offended.”

The hours that he’s been awake are starting to settle onto his shoulders and the half glass of wine makes him sleepy. “Are you sure?” He asks softly. “I was supposed to be taking care of you and putting you to bed slightly wine drunk and relaxed.”

"I promise." A gentle squeeze of his leg is a small sign of affection, but a very real one. "You've taken care of me beautifully and this is the most relaxed I've felt in ages."

“Good.” He hums, pleased with that. It’s all he wants to do, to be a good partner and give you what you need.

"If you're already exhausted, you can crash here?" It comes out more like a question than you meant it to, but that's because you realize that you don't actually know how much he had to drink at dinner. Not that Marcus seems drunk to you at all, but everyone is affected by alcohol differently. And you don't want him on the road if he's sleepy and still a little tipsy.

Just the idea of it makes Marcus nearly yawn, sleep that much closer to being a reality. But he still has to protest slightly. “I don’t want to impose…”

"It's not imposing if I offer." You remind him, feeling the sweetness of the moment sort of float down over it like a warm blanket. "I can bring some spare blankets and pillows out here to the couch, or you can come snuggle up in bed with me. It's up to you." The fact is, it's late. And you have a wedding to put on in two days. So maybe it's not sleeping with him for the first time in the traditional sense, but it's definitely intimate in the kind of way that you want to be able to share with him. Either way, you still get to be near him.

“It’s a twenty-minute drive, but honestly I don’t know if I can make it.” He sighs. “I’ll sleep wherever you want me to. How does that sound?”

"I want you in my bed," you admit without apology. "But you deserve rest instead of a handsy girl cuddling next to you. So go use the bathroom and I'll clean up out here and grab you some blankets and a spare pillow. Do you have to go into the office tomorrow?"

Marcus huffs out a sleepy laugh, his battery rapidly draining now that he’s admitted how tired he is. “Worse.” He groans. “We have a seven AM tee time and then I have to go to the office.”

"Who are you golfing with at seven in the morning?" Lifting yourself up off the couch and starting to gather things up, you leave Marcus's wine glass with its last few sips for him to finish if he wants to. The current plan is to wrap this board up in some plastic and have the remains for lunch tomorrow.

“Michael and Joyce’s father.” He moans. “Michael asked me to join, thinking it would be a good buffer, given the fragile relationship.”

"It makes sense, but that's a hell of an early morning." When he follows you into the kitchen with both of your wine glasses, you smile at the padding sound of his shuffled steps. He's definitely tired. "So you golf, then?"

“Not particularly well.” Marcus snorts. “But I’ve had to learn since a lot of directors like to have meetings on a golf course.”

"My Dad used to take us mini golfing when we were kids." The two of you work slowly but in a good rhythm and get things put away easily. "Believe it or not, Junie is the one who really took to it. It's their bonding thing, and she goes putting as a stress relief thing. I vastly prefer yoga."

“I probably need yoga.” Marcus laughs. “But I normally just run.”

"You'd love my yoga class." You finish the last sip of your wine and set your glass on the side of the sink to be washed tomorrow. "I go to puppy yoga once a week."

“Puppy yoga?” That has Marcus both intrigued and confused, thinking that he’s tired enough to be having auditory hallucinations.

"A room full of grown ass adults doing gentle yoga poses with cute little puppies running around the room for the whole hour." When he hands over his glass you put it next to yours and take a quick inventory of things in the kitchen just to make sure that you're all set for the next day. "It's the most relaxing silliness you could possibly ask for."

“That sounds adorable.” He admits with a small smile. “And chaotic at times.”

"Best way to spend a Thursday night in the world." You reach out easily, rubbing Marcus's arm softly. "Go get ready for bed. I'll grab those blankets for you."

“I’m sorry.” He feels guilty, very guilty, that he can’t stay up all night talking to you. However, it’s technically five in the morning in London and he hadn’t slept much the night before. Just an hour or so, and then he couldn’t sleep on the plane. So he is just completely gassed.

"There's nothing to be sorry about." Promising him that is easy, like promising the wind that you appreciate its breeze. "I get the feeling that you don't let a lot of people take care of you the way you take care of everyone else. So allow me to be the one person who gets that privilege. At least for now?"

“Can’t be disappointed when no one will if you don’t let them.” He’s so tired it pops out of his mouth without realizing he’s said it, his inner monologue gone.

The utter shock to your system is as much about the hurt in his voice as anything else, and in less than a heartbeat you're wrapping your arms around him to hug him more tightly than you probably mean to. This gentle, sweet, kind man just...put up his walls a lot closer to himself than most other people do to keep his heart guarded from the very worst hurts, and that makes you ache. "I'm sorry people have disappointed you before. But I'm going to do everything I can to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Shit. “I didn’t mean to say that.” He sighs, shaking his head. He doesn’t move away from the hug though, slightly leaning into it.

"I was going to do my best to take care of you anyway," you tell him, overwhelmed in the honesty of the moment. "The only difference is now you know I'm doing it. That's not so bad, right?"

“No.” He can’t deny you, not right now. “Thank you.” He murmurs quietly.

"Come on, honey." When his arms loosen after a few moments, you turn into his side to walk with him. "Let's get you ready to sleep."

“God, I’m sorry.” He snorts. “Think I’ve had…three hours sleep in the last forty-eight hours?” It’s almost a question and he can’t quite calculate it.

"That's alright. I'm just glad I didn't send you out onto the road this tired." You never would have forgiven yourself if anything had happened to him, so you're doubly glad that he agreed to stay.

Getting ready for bed is relatively quick. You give him a spare toothbrush and he cleans up quickly for someone so tired. Eager to sleep. Two extra blankets and a spare pillow from your bed make the couch cozy enough, and you lean over to press a kiss to his cheek before leaving him to get comfortable. "Good night," you hum the words, finding his sleepy state endearingly cute but not wanting to tease him about it. "Soulmate."

“Goodnight.” The good thing about Marcus is he can sleep anywhere. Your couch is far superior to the one in his office and he’s almost asleep as his head settles into the pillow. “My beautiful soulmate.” His eyes are already closed. “Can’t believe you’re mine.” He whispers.

______

Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @haylzcyon   @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom @madiebear @tanzthompson @emilianamason @bigsdinger @xocalliexo @pedr0swh0r3 @avaleineandafryingpan @charlyrmv @avidreader73 @iceclaw101 @loveslide @elegantduckturtle @becsworld @julesonrecord @its-nebuleuse @itsrubberbisquit @mikeyswifie @guelyury @lizzie-cakes @for-a-longlongtime @vabeachazn @purplerain04 @weho2kcmo @madnessofadaydreamer

HHL: @haileymorelikestupid @anoverwhelmingdin @storiesofthefandomlovers @missladym1981 @babeincolor @angelofsmalldeath-codeine

My Masterlist!

[kakushino]

Number 10, sickeningly sweet fluff, Kyojuro, SFW. Perhaps the first confession, was my first thought, but I leave it to your masterful discretion 🤲

𝖄𝖔𝖚’𝖗𝖊 𝖘𝖔 𝖘𝖜𝖊𝖊𝖙, 𝖆𝖗𝖊𝖓’𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚?

𝟷𝟶𝟶𝟶 𝔣𝔬𝔩𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔢𝔯𝔰 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔫𝔱

AN: Does this count as confession? Idk but it was forced into my brain by the voices. No beta we die like Sabito

APOLOGIES - I answered the wrong ask! This is the one I was supposed to answer ( @glitchtricks94 ):

I will be writing your ask soon though :(( I'm sorry again

The flowers were numerous in front of you, every colour of the rainbow, and some of them even more, and you had to take a few moments to think what you wanted to pick. The shop owner was busy with another customer - something about a wedding? - so you had plenty of time to contemplate.

Roses, a classic, with variety of meanings depending on the shade. A blue one for his uniqueness, or a bold red to state your feelings clearly? Neither felt exactly right.

The damp thick smell of flowers permeating the shop was so Kyojuro that you could never pass by a flower shop and not think about him.

There was a sunflower - last of its batch - in one of the vases. It still hasn't hit the full bloom, but the colour of it reminded you of Kyojuro's hair. The little description said it represented long life and good luck, best to gift to a family member! It wasn't exactly what you were going for though.

A glance told you he was about wrapping up with the other person, making you pressed for time. A bright flash of red and yellow caught your eye. You plucked the flower from its vase, nearly overtaken by the gerberas, which is why you hadn't seen it at first.

The tiger lily in your hand reminded you strongly of him - his hair and the openness of his heart. The tag said wealth, prosperity and good fortune.

He deserved that, he deserved only the best.

"Hello!" Kyojuro's cheerful voice cut through your thoughts, and you nearly jumped out of your skin.

"Rengoku! I nearly got a heart attack!"

His cheerful laughter reverberated through your body, warming you to the core. This is how he should be - smiling, happy, content.

"Apologies! I didn't mean to cause you any harm! I was simply happy to see you today," his grin was as bright as him. Warmth flooded your cheeks. He had no idea how charming he was.

You were on a mission however, and you had to get to it before you lost your nerve. "Ah, could I please make this into something beautiful?" you showed him the tiger lily you picked, and his expression gentled.

"Right away." He took it, beaming. "Any occasion you want it for?"

You followed him to the counter, butterflies in your belly. "It's for someone special."

You didn't see the way his expression faltered as he added leaves and embellishing flowers to the lily. He hummed as he worked, his forearms flexing and drawing your eyes to his figure.

The small bouquet was breath-taking. A red and yellow framed by green and white, a beautiful arrangement for a beautiful man.

Paying quickly, you admired the flowers in your hands, your nerves set ablaze with anxiety, your face feeling hot as you tried to find courage.

You took a deep breath and met his eyes head on. "This is for you, Rengoku." You offered the arrangement to him.

His stunned expression was something you won't forget for a long while, as was the blush quickly rising to his face, the tips of his ears nearly glowing red.

The moment passed and a warm startled laughter left his lips. You smiled brightly at that.

"You're so sweet, aren't you?" His grin made you fall in love with him all over again.

[edensflorist]

The Timeless Beauty and Symbolism of Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, often simply called mums, are renowned for their vibrant color and rich history. These stunning flowers are cherished worldwide and carry profound meanings across various cultures.

Historical Significance

Chrysanthemums have been cultivated for over 2,500 years, originating in China before spreading to Japan and then to the rest of the world. In China, they are one of the "Four Gentle" in art, symbolizing nobility and elegance. In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of the emperor and the Imperial family, representing longevity and rejuvenation.

Symbolism

Longevity and Rejuvenation: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and rejuvenation, making them popular in cultures that value endurance and renewal.

Joy and Happiness: In many cultures, especially in the West, chrysanthemums symbolize joy and happiness, often used in celebrations and festive decorations.

Honesty and Integrity: In certain traditions, chrysanthemums represent honesty and integrity, making them a fitting choice for honoring someone's moral character.

Grief and Mourning: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are associated with funerals and are used o honor the deceased, symbolizing respect and mourning.

Modern Interpretations

Today, chrysanthemums are popular in a variety of floral arrangements, from vibrant bouquets to elegant garden displays. Their wide range of colors and shapes makes them versatile for any occasion, whether it's celebrating a joyful event or expressing heartfelt sympathy.

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[shadowbriar]

Regulus Black - Supermassive Black Hole VI

Pairing : Regulus Black x (she/her) Selwyn!Reader Word Count : 4.9k Warning : Food. Mention of alcohol. Mention of blood. Mention of SA (lip biting). Synopsis : A simple arrangement turned into an everlasting one as two naïve children try to figure out their heart. Notes : I wrote this slightly drowsy and completely out of my head. I'll do some fixing if needed in the morning. If you'd like to be tagged for the next chapters, please comment or reblog so I can add you to the tag list. If you like this story and would like to support me, please visit my kofi page and perhaps get me a coffee?☕ Taglist: strikethrough means I could not tag you. @lostarc24 @hogwartshouse @milivanili99 @stelleduarte @40rimm @lilmaymayy @mischiefmanagers @happilyjollynacho @bl00dyr3gulus @lonelywitchv2 @burns-in-the-sun @lanaspepsicoke @rabluver

↞ Part V

The conversation they had last night haunts her. Each word Regulus uttered plays in her mind in a loop, buzzing as if there were bees stuck inside her brain. She thought that the condition they were in was complicated enough and that it couldn’t go any more worse than it already is yet once again, she was proven wrong.

The Greengrass girl was the textbook definition of perfection. She never knew her personally, never had any need to get to know her, but now it feels as if the universe is forcing her to know. Like a toddler being forced to eat a spoon of vegetables.

On one hand, she knew that Rosier might just be exaggerating about the Greengrass girl’s personality and how she’s the perfect match for Regulus, but she couldn’t help but to overthink. How would life be if Regulus were to marry her? Would he be happier? Would he be more satisfied? Would he love her?

There have been moments lately where she found Regulus slowly opening up to her. How he’s more comfortable with her presence, how the bitter look on his face has subdued whenever they were ‘forced’ to display affection to each other, how the word love seems to roll off his tongue easier whenever he calls her now, yet she still couldn’t stop herself from thinking, if he was married to the Greengrass girl, would he find these troubles at all? Would being married to her be as easy as breathing air?

Now she finds herself cutting the stems of flowers from the garden. It’s been a while since she came here, the one sanctuary she has whenever her mind is clouded. Her orchids are in full bloom, ready to be cut to replace the flowers in her bedroom vases.

But even doing her most therapeutic task does little to no help for her heart. Her mind was too full that she didn’t realise the other soul now standing a few feet beside her. He was dressed. Handsome and collected as always. A sight for sore eyes indeed.

Regulus clears his throat, making his presence known.

She turns to face him, stunned for a brief moment. The last time she’s seen him this neat was on their wedding day and as much as she appreciates his beauty, the unknown occasion makes her raise her brows, “Going somewhere?”

“I’m going to the Greengrass house. They’ve invited my family for dinner tonight.”

“Oh.”

Oh, indeed. Of course the two families would see each other more frequently now, given the fact that Sirius and the Greengrass girls’ arrangement is in motion. With Sirius’ unsettling nature, it is only logical that the parents of these children would need to spare more effort to make sure that such arrangement be successful. He’s wiggled himself out of the many arrangements his parents have made so far. If the two families wanted to make this reunion happen, they must surely sweat and cry blood for it.

“Don’t wait up for me,” Regulus says again, noticing her lack of response.

“I won’t.”

With that, she turns herself back to her flowers. Her answer was too quick and too callous for Regulus to understand. Something was not right.

“Are you alright?” He asks.

“Grand,” She answers, still not facing him “Tell Sirius I said hi.”

Regulus huffs, jealousy for his brother bleeds slightly, “Anything else?”

“No, have fun.”

“Is something the matter?”

She finally turns to face him again, brows furrow and the most displeased expression plastered on her face. How should she tell him that she doesn’t want him to go? How should she tell him that she doesn’t want him to meet the Greengrass girl again? How should she tell him that it hurts to know that he didn’t even want to invite her, his lawfully wedded wife, to this dinner?

“I can’t read your mind,” Regulus says again “If something is bothering you then spill it.”

She huffs, her eyes glaring at him, “When did you know about this dinner?”

“This afternoon. I got an owl from Sirius begging me to come.” He answers nonchalantly, still lost over her cause of vexation “He asked me to bring you but I knew you wouldn’t want to come.”

“Why would you think I wouldn’t want to come?”

“Because it’s just a dull bleak dinner?” Regulus says as a matter of factly “Doubt you’d even consider if I ask.”

Regulus was right. Dinner with the Greengrass would never be something she agrees to come. She wishes to never see the Greengrass girl ever again, not when Regulus is within a kilometre radius. The Greengrass girl only proves as a reminder of someone who might be a better fit for Regulus, someone who might be a better wife for him, someone who might be better for him than her. 

But the idea of him spending hours with the Greengrass girl, though not alone, peels her skin. What if he realises that she was the better pair for him tonight? What if he realises that refusing the betrothal to Aquila was wrong? What if he realises that their wedding was a mistake?

Jealousy is a bad sight, indeed.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She asks, sounding offended.

“I just— I don’t know!” Regulus says in frustration, ruining his perfectly combed hair as he runs his hand through it “Do you want to come?”

“Do you want me to come?”

“Stop turning my questions back to me.”

She rolls her eyes, “That’s rich coming from you.”

“What is it with you?” He asks in despair this time, looking completely baffled at her demeanour “Do you want to come?”

“I don’t know. Do you want me to come?” She asks again, still with that irritated tone “It’s your family dinner. You have the bigger call in this.”

Regulus bites his inner cheek, taking a few paces back and forth as if he was in a big dilemma. In his mind, he was doing her a favour to not invite her to what would be her death, seeing Sirius, the man he still believes is the one she’s having feelings for, being promised to another girl. 

Perhaps her hostile remarks were caused by her jealousy. That she was hurt from his brother’s betrothal and had no other outlet to relieve it. A pain that he has to suffer in silence. His hair is even more messy now as he keeps on running his hand through it, completely frustrated over one silly question she asked him.

“Fine,” He says at last, surrendering to her cryptic meaning “Please, come.”

—-

“Stop fidgeting,” Regulus grumbles as they enter the Greengrass Manor.

“If someone was smart enough to tell me earlier that we’ll be going to a dinner then I would have more time to prepare myself, hence avoiding this state of a messy hairdo,” She spat back, glaring “I’m trying to be decent enough and not embarrass you.”

“I told you, I didn’t think you’d want to come,” Regulus reasoned “And you look beautiful. Now calm down and smile. You’d look even more beautiful then.”

She knew that her cheeks must have been as red as a tomato now. Granted that was the nicest compliment Regulus has ever given, even when he looks like he’s being tortured saying it with his angry expression still etched on his face. It was strange to see this side of Regulus. Though he still evidently has his rough edges and cold demeanour, it is obvious that he’s trying his best to warm up to her.

A cause to fuel her wide smile for the night.

“Oh, thank Merlin you’re here,” Sirius says as he scoops her into a hug “I thought I would have to spend this dreadful dinner alone.”

“Glad to have come to your rescue, Brother,” Regulus snorts, his eyes now eyes the small crowd of people “Is that—,”

“The Rosiers, yeah.” Sirius answers.

“Rosiers?” She asks, looking at the direction the brothers were staring at “What are they doing here?”

Sirius shrugs, “Maybe one of the Rosier kids is courting the Greengrass daughters.”

“Ah, a little competition for you then,” She jests.

“Please,” Sirius rolls his eyes “They can marry all the Greengrass daughters for all I care.”

She smiles at Sirius’ remarks. It was obvious that Sirius paid no mind in this arrangement, something that certainly isn’t out of his character. She turns her gaze to Regulus who still has his eyes locked on the Rosiers, looking as if his night has gone from bad to worse. The stiff state of his shoulders and how his eyes are now sending deathly daggers to the Rosier family was baffling.

“You alright?” She asks, giving Regulus a light squeeze on the arm “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Worse,” He mutters before turning to Sirius “Do you have any idea where Mother and Father are at? I think we’ll leave early tonight.”

“But dinner hasn’t even started,” She protests.

“I’m sure we have food at home,” Regulus says with a forced smile.

“Mother will have your head if you leave before dessert is served, Reg.” Sirius says with a chuckle “You might be the favourite son but she’ll never let you out of this circus. You’re as trapped as I am.”

Regulus huffs, looking irritated beyond words.

“What’s wrong with you? Took a glance at your own bestfriend’s family and suddenly wanted to leave.” Sirius comments, an eyebrow raised as he studies his brother “If I see any of my friends here, James or Remus or Peter, I would consider staying, not leaving.”

Regulus didn’t answer.

It was a question she’s itching to ask too. Something tells her that the friendship Regulus and Rosier said to have been mended has actually been burned to ash, no turning back this time. Whatever it is Rosier thought Regulus stole must have been something so precious, so important that the two couldn’t look past it. Or rather, Regulus couldn’t look past it.

Perhaps he was offended at the accusation. Regulus certainly doesn’t seem to be someone who would steal anything from anyone. What could he possibly want to steal after all? With his family wealth and reputation, the power his name holds, what could he possibly ever desire that he could not gain on his own? What is it that Regulus desperately craves that he has to ruin his friendship with Rosier in the process?

“Whatever,” Regulus snorted at last, turning to his brother with that bitter expression still evident on his face “You owe us big time, Brother, and I will collect.”

Sirius raised an eyebrow, impressed yet appalled at the same time.

“I’ll go look for my parents,” Regulus announces, leaving the two on their post.

She watches as Regulus’ shoulder turns and slowly walks away, becoming a smaller silhouette before completely disappearing behind the pillars. Salazar knows just how many times she’s seen him walk away now. Each time scratches the surface of her already whimpering heart and leaves a mark that she doubts even time could heal.

It feels like some time in the near future, he will walk away for good.

“Well he’s always been a pleasant kid to be around,” Sirius comments, frowning still as he tries to understand his brother’s antics “I hope he treats you better than that.”

She shrugs, “I’m getting used to it.”

Sirius’s eyes lingered on her, studying her expression as if he wanted to look for an answer. As if he wanted to crack the riddle he’s been unable to decipher for weeks. It was one thing to be stared at by Sirius in the open when he was being himself but his obvious hidden meaning is bleeding out and it’s starting to make her quiver in uncertainty.

“Look, Love,” Sirius finally sighs, making her heart heavier “I really don’t know what to say about that dear brother of mine, but believe me when I say that his heart came from the right place whenever it comes to you. He cares for you, much more than he’s willing to admit. He’s just struggling to find the best way to convey his means.”

She remains quiet, trying to believe the older boy’s words.

Sirius bites his inner cheek as if he was debating to spill his gut, but Sirius was never one with a strong self-resistance as he questions, “I know it’s not my place to ask, Bug.. But why did you date Regulus?”

Her brows knit, taken aback at the sudden question. No one has ever asked her why she dated Regulus. In the early days of their pretend dating there were wonders and questions, sure, but such a curiosity only lasts for a day or two. Everyone simply accepted the fact that these two Slytherin royals are bound to be with each other, familial duty or not, but to be asked by Sirius, the one person that has always been so close to the two to see the connections others are making, is pushing bile up her throat.

The memory of Sirius’ bitter expression on that train ride back from Hogwarts replays in mind. She’s suddenly reminded by how Regulus seems to be on edge everytime Sirius was around at first, as if the brothers were fighting and Sirius was the one holding a gun to the younger brother’s head.

A sight that was never experienced before.

“What do you mean?” She asks, an unsure smile tugs on her lips “Was the idea of us dating so appalling?”

“No, no, it’s nothing like that,” Sirius says fast, shaking his head “It’s just that— I never knew you two were close in that sense, you know? I mean perhaps it’s due to the fact that we’re sorted to different houses but I truly have never seen you two together. And I know how cold Regulus could act so I just—”

She bites her lower lip. Her bad habit comes out, making her lip bleed a little. She knew Regulus would scold her for this later but she couldn’t stop herself. If there is anyone that could crack their faulty agreement, it would be Sirius, there’s no question in that. He knows her too well, lived under the same roof with Regulus for too long to not notice all the peculiar details to their relationship.

“—thought that there would be no way that you would ever date him.” Sirius says with an awkward laughter.

“Who would you think I’d date, then?”

Sirius shrugs, “I don’t know. No one, I suppose.”

“Would it be disastrous if I actually like Regulus?”

There was a pause. She wanted to look away from Sirius’ gaze, to mentally hide and run from his studying eyes before she showed him too much of her truth but realisation hit the older boy too quickly. The look on Sirius’ face changes from confusion, to understanding, to anger and disappointment within seconds.

His reaction felt like salt to her wound. It twisted her stomach even worse now as Sirius stared at her with that pitiful look. It was as if he knew the full truth. How their dating, their marriage, everything about their relationship wasn’t based on love. How she is the only one trying to row their ship to the shore. How she is the pathetic party that is bound to have their heart crushed and stomped to the ground by the end of the day.

But there was a glimmer of anger in Sirius’ eyes that she couldn’t pinpoint why. It was certainly not out of jealousy, rather a secret knowledge Sirius possessed that brought embarrassment to her confession for all the wrong reasons. It was as if he knew something she didn't.

“Does Regulus know?” He asks.

“No,” She says quietly, feeling even more humiliated now “I don’t plan for him to ever know.”

“What do you mean you don’t plan for him to ever know? He’s your husband.”

“Yes, well— We’re not exactly the most traditional couple there is, are we?”

Sirius opens his mouth, only to close it before any word could escape. He looks frustrated for some reason, as if he’s a time bomb ready to explode any minute now. His eyes were busy scanning the crowd of people, no doubt trying to find Regulus. Perhaps he could provide the answer the two are looking for.

“I’m going to kill him.” Sirius mutters.

“Why? Because I’m crushing on him?” She jokes.

Sirius’ gaze softens, placing a hand to her shoulder as he kisses her temple gently, “I think I need to find my parents.”

She knew that it was a bad lie. Sirius would rather have his head than to ever look for his own parents which makes her feel even more embarrassed and confused now. What could be so bad about her actually liking Regulus? Shouldn’t he be happy for them, knowing that even though their relationship is as dysfunctional as one could possibly, there’s still seeds of innocent feelings planted underneath? What is it that he knew?

—-

Regulus was certain that, for once in his lifetime, he knew that she wouldn’t want to come to the Greengrass dinner. It would be hell to come and sit for hours on the same table where your real crush is about to be promised to another girl while you’re stuck married with someone who you don’t even love. Regulus was still convinced that if she indeed harbours feelings for anyone, it would be none other than Sirius and he has stripped her out of any possibility to unite with him.

He supposed the sour response she gave him earlier was because he tried to keep this away from her. That he tries to save her from another heartbreak of watching Sirius play courting with the Greengrass girl. She must have been heartbroken to know that the arrangement was in motion hence all the snappy gestures towards him.

But then again, Regulus was proven wrong.

She can’t understand me, she said, Regulus thought as he dawned yet another flute of champagne, does she think she's the easiest person to read?

“Regulus!” A voice called as they snatched the empty glass away from his hand “What in the bloody hell do you think you’re doing?!”

“Oh, don’t be the moral police now, Sirius,” Regulus scoffs “As if you don’t get yourself hammered on every function we ever attended.”

Sirius’ eyes were still piercing, clearly disapproving of the younger’s action, “Is that really what you plan to do? Get yourself hammered?”

Regulus rolls his eyes, not answering.

“Who’s going to take care of her if you’re drunk?” Sirius asks.

“You,” Regulus answers flatly “And I won’t be drunk from champagne.”

“I am going to murder you, Brother.”

Now Regulus raised his brows. He looks up to Sirius, studying his expression closer to notice the underlying anger on the calmness of his brother’s gaze. Identical pair of eyes staring back at him, silently scolding him in ways that it surprises Regulus. Whatever fault he’s done now must have upset Sirius so much that he couldn’t even let his mouth run its course.

“For drinking champagne?” Regulus asks, taunting.

Sirius rolls his eyes, sighing, “Why don’t you go and find your wife. You’ve left her alone long enough.”

“Why did you leave her? I’m sure she appreciates your presence much more than mine.”

“Oh, you couldn’t be more wrong about that.” Sirius chuckles this time.

“Trust me, I’m not wrong,” Regulus snorts, stubborn “She likes you, do you know that? If only you’d say yes to my request and date her, we wouldn’t be stuck in this depressing dinner.”

“She doesn’t like me.”

“Oh, you couldn’t be more wrong about that.” Regulus mocks, returning his words.

“Why are you so persistent that she likes me?” Sirius asks instead, folding his arms to his chest to challenge Regulus “What makes you think that she likes me? Has she ever told you that?”

“No, but you make her laugh,” Regulus argues “No one could make her laugh as loud as you do.”

“Well, have you ever tried to make her laugh? Maybe you could make her laugh even louder.”

Regulus was stunned. He blinks, brows furrowing as he tries to digest Sirius’ words, “Don’t jest with me.”

“I’m just saying,” Sirius shrugs “You always say that she likes me because I make her laugh, have you tried to make her laugh? And even if she doesn’t laugh louder with you, do you really think that all she needs in life is laughter? That what she seeks in a partner is just some giggles?”

“She looks the prettiest when she laughs.”

Sirius narrows his eyes. Regulus’ comment would never escape his lips without the help of Merlin knows how many flutes of champagne he has drunk tonight. There was a hint of delicacy in the eyes of the younger boy now. As if he was remembering the moments where she was smiling and laughing in his head.

“She doesn’t like me, Regulus.” Sirius says again, this time with a softer yet fixed tone “I know because she told me.”

“She told you she doesn’t like you?” Regulus raised an eyebrow “How? Did you ask if she likes you? Did you ever have feelings for her? Have you ever confessed?”

“Yes and no to the rest of your questions.” Sirius answers, placing a hand to his brother’s shoulder in a reassuring manner now “All you need to know is that she doesn’t like me. Not in any way you think she does.”

Regulus frowns, unimpressed.

“If you don’t believe me, why don’t you ask her yourself?”

“I’d rather face the cruciatus curse.”

Sirius bites his smile, “Why are you always skittish whenever we talk about this?”

“Talk about what?”

“Her,” Sirius responds, still with that amused smile lingering on his lips “And you.”

“And me?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not skittish.”

“You are.”

“I’m not.”

“You are, Regulus.”

“I most certainly am not.”

“Do you fancy her?”

Regulus was silenced. He could feel his cheeks heating up with the growing smile on his brother’s face. The cat is finally out of the bag and it just has to be Sirius to be the first one to know. How brilliant.

Without a word, Regulus reaches for another flute of champagne and gulps it in one go. He places the empty glass to the table, fixing his hair and dress robe. He could feel Sriius and his teasing smile staring at him, studying all the little bashful gestures he makes now that his secret is compromised.

“This conversation never happened.” Regulus says to Sirius, his eyes glaring in all seriousness.

Sirius, still smiling from his recent knowledge, raises his arms in surrender. He steps out of Regulus’ way, not saying a word. Just how fantastic this dinner has become.

—-

Spending time with Rosier, smiling and laughing over the banter he throws shouldn’t bring any form of pleasantness in her heart yet here she is, standing in front of the boy with a gleeful grin plastered on her face.

“Tell me more about Aquila,” She says once their laughter has died down, hiding her bitterness behind a feigned smile “She seems to be a lovely girl.”

“She is, I suppose.” Rosier says, shrugging “Like I said before, I don’t know much about her. She’s the reserved one of the other Greengrass kids. I think I could count the limited time we’ve interacted throughout the years with my hands.”

She smiles curtly.

“Why do you ask?”

She bites her lips once again, feeling the foul taste of iron bleeding once more. It was an ever ending debate for her to tell Rosier about the supposed betrothal of Regulus and the Greengrass girl. On one hand, she needed to know more about the girl and she couldn’t do it without telling Rosier the truth. He wouldn’t give her the information she needed otherwise. But she was still wary about the state of friendship he has with Regulus. She wasn’t sure if the boys had actually put their past behind them.

“Just because,” She says instead, shrugging and smiling “She’s about to be part of the family. I just feel like I should get to know her better.”

“Well, good luck with that.” Rosier says with a mocking chuckle “As private as Regulus, she is also as callous and uninterested. It should be a real treat to see her actually marrying Sirius.”

Once again, she only replies with a smile.

“I have not seen Regulus,” Rosier said, taking a sip of the champagne in his hand “Where is he?”

“Not sure,” She says now, eyes looking around “I—”

“Right here,” A voice answers, followed by a hand encircling their way around her waist. Regulus smiles at her, planting a soft kiss to her temple as if he’s missed her “I wandered around and lost track of time. I’m sorry, Love.”

She smiles at him, unable to form any words from his sudden gentle gesture.

“Regulus,” Rosier greets, a bitter smile evident on his face.

“Evan,” Regulus nods at him before turning to face her “Can I steal you for a minute, Love?”

Confusion was clear in her eyes but she bobbed her head, “Of course.”

With a short nod and half-hearted smile to Rosier, Regulus led her out of the room. His hand was holding onto her wrist, a firm yet gentle grasp that made the butterflies in her stomach go frantic. He was walking at a fast pace, eager to leave the room as if he couldn’t get any oxygen inside.

Once they were out at the garden, Regulus let her hand go and paced away, creating space between them as he ran his hand through his hair.

“What in the bloody hell were you doing?!” Regulus yells, clearly angry now “Talking and laughing with Evan? Have you lost your Goddamn mind?!”

She blinks in confusion at his sudden outburst. Her eyes were glued on him, watching as the boy had his meltdown with zero comprehension as to what might cause it. Was talking and laughing with Rosier really that big of a mistake? Didn’t he say that they’ve rekindled their friendship? What exactly is the problem now?

“I left you for a few minutes and you’re flirting with my ex-best friend.”

“Alright, hold on, now.” She says at last, feeling anger to boil up at the accusation “I was not flirting with him, alright? We were just talking. You left me for more than half an hour, you can’t possibly expect me to not try to talk to some familiar faces.”

“Oh so Evan is familiar now?”

“I— What is wrong with you?” She asks this time, taking closer steps to him “Are you drunk?”

“There’s literally other people you can talk to. You could’ve talked to my parents or the Greengrass, not Evan.”

“Are you hearing yourself right now? I don’t know any of the Greengrass and I couldn’t find your parents. Even if I did find them, what exactly can I talk to them about? The weather?”

“Better still than talking to Evan!”

She was speechless now. Regulus was never one to let his anger out this way, never to be this emotional. Whatever fueled this meltdown must have been some other bigger problem that he’s not telling her about. That and the fact that his breath smells like alcohol.

“You’re drunk,” She says, trying to be the sane one out of the two “Let’s just go home. Wait here. I’ll find your parents and tell them we’re leaving early.”

“No, you’re not going back inside.”

Regulus pulls her, his hand clutching to her wrist once again but with apparent despair this time. His eyes were still filled with fury but the way his brows furrowed and the way his lips quiver as if he was fighting back tears makes her stunned. Regulus was fighting a battle she doesn’t understand about.

“Don’t go back inside,” He says again, this time with a much softer tone. Begging.

“What’s going on, Regulus?” She asks “What’s wrong?”

Regulus remains quiet. His anger subdues as he stares back at her. His eyes travel from her eyes, her nose, down to her lips. Another frown forming on his face as he notices the trace of dried blood on her lips.

“You bit your lip again,” Regulus whispers “How many times should I tell you not to do it?”

She remains quiet.

“You’re driving me crazy.” He says again, his hand reaching to cup her cheeks “Fuck this.”

With that, he pulls her for a kiss. A hungry, desperate kiss that would surely leave the both of them out of breath once they part. She couldn’t fight the urge to not kiss him back once his left hand pulls her closer by the waist. She couldn’t fight the urge to not kiss him back once he moaned as her hands found their way to play with his hair. She couldn’t fight the urge to not kiss him back once the only thing filling her senses were his body heat and the smell of alcohol from his breath. She couldn’t stop.

“Be mine,” Regulus says between their kisses “Please, be mine.”

“I’m already yours.”

As if she’s said something so appalling for him to hear, Regulus pulls away and stares at her. His eyes were half open, hair completely in a mess now from all the tugging and pulling she’s done. He looks beautiful.

“I’m sorry.”

Then everything turns black. Regulus passed out.

↠ Part VII

[noonstar-ranch]

A Wrathian Wedding

(((Welcome to Striker and Harper's wedding RP group event! It's a closed event, only for the ones invited to the wedding. Any of the guests can reblog and comment, please remember to tag the person your muse is talking with, no Godmodding, etc. The event will last for about two weeks, so no rush. Have fun!

Remember to reblog either this post or Harper's, tag the character/s your character is talking with 😉)))

Striker and Harper's wedding was set to unfold in a stunning, rustic setting behind their ranch, nestled in the heart of Wrath.

The venue, surrounded by the majestic Mesa, boasted towering red rock formations that created a breathtaking backdrop.

Rows of elegant chairs, adorned with a sophisticated blend of black and white flowers, had been carefully arranged to face a charming wooden "altar".

On either side of the seating area, cacti in full bloom showcased a vibrant array of colorful flowers, adding a touch of desert beauty to the scene.

The natural splendor of the Mesa, combined with the thoughtfully decorated setting, promised a perfect, picturesque location for their special day.

Striker was currently in a guest room, about an hour before the ceremony.

He and Harper couldn't risk seeing each other, after all.

It was the same room Susan had used the day before, after he and Harper had orchestrated a daring plan to smuggle her through security, out of Pentagram City, and into Wrath.

Now, with the thrill of that mission behind them, Striker prepared for a new adventure—their wedding, set against the rugged beauty of their home.

Striker stood in the guest room, his heart pounding with a mix of nervousness, excitement, and happiness.

Auntie Susie bustled around him, helping him get dressed.

He slid into a crisp white long-sleeved shirt, the fabric cool against his skin. Next, he buttoned up the silver-grey vest that fit snugly, its tailored lines giving him a sense of confidence.

He held up the lily-shaped cufflinks she had given him on his birthday, crafted from two of his bullets. Striker carefully fastened them to his sleeves, feeling the weight of their significance. With a deep breath, he placed his hat on his head, its brim freshly fixed for the occasion, and finally a white blazer.

He looked at Susan, smiling.

"What do ya think?"

@grandma-susan

@the-only-noonstar

@keenie-bopper

@second-wife-playbook

@the-delightful-temptation

@queenbeeibee

@king-of-wrath

@letsstaytuned

@paririeofmxses

[jamespotterthefirst]

Most in the World (Ethan x f!MC)

Book: Open Heart, book 1 Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Lilac Allende) Word count: 1.3K Rating/ Warning: E/ None

Premise: Things have changed in a year. And so has his answer to the question she once asked him: “Who do you love most in the world?” Part 2 of A Strong Affection.

Note: Set after the attack in book 2.

There was nothing remotely interesting about that day’s newspaper. Everything splattered on the front page was  a testament of the current state of the world and it did not surprise him in the least. Yet, Ethan stared at the newspaper so intently that his vision began to blur. 

“Anything good?” someone asked in a light, conversational tone. 

He inwardly cursed, forced to look up. If Lilac had been there, she’d tease him about his poor acting skills. Then again, if Lilac was there then the overly flirtatious barista would not have dared to strike up a frivolous yet coquettish conversation with him. 

“No,” he replied simply and truthfully. 

Anyone else would’ve added more to keep the conversation alive. Ethan was not one of those people. Not only because he was not interested but because he was in a hurry to get back to his apartment. 

Undeterred, the barista opened her mouth to ask about something else. Ethan, unable to tolerate any more misuse of his time, cut her off. 

“Any idea how much longer my drink will take?”

His brusque tone didn’t phase her, much to his discontent. 

“It’s ready,” she said, retrieving the icy drink from the counter behind her. She glanced down at the tan coffee drink, swirling with ice and caramel. Then, she raised an eyebrow at Ethan. “I didn’t take you for an iced caramel macchiato kind of guy.”

“I’m not.” He took the drink and without missing a beat, he added, “It’s for my girlfriend.”

Finally, his words had the desired effect. The barista tensed at the word “girlfriend'' then deflated all at once like a sad balloon. She made no effort to conceal her disappointment. 

“Oh.” The word was drowned out in the rumble of blenders. “She’s a lucky girl.”

Ethan left the crowded coffee shop without replying, Lilac’s coffee in hand. As the ice rattled with each step, he thought of the various ways he could tease her about her preferred drink. He could already see her reaction vividly in his mind—the roll of those stunning green eyes followed by a smile that could warm the iciest of hearts. And then he'd kiss her because he was a slave to those lips, to her hands around his neck, to that little hum that escaped her every time...

A colorful storefront tore him from his thoughts. Without a moment to hesitate, he walked into the tiny flower shop. The clerk—a kind, elderly woman— greeted him and helped him pick a radiant bouquet of tulips and hyacinths in various hues of pink and white. 

“What’s the special occasion?” she asked conversationally as she rang him up. Unlike with the overbearing barista, Ethan didn’t mind this question. 

“Nothing. I just saw them and thought of her,” he said truthfully. 

The woman glanced at him from the top of her glasses and gave him a knowing smile. “That’s so sweet of you, dear. Everyday's a special occasion with the right person.”  

The words were said in passing conversation with the characteristic wisdom of many people the woman’s age. In fact, Ethan doubted she thought much of them, but they resonated with him like golden bells. There was no more perfect summary than that for his time with Lilac. From romantic dates to long, tired shifts at the hospital—every minute he spent by her side had felt like a gift. 

“What’s her name?”

“Lilac.”

The woman’s eyes lit up. “What a gorgeous name! If she’s not sick of her namesake, I have a beautiful arrangement of lilacs and roses for next time.” 

“I’m sure she’ll love them.”

“Lilac’s a lucky girl.”

He arrived at his apartment only five minutes later, hands full with the coffee and her flowers. Ethan expected her to be sound asleep like she loved to do on their mornings off. He even had a fully developed mental plan of making breakfast for her and serving it in bed. However, he found her right outside his bedroom door, clad in one of his shirts and her hair still damp from the shower. 

When her gaze fell on him, that incandescent smile of hers greeted him. Its effect was just as powerful as the first day. Just like the first time, it made him feel weightless. 

“Ready for coffee?” he asked. 

Lilac raised her brows when her eyes fell on the iced coffee then the flowers.

“What's all this?” 

“Just wanted to bring you your favorite.”

“Is that why you got up so early?” 

“Yes. The coffee place across the street didn't have espresso. So I went to the one two blocks over.” 

She looked genuinely touched. Without saying a single word, she embraced him, pressing a quick kiss on his lips. Her fingers linger atop his on the cold, plastic coffee cup. 

“You spoil me, baby.” 

“You deserve it.”

He offered her the flowers and she admired them with a smile. 

“I'm one lucky girl.”

Lilac gave him another short but sweet kiss. 

“Everyone keeps saying that,” he said, still slightly dazed from her touch. “When it comes to luck, though, I'm the fortunate one.”

“You believe in luck now, Mr. Skeptic?” 

Green eyes that always took him in with yearning, love, respect… Soft hands that always found his… Rosy lips that molded to his and sighed his name in the most wondrous way— All of it for him. It had to be luck. 

“Yes. There are many things I was wrong about.”

He longed to kiss her again but a frantic, scratching noise against the bedroom door behind her interrupted them. 

“Is Jenner in the bedroom again?” he asked, already knowing the answer. 

Lilac feigned innocence. “No…”

There was more insistent scratching, as though to prove her wrong.

“I snuck my other boyfriend in?” she tried. 

Ethan rolled his eyes, moving past her.  Milliseconds upon opening the door, he was attacked by Jenner's paws on his chest and his excited panting. His tail wagged so fast that it was a brown blur. 

“You're not allowed in here,” Ethan told him sternly. He turned that sharp gaze on a sheepish Lilac. “And your mother knows that.”

Ethan's tone did not phase Jenner in the slightest. In fact, the dog took that opportunity to lick Ethan in greeting. Lilac, unable to contain herself, laughed at the scene. 

“Look at him, though,” she pleaded with Ethan. “He's just a baby! And he was all by himself on the balcony. I couldn't leave him out there!” 

Jenner, knowing the baby sing-song voice she used for him very well, moved on to attack Lilac with affection. 

“He's a dog.”

“You're a dog.”

“Very funny.”

She wasn't listening, though. All her attention was on balancing her coffee, the flowers, and the loving dog trying to lick her face. Ethan gently took the flowers and coffee and set them on the bedside table. Jenner, hyped up as he was, took that as his cue to hop on the bed. 

“Bad dog,” Ethan admonished. “Lilac, control your child.”

She did quite the opposite, hopping on the bed with him. 

“I'm kicking you both out to the balcony,” he said, trying his best to sound stern. At that very moment though, Lilac commanded the dog to turn all sloppy kisses on Ethan. He laughed, despite himself and landed on the bed next to her. 

“What am I going to do with you two?” 

“You love it,” Lilac challenged. “Jenner is your everything. He's the one you love most in the world, remember?” 

He said nothing for a moment. Jenner had grown bored by their lack of activity so he busied himself with one of his toys on the floor. 

“Not anymore,” Ethan said at last. 

She sat up to look at him. 

“Oh, yeah?” 

“Yes.” He leaned in to kiss her. “You've easily taken that title, my love.”

Note: I HC they said ILY after the attack. Hope you liked this! Thank you for reading!

[eteranal-flowers]

The Beauty of Preserved Flower Bouquets: Timeless Gifts for Every Occasion

In the realm of thoughtful and lasting gifts, preserved flower bouquets stand out as a perfect blend of natural beauty and enduring charm. Unlike fresh flowers that wilt within days, preserved flowers retain their vibrant appearance and delicate texture for months or even years. Here’s why preserved flower bouquets are the ideal choice for anyone looking to give a meaningful and lasting gift.

What Are Preserved Flowers?

Preserved flowers are real flowers that have undergone a special preservation process to maintain their fresh look and feel over time. This process involves replacing the natural sap with a special solution, which helps the flowers retain their flexibility and color. The result is a bouquet that looks and feels just like fresh flowers but lasts significantly longer.

The Appeal of Preserved Flower Bouquets

Longevity

One of the most significant advantages of preserved flower bouquets is their longevity. Unlike fresh flowers that require regular watering and care, preserved flowers are low maintenance and can last for years with minimal upkeep. This makes them a practical choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of flowers without the hassle.

Versatility

Preserved flower bouquets are incredibly versatile and can be used for various occasions. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or any special celebration, a preserved flower bouquet can convey your sentiments beautifully. They are also an excellent choice for home decor, adding a touch of elegance and natural beauty to any space.

Eco-Friendly

Preserved flowers are an eco-friendly alternative to fresh flowers. Since they last much longer, they reduce the need for frequent replacements and the associated environmental impact. Additionally, the preservation process typically involves fewer chemicals than the treatments used to keep fresh flowers looking fresh during shipping and display.

Unique Designs

Preserved flower bouquets often feature unique designs that are not possible with fresh flowers. The preservation process allows florists to work with flowers in their prime, creating stunning arrangements that showcase the full beauty of each bloom. These bouquets can include a mix of flowers and foliage, creating a visually striking and memorable gift.

Where to Find Preserved Flower Bouquets

In Singapore, there are numerous florists and specialty shops that offer a wide range of preserved flower bouquets. One notable brand is Eternal Flowers, which specializes in crafting exquisite preserved flower arrangements. Their bouquets are perfect for anyone looking to give a gift that is both beautiful and long-lasting.

Caring for Preserved Flowers

Caring for preserved flowers is straightforward. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from humidity to prevent fading and damage. Dust them occasionally with a soft brush to maintain their pristine appearance. With proper care, your preserved flower bouquet can remain a cherished keepsake for years.

Conclusion

Preserved flower bouquets offer a timeless and elegant solution for those seeking a unique and lasting gift. Their longevity, versatility, eco-friendliness, and unique designs make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you're looking to surprise a loved one or enhance your home decor, preserved flowers are sure to make a lasting impression. Explore the beautiful arrangements from Eternal Flowers and discover the perfect bouquet to convey your heartfelt sentiments.

[ebodsims]

The Arrival of the Wedding Guests

16 September 2023 - 10:00

Luke SNN: "Good morning, everyone. It's a beautiful sunny morning here in London, and we've got some exciting news to share today."

Isabel SNN: "That's right, Luke. The city is all abuzz with the arrival of wedding guests for the much-anticipated royal wedding. It's been quite the spectacle so far."

Luke SNN: "Absolutely, Isabel. The sun is shining, and the city is adorned with colorful banners and flowers, all in celebration of the union between Princess Marie and Amadeus."

Isabel SNN: "Guests from far and wide have been arriving since dawn, and they are certainly turning heads with their elegant attire and stylish hats."

Luke SNN: "Indeed, Isabel. The whole city is embracing the joyous occasion. We've even heard reports of local vendors selling special wedding-themed treats on the streets.

Isabel SNN: "Now let's go over to Nickie who is there for us at St. George's Chapel. Good Morning Nickie."

Nickie SNN: "Good Morning everyone. It's heartwarming to see the city come together like this."

Isabel SNN: "Speaking of guests, Nickie, have there been any notable arrivals?"

Nickie SNN: "Oh, absolutely, Isabel. We've spotted diplomats, dignitaries, and celebrities from various countries. And let's not forget the well-wishers who have lined the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royals and the guests."

Nickie SNN: "And now, as the clock ticks closer to the ceremony, the esteemed guests are starting to make their way inside the grand venue."

Luke SNN: "Yes, Nickie. The anticipation is building as everyone finds their seats amidst the elegant décor and beautiful floral arrangements."

Isabel SNN: "The venue is truly a sight to behold, a blend of tradition and modernity. The guests are greeted by a stunning display of opulent chandeliers, fresh flowers, and an overall sense of regal charm."

Luke SNN: "And the chatter inside is lively, with guests sharing their excitement and well-wishes for the couple."

Nickie SNN: "Indeed. It's a gathering of influential individuals, diplomats, and close friends, all here to witness the union of two hearts."

Isabel SNN: "And let's not forget the exquisite fashion on display. The guests have gone all out in their sartorial choices, from the vibrant dresses to the impeccably tailored suits."

Luke SNN: "Absolutely. Fashion is certainly a highlight of any royal event, and today is no exception. The elegance and style in this room are simply breathtaking."

Nickie SNN: "It's like a fairy tale come to life, isn't it?"

Isabel SNN: "It certainly is, James. And as we all await the wedding ceremony, the excitement is palpable in the air."

Luke SNN: "Well, we'll be covering every moment of this historic event, so stay tuned for all the updates on the royal wedding of Princess Marie and Amadeus.

Isabel SNN: "Yes, indeed, Lucy. It's a beautiful day, and we're honored to share it with our viewers. Stay with us as we continue to bring you live coverage of this momentous occasion."

[florist1990]

The Florist at Plantation

The Allure of Blue Hybrid Delphinium, Pink Asiatic Lilies, Yellow Roses, Pink Carnations, and Baby Blue Eucalyptus

Flowers have an unmatched ability to convey emotions, beautify spaces, and commemorate life’s significant moments. At Clayton Florist, we take pride in curating exceptional floral arrangements for our customers in Clayton, NC, and surrounding areas. Today, we will explore the charm and significance of five popular flowers: blue hybrid delphinium, pink asiatic lilies, yellow roses, pink carnations, and baby blue eucalyptus. Each flower brings its unique beauty and meaning to our arrangements, showcasing the artistry and dedication of The Florist at Plantation. Let’s dive into what makes these blooms special and how they can enhance your floral experience.

Blue Hybrid Delphinium: A Touch of Majesty

Blue hybrid delphinium stands out with its tall, elegant spikes covered in blossoms of varying blue shades. These flowers represent dignity and grace, making them ideal for sophisticated arrangements and formal events. The striking blue hues of delphinium can transform any bouquet into a majestic centerpiece.

At Clayton Florist, we love using blue hybrid delphinium to add height and elegance to our designs. These flowers are perfect for weddings, corporate events, and upscale gatherings. Our florists in 27520 and 27527 skillfully incorporate delphinium into arrangements that exude sophistication and charm, making your special occasions unforgettable.

Pink Asiatic Lilies: Exotic and Alluring

Pink asiatic lilies are celebrated for their vibrant colors and exotic beauty. Symbolizing prosperity and abundance, these lilies are perfect for joyous celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. Their large, striking blooms bring a touch of elegance and allure to any floral arrangement.

The Florist at Plantation takes pride in crafting beautiful bouquets featuring pink asiatic lilies. These flowers blend harmoniously with various other blooms, creating visually stunning and fragrant arrangements. For residents of Clayton, NC, and nearby areas, our asiatic lily arrangements are a testament to the skill and creativity of our florists.

Yellow Roses: Symbols of Joy and Friendship

Yellow roses are timeless symbols of joy, friendship, and new beginnings. Their bright, sunny petals bring warmth and cheer to any setting. Yellow roses are ideal for expressing gratitude, celebrating milestones, or simply spreading happiness.

At Clayton Florist, we specialize in creating vibrant arrangements with yellow roses. Our expert florists in 27520 and 27527 ensure that each bouquet highlights the bright and joyful nature of these flowers. Whether you are sending a bouquet to a friend or decorating your home, our yellow rose arrangements are designed to make a lasting impact.

Pink Carnations: Delicate and Heartfelt

Pink carnations are beloved for their delicate, ruffled petals and sweet fragrance. These flowers symbolize admiration and love, making them perfect for romantic gestures and thoughtful gifts. Pink carnations are versatile and can be featured in a variety of arrangements, from simple to elaborate.

The Florist at Plantation excels in designing arrangements that showcase the beauty of pink carnations. Our florists in Clayton, NC, select each bloom with care to create bouquets that are both beautiful and long-lasting. Pink carnations are an excellent choice for expressing heartfelt emotions and brightening someone's day.

Baby Blue Eucalyptus: Freshness and Serenity

Baby blue eucalyptus is renowned for its soft blue-green foliage and refreshing scent. Often used as a filler in floral arrangements, it provides texture and a soothing backdrop for more vibrant flowers. Eucalyptus symbolizes protection and abundance, adding depth and meaning to any bouquet.

At Clayton Florist, we use baby blue eucalyptus to enhance the aesthetic and fragrance of our arrangements. This versatile foliage complements all the flowers mentioned above, creating cohesive and visually appealing bouquets. Whether you are ordering a bouquet for delivery in 27520 or 27527, our eucalyptus-infused arrangements are designed to delight and impress.

Clayton NC Flower Delivery: Bringing Floral Joy to Your Door

At Clayton Florist, we are committed to providing exceptional flower delivery services in Clayton, NC, and surrounding areas like 27520 and 27527. Our team of skilled florists at The Florist at Plantation ensures that each arrangement is crafted with precision and care. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to bring joy to someone’s day, our flower delivery service makes it easy to enjoy the beauty of fresh blooms.

We take pride in our ability to create stunning floral arrangements featuring blue hybrid delphinium, pink asiatic lilies, yellow roses, pink carnations, and baby blue eucalyptus. Each bouquet is designed to convey the perfect sentiment, making every moment special. Trust Clayton Florist for all your floral needs and experience the delight of high-quality flowers delivered with love and attention to detail.

Flowers from Clayton Florist Are Magical

Flowers have the unique power to transform spaces and convey a wide range of emotions. At Clayton Florist and The Florist at Plantation, we are dedicated to creating beautiful arrangements that bring joy and elegance to your life. From the majestic blue hybrid delphinium to the delicate pink carnations, our diverse selection of blooms is perfect for any occasion. For residents in Clayton, NC, and nearby areas like 27520 and 27527, our flower delivery service ensures that you can enjoy the finest floral arrangements with ease. Explore our offerings today and let us help you celebrate life’s special moments with the beauty of flowers.

More Details - The Florist At Plantation

[astra-galaxie]

☾★☆■☮♒ൠ For Adalet/Anders?

I always love getting the opportunity to talk about my OCs, especially my MCs! One batch of headcanons for everyone’s favourite human-alien investigator is coming up!😁

(For simplicity's sake, I’ll refer to them as Star (the nickname Ticcory gave them) and use they/them pronouns.)

☾ - sleep headcanon

Star is a light sleeper due to their heightened senses. If they want to get a deep sleep without disruption, they need to wear their sensory deprivation eye mask and ear plugs. When sleeping, they love cuddling Fili as their husband is like a giant teddy bear. He's very warm and soft, making him perfect for cuddling - so long as he doesn't roll on top of you in his sleep!

★ - sad headcanon

One of the first times Star remembers watching a fireworks show was when they were four. Previously, whenever there were fireworks shows on New Asgard, they and their fathers would stay in their house to watch them to protect Star and Heimdall’s ears. But once, when Star had been out playing during a festival with Magnus, the fireworks show started earlier than planned. Since they were still outside and had nothing to protect their heightened senses, Star's eardrums ruptured bad enough that their ears bled. Magnus freaked out when he saw the blood and their twin sobbing in pain and yelled for help, unintentionally making Star’s headache worse. Eir found them first and immediately brought the twins to the hospital so the doctors could treat Star.

After this incident, Star always wears earplugs or headphones to festivals with fireworks shows. Later, after getting Loki, their companion transforms into headphones for them to wear and activates a noise-cancelling feature the moment loud noises like fireworks start.

☆ - happy headcanon

When they heard Ahmet call them “Mom” for the first time, Star was stunned and speechless. But their surprise was quickly overshadowed by joy when he repeated it. Star has always wanted to have children, and while they had considered Ahmet their child long before that day, hearing him acknowledge them as his parent was like a dream come true. And when it was Fili’s turn for the boy to call him “Dad” for the first time, the couple isn’t ashamed to admit they cried in happiness together after Ahmet had gone to bed.

■ - Bedroom/house/living quarters headcanon

Star has lived in many places over their life, but a consistency they always maintain is a clean, organized home with lots of personal touches. They'll always have photos of their family and friends around their house and things they've collected over the years to decorate the rooms. With the integration of Earth into the rest of the universe in the works, Star plans to display their alien technology and decor in their home to make it more unique.

And ever since they and Fili got married, flowers have become a must-have in their home. Star loves the pops of colour the plants bring to any space and how much more lively the house feels with them. Fili grows the family’s favourite plants year-round, and he'll make themed arrangements for holidays or special events to suit the occasion.

☮ - friendship headcanon

If you're looking for a loyal, trustworthy, and caring friend, look no further than Star! They're always willing to lend a helping hand to their friends or to be a shoulder for them to cry on. Star is also very protective of their friends, so if you hurt one of them, then you better watch your back! You’ll never see Star's revenge coming!

♒ - cooking/food headcanon

Star is a good cook and baker. They love making home-cooked meals and desserts for family and friends. Given their alien heritage, they have a very diverse palette and have eaten some bizarre foods during their missions for the G.I.A. But their favourite foods will always be those they grew up eating, like their Far's kanelbullar and Baba's baklava.

ൠ - random headcanon

Despite resembling Heimdall the most out of their two fathers, Star has always taken more after Aslan. From their personality to their fashion sense, people have always said they are a mini-Aslan. The reason why these two are so similar is that Star was made using a higher percentage of Aslan’s DNA than Heimdall’s. But Asgardian genes are strong, so that’s why Star inherited Hiemdall’s powers and looks. However, the majority of their genetic makeup comes from Aslan.

And that’s my headcanons for Star! Thanks for the request, Bean! I hope you and others enjoyed them!

[flowershops1]

Welcome to Flower Shops - Your Premier Flower Shop in West London!

At Flower Shops, we believe that every occasion deserves to be celebrated with the timeless beauty of flowers. Located in the heart of West London, we are your trusted florist dedicated to delivering the freshest blooms and exquisite floral arrangements to your doorstep.

About Us: Established with a passion for floral artistry, Flower Shops has been serving the West London community with unparalleled floral expertise and exceptional customer service. Our team of skilled florists handcrafts each arrangement with precision, creativity, and love, ensuring that every bouquet is a masterpiece.

Our Services:

Flower Delivery: Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or simply want to brighten someone's day, our reliable flower delivery service ensures your chosen blooms arrive fresh and vibrant, right to your doorstep. Custom Arrangements: Have a specific vision in mind? Let our talented florists bring your ideas to life with custom floral arrangements tailored to suit your style, preferences, and budget. Event Decor: Planning a special event? Elevate the ambiance with our stunning floral decor services. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, we'll transform any space into a floral paradise. Corporate Services: Impress clients, partners, and employees with our corporate floral services. Whether it's weekly office arrangements, special event decor, or client gifting, we'll help you make a lasting impression.

Our Collection: Discover an extensive selection of premium flowers sourced from the finest growers around the world. From classic roses and elegant lilies to exotic orchids and seasonal blooms, we offer a diverse range of options to suit every taste and occasion.

Why Choose Flower Shops?

Quality Assurance: We are committed to providing only the highest quality flowers, ensuring freshness and longevity. Expert Advice: Our knowledgeable florists are here to guide you every step of the way, offering personalized recommendations and expert advice. Customer Satisfaction: Your satisfaction is our priority. We go above and beyond to exceed your expectations, delivering exceptional service with a smile. Convenience: With our easy online ordering system and prompt delivery service, sending flowers has never been easier. Contact Us: Ready to experience the magic of flowers? Place your order online or visit our store in West London today. For inquiries, custom requests, or event consultations, feel free to reach out to our friendly team. Let Flower Shops be your go-to destination for all your floral needs in West London!

Transform moments into memories with Flower Shops - Where Flowers Speak Louder Than Words.

[asweetcelebration]

HOW TO THROW A PINTEREST-WORTHY PARTY: DECOR TIPS AND TRICKS

Welcome to the world of party planning! Whether you're organizing a baby shower, a 1st birthday party decorations or celebration, or any special occasion, creating a Pinterest-worthy party with stunning decorations is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. In this blog, we'll share some unique and creative decor tips and tricks to help you throw a party that will be the talk of the town. So, let's dive in and get inspired!

Setting the Theme

The first step in planning a Pinterest-worthy party is to choose a captivating theme that resonates with the occasion. Whether it's a whimsical baby shower or a colorful 1st birthday party, select a theme that reflects the guest of honor's personality. Once you have your theme in mind, it becomes easier to curate the perfect decorations that align with the overall aesthetic.

Eye-Catching Invitations

Before your guests arrive, set the tone for your Pinterest-worthy party with beautifully designed invitations. Consider using baby shower cards or birthday party invitations that match your chosen theme. Opt for personalized invitations that incorporate the colors, patterns, and motifs that will be featured in your party decor. This attention to detail will create excitement and anticipation among your guests.

Decorative Focal Points

Create stunning focal points throughout your party space to capture everyone's attention. For a baby shower, an eye-catching dessert table adorned with a decorative backdrop, floral arrangements, and thematic signage will make a memorable impact. When it comes to a 1st birthday party, consider a personalized photo booth area with fun props and a backdrop that complements the theme. These focal points serve as perfect backdrops for capturing Instagram-worthy moments.

DIY Decorations

Inject a personal touch into your party decor by incorporating DIY elements. Get crafty and create handmade banners, garlands, and centerpieces using colorful papers, ribbons, and balloons. DIY decorations not only add a unique charm but also allow you to stay within your budget while showcasing your creativity.

Tablescaping Magic

Transform your party tables into visual feasts with a creative tablescape. Mix and match tablecloths, runners, and napkins in coordinating colors to create a vibrant and cohesive look. Add themed centerpieces, such as adorable baby bottles filled with fresh flowers for a baby shower or personalized photo displays for a 1st birthday party. Don't forget to include table cards and place settings that match the theme for that extra touch of elegance.

Balloon Extravaganza

Balloons are an essential party decoration element that never goes out of style. Take your balloon decor to the next level by incorporating unique shapes, sizes, and colors. Create mesmerizing balloon arches, whimsical balloon garlands, or even balloon ceilings to wow your guests. Add customized balloon arrangements with the guest of honor's name or age for a personalized touch.

Lighting Ambiance

Set the mood and create a Pinterest-worthy atmosphere with carefully curated lighting. Utilize string lights, fairy lights, or lanterns to add a warm and magical glow to your party space. Combine different lighting elements strategically to enhance the ambiance and create an enchanting atmosphere that your guests won't forget.

Thematic Details

Pay attention to the small details that tie your party decor together. Incorporate thematic elements like personalized party favors, themed signage, and custom-made photo booths. These thoughtful touches will leave a lasting impression and make your party stand out from the rest.

Picture-Perfect Photo Opportunities

In today's social media-driven world, no Pinterest-worthy party is complete without providing picture-perfect moments for your guests to capture. Set up a dedicated photo booth area with props, backdrops, and signage that align with your theme. Encourage your guests to strike poses and capture their memories with instant cameras or smartphones. You can even create a unique hashtag for your event, allowing everyone to easily share their photos on social media platforms.

Dessert Delights

Delicious treats not only satisfy the taste buds but can also serve as eye-catching decor pieces. Design a dessert table that showcases mouthwatering sweets, such as beautifully decorated cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops. Incorporate the colors and theme of your party into the dessert presentation, using themed cake toppers, edible decorations, and customized dessert labels. This enticing display will leave your guests in awe and provide a delightful focal point.

Celebrate Your Events Like a Pro!

Throwing a Pinterest-worthy party is all about infusing creativity, personalization, and attention to detail into your decor. By following these tips and tricks, your baby shower or 1st birthday party decorations will be a visual delight for both you and your guests. Remember to choose a captivating theme, create eye-catching focal points, incorporate DIY elements, and pay attention to small details to make your party truly unforgettable. So, go ahead and let your creativity shine as you prepare to host the party of a lifetime!

[quirkomania]

This exquisite resin art tea light holder is a one-of-a-kind piece that combines the timeless beauty of real flowers with the durability and elegance of resin. Each holder is meticulously handcrafted, encapsulating vibrant, handpicked flowers in crystal-clear resin, preserving their beauty forever. The result is a stunning, translucent effect that allows light to pass through, illuminating the natural details of the flowers and creating a warm, ambient glow when used with a tea light candle.

The unique process ensures that no two holders are exactly alike, making each one a special and personal item. Perfect for adding a touch of nature-inspired elegance to any room, this tea light holder also makes a thoughtful gift for loved ones on special occasions. Its durable construction ensures longevity, allowing you to cherish the beauty of real flowers in a new and innovative way. Whether used as a centerpiece, on a nightstand, or as part of a decorative arrangement, this resin art tea light holder is sure to captivate and charm.

[edensflorist]

The Enchanting Beauty and Symbolism of Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are known for their large, vibrant blooms that can transform any garden into a kaleidoscope of color. These enchanting flowers are not only admired for their beauty but also carry deep symbolism and meaning.

Historical Significance

Originating from Asia and the Americas, hydrangeas have been cultivated and cherished for centuries. In Japan, they are particularly significant, symbolizing heartfelt emotion and gratitude. The flower's name, derived from Greek, means "water vessel", reflecting its need for ample water and its association with abundance and grace.

Symbolism

Gratitude and Understanding: Hydrangeas are often given as a gesture of heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

Apology and Regret: In some cultures, hydrangeas can symbolize a heartfelt apology, acknowledging past mistakes and expressing regret.

Abundance and Prosperity: The lush, full blooms of hydrangeas represent abundance, prosperity, heartfelt emotions.

Mystery and Grace: The changing color of hydrangea flowers, which can range from blue to pink depending on soil acidity, symbolize the beauty of mystery and the elegance of nature's adaptability.

Modern Interpretations

Hydrangeas are popular in modern floral arrangements and garden landscapes for their stunning, voluminous blooms. They are often used in weddings and special occasions to symbolize unity, grace, and the beauty of enduring love.

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[iamhussainialvi]

Floral Heart

A heart made of flowers is a timeless symbol of love and beauty. This stunning design features a variety of colorful flowers, leaves, and butterflies arranged in a heart shape. The vibrant hues and intricate details make this a truly eye-catching piece that will add a touch of elegance to any home or office.

Perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or any other special occasion, this design is sure to impress your loved ones. It is also a great way to show your appreciation for the beauty of nature.

https://www.redbubble.com/i/sweatshirt/Floral-Heart-by-DigitalHussaini/155131129.73735